Court Lady Episode 7 Recap, Plot

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At Prince Han's family manor, Fu Rou presented her meticulously embroidered peony scroll to Princess Consort Han, who was highly impressed, deeming it extraordinary and perfectly timed for the arrival of important guests. Meanwhile, Sheng Chumu found Fu Rou and eagerly announced that his mother had finally agreed to his marriage with her.

Soon after, Sheng Chumu led Fu Rou to a private room, confirming the joyful news that his mother had relented, albeit after he dramatically threatened to become a monk. Though Fu Rou playfully called him crazy, Sheng Chumu insisted he had been crazy for her since they met, and they embraced. Their tender moment was interrupted by Sheng Chumu’s younger brothers, Sheng Chuling and Sheng Chujun, who had been peeking. Upon being discovered, they dutifully called Fu Rou “Eldest Sister-in-Law.”

Fu Rou was embarrassed, and when she playfully accused Sheng Chumu of teaching his brothers to tease women, they retorted that he was no different. Sheng Chumu then comically punished his brothers by making them balance bowls on their heads. Fu Rou intervened on their behalf, but Sheng Chumu was adamant about punishing them for interrupting his precious time with her.

The brothers then warned Sheng Chumu that he was missing the "good action" outside, revealing that the Crown Prince was choosing a princess consort from the Lu and Sun families, which explained why Duke Cai and Lord Sun had brought their daughters to the manor. Separately, the Crown Prince was on a hunting excursion with Prince Han, who reminded him that his visit was not solely for hunting.

The Crown Prince, however, spotted an eagle and, eager to shoot it down, pursued it. The eagle fell into a tree, and the Crown Prince climbed up to retrieve his golden arrow, a gift from His Majesty. He was met by Chen Ji, who helped him retrieve the arrow. Chen Ji, observing the Crown Prince's attire, recognized his identity but remained composed and even a bit playful, joking about a reward. The Crown Prince was intrigued by Chen Ji’s demeanor.

When Prince Han caught up, the Crown Prince gifted him the dead eagle with a jest about soaring high, and they returned to the manor. In a side room, Fu Rou, sent by Princess Consort Han, checked on Sun Lingshu. Sun Lingshu was distraught because her plain white dress seemed dull compared to Lady Lu’s gown, which was adorned with pearls and precious gems. Sun Lingshu worried that the young Crown Prince would prioritize glamour over character.

Fu Rou, ever resourceful, assured her it would not be difficult to enhance her gown and gave it some of "Lady Sun's flare." The banquet commenced. The Crown Prince, inquiring about the "two beautiful pictures of art" he was promised, was first presented with Lu Yingying’s performance by her father, Duke Cai. Lu Yingying, in a gorgeous gown, performed a captivating dance that impressed the Crown Prince.

From a hidden corner, Princess Xin Nan, disguised as a maid, spotted Sheng Chumu and instantly labeled him "Changan's Number 1 Playboy." Next, Sun Lingshu performed. Initially, the Crown Prince found her dance merely "average." However, as she danced gracefully, flower petals hidden in her sleeves burst forth, creating a beautiful shower that greatly enhanced her performance, a clever trick conceived by Fu Rou.

With both performances concluded, the Crown Prince found himself unable to choose between the two beautiful ladies. Sheng Chumu, determined to thwart Duke Cai, loudly declared that the Crown Prince should choose Lady Lu because of her beauty. When questioned by the Crown Prince, Sheng Chumu audaciously added that Lady Lu not only had a beautiful face but also an "exquisite birthmark on her back waist" that he wished he could see every day if he married her.

The Crown Prince was infuriated by Sheng Chumu’s impertinent remarks, while Duke Cai was enraged. Prince Han quickly apologized for his brother-in-law's "immature" comments, but Sheng Chumu insisted his claims were true, urging the Crown Prince to "take a look later" if he didn't believe him. Though the Crown Prince let the matter go, he sternly advised Sheng Chumu to think before he spoke.

Princess Xin Nan, having overheard the entire exchange, was disgusted, calling Sheng Chumu a "pervert" and concluding he was unfit to marry her. Ultimately, the Crown Prince bestowed a peony upon Sun Lingshu, making her the chosen crown princess consort. Following the selection, Princess Consort Han invited the Crown Prince to the opera to celebrate, and Prince Han secretly praised Sheng Chumu for successfully curbing Duke Cai’s arrogance.

Meanwhile, Sheng Chuling, still unaware of Princess Xin Nan's true identity, mistook her for a clumsy maid and ordered her to pour him tea, then to give him a massage. When she refused, he pulled her into his lap and forcibly kissed her. Shocked and enraged, Princess Xin Nan slapped Sheng Chuling, knocking him unconscious as his head hit a table.

Shortly after, Li Fuling found Princess Xin Nan, who, flustered, quickly claimed she had offended a prince and knocked him out, then dragged Li Fuling away before she could investigate further. At the opera, the Crown Prince recognized the lead actor playing Zhao Zilong as Chen Ji. Just then, the Empress arrived. She was drawn to an embroidered screen near the Crown Prince's seat, finding it more exquisite than any in her own palace.

Princess Consort Han explained it was a birthday gift for the Empress, which she had prepared but delayed sending due to the Crown Prince’s consort selection. Impressed by Fu Rou's craftsmanship, the Empress summoned her. Fu Rou gracefully explained her family's ancestral techniques in dyeing and embroidery, emphasizing the use of gradient colors and various stitches to create realistic depth in her work. Duke Cai, recognizing Fu Rou, seized the opportunity.

He praised the Empress for discovering such a talent, comparing it to His Majesty’s joy at finding capable scholars, and suggested that since Division Chief Wen of the Bureau of Imperial Attire had recently passed away, Fu Rou should be appointed to fill her position, making full use of her skills to serve the imperial family. Princess Consort Han, understanding the implications, could only defer to the Empress's decision.

Thus, by imperial decree, Fu Rou was appointed as a Division Chief in the Bureau of Imperial Attire, overseeing palace embroidery. Upon learning of the Empress's edict, Sheng Chumu was furious, declaring his intention to confront the Empress and marry Fu Rou immediately. Prince Han and Princess Consort Han intervened, warning him of the severe consequences such rash actions would bring upon both him and Fu Rou, including the possibility of Fu Rou being imprisoned or worse.

They urged him to think of his family's reputation and Fu Rou's future. Princess Consort Han explained that as a female official, Fu Rou's position was temporary; after three to five years, she could seek leave. Furthermore, her elevated status as a palace official would improve her standing and make her more acceptable to Sheng Chumu’s mother. Convinced, Sheng Chumu agreed to wait.

That night, he stayed with Fu Rou, vowing complete respect and simply wanting to gaze at her before she entered the palace. Despite his promise, their playful teasing led to a tender kiss. He handed her a piece of fabric, likening it to a "bridge that connects us and helps us overcome our difficulties," before they went to sleep. The next morning, as Fu Rou prepared to leave, she confronted Sheng Chumu, asking how he knew about Lady Lu's birthmark.

He quickly claimed Sheng Chujun knew it from the personal servant of Lady Lu's close friend, He Huanhuan. Reassured, Fu Rou left for the palace, but not before Sheng Chumu promised to get her out as soon as possible. After she departed, Sheng Chumu vowed to make Duke Cai pay for his actions. At the palace, Yang Bai of the Directorate of Eunuchs, offered his assistance to Fu Rou.

He escorted her to Chief Zhong of the Bureau of Imperial Attire, who formally inducted Fu Rou into her new role as a 6th-rank female official, the Division Chief in charge of sewing and embroidery. Chief Zhong corrected Fu Rou’s self-address from "maid" to "Lower Official." Supervisor Li, from the Administration Bureau, introduced herself and Shu'er, Fu Rou's assigned maid, and offered her guidance.

She provided Fu Rou with a roster and her personal notes detailing the preferences of the royal harem and princesses. Supervisor Li also warned Fu Rou that the next day she would begin training in palace etiquette under Court Lady Situ of the Bureau of Imperial Etiquette, a senior official known for her strictness.

True to the warning, Fu Rou arrived late for her first etiquette training session and was severely reprimanded by Court Lady Situ, who emphasized that "Etiquette is more important than the heavens." She was made to practice rigorous kneeling and bowing exercises. After the grueling training, Supervisor Li acknowledged that Court Lady Situ, having served the Empress for years and tutored the Crown Prince, was notoriously harsh. She then tasked Fu Rou with delivering Consort Yan's overdue embroidery item, a duty that, by rule, required the Division Chief's personal attention.

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