Episode Summary
Lu Jingming's brother is revealed as the mastermind behind the fake historian. Shen Jiangli's role in exposing the plot is recognized. Shen Jiangli learns her mother was likely poisoned. Wang Danling gains favor through charitable acts, while plotting against Lu Jingming.
Spoiler Alert
"My Destined Consort" Episode 12: Recap & Spoilers
Alright, buckle up, because things are getting spicy in the Lu household!
So, remember that fake historian guy? Well, turns out Grandpa Lu figured out he was a fraud – just a palace eunuch putting on an act. He was about to have the guy executed when the eunuch spilled the beans: Lu Jingming'solder brother was behind the whole scheme! Big bro is now in deep trouble, and has no way out.
Turns out Shen Jiangliwas instrumental in exposing the plot. Grandpa Lu finally realizes he misjudged his daughter-in-law and now sees her as the clever and supportive wife she is. He's totally on board with Lu Jingmingand Shen Jianglibeing together. Lu Jingming , on the other hand, is kicking himself for not appreciating Shen Jiangli'sintelligence sooner. He's even getting jealous of her close relationship with her martial brother, which is kind of cute.
Meanwhile, Chu Zimo , who helped expose the fake historian, is chilling at the Lu family estate, thanks to Shen Jiangli . Lu Qingqingbumps into him while visiting Shen Jiangli , and it's instant attraction. There's this whole scene with a flower, and Chu Zimobeing super gentle and attentive. Lu Qingqingis smitten and even asks his name before she leaves – puppy love is in the air!
Now for the serious stuff. Shen Jianglihas a chance encounter with her late mother's maid, Yun Niang. Yun Niang drops a major bombshell: Shen Jiangli'smother didn't die of illness! Yun Niang suspects she was poisoned. Apparently, she was healthy until she caught a cold, drank some medicine, and then, boom, gone. Yun Niang found dead ants near the leftover medicine and a doctor confirmed it was poison.
Yun Niang kept quiet all these years to protect young Shen Jiangli . But now that Shen Jiangliis grown and married well, she felt she had to reveal the truth.
Shen Jiangliis understandably devastated. Lu Jingming , bless his heart, tries to support her by bringing her books on poison symptoms. He's really trying to be a good husband.
Back to the family drama, Lu Jingming'solder brother is grounded for framing his sibling. Dan Ling , his wife, sees his power slipping and starts plotting. She uses her family's wealth to donate money and food to the victims of the recent disaster, earning herself a great reputation. Grandpa Lu is impressed and lifts the grounding order on his eldest son.
The city is buzzing about Wang Danling'sgenerosity, but Shen Jiangliis playing the long game. Her maid suggests she should also be doing something to help, but Shen Jiangliknows Wang Danling'spowerful family can be useful. She trusts that Lu Jingmingknows what his brother is up to and that his inaction is part of a bigger plan.
And finally, just when you thought things might calm down, Wang Danlingis back to her old tricks. She encourages her mother-in-law to pressure Lu Jingminginto taking Qi Lan as a concubine. Her reasoning? It'll cause drama in his household and distract him from his duties with the Jinlin Guards . Classic Wang Danling !
