General's Lady Episode 8 Recap
> General's Lady Recap
During a lively full moon banquet where soldiers feasted and drank, Shen Jin arrived with Xiao Su. Her presence with another man immediately soured Chu Xiuming’s demeanor. Shen Jin attempted to diffuse the tension by apologizing for using the Token of Pardon, explaining it was to save Xiao Su's life and that Chu Xiuming must have misunderstood him.
Xiao Su also offered his thanks, but Chu Xiuming was dismissive, telling him to direct his gratitude to Shen Jin, as she was the reason he was still alive. Observing Shen Jin and Xiao Su’s familiar and playful banter as they toasted the soldiers, Chu Xiuming’s anger visibly escalated. He abruptly smashed his wine bowl, declaring an immediate ban on all drinking in the military camp and threatening military law for any defiance.
He then sternly decreed that from that moment on, Shen Jin was to be addressed solely as the Supervisor, not "Her Ladyship," a command Shen Jin herself echoed to the troops. The next morning, Chu Xiuming woke with a headache and a hazy memory of his harsh words, realizing he had deeply hurt Shen Jin. After failing to find her, he sought out Xiao Su, who scolded him for his cold-heartedness.
Xiao Su emphasized Shen Jin's selfless devotion, revealing that she had been studying military affairs solely to assist Chu Xiuming and had eyes only for him. Desperate, Chu Xiuming went to the lakeside and called out for Shen Jin, explaining his reason for the divorce letter. He confessed that as a general constantly facing death, he feared he couldn't offer her a lifelong commitment and wrote the letter to prevent her future heartbreak.
He admitted that since her arrival, she had become his distraction and his weakness, especially her close relationship with Xiao Su. He confessed that for the first time, he felt fear, and the thought of losing her was the most unbearable prospect of all. He then pleaded with her to stay and be his lady. Shen Jin emerged from her hiding place, and Chu Xiuming embraced her tightly.
She clarified her relationship with Xiao Su, explaining that they and Meaty were childhood friends. Shen Jin had taken Meaty into her home, while Xiao Su had to continue wandering alone, making him forever grateful to her. She also revealed that Xiao Su and Meaty had long harbored feelings for each other, but her presence had inadvertently kept them apart. Realizing his misconception, Chu Xiuming apologized to Xiao Su.
In turn, Xiao Su acknowledged that the General was not the ruthless man of rumor and revealed his true purpose: he was investigating court officials who were slandering Chu Xiuming to the Emperor. He warned that spies were planted in the camp and that the frontier had received no army provisions for two years, despite the Emperor allocating them annually. They agreed to quietly root out the spies.
To protect them, Chu Xiuming sent Shen Jin and Meaty to a nearby bazaar with Leopard Head, acknowledging that while the women were their soft spots, they were also their armor. That night, Xiao Su successfully apprehended the last remaining spy. Before departing for the capital to report his findings, he entrusted Meaty’s care to Chu Xiuming.
Meanwhile, at the bazaar, Shen Jin bought a jade amulet for Chu Xiuming, noting its cool exterior and transparent interior symbolized his own cold-on-the-outside, passionate-on-the-inside nature. Meaty chose a belt hook for Xiao Su, later explaining it was a reminder for him to remain faithful. Xiao Su's departure left Meaty heartbroken and inconsolable, but they shared a tender farewell, with him promising to return as soon as possible.
Following Xiao Su’s departure, Shen Jin proposed that she and Chu Xiuming keep their distance to avoid upsetting the grieving Meaty. Chu Xiuming disagreed, suggesting she could visit his tent discreetly instead. One day, Shen Jin arrived late, explaining she had a stiff neck. Despite his initial annoyance, Chu Xiuming skillfully adjusted her neck, instantly relieving the pain. Just then, Meaty appeared and asked if they were on a date.
Shen Jin quickly denied it and, to placate Meaty, promised to maintain a three-step distance from Chu Xiuming at all times. Thereafter, Shen Jin and Chu Xiuming had to be extremely careful, showing affection only in secret, like passing food when Meaty wasn't looking or standing far apart during training. One day, while they were enjoying a quiet moment by the lake, Meaty suddenly appeared to do laundry.
Panicking at the thought of Meaty seeing them together, Shen Jin reflexively kicked Chu Xiuming into the water, then quickly made an excuse about impending rain to whisk Meaty away from the scene.
