Where the Mask Ends episode 17 recap: A whipping and a divorce decree

In short

Guo Yufeng is driven to hang herself, Lu Zhuo is whipped by his grandfather, and A Chou asks Zhou Fu for an imperial decree ending her marriage.

What happens in episode 17

The Duchess persuades Consort Li to spare Guo Yufeng and Wei Heng'e: executing them would only make people talk about A Chou. Wei Heng'e is sent to labor on the Lu family's northern estate and Guo Yufeng to a shrine for life. Lu Zhuo clumsily spoon-feeds the soaked A Chou ginger soup until she drinks it herself.

The old Duke makes Lu Zhuo kneel all night for blocking the Emperor's review, then whips him in the courtyard. A Chou begs for him and takes the blame, and Lu Zhuo collapses. Bringing his medicine, she overhears the Duke and a cousin talking about her and decides she must leave rather than give up her title.

Zhou Fu visits Guo Yufeng and turns her own weapon on her: Guo Yufeng's younger daughter Wei Chan is within reach. Soon Guo Yufeng hangs herself. Her husband, the Chengan Earl, says good riddance. Wei Chan, told A Chou is to blame, is locked in her room.

Through Lu Zhuo's aunt, A Chou meets Zhou Fu but calls her only 'Consort'. She takes charge of her foster mother and Bi Tao and asks for one thing: a divorce decree from the Emperor. Lu Zhuo begs her not to go. She pulls free, and he coughs up blood.

Why it matters

A Chou finally has her name, and immediately uses her new power to leave the marriage.

Based on the episode synopsis, summarized in our own words: TVmao (电视猫) episode synopses, cited by Baidu Baike Baidu Baike: official synopsis, episode synopses, cast and 追剧日历