Didi
USA
I can't believe that there are just two left!! It feels surreal!
1. Ever faithful, Migu defends BQ's actions. BQ acknowledges their requests but explains that as Susu she was his wife, and requests that she be allowed to clean his body and dress him (on her knees she bows and begs). She insists that it is only proper that she do this, as his wife. DH grants this request.
2.3rd prince asks YH's mother to not hold a grudge. But she has a point, he died twice for the same woman. She should be allowed to be heartbroken. He asks that since she is handing the body over to be patient.
3. FJ serves tea and explains she probably won't be queen anymore before giving Dh tea in a rather charged scene.
--Again, I think that DH will put distance between himself and FJ again. He removed his name from the rock to be the best god, basically, and his fear that she would die interfered in his ability to defend the tribe (even if she was trying to protect him). I bet he is going to continue avoiding her because his little indulgences seem to reaffirm his belief that nothing good can come from loving her. I don't think he will stop loving her...but it doesn't look good for team FJ
4.We see an extremely poignant and emotionally charged scene as BQ speaks to the dead YH, talking to him about things she never told him when he was alive. She explains that now she understands the heavy burden he basically has crown prince but talks about how nice it would be if he were normal. She explains that she was inadequate, not good enough, but as queen it's funny how useless she is. She promises to never forget him and shares a secret: that when he stood outside her fox den for seven days she had already forgiven him but because of her stubbornness and desire to appear strong, she couldn't tell him. She acknowledges how difficult his life has been and then kisses him. (SO SAD! the only person who i can think of who has suffered more than the people in this show is Bones from Journey of Flower)
5. YH is in his coffin while surrounded by his family. Members of the celestial tribe and fox tribe are there. She asks permission to go to the sea of innocence but is denied access because she is not a member of the celestial tribe (ouch!). FJ stands up for her aunt and their love (ever loyal) but BQ understands (I say f**** their rules at this point but they are sticklers for the rules). Everyone disappears, and BQ runs outside, having not accepted that he has gone. She collapses. FJ leaves temporarily I assume to help her.
(I have a bad feeling about FJ trying to help her aunt...my gut tells me she will do something really dumb or really selfless, neither will be good)
6. Members of the celestial tribe have returned. Following not far behind is FJ. She is not allowed to enter. DH turns around and stops in front of FJ (the distance between them seems really big right now)
7.FJ asks DH how his injuries are; he says they are almost healed. He says that he thought she was going to ask the question again, that if he had not removed his name from the rock, would he have fallen for her. His answer is yes (not what I was expecting). Next he confirmed what I knew all along by clearly stating it--that he underwent that heavenly trial to fulfill his own personal wish. He tells her to leave. And smiles, before turning to go. I think he is rather amazed at his own admission. Poor Fj (if I didn't know about pillow book I won't lie I might not have finished this drama).
8.We change our scene to BQ who is wearing gray (mourning) and wandering through the peach blossoms in a bit of a bored daze. While she is sleeping BQ dreams she is visited by YH. She embraces him and then he fades away. BQ wanders around, calling for him. 4th brother shames her and says that she should be able to survive without him. She says it isn't that she can't, it's just that she doesn't know how
9.BQ confesses she told YH that he spent his lifetime seeking what he could not have; she admits she is not different. BQ admits she cannot live without him.
10. BQ continues to see him in her dreams. I am not sure if this is actually YH communicating to her or not. But who cares?
11. Time passes, and soon 3 years have passed. FJ is having her hair brushed by her mother. She is wearing really bright red lipstick. Apparently her aunt has been travelling for years. Wearing a red dress, FJ is about to be introduced as the next queen (?). Her father leads her outside and all the people watch while she is being led to a platform. Even now she is thinking of DH . Her internal monologue reveals that he has been working hard, has insomnia. DH is at the top of the platform, and she walks to him, and she decides that from today forward she will embrace her duties as queen and she says she can no longer do what she used to do (he isn't there it is her imagination). I think she is choosing to bear the burden of her tribe since her aunt can't do it because she is not in any frame of mind to.
12. (this is actually more fitting with her personality for pillow book). Si Ming shows up with a gift from DH. He gives her a map that he personally made and used to conquer the world. Apparently this is a big deal as not even the celestial king could use it. She asks for a message. Si Ming says that she will understand when she opens it. In return she gives him a bow and hopes that they remain friends. DH in his study has watched the entire thing. It looks like he has her tail, that she cut off, on his belt. I take it that is his way of acknowledging their mutual feelings?
13.We change scenes to the mortal realm (has she basically given up on her kid?). BQ is drinking tea and watching a play. Some random lower deity shows up and begs for money--she gives it. She appears interested in her brother. They muse about how much it sucks to be mortal. BQ reports that it doesn't matter if she can't differentiate between dreams and reality because it is still life.
14. Apparently Si jin got reincarnated into a not so nice life...
1. Ever faithful, Migu defends BQ's actions. BQ acknowledges their requests but explains that as Susu she was his wife, and requests that she be allowed to clean his body and dress him (on her knees she bows and begs). She insists that it is only proper that she do this, as his wife. DH grants this request.
2.3rd prince asks YH's mother to not hold a grudge. But she has a point, he died twice for the same woman. She should be allowed to be heartbroken. He asks that since she is handing the body over to be patient.
3. FJ serves tea and explains she probably won't be queen anymore before giving Dh tea in a rather charged scene.
--Again, I think that DH will put distance between himself and FJ again. He removed his name from the rock to be the best god, basically, and his fear that she would die interfered in his ability to defend the tribe (even if she was trying to protect him). I bet he is going to continue avoiding her because his little indulgences seem to reaffirm his belief that nothing good can come from loving her. I don't think he will stop loving her...but it doesn't look good for team FJ
4.We see an extremely poignant and emotionally charged scene as BQ speaks to the dead YH, talking to him about things she never told him when he was alive. She explains that now she understands the heavy burden he basically has crown prince but talks about how nice it would be if he were normal. She explains that she was inadequate, not good enough, but as queen it's funny how useless she is. She promises to never forget him and shares a secret: that when he stood outside her fox den for seven days she had already forgiven him but because of her stubbornness and desire to appear strong, she couldn't tell him. She acknowledges how difficult his life has been and then kisses him. (SO SAD! the only person who i can think of who has suffered more than the people in this show is Bones from Journey of Flower)
5. YH is in his coffin while surrounded by his family. Members of the celestial tribe and fox tribe are there. She asks permission to go to the sea of innocence but is denied access because she is not a member of the celestial tribe (ouch!). FJ stands up for her aunt and their love (ever loyal) but BQ understands (I say f**** their rules at this point but they are sticklers for the rules). Everyone disappears, and BQ runs outside, having not accepted that he has gone. She collapses. FJ leaves temporarily I assume to help her.
(I have a bad feeling about FJ trying to help her aunt...my gut tells me she will do something really dumb or really selfless, neither will be good)
6. Members of the celestial tribe have returned. Following not far behind is FJ. She is not allowed to enter. DH turns around and stops in front of FJ (the distance between them seems really big right now)
7.FJ asks DH how his injuries are; he says they are almost healed. He says that he thought she was going to ask the question again, that if he had not removed his name from the rock, would he have fallen for her. His answer is yes (not what I was expecting). Next he confirmed what I knew all along by clearly stating it--that he underwent that heavenly trial to fulfill his own personal wish. He tells her to leave. And smiles, before turning to go. I think he is rather amazed at his own admission. Poor Fj (if I didn't know about pillow book I won't lie I might not have finished this drama).
8.We change our scene to BQ who is wearing gray (mourning) and wandering through the peach blossoms in a bit of a bored daze. While she is sleeping BQ dreams she is visited by YH. She embraces him and then he fades away. BQ wanders around, calling for him. 4th brother shames her and says that she should be able to survive without him. She says it isn't that she can't, it's just that she doesn't know how
9.BQ confesses she told YH that he spent his lifetime seeking what he could not have; she admits she is not different. BQ admits she cannot live without him.
10. BQ continues to see him in her dreams. I am not sure if this is actually YH communicating to her or not. But who cares?
11. Time passes, and soon 3 years have passed. FJ is having her hair brushed by her mother. She is wearing really bright red lipstick. Apparently her aunt has been travelling for years. Wearing a red dress, FJ is about to be introduced as the next queen (?). Her father leads her outside and all the people watch while she is being led to a platform. Even now she is thinking of DH . Her internal monologue reveals that he has been working hard, has insomnia. DH is at the top of the platform, and she walks to him, and she decides that from today forward she will embrace her duties as queen and she says she can no longer do what she used to do (he isn't there it is her imagination). I think she is choosing to bear the burden of her tribe since her aunt can't do it because she is not in any frame of mind to.
12. (this is actually more fitting with her personality for pillow book). Si Ming shows up with a gift from DH. He gives her a map that he personally made and used to conquer the world. Apparently this is a big deal as not even the celestial king could use it. She asks for a message. Si Ming says that she will understand when she opens it. In return she gives him a bow and hopes that they remain friends. DH in his study has watched the entire thing. It looks like he has her tail, that she cut off, on his belt. I take it that is his way of acknowledging their mutual feelings?
13.We change scenes to the mortal realm (has she basically given up on her kid?). BQ is drinking tea and watching a play. Some random lower deity shows up and begs for money--she gives it. She appears interested in her brother. They muse about how much it sucks to be mortal. BQ reports that it doesn't matter if she can't differentiate between dreams and reality because it is still life.
14. Apparently Si jin got reincarnated into a not so nice life...
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1. Bai Quian stops at home to begin wedding arrangements. They also address the issue of who should be queen since Bau Quian is leaving. She nominates her niece, which I agree, I don't really think she is suited because of her immaturity. It seems like they pick her because she is a woman and female foxes are rare (?).
2.Bai Quian borrows Fengjiu in order to check on her. I guess she was beat by her father but not too badly (Dong Hua should have showed up and taken her to his love nest by now but I don't see that happening any time soon) She passes on the message that Cheng Yu wants to see her, and that it is very important. Fengjiu has no idea what it is about and now Fengjiu will have to sneak off again.
3.4th brother informs Phoenix that now that Bai Quian is getting married, Fengjiu will become queen. He seems happy about it but Phoenix appears impatient, thinking only of Mo Yuan (this guy is like an after thought to me at the moment).
4.Back in the palace all the talk is about the wedding. Si Jin has to help with preparations! She fishes for a date, I imagine, to organize her plots but isn't told a date but she does learn it will occur after Ye Hua's mortal trials.
5. Bai Quian experiences extreme de ja vu near the lotus pond. Apparently it is foggy in order to surprise her for her surprise wedding congratulations party where he officially announces their engagement in fron of all the tribes. Everyone remarks on how beautiful they look together (I agree). It gives her an opportunity to build some likes among the people as she warmly engages A-Li.
(Let me take a moment to rant about commercials. Rant over)
6. Now Ye Hua shares that he has to undergo a mortal trial and explains why. These are increasingly common in this show and at this point seem like a poor plot device to me but hey, what the heck. Everyone gets a mortal trial!
7.She learns that star lord/Si Ming is giving him a blank destiny (I don't blame BQ for being worried about any crazy stories he has given his script for Dong Hua). Again she reminds him that she doesn't forgive betrayal. He asks what she would do if he meets a mortal and Ye Hua gets to see her jealous, so I am sure he is happy, as he listens to her explain that she will kidnap him and bring him to her love nest.
8.4th brother cautions Fengjiu that her father is going to chase her when she goes. She has no plans to see Dong Hua (don't blame her) and transforms into a little ball of light which allows her to hide in 4th brother's sleeve (so many things up these sleeves). This will allow her to pass through the magical barrier her father has created to eep her in. I have to say I admire her craftiness. And her laugh when she gets her way clearly indicates she is fully aware of what she is doing. Still reckless. Still my favorite.
9. Once outside, she goes to the celestial palace.
10.4th brother and phoenix visit the sea king again to check in on the prince; he seems to be doing well. Phoenix suspects that Mo Yuan will soon awaken (if he does come back I imagine he will be upset to see his fave apprentice about to get married to a guy who looks just like him and by all accounts was a flower he was taking care of. never trust a lotus)
11. She gives him the soul jade that Li Jing gave her (why, I don't know). The bell at Kunlan Mountain rings, signalling that Mo Yuan has achieved the impossible and has returned (thanks to a lot of help). Everyone stops in their tracks because they know what it means. Now Ye Hua must contend with the fact that he is leaving the moment his only rival in love returns.
12.He thinks the exact thing Mo Yuan said out loud when he vanished into the bell 'Wait for my return' before departing for the mortal realm. I kind of feel bad for Mo Yuan but we don't know for sure if he has feelings for her (he probably did).
13. Mo Yuan is awake, looking at Bai Quian (girl form). We are treated to some flash scenes of the past. Including his dramatic death. This is such a powerful scene! And he greets her as if he has never left. She kneels in front of him and he calls her 'my little seventeenth' before they embrace, master and student reunited.
14. Deep inside the bell, Cuang is preparing to awaken now that Mo Yuan is awake as it was Mo Yuan's spirit keeping him sealed (recall Li Jing warned this would happen but Ye Hua ignored him).
12.Mo Yuan appears to be visibly troubled by the fact that the crown prince is her fiance. He explains that he is his twin brother. Heavenly father gave him a lotus before departing. Apparently the pillars holding heaven and earth collapsed and his mother had a miscarriage. The younger twin was lost. Because he felt responsible, heavenly father used half of his power on the fetus and turned the little brother into a lotus. He entrusted that lotus to Mo Yuan, who was charged with cultivating the lotus until his brother was ready to be born again. This was his dying wish, apparently. Mo Yuan's death triggered his awakening.
13.This seems to defy the historical records, and the phoenix concludes that the records cannot be trusted.
14.Mo Yuan requests to meet his brother but they explain he just left to the mortal realm.
15. Elsewhere Dong Hua appears deep in thought and Fengjiu sneaks up behind him (so much for avoiding him). She runs into his arms, and she expresses concern that he is going to die. He lectures her not to behave so and tries to make her let him go. He appears to be troubled by her behavior/in pain.
16. she asks if this is because she is his destined calamity. he asks who told her so, and she asks, 'am i not?' and then the episode ends.
___
This episode was rather good. It had elements I like, such as epic events (Mo Yuan coming back) to counter balance the somewhat random events (Ye Hua returning to the mortal realm) and the always spectacular scenes with Dong Hua (I think these scenes are so successful because they have less screen time so there is much less filler with them).
2.Bai Quian borrows Fengjiu in order to check on her. I guess she was beat by her father but not too badly (Dong Hua should have showed up and taken her to his love nest by now but I don't see that happening any time soon) She passes on the message that Cheng Yu wants to see her, and that it is very important. Fengjiu has no idea what it is about and now Fengjiu will have to sneak off again.
3.4th brother informs Phoenix that now that Bai Quian is getting married, Fengjiu will become queen. He seems happy about it but Phoenix appears impatient, thinking only of Mo Yuan (this guy is like an after thought to me at the moment).
4.Back in the palace all the talk is about the wedding. Si Jin has to help with preparations! She fishes for a date, I imagine, to organize her plots but isn't told a date but she does learn it will occur after Ye Hua's mortal trials.
5. Bai Quian experiences extreme de ja vu near the lotus pond. Apparently it is foggy in order to surprise her for her surprise wedding congratulations party where he officially announces their engagement in fron of all the tribes. Everyone remarks on how beautiful they look together (I agree). It gives her an opportunity to build some likes among the people as she warmly engages A-Li.
(Let me take a moment to rant about commercials. Rant over)
6. Now Ye Hua shares that he has to undergo a mortal trial and explains why. These are increasingly common in this show and at this point seem like a poor plot device to me but hey, what the heck. Everyone gets a mortal trial!
7.She learns that star lord/Si Ming is giving him a blank destiny (I don't blame BQ for being worried about any crazy stories he has given his script for Dong Hua). Again she reminds him that she doesn't forgive betrayal. He asks what she would do if he meets a mortal and Ye Hua gets to see her jealous, so I am sure he is happy, as he listens to her explain that she will kidnap him and bring him to her love nest.
8.4th brother cautions Fengjiu that her father is going to chase her when she goes. She has no plans to see Dong Hua (don't blame her) and transforms into a little ball of light which allows her to hide in 4th brother's sleeve (so many things up these sleeves). This will allow her to pass through the magical barrier her father has created to eep her in. I have to say I admire her craftiness. And her laugh when she gets her way clearly indicates she is fully aware of what she is doing. Still reckless. Still my favorite.
9. Once outside, she goes to the celestial palace.
10.4th brother and phoenix visit the sea king again to check in on the prince; he seems to be doing well. Phoenix suspects that Mo Yuan will soon awaken (if he does come back I imagine he will be upset to see his fave apprentice about to get married to a guy who looks just like him and by all accounts was a flower he was taking care of. never trust a lotus)
11. She gives him the soul jade that Li Jing gave her (why, I don't know). The bell at Kunlan Mountain rings, signalling that Mo Yuan has achieved the impossible and has returned (thanks to a lot of help). Everyone stops in their tracks because they know what it means. Now Ye Hua must contend with the fact that he is leaving the moment his only rival in love returns.
12.He thinks the exact thing Mo Yuan said out loud when he vanished into the bell 'Wait for my return' before departing for the mortal realm. I kind of feel bad for Mo Yuan but we don't know for sure if he has feelings for her (he probably did).
13. Mo Yuan is awake, looking at Bai Quian (girl form). We are treated to some flash scenes of the past. Including his dramatic death. This is such a powerful scene! And he greets her as if he has never left. She kneels in front of him and he calls her 'my little seventeenth' before they embrace, master and student reunited.
14. Deep inside the bell, Cuang is preparing to awaken now that Mo Yuan is awake as it was Mo Yuan's spirit keeping him sealed (recall Li Jing warned this would happen but Ye Hua ignored him).
12.Mo Yuan appears to be visibly troubled by the fact that the crown prince is her fiance. He explains that he is his twin brother. Heavenly father gave him a lotus before departing. Apparently the pillars holding heaven and earth collapsed and his mother had a miscarriage. The younger twin was lost. Because he felt responsible, heavenly father used half of his power on the fetus and turned the little brother into a lotus. He entrusted that lotus to Mo Yuan, who was charged with cultivating the lotus until his brother was ready to be born again. This was his dying wish, apparently. Mo Yuan's death triggered his awakening.
13.This seems to defy the historical records, and the phoenix concludes that the records cannot be trusted.
14.Mo Yuan requests to meet his brother but they explain he just left to the mortal realm.
15. Elsewhere Dong Hua appears deep in thought and Fengjiu sneaks up behind him (so much for avoiding him). She runs into his arms, and she expresses concern that he is going to die. He lectures her not to behave so and tries to make her let him go. He appears to be troubled by her behavior/in pain.
16. she asks if this is because she is his destined calamity. he asks who told her so, and she asks, 'am i not?' and then the episode ends.
___
This episode was rather good. It had elements I like, such as epic events (Mo Yuan coming back) to counter balance the somewhat random events (Ye Hua returning to the mortal realm) and the always spectacular scenes with Dong Hua (I think these scenes are so successful because they have less screen time so there is much less filler with them).
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1.Before Fengjiu can answer to the alleged adultery, Dong Hua interrupts her and clearly gives her an out, blaming the power struggles of the harem. Fengjiu says it is her fault for giving others the impression that she is a temptress. So it seems that she fails to follow through with her task. (I don't blame her).
2.Si Ming a.k.a. star man explains that there are six hardships, and one includes betrayal from the one you love. He also warns her that if Dong Hua learns that she avoided doing her job he will 'condemn them'. (Really?? I can't see it). Fengjiu says she can't bear to hurt him. This is truly an awful thing to ask someone who you know is in love with you to do. Dong Hua my respect for you lowers with each scene.
3.Dong Hua continues to have his doubts, and then Si Ming disguises himself as a guard and reports that something illicit is happening.....(TRAITOR)
4.Fengjiu magically appears in the crown prince's bath, ready to seduce. The emperor is watching the whole thing. Dong Hua looks absolutely terrifying. The look in his face is truly frightening. Fengjiu says she has nothing to say when he asks. He says no one is to know about this matter besides the three of them, before walking away, looking crazy. And THEN he coughs up blood and collapses ????????
5.Fengjiu is at his bed side, in tears. I feel so bad for her. She really has got the short end of the stick. All the concubines are there, and they toss her out. Fengjiu has to listen to the head consort say awful things about her as she is dragged away by guards. She tries to tell him that she had reasons to betray him but it is too late it seems. My heart is popping out. The authors are cruel. Why would they make Fengjiu have to do this? Why does she have to suffer so much?
6.Si Ming Tries to remind her that this is Dong Hua, and she tries to explain her love and worries to him but says 'you can't understand' and she hopes he will remember in the immortal realm, everything they have done (I guess this means his promises_. Si Ming said he can't forget everything but the relationship will change because he will be a god again. He also warns her that their romance started and ends in the mortal realm. POOR FENGJIU. This is a cruel thing Dong Hua has chosen to do to her. And extremely selfish I might add.
7.Dong Hua has a vision of Fengjiu walking towards him. Although ill he grabs the bell she gives him and squeezes it tightly before coughing up more blood and (dying?). Fengjiu is inconsolable in her cell. Si Ming is even having trouble with this task. He begs the gods to give him a clear head.
8.It seems the emperor has died 18 years too soon. He was supposed to live longer. Si Ming wonders if it is because of losing the one he loves, further adding to Fengjiu's heartbreak and despair. Si Ming then runs off and leaves her alone?!!
9.Back in the immortal realm Dong Hua awakens (so pretty again) and he appears to be not in a good mood. He remembers everything that has happened. He thinks back to everything he has done with Fengjiu and he seems to be visibly troubled, and angry, because his hand is in a fist. because he is still holding the bell!!!!!!!!!!!!! Strangely, cousin just arrived when he died...And yet he seems to show no concern or regret, that Fengjiu is currently rotting in some cell someone because of something he wanted her to do. NEVER TRUST BEAUTIFUL MEN WITH WHITE HAIR.
10.What will Dong Hua do now? I sincerely hope he does not mistreat Fengjiu. Even Dong Hua does not know why he died sooner than expected. Si Ming believes the love trial was too much to bear for him. Does not care about what is happening to Fengjiu back in the mortal realm? Won't she be killed?
11. Ye hua immediately arrives to inquire about divine fungal grass, I am assuming, to resurrect Mo Yuan. While he admits he is strong enough to obtain it he suggests Ye Hua do it himself. Dijin shares everything he knows about Bai Quian, including that she is Si Yin. (but what about Fengjiu????)
12.Dong Hua explains that because of his hardships he can understand empathy/love now and why Bai Quian is so attached to Mo Yuan. (again, what about Fengjiu???) This can't be reassuring for Ye Hua.
13. Ye Hua takes the magical lamp and prepares to take it to Mo Yuan. We are treated to an annoying (but necessary) scene with A-Li (I admit bias here; I don't like child actors). Then back to Bai Quian strolling along the beach with Phoenix. They are here to see the sea prince. Bai Quian continues to delay meeting Mo Yuan. She takes out Mo Yuan's soul fragments, I think, in a very emotional scene before running into Yu Hua who looks to be more miserable and cold as he watches Bai Quian express a level of care and concern for Mo Yuan that she has not shown anyone else (naturally he mistakes it for love).
14. Ye Hua is in tears basically and muses on how everything is a mess right now before leaving. Bai Quian is equally confused. End episode (again, what about Fengjiu????)
2.Si Ming a.k.a. star man explains that there are six hardships, and one includes betrayal from the one you love. He also warns her that if Dong Hua learns that she avoided doing her job he will 'condemn them'. (Really?? I can't see it). Fengjiu says she can't bear to hurt him. This is truly an awful thing to ask someone who you know is in love with you to do. Dong Hua my respect for you lowers with each scene.
3.Dong Hua continues to have his doubts, and then Si Ming disguises himself as a guard and reports that something illicit is happening.....(TRAITOR)
4.Fengjiu magically appears in the crown prince's bath, ready to seduce. The emperor is watching the whole thing. Dong Hua looks absolutely terrifying. The look in his face is truly frightening. Fengjiu says she has nothing to say when he asks. He says no one is to know about this matter besides the three of them, before walking away, looking crazy. And THEN he coughs up blood and collapses ????????
5.Fengjiu is at his bed side, in tears. I feel so bad for her. She really has got the short end of the stick. All the concubines are there, and they toss her out. Fengjiu has to listen to the head consort say awful things about her as she is dragged away by guards. She tries to tell him that she had reasons to betray him but it is too late it seems. My heart is popping out. The authors are cruel. Why would they make Fengjiu have to do this? Why does she have to suffer so much?
6.Si Ming Tries to remind her that this is Dong Hua, and she tries to explain her love and worries to him but says 'you can't understand' and she hopes he will remember in the immortal realm, everything they have done (I guess this means his promises_. Si Ming said he can't forget everything but the relationship will change because he will be a god again. He also warns her that their romance started and ends in the mortal realm. POOR FENGJIU. This is a cruel thing Dong Hua has chosen to do to her. And extremely selfish I might add.
7.Dong Hua has a vision of Fengjiu walking towards him. Although ill he grabs the bell she gives him and squeezes it tightly before coughing up more blood and (dying?). Fengjiu is inconsolable in her cell. Si Ming is even having trouble with this task. He begs the gods to give him a clear head.
8.It seems the emperor has died 18 years too soon. He was supposed to live longer. Si Ming wonders if it is because of losing the one he loves, further adding to Fengjiu's heartbreak and despair. Si Ming then runs off and leaves her alone?!!
9.Back in the immortal realm Dong Hua awakens (so pretty again) and he appears to be not in a good mood. He remembers everything that has happened. He thinks back to everything he has done with Fengjiu and he seems to be visibly troubled, and angry, because his hand is in a fist. because he is still holding the bell!!!!!!!!!!!!! Strangely, cousin just arrived when he died...And yet he seems to show no concern or regret, that Fengjiu is currently rotting in some cell someone because of something he wanted her to do. NEVER TRUST BEAUTIFUL MEN WITH WHITE HAIR.
10.What will Dong Hua do now? I sincerely hope he does not mistreat Fengjiu. Even Dong Hua does not know why he died sooner than expected. Si Ming believes the love trial was too much to bear for him. Does not care about what is happening to Fengjiu back in the mortal realm? Won't she be killed?
11. Ye hua immediately arrives to inquire about divine fungal grass, I am assuming, to resurrect Mo Yuan. While he admits he is strong enough to obtain it he suggests Ye Hua do it himself. Dijin shares everything he knows about Bai Quian, including that she is Si Yin. (but what about Fengjiu????)
12.Dong Hua explains that because of his hardships he can understand empathy/love now and why Bai Quian is so attached to Mo Yuan. (again, what about Fengjiu???) This can't be reassuring for Ye Hua.
13. Ye Hua takes the magical lamp and prepares to take it to Mo Yuan. We are treated to an annoying (but necessary) scene with A-Li (I admit bias here; I don't like child actors). Then back to Bai Quian strolling along the beach with Phoenix. They are here to see the sea prince. Bai Quian continues to delay meeting Mo Yuan. She takes out Mo Yuan's soul fragments, I think, in a very emotional scene before running into Yu Hua who looks to be more miserable and cold as he watches Bai Quian express a level of care and concern for Mo Yuan that she has not shown anyone else (naturally he mistakes it for love).
14. Ye Hua is in tears basically and muses on how everything is a mess right now before leaving. Bai Quian is equally confused. End episode (again, what about Fengjiu????)
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1. In the very first scene Yu Hua finally has a confirmation to two burning questions: where was Bai Quian all those years ago, and did she take something to forget her memory? Phoenix god tells the truth, to the extent that he knows: that she was missing, that she was found injured, and that he gave her the potion to forget at her request. Phoenix connected the dots and assumed she was Su Su, which Yu Hua confirms. Yu Hua explains how he know Bai Quian and Su Su were the same, beginning with her mannerisms.
2.Proving to be unusually dense, Yu Hua tells phoenix he suspects she wants to forget him becuase of Mo Yuan. HOW DOES THAT MAKE SENSE? Mo Yuan is dead. Su Su had no memory of him when she lept to her death, and also, Yu Hua did a number of awful things to her, beginning with failing to protect her, ignoring her, not explaining anything to her, lying left and right, AND TAKING HER DAMN EYES OUT OF HER HEAD!! I really find this to be a poorly scripted part. Ye Hua needs to take responsibility for his behavior and begin with an apology. Pardon my angry outburst at obvious blame dodging, I find it hard to believe that is his biggest insecurity. I would be more concerned about her remembering what he did than about Mo Yuan, who is currently dead, and therefore, not in anyway a threat.
3. In a stroke of genius Xian Xu uses her vulnerability to cause a guard to have his guard down. She kills him and (while carrying around her still dead baby) grants a most unusual request: Li Huan reveals the curse, that the death of him and his siblings will strengthen his father. He wants to awaken him and have him kill everyone. This seems reasonable to Xian Nu as she is too weak to do anything. I kind of respect Li Huan for this extremely brave move, it isn't like he will be able to know if his father is ever successful. But his hatred and bitterness transcends even that. What is truly awful is he tells her exactly how to kill his sweet sister. Even Xian Nu finds this request to be vicious. I genuinely pity Xian Nu, I always have. She kills him and takes his jade which is supposed to help him find his sister.
4....In a death bell far far away Ciang Ciang stirs and he says he raised only one good child because his child sacrificed himself. Ciang Ciang says he will slaughter the entire world.
5. Xuan Nu clumsily makes her way through the woods while carrying her dead baby (it's really sad she doesn't have more confidence) she is using her own blood I think to keep the child's body from decaying. Now a fugitive, she is hiding from ghost soldiers. It is extremely sad to watch. She becomes homesick and chooses to see her mother. Sadly, she overhears her mother essentially disowning her and stating angrily she has no daughter, focusing on her traitorous behavior. Sadly, she can't accept responsibility for her actions and continues to blame Bai Quian. She is a little right--I mean Li Jing was in love with Bai Quian, however Bai Quian had no control over any of that.
6. Xuan Nu nearly runs into Li Jing ho is waiting to see Bai Quian. This seems to cement her desire to punish everyone. Can't say I blame her. Even on the eve of her own execution her husband is trying to see Bai Quian. If Li Jing had loved her even a little bit I don't think she would have become so twisted. But he tolerated her kept her close (physically I mean), bullied her (which was undoubtedly a trick just to get him to notice her, even if it was negative attention) and didn't even try to hide his feelings for Bai Quian. I'm not saying it makes her behavior okay but I can feel empathy for her.
7.Yay Fengjui and Dong Hua!!!!!!! So it's raining when we open to this couple. He carries her on his back!!!! This is just so darn sweet, because immortal Dong Hua would never deign to do something so romantic. He says he can't bear to see her feet wet so he carries her. She's still wearing the bell she stole. Awwwww. This will be burned in my memory.
8. Next scene is discarded clothing and cuddles on Dong Hua's bed....oh my gosh he says he wants to have a baby with her (basically he says I have been doting on you for so long i.e. we have been sleeping together for a long time) and she admits she has no control over that (perhaps si ming did not write that into her story?) the scene ends with them making love again. I think they have had more sex than any other character in the series, and that includes Li Jing (sorry was that crass?)
9. Dong Hua spoon feeds Fengjui...omg I melted during this scene. She asks him, 'Will you always treat me will' and he promises 'I will always treat you well'.
10. Why does she have to break his heart??? Why does Dijun want her to hurt him? WTF? I knew it. he is a sadist/masochist. Making her hurt him and enjoying the suffering. Dijun, who knew you harbored such dark thoughts??? She shouldn't have to do that to someone she loves! What could be worse than hurting the one you love? That's it Dijun. I am breaking up with you. You can't hurt my girl like that!
----i know this is going to have negative consequences later. But i feel like if she doesn't do it, then it's also bad. I am feeling great conflict and frustration!--sorry readers. I am writing this literally as I watch the show so you are all reading my feelings as they pop up--maybe she will have his love child now that would be a twist
11. meanwhile someone...i think 18th? (feels like dragonball z with all the numbers) runs into Li Jing's sister who is working as a maid somewhere. i think it is safe to assume they will fall in love, leading to another complicated love story.
12.Ye Hua and Bai Quian run into Li Jing on their way to heaven. When I think about all the people Li Jing has had to apologize for, I really feel bad for him. His one mistake was messing things up with Bai Quian and it has haunted his every waking minute. And Bai Quian will never forgive him.
13.He tries to give her the jade stone...and she essentially says we don't need it. She encourages him to lives his life and move on as she has. She clearly tells him that she was once in love with him but she was also naive. She explains how she felt after he lied to her about the stone, and how he disappointed she was. END EPISODE
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2.Proving to be unusually dense, Yu Hua tells phoenix he suspects she wants to forget him becuase of Mo Yuan. HOW DOES THAT MAKE SENSE? Mo Yuan is dead. Su Su had no memory of him when she lept to her death, and also, Yu Hua did a number of awful things to her, beginning with failing to protect her, ignoring her, not explaining anything to her, lying left and right, AND TAKING HER DAMN EYES OUT OF HER HEAD!! I really find this to be a poorly scripted part. Ye Hua needs to take responsibility for his behavior and begin with an apology. Pardon my angry outburst at obvious blame dodging, I find it hard to believe that is his biggest insecurity. I would be more concerned about her remembering what he did than about Mo Yuan, who is currently dead, and therefore, not in anyway a threat.
3. In a stroke of genius Xian Xu uses her vulnerability to cause a guard to have his guard down. She kills him and (while carrying around her still dead baby) grants a most unusual request: Li Huan reveals the curse, that the death of him and his siblings will strengthen his father. He wants to awaken him and have him kill everyone. This seems reasonable to Xian Nu as she is too weak to do anything. I kind of respect Li Huan for this extremely brave move, it isn't like he will be able to know if his father is ever successful. But his hatred and bitterness transcends even that. What is truly awful is he tells her exactly how to kill his sweet sister. Even Xian Nu finds this request to be vicious. I genuinely pity Xian Nu, I always have. She kills him and takes his jade which is supposed to help him find his sister.
4....In a death bell far far away Ciang Ciang stirs and he says he raised only one good child because his child sacrificed himself. Ciang Ciang says he will slaughter the entire world.
5. Xuan Nu clumsily makes her way through the woods while carrying her dead baby (it's really sad she doesn't have more confidence) she is using her own blood I think to keep the child's body from decaying. Now a fugitive, she is hiding from ghost soldiers. It is extremely sad to watch. She becomes homesick and chooses to see her mother. Sadly, she overhears her mother essentially disowning her and stating angrily she has no daughter, focusing on her traitorous behavior. Sadly, she can't accept responsibility for her actions and continues to blame Bai Quian. She is a little right--I mean Li Jing was in love with Bai Quian, however Bai Quian had no control over any of that.
6. Xuan Nu nearly runs into Li Jing ho is waiting to see Bai Quian. This seems to cement her desire to punish everyone. Can't say I blame her. Even on the eve of her own execution her husband is trying to see Bai Quian. If Li Jing had loved her even a little bit I don't think she would have become so twisted. But he tolerated her kept her close (physically I mean), bullied her (which was undoubtedly a trick just to get him to notice her, even if it was negative attention) and didn't even try to hide his feelings for Bai Quian. I'm not saying it makes her behavior okay but I can feel empathy for her.
7.Yay Fengjui and Dong Hua!!!!!!! So it's raining when we open to this couple. He carries her on his back!!!! This is just so darn sweet, because immortal Dong Hua would never deign to do something so romantic. He says he can't bear to see her feet wet so he carries her. She's still wearing the bell she stole. Awwwww. This will be burned in my memory.
8. Next scene is discarded clothing and cuddles on Dong Hua's bed....oh my gosh he says he wants to have a baby with her (basically he says I have been doting on you for so long i.e. we have been sleeping together for a long time) and she admits she has no control over that (perhaps si ming did not write that into her story?) the scene ends with them making love again. I think they have had more sex than any other character in the series, and that includes Li Jing (sorry was that crass?)
9. Dong Hua spoon feeds Fengjui...omg I melted during this scene. She asks him, 'Will you always treat me will' and he promises 'I will always treat you well'.
10. Why does she have to break his heart??? Why does Dijun want her to hurt him? WTF? I knew it. he is a sadist/masochist. Making her hurt him and enjoying the suffering. Dijun, who knew you harbored such dark thoughts??? She shouldn't have to do that to someone she loves! What could be worse than hurting the one you love? That's it Dijun. I am breaking up with you. You can't hurt my girl like that!
----i know this is going to have negative consequences later. But i feel like if she doesn't do it, then it's also bad. I am feeling great conflict and frustration!--sorry readers. I am writing this literally as I watch the show so you are all reading my feelings as they pop up--maybe she will have his love child now that would be a twist
11. meanwhile someone...i think 18th? (feels like dragonball z with all the numbers) runs into Li Jing's sister who is working as a maid somewhere. i think it is safe to assume they will fall in love, leading to another complicated love story.
12.Ye Hua and Bai Quian run into Li Jing on their way to heaven. When I think about all the people Li Jing has had to apologize for, I really feel bad for him. His one mistake was messing things up with Bai Quian and it has haunted his every waking minute. And Bai Quian will never forgive him.
13.He tries to give her the jade stone...and she essentially says we don't need it. She encourages him to lives his life and move on as she has. She clearly tells him that she was once in love with him but she was also naive. She explains how she felt after he lied to her about the stone, and how he disappointed she was. END EPISODE
_____
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1. It doesn't really add up that Dong Hua is the father of the reincarnated Yi Zhen but time moves differently. It seems too convenient for me. Oh well.
2.Ye Hua with his hair down!!!! He and Bai Qian share a bed but it is innocent. She likes him a lot I gather to allow this.
3. Ye Hua gives her some protective beads and kisses her forehead after asking her to do his hair.
4.Bai Quian spends her time as Yi Zhens shifu (yawn sorry this episode really dragged for me)
5.about 15 min in Bai Quian encounters her niece who faints to avoid talking to her. She worries about being taken away and her aunt learning she used the two lives curse to stay and serve (wink) dong Hua
6. Ghost queen plans to use the elixir chamber to burn mo yuan and make a life saving drink for her son. Even her own soldiers appear disturbed by this taboo magic
7. Bai Fengjiu explains her reason for using the curse that she can love Dong Hua by day and be free of those feelings at night. She then says it is essentially a more legit form of love to love when no one is looking. I take this means she is okay with just serving Dong Hua and either no ready to commit or she has made her needs (and love) second. She also explained that she is supporting Dong Hua until he meets the woman he is to love on the fated day. Being dumber than a sack of rocks (in a cute way not annoying) she hasn't realized that the woman is her. Also probs why she hasn't slept with him.
8. Her aunt calls Don Hua lacking in goals but Bai Fengjiu defends him explaining he has never experienced true love. She also confirms he has not raped her after her aunt asks, her aunt tells her she plans to remove Yi zhen from dong huas trial of llove.
---I cannot imagine Don Hua raping anyone even as a human---
9. The Phoenix god is summoned to help a sea kings eldest son who is in a coma. The Phoenix god explains he is safe but must investigate some things first.
10.Bai Quian explains that Yu Zhen will be saved from the trial by having someone push the emperor into the water while invisible. I guess the attention will be on the emperor and not the beauty they are fated to love. Snake goddess volunteers in spite of the danger of using the spell. So the next option is second prince
11.second prince wonders if Bai Qian picked him out for of revenge for canceling the engagement FYI anyone who uses their powers in the mortal realm will get in big trouble. His wife talks him out of this way of thinking. He goes to see Bai Quian and remarks on he resemblance to Si Yin ( how has none figured this out yet?)
12, Don Hua is watching some dancers ( I miss his god form....) and Bai Fengjiu is watching Don Hua. In the brush Si Ming and Ye Hua are watching everyone else. The plan is ready to start....
13.she is able to use her power as a shifu to lure Yi Zhen away. A roc bird appears and Don Hua suspects it to be an omen...is I good or bad?
14.a woman is snatched by the bird and drops into the water. Someone invisible pushes the emperor into the water and everyone focuses on saving him. Apparently Don Hua cannot swim. Bai Fengjiu jumps in to save him. Ye Hua uses his magic to intercept Bai Quian because someone pushes her in the water.
15. We learn of course that this was si mings plan all along and he explains in a few months Bai Fengjiu will get what she wants.... I assume she will become Don hua's lover !!
16. The emperor Don Hua awakens in Bai Fengjiu arms....awwww
17.we learn that the one who pushed Bai Quian is the sea goddess princess now servin Su Jin. Su Jin is upset because while not her plan she failed. She clearly needs to get rid of her in case Ye Hua investigates. I am certain she believes everything is justified because she loves him.
2.Ye Hua with his hair down!!!! He and Bai Qian share a bed but it is innocent. She likes him a lot I gather to allow this.
3. Ye Hua gives her some protective beads and kisses her forehead after asking her to do his hair.
4.Bai Quian spends her time as Yi Zhens shifu (yawn sorry this episode really dragged for me)
5.about 15 min in Bai Quian encounters her niece who faints to avoid talking to her. She worries about being taken away and her aunt learning she used the two lives curse to stay and serve (wink) dong Hua
6. Ghost queen plans to use the elixir chamber to burn mo yuan and make a life saving drink for her son. Even her own soldiers appear disturbed by this taboo magic
7. Bai Fengjiu explains her reason for using the curse that she can love Dong Hua by day and be free of those feelings at night. She then says it is essentially a more legit form of love to love when no one is looking. I take this means she is okay with just serving Dong Hua and either no ready to commit or she has made her needs (and love) second. She also explained that she is supporting Dong Hua until he meets the woman he is to love on the fated day. Being dumber than a sack of rocks (in a cute way not annoying) she hasn't realized that the woman is her. Also probs why she hasn't slept with him.
8. Her aunt calls Don Hua lacking in goals but Bai Fengjiu defends him explaining he has never experienced true love. She also confirms he has not raped her after her aunt asks, her aunt tells her she plans to remove Yi zhen from dong huas trial of llove.
---I cannot imagine Don Hua raping anyone even as a human---
9. The Phoenix god is summoned to help a sea kings eldest son who is in a coma. The Phoenix god explains he is safe but must investigate some things first.
10.Bai Quian explains that Yu Zhen will be saved from the trial by having someone push the emperor into the water while invisible. I guess the attention will be on the emperor and not the beauty they are fated to love. Snake goddess volunteers in spite of the danger of using the spell. So the next option is second prince
11.second prince wonders if Bai Qian picked him out for of revenge for canceling the engagement FYI anyone who uses their powers in the mortal realm will get in big trouble. His wife talks him out of this way of thinking. He goes to see Bai Quian and remarks on he resemblance to Si Yin ( how has none figured this out yet?)
12, Don Hua is watching some dancers ( I miss his god form....) and Bai Fengjiu is watching Don Hua. In the brush Si Ming and Ye Hua are watching everyone else. The plan is ready to start....
13.she is able to use her power as a shifu to lure Yi Zhen away. A roc bird appears and Don Hua suspects it to be an omen...is I good or bad?
14.a woman is snatched by the bird and drops into the water. Someone invisible pushes the emperor into the water and everyone focuses on saving him. Apparently Don Hua cannot swim. Bai Fengjiu jumps in to save him. Ye Hua uses his magic to intercept Bai Quian because someone pushes her in the water.
15. We learn of course that this was si mings plan all along and he explains in a few months Bai Fengjiu will get what she wants.... I assume she will become Don hua's lover !!
16. The emperor Don Hua awakens in Bai Fengjiu arms....awwww
17.we learn that the one who pushed Bai Quian is the sea goddess princess now servin Su Jin. Su Jin is upset because while not her plan she failed. She clearly needs to get rid of her in case Ye Hua investigates. I am certain she believes everything is justified because she loves him.
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I don't have many wuxias under my belt, other than Journey of Flower and to a certain extent, Prince of Lan Ling. These I loved. Thus, I was looking forward to this show for a LONG TIME.
First, the music is amazing. Like really well done music for the scenes that occur...
Since the show is expected to be 62 episodes long, I can assess that the plot and its characters should be thoroughly developed. And there are a LOT of people, and names are not my forte so I will do my best. I don't speak the language so I appreciate your patience.
Before I summarize, understand that the weather CGI, set (the palace could be something out of Lord of the Rings), costumes, make up, weapons, and actors are all stunningly beautiful. This stands out to me because in most dramas there are a couple of beautiful people and the rest are sort of butter faced/forgettable. No. EVERYONE IS BEAUTIFUL. It is distracting at times. Because I need to read the subtitles...and yet I am captivated by everyone's beauty. First for me.
The CGI for animals...for instance, is typical cheesy CGI fare but since everything else is stunning, I can overlook that.
The unique characters for this episode hail from four groups: The Guardians (messengers/peacekeepers between mortals/gods--the rule is they must be mortal, amazing battle skills, and psychic), the Ice Tribe (all white haired beauties with blue eyes think Sesshomaru minus the evil intent, if you watched Inuyasha as a kid)*they wear silver or blue), the fire tribe (black hair/red eyes, wears red or black), and the Mermaid Tribe (neutral, they swim and so they walk poorly on land and have really cool hair that is curly with blue ends--really pretty).
Unique characters: Ka Suo (crown prince who is as pretty as a girl), the fire prince (forgot his name will never forget his epic hair), the boy ice prince born of a mistress/second wife with dark hair, implying he is a halfling (?) , the mermaid princess, and the mortal envoy (guardians).
_____________________________________________________________________________
The show opens up with an epic Lord of Rings style battle between what can be presumed fire and ice tribes, then camera zooms in to Ka Suo (he played prince of lan ling) on a faraway island. There is a rock covered in blood and some four winged bird crashes into it. Then he has a monologue, thinking back to the days before he was king.....
PRESENT DAY (technically the past if you follow his flash-back monologue)
It is Ka Suo's coming of age ceremony. He is 130. Really old, and really beautiful.
Everyone seems to be excited, and he remains polite but stoic. He is playing with his pet flying lion (here he is more free/animated), because, you know, apparently these exist in the ice realm, and is reprimanded by other members of the royal family for being late to his own ceremony.
He leaves, runs into his grandmother who is a bit eccentric and has a birds nest in her hair (looks coutoure and cool), before helping out his little brother who is something of a misfit--he has a scruffy haircut and it seems no powers. The other kids (bullies, so naturally, this being a chinese drama, they are primarily unattractive and a bit plus sized) are about to hurt him, Ka Suo steps in and they fly off on the lion to his ceremony.
Just as the Ice King congratulates his son, a hush descends--the fire prince has shown up to give a gift but everyone is skeptical and certain he is up to no good. They aren't wrong. He offers a gift and challenges Ka Suo to a fight. Ka Suo must be careful, because he could trigger a war and end the 100 yr truce between the kingdoms--which seems to be about as stable as a house of cards.
He uses his cleverness to outwit the fire prince, claiming that if he boils some frozen lake water he wins, and if Ka Suo freezes it , he wins. Cool battle ensues, and it is a draw--the water is warm. So neither win. Also, young ice prince shows up with a bunch of five year olds who thank him for warming the water up--it is extremely cheesy but funny.
The fire prince remarks that it is Ka Suo's cleverness he should be wary of before storming off, epic hair flying in the wind. Mermaid Princess, who is so pretty and has really cool hair, has a crush on him it seems. She tells the young prince to pass on a message--to meet her in the woods or she 'won't leave'.
SCENE CHANGE
Ka Suo is hanging underneath the prettiest tree in the universe, talking to an owl to communicate with our mortal guardian--she is direct, spunky, brash, and can anticipate all his questions. This fascinates Ka Suo, who is intrigued and wishes to meet her (BTW, he is immortal and doesn't eat so it seemed he earlier asked her questions about human digestion---funny stuff).
Possible love interest?
SCENE CHANGE
Instead of going home, fire prince litterally dusts some ice soldiers and goes into an off limits area of the ice woods, for reasons I don't know. He then proceeds to try to rape mermaid princess, claiming that he intends on having her as a wife because she is so beautiful--and it is a very well-orchestrated scene worthy of any soap opera. She loses half of her clothes, exposing just enough skin to avoid censoring and looking like a Sabine Woman fleeing a Roman invader (google it if you don't know).
The show ends with Ka Suo showing up.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I like Mermaid Princess's Look--because it is unconventional for a drama ...she looks almost Mediterranean....or something. Exotic, maybe it's her hair. I don't know. If she is destined to be the female love interest, then I anticipate character growth--she is currently very shy and naive and criminally cute.
The mortal guardian girl is the exact opposite of her. Strong, confident, good in battle, and unintentionally cute. She doesn't dislike the prince but seems to find him odd/amusing for his interest in humans. She also is unconventional and seems to not respect traditions/roles.
Ka Suo...is extremely likable and clearly he becomes a very different person by the end of the show.
Little prince is...naive...so he probably does a 180.
And the fire prince...is smug, overconfident, caustic, and strong bad boy vibes. And crazy hair.
I encourage everyone to give this show a try.
First, the music is amazing. Like really well done music for the scenes that occur...
Since the show is expected to be 62 episodes long, I can assess that the plot and its characters should be thoroughly developed. And there are a LOT of people, and names are not my forte so I will do my best. I don't speak the language so I appreciate your patience.
Before I summarize, understand that the weather CGI, set (the palace could be something out of Lord of the Rings), costumes, make up, weapons, and actors are all stunningly beautiful. This stands out to me because in most dramas there are a couple of beautiful people and the rest are sort of butter faced/forgettable. No. EVERYONE IS BEAUTIFUL. It is distracting at times. Because I need to read the subtitles...and yet I am captivated by everyone's beauty. First for me.
The CGI for animals...for instance, is typical cheesy CGI fare but since everything else is stunning, I can overlook that.
The unique characters for this episode hail from four groups: The Guardians (messengers/peacekeepers between mortals/gods--the rule is they must be mortal, amazing battle skills, and psychic), the Ice Tribe (all white haired beauties with blue eyes think Sesshomaru minus the evil intent, if you watched Inuyasha as a kid)*they wear silver or blue), the fire tribe (black hair/red eyes, wears red or black), and the Mermaid Tribe (neutral, they swim and so they walk poorly on land and have really cool hair that is curly with blue ends--really pretty).
Unique characters: Ka Suo (crown prince who is as pretty as a girl), the fire prince (forgot his name will never forget his epic hair), the boy ice prince born of a mistress/second wife with dark hair, implying he is a halfling (?) , the mermaid princess, and the mortal envoy (guardians).
_____________________________________________________________________________
The show opens up with an epic Lord of Rings style battle between what can be presumed fire and ice tribes, then camera zooms in to Ka Suo (he played prince of lan ling) on a faraway island. There is a rock covered in blood and some four winged bird crashes into it. Then he has a monologue, thinking back to the days before he was king.....
PRESENT DAY (technically the past if you follow his flash-back monologue)
It is Ka Suo's coming of age ceremony. He is 130. Really old, and really beautiful.
Everyone seems to be excited, and he remains polite but stoic. He is playing with his pet flying lion (here he is more free/animated), because, you know, apparently these exist in the ice realm, and is reprimanded by other members of the royal family for being late to his own ceremony.
He leaves, runs into his grandmother who is a bit eccentric and has a birds nest in her hair (looks coutoure and cool), before helping out his little brother who is something of a misfit--he has a scruffy haircut and it seems no powers. The other kids (bullies, so naturally, this being a chinese drama, they are primarily unattractive and a bit plus sized) are about to hurt him, Ka Suo steps in and they fly off on the lion to his ceremony.
Just as the Ice King congratulates his son, a hush descends--the fire prince has shown up to give a gift but everyone is skeptical and certain he is up to no good. They aren't wrong. He offers a gift and challenges Ka Suo to a fight. Ka Suo must be careful, because he could trigger a war and end the 100 yr truce between the kingdoms--which seems to be about as stable as a house of cards.
He uses his cleverness to outwit the fire prince, claiming that if he boils some frozen lake water he wins, and if Ka Suo freezes it , he wins. Cool battle ensues, and it is a draw--the water is warm. So neither win. Also, young ice prince shows up with a bunch of five year olds who thank him for warming the water up--it is extremely cheesy but funny.
The fire prince remarks that it is Ka Suo's cleverness he should be wary of before storming off, epic hair flying in the wind. Mermaid Princess, who is so pretty and has really cool hair, has a crush on him it seems. She tells the young prince to pass on a message--to meet her in the woods or she 'won't leave'.
SCENE CHANGE
Ka Suo is hanging underneath the prettiest tree in the universe, talking to an owl to communicate with our mortal guardian--she is direct, spunky, brash, and can anticipate all his questions. This fascinates Ka Suo, who is intrigued and wishes to meet her (BTW, he is immortal and doesn't eat so it seemed he earlier asked her questions about human digestion---funny stuff).
Possible love interest?
SCENE CHANGE
Instead of going home, fire prince litterally dusts some ice soldiers and goes into an off limits area of the ice woods, for reasons I don't know. He then proceeds to try to rape mermaid princess, claiming that he intends on having her as a wife because she is so beautiful--and it is a very well-orchestrated scene worthy of any soap opera. She loses half of her clothes, exposing just enough skin to avoid censoring and looking like a Sabine Woman fleeing a Roman invader (google it if you don't know).
The show ends with Ka Suo showing up.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I like Mermaid Princess's Look--because it is unconventional for a drama ...she looks almost Mediterranean....or something. Exotic, maybe it's her hair. I don't know. If she is destined to be the female love interest, then I anticipate character growth--she is currently very shy and naive and criminally cute.
The mortal guardian girl is the exact opposite of her. Strong, confident, good in battle, and unintentionally cute. She doesn't dislike the prince but seems to find him odd/amusing for his interest in humans. She also is unconventional and seems to not respect traditions/roles.
Ka Suo...is extremely likable and clearly he becomes a very different person by the end of the show.
Little prince is...naive...so he probably does a 180.
And the fire prince...is smug, overconfident, caustic, and strong bad boy vibes. And crazy hair.
I encourage everyone to give this show a try.
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Spoilers AheadNote: This episode uses music and filming to really maximize the emotional impact of this dangerous situation. This is one of the more action oriented episodes.1)Important plot point: Ming Lan is told by her grandmother to always be independent because in the end, everyone--husband, children, family, will leave you. This is a cynical and realistic principle but it highlights the lack of control Ming Lan can hope to have over her life, hence, she should save money. 2)Princess Pinang (Yuan Ruo's mother) arrives as an important guest for Older Brother Changbai's wedding, he believes she is offering a marriage proposal for him, but instead she is offering gift s to the Sheng daughters, and communicating firmly to the family that the girls are 'sisters' and as such, should never hope to marry into the family (very clever how you can do this with just a present).(My heart really goes out to this guy he is trying very hard not to cry!)3)In spite of her mask, Ming Lan is heart broken. Her grandmother takes care to alert the servants so word does not spread. Even though she admits it was not going to happen, Grandmother just couldn't interfere 4)Grandmother decides to visit the elder Sheng Madame back in Yanzhou and takes Ming Lan with her 5)Before she leaves Yuan Ruo gives her a clay doll and says its smile reminds him of her 6)The boat they are on is under attack by Pirates and grandmother is out of it from medicine! Ming Lan tries to keep a cool head but it looks like she is not going to make it!
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This is an emotional episode for a lot of reasons, I think, because it involves the mother-daughter-father relationship of Concubine Lin and Mo'er.A very stone-faced Big Madame and Minister Sheng provide the bare minimum of words necessary for Mo'er as she bows to them. The atmosphere is so tense you can cut it with a knife. Mo'er shows some emotion as she seeks her father's approval but he makes it apparent that she is marrying into a big lord's home, so she needn't return. And he asks her why she is crying, since she chose this path.Concubine Lin tries to follow the family out but is held back and Mo'er is shaken by this but before getting into her palaquin she swears she will not regret this. An angry Concubine Lin is forced back into her room--it is sad that she cannot see her daughter wed, especially after all the effort she put into this marriage. Suddenly, she is dragged away and beaten until she is unconscious, and even then it is apparent that Master Sheng is upset that she chose to do this, upset by her lies, upset at hismelf. He cries. It is a super well acted scene.After, she is sent to exile. To live on a farmstead. They then must decide how to get rid of the servants serving her to avoid attracting attention. Ming Lan, meanwhile, appears eerily calm. She prays to her mother, and it is evident that she views this as administration of justice for her murder by Concubine Lin. She does not seem to be ruffled at all. She then secretly follows Lin to her exile, and just sits there silently. Concubine Lin is still recovering from her beating, and she puts two and two together, realizing that Ming Lan essnetilly set a trap for her and then exposed the crime to everyone. She appears to be angry, shocked, and her last words are begging Ming Lan to tell her what she is planning (I think she is worried Ming Lan will hurt her children).Old Madame has been trying to figure out why Ming Lan followed her. She returns and asks for time before she tells her what she has been about. Old Madame hazards a guess literally right before Ming Lan tells her, and is utterly shocked by the depth of the plot, the risks Ming Lan took, all alone. Instead of being afraid of her, or disgusted by her actions, she first makes it clear none can know of this matter, and then holds her close (she does get one slap for her foolishness) and she apologizes that her inability to uphold justice back then has led her to do these things. MW, Big Madame learns that Concubine Lin is ill. She is dying. She is shocked....and scared. What frightens her the most about this whole thing is that he doesn't hate Consort Lin for what she did, but for once being honest about her feelings for him and her intentions. It makes her cry, perhaps because she is direct person and her own personality may have driven him into the arms of Lin--it puts things into perspective for her. Either way it is upsetting that Lin is not being punished for her crime.We end with Ming lan saying she regretted nothing to her grandmother....Concubine LinSo Lin is gone, but I imagine another wolf will take her place! Ming Lan may be sensible but we see a trait that is both good and bad: she cares about justice but her actions are guided by emotion and so she could have potentially ruined her family for revenge. And she did not regret it. Did she do the right thing?
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A large chunk of this episode continues to follow Ye Hua, Bai Quian, and their child. Ye Hua essentially moves into Bai Quian's home. She can't really say no. I think she could use her cunning to avoid him but I believe she is attracted to him she allows him to kiss her and continues to mind the kid. At one point Ye Hua is attacked by shadow assassins and we learn gods from the East Sea have been attacked as well but no one knows why.
It is the celestial emperors birthday and Ye Hua returns home alone. Su Jin has the idea that if Bai Quian breaks it off she is gold but is concerned about reports of them spending time together. She orchestrates a plot: she invites the young cousin of Ye Hua ( the emperors grandson/second princes' son) knocks him out feeds him alcohol and then sets it up so it looks like she has been molested. She explains she fought him off but would still like to die while in the presence of the emperor and the princes. Su Jin can read people well and she knows this will anger the emperor as this grandson is his once favored second princes son. Enraged the emperor refuses to grandson and has him sent to he mortal realm to endure 60 years of hardship.
Throughout this entire 'theatrical event' Ye Hua clearly can tell this is an act ( he acts with his eyes very well) and he gives Su Jin a cold warning after he confronts her in private: he tells her she should quit while she is ahead, that he has allowed to live because she gave him the lamp and more importantly she has su su's eye.
Finally the episode turns to mortal Bai Fengjiu and mortal Dong Hua. She is summoned to Dong Hua bed chamber and he tells her that his first love and mother of the crown prince chose to be a nun after birthing their son and will not see him during her bi monthly visits. Bai Fengjui offers some uplifting advice that makes him smile and he Lyell her that her flower mark looks familiar and fascinates him and he wants to look at it constantly then he leans in to kiss her. She panics ( recall she is like a teenager in terms of age and for all purposes an inexperienced virgin) and uses the tray as a shield before fleeing in embarrassment. She also can be heard breaking his cup.
Me: I truly do not like it when dramas incorporate young actors like the son. The acting is overly cute and the story lines boring because of the child. They are using it to push the romance forward and it is a weak device. I continue to enjoy the delightfully wicked Su Jin whose obsessive love is now impacting more lives and I can't wait to see the development of Dong Hua's relationship with Bai Fengjiu. I find their romance so interesting and it has somehow eclipsed my interest in the main storyline.
It is the celestial emperors birthday and Ye Hua returns home alone. Su Jin has the idea that if Bai Quian breaks it off she is gold but is concerned about reports of them spending time together. She orchestrates a plot: she invites the young cousin of Ye Hua ( the emperors grandson/second princes' son) knocks him out feeds him alcohol and then sets it up so it looks like she has been molested. She explains she fought him off but would still like to die while in the presence of the emperor and the princes. Su Jin can read people well and she knows this will anger the emperor as this grandson is his once favored second princes son. Enraged the emperor refuses to grandson and has him sent to he mortal realm to endure 60 years of hardship.
Throughout this entire 'theatrical event' Ye Hua clearly can tell this is an act ( he acts with his eyes very well) and he gives Su Jin a cold warning after he confronts her in private: he tells her she should quit while she is ahead, that he has allowed to live because she gave him the lamp and more importantly she has su su's eye.
Finally the episode turns to mortal Bai Fengjiu and mortal Dong Hua. She is summoned to Dong Hua bed chamber and he tells her that his first love and mother of the crown prince chose to be a nun after birthing their son and will not see him during her bi monthly visits. Bai Fengjui offers some uplifting advice that makes him smile and he Lyell her that her flower mark looks familiar and fascinates him and he wants to look at it constantly then he leans in to kiss her. She panics ( recall she is like a teenager in terms of age and for all purposes an inexperienced virgin) and uses the tray as a shield before fleeing in embarrassment. She also can be heard breaking his cup.
Me: I truly do not like it when dramas incorporate young actors like the son. The acting is overly cute and the story lines boring because of the child. They are using it to push the romance forward and it is a weak device. I continue to enjoy the delightfully wicked Su Jin whose obsessive love is now impacting more lives and I can't wait to see the development of Dong Hua's relationship with Bai Fengjiu. I find their romance so interesting and it has somehow eclipsed my interest in the main storyline.
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1.Si Yin catches Li jing in bed with her cousin. They beg for forgiveness. She essentially says she never wants to see them again and proceeds to get drunk. She is inconsolable, deeply upset because the man she loved just abandoned her for a cousin. She feels deeply betrayed.
2.MY finds her drinking and tries to console her.
3.LI Jing and Xuan Nu return to his home. The emperor is upset his son is bringing a member of the celestial tribe home. Xuan Nu is crafty and saves Li Jing's life by explaining that Li Jing was there to spy and they fell in love. She is allowed to marry him if she assists the ghost tribe.
4. Li Jing leaves Xuan Nu on their wedding night. The sadistic Li Yuan shows up and takes pleasure in her screams for Li Jing. She is beaten very badly. (I have always hated Li Jing for abandoning Xuan Nu like this. He is a bit fickle).
5.Xuan Nu uses her injuries as an excuse to return to Kunlan. She uses BQ's face to steal the military formations of Kunlan.-
2.MY finds her drinking and tries to console her.
3.LI Jing and Xuan Nu return to his home. The emperor is upset his son is bringing a member of the celestial tribe home. Xuan Nu is crafty and saves Li Jing's life by explaining that Li Jing was there to spy and they fell in love. She is allowed to marry him if she assists the ghost tribe.
4. Li Jing leaves Xuan Nu on their wedding night. The sadistic Li Yuan shows up and takes pleasure in her screams for Li Jing. She is beaten very badly. (I have always hated Li Jing for abandoning Xuan Nu like this. He is a bit fickle).
5.Xuan Nu uses her injuries as an excuse to return to Kunlan. She uses BQ's face to steal the military formations of Kunlan.-
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1) The house minus Master Sheng and Chang go to a lawn/polo party being held by Countess Wu. Brother Feng is only interested in hanging with Gu Ting Ye. Both Rulan and Ming Lan ask permission to go play. In a rare display of emotion Ming Lan runs uninhibited into the arms of her buddy Yanran. Yanran is a sweet, nice girl. Molan scopes out the competition, looking for the young lord. She notes that Princess Jiacheng and Princess Feiyan are both present (they are daughters of two different royal princes who are potential heirs to the throne). Remember that.2)I learned ladies get to play polo and ride astride this episode. Young Lord hangs out with the sixth son of countess Wu. Sixth son likes poetry. He wants to debate poetry with young lord who really just wants to watch Ming Lan. Molan uses her status as a ‘sister’ to him to interrupt the men to discuss poetry. She is good at poetry I know very little about such things. I don’t know if she is doing anything inappropriate I am guessing it is borderline. The counts son remembers Molan. He obviously likes her.3) it’s funny. Molan watches the young lord. He watches Ming Lan. A princess watches the young lord and the counts son watches Molan. It is like a really fancy high school drama. But they are young marriage is the next big thing in their lives. 4)Anyways, prizes are administered at this match. Yanran’s mom died. The stepmother has forced her out so she lives with her grandparents (her grandpa is the imperial tutor meaning he taught the Sheng sisters young lord etc). Yanran notices and item belonging to her mom is somehow an prize. It seems many items have been secretly taken from her that belonged to her mother by her father. She wants to win the prize badly, but she must compete against her younger half sister and half brother who are good at polo and don’t seem to like her. Ming Lan wants to help so she interrupts the GU Ting aye meeting and drags Feng away insisting he help YanRan. Gu Ting Ye is interested and learns that Yan Ran is very nice, and does not judge others, and even meets with courtesans if they have questions. He also learns from the courtesans of her messy family background.5) Gu Ting Ye clearly thinks she would be a good wife since she is so tolerant. She will not mind his concubine.6)The match begins. It is obvious that Yanran’s little sister is the better athlete. The young lord seizes a chance to talk to Ming Lan. There is a screen between them. But it demonstrates how hard it is to talk to your crush. She tries not to engage in typical Ming Lan fashion. He makes it clear to her the effort he went to get them to come here today and how hard it was. He tells her that he will wait for her (now, you know since she winds up with someone else he can’t do this. Guys don’t promise lightly. Props for being clear in his intentions. )7)Yanran loses and tries to bargain for it but her little sister tells her she really doesn’t want it but must have it since Yanran wants it. In tears, and seeing she is upset, Ming Lan agrees to challenge her. She replaces Yanran. Everyone notices this, including GunTing Ye. And surprise surprise another talent she kept hidden emerges. Everyone is watching the match now. His courtesan says among Lan lives like the sun and Gu Ting Ye says you have no idea how hard her life is. Elsewhere the countess Wu is thoroughly impressed by Ming Lan and wants her son to see...but he is chatting up Molan.8)The brother of Yanran is injured (it clearly seems forced like a trick to fold). He uses it as an excuse to get Master Gu to play but Madame Wu says it is unfair after all who can beat him. Master gu agrees. It for fairness he won’t use his dominant hand. He is also confident he will win. Brother Feng folds, leaving Ming Lan hanging. So Young Lord Qi volunteers himself. What a spectacle this has created. But Ming Lan could care less. Ming Lan does try to point out him playing will cause problems because of his status....but she wants the pin.9)the young sister of yanran sort of starts to cheat and it becomes a free for fall. Team Ming Lan wins. She does her best to ignore the young lord and focus on Yanran. The young princess watching is immediately jealous of Ming Lan. We learn Gu Ting Ye lost on purpose because he wanted to make Ming Lan and Yanran happy. He now has his eye on Yanran as a potential bride.10)on the way home Molan tries to throw shade at Minglan but naturally she can’t spar with Ming Lan. On the way back Young Lord learns that the She g family will rest and rewater the horses at a monastery...his new goal...
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1) Gu Ting Ye is PISSED. He rushes to his older brothers room and calls him out, accusing him of taking words he said in the privacy of the home and reporting it to the emperor. He accuses him of framing him. Dad points out that even if his brother said something, he had to have something to say (remember when Rulan fights with her dad and her dad says well you had to commit a mistake for Molan to set you up it is the same issue of favoritism creating disharmony). It is hard to confront the central issue that the brother tattled and harmed Gu TIng He’s future when his father has decided that he alone is in the wrong. Now with Momo, drunk, Gu Ting Ye wonders what he will tell his concubine and children since the future he had planned no longer exists. He is so defeated and says ‘it’s no use everyone in that manor believes their own uses’2)overhearing the private talk, his concubine Minniang learns that he is unfavored and has an unstable future. She must make another bet.(on one hand, I can’t really blame her Gu Ting Ye is basically unemployed with no prospects or support. ) Gu Ting Ye suggests they leave the city and farm in the provinces. Momo is supportive...his concubine has bigger ambitions.3)Minaing uses the cover of finding her kids to sneak out (a big no no ). She deliberately unlocked the back door, knowing her daughter would sneak out looking for candy, to slip out. I mean I don’t think a concubine Lin would even do something that risky she at least loves her kids. Mini ant goes to the Marquis house intending to cause a scene, and Stepmom Gu sees an opportunity. Gu Ting Ye returns and discovers they are missing. He immediately goes to look for his daughter and concubine. He immediately thinks the worse, that she has been kidnapped. Elsewhere, his mistress is begging the Marquis for ‘means to live’ WOW I kind of admire her shamelessness. 4)Gu Ting Ye appears and another argument occurs between father and son. He confronts his father, says he won’t put up with being best anymore, and accuses his father of forcing his mother to die and deceiving her, Gu Ting Ye says he will never believe his father again. But there is some confirmation as the Marquis reflects on who could have told him, elsewhere, the eldest son grimly says that if he shared the same mother as Gu he would readily be at ease handing the family to him but his mother (Gu’s mother) killed his own mother by forcing her to die.5)now, back at the palace, Master Sheng is heading home only to be stopped by an official who pulls him aside and states that the emperor wishes to have a private meeting, he is taken to a side room holding some random books and locked in. Cannot even leave to go potty which is sad because he briefly considers using an antique pot but changes his mind. Big Madame begins to question where he is. Rulan tells her mother not to worry spring is coming and with it polo matches hosted by Countess Wu. Her mother chastises her for her immaturity and still worries. It doesn’t feel right she says. 6)The next morning the house is in chaos, Master Sheng is missing. Not good. Chang reaches out to Gu hoping he could help but Gu admits he has only gone to the palace ten times, he admits his older brother is a distant relative of the empress sad,lay he would never help. He suggests instead Princess Pingning she grew up in the palace, and he knows youMy lord well. 7) Changbai reports back that Master Sheng is locked up, they don’t know the reason, the old Madame reminds her that the emperor is quite kind. She reminds Big Madame to take charge and keep the family together, no chaos she says.8) in typical fashion, Big Madame misses the point and takes this as Old Madame not caring. She decides to use this as an opportunity to get rid of concubine Lin. Although her personal servant is (rightfully) wary she goes long. When Ming Lan admits to old Madame that young lord secretly sent someone to tell her of the news, her grandmother says that if he can’t find this out then it really isn’t a big deal (the palace isn’t trying to conceal this).9) Elsewhere, Madame Lin sits with her sleeping daughter. We learn she has been secretly selling land and shops. This is sort of. No no because she is secretly doing it. I think in her own way Madame Li is using her skills to provide a back up in the event she has no one to rely on (planning ahead). Big Madames spies follow and catch them only she accuses her of a heinous crime: adultery. China is pretty Draconian. You don’t want to get caught cheating today, imagine back then (FYI please don’t cheat). Madame Lin and the landlord are tied up by Big Madame’s spies....
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1)We open to the girls visiting Old Madame. This turns quite comedic as Molan and Rulan repeatedly instigate the other. Until finally they realize it has gone to far and grandmother reminds them at this time harmony is most important,. Afterwards, Rulan, though not the most book smart, can easily trigger Molan by reminding her that she will forever be a concubine born. This Molans biggest fear. That she will be held back from marrying well because of her birth. 2)Ming Lan and the Duke (it’s just easier to call him this though he is the heir) cannot see one another but they are both thinking of the other. 3) The results come out. And although parents may be separated by class, they all are there to see their sons who have finally emerged. Big Madame is there to meet Chang, with Ming Lan and Rulan. Feng is greeted by Molan and Madame Lin. The princess is there for the duke. Gu Ting Ye is greeted by his servants.4)Xiodai reports to Ming Lan that Madame Lin has been acting shady: she uses the cover of the exams to send a personal male servant out to pick up some goods. Ming Lan, ever patient, says to merely observe. 5) Ming Lan admits under a little coaxing from her grandmother that she is worried about the young lord and his results. Her grandmother again reminds her that she wants her to be happy but the problem is that young lord is too great, his family strict. She tells her that she must lower her expectations if she has the chance to marry there and that she will not be a main wife and that it will be tough as a result because the mother is strict. As an excuse for Ming Lan to see the results, she sends her out as her personal representative.6)Although he did not go to greet Gu Ting Ye when he finished his exams, his father and stepmother go for the results. His stepmother expresses concerns that Gu Ting He’s bad temper will create isssues and that she worries about him (remember this behavior). The only person passes is Changbai. Gu Ting Ye ‘s reputation precedes him. Many families will choose among the passing husbands but Gu Ting Ye is considered to be a bad man. Changbai did extremely well he is in the top thirteen. Apparently passing first try is super rare. 7)Gu Ting Ye and Ming Lan exchange greetings. Neither is interested in the other st this point. 8)Young lord goes to congratulate Sheng. Rulan remarks that he does not really need to pass and Ming Lan explains though true he wishes to basically pass on his own merit without using his position, young lord uses this as an excuse to speak to Ming Lan and they have a small talk. Naturally, he is unaware how closely his mother watches him. She immediately begins to throw some shade to her husband. She knows he is in love. While the duke seems supportive his wife the princess is dismissive no title no marriage talk.9)Gu Ting Ye is clearly upset he failed. His younger brother tries to encourage him. Elsewhere, Big Madame is so happy she wants to celebrate. A visit with Big Madame reminds them of etiquette. Keep things quiet because Young Lord and Gu Ting Ye did not pass. It could offend the duke and Marquis. Big Madame makes an attempt to get her niece considered as a wife to her son (you will soon see that whenever her sister comes to visit she tries to get something from her). 10)while Molan, Lin, and her son argue about him having failed Gu Ting Ye takes Chang out to celebrate and drink. Chang is confused about his failure. He points out that Princess Qi went to see why young lord did not pass surely Marquis Gu did the same. gu says nope, my Dad hates me. Elsewhere, Feng goes out to drink and gets caught up in a debate about who will be the next Emperor. He bets it will be Prince Yan.11)Marquis gu indeed checks to find out why his son failed. The proctor explains that Young Lord Qi failed because his essays lack backbone. Gu ting actually should have passed and been in the top 3. Turns out there is a reason he failed. ...it seems he can’t retake the exam because he ran his mouth about sympathizing with some dead citizen or whatnot that the emperor is not fond of (so happy that doesn’t happen in the states)
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Spoilers Ahead1) In the first 1/4, an interesting scene unfolds between GTY, Momo Gu, and Mistress Miniang. Momo attempts to chastise Miniang for her behavior with GTY present. Miniang immediately kneels and begs for forgiveness. GTY defends her without attacking Momo Gu. Afterwards, GTY attempts to soothed an angry Momo Gu by explaining that Miniang is sorry. Momo Gu attempts to explain that this was not an apology but a threat (I think its because Miniang is trying to establish that she has control over GTY by showing Momo Gu that he will always pick her--kind of like what Concubine Lin does). GTY does not quite believe this, but rather than pursue it, he explains to her that he is alone in the Marquis house and Miniang provides him comfort and loves him even more than Lady Qin (his stepmother). Because of this, Momo relents but only after making it clear she doesn't care about her status--its her personality.2)Back at the Sheng house, Big Madame and Master Sheng are drinking tea in the main hall, and he casually (and quietly) raises the idea of Mo'er taking lessons with the other girls (perhaps because he know it will trigger his wife). The Big Madame is angry, and points out that Mo'er is better behaved, she doesn't need any lessons she is only interested in lessons from someone who might teach her how to interact with nobles . Before the argument escalates, Momo Kong enters, and this is how Master Sheng gets Mo'er in class.3)In the very first class, Rulan is clearly irritated because Mo'er has moved her own desk front and center and in front of the other girls. She also proceeds to give Momo a gift--but Momo is flat, emotionless, and unimpressed. She calmly chastises mo'er for seeking to curry favor and orders her back to her seat--and to move her desk back. This has Rulan grinning from ear to ear.4)That night, in a conversation with her maid, Ming Lan basically states it doesn't matter if she has done her homework because her sisters probably haven't, and her level can never exceed theirs'. Back in Old Madame's room, momo sits and has tea with her old friend. While talking, Momo praises Ming Lan and becomes irritated when Old Madame is more than modest, she won't accept a compliment. This is where she learns from the Old Madame that Ming Lan is walking on egg shells here and tries to be invisible, hence as much as she would like, Momo really shouldn't give her attention. (the way this plays out it seems cute, then serious, then cute again--they are clearly very good old friends)5) The next day, Rulan begs to be released from lessons because she can do small talk but the finer things--brewing tea, etc. may come naturally to Molan but she cannot get it right. Besides, she is a legitimate daughter, so who cares? This annoys her mother, who shows her how to brew tea and snaps at her to stop talking about concubine born because her father is born of a concubine (she could have said that it is an unrefined topic not befitting her status but she doesn't--in this day and age, if a concubine is treated poorly, it is sort of like a dirty secret--it makes you look bad because it shows you can't take care of your people but it isn't like a huge shock because everyone kind of understands that it is difficult for wives to get along, it basically drags you through the rumor mill).6)At the same time this is happening, Mo'er is patiently and elegantly preparing her tea. She gracefully complains to her mother that the way Momo Kong taught it is wrong, and her mother tries to tell her a different way her daughter ignores the offer and says its the wrong way--her mother is annoyed and explains that the book is old, that the directions are wrong and that Momo Kong wants her to understand tea etiquette and the history (for the purpose of expanding her mind and for conversation) and shows her how to do it7)Auntie Wei visits, and is so mistrustful (reasonably so) of the Sheng family that she washes the dishes and tests for poison and tells Ming Lan to always do this. It is amusing. Ming Lan accepts this behavior and that night they discuss her mother and we learn that the two women are actively investigating the servant who were present at that time--they are trying to find the doctor and Xiao Die.8)Concubine lin tries to gain an audience with Auntie Wei to figure out the purpose of her visit but is neatly deflected by Ming Lan. She does not suspect that Ming Lan did this deliberately, but plans to watch them just in case. Interesting Fact: In the novel, the girls are significantly younger when receiving lessons from Momo --I think it is not long after Mistress Wei dies so Ming Lan may be about 8
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Spoilers AheadNote: This is more of a transitional episode as we enter Momo academy. There are a few interesting points though. The most important thing is we learn about the past relationship between the current marquis and GTY's mother. The second important thing we learn is what Princess Pining is like1)Stepmother Gu has a candid conversation with stepmother (or at least tries to). Stepmother appears to be not inclined to become involved with GTY happenings and even bemoans her own's sons lack of smarts (not untrue) while Elder brother essentially tells her that he will continue to spy on GTY because he expects her son to to be the marquis some day because of his illness. She tells him his health will improve (I didn't realize this at the time, but elder brother is very smart and he has stepmother's number down....)2)Elsewhere, we are introduced to Princess Pining--the mother of Yuan Ruo. She sells a servant who dressed herself up (this is the second time) and she announces to her maidservants that anybody who tries to seduce her son will basically be killed. This is the fierce mother protecting her only son--she grew up in the palace, seen all the tricks, and has high hopes for him. She catches her son daydreaming instead of studying, and though she does not call him out, she knows a woman is on his mind. Yuan Ruo even tries to get her to visit the Sheng family out of thanks for tutoring him but she slips out of this trap by telling him smoothly that they are too low ranked. Her thoughts go to the Sheng daughters.....she questions Buwei, Yuan Ruo's personal servant regarding any potential lady in her son's life but he is loyal and won't admit to anything3)Stepmother Gu goes to meet his nursemaid (there are so many momo's in this drama, so I will call her Momo Gu). He convinces her to help with his mistress and children in the house he bought. She finally concedes, saying that as long as the girl is nice she won't complain. 4) Big Madame, Ming Lan, and Rulan meet Momo Kong (from the palace). They exchange pleasantries. while this happens, servants chase away Concubine Lin who hopes to sneak in. 5)elsewhere, Momo Gu relates the truth about the marriage between GTY and his father, and answers some questions. It seems that at the time, the Gu family owed a huge debt of money to the emperor and he was collecting on it, and he was serious (he threw other nobles in jail for not paying). His father was the most honorable; the other gu sons were poor choices (one was hedonistic, one haughty). but his father was married to the first wife (mother of elder brother gu). Hence his mother, who was young, beautiful, and the only daughter and child of the Bai merchant, was cherished and he rejected the sons. However, after Father Gu became a widow, he returned and it seemed to be a great match. They were married, and she brought over a jillion dollars in money.6)The Lady Bai had problems from day one. On her wedding night, instead of consummating her marriage, ignored her. For three months this dragged out (this is humiliating, insulting, and makes one feel worthless). It took the old marquis (GTY grandfather) to make him consummate. When GTY was born, her relationship with the marquis became worse--maybe because it was a healthy boy--and she regularly was ignored and received harsh words from him. Only by chance, she overhead a servant telling elder brother gu that Lady Bai forced her way into the family because she was greedy for a title, and this caused the death of the first wife. Now this devastates Lady Bai7)Pregnant with her second child, she confronts her husband in a direct manner and he dismiss her. She calls him out: you married me for my money and you resent me for it (basically) and now you and your whole family mock me and hate me and spread lies about me; you don't even care about your son. she asked for a divorce and planned to leave, but she went into labor and died......broken hearted and hurt
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