Dominion and Devotion Episode 1

Plans within plans

Machinations galore in these short 20 minutes. The reigning Emperor is gravely ill and Pei has been called home. He sends out the physician and listens to the last wishes of the Emperor. He then tells the scribe to write something completely different and speeds along the Emperor’s death after revealing his true identity. Another has plans to leave but returns when realizes father has passed. She is the fifth prince who has been brought up as a male for 20 years to escape with her caretaker. Everything was set until she was called in with her brothers. Pei sets the royal seal on a table and suggests a fight to death scenario for them to see who will rule. She tries to reason with her brothers but is only partially successful. There is a mind altering drug being burned like incense that has the brothers acting out their worst natures. She defends herself but still refuses to play the game. She threatens to destroy the seal and Pei offers her two poor scenarios. She still refuses to kill her maid and he stops her intent by providing a third option. Accepting the throne. He is unaware of her gender but believes her to be the easiest puppet of the mix. I believe he will find himself mistaken. The first brother willingly? abdicated so he is the only other sibling not dead. Not sure if we will ever see the one who was supposed to get the throne, but noting his existence in case he makes an appearance. This episode was well done in all respects. It was just very quickly done and lots to process. Kudos to cast and production team for such an excellent first episode.

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