Song of Phoenix Episode 22

ep 22 spoilers aheadd

Spoilers Ahead!

1.The Advisor Shang suggests that all they can do is ask the king to personally grant the marriage. He will make the effort on his behalf in return for the jade pillow. Consort Zheng, meanwhile, dances for the King, and he notices she captures the attention of a certain someone (her lover? he totally knows!) Royal Uncle is caught staring and called out but he states he wouldn't dare. (the music is so good for this show!) A young woman sings the ode to orange song. We learn the composition of the song (melody) comes from a zither player--Bi Xia! It seems they are a perfect pair everyone keeps repeating...it is so obvious, even the Queen is smiling at what they are asking for. (I love watching these dances with words. The Queen suggests the king approve this marriage and he agrees, because she requested). The Minister of War is so happy. Minister Zhao hesitates before thanking the king. (OMG.....so funny)

2.Lord Zhao does not thank him, but pretends to thank him. (somehow, Bi Xia does not seem so adverse to marriage. Is she in love with him now?) She wants to tell Qu Yuan immediately (she wants to help him in love, because she is not destined for happiness, so she does not wish it on anyone).

3.Over tea, he and Bi Xia meet. She tells him that the king bestowed marriage and it will be completed in a few days. What will he do? He refuses, and she tells him she came to warn him. Chances of him revoking it are impossible since he made it in front of all the ministers. He will try, he states. She encourages him to elope. She explains that in spite of what he thinks, their families ultimately control them.

-Can we take a moment to acknowledge how rare it is that the male lead isn't being fought over by two women?-

4. He explains to Mo Chou the reason for Bi XIa's visit. They discuss eloping. He is willing to give up everything for her, he explains. She tells him that she is willing. (I am surprised, to be honest). Bi Xia returns home and refuses to marry Qu Yian again. Qu Yuan prepares to run off. He meet with Shi Jia, his assistant, to have a cup of wine. We learn he does not drink. Because the ambitions of rules are so big, nobles are greedy, citizens suffer, and he needs a clear head to deal with it all. Qu Yuan states there are many people who are not drunk but their actions are a mess. He seriously discusses leaving the county to him. He tells him he doesn't know how long he will be gone. Because he must deal with personal matters.

5.Mo Chou has dinner with her little brother and father. She makes a great meal like New Year's feast. (This is good bye dinner). Her father does not eat (I think he knows her plan). (Is her father dying? He coughs up blood!).

6.Her father tells her some truths. He explains her mother was the Grand Shaman of Chu. She knew divination and prophecy, and was brought into the palace by the previous king. She managed all of the ceremonies. Her mother was plotted against, saved them, and died alone.

7.At the inn, meanwhile, Qu Yuan meets his mother where he refuses to marry Bi Xia. He is willing to give up his family for her, he tells her mother. He refuses to get up unless she agrees. His mother states he would not force him but it is a royal order. She states their family will be killed if he defies this order. Is he willing to have his lover live in fear?

8.Meanwhile, we finally learn that her mother taught her martial arts! What does her mother have to do with Qu Yuan? Is it because she is a criminal's daughter? (also, I def. think that Bi Xia is in love with him). She won't leave because she is confident he will leave.

9.I don't envy Qu Yuan. In his mind we see him sitting in a field beside a younger version of himself. He seems to be the voice of reason. While the adult him is more free and emotional, hair down. He says Mo Chou is his reality, the mountain spirit is his dream . He can't take Mo Chou away and he can't find the mountain spirit :/

10.Meanwhile, Mo Chou bows to her sleeping father and prepares to leave. Her father is crying silently. But he will let her go, if she wants to be with him...she waits for him at the dock...he doesn't go, and he returns with his mother. He isn't even going to say good bye! OMG!

I feel so bad for them. I feel so bad for her.

11.She waits all alone. And then it ends.

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