Where the Mask Ends episode 3 recap: A one-year deal

In short

Lu Zhuo orders his new wife to leave, she wins over the household instead, and the two agree to fake a marriage for one year. Her spying governess dies by her own poison.

What happens in episode 3

Lu Zhuo moves into his study and gives her three days to ask to leave, or he will tell everyone what she did to Xie Hualou. From her maid Bi Tao, A Chou learns for the first time what the real Wei Rao did, and treats Bi Tao kindly, getting medicine for the scar the old Wei Rao gave her.

Governess Wu, sent by the Wei family to watch her, drugs her porridge and makes her sew all night. A Chou turns the tables by asking Wu, in front of the senior ladies, to hand out dowry gifts that Wu has never bothered to learn about.

When a young cousin falls from a roof, A Chou catches him, then makes the injury look worse so it can't be ignored. Lu Zhuo is scolded and apologizes. They make a pact: one year of acting like a loving couple while living apart, then a divorce.

Wu tries to poison her with an overdose in lotus soup. Bi Tao swaps the bowls, and Wu dies instead, just as Lu Zhuo arrives at the door.

Why it matters

A Chou is not a passive heroine: every win in this episode comes from a plan.

Based on the official episode synopsis, summarized in our own words: Baidu Baike: official synopsis, episode synopses, cast and 追剧日历