PeachBlossomGoddess

Oh for sure there are politics behind the entire scheme to compromise the military clothing. But that pirate is now what we call a dead end.

Probably - Ms Xie (Xie Zhao's catty sister) was already alluding to it at the Lin gathering. Her grandfather is now compiling the literature compendium - their status is super high. Lots of rich old men would love to marry her. And Jinqi is only 4th rank - its not low but its not that high either.

Idk if there is more to it? I just think he is being in character as a Japanese pirate - rather kill themself than be defeated or captued and he did it harakiri syle where he disembowels himself.

She has gotten some terrific non-idol drama roles since TBOY working with serious actors like Qin Han where her acting was spot on. I did not love her in S1 but I am looking forward to seeing her in S2. She is also incredibly beautiful but her styling in S1 did not suit her.

That either grandpa Lin or Jinqi managed to save some/all of the Shen men. Normally I don't pay attention to this stuff but I did think it kind of strange they cast 2nd and 3rd uncle Shen but I don't think they even appeared yet.

I saw a rumor (potential big spoiler)

They wouldn't know to that level of detail. But in feudal society when there are no kids after 6 years and the man is the heir, society would immediately just assume the woman is infertile. And of course Xingtang's family knows well that she is - which is why this time they are marrying her off to an old dude who presumably has heirs already he just wants a young, beautiful and noble wife.

She told him his bath is ready. Someone said Ms Du is here. He asked her to get rid of her for him. He said you are so intelligent its a pity you are a maid.

Yeah Lu Dalang was a Japanese pirate. The Wo or Wokou/倭寇 were Japanese bandits or dwarf pirates that terrorized the coast of China and Korea during that time. They weren't all Japanese - there were Koreans and Chinese traders/smugglers among them as well.

Good review. Love Jing Boran. But Sun Qian is a NO for me.

I believe dowry is usually sent right before the wedding. Maybe some betrothal gifts were exchanged.

Only to women. And tbh if she is from elite family like Xingtang, it doesn't matteras much - although she is tainted by the fact she can't have kids.
There is a window for Cuique right now bc Jinqi needs to remain single (ie not take another legitimate wife) for a suitable period out of respect for the Zhaos.

Someone is conspiring with Japanese pirates to undermine the military and steal military funds?

He killed himself harakiri style.

He had a peace treaty with Japan. It was one of the most pirate free reigns during Ming. They became a real and increasing problem only later on. But I am fine with it, the drama does claim to be fictional.

Her mother is dead. There is no one to lookout for her in the Lin household. She has to fend for herself.

That was so funny! She whacked her son extra hard. I thought Gantang's mom is also one of Madam Qin's maids?

when I realized the FL was NOT going to die. I spent more than half the drama thinking it would surely end badly bc she was too stupid and arrogant to survive.

I dropped Princess Gambit with 4 episodes to go

I thought I was teleported into a Disney movie.