Reviews

Up in flames

Everything was going to plan. Magistrate Zhuo condemned himself and actually got off easier being killed by Pei’s sword rather than dismemberment. Ning made a new decree that allowed women to be head of household. She argued it beautifully and could not be refuted. But the Censor just could not wait like told. He was determined to bring Advisor Zhuo down. He brought a wagon full of evidence that was let to go up in smoke. One army was brought in daring a confrontation. Ning has to wait before she can bring him down and that young man just made it a lot harder for everybody. The scholars are incensed and the Advisor is determined more scorched earth. Ning and Pei are walking such a fine line here.

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Subterfuge

Pei is an excellent chess player. He sees that Zhou knows of his alliance with Ning and is following Zhuo’s suggestion to distance himself and give Ning a chance. I really detest the entire Zhuo family😝 Pei is related by default not by blood. The arrogance of these men truly has no limits. They really have no allegiance to each other but will kill for each other. I do not see how Ning can work her way around all these circumstances but I really hope she figures out something. She knows something is off with Pei so she has been forewarned. But she has no clue what his endgame is. Right now, I don’t think he does either. I would be happier if all three of those magistrates were permanently off the grid. I am glad for the young man being the censor. This will at least give him some sense of vindication. I am also hoping it was not Pei who killed the scholar. This really doesn’t feel like his type of action. But, I am not convinced he didn’t know about it and help delay Ning from finding out. He is a master of all things gray.

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Justice denied

Both share a similar dream🔥 Both got hit hard with reality🤣 Ning has found a way to circumvent Zhuo about bride. She has created a happy circumstance and alliance with the young woman that will give her some justice from mean step mother. However, Zhou and his family continue with scorched earth approach. Together these two have murdered the mentor and the Junlai villagers. Ning learns that he has hidden 10 memorials addressed to her about the matter. He is pleased with himself because he is expecting a new heir soon so he is loosening his grasp a bit. Pei knows that they need to tread carefully so that Ning isn’t killed. This injustice by these men is outrageous. I hope to see them dealt with before drama ends. I also hope they receive some of their own type of justice. Pei will have to help her with this tightrope of killers and it will not be easy.

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Hidden alliances

Ning is confined to her room for 5 days as punishment for her leave from the palace. Zhuo is a psycho; demonstrated by making Pei kill his best friend as a young boy. He is suspicious about the identity of Madame Li and Pei’s loyalty. Pei makes a very convincing show of allegiance, and while frightening for Ning, she understands what he is doing and why necessary. These two play off each other well and are growing closer in understanding. Pei shares the treats he was duped into buying and notes that they really are a favorite for her. He is very cool and calculating in his assessment of people, which is why it’s surprising he was willing to change his mind about 5th Prince Ning. He tells her that whether an Emperor does good or evil is more important than gender. He is walking a fine line with Zhuo, but is successful for now in toeing the line. He questions Li thoroughly to find out who knows Ning is a woman. He knows he will have to figure out a way to keep this all quiet and considering his options. He tells Li flat out she will not get a second chance to deceive and her life is in the balance if she tries it. Li is protecting someone other than Ning but she definitely doesn’t want it known by anybody. The machinations continue and alliances are both fluid and steadfast. Zhuo is wondering if Li is someone from his past but hasn’t connected all the dots yet. His hatred and obsession with revenge clouds his judgment for the big picture. He prefers the scorched earth approach to dealing with conflict and doesn’t care about collateral damage. One interesting development is Ning wanting to allow women to have property. This will not go over well with officials but will be a godsend to widows who have no family or male to fight for them. This will allow them to live on their family land and to make a living without harassment from bully officials profiting from their hardships.

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Justice for Junlai

Pei agrees to take Ning back to palace and spare Li. She makes one last request and demands justice for Junlai. The government officials have her punishments all lined up when it is discovered who she is. Pei helps her and all is noted by scribe to be sure justice is served. It is especially satisfying that the three main culprits get beaten for their activities at the entrance to Junlai Village. Pei tells her that a female emperor is unprecedented and their alliance is forged. This is a well acted drama and the story is nicely paced. The production staff does an excellent job with the fight scenes and drawing you into the story.

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