1
1
1
Prince Cheng ‘s pride was hurt but unfortunately nothing else. The Feng girl used similar tricks to be noticed with him and secure her place. What neither of them expected was a foolish Qin girl to add to the mix. Xiang is going to get all the attention she thought she wanted and with these two vipers in place with her in between, she will get everything she deserves and then some. Prince Chi charmed both Gma’s and all were prepared for happy festivities with all three princes’ marriages set to take place. The Emperor is happy Prince Chi seems to have fallen in line but remains agitated with Prince Rui not turning over the talisman. Prince Rui and son had a major row over it and the father would not listen to reason tho he was right in how enemies would take advantage of change in leadership. This cost him his life and the Emperor is very like the over acting artist. His laments are laughably fake. The dowager has collapsed and wants her son returned to her. Prince Chi collapses there but returns his father to the palace and gives the emperor the tiger tally with no other words said. The emperor had no tears for his sibling but was all about clutching the tally. He now feels in control. As evil as Cheng is, this seems more of the Emperor’s doing than his. We will see what comes out in the wash as things unfold. I did enjoy the look on Cheng’s face when the bride’s name was given. They deserve each other. The emperor used this to counter the brother’s death as a hunting accident. He covered up the incidents that led to the death in one quick verdict. Wan has used a very specific technique to prepare the bones from Jin’s mansion and Minister Li noted whose technique it was but didn’t say anything further when she responded with learning from books. He does not want this case brought to the emperor because the deceased is the bodyguard of Prince Jin. This now is a cause to reopen the case and he is most reluctant to have it go there. He does have reasons for hiding this. It is not clear if it is to hide things for the emperor that he keeps stalling or covering up. There is plenty of collusion going on amongst the royals it is just unclear what side is the truth. And once the truth starts shedding light on things, where will the chips fall?
Was this review helpful to you?
Wan saying how she will lay low with the Supreme Court minister😝 She has already advertised her endeavors, like he is gonna conveniently forget? 🙄 The wood carver is definitely part of it. Whether he does the actual killing or transports bodies to different location he is accomplice at minimum. That dark flower sure had the artist’s flare, but neither had white mask. The burn case is a stretch when an accident and repentant culprit. Wan needs Bai. As much as I really like Prince and Princess guard wannabes…they have talent, but they are not reliable. The party hardy duo have lost their charm for me. It is becoming a daily event rather than rare occasion. He is pulling her down rather than her making him a better man. They have promised to change their ways but Wan’s reckless behavior needs a firmer hand than these two and Prince Chi can’t be everywhere. He has a weak ass crown Prince to cover up for.😝It was a very sweet gesture of him buying her family home and getting her into the Qin adjoining property. It is a good place to use as a base of operations for their investigations. It can easily home military personnel and keep people under house arrest when necessary, while still having private quarters available. As usual, Prince Chi had this well thought out for her comfort and protection. The coroner is learning what his real job is. He is becoming a better public servant and feeling pride and responsibility with his job. Prince Chi will have to have evidence in hand when he figures out Shuoxi mole. It’s a shame that priorities are askew so that father and son can’t team together to find the culprits undermining the army. Here all roads lead to consort and son.😝 They have been so busy stirring up the pit of misunderstandings between father and son that they are pretty convinced things can only go their way. I have mixed feelings with this episode. I am not happy with how writer is trying to bring balance to Wan’s character. I know that the brothel thing is to get Prince Yan Li in line as a target, but Ning’s choice to drink at every opportunity because she has nothing better to do isn’t working for me either. She could be training with the female soldiers and learning her job or networking with the royals to get the latest gossip. If this is the extent of her efforts she should have stayed home where the dowager could have kept an eye on her. I understand why Wan wanted the princess to know who she really is, but with her alcohol habit getting started, it wasn’t the wisest timing for her to be in the loop. She even said as much. This episode was half headache half decent. The writer knows the objective, but the characters are kinda fumbling around to get there except for Prince Chi and Bai.
Was this review helpful to you?
The two vying prince’s are a direct product of mama’s training and posturing. Can’t blame the Empress for wanting her son smarter. I don’t get why she wants to encourage a wife and consort when she knows from personal experience how that plays out. 😝 The consort is all pleased at her son’s display of superiority in complete agreement. Hopefully there will be no wife for him. Their kind really doesn’t need to procreate.😝I am glad Xiang got caught being lippy. She refuses to learn from her mistakes. I understand why the family wants to marry her off soon and I pity the family stuck with her. Yu puts on a good act but at heart I think she is on par with the Xiang girl in her actual feelings. Her mother’s constant harping on her isn’t helping matters. While it will give her a coveted title, she is too smart to truly be happy with that cowardly indecisive crown prince. However, she may prefer beta’s so she can rule the house. They already know which prince Wan prefers. However, so did the visiting princess. After seeing one prince lose out, she stakes her claim on Prince Chi first thing. It has shocked the men in the room. 😂 She is probably quite talented so hoping our Princess Ning can give her competition. I am sure Wan will wish she could shoot arrows in a particular direction.😂 The dowager continues to improve so that’s a good thing. The emperor has made Wan her personal physician. This is a double edged sword, but will help give her access to royal files pertaining to her family. The gossiping aunt about prince Rui. 😝At least Wan sees it for the scheming it is and forewarned. She has managed to get tokens from two members of royal family in the same day. This too is a double edged sword as all the ladies are wanting to trip her up and watch her fall. This is truly treacherous territory for both of them. Prince Yan Li’s attendance was noted. The emperor gave him a stunned long side eye. Princess Ning was quite pleased tho. I do have one question, why does the emperor choose head piece that has bead shade over eyes? Is this for shade from sun? It would drive me crazy trying to see through beads when conducting business or enjoying festivities. The prince with the fox made a big show of putting jewelry on the princess. The ruby piece was lovely, but furry cuteness can never be underestimated. We may get whiplash turning head back and forth watching the royals take swings at each other. 🧐🫣😂
Was this review helpful to you?
In retrospect this is not surprising. Both of these two were the best DIYers. Duo and BingWen tended to handle things personally and did not waste funds having people work for them. Duo refused carriage rides and BingWen handled his own repairs. BingWen also argued the calmest in court and tried to keep Cao and Marquis at bay through the turmoil. He helped Zang Hai on several occasions as well and tried very hard to get the Emperor to go lighter rather than heavier in punishing. I think the only exception was his demand of immediate harsh punishment of the ‘bandits’ that burned down Duo’s home. Zang Hai thought to cover evidence but maybe this was the only retribution BingWen could bring for his friend’s death. These two must have been very close for Duo to trust him with his family. And since he handled repairs, Duo may have had conversations about his son and tunnels sneaking in and out of the kitchen. We will probably not be given this background story, but it is quite likely these two were the upright thorns that tried to keep the corruption at bay. I don’t know why he made a point to help steer the son. I don’t know if he saw Zhinu as hope for the future or best suited to derail the past and present. This part we might get an answer to as things unravel.
Was this review helpful to you?
Zang Hai figured out that the original builders of the tomb did not waterproof it correctly. The Marquis’ eldest son embezzled the building funds for another project or for himself. The henchmen all knew that this would uncover their fraud and plotted to bury him within the tomb if he successfully fixed or execute him for failing. They planned his death either way. It was a touching scene with his uncle. Now he knows he sounds like his dad and he has retained their wisdom. His uncle was kicked out of imperial service and given tomb duty. He would not say why but I am sure the colleague that helped get Zang Hai’s family killed was responsible. The mentor holding still with a knife to his eye while he played blind was impressive. He did a nice slight of hand with the fortune sticks. I am sure his prediction will involve Zang Hai and waiting to see how the tables are turned on these wicked men. It was even more disgusting that the Marquis agreed to their heinous plot to cover for his son. They knew that he would but was seeing if there was any shred of decency in him. Nope. No wonder his sons are like they are.😝Zang Hai knew he was going to get entombed, but I don’t think he expected all those other men to be with him. I would like to think that they will honor whatever promises they made to these men, but I don’t think there is any chance in hell their families will receive restitution for their sacrifice. Tonight they drink and tomorrow they see the inside of the tomb….permanently. I am hoping that whatever Zang Hai attempts in getting to the river that he gets some or all of the others out with him. I also hope they show a follow up of the burned girl. I hope she lives and can manage to speak. These miscreants keep racking up sins so I hope his revenge takes into account every single person and fraud they have done. I am glad his mentor is assisting. I was wondering at his motives initially, but he has gone to some significant lengths to assist. I am curious what Zang Hai has spotted in the tomb to think there is possible escape.
Was this review helpful to you?
Should have known it was the second son stealing from treasury. I wish he would have had more time to check out secret room. It’s also a shame that the son had more spunk and character as a child than when grown. He is on the fast track to useless. 😝Zang Hai was genius with his inventory ledger and knew just how to stroke the Marquis’ ego. It got him attention, but now the three henchmen want to either integrate him into their slimey ways or kill him. He had his chance at the ‘bday’ party for Yang. I am sure he would have figured out a different response to the poor singer had he known what Yang would do. There are special places in hell for the Marquis and his three. Whoever the gal manager is was surprised that Zang Hai would actually care for the welfare of the girl. It proves again that even on revenge path there are depths he won’t go. That speaks well for him, but also as pointed out by his mentor, it shows the no bottom line for this group. Even the son has a play stupid or die outlook for dealing with it. He tried to gain audience with the Marquis through the son but that also met with dead end. He does now know there are secret locations in the hall where only authorized guests can go. His golden time to get closer to Marquis is getting significantly smaller so he needs to find a way to circumvent the gang of three. Noted that Xiao Zhan is gifted with excellent micro expressions. This drama is intense but I am all in to see how he makes these four pay. The bodies keep stacking up and I’m sure he is keeping track of them.
Was this review helpful to you?
Zang Hai gets introduced to swindling city ways. He still needs training because he shared his observations with girl hustler and finds himself turned into Mr 8. 😝 He did get the scoop on the Emperor by her explaining the play to him. I enjoyed the politicians being shown as jumpy toads.😂 Here is where I wonder if his mentor set him up for further training because he is right there to rescue him and it’s a bit too convenient. Our revenge seeker shows he still has kindness because he rescues the little boy as well as getting into the party of Feng shui experts. His nonchalant attitude and nap taking on the way is funny. But he is right that to get worked up isn’t going to keep mind clear. When they get to the tomb area the group is split up and he finds himself on the side that has a long hallway. Everybody knows this is creepy but nobody knows what to do. One guy suggests to stay by the wall and finds himself pinned with a spear. Everybody starts freaking out and Zang Hai tells them to stay put and shut up so they can live. He has figured out the stars and pattern from their lores and manages to traverse the hall. He and two others reach the end. He has been spot on but his last suggestion took out the other two leaving him the only one past the traps. It does not make sense to him and he is trying to figure out what was wrong. As Zang Hai is reciting Star poem so is Marquis on archery field. He is annoyed that he can’t find one capable to get the Emperor out of his troubles. He is not a patient man as a chatty servant found himself getting his tongue removed. We also see the Marquis’ son and his father warning him to be careful. There are machinations everywhere and nobody can be trusted.
Was this review helpful to you?
It starts with showing workers in a mine. Dongxia has been conquered and Great Yong has built Fengshan Altar to declare victory across the land. Under ground the man in charge said they had dug far enough and the men could stop. He was called by a report that something was wrong in the mine. He investigated to find that all the men were knocked out by something. He saw a tunnel leading further and went to investigate. The structure looked like it was upside down and had what appeared to be a jade carving inside. He and another were attacked by the undead. He was reaching for the carving when it cut to a different scene. A young boy is waiting for his father to get home with the royal procession. He found the princess instead and got whipped for his nosiness. He received a sword shaped welt across his back. There was another boy in the procession that was dumped out of carriage in an accident. The boy and two friends hid the boy and beat him trying to get information. When the two older boys left the one seeking his father shared some treats his mother made. The sister discovered the captured boy and told mom. All the boys were then punished. Her son wasn’t happy because all the tunnels he had built to impress his father had to be sealed. There was gossip that all the men in the mine perished when the alter collapsed. The boy denied this because he knew how good a builder his father was. Later that night his father showed up and was trying to get all of family out of the city. He would not explain why and was stopped by guards who started killing people. The leader was accusing the dad of taking something that didn’t belong to him. The mom had son and daughter hide. The boy took his sister to the barn and hid her while he returned to his tunnels getting rid of the seals he had just put in. The soldiers ended up killing them all but the boy. His close friend pretended to be him so the attackers thought they had killed both his children. He watched as his family was slaughtered. His father at the end said they would never find what they were looking for. With his last breath he told his son to live. They staged a robbery and then set everything on fire. The leader finds something in the dad’s pocket and keeps it. The boy had passed out from the smoke but was found by someone who knew to look for him. The mystery man takes the child and exits. A very eventful first episode.
Was this review helpful to you?
The class gives an interesting assignment. Locals have brought in pottery for repairs and their grades will be determined on customer satisfaction. The pranksters are unhappy that their project is a modern teapot from a cranky old lady. When she comes to pick it up and is very unhappy, they gladly let Xu Xiao take over. At dinner Xu Xiao is very quiet while his step dad tries to give him a new phone. He has lived off his salary and refused to spend any of the money they have given him. His mom means well, but she is very angry about her first husband. She is resentful her son wants to follow in his footsteps and is demanding he change to a different major since he is so capable. He excuses himself from the table and works on the teapot. For the second time she is very unhappy tho the repair looked beautifully done. Xu Xiao figured out what was missing. Ms Wu’s father’s signature on the bottom. She remembers him carving his name there and the memories overwhelm her. For once it is bittersweet tears and fond memories rather than anger. Xiao Cen strikes a chord with him when walking home. She ponders about how not being forgotten is so important. This is why Xu Xiao wants to do so well. He wants to honor his father and do well in the same trade. The only thing missing from this episode was letting us see the repaired item that they originally were chosen to do before the teapot. I know it turned out well, but I wanted to see what it was supposed to look like.
Was this review helpful to you?
Taiga and Rin are realizing her time is short and are sad. He takes her home to see where he grew up and meet his parents. Taiga and Rin puzzle his parents with their decision to date with her having only a month left in country, but they are pleased that their son has matured and has become his own man. Father and son reconciled and that’s been a long time coming. This time they heard each other and understood. They go to Rin’s graduation and while the story was cute, it was obvious that is not where her talent was. Noa has gone overseas and is doing well. She may have even given up on boys. Senior and Noa’s ex are still friends. The ex is actually working with freelance writing and slowly paying off his debt. Taiga has a menu planned for athletes and it has been accepted for the team. There was a lot of time spent on replaying their relationship. Rin made effort to visit and they tried video chats. But, at the end of the day, they amicably broke up. Her friend mentioned he was an ex and he referred to her as someone special. I have no clue why they filled the episode with playback scenes rather than investing more effort than last five minutes in their progress after Rin left. This gave false hope they stayed as a couple. I am glad they will remember each other fondly but have mixed feelings on how last episode was presented.
Was this review helpful to you?
WanZhi has had a lesson from the school of hard knocks. She is seeing the consequences of both not finishing her schooling and lying on her resume. The young man at the job fair is trying to help her but you can only lead a horse to water, not force it to drink. WanZhi lucks into a job at a local cafeteria. For her, it is hard labor and I give her much credit for trying to pull her own weight. Even the manager notes her grit. There is one spoiled older girl who uses her looks to get her way. She does not take it well having a new roommate. The other girl is much kinder and mentors WanZhi along with tips on how to protect her hands. She is the true workhorse of the three girls. The son initially resented her hiring, but he likes that she’s pretty and smart. He has developed a crush on her and WanZhi is trying to keep distant. Here is where I find WanZhi unfilial. It is commendable that she wants to earn her own way, but she wants to use her biological family’s poverty as her backstory when it’s quite obvious she came from more privileged circumstances. Her adopted mom didn’t want her putting on airs, but now she is going the opposite direction and claiming a father and mountain life she knows little about for her circumstances. I am annoyed with her for not thinking she should contact her adoptive dad just to let him know she’s ok. She has also not checked on XingKe who foolishly put himself on the line with the law to protect her. She is so determined to get her own way yet again that she is shunning the people who care about her and not really considering how her disappearance has effected them. She and her adoptive dad both have this righteous stubbornness where they stick to their perceived stance on principles and cause unnecessary division and misunderstanding. So while WanZhi is making slow steady progress, I find myself far more annoyed than happy with her change in circumstances.
Was this review helpful to you?
This episode showed the progress of Tengda in re establishing all projects and putting it back in the black. Elder Sima shows up and makes a different offer. This time when Pei visits him, he notes the maintenance needed and how the sprinklers inconvenienced the people below. He has taken the path not offered. He wants Tengda to be independent and not part of the Sima group. This devastates his mentor, but his true successor needed to be his own person and as already noted with Sima Wan, he was not cut of the same cloth. For all his benevolence with Tengda funding, Elder Sima was not above inconveniencing others for something as little as watering his lawn. Pei saw this as the crux of what he despised about business management and wanted no part of it. He left the Tengda building and moved to a different location that had nothing to do with Sima. He kept 51% of stock and 49% to employees. They are self owned and operated. He reminded Elder Sima that it was the people not the money that mattered in the great scheme of things. He refused to jeopardize that by having to deal with an outside investor. I grinned at seeing the prior headhunter giving guided tours at the new building. His team is adjusting to their new environment and Pei returned from a long vacation to places unknown. He did not move his parents out of their apartment but did get elevators installed. His company continues to grow as it has added the ponytail fruit market and a new ice cream shop. Ms Xin has stayed with Tengda rather than returning to her old boss. He left Sima the picture of his grand venture with the unlucky ribbon and closed the door on it. While unsuccessful for Sima at the end, it will be Pei’s and work family’s greatest achievement. At the end of episode Pei is writing the story. 😂🤣 This ended well and is a very good watch. It is highly recommended and I will enjoy rewatching. I will definitely watch a season 2 if they make one, but this story is complete as is and doesn’t require a sequel. Excellent job from cast and production team.👏🏻❤️
Was this review helpful to you?
Most of Tengda employees found themselves sheltered by Ma in his interesting take of a fruit market. Nobody is happy and all are struggling to figure out what to do next. Sima Wan finds out that he and Pei are not cut of the same cloth. Pei makes the rounds getting 2.0 version of game back online and apologizing to all his staff. Bao would have appreciated Pei’s efforts to locate coder. 🤣😂 LiShi shows up in Pei’s forsaken apartment with humble home calligraphy his only addition to decorations. All employees are disappointed in Pei’s actions, but in spite of everything, they are work family. They want their family to succeed and next episode will show us how they do it. 😁
Was this review helpful to you?
Number one son managed to cancel Tengda. Pei confesses to his company leaders his real intentions. First son is happy to flip board on dad. Pei assists because he sees no way out from Sima. I am glad he finally confessed. It does not put him in a good light, but they now know the truth. Pei no longer will have that load to carry. He is distributing the funds to all company employees and accepting the bad press. Now to see where he goes from here. I feel bad for elder Sima that all his sons are so selfish. Pei may now see how elder Sima forced innovation growth by thinking outside the box. Only the oldest son recognized and resented this factor of Tengda. Now that Pei has his payout, where does he go from here?
Was this review helpful to you?
The one laugh for me was LiShi buying the land and preventing further workout training.😂🤣 Pei is outvoted by these obnoxious brothers and even tho they made tremendous losses there is no payout because nobody knows where Elder Sima is. 2 months later there is still no clue til Pei is hurt in an accident chasing hydra Simas out. In the hospital they find out elder Sima has had surgery and in a coma. While Pei is recuperating from his injuries, the Tengda team leaders work hard to change things around for the company. There is nothing to like with these brothers and we are going to meet another next episode. It is a stark contrast of zen like father to these overgrown brats with nothing of value to contribute.😝I will be glad when this arc is over. 🙄
Was this review helpful to you?
