HOLY MOTHER OF PLOT EPIC-NESS!

Spoilers Ahead1)Ming Lan is recovering from illness in the opening. She coughed up blood after her failed pleas and Evil MIL believes she is alone, desperate, and knows it (hence the illness). Still, she is careful..2)Later, Ming Lan is surrounded by her grandmother, daughter (Rong'er), son, father, and eldest brother. She shares to them that she now realizes how foolish she was because the crime of Auntie Kang and the various families is not important to the crown; this is only a battle between the Emperor and the Empress Dowager (they are in the cross fire). She tells her brother to no longer involve himself. The personal servant of Evil MIL comes to invite Ming Lan out, insisting that if she does not go then they will report she is unfilial (a crime). Her father becomes so furious by this that he spits on the servant and chases her out(!)3)NEWS arrives from the borders: they are losing, because the newly crowned king of the enemy is trying to assert authority over his divided government with military victory Two cities have already lost..4)Given the situation, military generals publicly beg the emperor to release Gu Ting Ye for his help, even House Wang supports this, and a very angry and reluctant emperor agrees5)NEWS: the entire elite squad has perished, including Gu Ting Ye (although his body has not been recovered). When the emperor learns of this he collapses and is ill from the shock. Ming Lan, when she learns, is so shocked that she becomes physically ill..6)A REVOLT IN THE CITY: soldiers led by Imperial Consorts brother in law take over the capital, taking advantage of the emperor's illness, the fact that all of the emperor's major supporters are dead or gone, and await the empress dowager's orders to burst into the Emperor's rooms7)A false official tries to get Ming Lan to go to the palace under a false edict from the empress; she has messengers send warnings to other families to beware. Ming Lan, the Sheng Family, and the Duchess's family are all shown giving orders to protect their homes given the fact that they are under attack.8)Assassins secretly enter the Cheng Gu compound with the assistance of Evil MIL. EVIL MISTRESS MINIANG is with them!! She slips into the rooms where Rong'er and the baby are, injures Rong'er and nearly kills the baby. Sadly, Rong'er witnesses her mother die.9)Realizing that it is all about stalling the inevitable, Ming Lan takes the children to a secret room that no one but her and presumably her husband know about to hide the kids and Shitou and the Nanny. Ming Lan is prepared to die with the others, and her faithful maidservant is more than willing to die with her..10)Empress Dowager is now giving orders to seize families and bring them to the palace for their protection. The prime minister refuses, and just as they are about to execute him, Marquis Gu appears to save the day!!!

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Gu Ting Ye Plots to Capture a Wife//Rulan Receives a Proposal But Loves Another

Spoilers Ahead1) Rulan swears Ming Lan to secrecy regarding her secret relationship with Master Wei 2)Ming Lan makes it clear to her the He family that she cannot accept the cousin as a concubine because it blurs the line of power in the house and would be a huge mess--ultimately Master He refuses but Ming Lan is not convinced== 3) Ming Lan expresses anger to her grandmother that she is frustrated that other people expect her to yield to someone just because she is pitiful, and since Ming Lan chooses to reject this relationship because it is clear she cannot rely on Master He who is too easily persuaded by others, she chooses to keep looking. 4)Elsewhere we learn that the Duke of Ying will be taking another wife, and there are little crowds of people trying to marry Gu 5)We learn that Gu intends to propose to Rulan, and when the parents find out, they are so shocked they fall out of their chairs (so the pieces are being laid, Gu Ting Ye plans to propose to Rulan because he must, it would be rude not to, but he will wind up getting Ming Lan) 6)Rulan refuses outright and even accuses her mother of using her for her own vanity 7)Ming Lan tries to convince her to marry him and sings his praises

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Jiju (polo), & The Sheng Family Discover's Madame Wu's True Goal

As she said in last episode, Ming Lan is looking forward (i admire this quality of hers). Madame Wu continues to corner her in order to spend time with her, and through dialogue Ming Lan tries to evade her citing gossip and concern about her family. Madame Wu says 'you are alone in a big courtyard I get it' meaning she will invite all her sisters. At the Jiju match Madame Wu is clearly extolling her son's brilliance but she also genuinely likes Ming Lan. Rulan's goal is to praise Ming Lan and insult Mo'er, and finally Mo'er excuses herself to go try to catch up with the Sixth son (on his way to a men's only poetry reading) but Ming Lan stops her by throwing mud at her. Not long after the sisters return home, Big Madame learns that Madame Wu really only wants Ming Lan, which she finds insulting, and is annoyed that Rulan does not care at all. Elsewhere, Concubine Lin continues to pressure Mo'er to stoop to extreme tactics in order to get Sixth Son (and although Mo'er argues that it could all blow up in their faces she really doesn't fight her on it and seems to trust her on this matter). Meanwhile, Master Sheng provides Big Madame with some loving (clearly he has a goal in mind) and (I love how they are like an old married couple bickering) in order to learn why she is avoiding Madame Wu, and so he uses sweet talk to try to get her to change her mind about Madame Wu. But Big Madame defend herself by saying this will just create conflict since Madame Wu only has eyes for Ming Lan so waste time with Mo'er....AFTER THIS Ming Lan discovers Mo'er dressed up and lingering outside. She says something which triggers Mo'er, who tries to trigger Ming Lan, and fails. That night, the antics of the Big Madame are truly...intended to incite Mo'er because she is bragging and preening to get a rise out of them....even Ming Lan is participating in this show. Mo'er walks right into this, and Mo'er runs away pleading illness.

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Summary and Spoilers Ahead

In this episode Gu is able to convince the Prince Zhou to return to the capital because it will be safer. Although extremely careful and cautious, the prince ultimately agrees after he is attacked twice by assassins sent by Prince Yan. The first plot is only foiled only after Gu realizes that the 'new people' he saw arrive are completely unknown to them. He barely makes it in time to save Prince Zhou but reveals his skill in battle is unmatched as he fends off at least a dozen men. In spite of this, Prince Zhou refuses to go to the capital and challenge Prince Yan who is now killing off any potential rival to the throne, regardless if they are interested or not. The second attack is a much more skilled assassin and this is what convinces him to go to the capital. Elsewhere, Ming'er chooses to visit her father in the imperial palace. He and her brother and several other officials are in the process of working on something important. She brings them lunch, but the mood changes when a servant interrupts them to take her home and announces that it may be a good idea because oddly, no one is guarding the gates. He then steps out and back in, scared, because people are being killed (they don't show the violence).Princess Pianing, along with other female officials, are visiting Imperial Consort Rong. A servant bursts in to report the violence, and the Consort is calm. Pianing compliments her and then we learn that the Consort is colluding with the rebels. She is holding military wives hostage in order to gain control over the army, and she expresses her rage over the wrongful death of her sister. She chooses to take her revenge on the Princess and drags her out. She takes her to Prince (Huan?) who is being held hostage along with most of his family, including Young Lord's wife. She makes it clear that this is about revenge.Then we go back to Ming'er. We learn there is no escape, no where to hide. While everyone is on the brink of panic, she asks the servant about the dog holes he mentions. This sparks an idea--he says that a person could escape outside but only someone her size could fit in. Her father insists she escape disguised as the servant because at least one person survives, and her brother basically says that all that will happen to them is death but implies she will be raped (a fate worse than death) if she stays.

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Setting

**Spoilers Ahead**
Prologue
--Dramatic Music--

THIS is a story of the five kingdoms.
Of beautiful people....
Of awful things happening to those beautiful people....in the five kingdoms....
And those beautiful people ultimately triumphing over evil....while looking beautiful....in the five kingdoms....

Tianquan Kingdom-Leader of the Taiyuan Kingdom, the Xuanji Kingdom, and the Tiansha Kingdom.  TRAGEDY STRIKES: 1000 years ago, Di Fei Tian ordered the massacred of the five kingdoms
Sacred Land of Qioncang-The Elder, Chang Qing Zi used the Spiritual Elixir to turn the war around.  UNFORTUNATELY this was unable to completely obliterate Di Fei Tian...JUST ONE DROP of his blood coagulated into the aptly named QUINTUPLE-COLORED PEBBLE.  [I assume that you get five by throwing the Sacred Land into this equation].

AND NOW DI FEI TIAN IS BEGINNING TO STIR...AND THE ONE TO AWAKEN HIM WILL BE A YOUNG BEAUTIFUL GIRL....Yang Mi I MEAN FU YAO.

On that same note, a man whose beautiful hair is all we can see, is charged with finding this beautiful young woman....as he is the successor to the Spiritual Elixir of Bad-Assness that smites evil, [I KNOW NONE OF US THINKING THAT MAYBE THIS GUY WILL TURN OUT TO BE OUR MALE LEAD, BECAUSE THAT WOULD JUST BE TOO INTERESTING AND VERY SIMILAR TO JOURNEY OF FLOWER].

-Main Story: Setting: Xuanyuan Sect [a pugilist sect]
Female Lead: Fu Yao, A beautiful slave girl who possesses an aptitude for martial arts; unfortunately, being a slave girl means this is forbidden to her.  Her close friendship with the chief's son has perhaps given her a taste for things 'above her station' and a glimpse to the possibilities her future might hold for her--as such it is not surprising that she clashes with this rigid hierarchical system that only allows a select few to prosper instead of the masses who do all of the hard work and are undervalued [think of any service industry job you worked and multiply that by 100 since here, they can actually kill you if they want]

Fu Yao immediately illustrates several respectable characteristics: she knows how to argue and defend herself and manipulate the rules to her advantage; case in point, Senior Pei wishes to see her punished for training in the Secret Chamber of the Five Elements [love the name] since she is a slave and is not allowed to do this.  But Fu Yao shows her litigation skills and defends herself very confidently: you need proof! Pei accuses her of being STUBBORN, perhaps because she refuses to resign herself to her natural role, and Fu Yao shows she is PLAYFUL and something of a prankster as she leaps to her escape, effectively humiliating Senior Pei.

Supporting Character: Senior Pei is seen as someone quick to resolve situations with violence (her weapon of choice, a whip, a weapon that in video games almost always sucks and has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity see the Flame's Daughter.  incidentally, whips are considered a stealthy weapon on the plus side and an underhanded weapon on the negative side.  how do i  know this? i checked on the internets, and the internet never lies).  If you guessed that Senior Pei will emerge as an obsessive sociopath intent on making a male character hers and filled with loathing towards our female lead, you guessed right.  In many ways she is like the female version of the male lead from the King's Woman, only a lot less likable as he was far more cunning and manipulative.

A-Lie: Senior Pei's much abused personal maid servant.

Essentially, the Xuanyuan Sect hopes to regain its former glory of dominating the 5 kingdoms.  Now Fu Yao dreams of one day getting rid of the 'black [slave] robe' and being accepted into the community of pugilists.  This way she be her seniors equal, after all, she appears to hold him in high regard and may be in love with him.  Her only complaint is that he always defends the bad actions of Senior Pei and she doesn't seem bothered by his reminder that she shouldn't be breaking the rules.

Anyways, a sacrificial ritual is about to start and it is sort of like a Harry Potter Goblet of Fire Tournament where you enter your name, in blood, and anyone in the sect [minus slaves of course] can enter.  

Outside the city, the Emperor of the Five Kingdoms, who looks like he is about to die, instructs his son and heir apparent to initiate a plan to counter his powerful prime minister, Qi Zhen. He plans on using the military to eradicate him. Alas, Qi Zhen has eyes and ears everywhere and is listening in on this conversation.  He plans to counter himself and makes it clear: his goal is to be the emperor.

MEANWHILE, back in the Xuuanyuan sect Jing discusses the situation with his father.  This is important for later readers: the chief tells his son that they are a NEUTRAL SECT and are NOT TO BE INVOLVED in politics.  He tells his son that eventually Qi Zhen will topple the family and change things around, and when that happens they should be prepared so Jing must win the tournament to showcase his talents as a respectable warrior [sensing some contradiction here].

Essentially, he tells his son not to get involved.

Back at the capital, Qi Zhen has EVERY MEMBER OF THE ROYAL FAMILY KILLED EXCEPT THE EMPEROR.  
Oh, he also spares one member of the royal family [the male lead]....

MW, Senior Pei comes on strong to Jing and makes it clear she likes him and he tries to politely reject her but somehow she doesn't seem to hear him.  Jing treats her with little interest but later he shows extreme are towards Fu Yao, telling her to act like a girl, to take care of herself, and becoming cross with her for not taking better care for herself.  Now normally this can be construed as concern for a loved one but because of the overall tone of the show--that of a warrior woman--it comes off as more paternalistic.  This is a poignant conversation because she asks him to treat the other slaves with as much care as he treats her and to liberate them....and he hides behind the rules and dismisses it.  A behavior which I imagine will be consistent of Jing in the future: someone who does not take many risks and whose selfishness can sometimes be mistaken for kindness or compassion.

So....back to the capital.  We learn that this young beauty was spared because he can manipulate water, something only the royal family members can do.  And is necessary for something.....

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In which Feng illustrates that he would rather be feared than loved

So the Flame Villa descends into evil--it's sort of like how a revolution happens--the aftermath is always cleaning house, and the ones watching it have this sick feeling in their stomach, like maybe this is a bad idea?

1)Flame lord invites Feng to sit down and asks him why he is so quiet.  Feng's face is like icy anger as he asks him why his parents died, and the flame lord insists that they took their own lives.  Feng clearly does not believe this and then asks him why he summoned soldiers, and the flame lord states it's because he wants to help him leave Anye Lyo.  But Feng defends him, and states that this is his maternal uncle, which causes the flame lord to be super tirggered as he angrily reminds him that he took him in, raised him, taught him martial arts, how is it that Ge'er can believe him but not Feng?  Feng dismisses her as naive, and so flame lord asks him what he must do to gain his trust, and so Feng'er states he has to give him a reason to trust him.  Feng raises his weapon as if to behead him, and this makes Flame lord break down into laughter as he tells the memorial of his brother that his own son wants to kill him.

2)Housekeeper stabs him the back!  Literally and figuratively!  Flame lord calls him a rat and knocks him down.  He dies in Feng's arms, who is shocked, and his last words are for him to leave the evil palace and to have no regrets.  Housekeeper forces him to leave and then uses explosives to blow the place up.

3)Zhongli visits Ge'er, and she knows that this is bad, and she listens as he reports that her father is dead.  After fainting, Ge'er leaves with him.  She arrives to find the hall in mourning.  She puts on the white clothes and all eyes are on her as she makes her bows.  This is when Housekeeper Li says that villa bussiness should be addressed, and he suggests that Feng be appointed as hall master since she lacks experience.  The only person who speaks up for her is, surprisingly, Ji.  Feng'er is silent (COWARD).  Wu Xia rises and says that he believes that Feng'er is a good choice because the sudden death of the flame lord robbed him of the chance to properly train Ge'er.  With no one on her side, she has no choice--she decides to appoint Feng'er as Deputy Master and leaves.  Ji calls Feng out for not respecting their master's wishes.  Feng'er yells right back and accuses him of not being supportive.  Ji said that he supported him when the master was alive to give him a fair chance, however, since he is dead, he is honor bound to respect his last wishes.  Feng'er then says well what if his last wish was a mistake, do you honestly believe Ge'er is qualified?  He wants to know what he will do to Ge'er, and Feng says he will give her a carefree life. 

4)That night she visits the place her father dies, and Feng follows her. She has a fever, he tries to make her leave, but she refuses.  She wants to know how explosives were planted in the room, it is supposed to be the safest place, how could no one have known?  She returns to her room, and summons Zhongli who reports that her father had all the elite soldiers summoned back while sending Feng away.  He also reports that her father died the same day as Feng's return.

5)At the next morning meeting, Zhongli is the only branch master not present. All the hall masters state that Zhongli never attends the meetings, and Feng says that he was spoiled in the past and this will change.  He sends evil housekeeper li to bring him by.  Zhongli states he is unwell and cannot attend--and in a flashback we see that Li and Zhongli entered the place together.  He reminds Li to not harm the trust their master had in them, and this actually seems to make Li a smidge guiilty.  He reports back that Zhongli will not attend, and so Feng decides to send a strong message.  He initially plans to expel him for disobeying him but because the branch masters are defensive of him, strips him of his title and gives it to housekeeper Li (who is like a child in a candy store when he learns this) but it seems that Zhongli burned (I hope) the most important secret documents.

6)Die Yi goes to see Zhongli but seems to have packed his bags and left.  Ji is apparently banned from attending hall meetings, which leads to a violent conflict with housekeeper li who seems hungry to do him some serious harm.  

Oh, in this episode, I forgot to add, there is  a monologue where Feng reflects on how he has what he wanted, the master is dead, he is charge of the villa, but he is not happy and Ge'er is utterly miserable....

---So Feng'er continues to reveal to the audience that he is a spineless coward.

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People are not dead.

This episode establishes a new wave of conspiracy, sends home the sad truth that Master Lei has little support, and reveals a shocking truth we all knew to be true, that Yin Xue is not dead....

1)Recall, Thunderclap sect is a navy sect.  So we open to a fleet of ships.  On board the biggest ship, Niang holds an elaborate funeral for her husband.  The branch masters primarily seem to back her as a successor because of her experience, and Master Lei is seen as an inexperienced philanderer.  Niang at first seems to support Master Lei then states that they will re visit this after the funeral.  MW, Master Lei is seen off by Die Yi.  Phoenix (who I forgot about) observes them and asks if she is his secret love and he immediately tells her that she is his sister and that he will tell her on the way.

2)MW, Team Evil Palace holds a team meeting to boost morale.  Led by Anye Luo, he implores Feng'er to stop hesitating and kill Flame Lord.  He reminds him that he must do this as a son, that he must vindicate him, and to stop being sentimental.  He promises Feng'er that he will devise a ploy to get Yu away, since he seems to be the biggest barrier.  

WHY DOES ANYONE TRUST THIS OBVIOUSLY EVIL AND UNTRUSTWORTHY GUY??? IN  A GOOFY OUTFIT??

3)Royal brother number 3 is visited by Wu Xia a.k.a. Castellan who encourages him to lure Yu out.  Prince 3 wants to know what he stands to gain and Wu Xia reminds him of their old alliance--a not so subtle threat--which he calls him out on. Wu Xia insists that he does not plan to blackmail him, he believes this will suit his plans as well as it will help erase him as an obstacle.  Third prince is on board.

4)MW, Lei travels with Phoenix, who is recognized as a celebrity who is to be pitied as she is with Lei, who appears a bit scruffy.  He again tries to make her go away with silver but she again rejects it.  Trusting her more, he sends her ahead to visit branch lords and try to lure them to his side, however the branch lords urge her to leave and state that the ones who have objected to her have gone missing.  They have to act cautiously.  Phoenix leaves in defeat, and she reports back to Master Lei and complains that his father's men are less loyal than a courtesan.  Lei blames himself, for wasting his time playing instead of earning their respect.  He devises a plan to make an impact but she does not believe it will be easy.

5)In a twist, Lei shows up in mourning clothes to bow to his father's tablet.  He faces the lords who avoid looking him in the eye and greets them and announces that Niang is his father's killer (because he is a dunderhead).  Niang is slick and is prepared,much more than him. She insists that he was not present when their clan was framed or when her father died.  She accuses him of trying to frame her and claims innocence.  When he states that Prince Yu can verify this, she dismisses it as further evidence that he is framing her because Yu is aligned with Flame Villa, their enemy.  He accuses her of being with the dark river palace and again, this is dismissed.  Everyone present implores him not to do this now (it lacks tact. but he is angry).  He is asked to leave (he played a big hand and lost but at least a seed of doubt was planted).  He sulks alone in  a room, and Niang visits him.  She tells him to leave that no matter what he says, the sect is hers.  Lei is incensed and provokes her and she tells him that the only reason he is alive is because she promised his father.  Lei swears to kill her if she does not kill him but she let's him leave.  

6)Before leaving Lei shouts his frustration at the Branch Masters who are not really interested in Niang's crimes.  They make it clear that times are uncertain and they need leadership.  Essentially they say he is immature and unable to understand, so they leave him.

7)Lei returns, defeated, and Phoenix says she knew it would not work. BUT then a few branch masters--three--appear pledging their loyalty.  Three is better than none.

8)MW,Zhongli updates Ge'er on the mediocre success of Lei.  Madame Niang now leads the branch, which puts her in control of the southern waters, and Ge'er admits she can do nothing because they do not trust her.  Elsewhere Joaqin continues to look for the Misty Lineage, and is unsuccessful.  A follower reports his movements to their Grand Master, who then reports that their chief--Yin Xue--foolishly removed a frost curse and now has to wait 100 years before it can be removed.  Yes, Yin Xue is ALIVE!!!!  He is treated daily by the Grand Mentor and literally preserved in ice.

9)Ge'er visits the people and realizes that times are bad--a lot of people have come in land, refugees, and are starving, fleeing the Japanese.  MW, the emperor is updated by 3rd prince--the Japanese have dealt massive casualties, however they are not looking for a long term fight and are open to peace. They wish a marital alliance with Yu specifically, but alas, Yu has a consort and may not agree.....the message is passed on to Yu.

10)Yu rejects the offer and states he believes that the Japanese are not genuine.  3rd prince is happy.  He can now lead troops--with Yu--and plans on killing him on the battlefield.  MW, Ge'er discusses this issue with him and she tells him that she believes it is a conspiracy because no matter what he chooses he is at a disadvantage. If he marries and they fight, it puts him in a bad position, if he refuses it is bad.  The episode ends with him asking Ge'er if she would care if this were not a conspiracy....

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An opportunity to transfer authority.

This was an excellent episode that builds the suspense and highlights the fractures within the flame villa sect.  It also boasts some excellent martial arts.

1)We open to Ge'er who chooses to skip the important meeting regarding the next villa master.  Instead she chooses to drink tea with Master Lei who says that he would be terrified if he were in her shoes because she has no knowledge of the villa and Feng is more popular; even Ji is more suitable as he has reputation for being just.  Ge'er....doesn't really have anything except her blood relation.  She agrees with him and states that she does not know if she will do this; she does not know why her father wants her to succeed.  She then asks him how he knows he can trust his father (aww, doubt) did not collaborate with Dark Evil Palace, and Lei is so confident it is borderline smug as he ticks off all his father's shortcomings but says as his son he trusts him, and is angry that the evil palace dragged his name through the mud.

2)MW, at the super important meeting, all the uncles one by one give their thoughts on Ge'er.  Most believe that because Ge'er has never participated in villa affairs, has never contributed, has no reputation and may never have one and she may not have the support of others on the outside, she is a poor choice (FYI Feng, Yu, and Ji are also present).  Her father states that they can help her, teach and guide her.  They argue that having her in charge will turn the alliance into a mess.  Zhongli of the Azure Hall states he is loyal to the flame lord's choice and supports her.  One uncle(Murong?) supports her however Ji respectfully dissents and states that he believes Feng is a more suitable choice and they run the risk of offending Blade City.  Yu says he will support her since he has asked his father to marry her, and as his princess consort he will do anything and everything for her--an announcement which pisses Feng off and causes him to say that she can't be a princess and lead--but Yu cooly says he will live here if he needs to.  Flame Lord refuses to change his mind.

3)Afterwards, Housekeeper Yi (godson) serves him tea.  He asks him why he hurt Yang Yi, and he answers that it was because she brought dishonor on the villa  (my mind always goes to Mulan).  He only smiles and then he asks him why he has not voiced any discontent over not being selected, after all he is just as skilled as the others, but Housekeeper states he has no ambition.  Flame lord then says that it HAS to be Ge'er who succeeds him.

4)Ge'er joins her father for tea.  She has a very direct talk with her father (something I really like about her,she is so consistent!) and asks him why he chose her.  She is worried she lacks the skill, that others will think her father is blinded by familiar love.  Her father says that he and his godbrother fought hard to build the flame villa, that a lot of blood was spilled, that a lot of humiliation was endured.  She then asks why not Feng'er? He is the descendant of his godbrother, he has the skill.  She admits no one will think her qualified and that he is biased.  Her father repeats Feng Tian's name and says he was his best friend....then that's it.  He says that Feng is too cold,but she is more calm. WEAK.

5)Ge'er hesitates, and then she says she has heard some dreadful rumors that have been repeated over the past six months and have sullied the relationship between him and his late godbrother.  Her father wants to know what HER thoughts are (notice he does not ask what was said).  Ge'er drops to her knees and admits she has had her doubts, but no longer doubts him.  Her father pulls her into his arms and thanks her for believing him.  Just as she is about to tell him what Feng believes, he interrupts and says he already knows, and has known for a while.  This surprises her.  She asks him why he has not confronted him, and her father says that one day Feng will understand the truth.

6)Ge'er then says that she is worried that Feng will hurt him. This makes her father very angry.  He tells her--insists--that she not doubt him and to have faith in him. (In drama logic I think we must know that everyone will betray her).   She tells her father she will not mention it again (notice how she did not agree).

7)MW, Xun Yi meets with Ji who explains his reasons for backing Feng'er. Basically, he believes he is better.  Xun Yi then reveal to us Ji's apparent hero idol worship of Feng;er who has saved his life too many times to count. It is so bad that she wonders if Ji loves Feng'er more than her, leading to a flushing Ji insisting that is not so.  Needless to say, we now know why he is so fierce in backing him.

8)Elsewhere, the uncles meet up and privately tell Feng they all really support him.  They just think flame lord is upset over the Yang Yi episode and needs a year to cool off.  Ge'er shows up with flamelord to attend her first meeting.  She asks everyone to guide her.  She then suggests they their annual match (which was not held because of the wedding) and her father agrees.  We then see Yu in battle for the first time, against Yu,  and it's a pretty cool scene since he is in a wheel chair.  Then it is Ge'er and Ji.  She kicks ass and looks really pretty.  The match ends, but she asks to fight Feng, shocking everyone.  Her father agrees.  Feng  asks her to go first, and she does a good job but he refuses to draw his sword. FInally he stops, and they are neck in neck.  Yu interrupts and begs her not to push herself too hard.  At dinner the atmosphere is a bit tense, especially as her father lavishes her with praise.  He then shocks all his disciples by announcing he will be taking her to Azure Hall (its kind of like announcing she is crown prince officially because only he and Zhongli see those letters) Yu immediately drinks to this, and Ji only drinks AFTER Feng'er toasts him.

9)At Azure Hall Zhongli formerly greets her and explains that the Azure Hall receives mail from all over the world.  Unimportant letters are burned, flame lord only sees important letters.  Her father announces that she will receive all his correspondence when she is in the royal city in his stead.  Alone with Zhong Li, she asks why her father did not receive her mail. He says he gave that letter to housekeeper Li o_O whom he believes is loyal and would not deliberately deceive flame lord (B.S.!) She tells him that only she and her father are to receive mail in the future no one, not even Zheng or housekeeper, can receive it.  She also asks him to research the Dark Evil Palace.

10)Unfortunately, they receive news of the death of Thunderclap Leader, and that Niang is taking over.  She goes to tell Lei, who is devastated,but she reasures him that he is safe here.  Miss D learns of the death and passes a message on, and Xun Yi for reasons alone is shocked when she finds out (is she the secret daughter?).  Miss D passes on to Lei a jade token, and Lei asks to leave on the morrow so that he can clear up his reputation even though Ge'er says he is walking into doom.  But he goes.  The episode ends with Ge'er telling her maids that as long as one is alive, there is hope to change things....

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Indeed, the cave turned out to be a trap.…

Indeed, the cave turned out to be a trap.  I was sincerely hoping that they might take a different route and make the rat king good looking....he looked like an extra in cats.  It looked bad.  Anyways, we learn that the rat king indeed did meet with the leader of the healer tribe following the plague curse but he never received the crystal and that the healer chief has it.

Meanwhile, the healer chief seems to be showing signs of crazy as he plans to kill the bride to avoid giving up the crystal.  Luckily, Shi intervenes.  His son and Ka Suo and the rest then show up and it seems we learn the truth: that the healer tribe leader ingested it and was immune to the plague and gained immortality.  He does not want to give it up.  Yan Da hears this and removes it forcefully from him, which reveals his true age: an old man.  He is very ancient.

The black shadow fog everyone saw is actually a form of the fire lord. The crystal is used to heal the bride (Tuo seems to get over his dad's problems fast) and the bride returns to her normal age just from a sip.  The sisters are happy and embrace.

Ka Suo has the crystal but plans to formerly request it (is he a numbut?)  Yan Da meets up with Shi, and she gives him something to eat (she likes him)--she wants to know if he is on her side.  She says she respects his bravery.  the pill is to help him with his injuries.

The tribe healer is apparently turned into someone with the mentality of a child.  So now his son is in charge.  Li Luo struggles with Ka Suo being mad at her for taking a hit meant for him.

--AND THIS IS WHERE THIS DRAMA STUMBLES FOR ME--it turns goofy and awkard at parts (I can put up with the cheesy theatrics), when it could just seamlessly be a serious drama.  They don't incorporate romance very well into the show, in my opinion.

But I like that sweeping kind of romance.  They interject romance and it seems awkward like they put the show on pause to have a 'romantic part' instead of weaving it in well.  That is where this show really suffers, in my opinion--

So they fly some kite together and have a flirty moment.  Then we go back to the fire king who is literally baking the Ice King.  He shares that he is keeping him alive because of his expressionless face--he wants to break him and see him in pain.  He also wants him to tell the three realms that if they rebel against him they will be in for it. Obviously e refuses.

So the ice king is weak but he seems to be stubborn beyond all reason.  Which I like.  

Yu Shen and her sister leave because she the sister no longer wants to marry him.  Which gives Yu Shen an opening....

And SHI steals the ice crystal....because the ice tribe is stupid and led by Ka Suo.  Yan Da seems to be attracted to Shi's pride, and I guess his indifference.  I like her character the most in this series, followed closely by fire king and then mermaid girl Lan SHang...

Ka Suo gets the news that the relic was stolen by the fire tribe.  La Suo thinks this is good since they have an ally.  Ka Suo is unhappy about involving them but WHAT DID you EXPECt???

For reasons unknown, Fire Princess and her brother do not seem to get along  Anyways we are told that the next crystal is in the Dream Tribe...

The episode gets low stars because the execution of the plot was uninteresting.  I don't expect to be surprised in these dramas they are all predictable but the execution just did not hook me.  

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Episode 23: Lan'er is like Goku: she just won't die, and Li'er Maybe Consummates?

So in this episode Jing masters the super secret technique, Qin attacks Zhao, and Li'er and the emperor may or may not have consummated. It just isn't clear. 1.beginning where we left off, Li'er has Qing'er make up a bed for the emperor on the floor (!) and he yanks her down beside him and she doesn't protest. They sleep on the steps together (uncomfortable) LOTS of flashbacks 2.The next day Li Si, at court, suggest that the emperor annihilate Han since it is so weak. He also suggests it would be good for morale. In contrast, Han Fei suggests they attack Zhao because Han is not a threat. he urges the emperor to focus on Zhao and Qi, because if he topples the biggest powers, then everyone will fear Qin and all the alliances will crumble on their own. Li Si then suggests that Han Fei is protecting his home state... 3.Later, the emperor plays a game of chess with Li'er. He asks her what she thinks. This is a crucial scene because the emperor refers to her as wife, and she doesn't challenge this, when normally she would be like 'I'm not your wife'. Also, it shows how they are settling into a comfortable routine, now that it seems like he respects her opinion and listens to her. She tells him that everyone at court has an agenda they are pushing but she believes that Han Fei is genuine and has no ulterior motives, regardless of what he says. She believes that he is completely loyal to Qin. However, she tells the emperor that he should be decisive and not allow others to pull his strings, essentially he has to make this choice on his own and no one can tell him what to do. 4.Then the Queen Dowager comes in, and the emperor looks annoyed but then we see that apparently Li'er dotes on her and has been stopping by to give her gifts. Li'er is very patient with her and takes her advice, however strange or eccentric it is to make her happy. 5.I love the cutscenes to Jing because it is very interesting that in the midst of Li'er finally getting comfortable, the emperor's plan of unity becoming closer to a reality, Jing is training to upend all of this. So Jing has a ridiculous training scene that I will admit is a bit boring but I think it's important because I think this shows us exactly what moves he will use when he ultimately confronts the emperor. 6.Meanwhile, the emperor and Li'er get into a bit of a dispute. It's very petty, and it is clear that Li'er is annoyed and overreacting: she assumes the emperor is irritated that she cares about his mother and also reminds him that she doesn't want to be the king. the emperor says fine, I won't mention it anymore and calmly leaves. Li'er is sort of left looking like the bad guy, and it annoys her a lot. she can't stop talking about it to Qing'er while Qing'er is clearly sympathetic to the emperor 7.Back to Jing. He learns the technique and goes to Lan'er but Lan'er is passed out and looks dead. Very dead. But she isn't. She wakes up and tells Jing that he should save Li'er but before she dies she wants to tell him that she loves him. And then it looks like she dies. In a panic, Jing breaks them out.... 8.And then we cut back to Li'er who is still complianing about this petty argument while Qing'er brushes her hair. The emperor sneaks in, takes over, and pretends to be Qing'er while brushing her hair. she is surprised to turn and see him. We get a scorching kiss, and then he carries her to bed...and then its morning and they are holding one another with their clothes on>>>?? I can't tell if they consummated or if they are just cuddling. 9.Back to jing--I guess it's important because Li'er is essentially getting it on with the enemy while Lan'er is for all purposes dead--but she isn't! She revives and is surprised she is alive. Then Bao Ye shows up and has a knife to Lan'er's throat (Jing was distracted by a poem that is probably important). Then Yi Hou Young, Bao Ye's teacher appears. T hey basically want to learn the technique. Jing fights them, but remember, he is weak. Lan'er springs into action and gets stabbed protecting Jing, and then they somehow escape, and somehow she isn't dead yet. 10.The emperor summons Fan Wuqi, another general, and gives orders to attack Zhao. He tells his men not to bother returning if they fail. And then a narrator tells us that Wuqi is very successful and Zhao takes a major hit, loses 100,000 men, and it's just not good for Zhao (so he took Han Fei's advice) 11.Meanwhile, Li'er runs into Lady Jing who is ill. She breaks down into tears...and in the next scene she is in Ru'er's chambers, uninvited. I WONDER WHAT SHE LEARNED? Ru'er is barely civil, and Li'er tells her not to bother preparing anything (it's like Zheng fights to unify the states while Li'er fights to unify the harem) 12. Li'er tells her that she met lots of women while her grandpa worked for the state in Wei and she learned some sorcery (China is notoriously superstitious and ghosts are not really mentioned in shows) and tells her that she learned Jing is upset because she miscarried. She tells her that a child from a miscarriage turns into a dark ghost and hangs around and she has come to see if the ghost is perhaps haunting Ru'er. Ru'er naturally panics but the message is a clear warning to Ru'er to stop the b.s. and stop hurting others--I can't think of a show with so many warnings to one person. I mean in Empress of China you don't get a warning you just die. 13.The show ends with the emperor and prince Yan and Li'er playing archery. After this, li'er speaks with Yan and asks why he lost on purpose. He tells her that it is really hard to be living in the palace and powerless to help your people. he tells her that its hard to be around the emperor, knowing that while he is your friend, it is essentially an act and he is a slave. (the implication is also that Li'er must understand how he feels, being a woman in the harem). It also seems like Yan makes it clear he respects her a lot and Han looks very uncomfortable with this conversation. 14. Yan is last seen playing chess with the emperor....

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Ep 21: Grooming?

We open to the Emperor delivering a well-rehearsed argument for all the reasons that he should make Li'er his Queen: 1)Every state is represented in his harem and because of that he has to deal with the complications of offending someone with his harem 2)A queen from the common people means no feuds among his ministers for power Li'er tries to back out of this gracefully by explaining that while she is not a negative, she is not beneficial and he should find someone beneficial and besides she doesn't want to deal with the harem. The king ignores this and tells his grandmother that he knows she disagrees, so when he rides out to battle Han, should he win, he gets to have her as Queen The grand dowager tells him to bring a concubine to battle is the height of scandal. He says nope, it just means that our state is so prosperous he can bring a concubine to battle-- Ru'er predictably states why can only Li'er go with you? And he replies, well you can come, just be prepared to fight. LOLZ Afterwards, Li'er tells him she is upset because 1)you never talked to me about this and 2)I don't want my child to have to fight over the throne if I become Queen The emperor diverts her attention by trying to give her a gift (he is so eager, like a kid you can tell he is barely containing his excitement) and its a tray of oranges. Predictably, she says I don't want these, even if its a rare delicacy, and he knocks them to the floor but he isn't angry. He says okay, did deeper. And he pulls out her grandpa's dagger. You know what this is? This is grooming 101 and its working because she is very happy. Then he sits in his throne room, her at his side, receives Han, promotes him to Middle Guard which means only Li Zhong is above him, and he gives them permission to talk privately whenever they want. She is stunned. Li'er returns to her rooms with Han, and explains that she can't understand why she saved him, and she doesn't understand her feelings now. (she is being buttered up!) And the emperor asks Li Zhong if he is being to lax with her, and Li Zhong, not being a moron, says nope. And the emperor says he has finally realized that he can win her by giving her freedom--this is hysterical. All of this chaos, all of it is because he wants to get laid. I love it. Meanwhile Jing is going into the mountains with Lan'er and someone is following them...I can't remember who the guy is who sent them but he has appeared in older episodes...and it seems this guy wants the mythical legendary sword technique.... The royal eunech, ghao, is discussing what to do with li'er. He acknowledges she is not an enemy but he can't call her a friend. So he decides for now to leave her be but he will have spies reporting on her. In a great scene, Han confronts Ru'er and tells her that he was appointed to protect Li'er and she needs to stop bullying her otherwise he will act. Essentially he tells her that the emperor gave me this position to cut down people he can't--the emperor won't touch you because he has to think about politics, but I will gladly risk life and limb to protect Ru'er so you better stop-- (so I have lost count of all the warnings that Ru'er has received) Just before leaving for battle, Li'er reports to the emperor what she knows of Han: Han Fei, the advisor, is smart but has a stutter. He is basically the powerful man while the king is a joke. It kind of illustrates to his men that she has a purpose to serve other than warming the emperor's bed, which is what they will likely suspect. BUT they reconvene with wind and air, the guys who killed her pops. She freaks, tries to kill them, and the emperor blocks her sword with his armored body. He asks her to stop he orders the guys away, and she says that you only care about losing some good fighters and not about the fact that they killed my grandpa. he says no, I am only concerned about them hurting you (gushing) and she drops the sword and leaves, and he issues an order that the elemental fighters are to never appear in front of her or he will kill them. Alone, he begins to discuss his battle plans and shares his plans to build the wall of china. In a BIG soap box speech, he tells her that even if the people must suffer, it's to create a stable, better world and even if history derides him as a criminal, he doesn't care (OMG THIS IS DUMB). While Jing is fighting for his life, she and the emperor are fussing over how to sleep.... Thoughts: I liked this episode because the emperor is like this adorably smug cute guy who is so happy that he has finally found the right tactics to get her in bed and he is clearly so happy that he is making headway with her meanwhile Jing is like fighting for his life AND the emperor is just doing what he wants, no matter the consequences (like the queen issue)

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Episode 20: In Which There are Zero Doubts The Emperor Favors Madame Li

Li Zhong must deal with the aftermath of the chaotic attack(s). He must contend with the possibility that the emperor will maybe take his life because he stabbed Madame Li. Fortunately, the Emperor says he trusts him and wants to know why he acted.



Li Zhong admits that at the time, he believed Li was going to kill him because she had a sword, was running at him, and he knows she is skilled in swords. But looking back, he can see that she wouldn't pick such a public place because she had many chances to do so when they were alone (ha, you don't know Madame Li, the woman of inconsistent smarts).



Meanwhile, Madame Min has an exchange with Ru'er. She essentially calls her out for her incredibly stupid attempt to kill Madame Li. Ru'er plays innocent and accuses Min of being mean but her words aren't angry; she's incredibly smug because she is confident that she is 100% covered. Madame Min again warns her to stop engaging in self-destructive acts.



Back in her bedroom, the Emperor learns that Li'er is out of danger. She wants to visit Han, no matter how weak she is, and he promises to check on him for her. His devotion to her is like a lovesick puppy; he basically jumps into action the moment she speaks, which is such a guy thing; they aren't good with just being supportive they have to do something so he jumps to show her that he can make her life easier by checking in on Han nevermind that it's another guy. And we are given a zillion flashbacks, something I think the show has too many of because it isn't like we forgot all of this stuff.



The emperor continues to investigate. Yan is confident he won't be caught because the woman whom he paid to kill the emperor is from Wei. And she's dead. He also thinks that the focus will be on the Grand Queen Dowager. But he expresses interest in Li'er, and he essentially reveals he respects her for not having any worldly motives for power or wealth, and refers to her as a 'heroine'. He even envies her because she has the luxury to make that choice; he has to think of his country.



Li'er meanwhile awakens to find the Emperor asleep on her. Now this is the second time he has fallen asleep with her. But she touches his forehead, thinking he is having a nightmare (so she was going to....comfort him?) and he freaks out and startles her. He remarks on him falling asleep. The implication is he trusts her, and loves her.



She again says she wants to see Han. He again says nope you are injured I will look in on him. She admits she did not try to kill him, that a sword just fell in her hands, and then she saw the assassin. She tells him that she does not think that the events are related, i.e. the setup and the assassin. He agrees as many people try to kill him (I mean he isn't the most likable person). More flashbacks.



And then he finally visits Han, and lavishes praise on him although he is unconscious, because he proved he was able to do what the emperor could not.



Meanwhile, Jing and Lan'er are travelling to find Warrior Gao and they find him showing off his martial arts skills. This just shows us that Gao has the skills of Jet Li and Jackie Chan and Jon Wick all rolled into one. We learn that their locations is DALIANG.



Then we go back to Zheng. He wants to challenge the Grand Dowager directly because she has belittled his power by refusing to allow him to interrogate her men. He wants to confront her, but Li Zhong points out that she is from Chu. A confrontation with her could trigger a war with Chu, and they must deal with Wei as well--it would be a war from North and South. The emperor says f*** this and declares war on Chu.



And then he goes to the Queen's palace. Unbeknownst to him, Li Si is there and the Queen is trying to get him on her side. Now Li Si isn't a total idiot. The Queen isn't exactly favored right now, and she is from Chu. He tries to get out of accepting the gift but cannot. he accepts it, the emperor is announced, and Ru'er sneaks him out but they both observe his confrontation with the Queen Dowager. He needs to fire all of his guards because it is so silly that they don't notice them. They are hiding in plain sight.



So the emperor essentially tells the Queen to hand over her men. She challenges him and says no. He tells her he declared war on Chu, shocking her, and that he will execute all of her soldiers if he cannot interrogate them. her soldiers plead for their lives.



AND THEN LI'ER SHOWS UP. and intercedes and begs for mercy. Now it is obvious that they have decided Li'er is smart again. So Li'er pleads for mercy and argues that the men were only doing their job to protect him, and that he should not kill them. So he relents and instead exiles them. But by asking for mercy, Li'er has 1)Prevented an international fiasco 2)allowed the emperor to save face as a man because he clearly was trying to protect his woman and allowed him save face as the emperor as he showed he was going to carry out justice but he decided to make his concubine happy

While I understand her reasons for this, I still kind of wanted the emperor to carry out justice because it is very uncommon in dramas, in my opinion, for an emperor to be so direct and unwilling to indulge in the political games because he has enough power that he can actually do this.



But I digress.



What would have made this awesome is if the emperor and her had planned this in advance. but they didn't. Ruo'er is green with envy and afterwards talks again about how Li'er is just doing this for show (and again, this conclusion is not unreasonable as women in the harem constantly play games but she is completely rejecting the possibility that Li'er is perhaps legitimate). She even wonders if Li'er sent the assassin and killed it to stop the questions (no offence that is not unbelievable).



Meanwhile, Jing Ke and Lan'er talk with Warrior Gao. Gao explains that Qin was fighting Chu but must withdraw because they cannot afford a prolonged conflict. Jing Ge again speaks words that show he represents 'the small guy' or the people who are unfortunate victims in Qin's quest for essentially world domination because his only focus is the potential innocent people.



Meanwhile, the empeor talks to Li'er about her intervention on behalf of the Grand Queen Dowager. He admits that he cannot afford to offend Chu but wanted to protect her anyways. She weighs in on the political issues and states that she does not believe Wei wants Qin to actually get back their lands but instead wants to see the powerful states war with one another, weaken each other, and as a result Wei will emerge stronger. The emperor thinks about this and admits he did not think of that and that he now sees that Wei and Han would benefit from the fight especially since Qin relies upon Chu for rations.



<Oh how they are moving closer to each other, especially since she is starting to see she can actually help people and prevent conflict (as she hates war) merely by giving her point of view to the emperor, who listens; it makes it harder to hate him>



Meanwhile, Jing will train in the tai mountains since for reasons unknown to them the Qin are retreating from Chu. He then thinks this is part of the poems secret, so while the emperor is showing signs of not being so unreasonable (because now he can afford to be since his power is very solid in Qin) and we begin to see some of the stability that is emerging from having fewer states, Jing will become a threat to this fragile stability as he trains to take down the emperor, who represents EVIL to him. it will make us less sympathetic to him.



And in a shocking cliff hanger, the emperor decides Li'er will be his queen. I won't even begin to go into how stupid of an idea that is because she brings NOTHING to the table. He should be marrying a foreigner. It is the most sensible choice.



Thoughts; the show is getting better, but it still makes me angry about the very deliberate bad writing to move plot forward because Li'er clearly is not a numnut but they had her acting like one.

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Episode 26: Pro and Con

I think this episode does a good job of highlighting many of the shows pros and its limitations. In this episode, we see that Qu Yuan is spared and sentenced to serving in the military.



1. The emperor receives the petition from the townspeople in the county who are beg for Qu Yuan's life.

Con: While not unrealistic, the show has them all wearing white (would peasants really have access to so many outfits?) and would they really dare to do this before the emperor himself?



2.Meanwhile, Lord Cheng continues to investigate the suspicious circumstances of this case. The king thinks back on all of Qu Yuan's efforts to clean up the county and continues to find it hard to believe that someone so passionate would do this. He asks his advisor for advice, and his advisor implores him to not be biased and to not ignore the hard physical evidence before him.



3.The King wants to personally question Jiao (the man who named Qu Yuan as the embezzler and set him up)



4.The king goes to visit Qu Yuan in his cell, and Qu Yuan is not only drunk, but he continues to maintain his impudent attitude before the king. he tells the emperor he did not do it and that he will say nothing more on the matter. He can kill him if he wants. The king is not only angry he is drunk, but disappointed in his behavior.

Pro: Characters are consistent

Pro: Qu Yuan is reacting in a reasonable way, since his woman is gone and he's been framed he is pretty depressed. It makes him seem more human



5.The king asks him to think of Chu State (essentially he is telling him that he should sacrifice his pride and admit to the crime, so that he can forgive him). I like this scene because Qu Yuan is directly called out for his pride and his black and white thinking. TO me, this is a pro



6.Elsewhere, Jiao is found dead, so the guys who paid him panicked and killed him, but it makes everything even more suspicious.



7.The king holds a formal trial: his ministers are present, as is Qu Yuan and the people who sent the petition. His minister Ji still wants Qu Yuan dead and points out several reasonable points, that Qu Yuan could have had Jiao killed. The people beg for Qu Yuan to be spared, and Qu Yuan is shocked to see Mo Chou leading this. The emperor decides to settle this by having his ministers read all the things Qu Yuan has done, and then read this one crime. He ultimately decides that because the evidence is inconclusive, he won't execute him, but because there is still a question of whether or not he did it, he will have him atone by serving in the military.

Pro: This is a nice Segway into the military, and a reasonable one

Con: The execution of the scene still is a bit wooden in that Qu Yuan is STILL presented as a meme almost and the repetition is killing me--we KNOW he stands for the people



8.After this, the king observes a village festival as they celebrate Qu Yuan being saved

MAJOR CON: SO CHEESY



8.Qu Yuan catches a glimpse of Mo Chou, follows her , and while she hides in the woods using her ninja he shouts that he knows he has no right to speak to her but everyday is miserable for him. Mo Chou cries silently.

Pro: The romance

Con: The romance: it is just kind of...lukewarm



9.Meanwhile, Shi Jia decides to abandon his post at the governer's office because Qu Yuan is leaving. Qu Yuan implores him to stay as they need people like him. Nope, Shi Jia says he is going to wander the country.

Pro: There is some logic in Qu Yuan asking him to stay.

Con: This seems awfully suspicious, like they are going to have him randomly return...



10.Meanwhile, back in Qin, the king sits with his military advisors who protest the power the chancellor has. They are angry that the king has not levied taxes and will not force labor. The king argues it is for the morale of the soldiers and asks them to endure. He also will have his sons Prince Ji (the Chu' king's nephew) and Dan'er serve. They argue this is foolish since the princes are too young and inexperienced. but the king needs to send the message that he is with the people.

Pro: It makes Qin seem more human and is a good military scene



11.Ji'er complains about having to serve and is super angry because his older brother has been excused on account of illness. His mother basically tells him to suck it up that this is a great chance to learn so he reluctantly agrees

Pro: A normal spoiled kid reactioin

Con: spoiled kids are annoying is heck



Major Pro: The show is fairly good with segwaying into new scenes and setting up new plot

Cons: The execution could be improved, and I think the biggest hindrance right now is the actual writing of the character of Qu Yuan, who is so black and white. I am hoping that they pull a JOF and have him do a 180, which makes the character much more likable.

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Episode 19: A GREAT EPISODE AFTER MANY BAD ONES

In this episode we are treated a LOT OF sexual tension and an extremely interesting end



1.Jing cuts his hair and returns, both symbolically and literally ready to return to his initial goal. He promises both his mentor--gramps--and Li'er that he will not disappoint them (he basically realizes that everyone, including Li'er, believes he is capable of doing great things)



2.Meanwhile, Lan'er and her father are talking about Jing. He advises his daughter to let Jing go, that he is walking down a path of no return (he knows that Jing is going to do great things but it is not going to be a sunshine and rainbows path) however Lan'er is stubborn and refuses



3.JIng decides to continue to figure out what the secret technique is that gramps left for him, and Lan'er gains permission to go. Her father is reluctant to agree, but he knows she will probably go either way.



4.Elsewhere, the grand dowager hosts yet another 'party' of the concubines, which is more like a meeting fraught with tension as they carefully use language to passively make plans--and the makers of these plans are the Grand Dowager and Ru'er, her favorite. Ru'er believes that Li'er is toxic, having broken the rules multiple times, and is bad for the harem. The Grand Dowager basically says that Li'er has broken the rules and that will be addressed appropriately, and everyone else should shun her (this basically means rest assured, I will kill her). The other ladies present are clearly uncomfortable because they know that this is a meeting to discuss killing another concubine.



5.In a scene fraught with sexual tension, the emperor sits on her bed, and I think this is important because it is almost like he is baiting her or taunting her because he knows how uncomfortable she is when he is alone with her. He tells her very directly: I have waited a year, I want you, and I have waited out of respect. He then forces kisses on her but backs off, but his message is clear: I am waiting out of respect, I am impatient, hurry up and come willingly because I can do whatever I want and maybe one day I will force you so instead of making this an awful experience try to think differently.



Scary, right? But realistic in what women faced--and unrealistic in that he was being so 'patient'. That is one of the most inconsistent things about his character, the fact that he cares so much about one person. And I know care here is complicated but he is showing her a great deal of courtesy by making so many allowances for her.



I really like this scene:

6.The emperor visits Madame Min to play chess (a version that makes no sense to me) and they have a really interesting conversation about the harem and politics, and it clearly shows the roles they both bear, and is a clever dance with words. He basically tells her, and she confirms this to him, that she is neither his favorite nor someone who gives him any problems. She says this is a compliment because she has grown up in the harem and has seen women hope for the king's attention and seen how destructive it can be.

His response: But not fighting is a fighting tactic, and this catches her off guard. He points out how he has used other people to fight his battles and says she is really no different from him. And that's true.

Her response: It isn't my place to discuss politics with you

He says: you are very smart, you know I always thought that Jia would be the next leader on Zhao because Zhao Qian isn't the brightest, but his mother was favored by the king. (the message is that even if you are more qualified, sometimes you just aren't fated to be the one) and then he goes on to say that he was surprised she came to Qin because Zhao loved her so much (implying she could have had great power through him)

Her reply: I thought he was weak, but what I think really doesn't matter because whether it's you or Zhao I am still in the same position (they aren't talking about her anymore, they are talking about women, and for him, he is just reaffirming Li'er's position: that she is his, and what she wants at the end of the doesn't matter because she only has what he allows her to have. because Lady min could have stayed behind and been with Zhao, but even if he loved her, so what, she was still just a concubine. in this way, the emperor sort of gets to justify his behavior because she is his possession and it gives him that feeling of control he loves so much)



MAYBE I OVERANYLZED I:M SORRY



And then comes another charged scene:

-Li'er is with Qing'er, brushing her hair, and Qing'er tells her to just accept the emperor because she is fighting a battle that she cannot win. he owns her. (I interpreted it as this is like a game to him and when he gets tired of it he will do what he wants so just stop it already and accept that you are his possession)

-Li'er agrees (suspicious, righgt?) and then she places a hair pin in her sleeve (I thought OMG not another stupid scene but this is a great scene)



-the emperor sits on her bed, looking smug like always, and she walks towards him, hands behind her back, smiling almost coyly.



-he asks her if tonight is the night she will sleep with him or not? and before she can answer he says: I think you are going to kill me and then yourself, but what about Tian ming?



-and her face just crumbles--he won this round--he stands and gently takes the pin from her and then he says he prepared for this just in case and tells her Tian Ming was sent out of the palace



-she accuses him of using her son again, because she could never leave if she can't find him, and he says yes I am using him, but it's (basically) to protect you from doing something stupid, like killing me, and it also protects him in case you kill me or someone wants to hurt him. she says that I am just like a country you are at war with, and you want to conquer me, and he says he wants her as much as he desires the six states (they are one and the same to him) he then hands her the hair pin and reminds her that it is used for hair only and leaves, promising to return.



WOW

AND IT GETS BETTER



-In a private meeting with the Grand Dowager, the Queen essentially says she has a plan to deal with Li'er. I do think the queen is a bit conflicted because she has to know how her grandson feels about Li'er so she can't mess this up.



-The Queen meets with li'er, who begs for punishment. Now begins another dance with words. The Queen says that the emperor's birthday is coming up and as a rule, concubines give him a gift. she requests that Li'er perform a dance. Li'er says she can't dance and it might make others uncomfortable if she is there, and the queen suggests that she sword dance. Li'er, showing some smarts for the first time in a long time, tells her that she will do this, but if she should die in the future, please take care of my son, and the queen promises



-Li'er practices with Han, who tells her that this is a trap, and she says even so, I have the Queen's word that Tian Ming will be safe. Han says, yea, but what about you.



-Now we go to the ceremony, and Li'er performs a visually pretty dance. Now the Queen Dowager summoned extra guards--she plans to have them kill li'er once it looks like she will harm the emperor. Now how could that happen? Well, at the every end of her dance, Li'er splits open a piñata like thing and all these flower petals fall around her.....

and so does a sword. Her reflex is to catch it. Now to everyone else, it looks like she planned this. The guards attack, and at the same time, Prince Yan gives a signal to a woman behind the emperor's throne (this would never happen) and she moves to kill him!

Li'er fights through a dozen guards, it looks like she is about to kill him, Han is injured trying to help keep her safe, and li Zong stabs her, and she throws her sword and kills the assassin.



everyone is surprised.

the emperor freaks out, runs with her body and screams for a doctor. while she is being tended to he yells at li zhong (poor guy) 1)why do my guards suck 2)who was that assassin 3) where did all those guards come from and 4)you only stabbed her because you thought she was going to hurt me,right?



Conclusion:

this episode made up for so many episodes where I just kept facepalming. the pacing was good, dialogue was good, they balanced out the controversial scenes where he is really not nice to her and yea, I liked it. a lot. keep these ones coming

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Episode 14 Summary: A Daring But Incredibly Stupid Choice

-Li'er sits almost in the place reserved for the Queen as 'Han' a.k.a. Elder Brother is asked what kind of reward he would want. During this period, Li Zhong notices his injury but Li'er redirects the conversation back to the reward. Han asks that he be given some time off to visit his family. -The Emperor reveals yet again how obsessed he is with her as, like a puppy, he seizes upon the fact that she refers to Tian Ming as 'the Emperor's son' which to him is a major victory. She sidesteps this and complains she is tired and goes to rest. -Madame Min continues to try to curry favor with Li'er by sending gifts -In the next scene Lu Buwei is being visited by his servant who informs him of all the visitors who have stopped by: Zhao, Wei, and Chu states have all sent people and gifts to try to get him to come and be their chancellor. Lu Buwei is no fool, and points out all the reasons why he won't: Li Xanling of Wei died, and ever since their foundation is gone, Chu is prosperous but the in fighting of its ministers makes it unstable and while Zhao has Li Mu, the king is incredibly weak and relies entirely Guo Kai a villain. Essentially Lu Buwei says he is too old for this sh*t. -He asks his servant his opinion and his servant states he likely wants to return to Qin but the emperor is suspiciious and won't invite him back. Lu Buwei states this is true, and speaks of his former retainer, Li Su who betrayed him to serve the emperor, and remarks that he will probably slander his name to curry favor, that is his concern. -Speak of the devil; Li Si is meeting with the spies sent to observe Lu Buwei and concludes that Lu Buwei is merely pretending to be loyal in order to regain the emperor's trust. He visits the emperor and basically implies 'hey isn't it odd that all these foreign emissaries are visiting Lu Buwei? isn't it likely he will betray you?' The emperor admits that Lu Buwei is the biggest threat at home because of his wealth and number of loyal retainers -The emperor naturally falls for this as he is incredibly suspecious. He decides to secretly visit him. But first he sees his mother and in a very telling scene asks her a series questions. He asks if she regrets coming to Qin with Lu Buwei (although she wants to be with him) because his father was weak and could not get the crown without Lu Buwei and were it not for the fact that she was his father's wife she would have been ignored. She says she was a tool for both men. He replies that he owes his position to Lu Buwei (but it seems implied that he doesn't have real power because Lu Buwei is the real man behind the king) He asks if she would not have abandoned him if he were not the emperor, and she is visibly surprised by this and tries to convince him that it was never her intention to abandon him but he becomes agitated and makes it clear he does not believe her and that she only cared about using him, like Lu Buwei, to obtain luxury and power. He admits that sometimes he wishes he were an ordinary man (implying that being an emperor opens the door to a lot of pain and loneliness, and not having anyone you can trust, and difficult choices) ---this is like such a common trope in these shows He leaves her alone, and she just cries. -MEANWHILE, Han sneaks in to see Li'er and when he learns that the emperor is leaving on a secret trip they can escape, because he has memorized the patterns of the guards. -Lu Buwei is preparing for the New Year when the emperor visits (OMG THIS WAS FILMED SO DRAMATICALLY I ALMOST FELL OUT OF MY CHAIR LAUGHING) to confront him. He states he should dismiss his retainers, and when Lu Buwei says these are his loyal friends, the emperor says that maybe he should execute them, leading Lu Buwei to tell him he is not raising an army, that he is his flesh and blood (so he thinks Zheng is his son) and that he wants him to be successful in reaching his goals -Just when it looks like the emperor believes him, a bunch of people outside congratulate him for becoming the chancellor of chu. This shocks Lu Buwei, who tries to tell him this is a rumor, and the emperor does a 180, and tells him he is a liar and banishes him and says he never wants to see him again. I actually felt bad for Lu buwei. -Han and Li'er are making their escape--she disguised as a soldier. She tries to take the baby but he won't stop crying. Han convinces her to leave and come back for him later. So she sneaks out... Thoughts: Li'er's character is incredibly inconsistent. She can be very smart and practical, and then she does extraordinary stupid things like this. She thinks she can actually escape arguably the most powerful--and obsessed man--without consequences. In addition, she leaves her son behind, the one thing that makes her extraordinarily vulnerable--and she knows how manipulative Zheng is and how he would go to any length to get her back or punish others whom he feels have hurt him--I am sorry but this is just EXTREMELY stupid on her part. Anybody would want to escape a situation like hers, but it seems like she should know that it will fail and likely end up in some bad consequences. It isn't fair, but that's just the reality of her situation and she seemed to be written as a very practical person. I guess not. I think the writers did this in order to re-invigorate one of the shows big points--that the emperor is not a nice person--and wants to make him go back to being really mean to her in order to push triggers in the audience. Everyone will feel so bad for her, but to me, this is just extraordinarily dumb. It's a losing battle. i'm not saying she is asking to be mistreated, but I think that she knows her weaknesses and she knows his strengths and she knows his personality so it's like she is literally walking into a bad situation that may have been avoided if she used her smarts and fought with the tools she has--giving her more power in a situation where she would otherwise have none . She can't win this battle at the moment, not without sacrificing her kid, and she won't do that. So this is only going to provoke him and endanger all the people she cares about. Oh sure it will make for some interesting television but i think they could have tried a little harder to make her character consistent. He is very consistent. Maybe we could have some depth in her story and figure out why she makes really dumb choices. Or perhaps have her character shift into a more ruthless person that takes advantage of his feelings for her in order to plot her own power game/revenge. End of rant.

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