Episode Summary
Shen Jiangli discovers Wang Danling is being given infertility incense and suspects Lu Jingxiu. Shen Jiangli confronts Tian Yiniang about poisoning her mother, leading to a public showdown and her father slapping her. Lu Jingming's arrival protects Shen Jiangli. Lian Wantang schemes to get closer to Lu Jingming.
Spoiler Alert
Alright, buckle up, because things are getting seriously twisty in "My Destined Consort"! Episode 17 is a rollercoaster of family drama, poison accusations, and a potential love triangle brewing. Let's break it down.
Shen Jiangli, back at the Lu residence, drops a truth bomb on Lu Jingming about her findings at Shen Qilan's place. Remember Wang Danling's difficulty conceiving? Shen Jiangli noticed that the incense in Wang Danling's room contains ingredients known to hinder pregnancy. Shen Jiangli straight-up asks Lu Jingming if he knows who's behind this sabotage, and Lu Jingming's suspicion falls on his own brother, Lu Jingxiu! Talk about sibling rivalry!
Meanwhile, Shen Qilan is low-key panicking because her mom is sweating bullets. Lu Jingming's influence is growing rapidly, and if Shen Jiangli unearths any dirt on her mother's past misdeeds, Shen Qilan's social standing could be in jeopardy. So, Shen Qilan orders her trusty maid, Fuling, to track down Lian Wantang, who possesses some long-buried secrets.
As it turns out, Shen Jiangli's late mother and Lian Wantang's mother shared a close bond. Shen Jiangli's mom once received a pair of bracelets as a gift and generously gifted one to Lian Wantang's mom. Shen Jiangli goes on a mission to find Lian Wantang's mother and retrieve that bracelet. Upon opening it, she discovers traces of poison! Lian Wantang vividly recalls how her mother wore the bracelet and subsequently suffered from confusion, illness, and debilitating headaches. Ultimately, her husband cast her and Lian Wantang out. Ouch!
It just so happens to be the day of the ancestral ceremony at Shen Jiangli's family estate. Shen Jiangli, armed with witnesses, confronts Tian Yiniang, accusing her of poisoning her beloved mother. Tian Yiniang feigns shock and vehemently denies any involvement, even going as far as to say that Shen Jiangli inherited her mother's fiery temper. Shen Jiangli, who can't stand anyone disrespecting her mother's memory, retaliates with a slap across Tian Yiniang's face. Shen Jiangli's father, who always plays favorites with Tian Yiniang, leaps to her defense. Shen Jiangli is deeply wounded, especially considering her mother's family has been propping them up financially with her dowry for years. She questions her father's lack of remorse and whether he condoned Tian Yiniang's actions. This sparks his fury, and he slaps her! Shen Qilan and her mother observe the scene, secretly worried because Zou Yiniang was also complicit in harming Shen Jiangli's mother. Shen Qilan maintains a facade of composure but is carefully monitoring Shen Jiangli's every reaction.
Despite her father's past neglect, Shen Jiangli still held some affection for him. However, that slap shatters their bond. She declares that their father-daughter relationship is officially over. Her father attempts to punish her further, but Lu Jingming's men arrive, announcing that they are under orders to protect Shen Jiangli, courtesy of Lu Jingming himself. Lu Jingming wants her to know she doesn't have to face any mistreatment alone and that he will personally ensure justice is served. With Lu Jingming's backing, Shen Jiangli's father is forced to back down and pledges to comply with her wishes, sending Tian Yiniang to face the authorities.
Once back home, Shen Jiangli reflects on the day's events and can't shake the feeling that uncovering the truth was suspiciously easy, as if someone had orchestrated everything. But she can't quite pinpoint what feels off.
Lian Wantang is rewarded for her assistance, and Shen Jiangli invites her to stay at the Lu residence. Lian Wantang has harbored a secret crush on Lu Jingming since childhood, and she sees this as an opportunity to elevate her status. She attempts to get close to Lu Jingming when Shen Jiangli isn't around, even strategically dropping her hairpin near his table.
The following day, Lu Jingming personally returns the hairpin to Lian Wantang, creating a chance for them to have a private conversation. Lu Jingming dismisses his men, leaving him alone with Lian Wantang. This sparks speculation among the servants, who wonder if Lu Jingming is considering taking another concubine like his brother did, especially so soon after Shen Jiangli's return.
