General's Lady Episode 16 Recap
> General's Lady Recap
Shen Jin’s husband, Chu Xiuming, shared a grave secret with her concerning Xiuyuan’s life. He recounted how the former crown prince had been an upright and open-minded ruler, while his own Chu family had been meritorious and loyal for generations. Shen Jin pledged to protect this secret and safeguard Xiuyuan, earning Chu Xiuming’s deep affection. He then revealed his special gift for her: they were returning to the capital city.
Shen Jin was overjoyed at the prospect of reuniting with her mother. Meanwhile, the imperial court had taken action. Xiao Su informed the Emperor that he had verified the military accounts, confirming the accusations against Chu Xiuming. Consequently, the Emperor issued a decree recalling Chu Xiuming, Count Yongning, to the capital to answer for his alleged crimes of embezzling military pay and falsifying the number of soldiers.
Before departing the General’s Mansion, Shen Jin bid an emotional farewell to Mammy Qingqiu and Xiao Cong. Xiao Cong, saddened by her mistress’s departure, was consoled by Leopard Head, who awkwardly misinterpreted her distress as romantic interest in him, leading to a humorous exchange where Xiao Cong vehemently denied his assumption. Upon their arrival in the capital, Shen Jin observed the bustling, familiar streets, which had grown even more elaborate.
As Chu Xiuming had to report to the imperial court immediately, Shen Jin proceeded to Prince Rui’s Mansion alone. He advised her to exercise patience and avoid conflict while he was away, promising to handle any issues upon his return. Inside Prince Rui’s Mansion, Shen Jin’s half-sisters, Shen Zi and Shen Jing, had already heard of Chu Xiuming’s impending disgrace. Believing his status as an official facing charges would taint their family, they plotted to have Shen Jin disowned.
They began by removing valuable items from her mother’s living quarters, speaking scornfully. When Shen Jin confronted them, Shen Zi, asserting her authority, dismissively ordered Shen Jin to clean the front yard like a servant. Recalling Chu Xiuming’s advice, Shen Jin agreed. She then visited her mother, noting the empty room and confirming her mother’s difficult living conditions, saddened that her father had not kept his promise to care for her.
At the imperial court, Chu Xiuming, in full military attire, faced accusations of embezzling military pay and fabricating troop numbers. Despite the seemingly irrefutable evidence of the account books bearing his military seal, many officials who had fought alongside him defended his character. Chu Xiuming acknowledged the authenticity of the documents but explained his actions were not to enrich himself.
He revealed that the annual military pay of one tael of silver per soldier was insufficient for armor, weapons, or basic sustenance. To prevent his loyal troops from feeling abandoned, he had falsified the accounts to double the funds, which he then distributed to the soldiers in the Emperor’s name, thereby boosting morale and ensuring their loyalty to the throne.
He asserted that the Emperor must have been unaware of the truth and implored him to investigate who had concealed it. The Emperor, recognizing the merit in Chu Xiuming’s actions, commended him for his benevolence. However, he also acknowledged that falsifying records was improper. As a result, Chu Xiuming was promoted to Cavalry General for his contributions, but he received neither reward nor punishment, as his merits were deemed to balance his transgression.
The Emperor also declared that he would personally oversee military pay matters moving forward. Meanwhile, in a teahouse, a cloaked figure manipulating a jade thumb ring instructed a government official to simply observe the unfolding situation, indicating a deeper conspiracy was at play. Back at Prince Rui’s Mansion, Shen Zi and Shen Jing continued their schemes.
With Prince Rui away, Shen Zi put Shen Jin in charge of the evening banquet, planning for her to fail so they could blame her and expel her from the family. She dismissed all the kitchen staff and sent Meaty away, leaving Shen Jin to manage alone. That evening, Prince Rui returned to the mansion. Shen Jin presented grilled meat skewers, a special dish from the Eagle’s territory.
She meticulously demonstrated how to roast the meat on red willow branches over charcoal. The Prince, captivated by the aroma and unique cooking method, found the taste incredibly delicious. As she cooked, Shen Jin sincerely thanked her father for taking care of her mother, which caused Prince Rui evident embarrassment. Furious at Shen Jin’s success, Shen Zi and Shen Jing fumed, vowing to make her pay. Separately, Meaty encountered Xiao Su on the street.
Their brief reunion was cut short when Xiao Su, claiming to be on a secret mission, had to depart swiftly, leaving Meaty feeling dejected. The next day, as Shen Jin walked with her mother in the garden, Shen Zi and Shen Jing approached with a plate of spoiled meat. They claimed that Shen Jin’s grilled meat had made them ill and demanded an apology.
Shen Jin found their accusations baseless, pointing out that Prince Rui and her mother had suffered no ill effects. When they insisted she either eat the spoiled meat or apologize, Shen Jin, unwilling to distress her mother, prepared to comply. At that moment, Chu Xiuming arrived. Stern and imposing, he was a stark contrast to the "Demon General" of rumors. He forcefully confronted Shen Zi and Shen Jing, warning them never to harm his wife.
Intimidated by his presence, the sisters quickly retreated. After sending the sisters away, Chu Xiuming’s demeanor softened as he respectfully greeted his mother-in-law. Prince Rui warmly welcomed his "excellent son-in-law," praising Chu Xiuming’s recent promotion to Cavalry General as a source of great honor for the family. He then suggested that Chu Xiuming and Shen Jin stay at his mansion until their own capital residence was ready. Shen Jin agreed, much to the fury of Shen Zi and Shen Jing.
The sisters, still intent on revenge, plotted to humiliate the "uncultured brute" during Prince Rui’s upcoming birthday celebration. Later, Chu Xiuming met with Xiuyuan and ordered him to distance himself, even feigning a break in their relationship. He explained it was a military command crucial for Xiuyuan’s safety during this critical period. Soon after, Shen Jin’s elder sister and her husband arrived at Prince Rui’s Mansion, acknowledging Chu Xiuming’s new prestigious title.
