Three Kingdoms Episode 9

Diaochan's braveness

Diaochan's task is not an easy one -but she does play her part quite well, we must add. In order to deceive Dong Zhuo and raise Lu Bu to great fury, she pretends to despise the idea of being given away (we notice two such episodes, the most notable one being the second one where Wang comes into the scene as well). Diaochan's character is very well drawn and, I must confess, I am rather impress with her strength (as I have thought, she is wise and does think about the good of the kingdom; she is not selfish in the least, though she must be deceitful at this point, whether she likes it or not. I am inclined to think she suffers being in her position ever so much, especially since I believe her feelings for Lu Bu to be authentic).

As Diaochan edges between saving the Han Dynasty (as her father had instructed her) and her at least apparent love for Lu Bu, the latter suffers immensely. We get to see Lu Bu's true face on a few occasions, especially when he rushes to Dong Zhuo's mansion to see Diaochan whilst he attends the court activities. Of course, we might be inclined to make a fool out of Dong Zhuo's behavior (how can he believe that Diaochan would rather be his concubine than Lu Bu's?) but I believe this scene is portrayed quite nicely since what needs to be underlined at this point is a double fact: 1) Diaochan's fair beauty has the power to charm and 2) Dong Zhuo becomes so infatuated with her that refuses to see reason (the usual tale, woman charms man who does folly). Whilst many might hold Diaochan in contempt, I do not, especially since it is quite clear how hard the task it is for her (remember the scene where she wanted to take her life, the first night she arrived at Dong Zhuo's place, but hesitated once she remembered her father's words, knowing that she cannot allow herself to die until the purpose of her sacrifice has been achieved).
Everything is downright political.

I am curious about how Lu Bu is going to handle things, naturally. I wonder if he will succeed (hoping to, but still doubting the fact at some certain level).

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