The Empress of China Episode 31

ep 31 spoilers ahead

31/96!

1.We begin with Meniang's memories of Li Mu/brother Mo and the time when she gave him her jade (recall she once told Xui Hui she fell in love with an older boy as a little girl and made a marriage promise). While walking outside, he explains that after his role in the rebellion, Prince Wei planned to have him executed since he was no longer useful. Consort Yang's people just happened to be passing by (this is a pretty weak plot--at this point she should know that no one just 'happens' to be anywhere unless they are her) and saved him. Li Mu expresses happiness to finally see her again and explained that after all the horror he has been through she is the one thing keeping him going; and that he is here to see her. He explains he planned to leave after a glimpse but upon hearing about all the tragedy that has befallen her, he wants her to run away with him. They can go West, where she always wanted to go...(I am certain anyone reading this is bound to think that Yang will use him to either spirit her away or set her up as a cheater or continuing to support traitors)

2.For a moment, Menieng indulges in this fantasy (this scene is so dramatic) but she tells him that he knew Ru Yi, and she is no more. She is different, and that she has killed and is no longer innocent. She tells him to leave, that she will not go because she can't. He says some people 'persist because they have no choice' however he is offering himself as an alternative to Li Shimin (if I could get away with it I would totally run off with him) She tries to persuade him to leave but he counters with: I survived hell to see you and she is the only thing keeping him going. He ends this dramatic conversation with: you never forgot me, did you? And she is forced to admit she has not. He dramatically disappears into the shadows....

3.Meanwhile, Li Zhi 'Zhinu' appears (he is just so darn innocent!) because he has been looking for her. They discuss the topic of crown prince. Essentially she tries to nudge him towards naming himself as a good candidate but he persists, believing that both his brothers are better candidates in spite of the fact that Prince Wei possesses sociopathic tendencies (though I don't think he is a sociopath) and Prince Wu's lineage makes him a poor selection. Upon realizing that she is suggesting he could be emperor (he is a little slow) he immediately rejects this and insists he cannot be emperor. Menieng tells him that he could end this dispute between father and sons if he stepped forth, and also warns him that chances are he will be killed by his brothers once one of his brothers becomes emperor (Prince Wei would different do this and the Sui have a history of doing this). Still, he refuses (....I understand he wants to be nice but his life is on the line? Was he really that simple?)

4.Elsewhere, Fuji makes his report to the emperor on Meniang's involvement in the crown prince's rebellion. He learns that while she was not involved, she did not report it. He will spare her life but her punishment is to live in Quinqing palace and copy all the classics (that is a light punishment). She later arrives to serve out her punishment and relieves an old granny (I think the message is this is what her future looks like).

5.Meanwhile, Consort Yang considers what has happened to Menieng and is convinced she is still useful because she received a very light punishment. She explains to her attendant that she understands why she chose to support the crown prince however she cannot overlook her intelligence because she also managed to make friends with prince Zhinu (prince of Jin) (interestingly, Yang is looking at her through the eyes of history: as a smart, clever, manipulative person but the show portrays Meniang as a clever but innocent girl who is forced to act a certain way because she has no choice or acts on impulse/her feelings making her much more empathetic).

6.We go back to the emperor who receives Zhang Yuanji's full confession (many, many episodes ago he was placed on death roll for suggesting that the crown prince be deposed. I thought he was dead.) His confession details plots with Prince Wei. While Fuji is delivering this report, Xu Hui comes in to deliver tea, and then leaves. She listens in (I am certain that the emperor is aware she is spying on him because nothing seems to surprise him or ruffle him. I have no idea if he is lacing this report with false information). She listens long enough to hear that the emperor is critical of Prince Wei but Fuji suggests that the Prince of Wei should not be targeted (she leaves, I am not sure if the emperor plotted this)

7.What makes me think the emperor plotted that piece of info is the fact that while Fuji states that someone is pulling Prince Wei's strings, he continues to produce evidence that makes Prince Wei the string puller/culpable person. He also reports that Consort Wei's men were responsible for Yeting (I think that the emperor needs more evidence to go after his second son and is hesitating/fishing). Ultimately, Fuji concludes that there has been collusion between the harem (likely Consort Wei), Prince Wei, and a courtier (Zhang Yuanji, I think)

8.The emperor dines with General Hou. He is in prison clothes and chains, but they share wine and a good meal. They reminisce over past times and it is a strange scene, likely intended to show how utterly cynical and jaded these two men have become that friends, then foes, can enjoy dinner. Both men have seen enough to know that the imperial palace makes friends enemies and enemies friends so nothing surprises them. Hou admits he feels uneasy during peaceful time and the emperor apologizes for appointing him to minister. Hou says he was surprised how Chenji betrayed him (the guy who held the sword to crown prince's neck during the rebellion) and the emperor points out 'well you betrayed me'. The emperor then rises and with a cold voice tells him that he should not have done that. Hou immediately begs forgiveness (kind of sad to see someone so great begging) and the emperor throws a dagger on the table and tells him that his son and wife will be spared. He will be taken to Lashing (I think he left the knife so he could honorably kill himself, if he so chose).

9.Meanwhile, Xiao Q continues to feign disdain at her gifts but then receives a note from Xu Hui 'It's Time' meaning if she wants to act, she should act now. Xu Hui is in tears because of the choice she is making but ultimately takes the poison. The next day, doctors panic because she has a miscarriage. It is very bloody, and even Consort Wei almost vomits. In a fit of madness, she tries to strangle her own Aunt and accuses her of stealing her baby.....

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