Court Lady Episode 5 Recap, Plot

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After finding a message left by Fu Rou, Sheng Chumu deduced she was being held on Xianhuang Island. However, the General of the Lingnan Navy had already received new intelligence: the formidable leaders of the Dulong Gang, Iron Bamboo Gang, and Tiger Shark Gang had converged on Zhuiying Island.

Recognizing this as a golden opportunity to eliminate three major pirate forces, the General shifted his priority, deeming the rescue of one woman less significant than a victory for the Great Tang. He refused to go to Xianhuang Island, dismissing the tip as a pirate diversion. Undeterred, Sheng Chumu requested a single boat and embarked on the perilous mission alone.

Disguised as a pirate, Sheng Chumu infiltrated Xianhuang Island and located Fu Rou, who was surprised but relieved to see him. She confirmed that she had indeed left the handkerchief message for him, a detail that delighted Sheng Chumu despite their precarious situation. They made a dash for their boat on the shore but were quickly discovered. Yan Zifang, the leader of the Four Seas Gang, challenged Sheng Chumu to a duel. Yan Zifang overpowered Sheng Chumu, inflicting heavy injuries.

As Yan Zifang raised his blade for the killing blow, Fu Rou bravely stepped in front of Sheng Chumu, pleading for his life and offering to become Yan Zifang's servant in exchange. Sheng Chumu vehemently refused, insisting Yan Zifang take his life instead and release Fu Rou. Fu Rou, in turn, declared she would rather die with Sheng Chumu than live without him, rejecting a life of "stolen riches and robbed fortune."

Witnessing their profound devotion, an angered Yan Zifang, unwilling to force her, allowed them to leave. Meanwhile, in Chang'an, Chen Madam, still seething that Fu Rou had survived the pirate attack and wishing to break Fu Rou's influence over her family, covertly sent Fu Rou’s portrait to Lu Qi. Lu Qi was immediately captivated by her beauty and resolved to take her as his concubine, despite learning she had a prior marriage engagement.

Fu Yin tried to persuade Third Madam to visit Fu Rou, but Third Madam, still upset about the family’s financial struggles due to Fu Rou, refused to show any warmth. Unaware of these machinations, Fu Rou was tending to Sheng Chumu's injuries when he confessed his deep affection, swearing he would never lie to her again and promising to train relentlessly to become stronger, ensuring he would never be injured again.

The following day, Lu Qi arrived at the Fu residence with the marriage engagement he had purchased from Chen Manor, demanding to take Fu Rou. Fu Rou fiercely argued that such documents could not be bought or sold and that even a nobleman must adhere to Tang law. Ignoring her protests, Lu Qi ordered his men to seize her. Sheng Chumu intervened, prompting Lu Qi to propose a duel at the upcoming imperial tournament.

If Sheng Chumu won, Lu Qi would renounce his claim to Fu Rou and hand over the marriage engagement. Sheng Chumu, determined to win Fu Rou back, accepted the challenge, despite knowing he was outmatched. To prepare, he returned to Niu Wudi's Wudi Mountain Villa, reaffirming his dedication to grow stronger for the woman he loved.

After a period of intense training, Niu Wudi, impressed by Sheng Chumu's newfound resolve, presented him with the valuable Linglong Chess Manual as he departed. In Chang'an, Sheng Xiaojing, while discussing his son's perceived shortcomings with Prime Minister Fang, learned of Sheng Chumu's initial participation in the Lingnan Navy's anti-pirate campaign, momentarily stirring pride.

However, his pride turned to dismay upon hearing that Sheng Chumu had abandoned his military duties mid-mission to pursue a woman named Fu Rou, even getting injured in a separate skirmish. Sheng Madam, upon learning of her son's injury, grew anxious and demanded more information about this "trouble-making vixen."

Upon hearing of Fu Rou's complicated past—including a broken engagement, her refusal to stay with the Chen family, and the impending duel between Sheng Chumu and Lu Qi—Sheng Madam concluded that Fu Rou was a destructive force and vowed to prevent their marriage. Having completed his training, Sheng Chumu returned to the Fu family.

He found Fu Rou discussing the family's improving business with Fu Yin, who secretly confessed her need for money to buy a birthday gift for her beloved scholar, a secret she dared not reveal to their Third Madam, who harbored dreams of an official son-in-law. Later, while Sheng Chumu and Fu Rou were sharing a playful moment under the stars, he spontaneously proposed marriage. Fu Rou, though moved, expressed concern that Sheng Chumu's noble parents might not accept her.

Sheng Chumu reassured her, promising they would adhere to all proper customs and that his parents would come to adore her. Meanwhile, Lu Yunji discovered that members of the Fu family had witnessed Lu Hanxing transporting illicit wealth at the pier. To eliminate any witnesses, Lu Yunji ordered the Fu family to be assassinated.

To keep Sheng Chumu out of the conflict and prevent further complications, Lu Qi invited Sheng Chumu for drinks that evening, deliberately keeping him away from the Fu residence. That night, Lu family operatives set the Fu home ablaze. Fu Rou, caught in the inferno, was bravely rescued by Third Madam. However, as they fled, a falling beam tragically crushed Third Madam.

Realizing her impending death, Third Madam tearfully entrusted Fu Yin and Fu Tao to Fu Rou's care, giving her a precious heirloom for Fu Yin's dowry and urging her not to contend for the family inheritance. She was then consumed by the flames as Fu Rou was forced to escape. Sheng Chumu, noticing the fire from his drinking location, rushed back to find a heartbroken Fu Rou, who tearfully told him that Third Madam had died saving her.

Despite the Lu family leaving no concrete evidence, Sheng Chumu instinctively knew they were behind the fire. He discussed his suspicions with Du Ning, acknowledging the lack of a clear motive if Lu Qi’s objective was merely to possess Fu Rou. Meanwhile, Lu Yunji, learning that some of the Fu family had survived, decided to pause further action against them.

A more urgent matter had arisen: the Crown Prince was holding a selection for a Crown Princess, and Lu Yunji intended to send his daughter, Lu Yingying, to Chang'an. As Lu Yunji and Lu Qi escorted Lu Yingying on her journey, they stopped by the sea at her request. Wishing for solitude, Lu Yingying dismissed her attendants. Suddenly, Yan Zifang emerged from the sea and approached her.

He offered her a seashell and, fabricating a story about being an old friend of her father's, began to charm the unsuspecting Lu Yingying. Just as he was about to make his move to assassinate her, Lu Qi arrived to check on his sister. Yan Zifang swiftly vanished into the sea, leaving a bewildered Lu Yingying to ask Lu Qi about the identity of the mysterious man.

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