The Story of Ming Lan Episode 23

A Dramatic Reunion With GTY

Spoilers Ahead

1)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 position

8)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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