KJ2025

Emperor’s story trumps magistrates’ charges

Who knew our generals mirrored emperor and wife? That was a huge slap back to the conspirators. It won’t stop them, but they are going to have to work a lot harder. Xiao Jue’s confession before the entire court. ❤️ She graces my view, occupies my mind, and claims my heart.🥰❤️ The empress wanted to give them a standing ovation. Welcome home Marquis Wu’an. 🥳 Their private moment interrupted with peeking family.🤣 Ms Song is there to greet her and has already told the family about Ms He. They are gathering things so she can be free to dress as a lady. I am sure a part of her would rather have the option. She is used to needing the sword by her side with this group. Xiao Jue’s sibling has welcomed the new girlfriend to family. They are already making wedding plans. Ms Song interrupting the parental meeting to snatch back her marriage contract.🤣😂 Her mother blaming her father for both of them😂 These two are also fated. He RuFei meets chancellor Xu and when Xu wants to toss him reveals he kept incriminating correspondence. So now they are at an impasse of mutual survival or destruction. I like how He Yan handles the painting…I’ll hang on to it.😂 They are teaming up with Chu to get needed evidence. It’s about damn time. This is one thing all three are on same page about. I grinned at He Yan circling to prove no weapons attached at her home.😂 I am worried her mom isn’t present. I hope they get reacquainted. Her reluctance to drink tea they give her.😝 He RuFei draws a sword on her and the episode ends there. He already knows she can kick his sorry butt so not sure what he is trying to prove here with a witness. Xiao Jue gets the job of meeting with Chancellor to discuss He RuFei and the mastermind pulling his strings. They have not yet revealed what Chu’s job is. I am hoping he comes to He house with a warrant to search the place.😝 It will be a long wait til next episode. The small victories are piling up and the generals can finally be a couple in and out of uniform. 🥰

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Grudges and revelations

He Yan learns from Yan He how Xiao Jue looked after her in class. She knew on the ointment but did not realize he had been her benefactor of good will for quite awhile. He RuFei missed his chance thanks to Chu for assassin dart, so he countered with Xu’s daughter. This was contrary to Xu’s directions, but he was too vain and petulant to care. The scene with the pouch❤️ As he lists off all their firsts, it just cements the foundation of friendship and love they have built on for longer than either realized. When he tells her she has the moon and hands her his wife’s to be pendant.🥰❤️ Her use of familiar name as they walk to the banquet and the barbs exchanged with fake general. Loved that she got to kick her brother’s ass publicly. They still don’t get who the real general always was. The spoiled brat came through and told on He Yan demanding a body check. 😝The emperor reveals the conversation he had with Xiao Jue. That was a very candid conversation to have with one’s superior. He touched even the emperor with their love story. The black/white only view Yang and Xu now twist it to show how this could undermine army and make it a regular practice. I fear once again Xiao Jue will bare the punishment. I really want the emperor to do something about the Xu’s, I am most tired of their machinations and colluding. So now to see how he chooses to handle the court with this revelation. 🫣😬

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Playing the long game

Ruling figures out where Tingyan is. She still seems gray but her feelings for Tingyan seem to be sincere friendship. Poor Hei Nianju still has not figured things out yet. His human lessons are fun. She is trying to teach him how not to be cheated or taken advantage of. He says the words like a parrot, but I don’t think the meaning of the terms resonate with him yet. The man with the flame on his back has every appearance of being a scumbag. He is found in a brothel and has a plethora of concubines. When they ask him about his birthmark, it triggers a severe PTSD reaction. Neither truth or soul searching can get through his terror to determine the truth. The children of the concubines are being stolen and surmised to being used for nefarious purposes. It is looking like Shi is using a relative of Jiao as a stud and the women as breeders to produce a specific bloodline. He is trying to breed a workaround to Jiao. The concubine he really loves gets the daughter’s name and some explanation of why they tried to steal her child. Her love revealed Sima Jiao’s impersonation and she thanked them for saving her daughter. After seeing how Sima Jiao was treated since birth, it is a scary notion as to what these poor babies are being used for. I hope they find them alive and that Shi’s plan unravels soon. The 8 sects using children as ingredients for their schemes is disgusting. I want their plans to fail and the demon sect to get relief from their plight. Their crime so far has been simply that they exist. The hypocrisy and arrogance of these sects feigned superiority over them needs wiped out. This feasting on bloodlines also needs to go. I wonder what their world could be without literally feeding off each other but working together?

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Kill lesson tested

These hypocrites over who plans to harm whom. They are a duplicitous lot that deserves whatever they get. At least Shi tries to calm things, but in spite of his appearance of kindness, is it real or feigned? Sima Jiao moves killing lessons along and shows her best places to strike. She is not enthused with the lesson. Tingyan uses his gift to make snow for him. When she slips, he lets her fall flat and hints she could do more with his gift. When the two palace girls try to kill her. He lets them. I am not sure if she actually died there or if he just wanted them to think that. He heals her or revives her? It is enlightening to see the reactions to his truth flame. They belt their evil plans and intentions right out. What magic is thumbs up😂 Her biggest evil so far is kissing up to the boss to get more free time and healing from her poison. It has to be a refreshing change for him to see someone only concerned about her safety and no interest in him at all. Ruling is growing on me slightly since she gave snake his heart back. Surprise…naked human male here.🫣😂 she gives a good glance before handing him coverings.😂 Sima Jiao now knows he visited Tingyan first, but in gratitude. He showed his allegiance to his master. At first, I was afraid he set him to guard gate to test Tingyan to kill him. I really hope that scenario never presents itself. I am relieved to see those old greedy heads of state there instead. He knocks them all out but has injured himself to see how will play out with Tingyan. The old man tells her to kill him or she will die. Sima Jiao confirms this is true and asks for her to show him what he taught her. He holds the sword to his throat and expects her to respond…..and it ends with a wait til next episode.😭 He let them know this night would be his weakest and the best time to kill him. He even let the one girl’s spirit escape to let them know. What I am wondering is which he wants most…relief via death or Tingyan’s refusal to kill him?

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Battle of Jiyang

They have managed to disable the battering ram and they have divided the elite group into two. They are presenting themselves as the two most hated of the Wutuo, General Fengyun and Princess. She is ordered to come back alive. The battle is fierce and an unexpected deputy general is fighting. He Yan leads another group to the water where they battle face to face with spears. She manages to take down the leader but not before he kicks her out over the water. I know this is a trope of the underwater kiss, but it is such a poignant moment for these two. He gets to kiss and save the woman he loves and together they get to hear the victory cries of the city. Their jubilation is cut short when they learn Liu BuWang was killed. He fought bravely, but the weapons were poisoned and the number many. He smiled at the end knowing his sacrifice helped keep the city of his princess safe. He sees her young version smiling at him and she disappears as he draws his last breath. The princess sees the bracelets and knows that he never betrayed her. She still was unclear about why he did not show, but she knows it was something beyond his control. The bracelets told her. She will always regret not seeing him the night he was outside her window playing. It will haunt her with bittersweet memories. She saw that he kept her dish as one of his favorites 20 years later. It let her smile. He Yan had a very intimate candid talk with the princess. She was warned to hold on tight to the one you love and not waste a moment. To be sure you say what you want them to hear so that there are no regrets. Xiao Jue guarded the door for her even as she guarded him when he mourned Que. He called her ugly for lying about her feelings. He continues to tell her candidly to her face to be freely herself in his presence. That anything less is unacceptable. As they talk of her history with her master she reveals he was one of less than a handful of people that had treated her kindly in her life. He is moved and reached out his hand to her, but rather lost in thought or gentle refusal, she does not take it. Her grief was laid bare and he made sure she was left undisturbed. The ladies had the kitchen brigade ready with kitchen utensils poised for use. While it may be silly in retrospect, they were just as determined as the males in their families to fight for their home. If manage to kill one would be good and two even better. These women see that they can unite and be more than they thought possible. That they do not have to hide and wait to be saved but can use what they have to defend themselves. They went from a group of sniping jealous women to sisters in arms fighting for home and family. Chai Anxi has been found and Drs Cheng and Song taking care of him. Chu makes his presence known and everybody wants to interrogate him about Minshui. Xiao Jue must acknowledge him because it is his job to investigate, but the added guards make it clear that all questions will have both parties present. I was not expecting to be tearful during the conversation between the princess and He Yan. I was actually pouting some yesterday that so much time was given to the princess’ story. But because they had, I understood the tacit understanding between these two women about the worthiness of this man. That his life mattered and that he accomplished good things in a quiet unassuming way. That his teaching mattered and that their continued works would be his legacy. That’s a pretty powerful behind the scenes message about how these two women became who they were by meeting him.

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Identities revealed

He Yan wakes up and she wants things to be back to business as usual. She does not look forward to gossip of them sleeping on the boat. Xiao Jue doesn’t seem the least bit worried and says to go greet them openly. She orders flatbread for breakfast and they note wutuo soldier using winter survival techniques with ingredients added to tea. They follow him and see a small group with a child in tow. There is something off and it’s obvious the child is being abducted. Just when they go to intervene, Liu Bu Wang shows up and rescues the child. She turns out to be the princess’ daughter. He is surprised He Yan has discarded her male disguise and is assured it is to help her keep it. The uncle is happy that child is rescued and says he will take care of the spies. He offers Liu Bu Wang an invite to go see the princess and he declines. He offers to use fortune sticks to predict their future and it is danger upon danger. The child hears him playing zither and says it’s a song her mother plays for her. When the child is recovered they take her back. The princess is all business and asks the general why he is pretending disguise to get a meeting. The uncle is chastised for being duped and she isn’t happy they are there. She was a bit surprised at the news of wutuo spies in number and starts investigating. She lets her visitors know their assistance is not needed or wanted. Chu shows up also confirming wutuo spies. He has figured out he was spared because of his mentor’s talisman. So he knows they are collaborating. As they all exit he and Xiao Jue exchange barbs. I liked his ‘I got married’ dart. 😂He is letting Chu know who is number one and who is number two. 😂 He Yan finds herself in a private meeting with Princess who is very interested in how Liu Bu Wang is doing. She then changes her mind saying he was too cowardly to show up. He Yan assures her that her master would never be delayed unless something very important happened. The rest of the episode tells the story of a runaway princess that was captured and rescued by a handsome young man. He takes her home and says he must meet his master and will be back in two days. She waited much longer and eventually gave up. There is definitely a backstory here, but no more info from this episode.

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He Yan learns to be a lady

Xiao Jue chose to deliver the message himself. He sees He Yan sad and offers candy. She is sad because it is her mother’s bday. She smiles at the gift and regifts him a piece. They reminisce about childhood memories and he tells her his last piece from mother was given to a blind girl planning suicide. She remembers but knew he saved her from plot to kill her. Ms Song learns via pulse the true gender of He Yan and she helps with disguise. Cheng is pouty because he had hired a makeup artist and had spent quite a bit of money. Xiao Jue and He Yan are posing as a married couple and they are trying to figure out a skill she can do that will make her an accomplished lady. She is so capable in many things but being ladylike in any capacity isn’t one of them. 😂 He ends up trying to teach her a song to play. It is an intimate moment and he’s sharing a thing he loves with the woman he is learning to love.🥰 His guard now also realizes and I think relieved that she is a girl. They do make a nice looking couple. He has sent his guard and others to find Chai Anxi before Chu does, not realizing that is exactly what Chu is hoping for. Let them do the legwork. I think it took the entire trip for He Yan to learn to sit like a girl.😂 Chu notes them arriving and is making plans. So is his mentor. He is helping plot the defeat of the city by giving intel about secret entrances. He is also determined that Chai Anxi dies soon. I get annoyed that Xiao Jue didn’t help her with stairs on the way to their room. He is forgetting that gentlemen have a role too.😝 Their room was turned into a honeymoon suite, complete with erotica screen.😂He Yan seems much more familiar with this than Xiao Jue. She even offers to show him pictures from better artists.😂Xiao Jue had enough of her teasing and started leaning in, and right when things get interesting the screen collapse and they are buried under a red veil. When things start getting steamy his guard comes in and kills the mood.😂😝🙄 I am hoping that He Yan is spared a performance at the banquet unless she can sword dance again. She does that beautifully. Everybody is on the hunt for Chai Anxi. What does he know that the chancellor wants silenced?

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Retribution and mercy

Lei Hou is not what I expected. He wanted justice for his village and his family, so when the opportunity presented itself to get revenge on the one responsible for this destruction, he grabbed tight with both hands. I am hard pressed to find fault with him on this. He thought Xiao Jue had no honor. And when the longevity locket was presented he felt justified. When he gets to leave with his brother, he gives them his ‘love poem’ and considers them even, with Xiao Jue having many more to go. Lei Hou is on the path to healing, but it will be a much longer journey for Xiao Jue. It is a sweet opening scene with Xiao Jue hovering over He Yan. She is mending and Mr Shen comes in bowing apologies. They lost several in the battle and he felt guilty that he did not do his job well. He presented the defense plan He Yan had drawn up for him. Xiao Jue looked it over and gave it to He Yan wanting an explanation. He told Shen to leave and has a chat with He Yan who is all about her photographic memory. He knows she is lying but chooses to let it go for now. He also tells her she can join the elite guard where she immediately assumes she will be the one in charge. Cheng is so funny as he tells her straight up ‘do you think I am that stupid’ as she spins her tale. He just goes with I will believe whatever you say and then mumbles uncle is gonna fall so hard.😂 She takes her meds and he leaves her the candy she gave him. She is both annoyed and pleased. I like her light reading, ‘The Art of War’😂 Xiao Jue talks about what happened at Que. They were outnumbered 30k to 3k with one possible option to survive. To empty the reservoir and drown the troops. If the rain lessened, the village would be spared, but it turned into a torrent instead. He made all the plans to get them out, but the weather worked against him. Most of the village got swept away. He stays up all night doing sword drills and reflecting on all those souls lost. He Yan guards over him through the night and then hugs him after assuring him as a general he had no other option and he had done the best he could. There are times when the extent of a soldier’s grief is truly only understood by another soldier. She understood his grief as a fellow commander and this was a healing and sorrow sharing hug. Her being a girl was a fringe benefit, but it was shared grief of being responsible for mass casualties. This is the toughest cross for a soldier to bear when civilians are included in the death toll. She ends her hug by collapsing and both of them being chastised by Dr Cheng.😂 They cannot decipher the encrypted message until she notes the sulfur smell and they both yell ginseng soup. They eyeball each other because this technique was exclusive to his father’s training. She is rolling her eyes in her mind because she can’t just say your dad personally taught me this technique. She gives books credit and he lets it go. There is a date and meeting set up. They do not know if real or fake intel but the technique itself revealed that one of their own wrote the message. One officer they thought dead is the best possible option of who, because there was a very limited number of people that knew how. It ends with a flashback of Chu finding a man collapsed on the street. They take him in to get him help and find out he is from the Xiao army. He is tailing them closely but not including himself with them. The deputy general Chai Anxi.

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General He Yan to the rescue

😂😂Ms Song chastising He Yan for jealousy.🤣😂 I enjoyed the arrow zipping past him tho. That was a man to general conversation.😁That was a slick set up to get He Yan tossed in the brig. She was right, there was an inside man. Lei Hou would have been a more obvious choice had I not thought he left with the Elite squad. I am glad she got the tools she needed from Ms Song to kick his ass but not kill him. Living evidence.😝 Here I just really wanted to smack Shen. He knew Xiao Jue always backed her up, and correctly so, but this foolish second won’t actively investigate other than more guard shifts and a cursory exploration of their ‘patient’. I absolutely loved He Yan’s chat with their general. She got to take out both brothers. They were fated. Shen knew that they would not survive and for all his military experience he was not inspiring. When she charged out on that flag post and challenged the general to his face I wanted to cheer. She was familiar with his footwork thanks to that 15 flag dual so better prepared than anyone there. He drew blood best but she drew blood first, second, and third time and made sure face wounds to goad him. Ms Song will definitely be in love after being rescued. 😂 She did at least get to finish off General and those men were ready to fight. And for the elite squad to arrive and Xiao Jue there to guard her….that was an excellent moment. I blasted her last episode for being too familiar. This episode, she was exactly what the garrison needed. Xiao Jue again did choose correctly leaving her there. Now I have no idea how Cheng deduced she was female via pulse. Do we have gender based wrist pulses that I am not aware of?😂The way he passed the dressing kit to Xiao Jue and told him to take care of it.😂That slight dab at her wound, I was thinking she would bleed out before he cleaned anything. 😝Her faith in him to get back in time for her.🥰 Cheng is off to make meds and I really wanna know what they are gonna do with Lei Hou. Excellent episode!

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Justice served

The race continues for ledgers. He Yan is demanding Xiao Yu get justice for the twelve young women buried in courtyard. He assures her he has a plan but doesn’t have to confide the details. There is yet another banquet of expensive dishes and luxury items. Sun is put on the spot to provide his tax ledgers and the merchants that did not comply. The merchants are both encouraged and discouraged to eat. Xiao Yu sees they are not free to talk so he suggests visiting a newly discovered sight. The merchants find their daughters and they want answers. While this disturbance distracts, aides from both sides vie for the ledger. Chu’s guard was better at subterfuge and escaped with the real ledger. Sun and son are demanding evidence and Ms Song shows up. He Yan also cites getting the statue makers to verify dates. So now crooked official tries to get guards but the commander’s soldiers show up instead. When he tries to confess, Chu’s guard killed him. The girls were reunited with families for proper burial and the three unidentified were moved to a peaceful location. I am hoping the henchman was allowed to stay there. It is a fitting spot. Hopefully official and son will join him. He Yan has ticked off her brother’s tactics but still has no clue why Xiao Jue holds a grudge. She has not learned the depth of treachery her family gave to the general’s family in addition to her. When she finds out, the two swords will unite and bring hellfire reckoning to them. Can’t wait to see it. Cheng was just animatedly describing the venomous woman he was glad he avoided when she exited from the coach and chased him down at high speed.😂Chu also reminded He Yan of her sword dance letting her know he would hide her gender. I am still not sure why. He looks so gentle and it’s juxtaposed with pure amoral ambition. The next level villains will have to start showing since their underlings are getting removed from play. The merchants have sent them home with provisions to show their gratitude. Xiao Jue was overwhelmed. It has been awhile since his efforts have truly been appreciated. This episode was a satisfying watch to see justice served and the death of fake general’s henchman.

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Imposter Cheng’s misadventures

He Yan sneaks out and following man with missing finger. She knows the commander is following her but considers herself safe when heading into brothel. She doesn’t believe he will follow. He is surprised at the destination but does follow her in. While inside He Yan finds the disciple and is surprised to see him there. She is trying to figure out why he is there and disguises herself as a dancer. She is grabbed by the manager and put on stage. Here she does a great show dancing with sword until she sees Xiao Jue. She then loses her stride and the crowd starts to get restless. Here the disciple surprises everyone and plays a lovely flute accompaniment that helps her recover her stride and finish her dance. Noted that his guard is not pleased. Xiao Jue throws her a rose….a pretty flower for a pretty lady..he continues walking so she thinks her disguise fooled him and he is pleased with her audacity. She sees a young woman being abducted and rescues her. Turns out she is the young lady Cheng has been avoiding. 😂 Sun is ready to deal with them both when He Yan claims to be the nephew of the great general Fengyun who won’t be pleased. He is gloating about what he will do when the general shows up. He barely moves to give the lecherous fool a sound beating. His father, the local official they were to meet, shows up. It is agreed that the imposter showing up as inspector will not be called out as recompense for the slight. The girl is Ms Song that Cheng has been avoiding. She knows He Yan is an imposter because she is well aware Cheng has no skills😂 She definitely considers He Yan an upgrade. 😂 She wants to accompany them to have safe passage. Xiao Jue tells He Yan she caused the problem so she can handle it herself. 😝They all get a surprise when they see who the inspector is. The magistrate is readying a trap for Xiao Jue and tells his son to get rid of the things he has buried. It seems lecher boy is in the habit of abducting young women and beating their families into submission if they try to seek justice and get their daughters back. Can’t wait to see how this is handled. The orasthmus candies were bittersweet memories of Xiao Jue’s mother and He Yan wasn’t aware. It was funny how she told Ms Song to buy her own because these were a gift😂 The players are almost in place and time to see what trap the politicians have in store. Both the disciple and commander know she is a woman disguised as a man. Which one will figure out who first?

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15 flags or bust

Origami is not He Yan’s speciality.😂 They do at least slightly resemble a flower in ‘freeform’ style. Here again their lives mirror. Both were sent to same school, to the military quite young and little time at home with their families. She seems to be far more comfortable in social settings than Xiao Jue, but they both are scarred from betrayal and loss of family. His family loved him but their eldest son was favored outside of immediate family. He Yan was never the favorite in hers. She was the stand in for them to save face, and then discarded so this secret would never surface. And the most disgusting part is how vile and ungrateful the brother is about the whole thing. The father is contemptible, but the son may be even worse. The next competition was for flags. He Yan had a map drawn of the area and started with hardest flag. After two teams divided them she dueled for all flags to winner. This time her weapon of choice was a whip. She noted her opponent had unique moves she wasn’t familiar with, but it did not stop her from wrapping him up and securing him to tree til he conceded his flags. She even proudly presented a basket of her flags to Xiao Jue fully expecting she had invite to elite league all lined up. The officers are playing chess and each voting for a side. Xiao Jue has it figured out from the get go, but chooses Lei Hou as the winner. Whether this was to protect her gender status from others or because he thought Lei Hou truly better, I am not really sure yet. This may even be one he considers a spy to keep closer eye on him. I do, however, think it was rather cowardly to have his subordinate dole out the bad news while he doled out the candy. His attempt to sweeten the moment is probably going to go over like a lead balloon. The wine has hit the table and I’m sure she is going to drink her sorrows away now. The disciple and fake general are plotting. Supplies have been deliberately withheld and the disciple wants to throw it all at Xiao Jue like he is bullying the official for supplies. The fake general is countering to hurt someone and the disciple is countering to get the official’s job. These two schemers deserve each other. I hope they share a similar bad fate. I can’t feel sorry for the disciple being bullied when he now has become the bullyer at a much greater level than a single person. I still want to know who thought it was a good scheme to kill 30k troops? The machinations in this drama have been for spite and revenge and suppression of the truth. I am hoping the two swords get these miscreants handled to the degree they deserve.

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Wolves vs patrol

Xiao Jue lines up the recruits and divides them into squads to do a land nav exercise. He makes He Yan captain to test her further. The flatbread is already getting old and two of the bandits decide they are going to go off grid and forage for better food options. One returns saying bandit is being bitten by wolves. He Yan sends him to find help. She takes her horse and rescues the big guy. Unfortunately this ends her up in an animal pit trap and she can’t get out. Meanwhile the one that left with bandit has returned to camp and is telling lavish lies about how they ran off. His story came to a screeching halt when the rest of the squad make it back to camp and accuse the messenger of running off their horses and leaving them to die. As their punishment is being debated, Xiao Jue goes to find her. She is reminiscing about a festival hugging a dead wolf to keep warm. She is rescued and tries to get wolf taken along. Xiao Jue agrees if she wants to give up her place in the horse for the wolf.😂Here she deserves a taste of her own medicine because she is getting rather cocky considering her circumstances. She returns back and he asks Dr Cheng to check her wounds. Now ironically he is an ob/gyn so this is really funny. There were a couple interesting things. He knows she is female and she slipped up with a quip about how he hadn’t changed much. Now she will have to come up with a fiancée.😂 The liar is executed. I don’t find this too harsh since he tried to kill a squad of his own men. This is unacceptable in military service. The others are pretty harsh. The bandit got beaten after a serious encounter with wolves. I feel he was punished just getting back on foot from that. The others were ordered to return yet were beaten for following her orders and leaving her behind. He is listening to Cheng comment on how harsh and asking He Yan if she agreed. He was surprised that she acknowledged they were harsh but necessary for military discipline. I don’t think he expected such a commander point of view. She said she wanted to be general and Xiao Jue notes this. He still has not put it together but wants to find out more about here. He knows she isn’t a boy, but that there is significantly more to her story than they know. The end scene has the disciple chatting with father about his day with chancellor. His father recommends he sticks like glue to him. He leaves disciple to deal with fake general. This one actually wanted a candle in temple to suppress his sister’s spirit. Like he has the power to do such a thing.😝 He is a miserable excuse for a human being. Can’t wait til his military prowess is put to test and he has none to speak of. Shortsighted father didn’t think about that. Hopefully he has some weapons training to cover the lie, but even if skilled it won’t cover what years of actual command in the field teaches you. He leaves a gift for the father and leaves after snubbing disciple. It is revealed that he was adopted and considered illegitimate which explains his attitude and the fire scene. A group was trying to deliberately burn him. He should stick with the chancellor. It’s got to be better than staying at home with these snobby people. The deal with the wolves is so fake, but her dreaming of the festival while holding a dead wolf as partner is rather funny. I find myself well entertained in spite of the obvious flaws of the circumstances. When she finds out he is the anonymous one that voted for her 😂🤣 and when she receives the ointment from him she remembers from her youth in school. He is making the connections, but what will he do when he figures it out? And they are plotting to have fake general show up to challenge him. Wonder how that is going to go? He would not even recognize the twin sword and reveal himself as imposter. Her family has put her in a no win scenario. She was first imposter at her family’s demand. How does her mother fit into this? Why did she desert her daughter?

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All’s fair in competition

He Yan escaped the spring after much bubble making and some hand to hand combat.😝 She knows she is being set up for elite recruits on the table but accepts it. She boasts in ten days to beat the best in archery and spear. Enjoyed the flat bread betting table😂 Xiao Jue promises to train but was not present after the first night tested. She wants him to see her progress so goes into his quarters. I was not a fan of the spinning room filming.😝 There was a poignant moment when she saw her blade that Xiao Jue took from her. She recovered quickly when commander shows up. I like how she showed up bandit. There is no way that was for real, but it was very fun to watch. The same with spear challenge. It suspended belief but I didn’t care, it was completely entertaining. Does Cheng know who she is? The slip of heroine to hero? The deliberate catch and return of stone a nice acknowledgement between them. He has reason to loathe her because of how fake General lied about things, but he also finds himself intrigued by her. Being called boss by the losers is just fun. They get to feast before training competition picks up again. I notice the one not smiling at her achievements, but I don’t know who he is. He sticks to the sidelines. Cheng is the benefactor of the evening feast. I guess that is how he is making himself useful?😂 I can’t wait to see who the prospective bride is he is hiding from.🧐

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Life as new recruit

There is a scene with prime minister and disciple discussing continuation of pointing guilt at General for troop loss. His daughter gets a gift from disciple and demands use of candle to light. There is a flashback of fire for the disciple but no further story given, just that fire is a trigger for him and he was permanently injured as a result. Even young He Yan was given grief about the mask her family forced her to wear. Fortunately for her, Xiao Jue showed up late for class and took some of the heat off her. By design she went to his garrison thinking best way to train but found she was mistaken. Xiao Jue is intent on harsh training. Whether this is to weed out the moles or make up for past, I don’t know yet. Cheng is there for comic relief avoiding an arranged marriage. He is put on the spot to treat a mare but proves himself inept. He Yan intervenes and shows herself capable but reveals where she learned her techniques making Xiao Jue suspicious. This did get her out of the initial screening process where she would have been required to strip. He and aide consider her a mole so be sure to give her extra monitoring. I like how the big hunter guy looks out for the smaller recruits. He certainly doesn’t have to, but he is close enough they can’t get bullied too much by the gangster group. He Yan reveals her sword techniques but stops early, whether this is for show or truly exhausted, I am not sure. The bows are set up for strong guys to draw and she doesn’t even try. There was no point to embarrassing herself further. The spear is as big as she is. Xiao Jue is still trying to figure her out. Hopefully they have uncovered the real mole and that is who investigating from two different villages. He Yan finds a hot spring and goes there to do some healing. After waking from a nightmare of his mother’s suicide, Xiao Jue also makes his way to the spring, and just realizes he is not there alone.

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