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The game is afoot and the banquet has started. The impeachment petition is making the rounds when eunuch Cao shows up. He burns it and the fighting commences. He has the officials trapped so they can’t leave grounds and brings in Zhifu who is in pretty bad shape. Then it is Deja vu with Marquis family lined up for slaughter. What is different about this scene is he doesn’t have the same loving desperation the astronomer had for his. Even the eunuch is surprised by it. The ladies are having their own battles in the treasury. The princess is in the secret room when she is shot by an arrow from crossbow. Zang Hai lets her know it is poisoned and tells her it was part of his plan. He is visibly shaken when he sees AnTu’s face under mask. He knows she dealt with Cao because he heard her. But something isn’t adding up. He reveals his identity and shows her the remains of his parents. He sets fire to the room after bowing to them. He slips AnTu the antidote and takes her home. He leaves her outside the gate but makes sure a servant is called and sees her. She is definitely part of the game but not an enemy. The deal she struck most likely had to do with her mother and definitely some promise for Dongxia if it wasn’t for her family. She is bound to Dongxia and would do anything to help and protect them. The Marquis and eunuch are going at it but the psycho Lu is always between. The eunuch has already injured himself to make it look like Marquis tried to murder him. His sly face so reminds me of Voldemort when most snakelike. It is not just the look but the vibe he gives. A cobra always ready to strike. He is self serving in protecting himself but not afraid to get his hands dirty. His guards are like a cult he has brainwashed to be his personal bodyguards and assassins. I did like that the general still left in Marquis got several good shots in and caused psycho some damage. Second son shows up and helps save the family but is stabbed too close to heart for my liking. Fortunately he will survive and while close , missed organs so he will heal just fine. He got a visit from dad and was given a father’s blessing and endorsement. He will continue family legacy. Zhifu has developed a crazed fever because of injuries. Even if he recovers he is not expected to be mentally sound. The mom has plans for the younger son I am sure, but she should keep in mind he saved their sorry asses even after she killed his mom. I hope she checks herself but it’s not likely. At core she is evil and vengeful. Her usefulness has worn out so she can be cast aside by Marquis. He connected the dots together and figured out that Zang Hai was pulling the strings. Zang Hai did have a valid rebuttal so it remains to be seen where the Marquis’ loyalties will lie after this bday. He proved himself wise in moving the fish key. It’s like he knew something was up. AnTu is going to join Marquis in being in a bad place with Cao. But that viper always makes sure he can build a scenario against everyone he encounters. And he has the ear of the emperor. Funny how we never see him. At some point his mouthpiece is going to be out of the way and emperor might have to actually speak for himself. Now that Dongxia Princess and Zhinu are acquainted it remains to be seen how these two can outwit and survive the officials. Zang Hai has convinced Marquis his best move with emperor is to take responsibility and look remorseful. Now to see how emperor decides between Cao and Marquis. And who really knows where Gui seal is?

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