Serendipity Episode 1 Recap, Plot

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During the prosperous and peaceful era of the Da'an Dynasty, all industries thrived and the civil service examination was highly popular. It became customary for families to seek sons-in-law among the newly titled scholars. Whether one possessed extraordinary talent or was a noble descendant, no one could escape this trend. Even secluded young ladies would peek from their chambers, deeply admiring the scholars.

Lu Chang was studying freely at the Jian family academy and was expected to win the top spot in the upcoming exam. Although the Jian family was one of the wealthiest in Jiangnan, they were still considered part of the lower gentry. Thus, Jian Jinhai took a liking to Lu Chang as a potential son-in-law. Coincidentally, Lu Chang was also the man Jian Mingshu had feelings for.

With the marriage competition taking place tomorrow, Lu Chang was bound to be fiercely sought after by many families, and Jian Jinhai had already made his preparations in advance. Jian Mingshu, the eldest daughter of the Jian family, managed the family’s shop. The upcoming marriage contest was the perfect opportunity for their gold store to shine. That day, Gao Wan and Madam Wu came to the shop to select betrothal gifts.

When Jian Mingshu overheard that Gao Wan planned to take Madam Wu to dine at Tingzhu Pavilion, she approached them with an exquisite hair ornament and exposed Gao Wan’s intentions. It turned out Tingzhu Pavilion was located in a secluded area far from the city, and with the hour being late, it would be hard to return that night. However, there were private rooms there. Only then did Madam Wu realize she had been deceived and angrily left.

Gao Wan, humiliated, lashed out and tried to strike Jian Mingshu, but Lu Chang arrived just in time to save her. Jian Mingshu was overjoyed to see Lu Chang again after so long. At that moment, Madam Wu’s brother came to thank her and offered to serve her loyally. Hearing this, Lu Chang turned away with jealousy. Jian Mingshu quickly followed him—since his return from studying abroad, they hadn’t had a proper conversation.

Yet Lu Chang’s response was cold and brief, and they parted after just a few words. Two years ago, before Lu Chang left to study, Jian Mingshu had braved the snow to see him off, her eyes full of reluctance. In those two years, Jian Mingshu had become the mistress of the family business, and Lu Chang had also changed greatly. But Jian Mingshu didn’t mind. She was willing to break the ice and take the initiative.

People make their own fate—all one can do is try their best. Lu Chang found the jade pendant of his teacher, Mr. Su, in Gao Wan’s residence, which puzzled him. Mr. Su had been Lu Chang’s mentor, and he knew Mr. Su’s character well. He had long wanted to clear Mr. Su’s name, though the path was full of thorns. That was why he kept his distance from Jian Mingshu—he didn’t want to drag her into it.

Jian Mingshu had always opposed the marriage contest, so Jian Jinhai decided to keep it from her for the time being. Jian Mingshu knew Lu Chang was the most sought-after candidate for marriage and, although she knew he wouldn’t agree to their plans, she also feared other families might resort to underhanded tactics. So, she supported Jian Jinhai in participating in the contest—but she would only marry Lu Chang.

Lu Chang’s friend invited him for a talk and revealed that when Mr. Su was imprisoned, Jian Jinhai had cursed and humiliated him. Lu Chang was heartbroken and at a loss—he had always respected Jian Jinhai for his generosity and kindness. The next day, the four prominent families of Jianglin personally came out to vie for Lu Chang. Meanwhile, Jian Mingshu arrived at the Lu residence with many gifts. When the exam results were posted, Lu Chang indeed came first.

The families rushed to capture him as their son-in-law, swarming the streets. Lu Chang had to fight his way out, overcoming obstacle after obstacle. Jian Mingshu went to see Lu Chang’s mother, Aunt Zeng, and expressed her sincere intentions. Aunt Zeng had always liked her and raised no objections. But she reminded her that Lu Chang was a man of few words and deep thoughts. Jian Mingshu planned to explain things to him face-to-face.

She invited Aunt Zeng to the Jian residence and left a note asking Lu Chang to come pick her up. When Lu Chang returned home, he decided to speak frankly with the Jian family. At the Jian residence, he made it clear he had no intention of marrying. Jian Jinhai invited him to sit and have tea, then offered the vast Jian family fortune as temptation. Still, Lu Chang refused.

Jian Jinhai, full of sincerity, became angry at being rejected so firmly. Lu Chang, in turn, asked if he still remembered insulting his teacher. The maid told Jian Mingshu that Lu Chang had agreed, and she was relieved—it seemed he still remembered their past. When she was little and missed her mother, crying day and night, Lu Chang had comforted her with pastries.

The maid said that Jian Jinhai and Aunt Zeng had chosen today as an auspicious day—they could consummate the marriage now and hold the ceremony later. Jian Mingshu believed it. Though she felt something was off, she still happily donned her wedding attire and went to the bridal chamber. However, when Lu Chang woke from the drugged state and found himself in the bridal chamber, he was furious.

Jian Mingshu explained she knew nothing about the drug and didn’t want to believe it had all been one-sided. But Lu Chang tore off his wedding robe on the spot, angrily accusing her of using gratitude to force love and severing all ties. Jian Mingshu’s heart instantly went cold. She had thought he remembered their childhood bond, but it turned out to be just her wishful thinking.

They had known each other for so many years—if Lu Chang had feelings for her, how could he misunderstand her like this? Jian Mingshu said no more. With tears streaming down her face, she poured two cups of wedding wine. She drank with him one final time—as a farewell.

Episode 2 Recap

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