Didi
USA
1)Yan Ran’s father and grandfather argue fiercely. Grandpa does not want her to marry Gu Ting Ye but the father could care less about his reputation he would use his daughter to form a connection with the Marquis house (recall, people think Gu Ting Ye is a wastrel, gambler, womanizer, good for nothing who rapes women).2)Big brother Chang stops by to visit Ming Lan and so plan 2 goes into action. The servant girl sent over by Big Madame tries to hit on Chang, who is extremely proper. He freaks out but Ming Lan handles it by telling the girl to apologize. Ming Lan explains the girl was sent by his mother and that she must respect his Mother and not insult the girl. 3)Yan Ran arrives to see Ming Lan in tears. She relates to her that when her mother was dying only Gu Ting Ye helped and she is still grateful to him. This does cause her to sway a little but Yan Ran is worried about his bad reputation. Yan Ran is sad because her marriage talk has created conflict with her father and grandfather, and upset that her father does not seem to love her. She feels responsible this will make her grandpa sick. Ming Lan encourages her to not give up and to have more faith her grandpa can handle this. Yan Ran is cheered up.4)Ming Lan tells Yan Ran’s grandmother of how Gu Ting Ye once helped her. It sounds like in her own way, Ming Lan is helping Gu Ting Ye in this. Elsewhere, Gu Ting Ye finally meets with the imperial tutor and against all odds seems to succeed in distancing himself from his past. The other concern is the wolf’s den of his family. But this is easy as he plans to separate himself from his family. Things look good.5)Miniang shows up at Yan Ran’s home and demands to be seen and serve tea. She causes a huge scene, makes grandmother ill, and otherwise humiliates the imperial tutor family. Miniang attracts the attention of neighbors and finally is granted an audience. Her insistence that Yan Ran drink her tea is calculated. If Yan Ran drinks it, she loses face and power long before the marriage. If she refuses, Miniang is the victim of someone looking down on her. Ming Lan steps in and calls her out. Miniang claims she is ignorant. Agaain Ming Lan calls her out. Again Miniang claims she is ignorant. Ming Lan then proceeds to politely ask her questions. Ming Lan then points out how odd that her parents had an honorable hard working living how did Miniang win up singing opera. Miniang answer is vague at best and so Ming Lan suggests she ask the Gu family for status how can Yan Ran grant it when they aren’t even married, Ming Lan points out re is no connection this is clearly slander. Miniang behaves dramatically saying she will just ie. Ming Lan watches this show calmly. Ming Lan says if she had married a common man she would have lived a peaceful life but she had loftier ambitions and is now a kept woman how are they basically to blame. Ming Lan accuses her of slander and attempting to ruin Yan Ran’s reputation, she can either walk out or be thrown out. 6)Later, the wife of imperial tutor visits old Madame to express gratitude for how well Ming Lan handles the situation, it seems that Yan Ran will marry a boy in their hometown. Ming Lan admits to her grandmother she should not have involved herself as it carries risk to her own reputation when challenged but Ming Lan admits she took the risk because she was counting on Miniang not knowing she was the a Sheng family, and the fact that the imperial tutor would cover it up. Her grand,other asks her if she is worried that this far will fall on her some day and her grandmother promises her she will one day be the lady of a house not a concubine, Ming Lan sees Yan ran off who leaves to marry, she is sad because she won’t see her anytime soon, and so her servants try to cheer her up with dessert.7) She runs into Gu Ting aye. He is most unhappy,8) he sits down and confronts her, asking her why she is basically trying to ruin his life. At first Ming Lan is cooly polite. She begins by calling into question his motive in marrying her friend. He admits it. She explains that women have few choices few options, everyone would know his motive,. Ming Lan rejects his belief that all will be rainbows for Yan Ran, instead she shifts to the consequences of Miniang behavior. And that she believes Miniang is a bad person who is not feeble or ignorant, as he insists, and clever and calculating. 8)Irritated, he accuses her of being judgmental. He the. Accuses her of manipulating the a Lord of Qi and manipulating him. He then tells her he should have tried to marry her to punish her and she angrily shouts at him that she would never marry him while he leaves, laughing. 9) Plan 2 of getting rid of Big Madame’s servants is starting to see results. Big Madame’s personal servant learns that the servants they sent are trying to seduce Chang, infuriating big Madame who is especially sensitive to these tricks because of Madame Lin. Elsewhere, Miniang learns that the next arrowhead prospect is fierce and in no way like Yan an. Miniang plays dumb. She continues to slip out but where is she going...?
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1) We open to Big Madame discussing the attention that the young lord Qi paid for Sixth Miss (Ming Lan). I know I am generalizing, but like many women, myself included, she analyzes it wondering if it means anything. Lord Qi merely wanted to help out Ming Lan whom he yes, likes, but Big Madame speculates if this is a part of Old Madame’s ambitions for Ming Lan (everyone is scheming to land the best husband, naturally you will think Ming Lan is doing this and has a motive, is Big Madame’s reasoning). While more mature than Molan, who was obvious in expressing her envy, as a parent Big Madame considers the situation. Still even she would be offended if Qi overlooked her own legitimate daughter but she acknowledges that her family though lacking in a title has a solid reputation and connections. However, Big Madame expresses frustrations that Rulan is not interested in the young lord merely interested in using him to instigate Molan. They also reflect that Hu’er is a grand example of the downside of marrying up it is better to marry the same class or down, 2)While stopping at the monastery, Ming Lan cleans her mothers tablet. Young Lord appears. This put Ming Lan in a difficult position. The risk and consequences of being caught would be devastating to her not to him, but she is also secretly pleased and trying to not let her desires conflict with having too lofty expectations. Having watched this scene many times, I think it is an indication of how out of touch with reality young lord is. He acts based on his own desire to meet with her and ignores the judgmental and cruel world that wouldn’t hesitate to use this information to ruin her life. It’s a very big risk, and short sighted. But he is also young.3)Ming Lan does try to explain the risk of his behavior. The consequences. And she highlights gender disparities. He swears on her mothers tablet to never forsake her. This is probably the most meaningful way to show his intentions. Still, she tells him not to seek her out. I have lost count how many times she has tried to shake him. But I admire his pursuit. And wonder if he would still be interested if she expressed her interest as quickly. 4)At home, Ming Lan continues to manage conflict in her household never punishing the servants sent to her from the other pavilions. Her father visits to lecture her on the polo match. He says she has shamed him. Ming Lan immediately admits she is wrong he tells her the gossip is accusing the family of trying to be overly ambitious and reaching above their status for Qi house. She tries to explain that the situation occurred because third brother ditched her and she only wanted the item for her friend, he tells her that the family reputation is more important basically. He punishes her to kneel.5) Elsewhere, Gu Ting Ye expresses his desire to momo to marry Yan Ran and she is extremely supportive. Naturally, Miniang overhears all of this. Momo expresses concern that his motive is for Miniang and cautions him no wife would be so tolerant as to be overlooked for a concubine,. Miniang enters, and Momo tries to explain she is working Miniang to each her but Gu Ting Ye is indulgent and quick to take her side. His actions mirror how Sheng treats Concubine Lin. Unlike Master Sheng, he will learn from his errors. Anyways, Momo wants him to keep his marriage plans completely secret from Miniang because it will create chaos. 6) Elsewhere, Ming Lan continues to soak up knowledge as she manages conflict between her servants and the servants of the various pavilions. (Remember, she cannot give Big Madame or Madame Lin cause to create conflict this is a learning test given her by Old Madame). Ming Lan acknowledges that she needs to continue to be self reliant and cannot rely on Old Madame, she tells Old Madame’s servant she has a plan and there is a reason why she is allowing all the drama to go on h checked. So we need to see what her plan is.7)Concubine Lin has tea with the master and expresses her desire to Molan married to the young lord. He shoots it down and tells her it might be possible to marry a title if the man was not great but duke Qi is out of everyone’s league. He tells her to give up on this crazy dream, he tells her he has been working on Molans marriage and to trust him. Madame Lin continues to talk about marriage with her daughter she does not see why her daughters marriage should be impacted by concubine status. Here concubine Lin says she is willing to embarrass the Sheng family to achieve her dream of seeing Molan married to a noble title and Molan agrees. They discuss shifting their focus to the sixth son of the Laing family. Though not the heir, it is still a noble family and he is legitimate. She is convinced that this will lead to a rank. 8)Part one of Ming LANs plan begins. She escorts Madame Lin’s personal servant out and encounter the servant girl sent over from Madame Lin’s pavilion in a romantic discussion with third brother Feng. It is extremely improper. Madame Lin decides to dismiss her as she is not retrieving helpful info and distracting her son. 9)Meanwhile, Gu Ting Ye keeps trying to meet the imperial tutor with Momo and keeps getting turned away. This is extremely insulting, but his reputation is in tatters.
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1) The house minus Master Sheng and Chang go to a lawn/polo party being held by Countess Wu. Brother Feng is only interested in hanging with Gu Ting Ye. Both Rulan and Ming Lan ask permission to go play. In a rare display of emotion Ming Lan runs uninhibited into the arms of her buddy Yanran. Yanran is a sweet, nice girl. Molan scopes out the competition, looking for the young lord. She notes that Princess Jiacheng and Princess Feiyan are both present (they are daughters of two different royal princes who are potential heirs to the throne). Remember that.2)I learned ladies get to play polo and ride astride this episode. Young Lord hangs out with the sixth son of countess Wu. Sixth son likes poetry. He wants to debate poetry with young lord who really just wants to watch Ming Lan. Molan uses her status as a ‘sister’ to him to interrupt the men to discuss poetry. She is good at poetry I know very little about such things. I don’t know if she is doing anything inappropriate I am guessing it is borderline. The counts son remembers Molan. He obviously likes her.3) it’s funny. Molan watches the young lord. He watches Ming Lan. A princess watches the young lord and the counts son watches Molan. It is like a really fancy high school drama. But they are young marriage is the next big thing in their lives. 4)Anyways, prizes are administered at this match. Yanran’s mom died. The stepmother has forced her out so she lives with her grandparents (her grandpa is the imperial tutor meaning he taught the Sheng sisters young lord etc). Yanran notices and item belonging to her mom is somehow an prize. It seems many items have been secretly taken from her that belonged to her mother by her father. She wants to win the prize badly, but she must compete against her younger half sister and half brother who are good at polo and don’t seem to like her. Ming Lan wants to help so she interrupts the GU Ting aye meeting and drags Feng away insisting he help YanRan. Gu Ting Ye is interested and learns that Yan Ran is very nice, and does not judge others, and even meets with courtesans if they have questions. He also learns from the courtesans of her messy family background.5) Gu Ting Ye clearly thinks she would be a good wife since she is so tolerant. She will not mind his concubine.6)The match begins. It is obvious that Yanran’s little sister is the better athlete. The young lord seizes a chance to talk to Ming Lan. There is a screen between them. But it demonstrates how hard it is to talk to your crush. She tries not to engage in typical Ming Lan fashion. He makes it clear to her the effort he went to get them to come here today and how hard it was. He tells her that he will wait for her (now, you know since she winds up with someone else he can’t do this. Guys don’t promise lightly. Props for being clear in his intentions. )7)Yanran loses and tries to bargain for it but her little sister tells her she really doesn’t want it but must have it since Yanran wants it. In tears, and seeing she is upset, Ming Lan agrees to challenge her. She replaces Yanran. Everyone notices this, including GunTing Ye. And surprise surprise another talent she kept hidden emerges. Everyone is watching the match now. His courtesan says among Lan lives like the sun and Gu Ting Ye says you have no idea how hard her life is. Elsewhere the countess Wu is thoroughly impressed by Ming Lan and wants her son to see...but he is chatting up Molan.8)The brother of Yanran is injured (it clearly seems forced like a trick to fold). He uses it as an excuse to get Master Gu to play but Madame Wu says it is unfair after all who can beat him. Master gu agrees. It for fairness he won’t use his dominant hand. He is also confident he will win. Brother Feng folds, leaving Ming Lan hanging. So Young Lord Qi volunteers himself. What a spectacle this has created. But Ming Lan could care less. Ming Lan does try to point out him playing will cause problems because of his status....but she wants the pin.9)the young sister of yanran sort of starts to cheat and it becomes a free for fall. Team Ming Lan wins. She does her best to ignore the young lord and focus on Yanran. The young princess watching is immediately jealous of Ming Lan. We learn Gu Ting Ye lost on purpose because he wanted to make Ming Lan and Yanran happy. He now has his eye on Yanran as a potential bride.10)on the way home Molan tries to throw shade at Minglan but naturally she can’t spar with Ming Lan. On the way back Young Lord learns that the She g family will rest and rewater the horses at a monastery...his new goal...
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1) Gu Ting Ye is PISSED. He rushes to his older brothers room and calls him out, accusing him of taking words he said in the privacy of the home and reporting it to the emperor. He accuses him of framing him. Dad points out that even if his brother said something, he had to have something to say (remember when Rulan fights with her dad and her dad says well you had to commit a mistake for Molan to set you up it is the same issue of favoritism creating disharmony). It is hard to confront the central issue that the brother tattled and harmed Gu TIng He’s future when his father has decided that he alone is in the wrong. Now with Momo, drunk, Gu Ting Ye wonders what he will tell his concubine and children since the future he had planned no longer exists. He is so defeated and says ‘it’s no use everyone in that manor believes their own uses’2)overhearing the private talk, his concubine Minniang learns that he is unfavored and has an unstable future. She must make another bet.(on one hand, I can’t really blame her Gu Ting Ye is basically unemployed with no prospects or support. ) Gu Ting Ye suggests they leave the city and farm in the provinces. Momo is supportive...his concubine has bigger ambitions.3)Minaing uses the cover of finding her kids to sneak out (a big no no ). She deliberately unlocked the back door, knowing her daughter would sneak out looking for candy, to slip out. I mean I don’t think a concubine Lin would even do something that risky she at least loves her kids. Mini ant goes to the Marquis house intending to cause a scene, and Stepmom Gu sees an opportunity. Gu Ting Ye returns and discovers they are missing. He immediately goes to look for his daughter and concubine. He immediately thinks the worse, that she has been kidnapped. Elsewhere, his mistress is begging the Marquis for ‘means to live’ WOW I kind of admire her shamelessness. 4)Gu Ting Ye appears and another argument occurs between father and son. He confronts his father, says he won’t put up with being best anymore, and accuses his father of forcing his mother to die and deceiving her, Gu Ting Ye says he will never believe his father again. But there is some confirmation as the Marquis reflects on who could have told him, elsewhere, the eldest son grimly says that if he shared the same mother as Gu he would readily be at ease handing the family to him but his mother (Gu’s mother) killed his own mother by forcing her to die.5)now, back at the palace, Master Sheng is heading home only to be stopped by an official who pulls him aside and states that the emperor wishes to have a private meeting, he is taken to a side room holding some random books and locked in. Cannot even leave to go potty which is sad because he briefly considers using an antique pot but changes his mind. Big Madame begins to question where he is. Rulan tells her mother not to worry spring is coming and with it polo matches hosted by Countess Wu. Her mother chastises her for her immaturity and still worries. It doesn’t feel right she says. 6)The next morning the house is in chaos, Master Sheng is missing. Not good. Chang reaches out to Gu hoping he could help but Gu admits he has only gone to the palace ten times, he admits his older brother is a distant relative of the empress sad,lay he would never help. He suggests instead Princess Pingning she grew up in the palace, and he knows youMy lord well. 7) Changbai reports back that Master Sheng is locked up, they don’t know the reason, the old Madame reminds her that the emperor is quite kind. She reminds Big Madame to take charge and keep the family together, no chaos she says.8) in typical fashion, Big Madame misses the point and takes this as Old Madame not caring. She decides to use this as an opportunity to get rid of concubine Lin. Although her personal servant is (rightfully) wary she goes long. When Ming Lan admits to old Madame that young lord secretly sent someone to tell her of the news, her grandmother says that if he can’t find this out then it really isn’t a big deal (the palace isn’t trying to conceal this).9) Elsewhere, Madame Lin sits with her sleeping daughter. We learn she has been secretly selling land and shops. This is sort of. No no because she is secretly doing it. I think in her own way Madame Li is using her skills to provide a back up in the event she has no one to rely on (planning ahead). Big Madames spies follow and catch them only she accuses her of a heinous crime: adultery. China is pretty Draconian. You don’t want to get caught cheating today, imagine back then (FYI please don’t cheat). Madame Lin and the landlord are tied up by Big Madame’s spies....
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1)We open to the girls visiting Old Madame. This turns quite comedic as Molan and Rulan repeatedly instigate the other. Until finally they realize it has gone to far and grandmother reminds them at this time harmony is most important,. Afterwards, Rulan, though not the most book smart, can easily trigger Molan by reminding her that she will forever be a concubine born. This Molans biggest fear. That she will be held back from marrying well because of her birth. 2)Ming Lan and the Duke (it’s just easier to call him this though he is the heir) cannot see one another but they are both thinking of the other. 3) The results come out. And although parents may be separated by class, they all are there to see their sons who have finally emerged. Big Madame is there to meet Chang, with Ming Lan and Rulan. Feng is greeted by Molan and Madame Lin. The princess is there for the duke. Gu Ting Ye is greeted by his servants.4)Xiodai reports to Ming Lan that Madame Lin has been acting shady: she uses the cover of the exams to send a personal male servant out to pick up some goods. Ming Lan, ever patient, says to merely observe. 5) Ming Lan admits under a little coaxing from her grandmother that she is worried about the young lord and his results. Her grandmother again reminds her that she wants her to be happy but the problem is that young lord is too great, his family strict. She tells her that she must lower her expectations if she has the chance to marry there and that she will not be a main wife and that it will be tough as a result because the mother is strict. As an excuse for Ming Lan to see the results, she sends her out as her personal representative.6)Although he did not go to greet Gu Ting Ye when he finished his exams, his father and stepmother go for the results. His stepmother expresses concerns that Gu Ting He’s bad temper will create isssues and that she worries about him (remember this behavior). The only person passes is Changbai. Gu Ting Ye ‘s reputation precedes him. Many families will choose among the passing husbands but Gu Ting Ye is considered to be a bad man. Changbai did extremely well he is in the top thirteen. Apparently passing first try is super rare. 7)Gu Ting Ye and Ming Lan exchange greetings. Neither is interested in the other st this point. 8)Young lord goes to congratulate Sheng. Rulan remarks that he does not really need to pass and Ming Lan explains though true he wishes to basically pass on his own merit without using his position, young lord uses this as an excuse to speak to Ming Lan and they have a small talk. Naturally, he is unaware how closely his mother watches him. She immediately begins to throw some shade to her husband. She knows he is in love. While the duke seems supportive his wife the princess is dismissive no title no marriage talk.9)Gu Ting Ye is clearly upset he failed. His younger brother tries to encourage him. Elsewhere, Big Madame is so happy she wants to celebrate. A visit with Big Madame reminds them of etiquette. Keep things quiet because Young Lord and Gu Ting Ye did not pass. It could offend the duke and Marquis. Big Madame makes an attempt to get her niece considered as a wife to her son (you will soon see that whenever her sister comes to visit she tries to get something from her). 10)while Molan, Lin, and her son argue about him having failed Gu Ting Ye takes Chang out to celebrate and drink. Chang is confused about his failure. He points out that Princess Qi went to see why young lord did not pass surely Marquis Gu did the same. gu says nope, my Dad hates me. Elsewhere, Feng goes out to drink and gets caught up in a debate about who will be the next Emperor. He bets it will be Prince Yan.11)Marquis gu indeed checks to find out why his son failed. The proctor explains that Young Lord Qi failed because his essays lack backbone. Gu ting actually should have passed and been in the top 3. Turns out there is a reason he failed. ...it seems he can’t retake the exam because he ran his mouth about sympathizing with some dead citizen or whatnot that the emperor is not fond of (so happy that doesn’t happen in the states)
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As mentioned, everything in this show is meticulously planned. Every word, evern the way people stand, sends a meaning, The dialogue is extremely clever and often like a dance between people. That said:1) Old Madame (the granny of the house) is considering personally taking one of the three daughters under her wing. None of the children understand the importance of this because they are kids. Master Sheng is angling for his favorite, Mo’er (the daughter of his favorite concubine Lin) to be chosen. Mo’er meets privately with her grandmother and already exhibits some early signs of ‘bad qualities’. She reads poetry to her grandmother (later to be her best skill) and argues with her grandmother when she asks her to go eat. Mo’er doesn’t see her grandmother is being considerate of her because she has not yet eaten nor does she pick up on the comment ‘you were taught by your mother and are like her’ which is actually a criticism.2) Later Mo’er (the eldest sister)throws a tantrum in her mothers room. Her mother explains she must get on Old Madame’s good side because it will be good for her future and reduce chances of her starving a fear that Mo’er will always have (and a very understandable fear) hence she is being taught to lie and manipulate as early as ten to protect herself and this will impact her decisions for the rest of the show. Hence, always be mindful that everything Mo’er does is often motivated by her own fears and insecurities. Some are valid, but they were all taught by her mother.3)While out, Gu Ting Ye and eldest Sheng Brothers boat is attacked and Gu falls into the water, presumably dead.4)At the request of Ming Lan, Master Sheng visits her mother, concubine Wei. It is evident to the viewer it is on a whim but to Ming Lan it is the world. Concubine Wei has a tiny little room while Lin ( favorite) has a massive pavilion. Sheng inquires on her health as she is pregnant and they make polite small talk. Eventually, Ming Lan (who is only 8) ignores her mothers earlier words and tells her father of all the terrible things they have endured: not enough food or coal and they are being bullied. Her mother tries to silence her but it does not work. Ming Lan does not know it yet, but her actions will have disastrous consequences for the life of her mother, unborn brother, maids serving her mother, etc. and will be the biggest learning experience of her life. Ming Lan believes her father will seek justice of them. 5)Note, reader, that Master Sheng goes to Big Madame to complain. It triggers an argument. Big Madame’s servant reminds him that Mistress Lin is in fact in charge of this as she currently has the keys (again, an unheard of action as it creates confusion in the house in terms of chain of command etc.) . Master Sheng is now between a rock and a hard place he likely would never have addressed this if he remembered Lin was in charge but now he must. Worse, his legal wife will surely pounce on this opportunity to punish Lin so a minor incident like coal has blown up to a fight between the favored concubine and main wife, and miss Wei with no power is caught in it.6)Eldest brother is rescued from the water, GunTing Ye is Not. 7) The family is searching for a thief, as the items owed to concubine Wei must be somewhere (someone is taking them and not giving them to her). All the items are found in the room of the personal servant serving Concubine Wei, xaiodie. It is fairly obvious from Big Madames face that she does not believe this farce but she has no reason to stand up for xiaodie as she is not her servant. She does not really care. In addition, her husband has clearly made up his mind, 8) Concubine Wei tries to ask for a thorough investigation but Concubine Lin insists she is a softy (these are very clever words that undermine Weis argument it casts her as someone unreliable as she will be seen as weak and easily tricked). The Master is uninterested in investigating because Wei now has the items she needed. He is clearly annoyed by the situation, and although Big Madame sees this as another instance of Madame Lin acting out she focuses not on Concubine Wei’s matter but the wrongs she is experiencing. This shows the household is messy and Wei is merely an innocent bystander. No one here to back her. 9)In an act of desperation, Concubine Wei gets on her knees and insists that xiaodie merely be fired because to have her executed would be bad luck for the recently married Hu’er. Everything changes when they are interrupted Changbai returns, beaten, and reports the attack. You can see the difference immediately Master Sheng and Big Madame are in a panic to assist the heir, Ming Lan and her mother forgotten. Hu’er’s husband is in a panic because gu ting is missing he never let on that he brought with him the son of a military general and Marquis (who has his own problems that make the Sheng problems look like a Disney movie you will see).10)Taking advantage of the confusion, Mistress Lin visits with the doctor who tells her to update her on Concubine Wei’s pregnancy and to keep it between them because the rest of the house is overwhelmed. Meanwhile, the search for Gu Ting Ye is in full swing. Xiaodie is kicked out of the house and xiaodia (I know the names are similar) stops to give her a parting gift, a bracelet, the last of her dowry.11)The badly decomposed body of a boy identified as Gu Ting based on his clothes is found. Meanwhile, Ming Lan is happy that her mother is not cold and views this as their luck improving. Plenty of food. Her mother has so many servants now she can only sit and eat and relax.12)The husband of Hu’er is in a panic because he must explain this to the Marquis. A funeral is held, and a ton of relatives for the boy appear.
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Spoilers Ahead1)In our opening scene, we learn watching Concubine Lin that stepmother Gu is throwing a huge party for the prominent families and everyone has been invited. 2)In the next scene, Ming Lan is praying before her mother's tablet when her father comes in. She basically laments her mothers death and tells him that it may have been more than just an ill fate. Her father dismisses it as bad luck, and she tells her father that when she almost died she thought her mother was there trying to rescue her, and she is confused because she doesn't know why she has been trying to speak to her. She tells him that she said she may have died without peace. He basically brushes it off and tells her never to mention this again because it disrupts the harmony of the family (he totally knows). She then asks him if she can perform a ritual for her to transcend and he agrees, so she requests a few drops of his blood to inscribe her name again on her tablet. He is dismissive of this and refuses. Ultimately Ming Lan agrees, then asks him to attend the ritual (this is what she really wanted) --her father chooses to drop the subject and leave (he just can't deal). 3)Ming Lan asks her servant if she would give blood and she readily agrees, but how come her mother's own pillow mate won't. This just reminds her that her father is not dependable, but Xiao Tao is. 4)The party is extremely extravagant and beautiful. They serve meals on a make shift river on the table and the dishes just float down. The women are seated according to rank, with the princess's at the top. Ming Lan is at the dead bottom. Mo'er spies the Sixth son of countess wu and chooses to leave . Yanran's elder sister stops by to talk smack--she tells her to stop her pretenses and tells her that Princess Rong wants her daughter to marry Yuan Ruo....it seems the families are talking more now that the Rong girl is dead (0_o) The Princess Rong notices Ming Lan and at first wants to call her over but Princess Pingning intervenes and tells her that she shouldn't worry about someone so insignificant who will never marry her son.5)Ming Lan leaves and talks with Madame Wu who admits she hates all the gossip and needed to get away. After she leaves, she meets with Yuan Ruo's servant who arranges for her to meet with Yuan Ruo. They meet in private, and unfortunately Princess Pinging seems to have caught wind of this. ....The two meet and basically reaffirm their love. (I think he is incredibly lacking in understanding how dangerous it is to meet with her and that it puts her life at risk because he can't protect her). Ming Lan basically tells him to be more mindful about his health. He tells her that he knows everyone is gossiping about which princess he will wed but he swears he will marry her (I think that it is a foregone conclusion that he has no control over his marriage partner) I admire his bravery and I admire how innocent their romance is because even Ming Lan, with all her smarts, can't ignore her feelings (to me that is something like love because how easy is it for women to chase after someone even if they know its futile?) he plans to get an imperial edict6)Ming Lan will give it a chance, and she tells her servants that if he doesn't succeed then that means it was never meant to. She will give up if he gives up. Out of nowhere, GTY appears. It seems he overheard their entire talk! He uses a metaphor about an emperor who loved a certain consort but abandoned her for the sake of himself and his country. He tells her that he does not believe that Yuan Ruo can carry out what he promises and that he is worried she will suffer from the fall. She is defensive and accuses him of speaking with 'thorns'. After this she leaves. ( I def. think GTY is in love with her). 7)The new marquis, elder brother appears and tries to stop GTY from taking the spear even though the emperor gave it to him. 8)Princess Pingning is furious when she gets home. She has Buwei, the personal servant of Yuan Ruo who was raised with him, caned to death for organizing this meeting. Yuan Ruo is so shocked that he collapses, and only after does his mother finally tell him the reality in front of them: that the suicidal princess was killed just for liking him by Prince Yong -- and he wants to dare to marry an illegitimate daughter of a family that doesn't even have a title? This is dangerous, and their family is in danger because so many people want to marry him. His actions could cause their entire family to end--(it may also be that the attacks against Ming Lan were planned by the Yong family) and if Prince Yong becomes emperor, then their family will easily be taken out they only have one descendant and have little power beyond their title (they have been preserved because the emperor backs them, they don't have anything)(GTY's story is starting to be a reality)
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Spoilers Ahead1)After greeting her parents, Ming Lan is sent by her grandmother to the place where memorial tablets are kept because she brought her mother's back and had it placed there. While there she receives a note from her Auntie Wei who explains that they need to set up a meeting. 2)GTY talks to Momo who admits she knows nothing about a school for girls so he visits Brother Changbai and he tells him of a school. The two catch up, and we learn here that Chang bai was recently transferred to a Minister of Rites hence he hasn't got a lot of time to chat.3)Meanwhile, Madame Wu has been watching the Sheng house and once she learns Ming Lan is back she finds an excuse to go visit the Big Madame and follow up in a 'coincidental' meeting (grandma rolled her eyes I almost missed it). Madame Wu reports that Yuan Ruo is fighting with his mother and it seems she had a servant flogged for seducing him--the world knows that this is highly unlikely based on his personality hence there is pity for this servant--and after they leave Madame Wu (who like the rest of the world believes Ming Lan is in love with Yuan Ruo) says that it is easier to get into her house than the Duke's4)Ming Lan talks to her maids about the Qi family matter and they confirmed it, and it seems that Yuan Ruo picked a servant who looked like Ming Lan and allowed her to serve him in his study....I don't think he is the type to have an affair but one never knows. Later, Ming Lan goes to visit her grandmother, and her grandmother tells her that this marriage with the count would be a step up in terms of status. What does she think? Ming Lan can't answer and so her grandmother tells her that she should not hope to marry Yuan Ruo--even if by a miracle she could, no one could defend her because he is so highly ranked. Her grandmother laments that she is muddled, and Ming Lan makes it clear that she isn't wishfully thinking. She wants someone to treat her well, that is enough. She believes that the young lord would respect her because he is suffering on her behalf still and she feels bad--and she admits she is willing to risk it all for him (!!!)5)Her grandmother tells her she will have endless hardships if she makes this choice. 6)There is a festival, and the girls go out. Its so beautiful!! Ming Lan is hoping to meet Yuan Ruo. A stranger gives her a message She goes to meet his servant and he wants an assurance from her ti give him hope. Suddenly soldiers appear and tell everyone to return home. She says she will be loyal and wait basically. Later, Old Madame meets with his mother and they discuss the political situation. Why was the spring festival stopped why is the government panicky when the rebels are far away and not great? Grandmother thinks they were looking for a person, not spies.7)Big Madame reports that a criminal appeared and kidnapped the little sister of the Imperial Consort--her legitimate sister. The missing girl is later dumped into the street--she was beaten and probably raped. Later, Mo'er and her mother are talking and her mother even tells her t stop gossiping about this.8)Later, the kidnapped-now returned princess prepares a noose and she takes her own life (she was probs raped). A maid discovers her body and is shocked. Elsewhere, the people in the streets seem riled up. Xioa Tao reports Ming Lan and explains that businesses are now running but the people who committed the crime have not been caught. The Rong family is very upset and wants justice. Meanwhile, the Duke's House is completely sealed. 9)Ming Lan tells Big Madame that she must see her mother at the monastery because she has been dreaming about it. Ming Lan kind of strokes her ego by explaining her father told her to get her permission first i.e. you have power you are in charge (now I think if they really worried her they would have said heck no you can't go)--Ming Lan's goal is to follow up with her Aunt.10)She meets with her aunt and her aunt has brought Xiao Die! (her mother's maid) and she gives her the dowry bracelet her mother gave her to survive and tells her she must use it when is wed (so sweet). Her aunt also brings in the doctor who treated her mother. The doctor says he can't remember what happened. Ming Lan tells him what she remembers from that time, and then he replies that he remembers it was unique because Concubine Lin was stewarding the house which was weird . He reports that he told Mistress Lin that she should safely give birth if she eats small meals and walks often. This shocks Ming Lan, because at that time Concubine Lin had been dumping food into her mother's mouth. Ming Lan reports that her mother died, and the doctor is amazed because she should have survived. He explains that by doing the opposite of his advice it means that the person was trying to hurt her mother--and could kill her.11)concubine Lin meanwhile knows that Ming Lan has been trying to get ahold of that doctor but he never showed up to meet them. No worries....
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Spoilers Ahead1)The meeting has broken down to the evil husband and his wife brawling with the family (they are almost like a caricature). It seems they are at an impasse but Ming Lan returns and gives the registration deed to the elders. The registration deed is proof that he wanted to bring in a prostitute as a concubine (they now view him with disdain--apparently they were impressed with him because he passed the civil exam at age 12)2)They elders decide to give them half of her dowry and then amicably separate, and if they refuse, Shu'er's mother will sue him at the academy (i think having a prostitute for a concubine violates some sort of ethics code). He agrees. But before leaving he still insults her, and she spits on him and calls him immoral scum.3)Ming Lan reflects in what happened with her grandmother later. She learns here that it is okay to lose a little to avoid an even bigger disaster (in this case, returning half the dowry). Her grandmother points out how submissive Brother He is to her and says marriage with him will be relaxing. Ming Lan points out how Shu'er married into a lower status family but had difficult days (normally the lower status family is respectful) but they were pretentious and put on false airs. Grandmother wants Ming Lan to have a sincere husband and kind in laws (I don't know if kind in laws exist in reality--if they do I hope to meet them someday). 4)The matriarch of the Sheng clan in the countryside--eldest madame--her health suddenly declines and is surrounded by her family. She is calling for Shu-er (not the cousin, but a daughter of hers who died young). Her last words are for the husband of that daughter who favored his concubines and neglected her--she vows to go to the gods and have her revenge for this daughter, then dies (maybe that is why she was so ready to defend this living shu'er). 5)Eldest madame, she dies and after writing a letter to her Aunt Wei (I presume they do this to show that Ming Lan maintains a constant contact with the Wei family) we observe a funeral ritual, with mourning clothes. This is different from when Marqui Gu died because GTY could not be part of it. It's a beautiful procession. Unfortunately the funeral procession is attacked by bandits. Ming Lan is being chased down, luckily soldiers stop by, but she is pulled onto a horse by GTY (LOL)6)Unfortunately by late evening Ming Lan is not found causing Old Madame to panic. The family sends out people to search. GTY gives her his robe and they sit at a road side....cafe(?) and catch up. Ming lan tells him that if he is on the front line fighting won't he have a good chance of getting a promoted? She think she has this job because he offended his superior. he tells her that if he relies on people or his family then it can be taken away, but if he rises through his own hard work then no one can take that. Ming Lan toasts him and basically says she hopes that one day she can live for herself--he tries to tell her otherwise but she rejects that. The bandits are cleared, and he has her go home. he doesn't escort her home himself because it might be misinterpreted. he gives her a little weapon so she can defend herself (shoot arrows via blowdart). Ming Lan makes it back unescorted and encounters a guy with a sword who wants her valuables. She tries to defend herself and shoots out arrows at random, which sends the old guy away (it seems that GTY followed in secret, and she takes the sword this guy dropped and runs away though she can't lift it (actually it was GTY who hit him)7)Shitou says that if he is this worried he should have followed her, but GTY says he cant because it would be a crime in her family for her travel with a male alone. (this is great, because he too knows what it is like for women, like brother he....).8)Ming lan runs inside and everyone is so happy to see her. her grandmother is in tears she was so worried. because of the situation with the bandits (they were planning to stay through the new year). So back to the city they go. Meanwhile, GTY chooses to bring his daughter back to the capital because he is worried about the bandits. He follows behind Ming Lan's caravan (awwww!!!)(Rong'er wants to go the stand and eat but he lies to her and says he is too poor to buy her food and keeps making up lies he is trying to avoid having Ming Lan see him).9)The caravan is attacked by bandits and in a very memorable scene he casually hands Rong' er over and tells her 'father is going to fight' and she tells him to be careful. He takes care of all the bandits before they even attack!! He is such a badass!!10)So after secretly protecting her from bandits the entire way back and watching her safely get home, he goes to visit Momo Nanny so that she will take care of Rong'er while he goes off to war. End of episode.
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Spoilers Ahead1)Ming Lan has a heart to heart with her grandmother. She tells her grandmother that she believes one of Brother He's best qualities is the fact that he is sympathetic/empathetic of how difficult it is to be a woman. She seems to genuinely respect him. Grandmother explains that his father died when he was young, and his mother has always been sickly, and he has seen his grandmother suffer--so he learned a lot about the difficulties of others.2)Back to GTY: men in the woods appear to be sneaking up to the encampment to attack--they quietly surround the place, take out the look outs, and enter the camp. But they are in for a big surprise: once they enter, GTY and company light a fire to oil that was designed to entrap/kill those who enter. The remaining soldiers rush in to attack, and it is this battle cry which has the general screaming for guards--but this is a well planned attack by GTY as they use nets, and giant burning balls of fire to ruthlessly take the enemies out, after surrounding them completely. 3)By the time the general leaves his tent, he watches an extremely well planned and organized attack unfold as the soldiers attack the people part of the ambush. It is a huge success, this reverse ambush. GTY then has them congratulate the general and compliment him for his brilliance of stopping the attack (GTY can't really take credit). The general appears to have completely decided to take full credit, and appears to want to give no mention of GTYs involvement when writing to the emperor.4) Next we witness a marriage ceremony in the country. The clothes are the same, but it is a much more unrestrained celebration, with everyone drinking and eating. There is still someone who creates a scene, but it is more of a brawl, with people rudely insulting while drunk. Big Madame diffuses the situation by insisting they all drink with him and kowtow to him--but in doing so she is mocking him and humiliating him more5)Old Madame drags Ming Lan out of bed to witness an important life changing event: the matriarch of the provincial Sheng clan is telling her grandaughter Shu'er to essentially leave this disreputable son in law (he was the drunk one who caused a scene/also the son of the 'drunk' madame wanted Ming to marry). Her problems are big: her mother in law runs her life, she is berated for not having children, gets him concubines he then finds a prostitute, and apparently, the biggest crime of all, he beats her. It isn't that she can't have a children, it's just he barely sleeps with her. This is an instant where no positive choices are really available; but if she leaves, then it might leave a scandal with the unmarried women. 6)Ming Lan chooses to speak up (presumably she empathizes with her). Ming Lan says that Shu'er's husband is not going to change unless some big calamity befalls him. She explains that Shu'er should not live a life full of regret, and she believes that Pinglan (the unmarried girl) would not one to use her bones as a stepping stone. Ming Lan says that clans exist to help protect their own when they need it, otherwise everything is an illusion. Ping Lan then bursts in and says she doesn't care if her sister's divorce impacts her marriage prospects. The conversations ends with an 'amicable separation' . 7)When the master sheng of the country goes to visit, they shove him out (I think he came to discuss a separation). They not only refuse but make an embarrassing scene (they embarrass themselves but have no insight). Now that they have tried this card, I presume a divorce is next. Provincial grandma asks ming Lan for advice again, and she says they will take away Shu'er's dowry if they refuse to agree to the amicable separation. First the servants all resign because they came as part as the wife's dowry. The servants leave with all the deeds that were given as part of the dowry (Lol). Then they take all the account books and lock up the shops! 8)Back at the evil husband's house, laundry is piled up, there is dirty things everywhere as they have no servants to do anything. Now they have no servants, no money, and a pregnant woman to take care off. His mother wants to bring her back, but he does not want to. He believes that the Sheng family will return the wife to protect her reputation. His mother tries to discourage him from spending, but he refuses. In a humiliating scene, he learns after inviting his friends out that the Sheng family has stopped paying on all of his accounts. Instead of helping him, his friends just leave him there in this situation. 9)Finally there is a meeting with the clan elders. The evil husband paints a picture of a wife leaving out of jealousy. They suggest he keep the child and get rid of the woman. He refuses, and the elders say they cannot accept a common prostitute as a clan member. 10)Ming Lan has an idea, and it involves going to a brothel: the evil man's prostitute is a slave, and they can get her original contract. the contract of sale is not enough to assert ownership. Ming Lan recently learned this because she was a steward. They enlist Brother He to go inside. 11)The elders continue to debate, and they will only agree to a divorce if they return her dowry items. The clan counters: the dowry is hers, that's the law. The evil husband then plans to marry the prostitute to humiliate the family.12)Ming Lan enters the brothel, veiled, and the brothel owner is happy that they treat her with respect but is restrained in the conversation. Ming Lan asks a high price for the deed, and even better, Brother offers to give her medication for the migraine attacks he sees she suffers from....
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Spoilers Ahead1)In a scene that is just beautifully shot, Ming Lan jumps into the river after forcing her maid to jump. As she drowns, arrows fly past her, and she sees the doll that Yuan Ruo gifted her and she reaches up to grab it and clutches it close to her heart. She appears to be dying, and then suddenly a man dives in to rescue her.2)She awakens in a tent, her clothes are changed, and a little girl feeds her ginger soup. The little girl tells her that her father rescued her. This father then enters the tent, and Ming Lan gives him her family name and asks him to come see her later so she can reward him. He tells her she should protect her reputation and then looks directly at her, and this is when she recognizes that it is Second Uncle. He explains that he is a wanderer and looking for his son, that she was right about his mistress.3(Outside around the campfire we learn that Shitou, GTY's personal servant, has a sister who is part of this river gang and it was her who changed Ming Lan's clothes. She explains that GTY wasn't going to involve himself with the river bandits until he recognized the Sheng people, and then he saw her fall into the river and went to rescue her and she talks about how pretty she is (Pay attention to GTY's face when she says pretty I swear it is like he agrees with her I could be imagining it). Ming Lan observes Rong'er (the daughter) and then asks to walk with GTY.4)Ming Lan begins by saying she owes him for her life, and GTY tells her that every time she begins a conversation this way, it is to give him bad news. She tells him she is worried about Rong'er and her future, because if he continues this lifestyle she will have no repuation. GTY is evasive and tells her he wants his daughter to be happy, as she is now, but when she tells him that life is not easy for a woman and that he should plan ahead. The two discuss their lives, he talks about his stepmother, and how he learned she is evil, and Ming Lan opens up a bit about her own situation: always needing to be careful in order to protect herself. (It is evident from the way he looks at her that his feelings about her have essentially changed I think). After she leaves he tells Shitou to send a message to the guy they rescued so they can join the army (he takes her advice!).5)Ming Lan is reunited with her grandmother who is overjoyed that she is safe and sound. We are now entering the Yanzhou arc, which a lot of people may find not as interesting, but it gives us a broader insight into how big the Sheng family is, and introduces Brother He again is important to plot advancement.6)We are introduced to the provincial cousin Pinlan who is described as a 'naive and naughty monkey'--she will be Minglan's buddy out here. Since the rules are a lot less strict when you go to the countryside, Ming Lan will now have opportunities to do/learn new things. As long as they take male servants with them, there is more freedom to venture out and explore. 7)The weather is now cold, and GTY arrives to report for military duty. He is sent to the Huang Squad whhich i the lowest ranking squad. GTY does not protest nor does he reveal that he is a Marquis, he goes by the name of Bai. We learn that the general sent him to the lowest ranking squad because he doesn't seem to give a fig about recommendations, nor does he seem to like the idea of someone expecting him to give a stranger a good position8)Back to Ming Lan, she is struggling to shoot arrows while her cousins hunt rabbits with her. Back to GTY, his job seems to be digging graves. Back to Ming Lan: they appear to be celebrating the mid autumn festival. After showing the traditions, we learn that an in law is coming whom Pinglan does not like because they are obnoxious (seems like the 'new money trope' i.e. she was poor has money now but has the coarse attitude and rude attitude of a poor person/isn't refined). This New Money lady seems to wish that she marry her off to Ming Law and is not subtle in asking. She also seems to be intoxicated. Old Madam flat out refuses. 9)GtY believe that an attack is about to occur because it is too quiet and they are on a plain. He tries to notify the commander, but the general throws him out. He is given permission to lead out a cavalry (he has already gathered around him a little group of men who seem to respect him) and he gives orders for them to get all their friends and even the villagers prepared. Note: I think the drowning scene is incredibly powerful, and sad because she's always alone, even dying alone, but then GTY saves her :) He is always there for her when it matters the most.
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Spoilers Ahead1)Our episode begins with a conversation between Ming Lan and her servants. They comment on the gifts that Madame Wu continues to send and Ming Lan cryptically replies: Soon she won't be coming here anymore. Although she likes Madame Wu, her son is not someone she wishes to marry as she knows the scandal his family is trying to clean up.2)Elsewhere, Rulan learns from her personal maid that her father is planning to bring by poor scholars for Mo'er to consider marriage with. Rulan sees this as a slight (she doesn't see the long term pros of this) and suddenly a breeze causes her handkerchief to go flying. She chases it down and a gentleman she does not recognize picks it up but she can't approach a stranger, so he leaves it on a tree for her. They share a 'moment'--no words are spoken (I think he is Mo'er's marriage candidate). 3)That evening, Concubine Lin eats with Master Sheng and again brings up the subject of Mo'er's marriage. First she focuses on Ming Lan, who appears to be poised to marry a Count's son, and then shifts to her daughter and a fear that the scholar candidate will be unable to economically provide for her daughter. This bothers Master Sheng who again explains that the man he selected has an excellent future (I think Master Sheng is personally cultivating him, and believes he will succeed the way he himself has). Concubine Lin's nudging causes Master Sheng to lose patience and leave.4)On her way to pray at Yuqing Monastery Ming Lan accidentally spies Yuan Ruo with his wife, and it appears that they are wishing for a child. Ming Lan watches them until they disappear, and she is clearly sad, but as is her way, quickly hides it once her servants notice. The scene shifts to Yuan Ruo and his wife,, and it is evident (we know he is more passionate and laid back around Ming Lan, but here he is very restrained and polite) that his wife adores him.5)The next evening, Ming Lan visits with her grandmother and explains that she has been frequenting Yuqing monastery to pray for her mother. The subject changes as her grandmother brings up brother He, the doctor, and begins to list all the good things about him. Elsewhere, Concubine Lin receives a report from her personal servant that Ming Lan's visits to the monastery have a pattern: they coincide with the visits of Madame Wu and her son. Concubine Lin views this as brown nosing to the mother in law, and Mo'er begins to cry--is she destined to be laughed at by everyone? 6)Concubine Lin tells her daughter that she seduced Master Sheng and got pregnant in order to be taken in as a concubine. It was a desperate move but it paid well. Listening this, Mo'er tells her mother that she is willing to endure any shame to get what she wants--and her mother appears to be okay with this. After this, Mo'er is seen wearing the clothes of a maid and sneaking over to the temple. 7)Madame Wu leaves the temple and her son complains about her visiting constantly just to try to run into Ming Lan. She lectures her son and explains no one will marry him with this kind of situation--if he wants to make the girl he got pregnant a concubine (she is a mistress it seems) he must first marry an official wife. Annoyed, she leaves him alone.8)The scene shifts to Mo'er, and they are stopped by a woman (in her 30s?) who dismisses their excuse that they are here to view flowers because there aren't any. She tells them to not go ahead because there is a young man who is viewing flowers and their relationship might be tainted. Mo'er 'falls' and he walks over to her, and he checks on her. He takes her hands, and seems to be in a daze that Mo'er is there ('am I dreaming?' he says). Mo'er tells him some pretty words, that she knew he wanted to see her so she came. This makes him very happy (it seems to be genuine, but then, he could be only seeking one thing,,,,,)9)In the next scene, Mo'er walks with her sister and she tells her that nothing is ever final (this is pretty uncool, to go after your little sister's marriage candidate not out of love, which I could understand, but out of pride and to a lesser extent fear that you won't be living a lavish lifestyle). The three sisters share tea and Ming Lan points out the fact that Mo'er always goes after what she wants and she also raises the point that Mo'er looks similar to one of the servants in Lin pavilion, and basically that it could be problematic if they are not well taught because of this (I think she is implying that others might mistake her for her) which makes Mo'er uncomfortable (I would be sweating bullets)10)Ming Lan later has a conversation with Rulan who wants to know why she is hiding beautiful water lilies in her room. Ming Lan then says that a priest told her that she would face a disaster this year so she did this to help counter that prediction. Rulan, in her simple way, turn the subject to how she feels bad for her that people are gossiping out of envy. Because she defended her, Ming Lan gifts her, and Rulan is honest and says she wasn't really defending her its just that she has never seen Mo'er this jealous.11)Rulan tells her mother that Ming Lan is not as clever as her, and this annoys her mother who tells her that Ming Lan is very quick witted. She relays the info about the priest, and Big Madame assumes that the daoist priest must be exceptional for Ming Lan to praise him so she decide to visit. They then spy servants from Lin pavilion, and out of concern, Big Madame's personal servant goes to see why they are visiting. She is shocked to discover that it i Mo'er in disguise, and that she goes into a room and then the Sixth Son of the Wu family enters (HUGE SCANDAL).12)She immediately returns to Big Madame and takes her home to relay the news in private. Big Madame is shocked. Her personal servant urges her to be calm and use this as an opportunity to finally get rid of Concubine Lin. She and her servant decide to report this to the master. Master Sheng is shocked and does not believe it. There was even evidence of an affair (they went into the secret room after they left and found a bed). Since he doesn't believe her she tells him to go and see for himelf, and this horrifies him more since he is a father, she is his daughter--but Big Madame is adamant he must investigate this because all of his children will be impacted if it is discovered. 13)The reality now in front of him is so unbearable that Master Sheng breaks down into tears (this is literally a parent's worse nightmare, worse than having a daughter die is a daughter who has premarital sex). 14)The next day, Mo'er leaves as usual, disguised as her servant Yuanzai. Big Madame informs the minister of this and tells him to bring servants who have signed a death contract and surround the courtyard tightly (this is a legitimate wife in action). The Sheng family is about to change in a big way.
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Spoilers Ahead1)GTY 's efforts to avoid morning court do not go unnoticed. Although hunting, Eldest Brother Sheng tracks him down. His goal is not to scold him. The focus of the conversation is GTY complaining about the his wife for not being annoyed or angry about him accepting a new concubine, and not understanding his anger. Eldest brother asks him why he is not just honest with her, but GTY deflects this. GTY essentially admits that it is difficult to see true affection, however he can't tell her because she will just do whatever he wants, thus destroying the meaning. Eldest brother points out that he made her marry you, and now you are complaining. 2)Mi'er spends time with her good friend Lady Zhang of the ducal house of Ying (her father is a duke) and learns she is pregnant. She expresses her frustration with her husbands concubine Little Zhou, the younger sister of her husband's first wife who died (she was mistaken for the current empress/this is before the current emperor was crowned). She explains that she is 'very extreme' but the conversation shifts back to the child.3)GTY returns to visit his wife that evening who is planning to make baby clothes for her friends. He brought food over (yay!) and she seems to be 'politely' resistant to this, making excuses (maybe she doesn't want to talk?) and they basically wind up spending the night together.4)The scene later transitions to a jiju (polo)tournament. Ming Lan plays and wins a pair of baby shoes for her Lady Zhang (pregnant lady). Lady Qin casts a couple of nets to see if anyone will bite i.e. maybe spread some gossip but fails as everyone has nothing but good things to say. Lady Qin later laments that her daughter in law and stepson are gaining so many friends. She believes things will be more difficult. She believes that because they are working together (a power couple) they are a tough enemy, but she believes they can divide them.5)We transition to the emperor and his wife. Prince Huan visits to report that the Marquis organized a match. His uncle--the husband of Lady Zhang (pregnant lady) appears to be getting along with his wife better, which is important news for the empress (he is her brother). This is important because the emperor arrange this marriage--she is married to Shen Cong Xing (a general in the military as well). 6)We transition to GTY walking around his property with his wife. They are having a heart to heart. They are discussing Shen Cong's house, which although isn't harmonious, and although he has made mistakes, their undying loyalty to the emperor basically counterbalances this. In addition, the fact that Lady Zou paid with her life to protect the royal family--and her own--is the height of loyalty. He directly asks her if anything bothers her, and she admits not being able to remember her mother's face. He then asks her what if he becomes muddled like Shen Cong--and she tells him she would never kill herself, she would keep on living, but does he want her to live in fear of that happening,(basically she has conceded defeat before the battle is fought). He then asks her if she had another choice would she marry Yuan Ruou which makes her more angry. He wants to know if she hates him--she runs away and refuses to confront the issues he is trying to discuss. He finally says I just want you to love me. (They are basically fighting again)7)Lady Qin now knows they are fighting and GTY is sleeping in seperate rooms. Elsewhere, GTY becomes angry when he learns that Mi'er has seen a doctor. He at first wants to see her then decides not to and have the doctor report to him. In the next scene we see Ming Lan is handling the marriage of a close servant, who does not want to go, but Mi'er wants her to have a family and be happy (this is distinctively different from western servant culture, where the two really do not mingle). Back in his room, GTY tries to pressure Shitou to get info about Mi'er from Xiao tao since he knows they are basically dating but Shitous says she would never tell him 8)We learn from a meeting that GTY has with the prince minister that Prince Huan basically deliberately left him and General shen (they are young) behind and took the older generals because 1)they are elders and from the old school and 2)once the ask is proven too difficult he can request GTY and general shen without offending the older lords9)The episode ends with the emperor wishing to have his birth parents conferred as emperor--this is both unheard of and incredibly disruptive to tradition because as the empress will say 'what son has two fathers' (for example, even if you are concubine born your real mother is the legitimate wife....) We have no issues....
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Spoilers Ahead *The Morning After*1)GTY essentially tells the servants to ignore the rules (she must greet the in laws) because Mi'er was up late last night and this morning (presumably rolling around with him). Unfortunately, her older servants manage to get in and dress her up. The couple is affectionate like any newly wed, and she must go wage her first battle with the Gu clan2)Although her husband insists they paid respects already hence she shouldn't go, she argues otherwise: if she doesn't answer the summons then she appears unfilial towards her new elders, it reflects poorly on the Sheng family, and he appears like a rogue and unfilial to outsiders. He makes it clear he doesn't clear, so Ming Lan instead shifts gears and explains it is common practice the in laws to rile up a new bride. So GTY tells her what she should expect:a) His stepmother will NOT be the first to speak (fourth or fifth house will)b)Fourth Auntie enjoys bullying the weak and cowering before the strong and is short tempered-his stepmother will cue her to attackc)Expect the Gu family to never take responsibility and frame othersd)He does promise they will move out soon3)As expected, everything happened the way he told her. Though this is a wedding breakfast, the goal is to throw a woman onto Ming Lan (the day after she is married! it's incredibly rude!) who is threatening suicide--her her name is HongXiao and she claims that when GTY was younger, he kept her as a concubine of sorts. Further, Lady Qin (Evil MIL) says she freed her and gave her money to marry someone but she simply refuses (big eye roll). Ming Lan plays the stupid card and insists she cannot accept her without her husband's permission (though not actually true, she can hide behind timidness as a new wife entering a new role). Ming Lan comes out with a big card: she will kneel for a day. This way, the elders are the ones who look like they are bullying her (Ming Lan also reasons that they are going to keep attacking her no matter what so she should just 'fall off the horse' instead of waiting to be knocked off)(she also correctly surmises that since Lady Qin desires to appear kind, she must be anxious and trying to figure out how to stop her from kneeling)4)Fifth aunt is aware of how manipulative Lady Qin is and tries to explain it 4th Aunt but the latter seems confused, suggesting she isn't the brightest. 5)Lady Qin goes to 'resuce' Ming Lan from kneeling and respects the boundary that she is drawing (for now). Ming Lan continues to bow her head and suggests she should apologize but Lady Qin brushes it off. Afterwards, Ming Lan returns to GTY and vents her anger. Ming Lan compares Lady Qin to Concubine Lin. Lin she thought was fierce, but Lady Qin is evil and on a whole other level in her eyes. They then discuss how the inner court is like fighting wars, and he again tells her he will always have her back. 6)GTY explains that the emperor wants him to ease the transition from old to new hence he is staying here for a bit. Ming Lan mentions hat she finds Hongxiao pitiful and learns that this is also a framing incident and it was a cousin who forced them self upon her. Framed, he let her into his room because he had no choice. She then tells him that he can have a concubine as long as she is nice and they can live in harmony, which clearly makes him angry, but he lets it go (perhaps thinking I will be patient and she will fall in love). Then he takes her out to see the sights....7)Lady Qin, spends the evening discussing the days events with her personal maid. We learn that fourth auntie (the loud one) now feels like she was used to do the dirty work of Madame Qin. Fifth auntie seemed to say nothing, which angers her because they acknowledge that the fifth aunt is clever and watches the fire burn from the side. Madame Qin calls her a 'white wolf' and angrily states that anyone who framed GTY will have to side with her because he won't forgive them.8)Basically the next day GTY announces he is moving next door, to his own manor, because the emperor gave him a house. The family insists it would be unfilial but he critizies the elders for bullying his wife and making her kneel not even 3 days after the wedding (shocking the men present). Lady Qin blames it on Hongxiao, the uncles then blame it all on GTY. Who then pushes it back on them for lying, and so Lady Qin intercedes as the 'savior' and says just let him go.....9)The Hongxiao issue resolved: Mi'er will find a family for her. Then they ask; how did we get on her anyways? GTY loudly (almost stupidly) asks: yeah who brought her up (LOL). GTY also is now using public opinion and gossip to help put a little fear in his enemies....(I love watching them trade words its like watching arrows going back and forth).10)The Marquis (elder brother) reflects on how the aunts and Lady qin will try to torment them, and he explains that GTY will be the new Marquis--his wife basically says she loves him even without his title and money please don't die--she is being sincere these two really love one another--but it is now becoming evident that the elder brother's long time struggle isn't just his personal issues with GTY (relating to the death of his mother) but extends to the entire clan11)GTY shows Ming Lan their giant new home (it puts her childhood home to shame in terms of size, although we really don't see as much of it film wise) and he explains he needed a place worthy of her (aww) and she explains she doesn't know if she can manage it but he explains if you don't want to do it let others just be my wife (LOL) and she then counters that this basically isn't fair because it will make him look bad and again he tells her who cares12)The episode ends with her returning o visit her grandmother
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Spoilers AheadThis episode is fantastic and not a great deal happens other than they get married and consummate. One of the most interesting parts is when she leaves her family--both Big Madame and her father seem genuinely happy for her. Then, that night, GTY rushes out and in an unconventional display of husbandly affection, picks up choice meals, perhaps knowing the wife who has been in the bridal chamber is waiting and hungry. While she eats he takes the time, before they go to the bed, to be direct with her. He makes it clear to her that his legitimate son, whom he seeks, will not outrank a legitimate son. But he will focus on finding him. Ming Lan makes it clear that it would scare her if he didn't care and that she will not allow her stepchildren to suffer as she did. He then shows her all his assets (this guy is ridiculously wealthy) and she shows him her, it is so meager compared to him, but its important that she is honest. He tells her that other than her, Shitou, and nanny, he doesn't trust anyone in this house. I think he really cherishes her, and Ming Lan admits she is afraid she may get used to this. He also swears before god to not disappoint her.
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