The Road to Splendor Episode 18

Time apart and earning merits

Tingyun escaping from Jingxiu was a great relief, and even more — she made it in time to wave farewell to Ling marching off to war. 🥹That scene was visually breathtaking and so atmospheric... The emotions were high and it made me feel like I was the one parting from someone very dear. 🤧😢The letters they sent to each other were profoundly beautiful, filled with love, care and yearning. 🥹 And that's how five years went by while they both earned a lot of merit for themselves — he had become a senior fourth-rank assistant commander and earned quite a fearsome reputation, and she, with her own merits in educating people, restoring history and boosting military morale, had made herself known even among the noble ladies of the capital. 😌Yet, they didn't meet in this episode. My guess is that Ling keeps saying he's not betrothed so none of his secret investigation would implicitly harm Tingyun. He has enemies and ill-wishers all around the capital, so it's better if they don't even know about her. 😒Though, him not coming home worries her a lot... If only she had understood that the fireworks were Ling's doing and he's nearby, thinking of her and protecting her. 😟P.S. The scene with Sen asking where Yucheng is and why he's not with his brothers really broke my heart... 😭 But, Yucheng, even if your body is not with your brothers anymore, you remain in their thoughts and hearts! 🫂❤️

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War and peace

TingYun escapes Yu’s house arrest and heads for the prison. She gets to the dune overlooking the departing army just in time to wave her red banner goodbye and for Zhao Ling to see her. The way they juxtapose the two honoring YuCheng and him at war with her teaching school. Shen growing up . It really did look like him grown up and very ironic he is older than the leads. 🤣 All are biding their time til the war is over and they can join at the capital. Zhang Ling looks a bit scary as he heads into Li’s home. Here the corrupt official is finally held accountable for the lesser of his crimes. It doesn’t compare to his perverse nature at the women’s center. 😝 Ya do have to wonder at Zhao’s boldness to take on such a ranking official til his orders are shown straight from the top. He is separating himself from TingYun by design, but I am not clear why. The only thing I can guess is he wants to be sure she cannot be used as a pawn against him and is protecting her. She is now headed to the capital to see her mother. This reunion has been a very long time coming. I am glad the gma can’t ruin it.😝The uncle was a bit intimidating at the door, but her mother was all love and smiles. Their shared feelings and conversation is so sweet and beautifully filmed. It ends on a bittersweet note because TingYun can no longer prove her innocence and it’s for sure the Yu’s won’t help unless she allies with jerky son.😝XingYun has already crossed paths with YaKe. She also found out the deed to the home she wanted was forged. Zhao is right to punish Lee, but I am not liking how he’s acting. It’s a bit too close to jerky Yu behavior. This is why they had him stabbed in the market place. He needs to get beck with TingYun who is much more practiced at dealing with antics of noble class. But he is determined to stay away because he feels he lacks power. They do better as a team and separate both will find mischief. 😝I am so annoyed with him that he sees her sadly watching the fireworks and says nothing. 😝😡🤬ugh😝🙄 I did not think Zhao could be as arrogant as Yu thinking he knows what is best for them. He has not even checked on what’s been happening with her and Shen had every right to roll his eyes at his mentor now turned idiot.😝🙄He and Yu are both guilty of greatly underestimating her. She would be furious with him if she knew how foolish he was acting. And if he thinks she will give a damn about those pastries rather than seeing him… 😝🙄😡She has so much faith in him and he chooses to ignore it and doubt himself. I want Shen to use him for staff practice and knock some sense into him.🙄Ms Yu has already put a hit on Li to shut him up. But it seems Zhao was a bit more prepared this time around. They are going to have a much rougher time because of impulsive choices to their detriment. This episode was not the happy news I expected. They are out of the frying pan into the fire with minimal backing. Now to see how both play their emperor card.

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