episode 3 spoilers ahead

Spoilers Ahead:
1.The King studies the rare jade (He Shi Bi) and tells his attendant that he must guard it closely and not let anyone near it. His attendant mentions Zhang He, who gave it to him, and suggests he is the most loyal official because he offered up such a rare gift. The king patiently explains that these officials merely want to curry favor, and as long as they want something from him they will be loyal. Yuan'er is unique in that he gave a gift that has no real value, perhaps implying that he does not want anything from the king.

2.Elsewhere, Zheng Xiu, the daughter of the conquered Zheng kingdom, is busy with her lover (very brave or very dumb) she has been in love with this man since before she was forced to be a concubine to the king. Her lover worries that they will be caught and reminds her to be cautious but she insists that the king has not visited her for months. As luck would have it, he visits her that night and her lover barely escapes without the king seeming to notice...

3.Elsewhere, Zhang Li arrives with a mission: somehow obtain the He Shi Bi. He admits he is returning after a long time (when was he last here?)

4.Elsewhere, the emperors two sons are playing with the He Shi Bi (apparently security is lax). One little brat insists he wants it now in spite of the fact that he may someday receive it as the king. They refer to Yuan'er as Shifu, thus it seems he is their tutor (apparently he is the Grand Scholar). The emperor arrives, the boys scatter, and the king asks the tutor an extremely important question: who should I name as heir? Yuan'er isn't an idiot and puts the ball back in his court by asking him what the strengths are of his children. The king explains that Zhi Lan is good with words (so a statesman?) is and Zhi Lang is more brave (so a soldier?). Yuan'er explains a king must have both qualities. The conversation turns to Quin, and the king asks him what he thinks of the Quin king, and Yuan'er explains he is a warrior.

5.The emperor explains that Zhang Li is an ambassador to the court and the king wants to know Yuan'er's thoughts. Yuan'er explains he met him once, when he was a child. He came to request troops/support from his father. Zhang Li was/is known for his wit and cleverness, thus the Minister of War challenged him to finish his chess game for him. Before he could, Yuan'er did it, surprising Zhang Li. Next, Yuan'er had posed him a riddle: but he was unable to answer it. This led to his father laughing at him because he was outwitted by a child and he sent him away--he was humiliated by Yuan'er. (Note that Yuan'er seems completely unperturbed by the fact that he humiliated him. It is too early to say if he is dense or just doesn't care).

6. The king intimates that he is worried about Qin's motive because there has been a truce with them as a result of the Chu/Qin marriages. However, in recent years Qin has been leading many military campaigns and absorbing territories. Yuan'er asks permission to come to the morning meeting, and the emperor points out that this violates his rule of not interfering in worldly affairs, to which Yuan'er cheekily replies that he said it depends on the matter (basically he might be useful for non worldly affair things)

7.At the morning meeting, officials are clearly surprised to see Yuan'er there because he isn't an official. This means that the king clearly favors him. Even his father cautions him to not cause any trouble. When Zhany Yi arrives, the ministers all caution the king but Yuan'er advises that he 'make Zhang Yi' wait. The king agrees, and Zhang Yi waits until Yuan'er finally suggests he be let in (this is a pretty big deal because the king has ignored his ministers and allowed a scholar to have a great say in an important political affair. it also clearly violates Yuan'er's rule, in my book).

8.Zhang Yi asks to borrow the He Shi Bi. The ministers laugh at him, after all, wasn't he (we learn) responsible for stealing it last time? Yuan'er introduces himself to Zhang Yi, and Zhang Yi immediately remembers the kid who had a profound impact on his life with just a few words (somehow I think he hates him...)Yuan'er confronts him and states that he should have no reason to take the He Shi Bi for an offering because only the flame emperor, Zhou Tian Zi of Zhou, can claim that title and it would be like copying him. Zhang Yi asks the king why a mere poet is here arguing with him, and the king defends him and states he is the grand scholar. Zhang Yi further insults him by calling him a mere ant. Yuan'er essentially recommends that the He Shi Bi not be lent, and Zhang Li leaves but gives the king 3 days to make up his mind.

9.IMPORTANT:
Qu Yuan explains to the king that he suggested that they not lend the jade because it was necessary to preserve their reputation. Now that they have done that, he believe that they should lend it out of kindness because it will gain them a lot. He believes that they will win the trust of the world in doing so, because of Qin returns it, they look magnanimous, and if they don't return it, Qin loses face.

10.However, he notes Qin is a very ruthless state and would take offence if they don't lend it, giving them an excuse to attack. Lending it would prevent this. Furthermore, given that Shang Bian (who is this guy?) has passed many reforms in Qin thus it would be unclear if Chu would win against Qin.

11.Afterwards, the emperor walks with Yuan'er who explains he doubts an ambassador of Qin would journey all this way for a treasure, even one like the He Shi Bi. The emperor remarks that he has seen a new side of him and he is clearly much smarter than he looks. But he points out he went back on his word (he got involved). Is he not afraid he will punish him? The emperor reveals that there is game people play at court and everyone knew the reasons for and against giving the jade; that Yuan is extremely cocky for thinking he is the only smart person and this seems to surprise Yuan who takes everything as he sees it. the emperor again asks him to join his court as an official.

He selects a plant that he apparently has a special attachment to and decides to gift it to Chou Nu for her brother....I call him little buddy.

12.Meanwhile, a gangster (he looks and acts like a stereotypical gangster) named Master Liu is out extorting people for money. A merchant with no money panics as this Liu begins to have his men steal his fishes. Luckily, Yuan'er just happened to be strolling by. He sends these guys running with a few slaps but wait...this guy returns with more men. (Good think You'er is there; also this guy is SUCH A STEREOTYPE IT HURTS TO WATCH). You'er beats him with wet laundry. Yes. Wet laundry (and anyone hit with a wet towel can attest, that HURTS). Yuan'er just watches this (what will he do when he actually has to defend himself?)

13.We go to Chou Nu, whose little brother stop by. It just so happens her father is selling fish in the market (I wonder if it is the same guy. That was sarcasm). Guess who brings him home? Yuan'er. This must be destiny. (her face literally falls when she sees who is bringing her dad back while Yuan'er is the opposite and grins) Now he knows her name! She attacks him with a broom. (I am conflicted. He is responsible for her brothers injuries...but he tried to apologize...) He gives her medicine (that was why he was in the area) She is rude, her father says that is just her way (she has no idea that this plant is like his best friend) She gives them dinner to thank them for helping her father and Yuan'er clearly thinks it is disgusting but lies.

14.Both You'er and Yuan'er are surprised when they learn that although her father sells fish, they rarely get to eat it because they need the money. Quing Er essentially says that they are rich boys and could never understand the suffering of commoners (they might learn empathy, I think) this criticism seems to make Yuan'er uneasy (maybe because she is right, and he, who knows all, doesn't know anything about this?)

15.He raises his hand like swearing an oath, and says that he will do all he can to improve the lives of commoners. Oh he also introduces himself as Qu Yuan, surprising Chou Nu....(Also, I don't think he realizes exactly what he is getting himself into. But he is painfully honest.)

Comments: I like how Yuan's character flaws are basically being brought out: He is extremely talented but also very convinced he is the smartest. He also isn't good at reading people and while logical he needs to be more pragmatic and realistic.

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