General's Lady Episode 7 Recap
> General's Lady Recap
Upon arriving at the military camp, Shen Jin, as the newly appointed Supervisor, immediately asserted her authority. She began by questioning Leopard Head about the highest-ranking official in the camp, correcting him to acknowledge her own superior position over Chu Xiuming, the Count Yongning. Shen Jin then confronted Chu Xiuming, accusing him of disrespect. She demanded tea, but Chu Xiuming explained that the camp was not well-supplied.
He revealed that for two years, the imperial court had not provided army pay or provisions, forcing the soldiers to cultivate land for self-sufficiency and live on simple water and porridge, focusing solely on safeguarding the country. Shen Jin, sympathizing with their plight, offered to host a feast for the soldiers at her own expense, but Chu Xiuming refused, citing concerns that a sudden change in diet might make them ill.
He also forbade wine, stating it was against army regulations. Frustrated by his refusals, Shen Jin grew enraged, threatening to remove Chu Xiuming from his post and strip him of his armor. Before she could act further, Xiao Su and Rou Rou intervened, physically restraining her. Shen Jin vowed to make Chu Xiuming pay tenfold for his perceived arrogance. Xiao Su, Shen Jin's childhood friend, had helped secure her the position of Supervisor.
When Shen Jin questioned why he addressed her so formally, Xiao Su affirmed his loyalty, stating he would always be her "loyal friend" and "Master Jin," just as when they were young troublemakers. Meanwhile, in a tea house, imperial officials discussed Chu Xiuming's divorce from Shen Jin. General Zuo and Lord Liu deduced that the Emperor's decision to appoint Shen Jin as Supervisor indicated distrust towards Chu Xiuming.
They saw this as an opportunity to frame Chu Xiuming for the two years' worth of missing army pay, knowing he had never complained and simply led his soldiers in farming. Their plan was to have Chu Xiuming recalled to the capital for punishment, making him vulnerable and paving the way for an assault on the imperial city.
Back at the camp, Leopard Head and the Vice General were pleased about Shen Jin's return, but the Vice General worried about the potential trouble she might cause. Chu Xiuming, observing their concern, suspected Shen Jin had somehow swayed their loyalty. He sought a private meeting with her, asking why she had come back. Defining herself as a "deserted woman" with nowhere else to go, Shen Jin countered by asking if he had feared or hoped for her return.
She declared her new role as Supervisor, asserting her authority to oversee the military camp and Chu Xiuming's mansion. When Chu Xiuming expressed concern that she was overstepping, Shen Jin claimed she was dedicated and loved to "meddle." To prove her point, she demanded tea, remarking on his earlier claim of having none and proudly presenting her own.
Chu Xiuming respectfully served her the tea, but when Shen Jin drank it, she scalded her tongue and accused him of doing it on purpose, which he denied, stating it was her own tea. Later, Shen Jin assembled the entire army, announcing a competition with Chu Xiuming to prove her capability to those who doubted a woman's leadership. Despite Chu Xiuming's concerns about unfairness, Shen Jin insisted on an equal contest.
The challenge involved both of them being bound with ropes and sinking to the bottom of a lake with a feather between their lips; the first to untie themselves and surface would win. Releasing the feather would signal surrender or distress. As they submerged, Shen Jin quickly untied herself with her hairpin. Chu Xiuming, however, remained still, even discarding his feather.
Realizing he was counting on her to save him, Shen Jin quickly untied his ropes and gave him oxygen with a kiss. Underwater, she asked why he was so certain she wouldn't leave him behind, and he confirmed his faith in her. When she asked why he wrote the divorce settlement, he evaded the question, suggesting it was an inappropriate setting for personal matters.
Accusing him of torturing them both by denying his feelings, Shen Jin declared that she wouldn't have returned if she could have gotten over him. In turn, Chu Xiuming said that if she wasn't leaving, then he would. Moments later, they were pulled from the water, their embrace visible to everyone. Afterward, Rou Rou found a troubled Shen Jin, who confided that Chu Xiuming seemed determined to divorce her.
Rou Rou informed her that Chu Xiuming had returned to his mansion. When Shen Jin lamented her situation, Rou Rou asked about the divorce settlement, and Shen Jin admitted she had torn it up. Rou Rou pointed out that without the physical document, there was no proof of the divorce.
When Shen Jin reasoned he could simply write another, Rou Rou suggested she could tear that one up too, encouraging her to "trick" Chu Xiuming into coming back and not give up on their relationship. Following Rou Rou's advice, Shen Jin returned to Chu Xiuming's mansion. She found him in his study and asserted that within the mansion, they were husband and wife, not Supervisor and General.
Revealing that she had destroyed the divorce settlement, she requested that he maintain their marital status until he could formally report the reasons for their divorce to the Emperor. Chu Xiuming agreed, but clarified that while they would appear as a couple to outsiders, she would remain his Supervisor within the military camp. Shen Jin then earnestly pleaded with him to return to the camp, emphasizing the importance of military affairs over their personal relationship.
Chu Xiuming agreed to go back immediately, but Shen Jin insisted they share a meal first. As they departed, Chu Xiuming gave Shen Jin a Token of Pardon, allowing her one exemption if she were to violate military regulations. That night, Xiao Su saw soldiers escorting several children and, believing the rumors about Chu Xiuming being a cruel "Demon General," suspected foul play. As he moved to intervene, Chu Xiuming appeared and questioned his suspicious actions.
Xiao Su feigned innocence, claiming he was on his way to a romantic rendezvous. Later, inside her tent, Shen Jin shared food and wine she had brought from the mansion with Xiao Su. Chu Xiuming, observing them laughing together, grew furious and ordered the Vice General to investigate Xiao Su. The next day, Chu Xiuming caught Xiao Su investigating a restricted area. Xiao Su hinted he was searching for evidence of Chu Xiuming's "horrible crimes," referencing court rumors.
Stating he didn't care to be understood, Chu Xiuming ordered Xiao Su to be bludgeoned to death for trespassing. Just as the execution was to begin, Shen Jin rushed in, declaring Xiao Su was "her person." To save him, she used the Token of Pardon. Angered that she used his gift for someone else, Chu Xiuming nevertheless kept his word, pardoned Xiao Su, and departed in silence.
Soon after, several children emerged and gathered around Leopard Head, who explained they were orphans of rebel forces whom the General had secretly adopted, revealing that Xiao Su had completely misunderstood. That evening, Shen Jin privately sought Xiao Su's advice on military affairs, admitting her desire to help Chu Xiuming. Though Xiao Su reiterated the rumors, Shen Jin dismissed them, certain she knew Chu Xiuming better and believing that helping him would ultimately benefit herself. Xiao Su agreed to assist her.
