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The princess who tried to set up XiHe found herself waking up in the scenario she planned for another. She was at least betrothed closer to home. Here the emperor proved himself a kinder father than peacekeeper. He had already decided none of his daughters would be sent so far away. He knew the pain of separation due to marriage alliance and refused to comply. When Crown Prince was asked how he knew the story he said truth could always be found if you looked hard enough. At the market XiHe finds a rare flower and a rare scented fan she wanted to purchase. The fan turned out to be already purchased by Changqing. He knew his wife loved the scent and said he purchased one every year in her memory. She declined his offer of the fan but then was rather forced to accept it or make a scene. The Crown Prince learned she was staying the night to watch a flower bloom and invited himself to her room. He then was surprised she was doing exactly that.š¤£š After waiting to watch it open to its fullest the Crown Prince found himself as mesmerized by its beauty as XiHe. She promptly picked the flower, put it in a special box and was ready to return.š¤£šThe princess is captured on her way home and both Changqing and Huayong go to rescue her. It is noted she had used knockout powder and was ready to leave when they arrived.šššš» She noted the tattoo on her captors and who was behind her kidnapping. Changqing took this opportunity to challenge Huayong and managed to injure his shoulder. Huayong leaves with Princess but his jade token was left behind. Changqing brings his case to the emperor and it is not without merit. He has rightly figured out whoās been removing corrupt officials and that the crown prince is not as frail as he pretends showing the Yong jade piece left behind. He is demanding that Huayong expose his shoulder to prove he wasnāt there. To his surprise, XiHe steps up to defend him claiming they had spent the night together. It was clarified that she was by his side offering aid. The emperor then suggests itās time to get married but this time Huayong asks for a delay. When the brothers confront each other Changqing wanted to know how he could marry his brotherās wife and Huayong responded she had never loved him. The only way to earn her love was by letting her have her own choice. Changqing still tried to promote his suit of XiHe to the emperor but it was shot down. It was revealed that while the emperor favored Huayong in affection, Changqing was the son groomed for the throne. His determination to pursue XiHe claiming she is his wife, has put that choice in question. The emperor is no longer as convinced he is fit to rule when so willing to toss his position for love, not just once in Gu case, but a second time with XiHe. His punishment was to stand guard where two brothers chided him about not being loved or even glanced at by XiHe. Prince Dingās wife was behind the attackers and he defends her. He proves it by drinking poisoned wine for her. The emperor is disgusted with both of them for different reasons. It was later found out that the prince was only knocked out and not killed. The episode comes to an end with the crown prince not believing he will live long enough to accomplish everything he had hoped. He no longer thinks he is best choice for XiHe, but he loves her too much to let go. He decides his best course of action is to pave the way with outsider support by having court officials in place that would rule in her favor. The next crisis is a scandal with exams and a bias against commoners trying to take the test. The crown prince surprises everybody by taking the case.š§These two are making it more a habit to come to each otherās defense. They are talking enough to understand the otherās point of view much better. Their actions are seen in context rather than by bias. The Prince has long been smitten but it now seems the Princess is more interested in the Prince than just his short life span. It might not be love, but her trust is growing in him and that speaks volumes.
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The Duke of Weiās visit was cut short and he was called away to handle some skirmishes. He was ambushed en route and was targeted by archers with poisoned arrows. This time there is no camouflage of his identity or ability. The crown prince shows up to boldly co lead the Dukeās squadron. They fight side by side and defeat the assassins. Even this display of courage and fortitude did not completely convince the Duke that the Crown Prince was the right suitor. He commended him on his abilities and then began interrogating him on his motivations for choosing his daughter. Here candor won over the Dukeās doubts. He then called out a toast to his father in law that was eventually accepted and cheered on by the rest of the group. After leaving, the word coming back to the Princess is that a very small group had interfered with her father and the Crown Prince was milking it for all he was worth. The Crown Prince puts on his usual show of helplessness and she finally calls him on it. His aide arranges to meet the Princess and gives him an exact account of the past events. He puts them in context and the degree of danger that had been invested on her behalf. She was assured that in spite of his appearance in her presence that he had sincerely put his life on the line for her several times. She sees the Crown Prince wearing the cloak sheād made for her father and she is not happy to have to acknowledge it. She let him know that whether or not he had won her father over, she was still unmoved about accepting the engagement. At a banquet designed for the princes to show off archery skills to significant others, the crown prince collapses from something added to the fruit that should not have been a danger to him. He has a chat with his father to have the princess administer meds for him. She is far from enthused with the task but accepts the duty she is given. She does now tell the prince he can drop the feint of heart act.šNot sure who schemed for her to be in charge of the spring banquet but that was not going over with her peers. She did refuse it since not officially married and here the women could gossip that something was amiss about the engagement. The scene then goes to her ex husband who did everything in his power to plead for the Gu family. He left no stone unturned in providing evidence of their service and firm belief that a betrayal from them was not possible. As a last resort, he offered to exchange his life for his wifeās. The crown prince hears of an official retiring and ensures that the Princessā maternal grandfather gets the position. She is not ready for his response that as part of her family that was simply his duty to her and not a power play with the court. Whether she lets her heart change or not she is now finally seeing his actions in context. Her ex is not giving up and has requested she show up for the memorial ceremony of his wife. He plans on confirming she is somehow the reincarnation of his lost wife. One thing is clear, her character somehow manages to get the utmost devotion from suitors. ShuLin is brought up on charges and finds herself facing Minister Cui. He has taken it upon himself to find every minuscule infringement from her past to air before him there. š¤£ He is not the least bit concerned about her outrage and I bet thinks sheās cute angry.š¤£šShe recognizes that she has no way out and storms off to accept her job. š¤£ These twoā¦are by far the best couple and characters in the story so far. šš»The story is showing the gradual unveiling of the real Crown Prince. The Princess is already well acquainted with the worst judgments the powers that be can exercise. What she has to decide is if she can think about accepting a partner rather than pawn to deal with the corruption. She is given pause to consider since even her father was won over. However, she has all the graves of the Gu family to consider as well. I am not as worried about plot holes etc if more character driven and they maintain my interest above and beyond the flawed creative choices of storyline. For me, the main couple still holds my attention well and the secondary couple ensures I want to continue watching.
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The Princess has kept her stance very clear that she considers their engagement broken but the Crown Prince keeps his image in her peripheral as she brings crimes to light. BuShu Lin was rescued and there was a clean sweep of the mine and forge. The citizens were released and compensated for their forced servitude. The Crown Prince upped that with a memorial stating the compensation that would be given at that site for any missed. It was agreed by them both that the official in jail was acting too calmly considering the punishment for his family. With further investigation he was found to be a fake. His tune changed when his real family was put on the line. As the Princess continued to tie up things in the courtroom, the Crown Prince found the secret passage where the doctor was being held. When the Crown Prince entered, there was an immediate hostage situation. Duke Ying was keeping the doctor there whether real or under pretense. It did show poison indicator on needle but there was no clear explanation of what was really going on. The Duke planned on exiting with the doctor and having the Crown Prince imprisoned or killed there. That circumstance changed quite quickly when the Crown Prince used sword skills to get it to the Duke and the doctor. It was argued in court that he simply wanted time with his son who refused to accept his remarriage. He was disciplined for deceiving the Emperor and all accepted the ruling. This too was stepped up a notch when the Crown Prince requested the doctorās mother receive the rank and holdings of a first rank lady and recognized her service and contributions to the household and community. Here the doctor was stunned and had to be reminded to thank the Emperor show for this remembrance. The Princess is seeing that he is keeping his word about their similar goals. She is far from convinced but she is paying attention. Looks like her father shows up next episode and far from pleased at her choice of husbands. šWhat is interesting is that the actor playing her father is also the adoptive parent of JiaYu in Key to the Phoenix Heart. Now I have to wonder if he will be the same smug dark character here as he is there. š§He also was the poet in Prisoner of Beauty that made Wei Shao jealous and steal an ancient artifact .š
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The Princess visits Gudu garden where a young boy was injured when his brother was falsely jailed. He was recounting his story of being tricked and evidence being destroyed when the building they were in was set on fire. I gotta admit that Prince Lie made an awesome entrance to the scene to rescue her, even taking an arrow. The crown Prince wasnāt happy with this development and took a reward back from both the Princess and himself. He reveals that he knows they are up to something but says his only mission is for them to stay away from the Princess. This reveals that he has joined the unrequited love club to his two brothers. He tries to create an intimate scene with the princess about taking her medicine. She brings it right back to him countering his comments to her could be changed and/or fabricated. She makes it clear that no matter his position on things, the engagement is off. She even used her attack as an excuse to put off being married. She is trying to let the Crown Prince save face by not calling it off publicly, but he is pushing her relentlessly to accept her fate. The more he shows up, the more convinced she is of his strength and power network. He keeps using his shortened life span as a selling point, but she no longer wants to buy. His love sick poems are getting on her last nerve and she burns them for being too mushy. I think she needs a visit from the embroidered knight. He might get a better audience than the sappy Crown Prince. ššBu Shu Lin and Minister Cui find themselves arrested and then forced into labor. Both have left without permission. After an escape attempt Cui was hauled back in and Lin was captured later. They even know her identity but because she is aware of the mine and forge they want her dead. Fortunately a message got to the Princess. She and the Crown Prince have arrived at the scene the exact time Lin is to be executed when episode ends.
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I did not expect him to burn the wrapper and so effectively pierce her heart.šš That incident followed by a divorce decree gave her no reason to hope. The prefecture had every reason to want to celebrate after case finished and promotions along with bonuses passed out. Prince Ding is far from being in the mood and only his guard knows why. Ye Li went back the way she came with her two favorite people in her heart. She is devestated that Xiu Yao was not by her side but thought he wanted it that way. She had no way to convince him her love was not simply charity returning a debt. I wish we could have seen what her letter to him said. It will probably be a flashback later. He joins his colleagues and tries to drink his pain away. He brings her back her favorite food and sweets to apologize, but sheās long gone. He wakes up and finds every letter but his and goes to FeiBai who berates him for sending her back to a desolate mountain. Xiu Yao now looks like heās aged two decades with the grey hair. His talk with Fei Bai makes him request a meeting with the emperor to relinquish his post. Since he is such a meticulous person, he already had capable replacements lined up when he asked for indefinite leave time from the palace. He is quite candid as to why but the Emperor doubts his motives. For once Empress Dowager is helpful for the right reasons. She wants to know what happened to Lishan and this gives her a good reason to find out. She has sent her spoiled eunuch to accompany them. He is already whining about the food.ššShe has granted Prince Ding the authority and position to gain entrance to the school. We know what he will find. What we donāt know is what happened and how she survived it all. I am grateful they did not wait 4 episodes to get to this point but went directly to resolving the misunderstandings. Tomorrow we will get to see how Ye Li is doing. The eunuch will probably whine about the lack of accommodations.šš
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This scene is different from last episode ending. There is more discussion about who wrote the book and love for hyacinths. This time instead of wanting it shut, she demands it gets burned. Ye Li asks Consort Qin directly to give her the edict if it wasnāt destroyed. There is a flashback of her demanding it from Ye Liās father and promising to handle the Marquis if any issue. It then goes to a scene where the edict is burned and she walks away from Ye li. She plays through all the events from being saved from the Empresss, the dragon drawing, her āsisterā now Empress dowager and how she was played by both. She is downing flasks of wine when the Marquisā son shows up and she lets him know she is aware Qin is dead. He chooses to drink with her rather than leave and she tells him she canāt assist any more. We get a breakdown of how her father used her marriage to get her trapped in the palace. There was no care from him as long as her position was secure. She has been the pawn for them all since she arrived and just now recognizes it thanks to Ye Li. When asked why, Ye Li tells her of what happened and how many innocents died because of their political games. She wanted the consort to feel the weight of them and own them. The Cangbai princess is invited to Fengās place by the Dings. It seems our fave Ms Su will also attend.šThe Marquisā son was kidnapped by guards to be taken home to his mother when stopped by palace guards saying Empress dowager has demanded his presence. That catches everybodyās attention. The Marquisā man is not letting himself get caught easily and the Princeās wrist was injured. He is getting a family remedy to help it heal faster and has a chat with the military rep that gave him a hard time. It is hard as a soldier when the side youāve been fighting makes peace and the ones you were ordered to kill now you have to break bread with. He has no specific vent for his anger because for more to live in peace is the best option. He is very surprised that the prince is familiar with his angry notes tossed at his house. What is good is that he recognizes the prince is a good man and they both endured and survived harsh military collateral damage with their families. They have finally caught the guilty confididente and the scene moves to the place where Princess and Ye Li are to meet. She is stopped by a servant of Consort Qin who has books delivered. Andā¦in a secret compartment the edict everyone has been searching for. It is still very legible and show signs of burning. Her assassin get permission to be a guard for her, and the princess notices her favorite flower that is Fengās treasure. They are both walking into Ms Suās trap and Ye Liās guard is going to be in a very tough place when he learns his brother is part of the conspiracy. I am really not wanting to see where this goes for the princess. I really want this to go like Qin and sheās not really dead. I hate that Su Zui die has caused this mess and coming off as the witness instead of perpetrator.š¤¬ It is damn annoying. Her assassin is at least there to guard her and he is already aware that something is off with the witness. In court they are deciding Ye Liās fate and preparing for war. It is hard to tell if the Marquis is also in on this conspiracy or if this is the Princessā brother and Cangbai rebels not wanting peace with Dachu. The steward is pleading for justice to be demanded with the case and begs the Duke to save her life. The Duke knows there is foul play, but with the prior grudge of the cavalry and Cangbai, tempers will be high and there is no way to predict the outcome. Ye Li wakes up and hears from assassin that he knows the evil woman did it.Hurry and get back Xiu Yao. The assassin is in hot water now with Ye Li because his pavilionās associated with JingLi. Someone is determined to make the case that Ye Li was the killer and Prince Ding leading a rebellion. Is this JingLiās master plan? Now Cangbai is getting helped both sides of the border and I want this resolved now. š¤¬They better kill off the Su Witch from Dachu because I want her head on a platter. š¤¬
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The opening scene with Prince Ding surrounded by assassins was choreographed masterfully. They used his chair as offense and defense and when it broke he was free of his yoke of weakness. Well done!šš» The General became even more arrogant after beating another opponent and mocking Dachu in general. He went to the princess to get permission to offer a prize of 200 horses. He then wanted another challenge to gain Prince Dingās spear. Ye Li clearly stated why he was not worthy of it. She described in detail the duplicitous and opportunistic behavior of his country. She agreed he was brave but that he proved repeatedly he lacked loyalty to merit the spear he demanded. He boldly headed towards her to kill her and Xiu Yao flew up the stairs to intercede. šŖš»šš» He soundly defeated the general several times to prove that no matter how often he tried, he would be vanquished. I loved the look from the Marquis as he watched. The men all cheered because everybody was more than fed up with his boasts and embarrassed his fighting skills were better. This included the Emperor. The Empress Dowager was glad he was defeated but she was not smiling at Prince Ding being healed. The visiting princess told them where they would find the promised horses. The Prince went on to tell them of the plot to kill the weapon designer to prevent production of a new crossbow. All the eunuchs that had teamed together against the Prince were found dead in the place they held the Prince or their own quarters. The Marquis was especially nervous about the capture of the colluder, but just like he was given preference with JingLiās case, Xiu Yao was given preference for this weapons case. The Princess claimed no knowledge of the plot and mentioned her friend in the city. This was a blow to whatever scheme the Marquis had planned. It was very satisfying to watch him be the one off balance and admonished to step aside. The Duke was all praise for Xiu Yao and remembered Ye Liās grandfather. Here I think those at the school only live in her mind and heart but now is not the time to address it. I loved the banter between the couple as she tells him about the treatment he will receive when he comes home from work. His return challenge to accept any treatment from her quite willingly. š„°The Empress dowager is still deciding whether or no to take the Princessā claim as truth or not. The Cangbai Princess and General have figured out the truth of the weapons deal and why YuanFang was killed. The general was warned to stop acting stupid. I was surprised that he spoke intelligently and calmly to the princess so he isnāt just an arrogant ass. šSu Zuidi was caught listening and told to kneel 4 hours. Xiu Yao recognized her and told her the princess spared her and she could get up. While she is out walking she collapsed in the street to be discovered by Ms Wen. She is taken in to have a doc check her condition. I liked that Xiu Yao addressed it immediately and thoroughly. The Wens and Suās had been friends for decades and when the eastern palace was purged Suās family was among them. He told when and why they were betrothed as young and why Ms Wen felt obliged to take her in. Ye Li understands but isnāt happy. She picks out the sugar she doesnāt like and wants Xiu Yao to deliver it their guest. The scene moves to Fei Bai who is risking his life to find out what really happened in Lishan. He makes it up the cliff and we get a glimpse of the school for it to jump to Ning going through JingLiās possessions. She finds a box of letters that are given to Ye Li. Next preview has a lot of unsettling events. They are really finding ways to keep our couple from happy married life. The story never dies down but becomes more intricate each episode. There is never a clear picture of where loyalties lie and things change with new perceptions. This episode stands out for excellence. šš»šš» Waiting to see how the mysteries of Lishan unfold and what secrets the palace still hides.
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This episode introduces us to a family with two daughters marrying. The one from the first marriage came down from Lishan mountains and the other has been the favored daughter. An imperial sign was taken during wedding preparations and the search is on. Because of the search the matriarch had to give up the keys to Ye Liās dowry boxes and it was clear they were ransacked and exchanged. She very wisely gets the transfers of all her motherās gifts that night instead of waiting for ceremony. The plaque is found in the pond and the family of charity looked more like the family of filth. I donāt know if thatās a younger sibling, but their plan worked to get her dowry returned before leaving the house. The eldest was promised to Prince Li but the engagement was broken and she was offered a betrothal to Prince Ding instead. It is clear when she is forced to walk by his entourage that Prince Li might have been forced to alter his plans, but did not have the spine to stick up for her. The crippled Prince in spite of his attitude seems a much better candidate. They have not given us the history as to why she was banished or what Ye Liās mother saw in her husband other than a pretty face. It is even more a mystery why she was betrothed to Prince Ding. Ye Li argued directly with the minister to get her betrothed to the ceremony. Here was her final surprise. Tho a cripple, he wasnāt a weakling. He scares her with a fake seizure and makes it clear he has no interest in their marriage. I guess the humans are better than the mountain monkeys, but they donāt seem much kinder, they just bite differently. I like Ye Liās pragmatic approach to dealing with her relatives. She recognizes her place but refuses to be cheated and diplomatically gets her things returned, including her groom.š I am curious how she and Prince Ding will interact after his very direct snub.
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Ye Xian again does the exact wrong thing with good intentions. He wants a chance to tell JinZhao his feelings and he hears hers. She beautifully and poignantly explained why they could never be. They are too similar even tho each would die for the other. They have a forged friendship that matters highly to her, but love as a partner was not part of it. Her mirror comparison of them was well said. They really are mirror images in many respects and she pointed them all out. She put it in clear considerate and truthful words so that he could understand it with no misunderstanding and realize tho not the relationship he wanted, his friendship was highly placed in her heart. Chen did the right thing sending him out on his portrait with one last warning to leave JinZhao alone. Going against the groom to be, Ye Xian is lucky he lived. The Marquis is a stately figure with his halberd. He looks every bit the commanding general in this pose. His wife realized something was off and found this was the last memory he had before dying. Gma Ji is having a chat with JinZhao about the Chen family members. She is giving her last advice to the young bride to be. The mirror scene where she sees her mother is a sweet detail, but I found the scene with gma the most impacting for me. Chen arrives in high style to claim his bride and as they are heading to his home a funeral procession is coming from the opposite direction. Ye Xian and Chen study each other a moment and as Chen prepares to make way Ye Xian chooses to make way instead. It was one gift he could give to JinZhao. Everyone is surprised as the funeral party steps aside and Chen bows in respect as they pass the Marquisā coffin. Ye Xian got a glimpse of the bride, but JinZhao and her guard did not look. She wanted to make way out of respect for the dead, but YeXian spoke up first. The glee of Fuās voice at the death of a war hero justš”š¤¬ They donāt want Ye Xian to get the title, and while I truly like him, he is too lost to his temper and emotions to handle power well. But I am fearful about who Fu wants and if he can persuade the young emperor to agree. XuanQing is slamming them back being all put out. He never did a thing for JinZhao except bask in her affection. He wasnāt even bold enough to return it.šš His nose is out of joint and heās following the maid to see JinZhao when the episode ends. The maid has just learned the Marquis passed away and sheās running back to tell JinZhao. She is holding the whistle from Chen and may need to use it soon. YanWen is seeing Fu and Chen chatting and he also seems full of evil intent. JinZhao was awarded second madame title by the young emperor directly. There are already two ladies plotting for her when sheās in the Chen home. Lian is also plotting for Lan when JinZhao is not there to protect her. Even with two episodes today I find I want two more.
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The servant is brought in and Lian is pointed out for initiating gossip. While punishments get passed out gma thinks she will force a marriage with Wang to restore reputation. When JinZhao is about to be locked up for refusing, brother Yao shows up with betrothal gifts. Yao has grown up in the time they have been separated. He makes an impressive groom. This time when they met, there was not the bickering conversation. He is truly worried about her and does not want her reputation shattered. He also has the older brother look when she describes being in love so well. He is forced to admit his love is brotherly, but he is pondering who makes her flush and stay up at night. I am proud of him for making such an impressive marriage price for her and looking out for her amongst these wretched Guās. Waiting to see how this all plays out. In Daxin they have kept the chaff with the rice. For a short time this makes it more nutritious, but when storing, it will spoil quicker and hold more arsenic. This is a deliberate plot to harm the general populace. I misunderstood. The rice was swapped with bran for relief stores. This was not handled by the granary manager but by Fuās henchman himself. He doesnāt even bother to hide it. They are brazenly setting up Chen to take the fall and guarding him so he canāt retaliate. He has called to meet with JinZhao and they know that the conspiracy is a political takedown aiming for Chen and daddy Gu to take the fall for it. A colleague has forged her dadās seal without his knowledge. Wang Xuanfeng wants to take down Fan and Fu is more than ready to assist and since Chen is showing heās his own man and not the expected sycophant ātwo birds with one stone. I canāt wait to see his plotting bring him down.šš”š¤¬ Chen is asking JinZhao to delay things as long as possible while they hunt down the colleague. Dead or alive he will prove something fraudulent happened. JinZhao is buying up grain and getting soup kitchens and medicine stalls ready to keep the province from revolting. This will give everybody more time to catch the culprits and take care of the people. She wants to hit the ground running when the bran is discovered. Fan has showed up at Chenās office and the fireworks begin. Chen takes the winds out of his sails by resigning and an order of impeachment for Fan citing 10 cases of nepotism to charge him with. Chen is very shrewd. He still looks to be Fuās man while working on setting them both back. Ye Xian just got orders to bring every Gu male back to the garrison. The prior warden has a grudge and this worked out nicely. His fringe benefit was a satisfied grin making YeXian personally take charge of the order. Fortunately JinZhao was already prepared. The order should have been for the two political fools we already know about, but the sons were added because of the grudge. JinZhao gives her brother some money and instructions and Ye Xian said he had the prison side of it handled. I liked that JinZhao told him to be careful as well. The ladies of the Gu house are crashing fast and general JinZhao is taking charge. They are combing through every single document and gathering evidence. She knows she is integral to Chenās defense. He is trusting her with his very self. ā¤ļø she is motivated to leave no stone unturned to take care of the men she cares about. It is just a shame it will also spare the two old reprobates that deserve punishment. šAt the court Chen assumed the blame while glaring at the real culprit. Fuās man thinks he forced Chenās hand and Fu initially thought he could smooth things over with Chen. This changes when he hears of Guās daughter bringing a case to court. He is putting the pieces together quickly and now itās a race between him and Chen to see if justice prevails. This was an interesting change of events and I liked that for once the Gu women have put their petty differences aside and are working together in defense of their house. I wish there was one more episode today to see what happens sooner. Excellent storytelling keeping the romance on slow sizzle and political conflicts at good pace. I also have to applaud that the women will be bailing the men out. This makes me smile. Usually I am annoyed that the Gu men are rescued by their ladies, but this time, itās about real justice and not hiding some greedy stunt they pulled. A bit of time in jail will not be bad for the old ones at all, they have long had it coming. But for them to be indebted to JinZhao, including dear gma ā¦.this is a good thing. They will hopefully mind their manners in future. As for Chen, I am hoping his lady will let him officially propose when this is settled.
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Lord Chenās mother is having breakfast and making plans for a celebration. She is wanting to invite Wan Xue and mentions the loss of Chenās wife after two years in their house. Right when she is asking him about who has caught his eye he is saved by his servant. The Gu son is in trouble because of gambling ties. Chen is trying to get him out before the raid and asks for an audience with JinZhao. She has a case with her and the conversation starts with her brother. It is agreed he was not part of the gang, but getting him away is imperative. He told her no further gifts but made it clear he wanted to know what she had brought. The heartbeat added to the music was spot on. He is pleased with the reparations to his cape and puts it on. The man definitely has flare when putting on capes and robes.š„Daddy Gu has just learned of his sonās troubles and the shouting begins. The son has been abducted so there is a cluster at the Gu house trying to figure out how to rescue him and keep the news quiet. Lady Gu has collapsed because she now knows thanks to gossiping servants. It is clear nanny Zhou is behind it all. She should have had her tongue removed rather than just a beating. I have no clue why she is allowed to run the house but she needs to go.š”š¤¬Her daughter knows something is up but for now letās things go. YeXianās servant finds and brings the son back and daddy Gu is on a roll. The son deserved a beating for stupidity but his rant about the Ji family was over the top. JinZhao laid out reality for him in what the Jiās contribution was and dared him to settle up. He laments having no son to carry on his legacy. šAs if he had character to brag about. Something better be done to get nanny Zhou the punishment she deserves. š¤¬ Lady Gu collapsed and is recovering. The only good thing that has happened is that JinZhao is letting herself be closer to her mother. There is not deep affection yet but she is concerned for her. The son is doing the first responsible thing he has done in a very long time, he is kneeling in apology outside his motherās room. Lord Chen is working behind the scenes to assist but Mr Gu is in trouble because of his sonās actions. The biggest question I have about LadyGuās care is why is nanny Zhou in charge of making the meds instead of the ladyās own servant? This makes no sense to me. š§ I liked that JinZhao walked right by her brother without a glance. He needs to know that a charming disposition and smile canāt make up for reckless behavior that endangers the entire familyās reputation. I am hoping his punishment has beaten the Gu out of him. šHe needs to get into a trade and have his Ji side shine. JinZhao is at her motherās side and her mother is lamenting her choices and apologizing. It is very sincere and heartfelt but to some, she lost her spine along with her child that day. She let herself be punished as penance for submitting to her husband and sending her daughter away. JinZhao is moved and for the first time calls her mother. She is getting ready to settle some scores and starts with her brother. She doesnāt say a word but gives a resounding slap and continues to the house. She is shaken by her motherās words and replays her treatment of her mother since her arrival. She has her servant give an invitation to YeXian to thank him for saving her brother. She puts on quite a show for him and gets him to the familyās private suite. There he is tied up and questioned. He admits to kidnapping her brother and when he makes wisecracks about Lord Chen, she gave me a laugh out loud moment when she planted her foot center mass on his chest and knocked him and chair to the floor.šš¤£ He has a point that where blood is concerned she is less decisive in dealing with it. He had hoped to plant a scare that would permanently dissuade the brother from going to gambling houses. She let him know his actions caused her mother to collapse and stay bedridden. He was remorseful with this news because he had truly only intended to help her. She leaves him stranded on the floor and told him he deserved it. He could only laugh at his predicament. He smiles because he enjoys wholeheartedly the chaos she brings. She follows the rules of her choosing and this adds color and interest to his surroundings. This is what he admires most about her. His servant came back with details about the raid and how Chen had sent men just for the brother. It seems they both had similar ideas on how to straighten him out. JinZhao has offered a reward for finding her brother and the search is on. However there is another search in same area with much more at stake. Lord Chen is looking for a courier and it will be a literal battle to find him. JinZhao has to stop her search til a wheel is repaired, so she offers 100 taels of silver to whoever finds her brother. Lord Chen survives an attack and is brought to same shed. She is looking at his wounds and wondering what happened as she applies medicine. The episode ends right when things were getting interesting. A real doctor wrote a script for Lady Gu and I am hoping nanny Zhouās treachery gets revealed with some real consequences. She has been running the show for too long. The drama remains interesting with a lot going on. My favorite scene was when the heartbeat added to music as Chen gets closer to JinZhao to inspect her gift. Things are heating up between them and I want to enjoy every detail of their budding romance.š
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This episode has JinZhao meeting her paternal gma. She made a favorable impression tho the granddaughter quickly teamed up with step sis to talk down to her. JinZhao is forced to take the eldest daughter position to rebut and admonish the gossiping girls about Liu family. There is one missing from the party and it turns out to be YeXianās sister. She is late because he has invited himself to go along. JinZhao is far from happy with this development. The family goes to see an opera and YeXian manages to get himself seated by JinZhao. She finally has enough of his chatting and leaves to change. He finds her handkerchief and there is an argument over it. She claims it isnāt hers. There is a very cute exchange with a kitten and YeXianās better side is revealed. At the embroidery session, JinZhao deliberately does a bad job because she doesnāt want to reveal the handkerchief is hers. She is mocked by the two girls and YeXian gives the handkerchief to step sis who shows it to everybody there. This backfires a bit when the older sis recognizes the handkerchief JinZhao and her brother fighting about. She later goes to her brother and tells him neither Gu girl is acceptable as bride material and tells his servant to pack his things. She is sending him home.The one good development is YeXian and JinZhao both learned about the invitation step sis swiped. JinZhao confronts her and agrees to let this slide, but to bear in mind she wasnāt the sort to return evil with kindness. šThe new girl mocks JinZhaoās mom for being a merchant. JinZhao got the upper hand by telling her her hairpin was a fake. She even told her the test she could do on it to find out.šš¤£ While JinZhao is choosing gifts to send to Chen, her brother shows up and hints of blackmail about her bridge meeting with XuanQing. She counters with the 200 taels he wanted. There is a pawn slip but she doesnāt believe his story. She does learn he works for the gambling hall as a frontman. He entices young men to try their luck. Chen has received the gifts and his servant opens the boxes. The first is a set of binoculars which he liked. The second was a pair of glasses which he was not enthused with. Did JinZhao send them because he would look good with them on or because she considered him old and needing them? Guess we will find out next episode. šš¤£ I completely missed the nod to his character in The Shadowās Edge with the glasses. šš Had to come back and correct this. The changes they made to the sibling characters make this less fun to watch. I keep grumbling during their scenes. What happened to the brother that stood up for her and the sis that helped her sneak out of the house? I still like JinZhaoās character and want to see how things progress with Lord Chen, but I am a lot less enthused with the family machinations. They are tiring. šš The palace politics are better than the Gu family interactions. If the nanny kills the mother, they better kill her off too.š”
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With a direct challenge the nanny had to walk the concubine through it. This was a disaster and the concubine almost set herself on fire. While they argued it came to light that JinZhao had visited and was rejected. Not only that but the nanny had assaulted her. Here JinZhao learns her mother was never informed. To cover his ass the dad has the nanny get 20 lashes. This was found funny by staff because she had always been untouchable because she had the concubineās favor. In her defense she knew if the legitimate daughter returned the daughter of the concubine would no longer be the pampered only child she had been. In a way I canāt fault her for that. I am also still trying to figure out why the mom did not contact her daughter. Even sickly, a servant could have written for her to correspond back and forth with her distant daughter. If she was forbidden, the dad definitely lost the opportunity to fake having his daughter cared for tho distantly. šThe nanny claimed JinZhao was cunning and ruthless not claiming her mentoring the child to be that way. The scene shifts to the prison where Lord Chen gets a chat with his friend. It is a heart wrenching scene because he knows Nie has a family, but considered the sacrifice worth it. The courage and support from his friend is a reminder that sometimes the ultimate sacrifice is the crucible that creates a better life for the loved ones left behind. Your heart breaks as he laughs and smiles at his fate knowing his efforts were successful. šā¤ļø There is a meeting of those for the reforms and it is decided the next course of action was to take care of minister Lin. The scene shifts to Linās Wifeās bday celebration where daddy Gu has forced JinZhaoās attendance. There JinZhao overhears a conversation of all the trials her gma is enduring. She is worried because she thought Lord Chen would protect her family. When she sees him there she takes the opportunity to plead for her family and asked to return to her gma. As he explains the cost of the reforms they are interrupted by the young lord. He has pretty accurately laid out the plan to get rid of the right arm minister Lin, leaving Chen wondering how close he and JinZhao are. Chen has asked Lin to resign and referred to a shady land deal and a false charge of digging up dirt on his opponent. Lin made the mistake of sending his servant to see if the guy sold him out or not. The young lord warns JinZhao that almost the entire Gu family are in Fanās council. She admitted that she only recently learned this and why she wants to return. He is rather gobsmacked by that and the scene shifts to the party. The news is out and one colleague has already made an excuse to depart. Daddy Gu canāt slink out with him but he tries to impress with his great care of his daughter. JinZhao rebuts every remark and the young lord fills in more for her. He finally gives up and splutters out the door with the young lord sitting at the table completely amused. Chen also grins and admires her shrewdness in getting him away from the party and out of trouble. Lin revealed his crimes by sending the servant. Now the landowner is being investigated. Lin is forced to admit to the lesser of his crimes so that the emperor cannot decide to keep him in court even if he tries to resign. Lin and Chen exchange parting shots and Chen wishes him a good day as the guards arrive to arrest Lin. JinZhao gets the news and she is surprised at the speed Chen moves and replays his words to her. She decided to write a letter to her gma with double intentā to let Chen know she was loyal and to check up on her gma. As expected the letter was intercepted and Chen understood her intentions. But this means she will continue to be followed and tested to see if she was as committed as Ji family. Liu is to replace Lin and daddy Gu sees his son as the perfect match for JinZhao. Even the concubine recognized she had saved her dad by getting him out but he contributed it to lucky circumstance. He is such a weasel and not even a smart one.š The episode ends with another smug grin thinking he can gain access to Liu and rid himself of JinZhao in one marriage. This story continues at a good pace and quite well done.
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Undercover Miss Hong Episode 16
2 people found this review helpful
Everybody that needed to be, was brought to justice and those that needed closure for their lost loved ones received it. Everybody ended on a positive note and the ending was most about their sisterhood rather than trying to pair off as couples. This was ended well and even set up for a second season if they choose. Usually something mars the ending and in this case it was one of the best episodes because it was perfect. We get to see everything we really want to see and the enduring friendship of the roomies was the best part of this drama. This drama was an exception for me because usually I like the beginning more than the ending. With this drama, the story got better with each episode and the ending was everything I wanted from the story. Kudos to cast and production team šš»š
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They did a good job giving the background of sibling relationship or lack thereof. The sis had a very loving relationship with her sister until very recently. She felt her sibling was mothering her rather than letting her learn on her own and her last conversation wasnāt a good one for a last memory. The brother was a surprise because big brother wrote him off when he was very young and left him at a childrenās home with a parting gift. Big brother is at a loss because he didnāt expect to see or hear from his sibling. The little brother is drawn into things in spite of his attitude about his brother deserting him. He treated his nephew the same as his brother treated him before leaving, a parting gift and goodbye. Little sis feels responsible because she felt like a weight for her sister to carry. She is determined to make up for that. She doesnāt think well of her brother in law and he has given her no reason to. But she does note heās not a mean spirited person and has stepped up tho minimally. He has made it clear he considers this his last meeting with both of them. There are many movies and dramas with this theme, but this one held its own telling this version of unexpected guardianship. I am looking forward to see how they drag the reluctant brother into things.
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