The Story of Ming Lan Episode 17

Fantastic Example of How Women Are Treated Diffrent

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.

Read More