General's Lady Episode 12 Recap
> General's Lady Recap
Following the Emperor's decree, Chu Xiuming resolves to reject the Ninth Princess's stay at the General's Mansion, determined to protect Shen Jin from any potential misunderstanding or heartache. He confides in Xiao Su that his unwavering commitment is to Shen Jin alone, whom he considers more precious than any princess or even a fairy. He acknowledges that keeping their reconciliation private has already been unfair to her and is adamant about preventing further distress.
Concerned about spies in the princess's entourage, Chu Xiuming instructs Xiao Su to return to the capital after the matter is settled. This will protect Xiao Su, who is officially considered dead, and allow him to investigate the true reasons behind the princess's visit. The next day, the Ninth Princess arrives at a conspicuously unwelcoming mansion. Chu Xiuming greets her but bluntly states his intention not to host her, explaining that his love for Shen Jin is profound and unshakeable.
He fears the princess's presence would inevitably cause jealousy and asks her to find alternative accommodation. As the understanding princess prepares to leave, Shen Jin appears and, to Chu Xiuming's shock, publicly refutes his claims of love. She asserts they are not mutually enamored and that he has even written her a letter of divorce, before warmly inviting the princess to stay.
Chu Xiuming is left utterly baffled by Shen Jin's behavior, wondering if his initial rejection was not firm enough, causing her to react in anger. Unbeknownst to him, Shen Jin has a secret plan. She reveals to her maid, Scallion, that after a previous misjudgment, she aims to restore her dignity while also helping the princess find her true love—a way to "kill two birds with one stone."
She insists on keeping Chu Xiuming in the dark, fearing he would interfere. Meanwhile, Xiao Su misinterprets the situation, telling Chu Xiuming that Shen Jin is merely testing his loyalty by playing hard to get. That night, Shen Jin announces she will move in with the princess, using the pretext that Chu Xiuming needs his rest. She evades his questions, promising to explain once her plan is complete.
At subsequent meals, she seats the princess in her own place across from Chu Xiuming and offers her the finest food, including a precious bird's nest he had procured specially for Shen Jin. Frustrated by what he perceives as a deliberate slight, Chu Xiuming storms away from the table. His frustration peaks during a Cuju game hosted by the princess, with a beautiful hairpin as the prize for the winner to give to their beloved.
After winning, Chu Xiuming offers the hairpin to Shen Jin, but she refuses it and insists he give it to the princess. With a challenging glance at Shen Jin, he reluctantly places the hairpin on the princess, causing Shen Jin a pang of discomfort. Shen Jin then orchestrates the next phase of her plan: raising money for the princess's elopement. She has the princess write to the Emperor, requesting funds to renovate the "outdated" General's Mansion.
To create the illusion of disrepair, Shen Jin begins dismantling parts of the mansion, such as a pavilion, and haggling with craftsmen over the price of the materials. Deeply perplexed by Shen Jin's sudden obsession with money, Chu Xiuming discusses his confusion with his Vice General. He dismisses the idea that Shen Jin married him for wealth, affirming his devotion to her regardless of her motives, admitting he is "obsessed" with her.
He instructs Xiao Su to continue investigating the princess and to covertly look into the craftsmen Shen Jin is dealing with. When Chu Xiuming sustains an injury while acquiring a rare Ganoderma mushroom for Shen Jin, she gives the precious item to the princess without seeming to notice his wound. His brother, Chu Xiuyuan, takes him to Doctor Li. There, the doctor reveals that Shen Jin recently requested numerous remedies for "incurable diseases" and borrowed several medical books.
Chu Xiuming tragically misinterprets this, concluding that Shen Jin is dying. He believes she is pushing him towards the princess to ensure he is cared for after she is gone and raising money for his future. Meanwhile, Shen Jin delivers the Ganoderma to the princess and finds her with a man, Su Chen, her long-lost lover. Understanding immediately, Shen Jin discreetly offers to stand guard outside, allowing the couple a tearful, heartfelt reunion.
Later, Shen Jin and Chu Xiuming find each other in the courtyard. She immediately notices his injury with concern, but he downplays it, thinking it pales in comparison to her "illness." He embraces her, promising that no matter how much time they have left, his heart is hers alone. After his wound is bandaged, a distraught Chu Xiuming becomes unusually clingy, asking Shen Jin to feed him his medicine.
Complaining of the bitterness, he kisses her, playfully claiming another kiss is needed to make the medicine sweet. He privately resolves to cherish every moment he believes they have left together. Shen Jin later explains to the princess that her strange behavior towards Chu Xiuming is part of the plan. She assures her that he is not a petty man and is used to her antics, promising to clarify everything to him when the time is right.
