General's Lady Episode 24 Recap
> General's Lady Recap
Following his arrival at the Rui Mansion, Chu Xiuming continued to dote on Shen Jin, bringing her candied fruits. After eating a little, Shen Jin urged him to leave before her mother returned, only to realize that Chu Xiuming had likely arranged for her mother to be away. When Shen Jin playfully claimed the fruits weren't tasty, Chu Xiuming leaned in to taste them from her lips, confirming their sweetness and leaving her flustered.
Later that night, Shen Jin hogged all the blankets, leaving Chu Xiuming in the cold. When she became too warm, Chu Xiuming seized the opportunity to slip under the covers with her, promising to behave and simply hold her while they slept. For the next few days, Chu Xiuming neglected his duties to follow Shen Jin everywhere, much to her annoyance.
She complained that his presence had forced her mother into a guest room, but he shamelessly insisted he couldn't sleep without her. After Shen Jin left, Shen Jing approached Chu Xiuming, feigning distress and implying that Shen Jin was avoiding her. Chu Xiuming’s demeanor instantly hardened, and he sternly advised Shen Jing not to eavesdrop and to address her concerns with Shen Jin directly.
Pressured by her mother, Shen Jin was hurried out to return to the General's Mansion with Chu Xiuming. Her mother tearfully entrusted her to Chu Xiuming, begging him not to let Shen Jin run home in sorrow again. Chu Xiuming solemnly promised it wouldn't happen a second time. Shen Jing also appeared, asking to visit the General's Mansion. Shen Jin politely declined, citing a lack of servants and sealed courtyards, which prompted Shen Jing to adopt a wronged expression.
When Shen Jin tried to explain she barely knew Shen Jing's mother, Chu Xiuming intervened. He declared that to avoid further conflict, he and Shen Jin would henceforth avoid any place Shen Jing was present. As they departed in the carriage, Shen Jin felt a sense of satisfaction, and Chu Xiuming praised her composure. Meanwhile, a group of officials led by Lord Liu plotted against Chu Xiuming, seeing his military power as an obstacle to their planned insurrection.
Lord Liu, however, urged patience. Separately, the Prime Minister reported to the Emperor that the investigation into the embezzlement of army pay had stalled. The Emperor then ordered Chu Xiuming to return to his post and guard the frontier. In a remote village, Chu Xiuyuan had become a beloved teacher to the local children. His heart warmed as he saw Ruonan in the distance. Though a strong-willed woman, Ruonan's resolve had softened due to Chu Xiuyuan's presence.
She approached and confessed her deep feelings for him, admitting that his presence gave her a profound sense of security and that she wanted to be the first to open her heart to him. When an imperial physician checked on Shen Jin, he also examined Shen Shu at her sister's suggestion. To everyone's surprise, both sisters were pregnant. Later, when the Heir of Marquis Yongle visited, a distressed Shen Shu, through her maid, brought up her previous miscarriage.
The maid insinuated that the true culprit behind the incident was not just a concubine but someone powerful enough to erase all clues, implying the Marchioness Yongle. The disturbed Heir vowed to investigate the matter, while Shen Shu resolved to protect her unborn child. Back at the General's Mansion, Chu Xiuming was fascinated by the prospect of fatherhood. In the main hall, Chu Xiuyuan and Ruonan sought his blessing for their union.
Chu Xiuming was initially reluctant, citing Ruonan's commoner status. Shen Jin passionately intervened, comparing Chu Xiuyuan's eight-year devotion to Ruonan to Chu Xiuming's own fierce love for her. She argued that Ruonan's selflessness in caring for an entire village of vulnerable people was a testament to her character, making her more than worthy. Moved by Shen Jin’s words, Chu Xiuming realized his folly and gave his blessing, declaring he would listen to his wife.
With the union approved, Shen Jin and Ruonan became sisters-in-law and planned to merge their fabric businesses. However, Chu Xiuming forbade Shen Jin from leaving the mansion for her safety. Soon after, two of Shen Jin's distant relatives arrived with their daughters, hoping to persuade Shen Jin to accept them as Chu Xiuming's concubines to "help" her during her pregnancy. Amused by their audacity, Chu Xiuming trusted Shen Jin to handle the situation.
Shen Jin, maintaining her composure, cleverly dismissed them by offering the girls money as a "dowry" from the General's Mansion, sending them away humiliated. Still bored from her confinement, Shen Jin coerced her maid, Meaty, into helping her climb a wall to escape. Chu Xiuming caught them mid-act, and as a startled Meaty fled, Shen Jin fell safely into his arms.
He gently chided her for her recklessness and promised a grand tour across the country after the baby was born. He then carried her back to her room, ordering servants to remove any hazards, soften her bed, and ensure all her tonics were prepared. He also invited Shen Jin's mother to stay at the mansion to care for her. With all arrangements made, Chu Xiuming prepared for his departure to the frontier.
Overwhelmed by the thought of a long separation, Shen Jin clung to him, weeping. She confessed that despite knowing she should be happy to be free from his "bossing around," she was incredibly sad, and in a fit of emotion, told him not to come back too soon.
