episode 12 spoilers ahead

12/96!

AND THE PLOT TWISTS KEEP A COMING

1.In the opening, Consort Yang muses that no matter how well you plan, fate can always throw these plans awry (in reference to the plan to have Ri Yi be poisoned). By now word has spread that the fan came from Wei.

2.Consort Yin follows Consort Wei's orders. However, when she is alone with Saiyou Liu, she confesses that she basically really screwed up and completely underestimated Consort Wei's military power. She tells her that after she destroys Consort Yang, it is a matter of time before she comes after her (Yin). Consort Yin tells her that she plans on aligning herself with Consort Yang 100%. But Liu sadly sasy no matter what, she, Liu, will have to die. It is evident that Consort Lin feels extremely upset by this and cries bitter tears (it's very sad). She blames herself for acting too soon, for being impatient. Liu's last words are for Consort Yin to ally with Ri Yi because she may prove to be useful someday.

3.On her way to see the emperor, a note from Consort Yin is delivered to Consort Yang. She quickly reads it, meets with the emperor, and in a twist (at least for Consort Wei), Consort Yang reports that nobody pressured Liu to act and that she has since killed herself. The emperor chooses to reduce Consort Yang's income by 30% and have her reflect at her palace.

4.Afterwards, Ru Yi asks what is going in. Yang explains that the note she received from Yin reported that she was walking into a trap. Yin saved her. Ru Yi tells her that Yin was lucky to have such a loyal servant but expressed pity for the girl serving a heartless and inept master. Yang defends Yin and tells Ru Yi that Yin is not heartless; she is weak and unable to defend herself thus how can she defend the people around her (lessons....)

5.Ru Yi approaches Rui'ong for info about Consort Yin, and he says she is 'tragic...'

6.Elsewhere, Prince Qi is practticing archery. We learn he desires to be emperor to be nearer his mother. He doesn't understand why he is ignored by his parents. Honorable Yin arrives, kills the guards, and reveals they are rebelling early! Prince Qi is going to rebel, have his father killed, and seize the throne! (This seems like a really bad idea)

7.Honorable Yin kills Qi's tutor, the govenor, because he needs a reason to seize the troops, and because apparently he was spying for Wei. Qi is saddened by this but understands bloodshed is necessary (this kid....is awful)

8.Honorable Yin also revealed that something will happen--implying Li Shimin the Emperor will be killed--and it will give them a reason to enter the city as rescuers instead of invaders (how romantic...and oddly Roman)

9.Back in the Harem, Ru Yi learns that Yin's father betrayed the emperor (we are not told why). The courtiers wanted her family destroyed. Instead, the emperor brought her to the harem, where she was favored deeply. Something happened between them, and after Prince Qi is born, he ignores her. Since then Yin aligned herself with Wei, and cooks many meals but never for the emperor. Ru Yi believes Yin is deeply in love with the emperor. She visits her and offers to tell the emperor to try her meals. At first Yin believes she is mocking her, but Ru Yi convinces her she is genuine. Yin invites her to dine with her.....

10.Xu Hui awakens (the emperor and Ru Yi spent days with her, and the emperor even neglected state affairs). Ru Yi continues to sing Xu Hui's praises but the emperor seems more endeared to her. The girls join him and Yang at the water polo tournament (recall earlier the princes were fighting over this, Wu is representing the family; they have to show up Mutu of the Mongols).

11.The tournament is VICIOUS. I feel bad for the horses. It isn't clear what or how the emperor will be hurt. Prince Wu is thrown from his horse....

Comments: I know a lot of people think the plots are sudden. But maybe because I take notes on everything, there are actually little seeds planted that are followed up on later. Like for a few episodes we knew that Wei had his eye on Qi (a spy) so something was going to happen. We know that military troops have been moving. Wei reported it was the mongols but it was actually Qi troops (no confirmation yet). Almost everything happens for a reason. It can be overwhelming though because so much is happening. Hence, the notes...and I am certain I am still messing my reports up so apologizes...

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