Episode Summary
Lu Jingming handles a family power struggle over an iron mine by gifting it to Shen Jiangli as compensation for her lost dowry. Their relationship deepens during a moonlit walk. At Shufei’s grand birthday banquet, gifts are judged—until Shen Jiangli’s double-sided embroidery impresses everyone, winning Shufei’s favor. Meanwhile, hidden affairs and political ambitions stir beneath the surface, hinting at deeper conflicts to come.
Spoiler Alert
Welcome back to another juicy breakdown of our favorite tangled web of family feuds, secret alliances, and social sabotage. Episode 7 of this period drama just dropped more drama than a royal banquet, and trust me, it’s a ride.
Trouble in the Iron Mine
We kick things off with Lu Jingming getting some bad news: the iron mine his people were transporting has been intercepted—by his own family. Classic. No time to waste, he rushes off to handle things, and guess who tags along? Shen Jiangli, of course. The two share a tense carriage ride where Lu Jingming can’t help but ask why she snapped at her father earlier.
Jiangli doesn’t hold back. She reveals that her father's favorite concubine, Zou Yiniang, has always been a wedge between her and her mother. With Zou pulling the strings and her father turning a cold shoulder, Jiangli's learned not to expect affection—just manipulation. Her outburst? Years in the making.
Business... and a Bit of Romance?
Upon arriving, Lu Jingming plays the long game. To defuse tension with his elder brother, he claims the iron mine is actually a gift—compensation for Jiangli's missing dowry. Smooth move. The brother can’t argue, and Jiangli ends up with the mining permit in her hands. Score one for Team Second House.
Then comes a moonlit stroll (yes, seriously) where a flower vendor appears like clockwork. Lu Jingming doesn’t just buy a flower—he buys all the flowers and hands them over to Jiangli. Cue the soft music.
A Birthday Banquet to Remember
Next up: the grand birthday celebration for Shufei, the matriarch of the Lu family. The entire elite crowd of Dongzhou shows up, dripping in wealth and ulterior motives. Among them is the charming Lu Jingxing (the third brother) and his picture-perfect wife, Xiahou Yao.
Their gift? A literal sheep skull. Yep, you read that right. But don’t panic—Xiahou Yao explains that in her people’s culture, it symbolizes spiritual reverence and gratitude. Shufei, ever the diplomatic hostess, smiles and accepts it like it’s a diamond tiara.
Then comes Dan Ling, who rolls in with her husband and a hunk of red coral worth more than some houses. Shufei smiles again—standard stuff.
But when it’s Lu Jingming and Shen Jiangli’s turn, things take a turn. They present a piece of embroidered art featuring cranes. Elegant? Yes. Impressive? Not to certain snobs in the room, especially the First House folks, who scoff at it as “cheap.” Shufei isn’t impressed either—until Xiahou Yao steps in for the save.
She flips the embroidery to reveal it’s actually a double-sided masterpiece—a lost art form. Cranes on one side (symbolizing longevity and blessings), and peonies on the other (representing wealth and grace). Suddenly, the crowd gasps in admiration. Shufei is over the moon and even gifts Jiangli with a rare pearl cream as thanks.
First House? Left fuming.
Dinners, Daggers, and Daddy Issues
Later at dinner, Shen Qilan (Jiangli’s half-sister and First House favorite) suggests their father thank Lu Jingming. He does—but while being sweet to Qilan, he remains cold and cutting to Jiangli. She brushes it off like a pro and walks away without flinching.
️♀️ Secret Affairs and Power Plays
But wait, we’re not done. Behind all the banquets and backstabbing, the drama is bubbling. Dan Ling is secretly trying to cozy up to Lu Jingming, while Shen Qilan? She’s got a whole clandestine relationship going with Lu Dage (the eldest Lu brother). And he’s not just in it for love—her powerful family could help him gain control of the Jinlin Guards, a military unit everyone’s dying to get their hands on.
Final Thoughts
This episode was a full-course meal of palace intrigue, subtle jabs, and emotional gut punches. Shen Jiangli continues to carve space for herself in a world that constantly tries to push her out, while Lu Jingming proves he’s not just a strategist—he’s got a heart (and decent taste in embroidery).
But with the First House scheming and secret romances in full swing, don’t expect the peace to last.
