A Splendid Match Episode 37

Cutting ties and preparing to battle

XuanQing is more like his uncle than I gave him credit for. He knew what he did was outrageous and he wanted it to look like he was all out for the documents. After YanYun gave him the 40 lashes for bringing a charge up against him, he told his nephew that all the documents were already in the capital with the emperor. After cutting ties XuanQing hit his head on a post and swallowed poison. He had no intentions of leaving alive. He knew he had to make it look like complying with Fu and he went all in, but like his uncle he found a way to defeat Fu’s plan. He told his uncle his real feelings and accepted his fate. Yan Yun’s cry of anguish over his lost nephew was heartbreaking. I had no sympathy for the fool that threw his life away, but for the one who had raised him and gave him every chance to be sorry and come back. His mother wants him removed from the family registry because she is all about appearances. Qin Zhao was asked her opinion and she left it up to YanYun. We don’t know what he decided. Fu knows that XuanQing failed with his mission and is dead. He now knows the documents are in the capital with the emperor and plotting his next move.The Ji family are relocating to Songjiang. This will hopefully keep them out of harm’s way. Yao’s mom is far from happy since all their businesses are north not south, but Gma Ji has agreed to the move. Yao told his mom he was going but remaining in the capital to be with JinZhao. Chen and JinZhao go to the temple where the emperor is waiting. This time, Chen makes it a point to give JinZhao is cape to keep warm. Ye Xian is also there. Both want the position to be envoy. Chen, as usual gets his way but JinZhao is also included in the decision. They both know what’s at stake, but she has received protection for the Ji’s and asked for 300 muskets to send north with YanYun. The court is wishing him well on his journey and Chen very articulately and ceremoniously cuts ties with Fu. He paid respects to the man his mentor was and reminds him of the man he has become. Fu actually did mourn his favorite student. He said he considered him for his replacement. I would almost believe him but his work ethics are polar to Chen’s. Even after saying this he plots with his wife for Chen’s life. The delegation party never reached it’s destination and only Fu’s two men made it back alive. Before Fu can blame Chen household JinZhao already prepared the emperor with a list of weapons bound for the emperor. He listed them off for the court that if Chen was colluding with the enemy why send the weapons to him rather than the second prince? This argument shut down the court and he brought the attention back to the two men that came back. They are going to be interrogated and Fu looked a bit less pleased. There is a cute scene with Ye Xian and JinZhao with the white kitten. And another when he comforts her after Chen’s departure. He is also present when she tells the emperor her idea for saving the Chen family. JinZhao comforts the Chen household and leaves her the properties that will take care of the family just in case. JinZhao is going to find YanYun and her guard with Yao and her brother in tow. The emperor is well aware of who is colluding with the northerners but Chen has to find the evidence. This is a battle of wits pitting mentor against student and it’s riveting because they are so well matched. JinZhao is going with no news means he’s still alive. She just needs to find him.

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