General's Lady Episode 11 Recap
> General's Lady Recap
Vice General received homemade osmanthus cakes from Miss Scallion, who expressed her deep admiration for his sword craft, recalling how impressed she was when she first saw him sparring with the General. Leopard Head, however, rudely interrupted their conversation, causing frustration for Miss Scallion, who swore to confront him later. Meanwhile, at the imperial court, ministers reported to the Emperor on two pressing matters. One report highlighted the severe marital discord between Count Yongning, Chu Xiuming, and his wife.
More gravely, another revealed that the border troops under his command had not received their army pay for two years, despite the imperial court issuing it annually, raising strong suspicions of corruption. The Emperor, incensed by the potential embezzlement, was further distressed when his Ninth Princess fainted once again. He immediately rushed to her side, where he learned she was suffering from lovesickness. The Ninth Princess confessed her unwavering devotion to Su Chen, a palace guard she secretly loved.
Her father struggled to understand her choice, highlighting her royal status against the guard's humble background. He reminded her of her deceased mother, his most beloved concubine, and expressed his heartbreak over her condition. The Ninth Princess, however, remained resolute, threatening to take her own life if her wish to be with Su Chen was not granted.
After she knelt outside the palace for three days and nights, the Emperor relented, sparing Su Chen's life and exiling him from the palace instead of executing him. Concerned for his daughter's well-being, the Emperor decided to send her to Count Yongning's mansion at the border.
This journey served a dual purpose: it would allow her a change of scenery to recuperate, and she could also discreetly observe the rumored discord between General Chu Xiuming and his wife, Shen Jin, and report back. Back at the General's Mansion, both Chu Xiuming and Shen Jin separately contemplated their relationship. Chu Xiuming confided in Xiao Su that he felt he had not adequately protected Shen Jin and owed her a proper wedding to solidify his lifelong commitment.
In another room, Shen Jin expressed to Meaty her exhaustion from constantly guarding against perceived rivals, realizing she had unfairly suspected Princess Maya and wronged Chu Xiuming. She felt that a grand wedding would be the perfect way to mend things. Despite their different starting points, both realized they desired to formalize their union. Shen Jin initially envisioned a lavish, public ceremony, wanting to celebrate their marriage with grand fanfare.
However, Chu Xiuming was acutely aware of the imperial court's spies and the dangers posed by his enemies. He expressed his reluctance to make their wedding a public affair, fearing it would draw unwanted attention and compromise her safety, especially given her official position as the court-appointed supervisor. Although disappointed, Shen Jin ultimately conceded to a private ceremony for their safety and for the well-being of their trusted companions, particularly Xiao Su, whose own situation was precarious.
She agreed to a discreet wedding within the mansion, on the condition that it would still be filled with all the traditional joyous decorations. The General's Mansion was then transformed, draped in vibrant red fabrics and lit by red candles and lanterns. The main hall displayed offerings symbolizing prosperity, surrounded by lush flowers. Shen Jin, adorned in a radiant red gown and veil, was led by Chu Xiuming through the celebration.
He guided her to a bridge in the courtyard, where he spoke beautiful vows, promising to be by her side through every season, protecting and cherishing her from spring's blossoming to winter's chill, for every year, season, and moment of their lives. After their heartfelt exchange, they sealed their commitment by signing and marking a document with their fingerprints, followed by a tender kiss.
The following morning, Shen Jin bid Chu Xiuming a reluctant farewell as he departed for the military camp. There, Chu Xiuming was informed by Xiao Su of the Emperor's unexpected decision to send the Ninth Princess to reside at the General's Mansion. Both men were perplexed by the Emperor's motives. Xiao Su worried that Shen Jin's fiery temper would lead to jealousy, a concern Chu Xiuming shared, and he resolved to keep the news from her for the time being.
However, later that evening, Xiao Su disclosed the information to Meaty, who promptly relayed it to Shen Jin. The two women speculated that the Emperor might be trying to foster a relationship between the General and the Ninth Princess, leaving Shen Jin deeply troubled by the potential threat to her new marriage. With the General preoccupied and the Ninth Princess's arrival imminent, Shen Jin decided she could not afford to be passive.
Recalling her past experience with Princess Maya, she resolved to take proactive measures to safeguard her marriage. She and Meaty journeyed outside the city to intercept the Ninth Princess's carriage. Shen Jin introduced herself as Chu Xiuming's wife and bravely shared the story of their arduous journey to be together, humbly asking the Princess to respect their love. Moved by Shen Jin's sincerity, the Ninth Princess reciprocated by revealing her own poignant love story with the palace guard, Su Chen.
She recounted how their love transcended social status, leading to her unbearable suffering after Su Chen was banished, and confessed that she only continued to live with the hope of one day reuniting with him. The Ninth Princess initially considered returning to the capital, believing her presence might cause more pain by witnessing Shen Jin and Chu Xiuming's happiness. However, Shen Jin passionately encouraged her to stay, urging her to find solace and healing at the General's Mansion. She offered her full support and protection, assuring the Ninth Princess that with such profound love, a reunion with Su Chen was inevitable.
