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The Prisoner of Beauty Episode 18
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The generals have gone along with plans to fake an attack from traitor Wei’s assassins. The prefect believes he has been rescued by General Liang. The traitor is dealt with before he can gather troops and the soldiers have been promised no punishment if they assist in building the canal. Everything is going smoothly and Lady Wei is pleased with the progress and wants WeiShao to reward her. He goes to town with his generals and all of them give him ideas for what to buy for her. They were actually sweet and thoughtful gifts but he tossed them all aside. 😂 He comes back with a receipt for 500 steeds very pleased with his purchase. She could not have pouted any more over the very thought but his suggestions of replacement were even worse so she cut her losses with the horses. Her maid reminds her that the men in her family will be very pleased to receive such gifts if she sends them home.🤣 Lady Wei then carefully plans a night of stargazing and dresses up and starts pointing out stars. First her husband bundles her up like a child and then he invited the canal planners to join them. The engineer immediately understands her intent and says three is a crowd. So Wei Shao tells Lady Wei she can go back early. The next day the prefect then tells Wei Shao that his daughter wants to marry one of his generals. We all thought the romance had budded between her and the lady’s man general, however, she wants to marry the maid’s general. This was unexpected. Lady Wei tells her husband straight up that he wouldn’t accept it. He has no clue about his general’s personal preference for the maid and says she is wrong. She then challenges him to a wager. The general of course refuses and now he is in hot water with the maid. General Liang tells her a rather lengthy tale about the weapon miniatures they all carry and the significance of them. She is not impressed and annoyed he is talking so much when he hands her his and says he wants her to have it. Wei Shao has to admit defeat to the wager and now to see what the prize will be. I know that Wei Shao is not street smart with women and seduction. That is actually part of his appeal. However, he can’t be completely ignorant of what his wife wants from him, so I am hoping they start acting married soon rather than jr high school crush stage😝
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The Prisoner of Beauty Episode 14
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That mom continues to be a piece of work. Whatever happened to the seeds ms empress and crush girl caused possible blowback to the family. Mom didn’t expect that. Wei Shao sticking up for her was truly majestic. The doubt on his cousin after all the antics he just pulled is much harder to dismiss. The mom looks guilty and isn’t too bright. When she has her girlies around her it’s like she has no functioning brain at all. There will be a weight difference but how to find the true guilty party is a whole other thing. And we haven’t even gotten to the real gifts yet. They were too busy trying to demean Qiao Man.
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The Prisoner of Beauty Episode 2
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Li Su was sent home in literal pieces. This was a bit harsh but considering the crimes he did, it was equitable as justice/vengeance. His family had to know what kind of a man he was, but if not this was definitely a good reminder. Wei Shao was displeased that he did not have a census of the people and that they feared and ran from him. Qiao Man recognized the people liked her better than Wei Shao. She was winning them over feeding them as reward for helping rebuild the streets and wells. She was still trying to negotiate a wedding in Xindu so that she could keep the seal of Panyi. She recognizes that she needs to direct the people’s loyalty to Wei Shao so she acts like a selfish and cruel bridezilla. The people turn on her quickly but Wei Shao knows what she did. He doesn’t understand why she would help him and thinks it is another trick from her family. She is left to pay the price for her family’s treachery and it is quite a high one. The mayor was bold enough to stand up to him. His advisor again suggested that he surrendered to LiSu to protect the people, not because a coward or bad person. He was returned to mayor status and given the seal of Xindu. Wei Shao was softening up to Qiao Man until he saw his grandfather’s armor piece on the wall. It brought everything to the fore again and he made it almost violently clear his distaste for Qiao Man’s offering of the Panyi seal. She was offering him this to help provide food for Xindu. It is currently overrun with refugees and there is not sufficient food. But again, Wei Shao sees this as a deceptive way for Qiao family to make a truce with him. He wants it very clear he will not make the mistake of trusting them again. He has already drawn his sword on her neck and even marked her and cut some hair. He has a right to be very angry and even unforgiving. But she had no more a part of those events than he did. I am hoping he wakes up to that fact soon before he actually hurts her. She is a courageous young woman that she hasn’t already run away to defy him. She not only deals with his wrath but now the harsh treatment from the Xindu people because of the viscous things she said to make Wei Shao stand up and do the right thing. Ironically she said she gave him the seal because he was ‘kind’. Still waiting for that one. Liu YuNing can smirk quite evilly. Song ZuEr is doing an excellent job being the intelligent, capable woman who can win him over given sufficient time. Wei Shao deserves some kindness in his life and she deserves a man who is brave and strong. I think they are unexpectedly well matched if their family differences can be put aside. That remains to be seen.
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QinLan and QuZhou are so cute. I wish these two were a pair. They do well as siblings and partners in crime so they do get to lighten the mood. I just selfishly wish it was more since they are so well suited. It has been a long wait in finally revealing to QinLan who wears the mask. It was even funnier that Li puppy also had one to confess about. Zhang Zheng officially joined the mask group tho sighed a bit at being level 8. Qing Mu Yuan is going to have extra fun teasing him. We got to see a bit of DongFang Chu Ri’s story and see where the blade and sword skills came from. It is sad that the only way they can free everyone is to destroy the black fox. The greedy nobles made her what she became. I am hoping when HongYe asked about the names of the slain that it included the thousands of demons killed by the talisman spellcaster. They were killed before humans were. It was funny to see HongYe’s friends and family cringe at not having gifts for his birthday. HuaiZhu reminded him the party was the gift. His betrothal letter collection🤣 HuaiZhu one of these must be written correctly. He did at least let her know his sincerity…….several times. 😂 By wedding day he may be advised on which one has vows correctly stated. 🤣
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I have no words for how much I despise this family of demon sword makers. There is no level they won’t sink to. The fact that I feel this so intensely shows how well the episode was made. Hong Ye is to be commended for disguising his pain so well and I am relieved that Huai Zhu found a way to help as well as harm. Together they will hopefully thwart the sword maker”s plan. Collecting those demon cores for dinner entertainment is just …. And those three families clawing for swords from them. I know part of it fear for noncompliance, but I think all of them would have taken them without being threatened. I did note one other that did not comment on taking or refusing a sword. That small child at the end. The vile lie they told….i wish Huai Zhu would have destroyed that forge. I am not sure yet why Hong Ye forced the condition the sword had to be made. His plan might require for the sword maker to believe his plan with sword was successful. I am curious about who will ultimately end up with the demon lord’s core sword. And I am hoping it is used to cause great grief for that core hunting group. When he saved her from the bell sound, I am wondering if Huai Zhu realized who she was with minus mask. I think it is tickling the back of her mind. They have been discovered and hopefully the child will not be put through any more.
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The first thing I liked about this was SM holding the phone out of the reach of Vendai guy🤣 Have to say it is fun to see a gal do that 😂Making her way back she sees policemen ready to take him away and TQ takes the phone from her as evidence. She now knows he can see. It’s very awkward and before she can make up yet another lie he lets her know he’s aware they were all fake. So she then accepts her fate and apologizes in every form to include the alpaca. TQ jumps a bit at that change and says he knew it wasn’t his alpaca at the zoo. He accepts her combined apologies and says it is all now over. One thing about TQ as he analyzes situations is that he considers the part he played in them and evaluates himself truthfully. He critiques himself often and combines that with the actions of others. She kinda ruins the moment when asking about her job.🤣 but I know that part of it is she is feeling very light after all the guilt she’s been toting and wanting assurance that things are still ok. Mean girl is out and GY stops further gossip. But for this, I really wish they would give all the gory details. SCC is in the elevator and TQ notices she has a button missing and offers his jacket. She is appreciative but notes in mind that for SM he put it over her shoulders. So this puts further proof in her mind he’s not interested in her. The reaction of the seniors with the pictures just makes your heart full. SCC and WY use tech to take their photos back to their 20’s so they can refresh their memories of their youthful splendor. There was one exception. This sweet woman had been a widow for a very long time. Her husband had died young and she opted to never remarry. SCC took their youthful picture and aged it for her. Her tears of joy seeing him age will stay with me a very long time. This writer can frustrate the crap out of me with things like QST death and thoughtless girls and then 2 episodes later use those same girls in scenes that give me great joy and long term memories. TQ arrives and gives a bouquet to the widow and learns that her husband had given her flowers in place of a ring. The smell of the bouquet brings up memories from others and now they are ready to accept the perfume samples after a nudge from SCC. As TQ listens to SCC encourage the ladies that beauty is timeless and perfume is good for young and old, he is reminded of the various things her disguises had said. He is completely entranced again and can’t take his eyes off of her. This drama is so special. It makes you feel deeply whether it’s good or bad feelings and it has people talking whether they love or hate it. The pure number of animated conversations makes this a success regardless of numbers😁
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This episode starts with GY being surprised by LY. she has him celebrate with her at a fancy meal because the character he helped inspire was well received. Everybody is wanting to bargain for the wire mesh and TQ has to decide if he wants to make a deal with the husband who runs the company or the wife that developed the product. He meets with SCC disguised as FJ and there is a cute case of unraveling the sweater thread. She tries to persuade him to not talk to the police about what happened and showed him her file that proved the jerk husband had a habit of hitting. TQ apologizes and says he is going to tell the truth. This turns out to be a great twist on the husband who thinks he has things wrapped up in his favor bribing TQ with the patent. TQ admits the first thing he saw was FJ hitting her husband, and while the jerk is smiling TQ also includes a verbatim account of the previous dialogue between them which gives a very clear picture of who was in the wrong. This made me smile because it was verbatim. And he looks the jerk in the eye and said “I promised I would tell the truth” 🤣 There is another sweet scene where GY turns up at LY’s place with boxes of comics a manufacturer wants signed for his daughter. She reveals something of herself when she is touched by the love the father has for his daughter and agrees to sign every one of them. As a thank you to TQ for helping her case SQL sets up a meeting with FJ at the lab. SCC reluctantly agrees to be FJ but is in for a shock when TQ requests her to go along. With teamwork the ladies survive.😂 Mean girl strikes again on work projects because she thinks she outmaneuvered WY by choosing number 5 instead of 3. I’m thinking she needs another meeting with Sun Wukong🤣 FJ gives TQ a gift. Everybody is waiting to see who wins the right to sell the patent.
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The game is afoot and the banquet has started. The impeachment petition is making the rounds when eunuch Cao shows up. He burns it and the fighting commences. He has the officials trapped so they can’t leave grounds and brings in Zhifu who is in pretty bad shape. Then it is Deja vu with Marquis family lined up for slaughter. What is different about this scene is he doesn’t have the same loving desperation the astronomer had for his. Even the eunuch is surprised by it. The ladies are having their own battles in the treasury. The princess is in the secret room when she is shot by an arrow from crossbow. Zang Hai lets her know it is poisoned and tells her it was part of his plan. He is visibly shaken when he sees AnTu’s face under mask. He knows she dealt with Cao because he heard her. But something isn’t adding up. He reveals his identity and shows her the remains of his parents. He sets fire to the room after bowing to them. He slips AnTu the antidote and takes her home. He leaves her outside the gate but makes sure a servant is called and sees her. She is definitely part of the game but not an enemy. The deal she struck most likely had to do with her mother and definitely some promise for Dongxia if it wasn’t for her family. She is bound to Dongxia and would do anything to help and protect them. The Marquis and eunuch are going at it but the psycho Lu is always between. The eunuch has already injured himself to make it look like Marquis tried to murder him. His sly face so reminds me of Voldemort when most snakelike. It is not just the look but the vibe he gives. A cobra always ready to strike. He is self serving in protecting himself but not afraid to get his hands dirty. His guards are like a cult he has brainwashed to be his personal bodyguards and assassins. I did like that the general still left in Marquis got several good shots in and caused psycho some damage. Second son shows up and helps save the family but is stabbed too close to heart for my liking. Fortunately he will survive and while close , missed organs so he will heal just fine. He got a visit from dad and was given a father’s blessing and endorsement. He will continue family legacy. Zhifu has developed a crazed fever because of injuries. Even if he recovers he is not expected to be mentally sound. The mom has plans for the younger son I am sure, but she should keep in mind he saved their sorry asses even after she killed his mom. I hope she checks herself but it’s not likely. At core she is evil and vengeful. Her usefulness has worn out so she can be cast aside by Marquis. He connected the dots together and figured out that Zang Hai was pulling the strings. Zang Hai did have a valid rebuttal so it remains to be seen where the Marquis’ loyalties will lie after this bday. He proved himself wise in moving the fish key. It’s like he knew something was up. AnTu is going to join Marquis in being in a bad place with Cao. But that viper always makes sure he can build a scenario against everyone he encounters. And he has the ear of the emperor. Funny how we never see him. At some point his mouthpiece is going to be out of the way and emperor might have to actually speak for himself. Now that Dongxia Princess and Zhinu are acquainted it remains to be seen how these two can outwit and survive the officials. Zang Hai has convinced Marquis his best move with emperor is to take responsibility and look remorseful. Now to see how emperor decides between Cao and Marquis. And who really knows where Gui seal is?
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When Destiny Brings the Demon Episode 1
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Sima Jiao has been locked up for 500 years. He is the last of his clan and maybe even his kind and everybody wants something from him. They have him locked up for his blood and abilities and he has had enough. He plans on literally blowing up the mountain that confines him but needs one more thing for his plan to work. Now enter Liao Tingyan from the future. She has knowledge of games and is on the phone in a taxi when there is an accident and she finds herself in a ‘gameworld’ she is familiar with. She takes it in stride pretty well and sees it as a much needed work break. Since she doesn’t know how to escape, she goes with the flow wanting only to stay low key and have good food and good rest. She is taken to a mentor that informs her she is a filler for a group of women chosen to take care of the grandmaster. She is less than enthused but assured she won’t be chosen. She gets a taste of the mean girls all vying for top position to serve the grandmaster. She is more than happy to let them have the glory and tries to sneak away. She is literally escorted up the stairs til she resigns herself and goes peacefully. Once there she is told to sit and wait for a spiritual crown. Turns out, she has one. She now goes where huge cobras guard the way. She wants no part of it and looks for a way out. Sima Jiao sees her and is intrigued by her boldness. He cuts off any path of escape and she knows from horror movie watching the single person always ends up dead so she throws herself into the middle of the crowd hoping not to be seen. As the women are interviewed, one gets tossed across the courtyard and another killed. Turns out this one was an imposter and he knew. Liao Tingyan is kneeling and notices his well manicured feet.😂 She finds him pretty and surprised he is so mean. When he comes to her the fire emblem on his head is activated. She is from demonic clan and that was unexpected. He throws everybody out and they are all glad to go. Tingyan sees two distinct groups form but knows she has nothing in common with either one. Her leg hurts and unexpectedly she gets help from Ruling. They part ways and Tingyan goes off by herself. At the realm where she appeared from modern world, she was made an imposter assassin. She has no clue this is her role, but they are counting on her to set them free from the barrier that confines them. I enjoyed this first episode. I liked fl as BaoBao and wanted to see her in something new. She is hilarious and I find her as engaging here as I did there.
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Prince Cheng ‘s pride was hurt but unfortunately nothing else. The Feng girl used similar tricks to be noticed with him and secure her place. What neither of them expected was a foolish Qin girl to add to the mix. Xiang is going to get all the attention she thought she wanted and with these two vipers in place with her in between, she will get everything she deserves and then some. Prince Chi charmed both Gma’s and all were prepared for happy festivities with all three princes’ marriages set to take place. The Emperor is happy Prince Chi seems to have fallen in line but remains agitated with Prince Rui not turning over the talisman. Prince Rui and son had a major row over it and the father would not listen to reason tho he was right in how enemies would take advantage of change in leadership. This cost him his life and the Emperor is very like the over acting artist. His laments are laughably fake. The dowager has collapsed and wants her son returned to her. Prince Chi collapses there but returns his father to the palace and gives the emperor the tiger tally with no other words said. The emperor had no tears for his sibling but was all about clutching the tally. He now feels in control. As evil as Cheng is, this seems more of the Emperor’s doing than his. We will see what comes out in the wash as things unfold. I did enjoy the look on Cheng’s face when the bride’s name was given. They deserve each other. The emperor used this to counter the brother’s death as a hunting accident. He covered up the incidents that led to the death in one quick verdict. Wan has used a very specific technique to prepare the bones from Jin’s mansion and Minister Li noted whose technique it was but didn’t say anything further when she responded with learning from books. He does not want this case brought to the emperor because the deceased is the bodyguard of Prince Jin. This now is a cause to reopen the case and he is most reluctant to have it go there. He does have reasons for hiding this. It is not clear if it is to hide things for the emperor that he keeps stalling or covering up. There is plenty of collusion going on amongst the royals it is just unclear what side is the truth. And once the truth starts shedding light on things, where will the chips fall?
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Wan saying how she will lay low with the Supreme Court minister😝 She has already advertised her endeavors, like he is gonna conveniently forget? 🙄 The wood carver is definitely part of it. Whether he does the actual killing or transports bodies to different location he is accomplice at minimum. That dark flower sure had the artist’s flare, but neither had white mask. The burn case is a stretch when an accident and repentant culprit. Wan needs Bai. As much as I really like Prince and Princess guard wannabes…they have talent, but they are not reliable. The party hardy duo have lost their charm for me. It is becoming a daily event rather than rare occasion. He is pulling her down rather than her making him a better man. They have promised to change their ways but Wan’s reckless behavior needs a firmer hand than these two and Prince Chi can’t be everywhere. He has a weak ass crown Prince to cover up for.😝It was a very sweet gesture of him buying her family home and getting her into the Qin adjoining property. It is a good place to use as a base of operations for their investigations. It can easily home military personnel and keep people under house arrest when necessary, while still having private quarters available. As usual, Prince Chi had this well thought out for her comfort and protection. The coroner is learning what his real job is. He is becoming a better public servant and feeling pride and responsibility with his job. Prince Chi will have to have evidence in hand when he figures out Shuoxi mole. It’s a shame that priorities are askew so that father and son can’t team together to find the culprits undermining the army. Here all roads lead to consort and son.😝 They have been so busy stirring up the pit of misunderstandings between father and son that they are pretty convinced things can only go their way. I have mixed feelings with this episode. I am not happy with how writer is trying to bring balance to Wan’s character. I know that the brothel thing is to get Prince Yan Li in line as a target, but Ning’s choice to drink at every opportunity because she has nothing better to do isn’t working for me either. She could be training with the female soldiers and learning her job or networking with the royals to get the latest gossip. If this is the extent of her efforts she should have stayed home where the dowager could have kept an eye on her. I understand why Wan wanted the princess to know who she really is, but with her alcohol habit getting started, it wasn’t the wisest timing for her to be in the loop. She even said as much. This episode was half headache half decent. The writer knows the objective, but the characters are kinda fumbling around to get there except for Prince Chi and Bai.
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The two vying prince’s are a direct product of mama’s training and posturing. Can’t blame the Empress for wanting her son smarter. I don’t get why she wants to encourage a wife and consort when she knows from personal experience how that plays out. 😝 The consort is all pleased at her son’s display of superiority in complete agreement. Hopefully there will be no wife for him. Their kind really doesn’t need to procreate.😝I am glad Xiang got caught being lippy. She refuses to learn from her mistakes. I understand why the family wants to marry her off soon and I pity the family stuck with her. Yu puts on a good act but at heart I think she is on par with the Xiang girl in her actual feelings. Her mother’s constant harping on her isn’t helping matters. While it will give her a coveted title, she is too smart to truly be happy with that cowardly indecisive crown prince. However, she may prefer beta’s so she can rule the house. They already know which prince Wan prefers. However, so did the visiting princess. After seeing one prince lose out, she stakes her claim on Prince Chi first thing. It has shocked the men in the room. 😂 She is probably quite talented so hoping our Princess Ning can give her competition. I am sure Wan will wish she could shoot arrows in a particular direction.😂 The dowager continues to improve so that’s a good thing. The emperor has made Wan her personal physician. This is a double edged sword, but will help give her access to royal files pertaining to her family. The gossiping aunt about prince Rui. 😝At least Wan sees it for the scheming it is and forewarned. She has managed to get tokens from two members of royal family in the same day. This too is a double edged sword as all the ladies are wanting to trip her up and watch her fall. This is truly treacherous territory for both of them. Prince Yan Li’s attendance was noted. The emperor gave him a stunned long side eye. Princess Ning was quite pleased tho. I do have one question, why does the emperor choose head piece that has bead shade over eyes? Is this for shade from sun? It would drive me crazy trying to see through beads when conducting business or enjoying festivities. The prince with the fox made a big show of putting jewelry on the princess. The ruby piece was lovely, but furry cuteness can never be underestimated. We may get whiplash turning head back and forth watching the royals take swings at each other. 🧐🫣😂
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In retrospect this is not surprising. Both of these two were the best DIYers. Duo and BingWen tended to handle things personally and did not waste funds having people work for them. Duo refused carriage rides and BingWen handled his own repairs. BingWen also argued the calmest in court and tried to keep Cao and Marquis at bay through the turmoil. He helped Zang Hai on several occasions as well and tried very hard to get the Emperor to go lighter rather than heavier in punishing. I think the only exception was his demand of immediate harsh punishment of the ‘bandits’ that burned down Duo’s home. Zang Hai thought to cover evidence but maybe this was the only retribution BingWen could bring for his friend’s death. These two must have been very close for Duo to trust him with his family. And since he handled repairs, Duo may have had conversations about his son and tunnels sneaking in and out of the kitchen. We will probably not be given this background story, but it is quite likely these two were the upright thorns that tried to keep the corruption at bay. I don’t know why he made a point to help steer the son. I don’t know if he saw Zhinu as hope for the future or best suited to derail the past and present. This part we might get an answer to as things unravel.
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Zang Hai figured out that the original builders of the tomb did not waterproof it correctly. The Marquis’ eldest son embezzled the building funds for another project or for himself. The henchmen all knew that this would uncover their fraud and plotted to bury him within the tomb if he successfully fixed or execute him for failing. They planned his death either way. It was a touching scene with his uncle. Now he knows he sounds like his dad and he has retained their wisdom. His uncle was kicked out of imperial service and given tomb duty. He would not say why but I am sure the colleague that helped get Zang Hai’s family killed was responsible. The mentor holding still with a knife to his eye while he played blind was impressive. He did a nice slight of hand with the fortune sticks. I am sure his prediction will involve Zang Hai and waiting to see how the tables are turned on these wicked men. It was even more disgusting that the Marquis agreed to their heinous plot to cover for his son. They knew that he would but was seeing if there was any shred of decency in him. Nope. No wonder his sons are like they are.😝Zang Hai knew he was going to get entombed, but I don’t think he expected all those other men to be with him. I would like to think that they will honor whatever promises they made to these men, but I don’t think there is any chance in hell their families will receive restitution for their sacrifice. Tonight they drink and tomorrow they see the inside of the tomb….permanently. I am hoping that whatever Zang Hai attempts in getting to the river that he gets some or all of the others out with him. I also hope they show a follow up of the burned girl. I hope she lives and can manage to speak. These miscreants keep racking up sins so I hope his revenge takes into account every single person and fraud they have done. I am glad his mentor is assisting. I was wondering at his motives initially, but he has gone to some significant lengths to assist. I am curious what Zang Hai has spotted in the tomb to think there is possible escape.
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Should have known it was the second son stealing from treasury. I wish he would have had more time to check out secret room. It’s also a shame that the son had more spunk and character as a child than when grown. He is on the fast track to useless. 😝Zang Hai was genius with his inventory ledger and knew just how to stroke the Marquis’ ego. It got him attention, but now the three henchmen want to either integrate him into their slimey ways or kill him. He had his chance at the ‘bday’ party for Yang. I am sure he would have figured out a different response to the poor singer had he known what Yang would do. There are special places in hell for the Marquis and his three. Whoever the gal manager is was surprised that Zang Hai would actually care for the welfare of the girl. It proves again that even on revenge path there are depths he won’t go. That speaks well for him, but also as pointed out by his mentor, it shows the no bottom line for this group. Even the son has a play stupid or die outlook for dealing with it. He tried to gain audience with the Marquis through the son but that also met with dead end. He does now know there are secret locations in the hall where only authorized guests can go. His golden time to get closer to Marquis is getting significantly smaller so he needs to find a way to circumvent the gang of three. Noted that Xiao Zhan is gifted with excellent micro expressions. This drama is intense but I am all in to see how he makes these four pay. The bodies keep stacking up and I’m sure he is keeping track of them.
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