The Road to Splendor Episode 32

Ya Ke’s emancipation

JingXiu has managed to get a 7th ranked position in Ganlin and his family is livid about the choice. I actually almost admired him for choosing something for himself even if rather menial. He wipes that out to kidnap TingYun. His mother brought that on by threatening TingYun’s very existence should he leave the capital. This has him rather unhinged…even more so than usual. What is more interesting is that when news reaches Ya Ke of another concubine, she opts to bring her into the home. Ms Wu did not see that happening but she did want TingYun rescued. Both were rather surprised to discover each other at the courtyard. Ya Ke has come full circle and making amends for her initial betrayal. She tells TingYun how and why her mother was murdered. This was some much needed news to explain Zhao Ling’s actions and remoteness. She now understands exactly why he crossed the line she did not think should be crossed and finds herself agreeing with his actions. Ya Ke finally truly understands that TingYun never coveted any part of her spouse or status entering the Yu house. I think it has settled with her why TingYun held it in disdain and for once understood it had nothing to do with her either. She saw all of it for what it was from the beginning and Ya Ke has finally reached that level of unvarnished acknowledgement of what she really signed up for joining the Yu household. It is the first time she recognized the legacy her father left for her and it’s true value. She gladly leaves the household with no regrets or remorse. She is simply done with all of it. She wants none of the chains they have put on her. Ms Yu recognizes that not even the threat of her child will hold her back from leaving. Ya Ke very accurately said that Ms Yu never did anything for the love of her child and she did not want to be the same sort of parent. So, whatever the opinion of her leaving everything behind….she had no concerns except wanting her freedom from all of them. It was satisfying to see Jing Xiu’s jaw drop when she told him how dull he was and that he was the reason she had become unremarkable. She further enlightened him that it wouldn’t have mattered who he had married, he would have done that to any of them. Without him she could find herself and redefine who she is without his cloud of resentment and belittlement. She would no longer have to appease their moods or feel lesser. Even Ms Yu accepted this decision as she is realizing that her home and family are not the prize positions she has always made them out to be. Maybe it stunned her that the girl she gave no credence for status could see with such clarity. I did not expect to be full on in Ya Ke’s court wishing her well…but here we are. Her revelation to TingYun about her mother was a good effort in repairing the damage of reputation she caused when all the Yu mess was started. They are both older and wiser, and now TingYun is forewarned to an even greater degree how fortunate she was to have never married into the Yu household. She now sees just how close the vipers are to the people closest to her and can be better prepared in future. Zhao Ling’s attempt at freeing her just shows what he is willing to do to make her happy. He now knows she knows about her mother which is a huge load off. Now these two can get working together and hopefully figuring out how to get out from under the emperor’s thumb to live freely and happily.

Read More

Shifting relationships and choosing themselves

She chose to stay! I am so grateful, because a divorce would be the worst possible solution when they have already given up so much for that status and wealth... 🥹But I want to praise Yake in this episode. She finally made a decision for herself, and a right one at that. Away from those vipers who ruin everything they touch. Her decision will be the first stain on the Yu family's polished reputation, and I can't wait for the dominoes to start tumbling until they are in utter ruin. 👏And her help to Tingyun? Well, I will consider this as her redemption for her past mistakes. Though, I didn't expect she would be the one to tell Tingyun how her mother died.. But she knows now. And I can sigh in relief — that secret was heavy on Ling and their relationship. 😌😮‍💨

Read More