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KJ2025 The battle of father and son. ZhiXing challenges his father that if he wins the insurrection ceases. The Marquis accepts the challenge. His son is definitely less experienced, but he is impressed that he can dodge his attacks. He tests his son’s mettle and is satisfied. At a crucial time he holds his son’s blade and helps him avert an attack. He lets his son continue the thrust and makes him swear to keep his promise of reviving the Zhuang name. Zang Hai is shaken at the emotional embrace between father and son as the sword continues through. As much as he truly wants the Marquis dead, he is heartbroken for ZhiXing. The battle ceases and the Marquis’ men and son are arrested. In court Eunuch Cao argues for the death of ZhiXing and his supporters agree. Fortunately calmer voices prevailed and ZhiXing is spared.He is sent to the border and refused entry to city unless by imperial order. Zang Hai and ZhiXing see this as the emperor trying to have him killed indirectly. Zang Hai points out he could succeed. I see this as the emperor giving him indirect protection. For all his faults the Marquis fought valiantly and with honor, his son is cut of the same cloth without the moral ambiguity. He is a straight arrow with a definitive line of right and wrong. If kept away from the court to mature and strengthen himself, he will be a great asset to the empire and has the capacity to be a great man and savior of the Zhuang bloodline. After arrests are made, Zang Hai smiles over the body of Marquis, but after is still a hint of respect for a man that is brave but blinded by power . ZhiXing asked if he was happy at death of his first enemy. Zang Hai has no response but ponders the question. I think he is satisfied that no more misconduct can be caused by him but I think it would be wrong to say he was pleased and content. ZhiXing notices for himself that while he felt the need to completely avenge his mother that he was not consoled by the death of his father. He weeps by his mother’s tomb feeling completely alone in the world. He thinks she is disappointed in him for killing his father and would not want him to visit anymore. Zang Hai softens this by requesting his mates from the military to join him so they can grow and mature together. I like how Zang Hai tells him to not look back but to keep looking forward. I hope to see the day ZhiXing returns and looking forward greets Zang Hai. The Eunuch is far from happy and his goons are wanting to kill off ZhiXing immediately. I think they will still plot but while annoyed that part of the Marquis is alive, he does not consider the son to be a worthy adversary. His mistake but he won’t live long enough to realize it. Zang Hai has set a nice trap for the Eunuch. He has them believing the seal is hid in the wall of the treasury. Knowing that the eunuch will be behind his henchman while they are opening it…when the box is removed it will trigger a device in opposite wall that spews darts across hitting back to front. The eunuch is guaranteed to get the majority of missiles. Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.😝The masked man visits Zang Hai and mentor. Zang Hai is remaining on path but he does realize he used ZhiXing and changed his life forever. On this, as horrible as it was, I am inclined to think this ultimately helped ZhiXing more than hurt him. He will become his own man without the stigma of corrupt father and brother and heartless poisoning stepmom. His future will be brighter without their influence. I think the Marquis himself recognized this when he chose to lose the battle. This was his redemption. They discuss how things are going and how to proceed now that Marquis is dead. It is figured the third party is aware of the happenings but just to be sure mentor is dispatched to Dongxia to spread rumors and find out what they know. AnTu is worried that ZangHai will not survive a round with her mom. She is truly concerned and his response is that it would be better if she killed him. I know that the queen must know of her daughter’s disappearance and the happenings about the Gui seal. I do not know if she is part of the current three tho I am pretty sure she is the one that triggered it to beat General Zhuang in first battle. I do not know if she had any dealings with astronomer, but it’s likely she did. So what arrangements did she have with the astronomer and where was he directed to put the seal and who helped guard it? I think all three fish have to be together to activate it. I think Cao was a necessary evil to keep her daughter protected, but if he and Marquis are both out of the way…what happens now? That is the real question for the case of the seal. Now to see if Zang Hai still needs plan for seal or if he is just winding down his hunt for third person revenge. And what are his intentions for AnTu? How will she fit into things? Will they be together or adversaries? I don’t even think Zang Hai has decided on this yet.
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The Prisoner of Beauty Episode 35
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Baby Feifei greets the world amidst chaos. 4 generations of Wei women determine to stay steadfast on the home front. It’s kind of an amazing sight. Even mom is somewhat resolute. Especially since she is usually a woman suffering from vapours. Interesting that one she so admired is now who they must defeat.😝 General Qu has so much guilt. He will forever carry this because he knows he passed on the mission to make Liang go. I can’t believe he lost an arm and still took out half a squad. He was supposed to have a small cavalry group so why is he doing this solo? He now has Liang strapped to his back and leading blind Qiao dad. Liu Yan has done us the favor of killing the governor. But he has also taken out the two most brilliant canal engineers. While he was admiring the blood on his hand I was honestly expecting him to lick down his hand and grin. He seems happiest surrounded by dead. They are the only ones that look up to him.😝 Advisor is gonna have to decide where to hide now because no side will trust his traitorous ass. A rock slide has hampered Lord Wei and they are having a hard time of it. They are down to 70% of their men and the odds are against them as more defect to Liangya. He receives the message that his home is under siege and he has the choice between his family or the people of Panyi. He makes the choice that ManMan would and heads for Panyi. I love how gma lets ManMan know she is not responsible for her uncle’s actions and I love how she declares herself a Wei that won’t leave her home or desert her people. The end is approaching and battles raging on all fronts. Time to see who the victors will be.
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Finally seeing the Emperor. Wow…those lies fall smoothly from Cao’s tongue. You can tell he’s a well seasoned liar. The Marquis is walking a tightrope. For all he would love to say he can’t appear the vindictive nemesis. The second official that testified said what Cao wanted him to say, but I do credit him with implying that Cao declared it rather than it being so. I liked that the Emperor chastised the eunuch first. He’s put a hold on the vindictive use of surveillance guards. While the Marquis took blame for not educating his son, and this actually true, he went on to resign his position. I didn’t expect that, and Cao recognized it as nullifying the argument so he can’t continue any pursuit of the Marquis or his family. I did not realize that ZangHai kept Princess at his place. She is imprisoned but it is set up to be a quiet place to heal. He was smart enough to keep her weakened and concerned enough to get lady mentor to check on her. He was chastised for not giving Princess better accommodations and grinned knowingly for them to have a private conversation. She knew that the gentleman protested too much about the Princess being his enemy. Her prior antics have made her too gray for him to consider her innocent. But she has assisted and tried to spare his life from Marquis house battle so she is equally not guilty. He does not know how to place her so he throws her with Dongxia for now. She boldly told him to just kill her now if he thought her enemy and he didn’t agree with that option so waiting to see if she expounds on her deal with Cao and if they continue to work guardedly together or she is left alone to deal with Cao. ZhiXing is strongly encouraged to become the martial artist scholar to gain entry level to court. Zhifu’s mom overhears and tries to get him killed on the course. Zang Hai’s bodyguard taught him well with survivor techniques. He returns victorious with first place. Here I must give actor playing Zhifu credit for playing the babbling idiot quite well. His mother has reason to feel snubbed but she is also receiving recompense for her past deeds. I feel no sympathy for her. She is receiving judgment for killing an innocent and trying to destroy a child’s life. It’s kinda satisfying to see him become a strong leader that has a moral compass. He has the capacity to far outdo his father if he continues this course. Her outrage at seeing the other woman made a legitimate wife.😝 Her machinations are falling around her and she has reason to be concerned about what this means for her and her son. At ZhiXing’s celebratory dinner the Dongxia armor is brought out. While it is his proudest moment with father I think he cringed when he first saw it. ZangHai did an excellent job hiding his horror of it. I hope that is something ZhiXing keeps hid in a closet and never wears. That armor represents a whole lot of evil. The episode ends with the political wife gnashing her teeth that the loved wife posthumously gained her place. I have to admit to enjoying that.
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The Demon Hunter's Romance Episode 22
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This time they convinced young scholars to make blood wine for a toast. This proved all were ink and not real. They discovered the mentor scholar wasn’t there and he was probably the real one. Both XuanYe and BanXia confessed so sweetly. She remembered his and then gave her own. 🥰 The constable overhears and XuanYe ends up in jail. The sand demon has escaped and he’s a major pain in the arse. His gift can change the landscape and cause permanent harm. He escaped from both jail and painting and has erased escape route. He is now hurdling things at XuanYe determined to end him. XuanYe is starting to get more apathetic like mentor scholar but is trying one more thing. He has brothers make lamb soup which doesn’t taste so good to humans but this strong version is quite tasty to moon bugs. He and BanXia found her parents. Her father has his eyes sealed so in the painting he is blind. Her mother became the crying Buddha statue. Hopefully the moon bugs can assist in demon removal so they can get out. The constable has yet to remember who he is but the moon seems to be the key. Too bad scholar destroyed his painting. The sand demon making more unpleasant surprises. Hoping lady constable can help from other side.
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The Demon Hunter's Romance Episode 21
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XuanYe and BanXia continue their quest to see all six wonders. They get their fortunes told under the wishing tree. There they find a young Taoist who has been in the painting 60 years. Is it better to leave him there with hope or get him to a site where temple was destroyed by natural disaster and he will immediately be old man? This is a quandary for them. When she tosses a wish her father’s wish falls out of the tree. This proves he is there somewhere. XuanYe stops at the clinic and sees his parents and him as a small boy. It was a touching moment for him. His father teaches the young him and grown him their family martial arts move. This time eating his favorite dish from mom and teachings from dad will be with him a long time. They stop at the banquet and BanXia fortunately recalls a poem to write on a lantern. Another student has volunteered her to make up another. She is not prepared to recite. The constable has escaped and has his soldiers ready to canvass everywhere to find them both. I think BanXia would prefer facing the soldiers to facing expectant dinner guests with eloquence. 🤣Their tour guide is almost healed at uncle’s place, but in spite of the kind words of hospitality, there is something off about uncle and I think demon senses it.
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The eldest Lu brother is a complete psycho! He has shown up at workplace twice now with veiled threats. The second time almost cost the morgue official his life. He is so fed up with the corruption, and rightly so, but he has to live if things are to change. This time Zang Hai was the voice of reason and reminded surveillance rep Lu that it was also a serious crime to defame royal graves. This somewhat calmed things down but psycho guy is not going to let it go and makes it plain. Work minister shyster shows up and requests ledger. He gets workers and supplies to gravesite but of course he has skimmed and given tampered materials while charging full price. This does at least allow for work to be completed before festival. The Marquis receives notice that fraud has occurred with general Fu’s worksite and fingers pointing directly at Zang Hai.The Marquis is pissed because he knows exactly who is at fault and as a general himself, his son has disgraced him on two fronts. He goes to Zang Hai to get the truth of it but Zang Hai will not remove blame from himself. He makes it clear he is all in protecting the Marquis family from dishonor. As the Marquis leaves he runs into son two. He is now a squad leader with promotion visible on uniform and has brought home a pelt for his dad. The Marquis dismisses him quickly but not before recognizing his son’s progress and telling him how proud he is of his military accomplishments. This son is the silver lining to the Marquis’ bad day and disappointment in his eldest son. Even the wife could not lessen the stupidity and greed of her offspring. She has to acknowledge his foolishness and berates him slightly. The Marquis makes it clear that he is to replace all inferior materials and the funds from their own treasury. He then heads to court where Cao gets a huge surprise. The Marquis not only stands up for Zang Hai but gets ten days added to the work time so that proper recognition can be given to general Fu. Cao strongly disagrees but is shouted down by other court ministers agreeing with the Marquis. I’m sure this event is unprecedented and for the first time in a very long while there is honor shown for a task from Cao. He cannot contrive any more difficulties without showing himself guilty so he reluctantly acquiesces to the new labor schedule for the burial site. He is intensely angry and surprised at the Marquis’ loyalty to Zang Hai. He determines it is because of Gui seal and that progress must have been made to find it. He calls in the Marquis’ eldest son with written proof of his fraud. He demands that he finds out what Zang Hai and Marquis are looking for and if found. When the son is reluctant to spy on his father a tortured official is brought in with charges thrown on the floor on top of him. As he begs for mercy the son is horrified and it is brought to a gruesome climax when the psycho son Lu kills the official before his eyes. He is now given an offer he can’t refuse and must obey Cao. AnTu and friend hear about court disagreement and trying to figure out the reason. AnTu suspects the seal and ponders over things. Zang Hai has tried to determine best course in getting Cao and Marquis to fight so that third party eagle will reveal themselves by taking out winner between the two. He already knows the seal spying is in place so he draws his version of the seal knowing they don’t know what it looks like. Plans within plans within plans all around. Son shows up at Zang Hai’s place presenting as big brother….just call me Zhifu🤣 Zang Hai is already well acquainted with how he treats little brothers😝 Zhifu got in a bribe with the jade that Zang Hai will have to deal with but the pieces are now circling. Endgame will be awhile but territory is being marked and claimed. Now to see how the pieces fall.
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Zang Hai makes excuse to go to minister Zhao’s house who is the head of the ministry of revenue. His mentor’s reaction to being a tax collector😂He finds the minister fixing his own roof tiles. The minister redirects the ledger conversation to official survival. He challenges Zang Hai to decide if he is long term survival or true reform and counsels him on how to best obtain either goal. He then gives Zang Hai the roof tiler job while he heads to official court. Zang Hai takes the opportunity to snoop in the study and finds out that Zhao was quire distant from Dongxia on official business and can’t be the third person. His nosiness is found out when the minister returns to get a forgotten ledger. Zang Hai lies that a servant directed him to the study for repairs. This official is all business and lines up the servants to identify culprit. As things digress and everybody in trouble his daughter conveniently shows up and covers for Zang Hai. Who knew? Mr 8 is the minister of revenues’ daughter. Serendipity at its finest. Liang AnTu has just atoned for previous day’s poor judgment. She does indeed keep ear low to ground. I just wish she wasn’t as much trouble as help😝The officials are crying not enough funds for their testing of officials. Now there will be meetings to find ways to lower cost or lengthen time between. Typical politicians…a lot of talk and no movement without money. Here Cao takes the opportunity to put Zang Hai in charge of general Fu’s burial. This has given Zang Hai a great opportunity to present his capabilities. It is also a way to show that unless he embezzles via work ministry or accepts protection from surveillance group he is not going to complete project on time. I am curious how he will get the workers he needs without corrupting himself. He asks his mentor about novels to give Mr 8 gifts for her impromptu assist that bailed him out. His mentor agrees but directs Zang Hai to gift the one that really helped him. Zang Hai gives the books to Mr 8 who liked one well enough she wanted to present the story at the theater. She then points to AnTu and tells him to get to real business.😂 This relationship is complex. It is as annoying as helpful. This alliance needs to grow so hopefully they will figure out what that means and stop hindering each other. Zang Hai is going to have to learn the way of the gray and she seems to be the best person for job. If they don’t manage to kill each other.😝
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The Demon Hunter's Romance Episode 19
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Our demon hunter still remembers what happened, but he is unsuccessful at convincing the constable and BanXia. He has changed things so that he and BanXia wake up in same place. The three stooges will follow him anywhere.😂 but he knows he needs to convince the constable so they can leave painting together. He shows the constable and BanXia how objects turn to ink when destroyed. But they are not convinced and don’t remember who they are. He still has no clue how to escape but he still sees his first goal getting them all together. They do a good job repeating everything. His three brothers are quite funny. When they do escape I wonder if they are still as ridiculous. If so the constable will have no trouble locking them up. They still haven’t run into sand guy store owner. I wonder if he would trip everybodies memory into working. They might need to get his paintbrush.
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The Demon Hunter's Romance Episode 18
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The two constables are adorable. He is so not willing to see her and she with that compass was very damn cute. I’m with Rabbit…the uncle gives off weird vibes. I’m not sure XuanYe did their guide a good deed taking him there to heal up. They have found the enlightening bookstore but are left with more questions than answers. Once they exit, the servant is asked to get a hammer and he takes it from a painting. When he hands it to his master he is beaten with it and turns to paper. The lady constable can’t seem to get her companion off her mind so she hands him the compass. He has better results and finds himself in the bookstore. Earlier three robbers found themselves sucked into a painting. The constable notices one of them moving in a painting. When he touches it he is sucked into it and his sword and anything else carrying hits the floor. BanXia is having tea while everybody else is doing errands. The master of the bookshop comes in and shows her something her father wrote. She knows he is up to something and leaves clue for XuanYe to find her. She tries to lose the store owner but is unsuccessful. He points a paintbrush at her and she is knocked out by some sparklies. XuanYe finds the clue quickly when they get back but he is surrounded by various fighters once inside the bookstore. Once he conquers them he is alone with store owner who tries every weapon in the book to defeat him.😂The owner thinks he is successful but XuanYe grabs him and forces him to go with in painting. The two demon hunters that accompanied BanXia to underground city continue their pursuit of kinder and more gentle demons. They are bullies and I hope they get to run into one able to protect itself from them.😝
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Zang Hai was forced to wait over two hours for the spoiled princess. She overplayed her hand here and sent the wrong message. And then acting bratty buying all the coins.😝 This shows how aware she is of everything that’s going on, but this time I did not find her cute or endearing. This episode she was the little brat that beat a peasant for looking for his father. I know she is integral for contacts, but it won’t break my heart for her part to be minimal. She is a distraction he doesn’t need for his heart. He will have to learn lesson two this time and keep heart under lock and key but attitude available for information. I have sympathy for second prince. Not that he is being hazed but that two mentors he wanted to have faith in just want benefit from who his father is. At least Zang Hai has never denied it. But that has removed any chance for friendship. It has given the prince resolve to grit it out and toughen up. He can’t play stupid in this environment. He does not have the guides and guards Zang Hai lucked into, but if he survives he will land power and position by right of birth. It is a very hard lesson but it will give him the fortitude to stand up to his father and defeat his step mother and brother. After the crucible of the military, he will be forged into a force to be reckoned with. Zang Hai has his coin but now owes a favor to Zhen Tower. It is not a good place but at least he can try Yongrong meeting. He is intrigued with the firestorm a lowly fifth level astronomer has ignited. I’m hoping we get to see results of those efficiency reports. All are growing in to their new positions.
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Cleaning house has officially started. The two most vile of the bureau have been brought to task for their participation in ghost marriages. I was sorry the one didn’t have to drink the poison he had for the woman. He did right to let the emperor judge these two but to hide this enterprise under the guise of a clinic was heinous. The rest are wise to confess before being found out. This broad sweep has done a good job for the people but has placed a bigger target on him. The second son has been encouraged to join the army. While this is a dangerous venture, it is still by far safer than staying home. The fact that his father gave permission first ask shows how hard it was to see him. The surprise on his face at this request rather than money was a big revelation. The son is safe for a year. Going in as a commoner will keep other family members from being able to target him with “accidental death” while training. I think the rigors of hardship and discipline will help him become the young man he should be. It will also pay penance of sorts for the lackluster thriftless life he has led up til now. This will help both his character and spirit to do better and want to. It will also give him the strength to literally kick his brother’s ass if necessary.😝Liang AnTu’s visit was interesting. She left useful gifts and a question with Zang Hai. I am glad his friends are staying with him. Now they can be useful, monitored and work in safeguarded parameters to stay out of trouble. The mentor seemed disappointed at Zang Hai’s first response to his question about Liang AnTu. He takes Zang Hai to his childhood home. This time I noted his father’s death was him refusing to tell the Marquis about seal and grabbing the spear to silence himself. The three fish were passed out and one I thought a woman’s hand…but things never are as they appear in this show. But I wonder if these three need to be connected to activate the Gui seal? Is this how they determined no one person could be in charge? The mentor used this to reignite the hatred in Zang Hai’s heart. And then he told him to follow his heart in regard to Liang AnTu.😝He does now have an answer for her, but I wonder if it changed from his first thought when pressed for an answer. Only Zang Hai knows.
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We are given more info of the Dongxia battle. It was not one but two. The first should have been won but the Gui seal gave them an army of undead. Production did an excellent job. When the general took his sword to the neck of the fiend and no blood and the bones cracked back into place…..and the other walking up the spear to toss off the weilder…this was eerie and cool. This was an excellent blend of production and cast to make an otherworldly battle sequence quite believable. I am surprised he even attempted the battle as most would have retreated just seeing them. The Marquis does not lack courage. The explanation of wives clearer. The schemer was first and simply a political marriage. She was satisfied with that til she was introduced to the loved wife and son. She almost cannot be blamed for her actions but she had many kinder options. How satisfied she must have been to watch them both fall into disfavor. The deliberate poisoning of the wife and the thriftlessness of ‘loved’ son must have made her quite happy. What she failed to notice was that even tho quite successful with her evil intentions, she did not improve her son’s heart status to Marquis. He is an arrogant, lazy, self serving politician who has no regard or interest in the people he is supposed to be serving. The lack of waterproofing and dam repairs two obvious flounderings. The garden chat about the plum blossom to peonies gave hope for the second son while not finger pointing at the choice to change where efforts directed. The Marquis wanted the fallen general’s position and actually asked Zang Hai for advice. He was advised to let the emperor choose without expressing specific interest and the Marquis wisely chose to follow that advice. Another got the position, but any who offered to take it was demoted. The Marquis was even given a thousand teals of silver to assist his health when he was too sick for attendance. Here is the part that made my skin crawl. He calls Zang Hai to his secret trophy room and tells him of the battle. He says that Zong Hai’s dad stole the gui seal and hid it. He also told Zang Hai he was dead without revealing where and showed him the bronze fish. Zang Hai bravely asked if more than one and the Marquis made it clear he knew where the other two were. He has commissioned him to find the seal. I do not know how Zang Hai managed to be so calm by his parents’ remains but knowing about it prior gave him the strength to put his horror aside. That this is the place that clears the Marquis’ mind is 🤯 The Marquis put in a good recommendation and Zang Hai is now imperial astronomer. His mentor is like a proud father.😁 but he also specifically steered Zang Hai’s attention to the missing one from Marquis’ family and then to ghost burial and stealing of orchards by nobles. So he is directing Zang Hai’s path specifically. He goes to his father’s office and remembers what his father showed him. He also turns off the fake praise and heads to the morgue to help the single person that actually does his job. His mentor corrects Zang Hai’s opinion of bureau but this doesn’t quite ring true for me. They are now separate organizations instead of a cohesive unite to serve the emperor. Will be interesting to see their reactions cause he is nothing like Chu. And it may point to others that wanted his father gone. He reveals to mentor that he didn’t intend to find the seal but now it is on his agenda.
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Zang Hai is doing his best to sell second prince to Xiang AnTu and finds out his own friends sold him out. 😂 Their dinner is interrupted as he chases them out of the tower.🤣 The prince is thrown in a pig pen and challenged to make his own way out. When first thrown in he whines about his difficulties and that training cannot be completed in a day. 😝 He is admonished by Zang Hai, but given the option to walk away accepting that if he does to never mention avenging his mother again. Here he makes the choice to adhere to agreement. The friend should not have made pig noises…he failed at being a trainer in less than a day😝🙄 The prince is indeed soft, but, as he strengthens himself through vigorous training and eats wholesome, simple food, he recognizes that he is becoming the man his mother would be proud of. He shows up on tournament day and his team routed almost immediately. The prince gets pissed at their mocking and decides even if alone he is going to kick some ass. He does well and manages to score. ‘Follow me if you want to win’…words they never expected to hear. They rally and the tricks of the sticks taught by street players came in very handy.😁 At the end of the incense, the winning point is scored by the green team. The betting house goes wild with this change of events and things heat up at the betting tables and court as the games’ winner is dark horse Prince. This news even comes back to Marquis who takes credit how his blood shining through. The concubine side eyes Zang Hai knowing something is afoot and he is the cause. Her son is finally set back a bit. He’s not concerned because he has no idea the talent his brother could have. His mother weakened two sons, she just didn’t realize it. At the reward table the Marquis and eunuch both show up. The prince gets genuine praise from his father for the first time as a man. He is taking this all in and embracing it. Zang Hai is avoiding lengthy eye contact with eunuch. He is offered a position and the Marquis intervenes without directly refusing it. He is hoping to buy the eunuch off, but he is curious about the identity of Zang Hai and sends out a squad to place inquiries. That ended up in a bloodbath and the leader of the group was not killed. But, he did not get to send his message either. I do not know if the second pigeon had a fake message or simply released so could not be used. They have slowed the progress of the leader, but he is making his way back to the capital and killing anyone getting in his way.
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The son hears the click of device and demands to know why Zhinu is there when given a chance to leave. He is told the singular flower on his mother’s grave was either deliberately planted or had sprung up from mother because she had been poisoned. The son refuses to believe that was how his mother passed but wants to determine the truth himself. The second son surprises his family and shows up for the family ceremony. He notes that Zang Hai is not there. What he does see are the poisonous flowers on the altar as part of floral arrangement. He also notes the face of stepmother. When his father was offered cakes from memorial, the stepmother intervenes and makes sure they are not eaten. He adds himself to the hunt and presents a pheasant to his father while big brother chases a rabbit.😝 He tells his father he saw a young deer and leads him to his mother’s grave. When pressed, he tells the son he was too sad to visit. When the son presents him a handful of the flowers to take home and put in a vase, the Marquis angrily gets them away from his son and tells him men aren’t concerned with flowers. The son stays and starts exhuming his mother by hand. He knows and fears the truth, but wants to see with his own eyes. This is where Zang Hai shows up. I also noted he was called Zang Hai rather then Zhinu. He helps the prince finish exhuming the grave and talks of the rights of burial and how hard to imagine a woman of her status being buried like this. He offers the prince an opportunity to distance himself and that he could just tell him rather than show him. The prince refused to leave. ‘This is my mother’. Here his true nature is finally showing. As Zang Hai describes the effects of the poison over time, the prince is remembering the teachings of his mother. It is unclear if he shared or thought this, but it is a significant moment between the two young men. The same person was responsible for the death of their mothers and this made a significant bond between them. They learn with help of mentor that the mother was poisoned shortly after her rival’s family helped husband gain political favor. Once established the Marquis was ready to forsake his wife and child to give way for the concubine. I think he was willingly duped into believing wife and doctor had an affair. He loved power more than love and chose to believe the lie. An innocent man was hung, his wife’s reputation was besmirched, and the son most like him was encouraged to live a spendthrift life and be a royal waste of space. The prince connected the dots for himself even before the evidence from Zang Hai was given. These two together will have a very broad spectrum of capabilities. The prince understands what is wanted from him and why. They each have a similar ax to grind with the Marquis. However, the prince also has love left for the father of his youth. He openly admits he may fail with revenge portion of pact. They both agree that if the prince can find out the third person, that will be enough. It will be a most interesting search. If these two and former Princess and Mr 8 combine their skills with a united plan…..who knows where these machinations could lead? Compared to the Marquis and his sycophants, the next generation are leagues ahead in capabilities. The spoiled prince begins martial arts training from Zang Hai’s old friend. “ Zhinu he will figure out who you are!” 🤣 “He already knows”😂 His friend is not the brightest bulb nor the best teacher, but he is the most loyal. The prince might not become the most capable martial artist, but he will develop friendships with more honorable men and toughen up to real life as a peasant. He will have time to see how his father treats the poor and learn to defend himself with strength rather than money. His character can only improve. I have no clue where Prince will be at in two months time as far as training, but he can only be a better version of what he is now. The end of episode shifts view to eunuch. Interesting that Chinese opera comes into play. They usually sing politics either approving or rebelling. Wonder what version catches the eunuch’s ear?
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It was a sly way to force ZangHai to accept gifts. They thought they painted him into damned if do or don’t scenario. What they did not anticipate was for him to use it to feed the people. Now the Marquis is highly regarded as a savior for the people and the gift givers know where the money is going. That should have been a win/win for Zang Hai, but a cunning tower owner had other plans. She wanted Zang Hai to leave imperial service and be on her side. He politely but without room for negotiation refused. Now here is where I think she would have played response differently. He should have inquired about the burnt girl. That would have her considering her next move from different perspective. She went with the Mr 8 scenario. She managed to get her top aide to spread rumors. One was too close to the truth. That he snuck into their house under false pretenses to tear it down and destroy it. Zang Hai was horrified with what he found in locked secret treasure room. Xiao Zhan did an excellent portrayal of complete horror and disgust. Thanks to ms trouble he now had more gifts arriving. One had a fan and poison bottle with the threat to kill the Marquis in three days. As he is pondering what to do with this request he is kidnapped. The person wanted to literally wear his face and have his revenge on Marquis. When Zang Hai’s shirt was removed he saw the scar on his back. They now knew who each other was. It was a very interesting way to find a lost brother but at least they are on same page and all the doctor tools are being left in the case. They spend a lot of time talking about how their lives changed after the massacre. Then the older brother has news of what direction father was taking entering the city. It was not his typical path so Zang Hai thinks he has figured out the location of the hidden item. It is a tomb in the southwest. Now to see what the fish keys are for. I am so disgusted at the trophies the Marquis kept from that night. It is beyond words. I am also a bit miffed at the ego of tower owner. Zang Hai had enough problems and she wasn’t too distressed at the thoughts of him getting killed. I know she figured he would be able to beat the odds, but she was very comfortable putting him in the position to have to beat them yet again.😝 I want these two to get along because I think their mutual efforts will be needed to take the Marquis and his cronies down. But I do not care if they only have business relationship. I don’t really think I want a romance with these two. Partners in vengeance seems a much better and more realistic option. And if the second prince is playing dumb, does he have the other fish key? There were two forming circle that Marquis stole from father’s pocket.
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