Episode Summary
Shen Jiangli officially takes charge of the household, reestablishing her authority and settling old scores. She works quickly to earn trust, care for her sick child, and help her husband Lu Jingming with military advancements. A surprise encounter hints that Lu Jingming might be the child’s father. Meanwhile, family conflicts escalate, and a new romantic subplot begins between Lu Qingqing and Su Ruian.
Spoiler Alert
Things are heating up fast in [Title of the Show, if known], and Episode 3 wastes no time diving into power shifts, hidden secrets, and a whole lot of awkward family dynamics.
Shen Jiangli Steps Into Power
The episode kicks off with a bold move from Lu Jingming. He gathers everyone in the courtyard and makes it official: now that his wife Shen Jiangli is back, she’ll be handling all household affairs. With the master of the house giving the command, no one dares challenge it. Jingming himself has military duties to attend to, so he doesn’t linger — he’s out the gate almost immediately.
Shen Jiangli, freshly reinstated and not one to be underestimated, wastes no time setting the tone. She promises to manage things fairly and generously — even going so far as to say everyone will receive a gift. But she's also here to settle old scores.
A Cold Dish Served With Chicken Bones
Remember those harsh old maids who made her life miserable in the past? She sure does. One in particular is called out in front of everyone. The woman turns ghost-pale when she sees... a pile of chicken bones. Back in the day, she swapped Jiangli’s food for bones and even forced her to reassemble a chicken carcass. Brutal. Now, with a quiet but decisive show of power, Jiangli lets her know those days are over. It's not revenge, she says — just a reminder. The message lands. Loud and clear. Respect for Jiangli goes way up.
Meanwhile, a Sick Child and a Surprise Encounter
Behind her composed exterior, Jiangli is racing against time. Her young son is ill and barely sleeping. She needs to stabilize the household quickly so she can focus on his treatment — which involves a rare medicine called "Lei Wan."
Elsewhere, Lu Jingming is out tending to military business when he stumbles on a strange sight: a small boy stuck in a dog hole. He helps the kid out, charmed by the little guy’s bright eyes and bold attitude. But just as the boy runs off, Jingming hears Shen Jiangli’s voice coming from the same courtyard. Then the boy calls out, “Mother!”
Wait — what?
Jiangli doesn’t deny it. The boy is hers. He's about five. Jingming does the math. Could this child be… his?
Needles, Secrets, and Strategic Alliances
That night, Jiangli keeps her promise to help Jingming with acupuncture. It’s painful, but she tells him to bear it. She’s focused, practical, and clearly has more to offer than meets the eye.
With her son’s health weighing on her, Jiangli personally visits Mr. Zhuge, a mysterious and eccentric healer. She quickly diagnoses his horrendous breath as a symptom of a rare dental disease — then hands him a prescription. It works like magic. Impressed, Zhuge hands over a prized possession: blueprints for a repeating crossbow.
That’s right. Shen Jiangli just scored military-grade tech.
Gold, Silver, and a Mother's Schemes
Knowing how hard Jingming has been working to train the elite Jinlin Guards, Jiangli secretly funds his efforts with two chests full of gold and silver. With the blueprints and the money, Jingming starts planning mass production of the new weapon. Things are finally looking up for him — thanks to his wife's quiet support.
But peace never lasts long in this household.
The First Madam, who’s never liked Jingming or his mother, hears that Shen Jiangli has returned — and immediately stirs the pot with the family patriarch. But Mama Lu isn't easily rattled. When the two women go head-to-head, it’s a verbal sparring match full of thinly veiled jabs.
Meanwhile, First Madam has her own plans. She tries to set up her nephew, Su Ruian — a respected and well-mannered young man — with Jingming’s sister, Lu Qingqing.
Sparks Fly — and a Hidden Scar
Lu Qingqing meets Su Ruian, and the chemistry is instantaneous. He’s taken with her unique makeup and compliments her beauty as a rare gift. She blushes. He blushes. It’s all very sweet.
But there’s something he doesn’t know: Qingqing is hiding a facial scar beneath those flower petals. Whether that secret will come out — and how Su Ruian will react — is a question for a future episode.
Final Thoughts
Episode 3 packs a punch with political plays, power shifts, and emotional reveals. Shen Jiangli proves she’s not just back — she’s in control. The mystery of the child’s parentage, the introduction of new alliances, and the brewing family tensions all set the stage for some serious drama ahead.
