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Legend of the Female General Episode 6
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He Yan is very unhappy not chosen for elite squad. After drinking courage she shows up in Xiao Jue’s quarters demanding explanation. He tolerates this because she comes very close to revealing her real intentions, but stops just shy of any revelations. She grabs her old sword and offers to dance for him to show her technique. He does a nice dance of avoidance and she ends up slicing his table and zither in two. She wakes up to find out she slept in his tent all night while the commander made Cheng make space for him. The Yuzhou magistrate has sent an official invite to discuss his unreasonable army supply demands and have included Cheng in the invite. It is decided that He Yan will replace Cheng on this trip. She wants to prove her worth to be selected and she noted the man with missing finger that harmed her at the temple. She has deduced the he thinks Lei Hou a spy and that is why he was selected. Upon arriving she places a massive order at the inn and Xiao Jue accommodates and buys her all of it. He then let her know that she would eat it all and waste nothing. I wished they would have shown her attempting this but they skip to them being in the room. The disciple already is aware of Sun’s lecherous son and plans to use that as stepping stone to get his promotion. Xiao Jue sends his subordinate to do more recon and says he will watch He Yan personally. They both see that she has snuck out of the room and wait to see where she’s headed. They all know it’s a trap but accept that it is better to be offense than defense so they go to see how things play out.
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The Immortal Ascension Episode 6
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Things start to get ugly when jerky boy is dissuaded by a woman beside him. He pretends to acquiesce and heads out. The young merchant invites Han Li to go with her to watch trials. It is a free for all where spheres show what roots, if any, are existent. Three or less are passing and four or more are not. One catches the sphere and has the right number of roots but is rejected. The GrandMaster tells him he knows what he did. There is a dark story here. Wan catches one and finds he has four and rejected. He throws the sphere to Han Li and jerky boy steals it. He passes and goes to yellow maple. He gives the sphere to the woman who made him behave and she too passes and heads for yellow maple. He tells her Han Li can have it now. Han Li is so hopeful because he has worked very hard. He finds out he has four. He is really stunned by this assessment. This is a harsh blow to be disqualified before even given a chance to try. He heads out with his friend and finds himself with Rogue cultivators combining their items arsenal so that they have a better chance of winning. Han Li wants no part, but it’s clear he doesn’t have a choice. He gives them a pill and leaves. His friend follows him and Han Li is a bit annoyed because he wants no part of this group. He is relieved when that was not the objective. The Azure Vein Society is the group’s name and it turns out they put on the facade of a friendly group but their real intention is to steal their artifacts and frame nobles for doing it. There are plans to arrest them once tournament is over and before seal is released. At the tournament it comes down to jerky boy and rogue leader. The rogue leader made a good showing but unfortunately, jerky boy won. I smirked when GrandMaster planted him on his ass for trying to cause real harm after forfeit was stated. He wanted to pretend he didn’t see it. He gloats towards Han Li. Grandmaster is returning look at Han Li from his original stare earlier. He quickly turns his back on her.😂He watched the tournament carefully. He noted the items that really were essential for defense and cultivating and made himself a shopping list of sorts for later. I like that he collects every book he can get his hands on. He knows he lacks education and he studies at every opportunity. He now has the tools to make talismans and he has helped merchant girl get meds for her sick brother. He sympathizes and does not take advantage. He meets up with Wan and asks him about talisman. He has Wan read through the page and tell him what it says. He recognizes the yellow maple leaf pattern and realizes what he has. He is smart enough to destroy the page so that nobody will recognize the talisman if they get it from him. I don’t think he should have shared any discovery with Wan. Only because his friend blabs to everyone everything he knows or discovers. He is not in the least prudent of keeping personal and important info to himself. Turns out jerky boy thinks he is all that because he has a hybrid root. Too bad such a gift is wasted on such an amoral ass. So what’s the first thing blabbermouth does? He goes back to rogue group and reports about ascension talismans😝 Here, Han Li deserves a hit because he knows this guy can’t keep anything to himself. The bad part is he was trying to warn him of the group’s bad intentions and steer him clear of them. But he was too kind hearted and embracing of everyone to heed the warning. This cost him his life. The fight scenes are choreographed nicely and it is very like a video game being played. That leader took out his top two so that no competition would exist for talisman. They battle it out and HanLi won until a dark force interfered. Creepy one and dark one. Fortunately GrandMaster felt the dark aura. This drama is very entertaining. It does have a gamer vibe, so if a genre you like, this will be a good watch.
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The Immortal Ascension Episode 5
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The first portion of episode was a very sweet interlude with Caihuan. 🥰 She finds where the golem took Han Li and brings her treasure, the sunwarm jade. It was her dowry. What I am wondering is if the crafty doc Mo had visions of these two? She gives him the jade but he is too far gone with the poison and collapses. She comes into the room and assists with the healing process. I like that she shows such respect in treating him. She covers him up and only bares what is required to treat him. She really does seem to have her father’s gift of medicine. When he wakes up, they both note the jade absorbed the silver demon poisoning from him and he is truly cured. She even offers him the stone, her simple request was to go with him. He sees how sweet she is and how much of a treasure she is, but he also knows she cannot accompany him on the immortal path any more than her father could stay with his family. He doesn’t wish to cause her more pain, but I am sure he will see this as the one one he wished he could have stayed with. He leaves his golem with her as family protector and wishes her well. He then heads to Tainan Valley where he runs into a very chatty new friend. There is a brief scene where we learn the moon shadow sect is in charge of the Immortal Ascension Trials this year. Han Li’s new friend Wan takes him to the bazaar and introduces him to various artifacts and items that help with defense and cultivating. The Grandmaster is keeping an eye on things because rogue cultivators have been disappearing. Her colleagues discovered a Yan sect crest at the scene of a murder. The Grandmaster is trying to keep this under wraps due to the trials coming up but she is putting more security in place to monitor things. A member of the Yan clan is here for the trials and an incident with the guards has her meeting with the GrandMaster. She claims they were framed but is a bit less cocky when tested for truth telling. There is then a candid chat between the two that some entity is trying to sow discord amongst the seven sects. An incident at the bazaar introduces Han Li and new friend to a group of rogue cultivators. Han Li knows instinctively they are trouble, but his chatty friend has dropped his name to them. They are given a lesson about fake roots and true roots. There is a girl selling a cloth that makes things invisible. A rich jerk is trying to cheat her and Han Li intervenes. He takes his purchase and leaves but the rich guy isn’t done “bargaining”. So far, Han Li has learned that the real commerce most coveted are pills. This is where his training with doc Mo will come in very handy. Now to see how rich jerk is dealt with. I am most annoyed that his peers help him cheat a poor merchant. It does not say much for their characters.😝
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The Immortal Ascension Episode 4
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He arrives in the city and finds the Mo residence. There are three daughters and 5 wives and a granny. Somewhere they lost a wife because when he counted them coming there were six. There are three daughters and the only one worth mentioning is Caihuan. She is the true treasure of the Mo family. If our hero was remaining mortal…She would be a perfect match for him. She also needs away from these scheming loud women. Volume aside, they bargain to get rid of the worst villains in the city which Han Li does in record time. They were not expecting someone that dealt honestly and forthrightly. Their main plan is to wear him down by the poison taking over. They hope to trap him there indefinitely. Caihuan is the sweetest and smartest. Her request for a recipe resulted in her receiving her father’s journal with Han Li ‘s additional notes. To her, this was a priceless treasure and the legacy of her father. A sad moment is when Han Li discover his golem Qu Hun stayed at the restaurant because he was never ordered to leave. He brings him as backup and tells the women he’s done bargaining. The cacophony of their shrieks is silenced when he shows them fire. Then the claws come out. He ends up collapsing and stunned that Caihuan can speak. After hearing and seeing how these women plot and plan, it is no wonder physician Mo spent his time sending gems than visiting.😝The one moment that made me smile in spite of their noise, was the granny moving the golem to let them bring dowries in, and then pulling him back to guard the door. I like her best of the older women. Hopefully she and Caihuan can live somewhere minus the rest of them in future.
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The Immortal Ascension Episode 3
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The time had come for mentor/nemesis and disciple to settle the score. The double qi in that worn out body had little time left and both greedy buggers wanted Han Li. Literally. When the doc first got the knives out Han Li cringed and waited, not expecting the doc to stab himself. He was expecting the six ghost curse to take care of Han Li in the plane of his consciousness. However, level 6 Han Li kicked his butt😝 when doc Mo realized it was over, he actually gave tips on what he needed to do to get rid of immortal entity looking for new host. He told him what had happened to his friend and Han Li gave a shout of grief for him. He loaded up supplies and after taking the silver antidote started to head out to get the sunwarm jade he needed for a cure. He heard 81 drumbeats and headed to war between wild wolves gang and seven mysteries sect instead. After battle challenge, to avoid mutual destruction, it was decided a battle to the death would determine winner. What the sect didn’t anticipate was a cultivator. What Han Li noted was he was lower level. Han Li made short work of him and found a talisman as his reward. The sect leader was grateful, but suspicious of one he could not control. Han Li put him at ease and asked for Li Feiyu to be made a disciple and leader. Additionally, his friend would be able to marry the girl of his choice with no prejudice to his rank and income. And finally the uncle that assisted him would be taken care of. He then handed the sect leader an essence pill and left. He finished packing a second time, read the letter from Mo and headed to Mo’s house for jade cure. This time he is really leaving Shenshou. He left huge bags of meds for his friend and hope they will meet again. He gives the golem a new name because it is not his friend. His friend is gone, but together their journey really begins.
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Everybody is running with the premise the Empress had the bodyguard murdered and buried. She freed him and then he was murdered. Who killed him? And why was his body moved? The suicide in the well. Was he forced to confess and then jump in or was it truly suicide? This all fits together too neatly. The empress actually looks prettier with less gild. She was telling her son about his father but he is still not understanding what she is saying. All the Princes are officially married now. Happy to see Shuang and Lt get married. She is probably the only Qin gal to live happily. Xiang has already miscarried thanks to Feng consort. Not only did she cause her to lose the baby, she then denied her medical care. So I had to smirk when she learned she fought so hard to marry the guy that killed her brother. The crown prince and Yu had an understated wedding because of the charges against empress. They actually seem to be a decent couple. Yu and dowager are trying to get him sent away so that he can’t be killed by Cheng. Cheng has a joker grin on his face as he slaps the documents down lining up the charges for empress. What a bit of fortune that he just happened to be in charge of it all. At least got a chuckle when he ran out wretching from the autopsy.😝 Wan and Chi are finally married. They each share special thoughts and gifts as an official couple. They are blissfully ignorant of the crown prince deposing and will have a few hours of calm before storm. The consort is having a grand ol’ time mocking the empress over her son being demoted to second prince. The Bedouin state probably heard her cackling.😝The emperor has given Yan Li training as minister of personnel. While it is good training to be a prince, Chi knows how unsuited he is for this and tells Wan so. Ning makes cute pinky swear with Li that he is her one and only and then runs to the side of the pseudo blind prince. He has mother on ice seeking justice, but damn, is as creepy as senior doc.😝There is a maelstrom of political chaos brewing for a perfect storm. Everybody is going to feel this one.
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The story begins with a family running to dock. They are being chased by guards and the parents sacrifice themselves so their daughter can escape. Her father has left her a note to not return to the capital. She of course, is determined to head back and clear her family’s name. The friend helping them was also killed and his daughter had died. Since his family didn’t know about her death and hadn’t really seen her, Shen Wan assumes her identity to get back to the capital and find evidence about what happened. Her father is accused of colluding with Prince Jin to kill consort Jin and his family ordered to be executed. While the friend was a good man and obviously loved Shen Wan like a daughter, his family, not so much. His last act of protection was to have his daughter’s servant be her companion. When they arrive, the family is less than pleased to meet her. The gals seem vain and status climbers while the son was more interested in his crickets. There is one kinder granddaughter that tries to soften the punishments and the grandson seems intelligent. But it is clear none of them want their cousin there. After being literally locked in for a long time Qin Wan is allowed out. While wandering around market she sees an older woman collapsed and with the absence of doctor around she assists with follow-up treatment and script. She then goes on her way. Later she and family find out they have assisted the princess. The granddaughter shows up wanting to thank the person who helped her grandmother. I like how she comes out ‘as is’ refusing to put on an appearance for their guest. She finds herself invited to follow up her treatment with Princess and her family is left at home where they belong. En route there is a fight in the street and it is handled by a visiting soldier. Turns out he is related to the princess and they all end up meeting. The women in this household are martial artists so coming home is like Green Hornet /Kato scene with skills being tested. 😂 Shen Wan is not quite sure what she thinks of this group but their meeting definitely improves her living situation. Her ‘family’ is now invested in buttering her up so that they can be included meeting the royals. The servant is very happy but Shen Wan reminds her that this isn’t her home or inheritance just a steppingstone to find out the truth about her parents. She is invited by the princess to attend a wedding and is introduced to her first case. A headless bride arrives to the scene.
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The Princess's Gambit Episode 31
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Loved this episode. Finally back to the intrigue that first made this drama so interesting. For the empress, it was satisfying to see a viper’s skin crawl at her own creation. She had been so used to unchallenged manipulation that she didn’t have a backup plan if it failed. All of her efforts have been reduced to ash and the child she thought her puppet has returned the favor in spades. For the third Prince, he is hauntingly vile but at least not a complete mindless prat in the empress’ absence of planning. He has taken her role and pushed back to make her the puppet in the scheme to be his possession dead or alive. It is a macabre way to go about things but suits their style. The Meng family has always been part of the royals. Their plotting and scheming has most likely been going on for generations with the emperor enjoying the benefits of their schemes. This episode exemplifies just how harsh and hopeless a woman’s lot can be in a man’s world no matter the social status. It does not matter how intelligent or capable a woman is, the bottom line here is they are used as alliances and breeders and seen worthless otherwise. I am almost nauseous that Meng patriarch gladly would replace the name of his most faithful son to that of that POS fake scholar’s branch that are openly a disgrace to their clan. That he uses this threat to pawn off his daughter to third prince is beyond disgusting. She will get along with him better, but her fate will always be uncertain and decided by whatever male is in charge. Even as the faithful daughter she is despised. The 4th Prince and sis have been rerouted to a safe location and while aide and bodyguard are in danger, they knew it was coming and were prepared. Ya gotta smile at the empty carriage loaded up with arrows. The chancellor, love his mind. He has the pieces in place for a level playing field of wits over who will become next emperor. It is a bit sad the consort saw the changes but didn’t recognize it as addiction. There is no telling how her fate will fall. The Beiyuan prince is setting himself up to put his family back in charge. He is getting to take care of the people. Here I am hoping the drama has a better ending for him than comments I’ve seen from those that have read the book. This would be a far better ending for everybody if his position is re established. Ms Meng has outlined exactly the fate of her family if her father’s plan comes to fruition via the third prince. But once again, the power hungry politician is willing to delude himself rather than trust a woman to be leader of the family. His shortsightedness will cost all of them. I am just hoping she survives the fallout. The 4th prince is disappointed the chancellor won’t fess up to his true identity. But the chancellor probably feels the prince is more safe without that acknowledgement. The princess has finally confessed her true feelings. This would have been received much better by all several episodes ago. It would have been a much better watch to be let in on all the machinations going on behind the scenes than make Princess look like a stubborn incapable piece on the board for so long. That aside, the chancellor was surprised that she had known for awhile his relationship to 4th Prince. Their minds are finally attuned by choice, and things are finally back to being more interesting. I am looking forward to next episodes with much more anticipation and enthusiasm.
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The Princess's Gambit Episode 21
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The emissaries are lined up in chancellor’s home. They have heard rumors the princess was killed for spying so immediately want to let the chancellor know how they debased and mistreated her and her brother. Servants definitely received better treatment than the royal siblings. I like how the aide gave her a private chamber to view the proceedings. I really like him and Princess’ bodyguard as characters. The chancellor had already dismissed the majority where they were reaping the rewards of their ‘kindnesses’ to the siblings. He was down to the last three. These were the last of the old guard servants that hated the mistreatment of the pair and as much as were able, gave what small relief they could to very horrid conditions. These three were in tears expecting death and grateful that the Princess had finally found someone that cared for her. They were rewarded with gold for their service. I’m sure the chancellor wasn’t expecting for the worst tales he heard prior to be far better than her actual circumstances. I think it literally shook him to see how mistaken he was and how harsh his treatment had been. But, what is saddest of this, his deliberate harshness of circumstances didn’t compare to the harshness she was already well used to. And the woman directly behind it is the woman third Prince absolutely adores. What a pair those two are.😝 Our pair is off to find her bodyguard. The princess’ head is still muddled and she is still trying to sort things. Her survival skills have her playing the game well in spite of the fog. She must have mentally rehearsed her plan with third prince well before her mountain journey. The chancellor definitely wants her guard found because she will confirm everything he has tried to tell her and hint at. The result of their search lead to a secret chamber. The empress’ bracelet was an interesting find. This should remind her of the boutique and empress’ token the third prince showed off that ended up causing the eunuch his life. The brain fog is swirling the events in her mind but her picture will receive clarity in time. Just wonder if in time to benefit her? The minister’s disciple stealing the scholar’s work is so typical. And then whining it was still so long to copy.😝I liked that the chancellor planted the seed in 4th prince’s head to find a sponsor for the farm boy scholar. The disciple wannabe will cause grief, but he is cunning, not necessarily smart. He has already proved himself lazy so that will eventually trip him up. The true author writes feeling little effort so there is no doubt the truth will come out. It was shrewd of the chancellor to leave princess with her handkerchief and the words she could trust him. She now knows how to open the secret door but still no clue where her bodyguard is being held. At least she is still alive. I’m hoping she gets to stay that way. The empress in mourning clothes surveying the land with third prince. He promises all that she sees. The land of peach blossom servants😝These two deserve each other and bodies are going to line up significantly higher than psycho prince planned. These two are what nightmares are made of when in charge.
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The Princess's Gambit Episode 18
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The chancellor tried to get a stubborn princess to explain herself, but she refused. Even after a beating. She tries to divorce the chancellor and they end up consummating their marriage. She left with his token and the chancellor is convinced that only those that meant 4th prince harm would be on the road. She tried to exonerate the prince by saying she knew who murdered the eunuch. She was told 4th prince dies or her brother dies. The princess did a good job planning, but even the best of plans can fall short. Third Prince never cared if 4th Prince was innocent. He was just another obstacle to the throne. I really loathe the b from boutique. She was too familiar with the royal tactics to believe Chancellor or Princess. She slmost got away with it, but, to the end, the princess tried to save him. I do not think the 4th prince will be able to clear her name in time and right now, the chancellor is not in the mood to consider any other option but what he’s already decided. I wish he would not have lost faith in her, but she really made it difficult. If he would have heard the threat of her brother, he would be even more inclined to find her guilty. My biggest regret is the b didn’t fall off the cliff and caused more trouble actually including Prince. She did ironically save him with her stunt because he was visible to the archers getting ready to light up the carriage with arrows. They won’t notice Princess is pulling him in and will most likely believe she is pushing him out. And episode ends😝
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The Princess's Gambit Episode 17
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The princess decides to keep a backdoor rescuer and goes out with the sis to a rouge shop. This is under the guise of teaching her how to be appealing to other suitors. That makeup🫣😂😝 she then ditches her to leave while a true makeup artist saves the sis’ face. She heads to the library and lights incense but as she is registering, she notes 4th prince’s name and location, so runs upstairs and gets rid of incense and clears room. As she leaves, she comes face to face with chancellor. She even had the red string bracelets for cover story for sis and 4th prince. She truly thinks ahead. The chancellor knows something is off but chooses to trust her. He knows, that in spite of the evidence, this is one oath she would keep. He understands what family means to her. She returns home but the boutique is now being closely monitored by the chancellor. The sis has another adventure with a scholar. It seems she has a type.😂 The prince gets jealous and makes himself the third wheel. Sis is far from happy and strongly encourages the prince to leave. However, the scholar is reading the 4th prince’s book and they discuss it. Turns out for sis the guys like each other’s kindred spirit over her.🫣😂 They are quoting lines back and forth and are very happy to have met. Sis didn’t know she had a talent for matchmaking scholars.😂 I hope there is some future with this friendship other than being a vehicle to tick off sis. The princess is warned to not leave and specifically asked about her tattoo. She disregards chancellor’s warning and goes to get other half of antidote, assuring her handler she will not fail killing the prince once she has the physical strength to do so. She tells her bodyguard she has no intention of carrying it out but needs time to devise a plan. She opens the door and chancellor is waiting for her. She admits what she is but also that she made a promise of who she would protect and meant it. He believes her but is still cautious. The episode ends with b boutique owner taking things into her own hands. She must fear the third prince as much as empress. No pity for her aligning herself with two vipers. But somebody needs to show up now. I really want antidote handler taken off the play grid. She needs to go. Just need to be sure to have antidote so they can figure out recipe.
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The Princess's Gambit Episode 16
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Third Prince is quietly making big plans. He is the prince they should be most concerned about. He didn’t even bother to see why 4th prince’s robes needed changed. He just assumed guilt, plotted his death, and then gave him a memorial toast saying didn’t want to kill him but fate determined differently. He is cold, lethal and expedient in action. He takes no prisoners and willing to leave a trail of bodies. It was refreshing to see the b from fabric store nervous. I get tired of her snide dealings with the princess. That half dose, well I agree with the bodyguard in how I feel about that. It is a shame our couple did not compare notes, they could have been well ahead of the game. Their intel combined would have made great headway tho still not have answered the question of how 4th prince got involved. That is where sis could have enlightened. Many despise her character, but I find that I like her in spite of herself. She is impetuous due to her youth , but she has a good heart and is loyal. She is also very forward.🤣 4th Prince has no clue how to deal with a woman so blatantly interested in him and not worried in the least about repercussions. She sees what she wants and pursues it. Their adventure in the library. It is funny that she interpreted the book she was looking at as some oddly military but not.😂The prince’s reaction said it all.😂Hiding in the water plant vat was a good move. But now seeds are planted for Prince. Her reaction is priceless and totally disarms him. They are very cute together she just needs lots more martial arts training to protect him and learn better discipline. I also like the bodyguard and aide. These two with healing ointment and fish soup. It was a sweet scene. The princess has a very harsh task. She knows what it is but not who it’s for. The chancellor has revealed his guarding of the 4th Prince. This is not something the 3rd Prince should know, but here it is. In this, third Prince has a distinct advantage. What I do not understand is why was a marriage set for 4th Prince when 3rd Prince would have had Princess blocked in from both sides? But maybe 3rd Prince planning other brides via empress. The Princess is in a very bad spot but since she won’t talk to chancellor she is going to have to figure out how to get around it and survive. The chancellor is keeping closer watch on 4th Prince so their paths will cross at the library. The third Prince has at least been caught unawares since he is putting all his eggs in the Princess’ basket. I want them to save the Prince without exposing her, but that isn’t likely. On to next episode to see how Princess handles this. She is most intrigued that the third Prince has the empress’ talisman. The chancellor could use that bit of intel.
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The Princess's Gambit Episode 13
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The hunt begins and turns into a competition. The chancellor and crown prince are locked in a heated contest. Prior to the contest the chancellor and his aide swapped spots with the princess playing along that Shen was the archerer. While they were keeping psycho Prince busy, the chancellor and a few others found where the workers were kept and planned an escape. Unfortunately Meng heard of it and got his sister involved to keep Princess from warning anyone. You have to admire these two women together. They are equal in plotting and dealing with less than benevolent family. These two would have been good friends under other circumstances. The wife called her bluff and played hardball with possible consequences if the princess did not comply, as would the princess had she been the one in that spot. 4th Prince shows up to play chess, what he was really doing was giving the princess time to keep chancellor’s cover and sending men to the mine as chancellor was getting boxed in. Those men standing around watching the one man army was a bit much. If they were destined to die, they could at least try to take out one of the men that held them prisoner. At least a couple brave ones helped til reinforcements showed up. The prince’s face when once again chancellor shows up right on time for his reward. Later as our couple is walking an assassin tries to take out the chancellor and the princess throws herself at the arrow. Chancellor did not expect this turn of events and is pretty shocked. This is saying something since he is rarely surprised by the events that surround him. He is usually orchestrating them and this one should have been no exception. He knew psycho Prince was plotting and decided to go in with another prince to have an attempt on his life. However, this was altered with the princess intervening. He now felt guilt and remorse as he couldn’t wrap his brain around the survival driven Princess becoming bodyguard. He is so regretful he goes to a temple to pray for her, something he had cast off years ago. The princess had plots of her own. She knew things were happening and had added a bit of makeshift armor to take the arrow for him. I don’t think she planned on being knocked out for so long but she definitely wanted him to trust her. These two and their machinations go levels deep and wide. It is quite the irony that the psycho prince is getting blamed. He is the hothead always acting before thinking. He even admitted to Meng that he had hired assassins and changed his mind out of fear for his father. This was actually the truth, but even Meng doubted him. This just seemed like another mess to clean up. The sister has a misadventure with a runaway horse and 4th Prince is the hero. He is the royal dr dolittle.😂 It was very brave and stupid standing in front of the horse like that, but fortunately a positive outcome. The consort commented on his bravery and it is clear the emperor doesn’t want to give any positive feedback at all for this prince. Then sis amd 4th prince and their BBQ for one who doesn’t eat meat. 😂These two are a comic distraction but for me, I would prefer seeing bodyguard and chancellor aide together sparring . These two are more handy with the things going on. Psycho Prince is even more outraged. The emperor has promised an investigation and he will have to restrain himself. Waiting to see how the hunt wraps up or if this is considered the end of it and next episode they are just back home. The saddest part is that they were a day late for Lian’s brother. He tried to escape alone and it got him beaten to death. She has a comb for her legacy and no living relatives. I hope the chancellor and princess make some plan for her. She paid a high price for their machinations.
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The Princess's Gambit Episode 12
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The third prince seems interested in the princess. That is swiftly blocked by the chancellor for her to freshen up before meal. The chancellor gets to sit between wife and consort. Since her family is present, I’m somewhat surprised that he flat out ignores his wife. Oldest brother not happy about it. The toasts are started with improv poetry and crown prince left out of it. He sits there sulking for most of it. Our couple does a decent job acting impaired by the wine. They go off to explore and find the poorly hid mine entrance. The 4th prince is hiding from all of them to bury himself in book reading. He is still reflecting on ideals vs reality. The sis comes in and forces him to stop wallowing and do something. He needed the kick in the pants and hopefully she will stay out of trouble. Chancellor and princess go into mine and discover an actual silver mine. They both have clearer pictures of what their respective royals are up to. Eldest Meng son sets his trap of flooding the mine and covering entrance with heavy boulders. He considers plan full proof and gives Prince directions and timetable so that the couple will be found dead and ghosts reason to avoid area in future. What was not expected was for emperor looking for something and chancellor strolling up with lost item. The Princess is going to a tent with a mysterious bundle and crown prince can’t stop himself from being the bully first and engage brain after the fact. After ordering everybody out he grabs the bundle from her and it turns out to be royal consort’s robe. She gives him a nice resounding slap and immediately debunks the missed pendant story eldest Meng son tried to generate. This time the prince takes his own lashes tho only ten. The princess comments that Lian’s revenge has started. The two pour over the map and figure out where the miners have been stashed. The chancellor hopes to find them soon. The princess rolls her ankle and the chancellor carries her in his arms watching the royals complain of his lack of propriety. He ends up sleeping on floor beside her but I think is to guard her more than be close for his assigned duties from emperor. Counted down a point because again their escape is mentioned not shown. This is third time getting out of tricky situation explained in a sentence as afterthought.😝 This is lazy from writer or editor or both. The actors, both main and supporting cast, are doing an excellent job and the tension between the couple is very believable. There are trust issues of each other , but both willing to cooperate to fulfill their agendas. As long as they are headed in same direction they will support each other to complete the mission. What happens after their goals are met will be interesting.
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The Princess's Gambit Episode 10
2 people found this review helpful
Another suspenseful episode. Eldest Meng son has to be tired of cleaning up the psycho prince’s messes even if they are close in bond. He makes one mistake after another thinking the Meng family supports him personally. They support his title and resigned that he’s the option. I did not realize he is brother to chancellor’s wife. They seem close in spite of the circumstances. After seeing the uncle’s punishment to her brother while knowing who is really at fault, the wife may actually be safest where she is. The chancellor is harsh but rather fair overall. She was only confined after a deliberate betrayal and then only confined, not harmed or starved or particularly mistreated, just secured so no further betrayal can occur. However, if her family has similar tactics as the poison princess has to deal with, she has more reason to fear them. The 4th Prince is young and idealistic. His only mistake is expecting people to do their jobs lawfully and well. He did at least get the village to unite, but now they have to be evacuated. Their upright official went right to the crown Prince and only wanted to follow him. 😝 He merits flames too. So now Meng has ordered the entire village to be massacred. I also did not know the Chancellor and 4th Prince are cousins. It was sweet that the idealistic fervor of the Prince was a direct result of cousin. We get a glimpse of the man the chancellor was before tragedy struck. The princess thought the worst of him with the child, but he returned the favor with the drawing. The chancellor wisely calls for backup but there are a lot of mercenaries sent to slaughter everyone. It is taking its toll and it will be a close call if they can really save the people. The granny went back and I really don’t want her to be the sacrifice for the prince’s optimism. I like the princess ready to throw knives to assist. I don’t think chancellor saw that one coming. He expected her to shrink and cower. She did become fearful when he made her leave his side. But she learned from his bamboo cutting how to get a blow in. Of course they end on a cliffhanger and princess is in the water caught in weeds starting to faint. And we do not know about granny with the two well meaning, but not so great rescuers.
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