Didi
USA
Spoilers AheadNote: This episode shows us what the main characters are like, as adults, using the incident of a lost handkerchief. It also sets the political setting by showing us Master Sheng's first day of work as an official.1)On Master Sheng's very first day of work, he is incredibly nervous. He is also clumsy (due to anxiety) and drops something as he observes ministers and officials insist to the Emperor that he designate an heir. While Master Sheng is all about keeping a low profile and locating his item, the emperor bursts into tears and sobs for his on. THIS is the political scene right now, and it is unstable, obviously, because to not have an heir, with an elderly emperor, is not the best for stability.--fast forward a few years--2)The Duke of Qi and Princess Pining's only child, and son, the incredibly gorgeous Yuan Ruo, has lost his handkerchief. He makes the announcement loudly because it is a close body item--if a lady were to discover it, then it may damage his reputation. This tells us he is smart and also concerned about reputation/moral integrity, etc. While waiting for the Big Madame to find it, he stares at Ming Lan with puppy eyes (clearly he likes her).3)Ming Lan shows us she is resourceful by figuring out the servant who is ultimately found with the handkerchief and beaten must be set up. Yuan Ruo overhears it and congratulates her for her smarts. In doing so, when the girl are alone (she is with a friend) it highlights how very different their priorities are: Ming Lan is clearly worried about her reputation, and he is focused on exchanging some words. This shows she has virtue.4)We learn (via flashback) that Mo'er actually planted the handkerchief on a servant because she could not throw it away. This tells us Mo'er is more than willing to harm others to get something done (like her mother).5)Much of the episode is spent with the sisters in school. It is because the setting is a very good way of showing what the sisters relationship is like, and since they are young, it shows what the sisters are like before they change lataer. Mo'er is beautifula and graceful but at times clumsy (she will become even more eoquent). Ru'lan is spoiled and direct (she will become less selfish) and Ming Lan is quiet and simple (but her bad ass personality will shine later). Perhaps the most consistent character is Changbai, the eldest son and Sheng Heir, who is smart and morally virtuous (his character is constantly she same).6)We learn that Ming Lan is so bad at writing that she is punished to transcribe words, but is able to sweet talk her teacher for an extension by promising to cook him food. Yuan Ruo observes this exchange and clearly thinks she is scute. (this will be the basis for him giving her a gift later). He gaves her a paintbrush and snacks for her writing. 7)Rulan sees this exchange, and although she looks jealous, she really just sees it as an opportunity to annoy Mo'er. Ming Lan gives the brushes away, one for each sister,, illustrating yet again how she tries to avoid standing out. If she wanted to keep them, the sisters might think she likes Yuan Ruou, and that would make her a target of Rulan (who would view it as a concubine born overstepping her place), and Mo'er would view her as competition. Ming Lan is practical and does not dare to like Yuan Ruo. In fact, she spends a lot of time trying to dissuade him from pursuing her.8)Mo'er believes she could make Yuan Ruo's her own because they would have a lot in common (Mo'er is a poetry genius) and so she believes she is refined. Rulan wants whatever Mo'er wants. The remainder of the episode focuses on the girls (excluding Ming'er) talking to their mother about the day. Concubine Lin and Mo'er really aren't worried about Ming Lan because they think she is stupid. 9)Gu ting Ye Returns!! He apparently has a mistress....
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This episode introduces us to the Sheng Family, Gu Ting Ye, and the children. The spotlight is on the adults, and introduces us to our first crisis which must be managed: what to do when the second sheng child begins to gamble away the dowry.Note: This summary is very thorough, I can't promise future summaries are this thorough, I just want the reader to understand the kind of tone the show has.Our story begins with a little girl who is perhaps six sobbing outside of a tiny house (this is Xiao Tao, although we only learn this later). Her reason for crying is as follows: she went to the kitchen for Mistress Wei's weekly allotment of coal however she was not only denied this but chased out by Miss Gan (the head of the kitchen). Xiao Die, an older servant in her late teens, tells the little cry not to worry and confronts Miss Gan angrily. The argument is interrupted by Miss Zhou, the personal servant to Mistress Lin (a concubine to the Master). Miss Gan denies Xiao Die's accusations while Xiao Die insists that Miss Gan is not only lying but that she has been embezzling food and coal from the Mistress she serves.Miss Zhou appears disgusted by the actions of Miss Gan and her staff and demands to know how they could dare do this to a pregnant Mistress Wei. The kitchen staff appear victimized and insist that these claims made by Xiao Die are not only false but that the kitchen has been giving her extra allotments and as a result were forced to deduct the difference or face an enormous deficit in the kitchen books. Xiao Die appears to be used to this kind of behavior and rolls her eyes before demanding that the books be brought out as evidence--if they took too much, they would have had to stamp the receipt with their fingers as proof. Miss Zhou appears to be patient and understanding as she asks Xiao Die to calm her anger and just admit her wrong--Miss Zhou appears both gracious and willing to forgive her.Xiao Die appears even more indignant after this show put on by Miss Zhou (because this is a show of false concern) and instead opts for the next level of attack: she will report this situation to Big Madame. The kitchen staff do not like this and hold her arms, insisting that she cannot because the Big Madame is handling the Engagement Ceremony today and cannot be bothered (Big Madame is the First wife and traditional head of the inner house). Xiao Die states that even if she does not see her today she will report it tomorrow and does not care if she is flogged. Miss Zhou finally orders Miss Gan to provide charcoal, and Miss Gan appears incredibly put out by this, as if they are all a victim, and states she will do this if only because of the Engagement Ceremony tonight.The kitchen staff deliberately give her a lot of coal and Xiao Die takes all the coal that would make up what is owed to them and leaves. Miss Gan mutters that Mistress Wei is pregnant and overstepping her boundaries but Miss Zhou gives her a look to be silent.Upstairs Big Madame is extremely angry. The betrothal gifts have arrived but she accuses the house of Yuang of playing a shameful trick on her family: the Count and his wife initially agreed to personally come and ask for marriage instead they sent their eldest son Yuan Wenchun to do this with the gifts. It is a huge sign of disrespect. Madame also uses this as an opportunity to vent her frustration on her husband: she believes that if this was Molan (the daughter of Mistress Lin) her husband would be as outraged as her however it is only his eldest daughter Hua'er, and thus he cares less. Her husband doesn't understand why she believes that kind of nonsense (although you will later learn that Big Madame is not lying, and her anger on this subject will remain for the whole show).She accuses him of essentially throwing her a lot of nonsense and playing up how majestic and sensible the House of Yuan is and their offspring are great, and that the fiance Yuan Wenshao is great, but this breaking of a promise is proof (in her mind) that these are lies. The Madame angrily tells him that Hua'er is her firstborn and no one is allowed to bully her (this is important, this defense of her child, because our female lead does not experience this kind of protection). Her husband then proceeds to tell him that he adores her, that when they lived in Yuanzhou he adore her, but since they moved to the capital, he picked the local house of Yuan because he believes that Wenshao is not only a good kid but their daughter will have a smooth life in the future. He then begins to placate her with more sweet words and is able to calm her down and pander to her needs, and reminds her that their daughter will live in wealth but her concern is her daughter being bullied. Her husband insists that if she is bullied he will intervene.He then leaves her and immediately gives orders to unload the boat (clearly he planned on doing what he wanted he was just trying to make things harmonious). Meanwhile, the coal that was given to mistress Wei is incredibly smoky--they run outside, unable to breathe, and Xiao Die is furious but her Mistress tells her to not only not report this but to just wear more clothes. She reminds her to lay low and just accept things as they are. Xiao Die reminds her that her daughter, Sixth Miss, and our female lead (she is only eight) will be cold so Mistress Wei gives her a bracelet to pawn--it is the last piece of her dowry. Apparently she has been selling things for years to have enough food and coal. This angers Ming Lan (who I will refer to as Mi'er) and she doesn't understand why her mother won't report this. Her mother tells her to visit her grandmother, Old Madame, gain her favor and be raised by her (presumably for protection) but Mi'er doesn't understand this. Mi'er encourages Xiao Die to sell the coal instead of pawning the bracelet (the first sign of showing that she is a clever person). The betrothal party arrives and it is HUGE (we are talking servants for blocks). The Sheng family is formally sitting together, with all the daughters and sons ready to receive the party. The Count of Zhonqing of Donjuang, House of Yuan is formally announced as having arrived with the gifts and that they are asking permission for the Second Son of the Count, Wenshao, to enter in order to offer for the hand of their daughter as the legitimate wife (i.e. First Wife, the one with all the power, the one whose status matters most in the inner house). They grant permission. Now is a time for celebration, games, drinking, catching up. Everyone congratulates the parents. Mi'er's goal (along with Xiao Tao, who is her personal servant) are all about eating food.Old madame speaks with Hua'er and congratulates her (essentially) and Big Madame learns that their second son is about to lose the dowry in game of touhu (dart throwing into a container)--he is gambling. The Big Madame is trying to figure out how to stop this without causing a scene and the Old Madame is pissed--but they can't intervene without losing face because he agreed to gamble and must take responsibility for his actions even though he is losing. She asks Hua'er what to do and Hua'er obediently tells her that she will listen to her, but Old Madame tells her she must be more assertive because in the future she will be in charge of difficult decisions and fixing messy situations. The person playing against the second son is Gu Ting Ye (our male lead/he looks to be about fourteen or fifteen) and he is kicking this kids butt. Unfortunately, a huge crowd has gathered to witness the game (and perhaps witness the family experience a huge humiliation). Master Sheng approaches his future son in law about mitigating it but he tells him that they are in his house and must obey him (i.e. I am not going to take the blame for this) but the Master tells him he is responsible because he brought Gu Ting Ye but the son in law replies that it was Master Sheng's son who enticed him to play--now he can do nothing. This is where we learn that the boy is Mistress Lin's son, and that Big Madame CLEARLY hates her. Molan is reporting to her mother, Mistress Lin, that she tried to stop her brother. Mistress Lin's response to her daughter is important, because Molan, who is about ten, insists she won't go back to the banquet. Mistress Lin indulges her daughter, tells her not to worry, and does not address the issue of her children's behavior (a lot of parents would become visibly angry or even tell their daughter never to imitate this behavior but all she does is tell Molan not to worry she will handle it). The Master Sheng and son in law continue their wordplay, pushing blame back and forth in a polite way, until finally Master Sheng pulls out the big guns and accuses his son in law of trying to humiliate the family but the son in law is able to dodge this. He goes to address it. Elsewhere Mistress Lin tries to figure out a strategy and decides on blaming it on her son being drunk, and then Big Madame slaps her. Mistress Lin falls to the ground and appears very weak and scared, whispering apologies and even shifting the blame to Big Madame but she does it in a very sly way. Big Madame threatens Mistress Lin--if this blows up basically I will kill your kid. Mistress Lin begs very prettily and plans to pass on a message to her son--that he must acknowledge the fault, and tells Miss Zhou that she allow him to be caned this time because it is to big of a problem for her to properly cover up.Old Madame listens to Hu'er who says that her parents must be on the same side, not argue in front of the guests, in order to graciously handle what appears to be an inevitable loss of face. However, Big Madame is having trouble keeping her cool and argues with her husband quietly and focuses on Mistress Lin (whom she hates) and states it is all that woman's fault. Her husband begs her to be patient and not make it worse by showing that she is angry.Mi'er is standing behind her second brother, Chungfei, and watches as her father steps in and first gives him encouragement but he still fails. Gu Ting Ye coolly--but arrogantly--tells the kid to admit his loss. Master Sheng pulls him away and Mi'er steps forward to take over. Shocking everyone. (This is the meeting of our leads for the first time). Gu Ting Ye is about to pull out because she is a girl but she tells him that she won't give up. Ming'er shocks and impresses everyone with her skill. She is REALLY good and even her father pulls her aside and embraces her, asking her where she learned to play so well. But the show escalates. Ultimately it is a draw. They would have kept playing but a strong wind comes in. Everyone goes inside and just to prove to himself that he would have won, he throws the arrow again, this time without looking (basically we learn that Gu is arrogant, skilled, and willing to take risks). It is important to note how so much can ride on something so tiny. After this, Gu Ting Ye encounters the first son, Changbai, who is apparently very critical of Gu's behavior. But because of a map of the provinces, the two somehow wind up getting over this initial dislike and becoming friends. Changbai is reluctant to change his opinion but eventually seems to find Gu's bowing of his head and promises genuine. He also seems to like that he takes responsibility for his errors. We also learn Gu's nickname is zhonghuai.Back home, Mistress Wei lectures her daughter and cautions her to be prudent. She lays out the facts for her daughter: Big Madame is the legitimate wife and from a prestigious family which can back her up. Mistress Lin is the most favored wife so she has the Master to back her up. Mistress Wei tells her that she was sold here because her family was ill and they needed the money. Ming'er counters: you have told me to be sensible and prudent--and we learn here that Eldest sister is not so bad because she gifted Mistress Wei with a cloak when it was cold. Mistress Wei explains this is because Eldest Sister dotes on Ming'er but because she is protested, she won't really suffer, but her Ming'er will.That night Chungfei is punished severely. The Fourth miss yells at her father that her older sisters are crying, Molan begs her to be understanding and Mistress Lin resorts to what will be a very consistent behavior later on: victimizing herself so that others who seek to address bad behavior look evil She insists that Big Madame is merciful and kind and see he is weak and can only beg. Big Madame is direct and calls her out for this but it only adds more strength to Mistress Lin's act. Mistress Lin is smart, she asks that her son be beat 20 strokes or 30, and in doing so Big Madame appears to be harsh and the mother good but powerless. It is obvious that Master is reluctant to do this but he agrees with Big Madame's insistence that the boy is beat, and so we hear him being caned. Afterwards, Big Madame walks with her youngest daughter and is grumpy about how smart Mistress Lin is: it seems that Mistress Lin currently holds the keys to the house, something that should belong to her, and she planned to use this to get them back but because she insisted on the punishment first she couldn't without looking bad.
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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 AheadOverview: Gu Ting Ye is forced to prove his identity and that he is the one meant to inherit the Bai family salt mines (The Bai family is his relation through his mother) showing very clearly that Gu Ting Ye is stubborn, and smart. Not long after, Concubine Wei dies in childbirth in a supremely tragic way--and it is obvious that Concubine Lin had a hand in it.1)In this episode the Bai family holds the funeral for their patriarch. Just as Master Sheng is whispering on the aside regarding the poor conduct of the new son-in-law for bringing Gu Ting Ye and not telling anyone (who is dead) hence this awful brew-haha-ha has occured since he is a legitimate son of a marquis, the 'dead' boy arrives very much alive. A fight breaks out among the Bai clan, causing Gu Ting Ye to produce his grandfather Bai's last will and testament naming him the heir (it is apparent that the Bai family is behind his near murder). Gu Ting Ye has to prove his case is legitimate, and we learn that he only survived because he and his servant switched clothes2)Having established his identity and legitimate claim, Gu Ting Ye is arguably one of the richest people in the city since he owns all the Bai family salt mines.. I think it is important to note that we see how heavily religion influences people in this show--his Uncle Bai, who challenges his claim, is unable to swear on the soul of his mother (it could also be that if this crime is exposed, he will be charged with an additional crime of dishonoring the ancestors)3)In addition, this show establishes that Gu Ting Ye is the kind of person who considers his friends safety--he did not go to Eldest Brother Sheng because he did not want to implicate him4)Mistress Wei goes into labor after getting into an argument with a stubborn Ming Lan who refuses to go to her grandmother. Concubine Lin overseees everything. We learn the baby is too big to be born.The midwife leaves to get water and Concubine Lin attempts to send Sixth Miss off who refuses. Mistress Wei is left with two young maids who want to be helpful but clearly lack any skill.5)Little Xao tao reports to Ming Lan that the midwife has gone missing. Concubine Lin appears outraged. The servants of Concubine Lin repeatedly try to stop Sixth Miss from becoming involved. She sees that her mother is so poorly treated that even the rags being used to wipe away her sweat are rancid. Her mother tells her to find one of the elders to help with the labor and she rushes to do this whiile Concubine Lin just stands there useless. ming Lan's mother attempts to birth the child herself while alone (!)6)Unfortunately, the elders (nanny's) are either busy or drunk (this can't be a coincidence). Ming Lan is so desperate she throws water into the face of a passed out nanny, but she is drunk as a skunk and unable to help. Sadly, none of the servants interfere (perhaps because they are involved with this plot or they are aware that things might end poorly for them if they help. looked what happened to xiao Die).7)The front gate is firmly closed and no one is around to help lift it. Ming Lan crawls through a dough hole and climbs the outer wall , hurting herself along the way (I truly admire this little girl) and she asks strangers for help to find a doctor. Ming Lan is seen by Gu Ting Ye who immediately helps her. (remember, prior to this they only played the arrow throwing game, in which she won). With his help, they reach the Longevity Hall and she busts inside to get a doctor (it also highlights status, because she is dirty and alone so they must think she is a nobody) gu ting ye gets the doctor and is locked out of Sheng hall.8)Gu Ting Ye illustrates his resourcefulness by creating a grappling hook (I doubt this would work in real life but it looks believable) and he scales the wall (now everyone is watching because he looks like he is breaking in) and he opens the gates for the doctor and drags him (by this point the doctor really does not want to be involved). Concubine Lin tries to send the doctor away and summons officers but Gu Ting Ye illustrates his bad ass fighting skills by incapacitating them and he gets the doctor inside after arguing with them.9)Ming Lan races back with another doctor, and the doctor tells her that it was already too late by the time she arrived at his place--the baby is too big and won't come out. Ming Lan is in shock. For a child, you can tell she is upset and terrified but the reality hasn't quite sunk in (this child actress is fantastic)10)Ming Lan's mother's death is so sad. She explains to her how she got a doctor, and her mother tells her to give the knee guard she finished making to him. Since she has nothing left, she gives her a scroll she made. Mistress Wei tells her she must survive, she mustn't stand out (Ming Lan begs her basically to stay) and her mother makes her call her mistress (she is technically only allowed to call the legitimate wife mother)11)Ming Lan calls her mistress Wei as she asks and then tells her she will be alone when she is dead, so Ming Lan promise to go to grandmother's (a ton of blood gushes out, presumably from her uterus) and she dies this is so sad I cried buckets of tears.12)Servants, Concubine Lin, the doctor, Gu Ting Ye all watch her as she cries her eyes out, and Gu Ting ye tries to comfort her by saying he has no mother so she must cherish herself, but Ming Lan faints13)Now the house must deal with the scandal of Concubine Wei's death. Big Madame (in a theme that will repeat itself again and again) must clean up this mess. Concubine Lin acts very well and begins to implement her plan of convincing Master Sheng that this is her fault because she was unable to be stern. She assumes responsibility but in a very superficial way, she blames a ton of other factors for what has happened. She faints, and this causes Master Sheng to panic (is he stupid?)14)Big Madame does not want to make a big deal about this death, but Hua'er points out that this is a great opportunity for her to use to make herself look good in the eyes of Master Sheng because it will enhance the family reputation if they give Concubine Wei a grand funeral. Hua'er also tells her not to ask for the keys back, just appear devoted in managing the funeral (essentially this means that Master Sheng hates being told what to do)
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Spoilers Ahead1)Our episode begins with Momo Kong providing the Sheng sisters lessons in flower arrangement. As viewers, we see Mo'er really is elegant and graceful as she arranges her flowers. However she monopolizes the teacher's attention, making it impossible for Rulan to ask questions . Rulan also, in contrast, appears to be confused with the entire process while Ming Lan quietly listens to Momo's answers. Momo Kong leaves the room for water2)Alone, Rulan accuses of Mo'er of monopolizing Momo's attention. She also accuses her of being an upstart, and that these lessons are essentially useless to her, for she will never have cause to use them (i.e. she will not marry into a noble house). Mo'er becomes defensive, but Rulan continues to push back, until finally Mo'er breaks down into her characteristic crying act, a reaction that leaves Rulan momentarily stunned, then she accuses her of faking and acting as if the world is over for no reason. Ming Lan tries to encourage Mo'er to stop with a few words, but Rulan antagonizes her more, leading to the girls brawling3)The girls are all punished to copy a book 50x. The Big Madame, Master, and Concubine Lin are invited to learn what happened by Momo (Concubine Lin was invited because she raised Mo'er personally). She wants them to understand that the girls need to learn that a weak link can cause a collapse of the family. Momo has planned this well, she prepared kneeling mats for the girls in advance (so no one can accuse her of being thoughtless) and explains that the sisters need to understand what they did wrong and she asks them each if they understand, and when they nod their heads, she tells them she does not believe them. but will let them explain4) She begins with Mo'er: your Fifth sister accused you of stealing the thunder of the younger sisters and hogging my lesson time, do you acknowledge this? Mo'er says all is her fault, and that she only wanted to learn more to honor the family (tearfully she delivers this) and says she never thought it would incur the displeasure of her sisters (i.e. I am the victim). Momo Kong acknowledges that she is smart, sharp, and tries the hardest but warns her not to suppose everyone else is a fool because of those msarts--she tells her that she should not have bemoaned her existence as a concubine born when her father clearly favors her--she points out that she has bad intention because she wanted to learn and honor the family, but assumes that only she can gain honor for the family instead of her sisters.; it appears like fifht sister started this but this is really linked to and escalated by you5)Next is Rulan (Fifth Miss) Momo points out how mighty she is for not only angering Mo'er but refusing to filter her words and deliberately trying to provoke and hurt her. She implores her to change her temper or else disaster will follow. She ays she should be punished more severely. Rulan takes ownership for her mistake and apologizes.6)Next is Ming Lan: Momo tells her that she must think she did nothing wrong. She teaches her that a family is fated to share the same fate based on the actions of the individuals: glory and shame effects everyone. She erred simply by association (also, I think the implicit message is that she could have tried more to stop them from bickering).7)Although Master Sheng believes Ming Lan should not be punished, Momo reminds him that favoritism will do greater harm to sister hood and breed resentment. The girls will be hit equally. Concubine Lin intervenes and says that although she should not speak, Mo'er should take Ming Lan's punishment as well because she is weak..8)Concubine Lin is lectured: you miss the point, Momo says, that I am promoting harmony. Momo gives her a chance to back out, but Concubine Lin persists and begs for punishment for not treating Mo'er well. Momo tells her she needs to study the rules: she says she did not teach Mo'er well so she should be punished, but if she punishes her, it means the Master and Old Madame and Big Madame should be punished. Second, she knowingly broke rules by speaking out of turn but still did it. In doing so it humiliates the Sheng family. She continues to claim she is ignorant but by acting this way she shows she believes she is above the rules and can do what she wants. This is what triggers Master Sheng to yell at Concubine Lin (recall, he values reputation most). The girls are then hit ten times each (not lightly)9)On her way back, Ming Lan is stopped by her father who inquires about the wound. Then he is called off to attend to Big Madame. Ming Lan tells her servant she is not upset because she does not rely on him--that time has passed. Big Madame wants to cane Concubine Lin. Master Sheng yells at Big Madame in front of Concubine Lin and accuses her of not caring about reputation she is venting a grudge (I bet Momo would lecture him here, because he is right, but by doing this it causes the authority of Big Madame to lessen, and contributes to the problem of disharmony in the house because of his favoritism of Consort Lin. Also, Big Madame is wrong to do this knowing that the master favors her, and she does something that will obviously provoke him to defend Concubine Lin i.e. she is short sighted10)Ming Lan tells her grandmother that she learned so much from Momo Kong this night alone and is grateful. Mo'er is angry and believes her father hates her while Concubine Lin reassures her this is not so. Furthermore, she is angry at herself for forgetting that she must not 'show of her talents' (I think she is missing the point here). Master Sheng smothers the two with attention11)Big Madame is angry at Concubine Lin, in her rooms she blames Concubine Lin for her problems because of the games she plays (viewers, you might think that Big Madame is wrong because she allows herself to be manipulated again and again because she cannot control her anger). Big Madame also expresses frustration that her husband immediately went to Concubine Lin12)While meeting with her Aunt, we learn Ming Lan's plan: they must be carefully and lure the snake out before striking i.e. set something up
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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) 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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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 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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Spoilers Ahead1)Big Madame is baffled. She understands her daughter is stubborn, but her adamant refusal to marry GTY even after she is confined to her room, allowed only the most simple of food, and essentially living with Ming Lan who tries to persuade her--it utterly baffles Big Madame. Her daughter has never been this resistant. 2)When Big Madame learns that the emperor himself has blessed--and thereby decreed--a marriage between GTY and the house of Sheng, she rushes to tell her daughter. Surprisingly, Rulan comes up with a number of suggestions including a 'fake' marriage with the scholar she likes (though her mother is unaware). These suggestions fall flat, and Rulan is faced with the very real reality that she will be forced to marry GTY. Her mother's reassurances that she will have fortune and a title do nothing to comfort her as she sobs.3)Later, Big Madame confides to her personal maid what we, the viewers, know: witnessing the awful spectacle of Concubine Lin and her daughter, including the scandalous plot they constructed, succeed without a hitch infuriated her--how come that woman always gets what she wants, how come Big Madame must suffer? Finally she feels as if her luck has turned. She is happy with this marriage, even if the Gu family situation is difficult (shortsighted...)4)Elsewhere, a deadened Rulan sits (I think a lot of us have experienced this kind of love hurt//I empathized with her) as Ming Lan tries in vain to cheer her up. Ming Lan attempts to appeal to the things she has always known about Rulan: she should be happy, because her mother will be happy, she will have a great life style, GTY could choose to be a scholar some day, and she will surpass Molan in status and fortune. These gains mean nothing to Rulan, who directly tells Ming Lan that she does not understand because she (essentially) has never been in love before. (I think that her love for Yuan Ruo never had time to blossom into something all consuming because it didn't change her). Ming Lan tries to impart her own advice of always looking forward, but again, logic does not work with love.5)Not long after, perhaps the next day, GTY and Eldest brother sheng are walking together, when they overhear a woman sobbing and apologizing to a stranger that they cannot be together in this life. When he hears the Sheng name dropped he runs over, and both men are astounded to see Rulan alone and weeping with Weiming--Eldest Brother loses it and begins yelling at her--GTY follows him.6)At home, Master Sheng is furious. He wants to kill her, and her maid is beaten awfully, so badly in fact that Rulan jumps on her to protect her from the caning and gets caned herself. Old Madame receives updates from her new grandaughter-in-law and learns that Rulan truly went to say her goodbyes. This was just the worst luck. Worse, because of the complicated situatioin with the Gu family and him being so powerful, Old Madame cannot fix this matter.7)Unable to do anything, later the Master and Madame visit Old Madame and ask that Ming Lan be the one to marry GTY since they never officially announced which daughter he was to wed. This sends Old Madame into a furious fit. She smashes cups. She vents her fiery on these two who only ever come to her when they have a problem and only care about Ming Lan when she is useful to cleaning up a mess. She adamantly refuses, even though she does not have a plan to fix it.8)Meanwhile, Yuan Ruo passes his Civil Exam. After telling his mother the good news he asks if she will go the Sheng family and formerly request that Ming Lan be allowed to marry him, and she agrees.9)Ming Lan visits her sister Hu'er, who leaves suddenly. While gone, GTY arrives and all the pieces click together for her. She is clearly angry with him, and he tells her that they will be married soon. She yells at him, and he laughs and says he knows she is angry, but he had no other choice but to cast this big net--he could not ask directly because her grandmother would have rejected him, and once that happened, her father would not try to persuade her. Also, it would have upset Big Madame. So he began to plot. He knew that while a good man the He man was not for her, he found out about the Cao cousin and brought the two of them together, and when he learned that Rulan was in love with another, he was so happy he couldn't sleep. He then tells her that he decided to marry her the same night he saved her from the river and she told him to stop wandering and settle down for his daughter's sake. Ming Lan is left speechless and storms off angry.10)The episode ends with Princess Pingning learning of the marriage between GTY and Ming Lan (hence she does not ask for her hand in marriage because it is too late, nothing can be done)....poor Yuan Ruo.....he missed his boat......
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SPOILERS AHEAD!This episode doesn't cover a lot of things, it really focuses on the aftermath of GTY facing the tragedy of his father's death, and more importantly, him confronting the sad reality that the woman he has come to love and fathered children with, is not who he thinks. His trust and love for Miniang is so great that Momo (nanny) had to gather actual evidence that Miniang was selling off bussinesses and building a nest of his assets. He witnesses her doing this. And so he sets forth a test: he tells her that he has been disinherited and is poor. And it is very sad because his heart just breaks, piece by piece, as she sells more things (she is unaware of his salt fortune) and then he learns her brother is alive. He confronts her about it, and with the evidence in his hand, she admits to selling things out of fear, but not about her brother. He gives her a chance, and says he will forgive her completely, if she tells him the hole truth. She doesn't, and so he essentially breaks up with her. In a sad twist, Miniang runs off in the night with their son(!)
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Spoilers ahead1)The old madame is notified that a quarrel has broken out between Sixth Miss and Master because of Mo'er wanting her mother's memorial tablet brought in. Ming Lan, meanwhile then tells Mo'er that they could have lived harmoniously had she not tried to do this. She says Mo'er has brought whatever happens on herself. Ming Lan confronts her father--you can't even visit my mother's memorial tablet. So she reminds him: Concubine Lin indulged her daughter to have an affair, have you forgotten. Big Madame and Rulan are silent (because they know that only Ming Lan has the guts to do this, and the power). Gu Ting Ye pops in (HE IS ALWAYS THERE WHEN SHE NEEDS HIM!!). He clearly supports Ming Lan and says Concubine Lin should not even appear in the family genealogy..2)Gu Ting Ye is clear: for the sake of the Sheng family rep Ming Lan has endured everything. However their second son is about to take the imperial exam. Witnessing him defend her, Old Madame decides to go back3)Afterwards, Gu Ting Ye tries to coax her with sweets but it doesn't work. He finally says that he has never seen her fierce like this and tells her that he loves that about her. He explains, you are calm because you don't care about most matters but there are these instances (like where her mother is concerned) that she gets fiercely fired up...4)For the first time, Ming Lan tells someone about how her mother would not let her call her mother. He tells her that her mother's memorial tablet will immediately be moved into their family hall, because she is his precious mother in law (AWWWWWWWWWWWWWW)(Jealous of how perfect these two are).5)Mo'er is unaware of the problem she has. Her husband is angry. She focuses on criticizing the Gu family, until finally he tells her to shut up. He directly asks her if this was all a scheme (now viewers, if she admitted the truth, she may have had a chance.) but she is adamant it was not arranged, and he clearly does not believe her. He seems placated, but she doesn't seem to see the future: if he realizes she made a fool of him, she is in some deep trouble6)A concubine is finally taken in because they have no choice. The Evil MIL is hoping that this will incite the happy couple to fight. Elsewhere, the husband of Mo'er questions her servants. He wants to know why she did not bring any lifelong servants as part of her dowry. He promises to dote on her if she tells him (sexually?) He promises this servant girl wealth and stability. the servant girl admits they were beaten to death (her lifelong servants) for colluding with Concubine Lin so that they could meet him in secret, and then spread the word so that he would be forced to marry her..7)The Marquis spends the night with the new concubine as a courtesy but he does not sleep with her at all. He is pretty angry that Ming Lan is not appearing jealous, I think. Ming Lan explains to her personal servant that she basically is realistic and knows that the marquis may fall for someone else in the future (realistically this is the norm). Meanwhile it seems like Shitou (the personal servant to Gu) and Xiaotao are falling in love.
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1)We open to the emperor lecturing Gu Ting Ye for his brazen actions. He has put the emperor in an awkward position in publicly begging to help his brothers who have been arrested for treason. The emperor states that if he rejects this claim then they appear disunited but if he gives in then it makes him look weak. Gu counters that he asked him in public because if they did it secretly it would make the emperor look biased. Hence, he helped him to save face by appearing to be 'the bad guy' for asking. The emperor lets it go and lets him off with a warning (it is like watching a father yell at his kid, cute)................................................................................................................................................................................................................................2)Imperial consort makes a daring comment by suggesting that Gu Ting Ye is united with Prince Huan--not him. This provokes the emperor's anger, but still, maybe a seed has been planted..............................................................................................3)Third Brother Gu is released (he is grateful to second brother), the one from the fifth house is released but the one from the fourth house has been exiled (his crime was bigger).................................................................................................................4)Yuan Ruo updates his wife on the latest ruckus of Gu Ting Ye, and he concludes that the Empress Dowager now has another weakness of the emperor. Oddly, Yuan Ruo then lectures his wife for suggesting that Gu Ting Ye and his wife are working together and says this involves ONLY Gu Ting Ye (now that isn't fair to his wife).................................................5)Ming Lan lectures her husband for his actions and promises to protect her, and goes so far as to say that only Ming Lan can control him, no one else not even the emperor. The fourth house bids a tearful farewell to their son (this is a lifelong grudge that will now be born). Meanwhile, the conferred titles are delivered to them (one for his mother for birthing him, one for Ming Lan for marrying him). .....................................................................................................................................6)The son of evil MIL is clearly unsupported of his mother's actions, but rather than doing anything about it he avoids her (she is afterall his mother)..........................................................................................................................................................................7)Gu Ting Ye works really hard to get Ming Lan to call him 'Darling Second' and it is an adordable scene!!!!!Elsewhere, the Evil MIL works together with Bai family to get a hold of Miniang, worse, she tries to have her enter the harem; Ming Lan tries to have the son given to her but Minaiang refuses. Impatient with the little comments of Evil MIL Gu dismisses her. Gu visits Minaing in order to get info and to convince her to give him his son back.....the episode ends with her stating she would do this if he lets her enter his house as a concubine.....
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