At one point in this episode,, as a side part of one scene, Yang Xian's friend Zhao Liangcheng notices how pretty Qiong Nu is and starts to approach her ... and all of a sudden, with the smoothest, perfect timing, Madam Li backhands him in his face, knocking him to the ground and walks on past him without hesitation. The physical comedy is so perfect.! Love little nuggets like that! It's not an important part of this episode's storyline, but possibly hints at the future because they still need to find a groom for Qiong Nu.
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It's really cool to watch Le Shan's character slowly but steadily growing. Her sense of responsibility and caring expanding to fit her newfound authority. You can see how going through with and watching her 4 sisters go through their various trials has prepared her. And along with that we see Xian's admiration of her growing and her sympathy and understanding of his plight also growing. Love how the two of them end up working together to take back control of the Yang household from his rotten sisters, brother-in-law and useless father.
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This episode was so funny with the way LeShan so capably turns the tables on Yang Xian and the Yang family to get the upper hand in her marriage! It's interesting to see how, while her talents are very different from her sisters, she still exhibits the same cleverness as all the Li sisters in applying her 'skills' to her advantage.
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First we finally get justice against that scheming senior Justice, Xue Guang. Then we get a full happy, formal marriage restart for Li Hao De and Shen Huizhao. Then we finally get started on a marriage story for Le Shan! And wow, what a start! We get a full-on switch-the-brides scheme by that bad-boy Yang Xian!
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In prior episode, for some inexplicable reason, the senior judicial official Xue Guang was not charged & punished even though it was clear that he has taken steps to conceal his son's vicious crimes. Inevitably he comes back to cause trouble, plotting to kill Shen Huizhao. Seems like that plot thread is going to hang around for a bit.
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But shouldn't senior judge Sue Guang also be charged with hiding the crimes his son committed? Not cool that he gets to walk away from it. Nice of Shen to think to replace Hao De's jade bracelet for her. Gotta love his Granny, snarking at him: "Your such a buzzkill every day!" That had me laughing.
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Kinda cool how Hao De is so interested in the legal process and is able to actually help Shen adjudicate cases after his memory loss! Too bad there is no path in this ancient China for a woman to become a judicial official. I hope that Shen retains his growing fondness and appreciation of Hao De if/when his memories return. By now he has to fully appreciate her value to him. She's basically saved his career.
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Story of Kunning Palace Episode 13
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Sue Ning keeps saying this, but keeps doing good things to help people. Man, the way she manipulated the situation with Yue Yue was a masterful bit of scheming and it makes you realize that, in her former life - when she definitely was NOT a good person - she must have been a terrifying schemer! At any rate, in this life, the way she has taken steps to help both her sister and Fang Yin is so cool. Fang Yin is clearly, slowly, on a path towards becoming an independent businesswoman. I hope that her dealings with Lyu Xian go forward in a positive way. He seems like an endearing doofus. Simultaneously trying to be graceful and charming and yet always goofing up on some subtle point. One thing I still don't fully understand yet in the story is Ning's obsessive interest in Zhang Zhe. I assume that it must stem from some 'back story' in her previous life. But in this life, it is hard to see how he triggers such behavior in her. Yes, he's handsome, but she seems to completely lose herself and act like a silly fan-girl the moment she sees him in any scene.
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Story of Kunning Palace Episode 12
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Very concerned that Yue Yue is going to really make things hard on Fangyin. For absolutely no reason other than her own horrible, spiteful nature. And wow, Ning's mom is such a hypocrite. She keeps ranting about worrying about Ning's temper, but SHE is the one who always, consistently, immediately loses her temper and starts attacking Ning verbally. Every single time.
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I was so disappointed last episode with how the writers were using the noble idiocy drama plot trope, but I have to say that (a) they didn't drag it out for multiple episodes and (b) the big reveal was pretty emotional and well-delivered.
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The writers have leaned into a 'noble idiocy' plot trope. Du Yangxi is clearly either under some duress or is striving for some goal which requires him to act like an a**hole and severe his ties to not only Shou Hua & the Li family, but even his own mom! Obviously this has something to do with the Yu family. He is clearly going down a bad path for himself and sacrificing his own love and family, for some 'greater good' in his head. Keeps it secret, of course. This is a classic, annoying drama trope. One of the most hated plot tropes by viewers for obvious reasons (mainly because it requires allegedly smart character to suddenly behave dumb as a post) yet is one that is easy to contrive as a writer. Very lazy writing. Hopefully they won't drag this out for too many episodes.
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Story of Kunning Palace Episode 11
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There are a lot of plot threads all moving fast right now. No dull moments in the show. I'm. not sure I understand Xue Ning's school-girl crush over Zhang Zhe. I guess her feelings for him must stem from her experience in her former life? At any rate, the subsequent conversation that follows between her and Xie Wei is very interesting. Xie challenges her about her feelings for both Zheng Zhe and Yan Lin and quickly accuses her of liking Zhe. He aggressively taunts and threatens her over the foolishness of revealing who she likes to anyone because it will quickly become a weakness that others can target. He tells her to bury her affections deep inside where no one can see them. The interesting undertone of this conversation which is delivered in a very angry, aggressive manner by XW, is that he is clearly taking his own advice and hiding his own secret desires and affection for her. His aggressive tone is a mixture of angry concern that she is exposing herself to harm and also a strong hint of jealousy. But his words are delivering a valuable lesson that she needs to take to heart.
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Overall a fantastic episode - again, the music is amazing and adds so much depth to the scenes. But wow - what the heck is Xie Wei's deal? He really freaked out about the kitten! Dude has some serious issues.
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That Yu household is nuts. The mom & daughter are crazy and Minister Yu not only has a crazy temper, but it looks like there must be some backstory between him and Madam Du. It feels like the show is going to take a turn towards more political drama and intrigue. Hopefully it doesn't get too heavy and lose the tone of the series so far.
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The scene where the 5 sisters are discussing Shou Hua's plight is so endearing, the way the siblings are united and strengthened by each other. And proud Mama Li listening outside. If only all families could be like that. I also like how Shuo Hua is putting Du through a real stress test to prove he is deserving of her after the way their marriage started.
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