The Story of Ming Lan Episode 22

Ming Lan's Heart is Broken, and she is (literally) drowning

Spoilers Ahead
Note: This episode uses music and filming to really maximize the emotional impact of this dangerous situation. This is one of the more action oriented episodes.

1)Important plot point: Ming Lan is told by her grandmother to always be independent because in the end, everyone--husband, children, family, will leave you. This is a cynical and realistic principle but it highlights the lack of control Ming Lan can hope to have over her life, hence, she should save money.

2)Princess Pinang (Yuan Ruo's mother) arrives as an important guest for Older Brother Changbai's wedding, he believes she is offering a marriage proposal for him, but instead she is offering gift s to the Sheng daughters, and communicating firmly to the family that the girls are 'sisters' and as such, should never hope to marry into the family (very clever how you can do this with just a present).(My heart really goes out to this guy he is trying very hard not to cry!)

3)In spite of her mask, Ming Lan is heart broken. Her grandmother takes care to alert the servants so word does not spread. Even though she admits it was not going to happen, Grandmother just couldn't interfere

4)Grandmother decides to visit the elder Sheng Madame back in Yanzhou and takes Ming Lan with her

5)Before she leaves Yuan Ruo gives her a clay doll and says its smile reminds him of her

6)The boat they are on is under attack by Pirates and grandmother is out of it from medicine! Ming Lan tries to keep a cool head but it looks like she is not going to make it!

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