The First Jasmine Episode 36

Still in denial, yet cautiously moving

I'm still kind of in denial that Princess Lingyun is dead. 😔 But judging by the way Zuidie received her end and what Zhiyao did after, it looks a lot like the closure to that arc... At least he was the one who delivered the killing blow to her and avenged his beloved's death. 👍 But for me, it's so much more bitter than it ever will be sweet. I rooted for them so hard and I honestly feel robbed. 😭I was so worried for Mingxi's life during the fight scene, and I kind of hoped—and maybe subconsciously expected—that Mingyue would sacrifice himself to save his brother. And that's exactly what happened. 🥺 That ending I am quite okay with... I just hope Mingxi will now be able to reunite with Ye Li and live the life he dreamed of. 🥹However, I am still feeling uneasy because he stayed behind at Suixue Pass. Maybe his arc ends with him ensuring Xiuyao survives until the end, even if he has to sacrifice his own life for it? That would be the repayment of two lives to Ye Li, because Xiuyao's life is pretty much equal to, if not even more valuable than hers, in Ye Li's eyes. 😟

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JingLi’s plot unfolds

Prince Ding is literally frustrated.🤣 He has been ambushed with aphrodisiac soup and refuses to comply. Ye Li overrides his plan to stay locked up in his study until he calms down. She opts to take her stud muffin home by the hand and having a calm chat with sis in law the following day. With her attitude about the situation, I hope XiuYao felt more inclined to take advantage of the circumstances. Ms Wen is unapologetic at pushing things along. She thinks this is the best course for Ye Li. I have mixed feelings. I agree she should not be left to feel alone and that a child could ease the situation. But Ye Li also felt strongly about children being made political pawns and should have had a say about something that was supposed to be for her benefit. The Duke chats with her and admonishes her about saying his friend was alive and well writing books. Ye Li looked him straight in the eye and admitted she thought that was the truth of the matter. That it wasn’t until Xiu Yao came up the mountain to be by her side that she realized it was a dream she wanted, not the reality that existed. The Duke feels especially guilty and negligent for suggesting them stay on the mountain and then never bothering to check on them. They had no idea about the Imperial troops that laid siege to the school forcing them out of food and med supplies. Ye Li lets him know straight up that there was never a thought from any in Lishan that he held any blame for their situation. She explained how her efforts were thwarted by being isolated and locked up. By the time she escaped, there was no rescue that could be made. He is processing her solitary existence at LiShan and why. He ends up having heart attack like symptoms and asks to be helped home rather than doctor. Prince Ding has been sidestepped for post with Official Duo volunteering for the job. It was unexpected but an acceptable swap. Prince Ding realizes his loyalty was put into question. Again.😝🙄 Little did his substitute know his death had already been decided before he arrived. He would be tossed like yesterday’s trash. They outline quite specifically the weapons, soldiers, horses and cavalrymen at his disposal to invade the capital. It was rather impressive. Had he not killed YuanFang to cover up his armory and troop numbers, I think he had the right enforcement means and going after the right lady that started the mess with the Marquis and poet. However, killing a good man to achieve his goal is too much a repeat of Guo Jin. The witch is back looking for her Han supporter. He was just in the process of getting them both out when she arrives on the scene to stop him. Su Zhuidie has a nice batch of assassins to kill them both. Spy Feng shows up and it’s clear he is no swordsman, but we can only hope his two thrusts finally finished her off. We are still not shown a body and I sure wish MingXi would have decapitated her to be sure dead, but he was too busy mourning his brother and Feng his friend. I have to agree with Feng that MingYue was already punished for setting her free when MingXi confessed his brother’s part in things. The two men have buried what better be the last victims of Su Zuidie. There better not be another encore performance from her.😡🤬Feng offers to take MingXi back to capital with him, but he wants more mourning time with his brother. I am glad they have made fewer men available for JingLi’s battle plans. Feng arrives to let them know who the real traitor is and what they are planning. The only silver lining is Prince Ding’s prior knowledge of the area and best ways to defend it. He promises allegiance and not to return unless victorious. Prince Ding will hopefully once again be the right man in the right place at the right time. He is welcomed home by his family and he prepares for battle. I wish they would have gone with white rather than black hair dye but he doesn’t want to have any appearance of weakness with JingLi when they meet. It is unclear if JingLi knows about him being healed or not. I hope this is a surprise element for him. I really want to kill the Marquis again as Prince Ding and troops will face soldiers already trained and capable with their newest model crossbow. Jingli has had plenty of time to make himself capable as a fighter, but Cangbai is well aware of the formidable force that is Prince Ding. I am also glad Ye Li claims her martial arts skills from master Zhu. It is very likely they will be needed. Until next episode.

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