Didi
USA
Spoilers Ahead
New Characters
Zhi Qin-Prince
Tian Ji (more like a new name)
1.We open to the King of Chu who is walking with attendants and ministers. He wants to know why Qin is silent and why Zhang Li has not acted. I believe Minister He is with him, and it should be noted that throughout their discussion he frequently tells He that Qu Yuan (whom he receives an update on) and Jing Po (whom he is considering for something) are not as good as him--as if he is minimizing them in order to show he does not favor them as much as others might think (perhaps an act of protecting them?)
2.In the next scene, Mo Chou Nu visits a perfume shop and she and her little brother, Li'er playfully lift baskets up to their face. Yuan has followed and she insists she does not know him however her facial expressions seem to show otherwise: she seems to be happy to have him around. Yuan displays his knowledge of scents as he elegantly lifts the herbs (waving his hands delicately, in contrast to her actions) and ultimately selects a scent from her, imparting knowledge as well.
3.After the shop visit, she tries to shake him off by dumping tea on him (this is important, I think, because we are beginning to see her 1)lower her guard and 2)act playfully around him) and he explains that he would not leave to change his clothes over a little water (this could also test his commitment; he isn't just going to stop liking her because she is clumsy) However when she dumped an entire pot on him, that was pushing it but her smile when she walks off is more than enough to keep him coming. She admits to her little brother that he is annoying (OMG she is so immature! She likes him! Is she four?)
4.In the next scene, Zhao Bi Xia is playing a harp. Her father is meeting with his important people (those loyal to him/family members) and the topic of discussion is the Qu family. Their main person of interest is Qu Yuan. They suggest that his daughter marry Qu Yuan (much to the chagrin of the other guy there who is, we know, is in love with her)
5.Princess Qin is in bed with the King of Chu when she goes into labor (perhaps to keep her safe/be there since the baby is due soon). The Queen Mother stops by with the other consorts. It seems she has gone into early labor. It's a prince. Of course it is. (It still isn't clear to me if she is in love with the emperor). They name him Zhi Qin. They promise to have a celebration when he is a month old.
6. Elsewhere, (for the life of me I cannot remember her name) is resolute in her desire to punish Princess Qin, even more so for daring to giving birth to a prince. She vows to show her the consequences of picking a fight with her...
7.Meanwhile, Yue Ying receives a new name: Tian Ji. Zhang Li seems reluctant to let her leave, and she is in tears, but this all part of his plan to obtain power. She packs her things and he sends her off with fake parents and fake brothers who are her subordinates. He tells her they will risk their lives for her, and reminds her that while she is sad, she is doing this for the state of Qin. Her job is to help him spy on Qu Yuan, whom he knows may be more clever than himself. (It is kind of admirable that she is doing this for her country. I hope she isn't ill used by him and that his feelings are genuine). Tian Ji dances one more dance, just for him, a special dance only for him, and states it could be the last time (he remembers all the chances he had to sleep with her, and actually turns away to cry!)(the song is very good--so we can confirm he loves her)
8.Yu Niang is confronted for sending information to Qin. However Princess Qin states her brother is only using her for his own ambition. Yu Niang pleads her case and states no one is more important than her child.
9.Cang Yun/Chang Jun meets with Zhao Bi Xia by the beach and he discusses his origins and how poor he was. He then shares that her father wants to marry her to Qu Yuan. If the two families are united it will improve their fortunes, especially since Qu Yuan is a rising star. Unfortunately, she is in love with Brother Yun and expresses her resentment for not having any control over her marriage.
10.Lady Zhao is confronted by her daughter. Her mother frames this as marrying good person, good meaning he has good prospects (what any parent wants). But she tells her that they are using her for personal gain. She refuses to marry him, surprising her parents (after all Yuan'er is good looking too! a rarity in this universe)(poor girl, her future husband is in love with someone else too). Her servant tells her that Lord Zhao is stubborn; no one can change his mind but she will try.
11.Meanwhile, her father is outraged she would want to choose her own marriage and blames Cang Yun/Chang Jun (uh oh please don't hurt him...) He wants to drive him out, but his wife reminds him that if he does that, their daughter will do something stupid. His wife suggests that they discuss this with the Minister of War first since they cannot guarantee he will have her.
12.A few scenes of Qu Yuan and Chou Nu thinking of each other pass and then the next day at market, Qu Yuan visits Chou Nu with a kite. They are, after all, preparing for Yi'er's birthday (how exciting, they get eggs! their life is so different form Yuan's). Unfortunately, Yi'er is ill. He's covered in bites (I am not sure if it is small pox or an allergic reaction or fleas or what). They are able to get a local doctor who has no idea what his illness is however many people have recently caught it (EPIDEMIC) (NOT ON YOUR BIRTHDAY YI'ER!)
13. Qu Yuan learns that he is sick and later receives news of a massive epidemic. People are already digging graves. He wants to investigate and tries to empathize with the people and talk to them that they need to study the bodies to prevent others getting ill (I suppose it is considered very taboo to examine a body instead of putting it to rest immediately).
14.The Minister of War pleads on behalf of his son (and unbeknownst to him) to allow some one to handle the epidemic because of his lack of experience. The emperor acknowledges this but refuses to.
15.Meanwhile, Yuan'er does everything to save Yi'er. Chou Mu takes him to the beach, Yi'er's favorite spot. She tells him that her mother died not long after Yi'er was born and she raised Yi'er by herself for a while because her father was depressed. He is like her son. She says she was taking care of him but really she was depending on him because she has always feared him leaving her and the thought makes her helpless.
16.Qu Yuan (stupidly) promises to cure him and she wants to know how he can do that when she would gladly die for him. She falls to her knees and cries, and he begs her to wait for him, that he will cure him (that is a big promise to make. never make promises you can't keep)
17.Meanwhile, Concubine (whoese name I cannot remember) is extremely envious of Princess Yin who is receiving a grand assembly when she received so little. She has something prepared, and while her attendant is nervous, it seems she is going to cause some trouble tomorrow.
New Characters
Zhi Qin-Prince
Tian Ji (more like a new name)
1.We open to the King of Chu who is walking with attendants and ministers. He wants to know why Qin is silent and why Zhang Li has not acted. I believe Minister He is with him, and it should be noted that throughout their discussion he frequently tells He that Qu Yuan (whom he receives an update on) and Jing Po (whom he is considering for something) are not as good as him--as if he is minimizing them in order to show he does not favor them as much as others might think (perhaps an act of protecting them?)
2.In the next scene, Mo Chou Nu visits a perfume shop and she and her little brother, Li'er playfully lift baskets up to their face. Yuan has followed and she insists she does not know him however her facial expressions seem to show otherwise: she seems to be happy to have him around. Yuan displays his knowledge of scents as he elegantly lifts the herbs (waving his hands delicately, in contrast to her actions) and ultimately selects a scent from her, imparting knowledge as well.
3.After the shop visit, she tries to shake him off by dumping tea on him (this is important, I think, because we are beginning to see her 1)lower her guard and 2)act playfully around him) and he explains that he would not leave to change his clothes over a little water (this could also test his commitment; he isn't just going to stop liking her because she is clumsy) However when she dumped an entire pot on him, that was pushing it but her smile when she walks off is more than enough to keep him coming. She admits to her little brother that he is annoying (OMG she is so immature! She likes him! Is she four?)
4.In the next scene, Zhao Bi Xia is playing a harp. Her father is meeting with his important people (those loyal to him/family members) and the topic of discussion is the Qu family. Their main person of interest is Qu Yuan. They suggest that his daughter marry Qu Yuan (much to the chagrin of the other guy there who is, we know, is in love with her)
5.Princess Qin is in bed with the King of Chu when she goes into labor (perhaps to keep her safe/be there since the baby is due soon). The Queen Mother stops by with the other consorts. It seems she has gone into early labor. It's a prince. Of course it is. (It still isn't clear to me if she is in love with the emperor). They name him Zhi Qin. They promise to have a celebration when he is a month old.
6. Elsewhere, (for the life of me I cannot remember her name) is resolute in her desire to punish Princess Qin, even more so for daring to giving birth to a prince. She vows to show her the consequences of picking a fight with her...
7.Meanwhile, Yue Ying receives a new name: Tian Ji. Zhang Li seems reluctant to let her leave, and she is in tears, but this all part of his plan to obtain power. She packs her things and he sends her off with fake parents and fake brothers who are her subordinates. He tells her they will risk their lives for her, and reminds her that while she is sad, she is doing this for the state of Qin. Her job is to help him spy on Qu Yuan, whom he knows may be more clever than himself. (It is kind of admirable that she is doing this for her country. I hope she isn't ill used by him and that his feelings are genuine). Tian Ji dances one more dance, just for him, a special dance only for him, and states it could be the last time (he remembers all the chances he had to sleep with her, and actually turns away to cry!)(the song is very good--so we can confirm he loves her)
8.Yu Niang is confronted for sending information to Qin. However Princess Qin states her brother is only using her for his own ambition. Yu Niang pleads her case and states no one is more important than her child.
9.Cang Yun/Chang Jun meets with Zhao Bi Xia by the beach and he discusses his origins and how poor he was. He then shares that her father wants to marry her to Qu Yuan. If the two families are united it will improve their fortunes, especially since Qu Yuan is a rising star. Unfortunately, she is in love with Brother Yun and expresses her resentment for not having any control over her marriage.
10.Lady Zhao is confronted by her daughter. Her mother frames this as marrying good person, good meaning he has good prospects (what any parent wants). But she tells her that they are using her for personal gain. She refuses to marry him, surprising her parents (after all Yuan'er is good looking too! a rarity in this universe)(poor girl, her future husband is in love with someone else too). Her servant tells her that Lord Zhao is stubborn; no one can change his mind but she will try.
11.Meanwhile, her father is outraged she would want to choose her own marriage and blames Cang Yun/Chang Jun (uh oh please don't hurt him...) He wants to drive him out, but his wife reminds him that if he does that, their daughter will do something stupid. His wife suggests that they discuss this with the Minister of War first since they cannot guarantee he will have her.
12.A few scenes of Qu Yuan and Chou Nu thinking of each other pass and then the next day at market, Qu Yuan visits Chou Nu with a kite. They are, after all, preparing for Yi'er's birthday (how exciting, they get eggs! their life is so different form Yuan's). Unfortunately, Yi'er is ill. He's covered in bites (I am not sure if it is small pox or an allergic reaction or fleas or what). They are able to get a local doctor who has no idea what his illness is however many people have recently caught it (EPIDEMIC) (NOT ON YOUR BIRTHDAY YI'ER!)
13. Qu Yuan learns that he is sick and later receives news of a massive epidemic. People are already digging graves. He wants to investigate and tries to empathize with the people and talk to them that they need to study the bodies to prevent others getting ill (I suppose it is considered very taboo to examine a body instead of putting it to rest immediately).
14.The Minister of War pleads on behalf of his son (and unbeknownst to him) to allow some one to handle the epidemic because of his lack of experience. The emperor acknowledges this but refuses to.
15.Meanwhile, Yuan'er does everything to save Yi'er. Chou Mu takes him to the beach, Yi'er's favorite spot. She tells him that her mother died not long after Yi'er was born and she raised Yi'er by herself for a while because her father was depressed. He is like her son. She says she was taking care of him but really she was depending on him because she has always feared him leaving her and the thought makes her helpless.
16.Qu Yuan (stupidly) promises to cure him and she wants to know how he can do that when she would gladly die for him. She falls to her knees and cries, and he begs her to wait for him, that he will cure him (that is a big promise to make. never make promises you can't keep)
17.Meanwhile, Concubine (whoese name I cannot remember) is extremely envious of Princess Yin who is receiving a grand assembly when she received so little. She has something prepared, and while her attendant is nervous, it seems she is going to cause some trouble tomorrow.
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spoilers!
1.Dal Peng (In Ha's father) observes In Ha and Dal Po decide to become reporters together (I won't comment on how odd it is that he followed Dal Po here). He later speaks to Dal Po very candidly about his feelings for his daughter. Essentially he states that no guy will be good enough for her and that he wants someone to spoil her. Dal Po admits he doesn't know when he started liking her but he's liked her for a long time and won't share his feelings because the family comes first and he doesn't believe he is good enough for her (may I remark that when someone comes straight out and says all the things you want to say, then it is impossible to criticize them?)
2.Afterwards, In Ha and Dal Po practice together their reporting/fact finding. Later, In Ha's grandpa takes Dal Po out for a new suit (they love their makeovers in these dramas) and he emerges transformed into a model (and without that awful wig). Grandpa tells Dal Po that he has, for years, known that he is not his actual son. He admits he knew within a year of his arrival, but pitied him and let him stay. Later, he realized he wanted him to stay and did not tell him that he knew because he was afraid Dal Peng (In Ha's father) would make him leave. He tells Dal Po to not hide anything anymore and that he is basically proud of him/loves him..
3.Dal Po returns home, and In Ha (in sweats and snacking) is amazed by his transformation. Her father keeps thinking back on how he wants his daughter spoiled and how her appearance/behavior is less than desired (I assume he thinks she isn't what a well to do nice guy wants) and scolds her for not taking more care with her appearance.
4.We learn that a major network is having a competition to find fresh talent to compete with In Ha's mother' network. The unknown wealthy guy shows up as well (he is a bit ostentatious for my tastes). In Ha and Dal Po both made it through the written and blind interview. (They are both extremely good looking how could they not make it through?) The girl who was also interviewed alongside In Ha when her mother's network was looking for a reporter is there (she views her as a competitor, of course, because girls can't get along) meanwhile Dal Po shoots daggers at the rich guy who is studying out female lead intently (he might have money but Dal Po has smarts and looks.
5. I He creepily follows alongside their bus. She thinks he is odd, especially when he winks at her, and Dal Po is jealous and hides her behind him (I like his angry face) (the wealthy guy strikes me as clueless)
6.We lean in a flashback that one of their interviewers is Gyo Dong, the reporter he agreed with him in highschool. The show tries to replicate what an interview might look like by having the candidates observe videos in real time and report on what happens. They must speak clearly, sound interesting, and also use words that engage/interest others (all in the flashback)
7.One candidate makes up lies during his presentation using events that they have no knowledge of i.e. the bird is protecting babies (there is no evidence of this). In Ha admits she admits she can't lie because....(Dal Po interrupts and answers it's because they are reporters and they validate truth)
8.The final candidate refuses to do the report because he believes that they need to verify everything before delivering faulty information. (He clearly did this to support In Ha. She is magical. Because wealthy bajilliionaires who somehow have info on her fall in love with her. Only in a drama does this happen...)
9.Apparently only two candidates can be selected. They know that someone used to be a taxi driver, one used to be a spy-fan (stalker of celebrities) and another is wealthy. Outside, the girl with short hair is rubbing her face against the glass (she is rather eccentric) like she is trying to hear. In Ha is nervous ( sadly, it makes me think she would not have gotten this far without the help of Dal Po). She admits that if one of them passes it is better than nothing but he admits it is meaningless if they don't both pass. In Ha seems to be visibly aroused by Dal Po's somewhat domineering behavior but it could be attributed to anxiety over the test as well.
10. We learn they both passed. They must do an assessment test (they phoned grandpa who is happy but Dal Peng seems to be acting odd....but then he always acts odd...I don't understand why he doesn't want them together he is such a nice guy. He is so weird, imagining them behaving intimately.....What a weird dad......who thinks of stuff like that? Most parents try to NOT think of those things. I don't get this dad)(sometimes I wonder how reflective these shows are of Korean society....if we gauged American shows then it would be mainly made up)
11.Rich guy-Seo Bum Jo, stalker girl-Yoon Yoo Rae, and our leading people make it to the final round. It will be a topic from the past, and an open discussion to gauge their skills. It happens to be the awful event that involved the factory explosion that killed his parents (Oh come on) Dal Po looks like he is about to burst into tears.
12.We learn his skeletal remains were found a few days ago in the factory. It seems the news made a big SNAFU. (no one notices how upset Dal Po is?) In another scene: At the scene of the remains is a construction worker....and Dal Po's elder brother....he bursts into tears (naturally) and walks away for some alone time. Can people sue for this kind of slander in Korea? In the U.S they would be suing. But Asia is different.
13.In Ha (alas) calls it an unfortunate accident but blames the reporters and others for not being more responsible since they didn't take into account that people blindly believe what reporters say, and in doing so destroyed a family. She maintains that the Pinocchio can't have accepted it, and he coldly states that a Pinocchio can't be a reporter if she believes a person can report truth on groundless assumptions . He puts her in an awful position because she must admit she is a pinocchio. Everyone believes she will be eliminated. In Ha storms out with her things but she cannot. Seo Bum excuses himself from the competition to accompany her, leaving Dal Po there.
-the music for this scene is good. no lame popsongs (sorry, many of the songs chosen in Kdramas, I think don't match the setting, in my opinion
14.Gyo Dong, who remembers him, is putting the pieces together. He at the very least believes that a news report has impacted Dal Po's life. On the other hand, if she knew who Dal Po was, I don't think she would have made that kind of comment (If I were her, I would be wondering why he said that.) she tries to reason in the elevator that he did not mean to hurt her (wrong) We learn that she likes him in the elevator because she hiccups when asked if she likes him (awwwww)
15.Dal Po vomits in the bathroom (aww) (can I say how the add some realism without removing sentimentality?) (He has just been dealt a BIG blow.)(he wanted to believe he was alive all this time....)
---A very good episode. Will these two be friends again? will she be a reporter? What about his older brother? I have a feeling that somehow, In Ha is going to get hurt in the end.
1.Dal Peng (In Ha's father) observes In Ha and Dal Po decide to become reporters together (I won't comment on how odd it is that he followed Dal Po here). He later speaks to Dal Po very candidly about his feelings for his daughter. Essentially he states that no guy will be good enough for her and that he wants someone to spoil her. Dal Po admits he doesn't know when he started liking her but he's liked her for a long time and won't share his feelings because the family comes first and he doesn't believe he is good enough for her (may I remark that when someone comes straight out and says all the things you want to say, then it is impossible to criticize them?)
2.Afterwards, In Ha and Dal Po practice together their reporting/fact finding. Later, In Ha's grandpa takes Dal Po out for a new suit (they love their makeovers in these dramas) and he emerges transformed into a model (and without that awful wig). Grandpa tells Dal Po that he has, for years, known that he is not his actual son. He admits he knew within a year of his arrival, but pitied him and let him stay. Later, he realized he wanted him to stay and did not tell him that he knew because he was afraid Dal Peng (In Ha's father) would make him leave. He tells Dal Po to not hide anything anymore and that he is basically proud of him/loves him..
3.Dal Po returns home, and In Ha (in sweats and snacking) is amazed by his transformation. Her father keeps thinking back on how he wants his daughter spoiled and how her appearance/behavior is less than desired (I assume he thinks she isn't what a well to do nice guy wants) and scolds her for not taking more care with her appearance.
4.We learn that a major network is having a competition to find fresh talent to compete with In Ha's mother' network. The unknown wealthy guy shows up as well (he is a bit ostentatious for my tastes). In Ha and Dal Po both made it through the written and blind interview. (They are both extremely good looking how could they not make it through?) The girl who was also interviewed alongside In Ha when her mother's network was looking for a reporter is there (she views her as a competitor, of course, because girls can't get along) meanwhile Dal Po shoots daggers at the rich guy who is studying out female lead intently (he might have money but Dal Po has smarts and looks.
5. I He creepily follows alongside their bus. She thinks he is odd, especially when he winks at her, and Dal Po is jealous and hides her behind him (I like his angry face) (the wealthy guy strikes me as clueless)
6.We lean in a flashback that one of their interviewers is Gyo Dong, the reporter he agreed with him in highschool. The show tries to replicate what an interview might look like by having the candidates observe videos in real time and report on what happens. They must speak clearly, sound interesting, and also use words that engage/interest others (all in the flashback)
7.One candidate makes up lies during his presentation using events that they have no knowledge of i.e. the bird is protecting babies (there is no evidence of this). In Ha admits she admits she can't lie because....(Dal Po interrupts and answers it's because they are reporters and they validate truth)
8.The final candidate refuses to do the report because he believes that they need to verify everything before delivering faulty information. (He clearly did this to support In Ha. She is magical. Because wealthy bajilliionaires who somehow have info on her fall in love with her. Only in a drama does this happen...)
9.Apparently only two candidates can be selected. They know that someone used to be a taxi driver, one used to be a spy-fan (stalker of celebrities) and another is wealthy. Outside, the girl with short hair is rubbing her face against the glass (she is rather eccentric) like she is trying to hear. In Ha is nervous ( sadly, it makes me think she would not have gotten this far without the help of Dal Po). She admits that if one of them passes it is better than nothing but he admits it is meaningless if they don't both pass. In Ha seems to be visibly aroused by Dal Po's somewhat domineering behavior but it could be attributed to anxiety over the test as well.
10. We learn they both passed. They must do an assessment test (they phoned grandpa who is happy but Dal Peng seems to be acting odd....but then he always acts odd...I don't understand why he doesn't want them together he is such a nice guy. He is so weird, imagining them behaving intimately.....What a weird dad......who thinks of stuff like that? Most parents try to NOT think of those things. I don't get this dad)(sometimes I wonder how reflective these shows are of Korean society....if we gauged American shows then it would be mainly made up)
11.Rich guy-Seo Bum Jo, stalker girl-Yoon Yoo Rae, and our leading people make it to the final round. It will be a topic from the past, and an open discussion to gauge their skills. It happens to be the awful event that involved the factory explosion that killed his parents (Oh come on) Dal Po looks like he is about to burst into tears.
12.We learn his skeletal remains were found a few days ago in the factory. It seems the news made a big SNAFU. (no one notices how upset Dal Po is?) In another scene: At the scene of the remains is a construction worker....and Dal Po's elder brother....he bursts into tears (naturally) and walks away for some alone time. Can people sue for this kind of slander in Korea? In the U.S they would be suing. But Asia is different.
13.In Ha (alas) calls it an unfortunate accident but blames the reporters and others for not being more responsible since they didn't take into account that people blindly believe what reporters say, and in doing so destroyed a family. She maintains that the Pinocchio can't have accepted it, and he coldly states that a Pinocchio can't be a reporter if she believes a person can report truth on groundless assumptions . He puts her in an awful position because she must admit she is a pinocchio. Everyone believes she will be eliminated. In Ha storms out with her things but she cannot. Seo Bum excuses himself from the competition to accompany her, leaving Dal Po there.
-the music for this scene is good. no lame popsongs (sorry, many of the songs chosen in Kdramas, I think don't match the setting, in my opinion
14.Gyo Dong, who remembers him, is putting the pieces together. He at the very least believes that a news report has impacted Dal Po's life. On the other hand, if she knew who Dal Po was, I don't think she would have made that kind of comment (If I were her, I would be wondering why he said that.) she tries to reason in the elevator that he did not mean to hurt her (wrong) We learn that she likes him in the elevator because she hiccups when asked if she likes him (awwwww)
15.Dal Po vomits in the bathroom (aww) (can I say how the add some realism without removing sentimentality?) (He has just been dealt a BIG blow.)(he wanted to believe he was alive all this time....)
---A very good episode. Will these two be friends again? will she be a reporter? What about his older brother? I have a feeling that somehow, In Ha is going to get hurt in the end.
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spoilers ahead
many more subplots are planted
7/81!
1.Zhang Yi drinks wine with Yue Ying. She essentially criticizes him because he would rather drink wine than make love. Next she steps behind a screen (cleverly placed to blur out her body but you can see her naked back) and then she approaches him. He throws her on a bed (I think I actually saw the side of her breast--this is a big deal because China, you know, censors everything) and proceeds to kiss her, but stops. He tells her that her virginity (basically) should not be wasted on him because she has greater uses. We learn that he has been teaching her everything she might night need to seduce someone for years, ever since he saved her life. She is both devoted to him and in love with him. He tells her that when he rules the world she will be his wife, but that she must be patient (I cannot tell if he loves her or is pretending to love her)
2.Elsewhere, Princess Yin is visited by Lan'er (the little prince) and his mother. He apologizes and is visibly trembling, and his mother wants him to kneel for the entire night. Yin insists he did not know better and accepts the apology and also promises to not tell the king. Lan'er's mother delivers medicine (I am certain that this violates harem rules) and then leaves.
3.Meanwhile, the other prince who was with Lan'er reports to his mother, the queen, what happened to Consort Yin. Because she is the king's current favorite, she immediately reports this to him (Oh snap!). Both the Queen and King visit Consort Yin just as she begins to not feel well. Her attendant, Yun Niang, rushes for help and runs into the king and queen. With no choice, she reveals what happened (Yin is not conscious). Enraged, the emperor goes to find his son....
4.The king finds Lan'er dining with his mother (it makes him look bad) and he is immediately held down and brutally beaten. His mother learns that the king was told what happened (translation: it appears like Princess Yin broke her promise). Only when the queen intervenes does he stop. Lan'er's mother swears vengeance and to deliver double the pain to Princess Yin's child....(the plot thickens...)(I kind of don't blame her because her entire existence is wrapped around the survival of her child, and it was just threatened...)
5.Back in Qin, the king is walking with his brother and observes his favorite consort with their son. She is telling her son that he should hate Chue, even though she is from Chue. She explains that she was just a little girl when Xiong Xiang (?) and Xue Hui betrayed her with a hunting trip, knocked her out, and sent her here (they promised to never use her for political gain). She is extremely resentful because of this. She tells her child to never forget what the state of Chue did to her (more plot thickening...) The King Qin refers to her as his beloved in this scene, so she is important to him...
6.Master Liu continues to extort the fisherman. He is stopped by officers from the magistrate, who arrested him, earning applause from the crowd. He is imprisoned, although Liu insists he is innocent because this is the way things have always been done. Yuan'er institutes a new edict: no beating of fishermen at will. The people are happy.
7.Yuan'er continues to find reasons to visit Chou Nu. He brings building supplies to repair their home (he better not be using state funds that would be embezzlement). Here she tells him another person will fill Liu's place--does he think he can get them all (exactly what he told the emperor). But Yuan'er seems to think he can (hypocrite!). Later. he follows her to do laundry, and catches her when she slips, and when he realizes he his holding her tightly he pushes her away, into the water(I'll admit I found his behavior annoying at first but wonder if this is supposed to represent not just inexperience, but maybe that he is unique from men of his time who essentially sleep with dozens of women from a very early age--that he is that much more reliable as a guy who won't easily sleep around?)
8.She maintains her cool reserve but when she is changing her clothes she actually smiles. I think she likes him.
9.Yuan'er invites the local lords over and has them all eat gross fish soup. They spit out and insist it is not fit for consumption. He brings Liu in who eats it because he has been starving. He explains that the fisherman have even less than this, and explains that this is basically wrong. He pressures the lords until they consent to sign an edict that would require them to share the fish more fairly. He is not making any friends here. After, Lord Cheng, Jing, and Liu meet up. They want to take him down, but Lord Jing insists it is too soon to act....(and the plot thickens even more)
10.Meanwhile, Lord Zhao visits another Lord and they discuss the families with power: Zhao, Jing, and Qu. They also conclude that Yuan'er must be a rising star because he is respected by the emperor, intelligent, and was recently made a magistrate (I wonder if Lord Zhao will plot to bring him down or form an alliance...)
11.Princess Yin, it seems, has a correspondence with Zhang Yi, who decides now is the time to act. He summons Yue Ying and basically tells her to get ready, because he is sending her to Chue. This upsets her greatly, but she loves him and will do it. Zhang Li presents his plan to emperor Chue: to use Yue Ying to get at the King of Chue, since he enjoys playing with beautiful women and he is supposed to be looking for beautiful women for his harem. (I feel bad for her....)
Many more seeds were planted. I still want to learn more about Chou Nu who we still know very little about. I rated the show like I did because 1)I thought it was a clever use of a screen to get around censorship 2)I like that many plots are being planted and 3)I look forward to seeing Yuan'er bite into the cruelty of reality. I did not rate it higher because I felt that while the show maintained my interest, nothing really unique has happened yet. Plot hasn't been advanced very much yet. And a couple of things seemed odd (like Yin standing on the stool) and no one addressed the fact that medicine was delivered to Yin.
many more subplots are planted
7/81!
1.Zhang Yi drinks wine with Yue Ying. She essentially criticizes him because he would rather drink wine than make love. Next she steps behind a screen (cleverly placed to blur out her body but you can see her naked back) and then she approaches him. He throws her on a bed (I think I actually saw the side of her breast--this is a big deal because China, you know, censors everything) and proceeds to kiss her, but stops. He tells her that her virginity (basically) should not be wasted on him because she has greater uses. We learn that he has been teaching her everything she might night need to seduce someone for years, ever since he saved her life. She is both devoted to him and in love with him. He tells her that when he rules the world she will be his wife, but that she must be patient (I cannot tell if he loves her or is pretending to love her)
2.Elsewhere, Princess Yin is visited by Lan'er (the little prince) and his mother. He apologizes and is visibly trembling, and his mother wants him to kneel for the entire night. Yin insists he did not know better and accepts the apology and also promises to not tell the king. Lan'er's mother delivers medicine (I am certain that this violates harem rules) and then leaves.
3.Meanwhile, the other prince who was with Lan'er reports to his mother, the queen, what happened to Consort Yin. Because she is the king's current favorite, she immediately reports this to him (Oh snap!). Both the Queen and King visit Consort Yin just as she begins to not feel well. Her attendant, Yun Niang, rushes for help and runs into the king and queen. With no choice, she reveals what happened (Yin is not conscious). Enraged, the emperor goes to find his son....
4.The king finds Lan'er dining with his mother (it makes him look bad) and he is immediately held down and brutally beaten. His mother learns that the king was told what happened (translation: it appears like Princess Yin broke her promise). Only when the queen intervenes does he stop. Lan'er's mother swears vengeance and to deliver double the pain to Princess Yin's child....(the plot thickens...)(I kind of don't blame her because her entire existence is wrapped around the survival of her child, and it was just threatened...)
5.Back in Qin, the king is walking with his brother and observes his favorite consort with their son. She is telling her son that he should hate Chue, even though she is from Chue. She explains that she was just a little girl when Xiong Xiang (?) and Xue Hui betrayed her with a hunting trip, knocked her out, and sent her here (they promised to never use her for political gain). She is extremely resentful because of this. She tells her child to never forget what the state of Chue did to her (more plot thickening...) The King Qin refers to her as his beloved in this scene, so she is important to him...
6.Master Liu continues to extort the fisherman. He is stopped by officers from the magistrate, who arrested him, earning applause from the crowd. He is imprisoned, although Liu insists he is innocent because this is the way things have always been done. Yuan'er institutes a new edict: no beating of fishermen at will. The people are happy.
7.Yuan'er continues to find reasons to visit Chou Nu. He brings building supplies to repair their home (he better not be using state funds that would be embezzlement). Here she tells him another person will fill Liu's place--does he think he can get them all (exactly what he told the emperor). But Yuan'er seems to think he can (hypocrite!). Later. he follows her to do laundry, and catches her when she slips, and when he realizes he his holding her tightly he pushes her away, into the water(I'll admit I found his behavior annoying at first but wonder if this is supposed to represent not just inexperience, but maybe that he is unique from men of his time who essentially sleep with dozens of women from a very early age--that he is that much more reliable as a guy who won't easily sleep around?)
8.She maintains her cool reserve but when she is changing her clothes she actually smiles. I think she likes him.
9.Yuan'er invites the local lords over and has them all eat gross fish soup. They spit out and insist it is not fit for consumption. He brings Liu in who eats it because he has been starving. He explains that the fisherman have even less than this, and explains that this is basically wrong. He pressures the lords until they consent to sign an edict that would require them to share the fish more fairly. He is not making any friends here. After, Lord Cheng, Jing, and Liu meet up. They want to take him down, but Lord Jing insists it is too soon to act....(and the plot thickens even more)
10.Meanwhile, Lord Zhao visits another Lord and they discuss the families with power: Zhao, Jing, and Qu. They also conclude that Yuan'er must be a rising star because he is respected by the emperor, intelligent, and was recently made a magistrate (I wonder if Lord Zhao will plot to bring him down or form an alliance...)
11.Princess Yin, it seems, has a correspondence with Zhang Yi, who decides now is the time to act. He summons Yue Ying and basically tells her to get ready, because he is sending her to Chue. This upsets her greatly, but she loves him and will do it. Zhang Li presents his plan to emperor Chue: to use Yue Ying to get at the King of Chue, since he enjoys playing with beautiful women and he is supposed to be looking for beautiful women for his harem. (I feel bad for her....)
Many more seeds were planted. I still want to learn more about Chou Nu who we still know very little about. I rated the show like I did because 1)I thought it was a clever use of a screen to get around censorship 2)I like that many plots are being planted and 3)I look forward to seeing Yuan'er bite into the cruelty of reality. I did not rate it higher because I felt that while the show maintained my interest, nothing really unique has happened yet. Plot hasn't been advanced very much yet. And a couple of things seemed odd (like Yin standing on the stool) and no one addressed the fact that medicine was delivered to Yin.
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Spoilers Ahead!
6/81
1.We open to the wedding. Liu Wai Zai is preparing for his nuptials and his friends, Lord Jing (Jing You) and Lord Cheng (Cheng Hui) arrive to celebrate with him. Chou Nou seems to be in a bit of a daze but unready to admit defeat. She attempts to make a run for it but is stopped. It should be noted that the men were specifically ordered to not injure her (I note this because some dramas make the men so unlikable they will physically hurt the woman they like, just to get what they want--this happens a lot in novels actually).
--I am curious to know how she learned martial arts. According to the internet, the ''Show of One Hundred Skills' involved training one's arms, legs, and heads so perhaps she very realistically could have extra strength because of this, and it also gives her greater dexterity and speed than the average person. They may have taken some historical license in order to make it seem like she could effortlessly incorporate martial arts but it should be noted that acrobats often used every tools, which she does. she can't really use a sword (as far as we know) but a rope (a.k.a. the whip) is something she may have been able to use.
2.Yuan'er arrives and accuses Liu of breaking the law. He takes him to the Magistrate, and Liu is confident that the law is at his disposal so he decides to go on this little trip. Yuan'er is visibly angry as he observes the rampant corruption in the bureaucracy: the magistrate is seemingly indifferent to the law, believing Liu either because he can't be bothered to hear out Father Mo, a peasant, or maybe because it is easier to simply accept the bribes of Liu. (I think he isn't deliberately evil; rather he is merely taking the easiest route). His underlings are clearly conniving and enjoy using their power to inspire fear.
3.The Magistrate decides in Liu's favor based on the testimony, not bothering to investigate if the claims of Father Mo are true, and institutes a light punishment on Yuan'er. This irritates Liu, who hopes to use his money to have him punished more harshly. In a satisfying (but predictable) scene, Yuan'er flings a scroll at the magistrate and reveals that he is the new magistrate he has been waiting on. Everyone's attitude changes and they bow. Yuan'er orders that Liu be flogged 100 times for his behavior (the translators call it spanked which detracts from the seriousness of it because it is a painful punishment) and he asks the Magistrate how he should be punished. The magistrate suggests that he and his men be flogged 30 times and lose a months pay, according to law. His underlings beseech Yuan'er to forgive them, and it is interesting because the magistrates snaps at them for daring to beg for forgiveness.
4. (this is interesting) Brother Mo pleads on behalf of the former magistrate and his people, asking Yuan'er to not punish him. Quing'er asks him why he would intervene, and he tells her to be quiet, 'what do you know?' and Yuan'er agrees, because he asked. (I think this is important because I think that Brother Mo is wise enough to know that you need to be careful how you execute punishments. Yuan'er is only considering the law. He is not considering the consequences of his actions, for instance, that he is going to make enemies. He does not know that sometimes you need to consider other factors when distributing justice).
5.Liu is carried back on a stretcher, sobbing. He releases Chou Nu but vows to get revenge. He implores his friends to assist him. Lord Jing refuses but it seems Lord Cheng will help him....
6.Yuan'er meets Chou Nu. He clearly hopes this will endear her to him but she treats him coldly (I think this is a great example of how hard it must be for her, because he has so much power over her life just by being a noble, now he is a magistrate. It is hard to be on such unequal footing with a person).
7.Elsewhere, a princess happily greets her husband who has been gone for a while (I think he is the son of Lord ) (at least I think she is his wife; they hug; he could be a sibling. He gives her a rare song from Yue, that has been missing for 300 years...
8.Meanwhile, the King of Qin meets Zhang Yi with his brother, Chu Liji. His brother is unable to understand why he is personally greeting Zhang Yi (me too, I don't get it, there is a backstory here). Zhang Yi is insolent and takes his time coming out, pretending like he did not know the king was waiting. He presents the He Shi Bi. Everyone is surprised he got it. In a meeting later, Zhang Yi tells the emperor so few people have seen the He Shi Bi that only a handful of people would know if it is real. He states that it doesn't matter if they have the real one or not; they can claim it is a fake and declare war on Chu. However, he cautions the emperor to prepare carefully, because Chue is not to be taken lightly. Luckily, Zhang Yi has a plan...(This must be why Chue is secretly readying troops; Yuan'er knew that this would happen)
9.Meanwhile, Yuan'er visits Chou Nu for dinner. She continues to treat him coldly/rudely but he does not take it personally (honestly he looks like a puppy just wanting her love). He learns more about what it means to be poor as she used precious salt in their food and they use their precious wine (he makes a point to say it is the best wine ever) but then it rains and they move their table many times to avoid the rain leaking in but cannot. He and Chou Nu go outside to put more straw on the roof. He tries to be noble and do it himself but has no idea what he is doing. Not only does she do it instead, she saves him from almost falling off the roof.
10.(Here comes a long scene where music plays and they stare at one another) As they stare into each others' eyes he slowly leans closer...she doesn't move...and then they collapse through the roof. They stare some more (grins) but Father Mo pops in to make sure they aren't dead, and the moment ends. Her guard goes back up and she reminds him that even though he saved her life it doesn't erase the things he did earlier.
11.Elsewhere, Princess Yin (from Qin) sits in a beautiful garden. She tells her attendant that the king only favors her because she is pregnant and that he does not love her. She goes for a walk and encounters one of the princes (I can't remember which one) and he is trying to get his arrow out of a tree so he does not have to give it to his brother (they lost a game). He asks her if she will help (I have no idea why she stands on a stool to get this arrow it is the height of stupidity). She agrees, and falls.
12.In the next scene the boys mother is extremely upset and scolding her son because 1)the woman could have a miscarriage and 2)she is his father's favorite concubine. She drags him off to apologize and take responsibility....
13.Elsewhere, a woman plays the zither and sings a great song. Zhang Yi is listening. He goes up to her and tells her that her skills have improved but she confesses she learned everything from him. I think he likes her. She could be his lover.There aren't enough subs, so i don't know her name.
Comments: I enjoyed this episode because it is clearly building in subplots to illustrate that while Yuan'er is a prodigy, he needs to learn a lot more if he wants to actually help people. I want to learn more about Chou Nu. I want to know why she is the way she is. I like that we are advancing the plot involving Qin and Chue, and we are getting more insight into the harem. More people were introduced. I HATED the execution of the subplot with Liu because his character is so annoying. It could be related to whoever does his dubbing, but he was so whiny and exaggerated, like a caricature. For that reason, I docked points.
6/81
1.We open to the wedding. Liu Wai Zai is preparing for his nuptials and his friends, Lord Jing (Jing You) and Lord Cheng (Cheng Hui) arrive to celebrate with him. Chou Nou seems to be in a bit of a daze but unready to admit defeat. She attempts to make a run for it but is stopped. It should be noted that the men were specifically ordered to not injure her (I note this because some dramas make the men so unlikable they will physically hurt the woman they like, just to get what they want--this happens a lot in novels actually).
--I am curious to know how she learned martial arts. According to the internet, the ''Show of One Hundred Skills' involved training one's arms, legs, and heads so perhaps she very realistically could have extra strength because of this, and it also gives her greater dexterity and speed than the average person. They may have taken some historical license in order to make it seem like she could effortlessly incorporate martial arts but it should be noted that acrobats often used every tools, which she does. she can't really use a sword (as far as we know) but a rope (a.k.a. the whip) is something she may have been able to use.
2.Yuan'er arrives and accuses Liu of breaking the law. He takes him to the Magistrate, and Liu is confident that the law is at his disposal so he decides to go on this little trip. Yuan'er is visibly angry as he observes the rampant corruption in the bureaucracy: the magistrate is seemingly indifferent to the law, believing Liu either because he can't be bothered to hear out Father Mo, a peasant, or maybe because it is easier to simply accept the bribes of Liu. (I think he isn't deliberately evil; rather he is merely taking the easiest route). His underlings are clearly conniving and enjoy using their power to inspire fear.
3.The Magistrate decides in Liu's favor based on the testimony, not bothering to investigate if the claims of Father Mo are true, and institutes a light punishment on Yuan'er. This irritates Liu, who hopes to use his money to have him punished more harshly. In a satisfying (but predictable) scene, Yuan'er flings a scroll at the magistrate and reveals that he is the new magistrate he has been waiting on. Everyone's attitude changes and they bow. Yuan'er orders that Liu be flogged 100 times for his behavior (the translators call it spanked which detracts from the seriousness of it because it is a painful punishment) and he asks the Magistrate how he should be punished. The magistrate suggests that he and his men be flogged 30 times and lose a months pay, according to law. His underlings beseech Yuan'er to forgive them, and it is interesting because the magistrates snaps at them for daring to beg for forgiveness.
4. (this is interesting) Brother Mo pleads on behalf of the former magistrate and his people, asking Yuan'er to not punish him. Quing'er asks him why he would intervene, and he tells her to be quiet, 'what do you know?' and Yuan'er agrees, because he asked. (I think this is important because I think that Brother Mo is wise enough to know that you need to be careful how you execute punishments. Yuan'er is only considering the law. He is not considering the consequences of his actions, for instance, that he is going to make enemies. He does not know that sometimes you need to consider other factors when distributing justice).
5.Liu is carried back on a stretcher, sobbing. He releases Chou Nu but vows to get revenge. He implores his friends to assist him. Lord Jing refuses but it seems Lord Cheng will help him....
6.Yuan'er meets Chou Nu. He clearly hopes this will endear her to him but she treats him coldly (I think this is a great example of how hard it must be for her, because he has so much power over her life just by being a noble, now he is a magistrate. It is hard to be on such unequal footing with a person).
7.Elsewhere, a princess happily greets her husband who has been gone for a while (I think he is the son of Lord ) (at least I think she is his wife; they hug; he could be a sibling. He gives her a rare song from Yue, that has been missing for 300 years...
8.Meanwhile, the King of Qin meets Zhang Yi with his brother, Chu Liji. His brother is unable to understand why he is personally greeting Zhang Yi (me too, I don't get it, there is a backstory here). Zhang Yi is insolent and takes his time coming out, pretending like he did not know the king was waiting. He presents the He Shi Bi. Everyone is surprised he got it. In a meeting later, Zhang Yi tells the emperor so few people have seen the He Shi Bi that only a handful of people would know if it is real. He states that it doesn't matter if they have the real one or not; they can claim it is a fake and declare war on Chu. However, he cautions the emperor to prepare carefully, because Chue is not to be taken lightly. Luckily, Zhang Yi has a plan...(This must be why Chue is secretly readying troops; Yuan'er knew that this would happen)
9.Meanwhile, Yuan'er visits Chou Nu for dinner. She continues to treat him coldly/rudely but he does not take it personally (honestly he looks like a puppy just wanting her love). He learns more about what it means to be poor as she used precious salt in their food and they use their precious wine (he makes a point to say it is the best wine ever) but then it rains and they move their table many times to avoid the rain leaking in but cannot. He and Chou Nu go outside to put more straw on the roof. He tries to be noble and do it himself but has no idea what he is doing. Not only does she do it instead, she saves him from almost falling off the roof.
10.(Here comes a long scene where music plays and they stare at one another) As they stare into each others' eyes he slowly leans closer...she doesn't move...and then they collapse through the roof. They stare some more (grins) but Father Mo pops in to make sure they aren't dead, and the moment ends. Her guard goes back up and she reminds him that even though he saved her life it doesn't erase the things he did earlier.
11.Elsewhere, Princess Yin (from Qin) sits in a beautiful garden. She tells her attendant that the king only favors her because she is pregnant and that he does not love her. She goes for a walk and encounters one of the princes (I can't remember which one) and he is trying to get his arrow out of a tree so he does not have to give it to his brother (they lost a game). He asks her if she will help (I have no idea why she stands on a stool to get this arrow it is the height of stupidity). She agrees, and falls.
12.In the next scene the boys mother is extremely upset and scolding her son because 1)the woman could have a miscarriage and 2)she is his father's favorite concubine. She drags him off to apologize and take responsibility....
13.Elsewhere, a woman plays the zither and sings a great song. Zhang Yi is listening. He goes up to her and tells her that her skills have improved but she confesses she learned everything from him. I think he likes her. She could be his lover.There aren't enough subs, so i don't know her name.
Comments: I enjoyed this episode because it is clearly building in subplots to illustrate that while Yuan'er is a prodigy, he needs to learn a lot more if he wants to actually help people. I want to learn more about Chou Nu. I want to know why she is the way she is. I like that we are advancing the plot involving Qin and Chue, and we are getting more insight into the harem. More people were introduced. I HATED the execution of the subplot with Liu because his character is so annoying. It could be related to whoever does his dubbing, but he was so whiny and exaggerated, like a caricature. For that reason, I docked points.
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Spoilers Ahead!
8 years later
1.We open to Dal Po/Myung who has a vivid dream that his family is alive, but it is clearly not real because In Ha is there as his niece. In the real world, In Ha tries to wake him up but he snuggles against her skirt, causing her (in my opinion) to overreact by bashing him in the head. (This has to be a cultural difference in Kdramas I consistently see girls hitting guys whenever a guy unintentionally brushes against them I don't know if this is to show she is so pure she defends herself by beating on anyone who might smear her honor or what but it is annoying).
2.Elsewhere, assistants to Manager Song (In Ha's mother) learn that Manager Song has a daughter who made it so far in interviewing BECAUSE Song is her mom. Everyone was shocked she had a daughter. She is known for being ruthless.
3.Back at home, Da Po it seems has a reputation for being a Cassanova (because he is in love with In Ha). He leaves to take her to her interview (its a secret to her father but she is interviewing at the same place her mother works; she's so excited). Dal Po forgets his wallet, and her father finds her photo inside (they relocated to the city FYI because their farming business failed, her father runs a taxi service and Dal Po is the driver).
4.Meanwhile, we learn that Manager Song is extremely popular and is on her way to becoming the primetime news anchor. Her personal assistant is very critical of her because while she is known to be legendary and extraordinary, he dislikes the fact that she does anything to increase her ratings, including twisting the truth by exaggerating how bad things are. He believes she is the reason their station has a bad rep.
5.Meanwhile, In Ha gets a hairstyle--she wants to look like her mom. She receives a text from her mother--the first one after 13 years of her one-sided attempts to contact her--and she is so excited and happy she bursts into tears. (It should be noted that Dal Po has slandered her mom to her for 13 years, making her angry and telling him he needs some evidence first)
6.In a flashback, we learn that Dal Po gave up a chance to attend college so In Ha could (the family could only pay for one) because he said he wanted to enlist in the army. In the present, her father realizes this must be related to his feelings for In Ha....
7.Meanwhile, In Ha is interviewed by a few people, including her mother. She is excited and is any comment related to her similarity to her mother makes her excited on the inside. But very quickly her mother fails her, proving to the others that a Pinocchio cannot be a reporter because they cannot lie. She makes her undergo a test (an undercover scoop) which humiliates In Ha and hurts her. She fails the interview and waits all day before she sees her mother. She calls her phone and confirms this cold woman is her mother, and tells her she has wanted to talk to her for 13 years.
8.Her mother hugs her, and she immediately is happy--only to whisper in her ear an apology and tells her that she has not thought of her once in thirteen years. Ouch.
9.Outside, a devastated In Ha texts Dal Po (who watches her) that everything went well. He respects her wish to be left alone but later picks up her mother as a faire. He reveals his connection to In Ha, as an adopted uncle, prompting her to demand he let her out...
10.In Ha returns home, takes all of her books and leaves....
Side Note: Dal Po bumped into a car. It is owned by his older brother. he leaves his number. His older brother texts him and tells him not to worry (a co-worker tells him he is stupid) and his brother overhears a group of drunk men, one of who points out that he lied to them about the fire, and the chief, to protect them (it's the factory owner and real fire setters from 13 years ago) but one of them is burned and they go to the hospital before they can talk...
11.Dal Po tells her mother, essentially, to watch out because he is going to prove her wrong (and basically get revenge) she still does not know he is Myung
12.He returns home, gets his wallet, and her father keeps the photo telling him his girlfriend would be jealous (Dal Po plays dumb; I feel like her father is sending a message to keep this relationship platonic)
13.Everyone panics because they cannot find In Ha. Dal po is triggered because of his mother, and he finds her. They agree to be reporters together (he also read all of her books).
Side Note: She called a guy, who I do not know, and yelled at him for hacking her phone and sending the message, pretending to be her mom. she hangs up as he apologizes to a dead line
Side Note: a random wealthy boy, whom she's been texting for a while, is interested in meeting her ( I don't know how he knows her)
Comments: I think it is interesting that Dal Po who is so interested in honesty lies to everyone in this series. I am interested in her mother and wonder if she is interested in protecting her daughter from becoming a ruthless person like herself.
8 years later
1.We open to Dal Po/Myung who has a vivid dream that his family is alive, but it is clearly not real because In Ha is there as his niece. In the real world, In Ha tries to wake him up but he snuggles against her skirt, causing her (in my opinion) to overreact by bashing him in the head. (This has to be a cultural difference in Kdramas I consistently see girls hitting guys whenever a guy unintentionally brushes against them I don't know if this is to show she is so pure she defends herself by beating on anyone who might smear her honor or what but it is annoying).
2.Elsewhere, assistants to Manager Song (In Ha's mother) learn that Manager Song has a daughter who made it so far in interviewing BECAUSE Song is her mom. Everyone was shocked she had a daughter. She is known for being ruthless.
3.Back at home, Da Po it seems has a reputation for being a Cassanova (because he is in love with In Ha). He leaves to take her to her interview (its a secret to her father but she is interviewing at the same place her mother works; she's so excited). Dal Po forgets his wallet, and her father finds her photo inside (they relocated to the city FYI because their farming business failed, her father runs a taxi service and Dal Po is the driver).
4.Meanwhile, we learn that Manager Song is extremely popular and is on her way to becoming the primetime news anchor. Her personal assistant is very critical of her because while she is known to be legendary and extraordinary, he dislikes the fact that she does anything to increase her ratings, including twisting the truth by exaggerating how bad things are. He believes she is the reason their station has a bad rep.
5.Meanwhile, In Ha gets a hairstyle--she wants to look like her mom. She receives a text from her mother--the first one after 13 years of her one-sided attempts to contact her--and she is so excited and happy she bursts into tears. (It should be noted that Dal Po has slandered her mom to her for 13 years, making her angry and telling him he needs some evidence first)
6.In a flashback, we learn that Dal Po gave up a chance to attend college so In Ha could (the family could only pay for one) because he said he wanted to enlist in the army. In the present, her father realizes this must be related to his feelings for In Ha....
7.Meanwhile, In Ha is interviewed by a few people, including her mother. She is excited and is any comment related to her similarity to her mother makes her excited on the inside. But very quickly her mother fails her, proving to the others that a Pinocchio cannot be a reporter because they cannot lie. She makes her undergo a test (an undercover scoop) which humiliates In Ha and hurts her. She fails the interview and waits all day before she sees her mother. She calls her phone and confirms this cold woman is her mother, and tells her she has wanted to talk to her for 13 years.
8.Her mother hugs her, and she immediately is happy--only to whisper in her ear an apology and tells her that she has not thought of her once in thirteen years. Ouch.
9.Outside, a devastated In Ha texts Dal Po (who watches her) that everything went well. He respects her wish to be left alone but later picks up her mother as a faire. He reveals his connection to In Ha, as an adopted uncle, prompting her to demand he let her out...
10.In Ha returns home, takes all of her books and leaves....
Side Note: Dal Po bumped into a car. It is owned by his older brother. he leaves his number. His older brother texts him and tells him not to worry (a co-worker tells him he is stupid) and his brother overhears a group of drunk men, one of who points out that he lied to them about the fire, and the chief, to protect them (it's the factory owner and real fire setters from 13 years ago) but one of them is burned and they go to the hospital before they can talk...
11.Dal Po tells her mother, essentially, to watch out because he is going to prove her wrong (and basically get revenge) she still does not know he is Myung
12.He returns home, gets his wallet, and her father keeps the photo telling him his girlfriend would be jealous (Dal Po plays dumb; I feel like her father is sending a message to keep this relationship platonic)
13.Everyone panics because they cannot find In Ha. Dal po is triggered because of his mother, and he finds her. They agree to be reporters together (he also read all of her books).
Side Note: She called a guy, who I do not know, and yelled at him for hacking her phone and sending the message, pretending to be her mom. she hangs up as he apologizes to a dead line
Side Note: a random wealthy boy, whom she's been texting for a while, is interested in meeting her ( I don't know how he knows her)
Comments: I think it is interesting that Dal Po who is so interested in honesty lies to everyone in this series. I am interested in her mother and wonder if she is interested in protecting her daughter from becoming a ruthless person like herself.
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Hers is my in-depth review:
1.Dal Po essentially resolves to never go anywhere near a television. Clearly it has changed since then. This episode leads the viewer to (I think) to learn what happened to make this change.
2.We walk through a typical day in the lives of Dal Po and In Ha. It is extremely cute. She must refer to him as Uncle at home to maintain the pretense for her grandfather and unfortunately has no bike but he does (this is not explained why). He pulls her to school on a cart, and just as I was wondering what kind of teenager would do something so embarrassing, she gets out once they are out of site of their home (clearly an act). She jogs to catch the boat to school, and is scolded every day for holding everyone up. It seems part of a daily ritual is for In Ha to challenge his reason for hating her and he always replies, without any hint of emption, that she is his sworn enemy. Well there you have it.
3.Chan Soo, the school genius, gives her his old bike (he is so clearly in the friend zone). As she rides it she intends to splash water onto Dal Po but instead splashes the paper his carrying (which happens to be her career selection paper--illustrating her kind of luck). She has no idea what to do, and Dal Po cooly reminds her that Pinocchio's have a 6% chance of employment (how sad). She can't be a lawyer, she can't be an actress. What can she do?
4.At this time the school announces that they will send their smartest student to be on a quiz show, and the winner gets 30 million won (currently, that is about 26,500 U.S. dollars). Everyone believes that Chan Soo will be the one, and although he deflects this he very clearly is confident that he will win. Later that day, he gives In Ha a bell for the bike and announces if he wins he will confess to her on national television before running away (gentlemen, I caution you to never do this, no matter how confident you are). This is her first love confession but it did not leave her with butterflies, instead she feels indigestion (LOL)
5.That evening she balances on her head. It seems she does head stands whenever she is stressed out. This is a peculiar habit, and Dal Po even remarks she is odd. (Naturally we think it is endearing). Faculty grade the papers and we learn that In Ha is very smart-she scores a 92. Chan Soo scores a 96, and the guy nicknamed Zero because of his poor grades scores a 100.
6.Out of envy, Chan Soo starts a rumor, and suggests that Dal Po cheated because how else could someone with such bad grades do so well. The rumor spirals out of control. People begin to make up lies about his past, that he is a bully, and everyone essentially begins to call for him to drop out. Finally, his own teacher accuses him and tells him to confess. He refuses. Dal Po asks why he should defend himself (just like when he was faced by the reporters as a kid) when he has done nothing wrong. His teacher reasons that since he is the source of the rumor, he should prove himself innocent. To prove a point, he tells his teacher he will start a rumor about him and another teacher having an affair and puts it on him to prove his innocence. His teacher asks why he should be the proving his innocence and Dal Po sarcastically replies that it is because he is the source of the rumor. He then tells him that he can write a letter of resignation if he can't disprove it (proving that there is no point to proving innocence when everyone has decided he is guilty).
7.Either way, Chan Soo is chosen to go to the competition even though Dal Po did better. Meanwhile, In Ha cannot stop hiccupping. She investigates Dal Po and learns that he has a book in the library that he does not normally read (he normally reads manga). At the library she learns he has read almost every book there. She creates a chart and puts it in her room. The class celebrates Dal Po's win, and she (bravely) drinks some water and spits it on Chan Soo and her classrooms while Dal Po watches from the hallway. She accuses Chan Soo and everyone of creating a rumor without any evidence and defends Dal Po--she knows it is true because her hiccups have stopped. but no one believes her. Chan Soo becomes extremely angry and challenges her to gather evidence to prove Dal Po is innocent. If she fails, he (Chan Soo) gets to her (yes, I was surprised too) 10 times (not exactly the way one shows love). She agrees but her hiccupping shows she is not confident and everyone laughs.
8.Dal Po is surprised and clearly conflicted because she is his sworn enemy. He watches Chan Soo kick her bike, and sees her breaks get broken. He is about to dell In Ha, but she makes a point to tell him she does not like him and did it to stop hiccupping (this is bizarre, and something I don't like in dramas. the moment anyone says they don't like someone , of course they are going to think about it. she should have just been quiet, and I don't know any teens who would have deliberately drawn attention to that). He chooses to remain silent, believing she is smart enough to notice the breaks are broken (I don't think she would have noticed). She gets on the bike, he rescues her (I don't know why they don't have helmets) and he loses consciousness...
9.In the ambulance In Ha panics. Dal Po is watching her (awake) and the EMT (funniest, in my opinion) flatly tells her that it is just a minor cut and Dal Po is fine. She is hysterically wondering what will happen if he is a vegetable and how he will defend against everyone bullying him if his IQ is impacted. Dal Po finally says something, she calms down, they leave the ambulance and go home. (FYI Grandfather popped into her room and saw the list of books Dal Po read). Dal Po shares to her that he hid his intelligence because he learned her uncle was stupid and he did not want to ruin the charade (too selfless in my opinion).
10. On the game show, Dal Po gests all the questions right and is about to win. In Ha, watching, is confident he will win. On the final question, he deliberately lies and says he does not know. Everyone knows he knows the answer. he is clearly doing it to antagonize Chan Soo, everyone concludes. Because he listed most of the answers, Chan Soo is able to solve the game. In the classroom, In Ha sees that the show is able to convince everyone that Dal Po is in fact smart. She finally knows what she wants to do: news woman.
11. After the show, Chan Soo and one of the shows creators, Gyo Dong, wait for the elevator. He tells Dal Po that he wants to know why he lied. Dal Po states he really did not know. Gyo Dong clearly is displeased with him and tells him he shouldn't play around like that with other people. Chan Soo echoes this criticism and they get on the elevator. Dal Po looks upset and stunned. He forces the elevator open, surprising the other two who think they have delivered a scathing set down but they are very wrong. Dal Po tells them why he really lied: he tells Gyo Dong that he, more than anyone, knows how damaging television can be and that it can even kill innocent people (Gyo Dong has a flashback to the case involving Dal Po's father and mother, and he visibly pales)(he does not recognize Dal Po). Dal Po states he hates television and lied in order to avoid having to come back.
12.Afterwards, Chan Soo tells Gyo Dong that Dal po has no manners but Gyo Soo says he is right, and very smart (probably annoying Chan Soo). Meanwhile, In Ha sees someone has been in her room and she asks grandpa if he was in there he says no (is he lying or did he forget?) she goes to the station to meet Gyo Dong in the rain and they have an innocent moment (I think he is in love with her. Realistically she would be in love with him but it seems that hasn't happened yet)
13.As the show ends, Dal Po has a monologue and he says that he thought it would be easy to leave again, but all he can think about is staying by her side...yes love is very inconvenient....
Comments:I find the show entertaining. I find it unrealistic that she would not have a crush on Dal Po since 1)she respects him 2)he seems to have distanced himself enough to avoid being in the friend zone 3)is smart and managed to be cool 4)has defended her 5)is 100000 times better looking than any man she has come in contact with. As someone in a manga once said, if the guy is this attractive and the girl is that cute, of COURSE they will fall in love. I agree.
1.Dal Po essentially resolves to never go anywhere near a television. Clearly it has changed since then. This episode leads the viewer to (I think) to learn what happened to make this change.
2.We walk through a typical day in the lives of Dal Po and In Ha. It is extremely cute. She must refer to him as Uncle at home to maintain the pretense for her grandfather and unfortunately has no bike but he does (this is not explained why). He pulls her to school on a cart, and just as I was wondering what kind of teenager would do something so embarrassing, she gets out once they are out of site of their home (clearly an act). She jogs to catch the boat to school, and is scolded every day for holding everyone up. It seems part of a daily ritual is for In Ha to challenge his reason for hating her and he always replies, without any hint of emption, that she is his sworn enemy. Well there you have it.
3.Chan Soo, the school genius, gives her his old bike (he is so clearly in the friend zone). As she rides it she intends to splash water onto Dal Po but instead splashes the paper his carrying (which happens to be her career selection paper--illustrating her kind of luck). She has no idea what to do, and Dal Po cooly reminds her that Pinocchio's have a 6% chance of employment (how sad). She can't be a lawyer, she can't be an actress. What can she do?
4.At this time the school announces that they will send their smartest student to be on a quiz show, and the winner gets 30 million won (currently, that is about 26,500 U.S. dollars). Everyone believes that Chan Soo will be the one, and although he deflects this he very clearly is confident that he will win. Later that day, he gives In Ha a bell for the bike and announces if he wins he will confess to her on national television before running away (gentlemen, I caution you to never do this, no matter how confident you are). This is her first love confession but it did not leave her with butterflies, instead she feels indigestion (LOL)
5.That evening she balances on her head. It seems she does head stands whenever she is stressed out. This is a peculiar habit, and Dal Po even remarks she is odd. (Naturally we think it is endearing). Faculty grade the papers and we learn that In Ha is very smart-she scores a 92. Chan Soo scores a 96, and the guy nicknamed Zero because of his poor grades scores a 100.
6.Out of envy, Chan Soo starts a rumor, and suggests that Dal Po cheated because how else could someone with such bad grades do so well. The rumor spirals out of control. People begin to make up lies about his past, that he is a bully, and everyone essentially begins to call for him to drop out. Finally, his own teacher accuses him and tells him to confess. He refuses. Dal Po asks why he should defend himself (just like when he was faced by the reporters as a kid) when he has done nothing wrong. His teacher reasons that since he is the source of the rumor, he should prove himself innocent. To prove a point, he tells his teacher he will start a rumor about him and another teacher having an affair and puts it on him to prove his innocence. His teacher asks why he should be the proving his innocence and Dal Po sarcastically replies that it is because he is the source of the rumor. He then tells him that he can write a letter of resignation if he can't disprove it (proving that there is no point to proving innocence when everyone has decided he is guilty).
7.Either way, Chan Soo is chosen to go to the competition even though Dal Po did better. Meanwhile, In Ha cannot stop hiccupping. She investigates Dal Po and learns that he has a book in the library that he does not normally read (he normally reads manga). At the library she learns he has read almost every book there. She creates a chart and puts it in her room. The class celebrates Dal Po's win, and she (bravely) drinks some water and spits it on Chan Soo and her classrooms while Dal Po watches from the hallway. She accuses Chan Soo and everyone of creating a rumor without any evidence and defends Dal Po--she knows it is true because her hiccups have stopped. but no one believes her. Chan Soo becomes extremely angry and challenges her to gather evidence to prove Dal Po is innocent. If she fails, he (Chan Soo) gets to her (yes, I was surprised too) 10 times (not exactly the way one shows love). She agrees but her hiccupping shows she is not confident and everyone laughs.
8.Dal Po is surprised and clearly conflicted because she is his sworn enemy. He watches Chan Soo kick her bike, and sees her breaks get broken. He is about to dell In Ha, but she makes a point to tell him she does not like him and did it to stop hiccupping (this is bizarre, and something I don't like in dramas. the moment anyone says they don't like someone , of course they are going to think about it. she should have just been quiet, and I don't know any teens who would have deliberately drawn attention to that). He chooses to remain silent, believing she is smart enough to notice the breaks are broken (I don't think she would have noticed). She gets on the bike, he rescues her (I don't know why they don't have helmets) and he loses consciousness...
9.In the ambulance In Ha panics. Dal Po is watching her (awake) and the EMT (funniest, in my opinion) flatly tells her that it is just a minor cut and Dal Po is fine. She is hysterically wondering what will happen if he is a vegetable and how he will defend against everyone bullying him if his IQ is impacted. Dal Po finally says something, she calms down, they leave the ambulance and go home. (FYI Grandfather popped into her room and saw the list of books Dal Po read). Dal Po shares to her that he hid his intelligence because he learned her uncle was stupid and he did not want to ruin the charade (too selfless in my opinion).
10. On the game show, Dal Po gests all the questions right and is about to win. In Ha, watching, is confident he will win. On the final question, he deliberately lies and says he does not know. Everyone knows he knows the answer. he is clearly doing it to antagonize Chan Soo, everyone concludes. Because he listed most of the answers, Chan Soo is able to solve the game. In the classroom, In Ha sees that the show is able to convince everyone that Dal Po is in fact smart. She finally knows what she wants to do: news woman.
11. After the show, Chan Soo and one of the shows creators, Gyo Dong, wait for the elevator. He tells Dal Po that he wants to know why he lied. Dal Po states he really did not know. Gyo Dong clearly is displeased with him and tells him he shouldn't play around like that with other people. Chan Soo echoes this criticism and they get on the elevator. Dal Po looks upset and stunned. He forces the elevator open, surprising the other two who think they have delivered a scathing set down but they are very wrong. Dal Po tells them why he really lied: he tells Gyo Dong that he, more than anyone, knows how damaging television can be and that it can even kill innocent people (Gyo Dong has a flashback to the case involving Dal Po's father and mother, and he visibly pales)(he does not recognize Dal Po). Dal Po states he hates television and lied in order to avoid having to come back.
12.Afterwards, Chan Soo tells Gyo Dong that Dal po has no manners but Gyo Soo says he is right, and very smart (probably annoying Chan Soo). Meanwhile, In Ha sees someone has been in her room and she asks grandpa if he was in there he says no (is he lying or did he forget?) she goes to the station to meet Gyo Dong in the rain and they have an innocent moment (I think he is in love with her. Realistically she would be in love with him but it seems that hasn't happened yet)
13.As the show ends, Dal Po has a monologue and he says that he thought it would be easy to leave again, but all he can think about is staying by her side...yes love is very inconvenient....
Comments:I find the show entertaining. I find it unrealistic that she would not have a crush on Dal Po since 1)she respects him 2)he seems to have distanced himself enough to avoid being in the friend zone 3)is smart and managed to be cool 4)has defended her 5)is 100000 times better looking than any man she has come in contact with. As someone in a manga once said, if the guy is this attractive and the girl is that cute, of COURSE they will fall in love. I agree.
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My face kdrama in a while!
Another reviewer was correct in that the beginning of this show is heavily influenced by Slum Dog Millionaire, in terms of the male lead having a flashback to explain his answer...
1.Our show begins in a small high school. The students are tuning in to a nationally broadcasted quiz show where the schools smartest student, Ahn Chan Soo is the reigning champ. At the same time, a student named Chou Dal Po is absent and the female lead, Choi In Ha, remarks that he must be absent. It should be noted she has Pinocchio Syndrome (made up).
2.Everyone is thunderstruck to see that the challenger is actually Choi Dal Po. He is ranked 34th in his school (out of 34) and has an extremely cheesy opening video as his intro where he poses and acts cool in an exaggerated way (I like it). At the shows opening, he speaks to Choi In Ha and promises to ask her something if he wins, but they cut to the contest.
3.Question 1 is about Pinocchio Syndrome. He uses his chance card to ask for help (on the first and easiest question). He asks Ahn Chan Soo for the answer. If he gives him the wrong answer, he will slap him ten times (this shocks everyone) but if he helps him, he can slap him ten times. Ahn Chan Soo agrees to help but never gives an answer. Still, Choi Dal Po provides the correct answer, and explains he knows because he has a classmate with the syndrome, but she is unique in that she talks a lot and is known as the 'Blunt Witch'.
4.The second question is related to naming dates (related to mensa...I think). We get flashback to a young Dal Po, whose name is actually Ki Ha Myung. He often wowed his family with his ability to do calculations with dates. They move to a neighborhood and encounter a grandmother and her older grandson who is a pinnochio--and irritated that he is outsmarted by a little boy. Later , his father ,who is a chief firefighter, gets a call. he and his crew set out.
5.They arrive at a factory. It's manager reports that there are two people inside. The team goes in. Not long after, two employees appear and explain they started the fire and were hiding out of embarrassment/fear. The manager tells them he just sent a team of fire fighters inside. Instead of trying to warn them, they keep quiet. Their is oil improperly stored in the building and it explodes, killing all the fighters. However, every body except for the chief is accounted for. This unleashes a media storm as everyone believes the chief has absconded after risking the lives of his men because the manager tells the authorities that he 1)tried to stop him from going inside and 2)reported everyone was out
6)The media slanders the fire chiefs name. Crowds hound the family: Myung, his older brother, and mother. One of the more relentless reporters is a beautiful woman who also just found out her husband is divorcing her. She is deeply invested in getting ratings, and exaggerates or twists the truth. When a pinnochio (guess who, the irritated number) reports of seeing the fire chief (if you believe you are telling the truth it isn't a knowing lie) and does not hesitate to call it in. People harass the family. Myung tries to defend his father on television, and for a moment it seems like relentless reporter lady almost feels guilty, but someone throws in egg at Myung triggering his elder brother's rage. Relentless reporter lady wants to show this footage, but her producer tells her not to because they have no solid evidence yet that the man is in fact alive. Still, she blurs out their faces and shows it....
7.Later, his older brother visits the reporter to do an interview (we don't know if that happened) and his mother, who has seriously reached her breaking point, tells her son they will meet his father. This translates to committing suicide by jumping into the ocean. The next day elder brother shows up, the reporters are there, and the same reporter lady continues to spin her stories.
8.Meanwhile, a young Choi In Ha is on a boat with her father. They are leaving her mother, and her father gets angry whenever she is mentioned. She too has Pinocchio syndrome. They arrive at the home of her grandfather who has dementia, on a secluded island. There her grandfather brings out his 'son' a little boy her age, and he introduces her as his niece. His name is Dal Po. The boy is actually Myung. he reveals he has no family (what about his elder brother?) and that he has been pretending to be the old man's son since whenever he recalls he is dead he gets ill. They accept this.
9.Dal Po and In Ha have a rocky start as she accuses him of using her grandpa. But he essentially throws it back at her. She is honest, and although she has Pinocchio syndrome, he appreciates that she is honest and owns her mistakes (she is also cocky and confident and I like it). He helps her to fix the t.v. because he learns her mother is on it. He promises to not tell her father because he would break the t.v.
10.The t.v. comes on, and guess who her mother is? Relentless t.v. reporter. This causes Dal Po to do a 180 in personality. He angrily leaves, tells her father that she fixed the t.v. and has been trying to reach her mom. Her father has an angry outburst and destroys the t.v. She comes out in tears and asks him to help but he knocks her to the ground and essentially tells her to die.
11.We go back to the present, and Choi In Ha is confident that he will win. Someone asks if she loves him and she says no, and she doesn't hiccup so she must be telling the truth. Elsewhere, Myung's older brother is carrying some things into a store and he stops in his track because ...grown up Myung is on t.v....
Comments:
I do not understand the firefighter procedure. Firefighters are supposed to ALWAYS stay in pairs and they are not supposed to try to save people who can't be saved. When they arrived, the room these guys were supposedly in was sealed up, the building was a factory (meaning their could have been chemicals) and it was entirely engulfed. Also, they did not even TRY to man a water hose and put out the fire.
That aside, the show seems interesting. I haven't watched a kdrama in a long time and wanted to try something short and sweet. This seems good.
Another reviewer was correct in that the beginning of this show is heavily influenced by Slum Dog Millionaire, in terms of the male lead having a flashback to explain his answer...
1.Our show begins in a small high school. The students are tuning in to a nationally broadcasted quiz show where the schools smartest student, Ahn Chan Soo is the reigning champ. At the same time, a student named Chou Dal Po is absent and the female lead, Choi In Ha, remarks that he must be absent. It should be noted she has Pinocchio Syndrome (made up).
2.Everyone is thunderstruck to see that the challenger is actually Choi Dal Po. He is ranked 34th in his school (out of 34) and has an extremely cheesy opening video as his intro where he poses and acts cool in an exaggerated way (I like it). At the shows opening, he speaks to Choi In Ha and promises to ask her something if he wins, but they cut to the contest.
3.Question 1 is about Pinocchio Syndrome. He uses his chance card to ask for help (on the first and easiest question). He asks Ahn Chan Soo for the answer. If he gives him the wrong answer, he will slap him ten times (this shocks everyone) but if he helps him, he can slap him ten times. Ahn Chan Soo agrees to help but never gives an answer. Still, Choi Dal Po provides the correct answer, and explains he knows because he has a classmate with the syndrome, but she is unique in that she talks a lot and is known as the 'Blunt Witch'.
4.The second question is related to naming dates (related to mensa...I think). We get flashback to a young Dal Po, whose name is actually Ki Ha Myung. He often wowed his family with his ability to do calculations with dates. They move to a neighborhood and encounter a grandmother and her older grandson who is a pinnochio--and irritated that he is outsmarted by a little boy. Later , his father ,who is a chief firefighter, gets a call. he and his crew set out.
5.They arrive at a factory. It's manager reports that there are two people inside. The team goes in. Not long after, two employees appear and explain they started the fire and were hiding out of embarrassment/fear. The manager tells them he just sent a team of fire fighters inside. Instead of trying to warn them, they keep quiet. Their is oil improperly stored in the building and it explodes, killing all the fighters. However, every body except for the chief is accounted for. This unleashes a media storm as everyone believes the chief has absconded after risking the lives of his men because the manager tells the authorities that he 1)tried to stop him from going inside and 2)reported everyone was out
6)The media slanders the fire chiefs name. Crowds hound the family: Myung, his older brother, and mother. One of the more relentless reporters is a beautiful woman who also just found out her husband is divorcing her. She is deeply invested in getting ratings, and exaggerates or twists the truth. When a pinnochio (guess who, the irritated number) reports of seeing the fire chief (if you believe you are telling the truth it isn't a knowing lie) and does not hesitate to call it in. People harass the family. Myung tries to defend his father on television, and for a moment it seems like relentless reporter lady almost feels guilty, but someone throws in egg at Myung triggering his elder brother's rage. Relentless reporter lady wants to show this footage, but her producer tells her not to because they have no solid evidence yet that the man is in fact alive. Still, she blurs out their faces and shows it....
7.Later, his older brother visits the reporter to do an interview (we don't know if that happened) and his mother, who has seriously reached her breaking point, tells her son they will meet his father. This translates to committing suicide by jumping into the ocean. The next day elder brother shows up, the reporters are there, and the same reporter lady continues to spin her stories.
8.Meanwhile, a young Choi In Ha is on a boat with her father. They are leaving her mother, and her father gets angry whenever she is mentioned. She too has Pinocchio syndrome. They arrive at the home of her grandfather who has dementia, on a secluded island. There her grandfather brings out his 'son' a little boy her age, and he introduces her as his niece. His name is Dal Po. The boy is actually Myung. he reveals he has no family (what about his elder brother?) and that he has been pretending to be the old man's son since whenever he recalls he is dead he gets ill. They accept this.
9.Dal Po and In Ha have a rocky start as she accuses him of using her grandpa. But he essentially throws it back at her. She is honest, and although she has Pinocchio syndrome, he appreciates that she is honest and owns her mistakes (she is also cocky and confident and I like it). He helps her to fix the t.v. because he learns her mother is on it. He promises to not tell her father because he would break the t.v.
10.The t.v. comes on, and guess who her mother is? Relentless t.v. reporter. This causes Dal Po to do a 180 in personality. He angrily leaves, tells her father that she fixed the t.v. and has been trying to reach her mom. Her father has an angry outburst and destroys the t.v. She comes out in tears and asks him to help but he knocks her to the ground and essentially tells her to die.
11.We go back to the present, and Choi In Ha is confident that he will win. Someone asks if she loves him and she says no, and she doesn't hiccup so she must be telling the truth. Elsewhere, Myung's older brother is carrying some things into a store and he stops in his track because ...grown up Myung is on t.v....
Comments:
I do not understand the firefighter procedure. Firefighters are supposed to ALWAYS stay in pairs and they are not supposed to try to save people who can't be saved. When they arrived, the room these guys were supposedly in was sealed up, the building was a factory (meaning their could have been chemicals) and it was entirely engulfed. Also, they did not even TRY to man a water hose and put out the fire.
That aside, the show seems interesting. I haven't watched a kdrama in a long time and wanted to try something short and sweet. This seems good.
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I am sorry but my guide will be shorter than normal because I just...am not liking this show...
1.Mo Yu visits with Rong'er and they discuss the Zhou Garden incident. We can confirm that none of the bodies were recovered, so everyone is assumed dead. Mo Yu asks if she has met Sheng, and Rong'er confirms. She proceeds to tell her that she believes he has bad intentions, essentially relying on his close relationship with Luo Luo to slander him. She reports she has no interest in him. We learn that Mo Yu (and by default the Empress's) believes that she, with her phoenix blood, is only worthy of nobility although Rong'er insists she has no interest in romance. In addition to this, she states her destiny is loneliness (so....boring....who wants to be alone? she could have said she simply wishes to pursue a single life, but loneliness?)
2.Rong'er maintains some communication with Sheng, sending him notes that we cannot read because it is not interpreted but based on Sheng's reaction it must be her telling him she doesn't want to be with him because he wishes her peace. Elsewhere, 36 expresses confidence that Sheng will rank 1 during this exam.
3.Our hero is a computer, able to read dozens of books at once, we learn. 36 believes he likes Luo Luo but Sheng clearly does not (he is going to like Rong'er who is like an ideal of feminine beauty from 100 years ago....did I guy write this novel?)
4.Rong'er, meanwhile, speaks to Quiyan and they update each other on the fact that the assassinations are done. She is going to question survivors of Zhou garden, he will question demons.
5.While gathering herbs, Sheng runs into Rong'er. (remember, she doesn't know his true identity). He treats her the same as he treats everyone else. She returns and spends time with him. He is able to make her laugh (I think it is important to note that he, out of everyone alive, can make her smile and laugh).He teaches her things about plants, basically tells her to stop worrying.
6.Elsewhere Luo Luo ignores her Shifu's orders and trains (oh apparently her meridians aren't fixed) she spits up blood. Apparently beast clan people have less meridians than humans. She gets lectured.
7.Xuaunhui is going around trying to find the survivor from Zhou Garden, running amok. Eventually Rong'er is captured, along with Sheng. It seems her blood is needed for a phoenix pill.
-I skipped through a lot because this episode was painfully boring.
1.Mo Yu visits with Rong'er and they discuss the Zhou Garden incident. We can confirm that none of the bodies were recovered, so everyone is assumed dead. Mo Yu asks if she has met Sheng, and Rong'er confirms. She proceeds to tell her that she believes he has bad intentions, essentially relying on his close relationship with Luo Luo to slander him. She reports she has no interest in him. We learn that Mo Yu (and by default the Empress's) believes that she, with her phoenix blood, is only worthy of nobility although Rong'er insists she has no interest in romance. In addition to this, she states her destiny is loneliness (so....boring....who wants to be alone? she could have said she simply wishes to pursue a single life, but loneliness?)
2.Rong'er maintains some communication with Sheng, sending him notes that we cannot read because it is not interpreted but based on Sheng's reaction it must be her telling him she doesn't want to be with him because he wishes her peace. Elsewhere, 36 expresses confidence that Sheng will rank 1 during this exam.
3.Our hero is a computer, able to read dozens of books at once, we learn. 36 believes he likes Luo Luo but Sheng clearly does not (he is going to like Rong'er who is like an ideal of feminine beauty from 100 years ago....did I guy write this novel?)
4.Rong'er, meanwhile, speaks to Quiyan and they update each other on the fact that the assassinations are done. She is going to question survivors of Zhou garden, he will question demons.
5.While gathering herbs, Sheng runs into Rong'er. (remember, she doesn't know his true identity). He treats her the same as he treats everyone else. She returns and spends time with him. He is able to make her laugh (I think it is important to note that he, out of everyone alive, can make her smile and laugh).He teaches her things about plants, basically tells her to stop worrying.
6.Elsewhere Luo Luo ignores her Shifu's orders and trains (oh apparently her meridians aren't fixed) she spits up blood. Apparently beast clan people have less meridians than humans. She gets lectured.
7.Xuaunhui is going around trying to find the survivor from Zhou Garden, running amok. Eventually Rong'er is captured, along with Sheng. It seems her blood is needed for a phoenix pill.
-I skipped through a lot because this episode was painfully boring.
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*This is incomplete as it is still being subbed but you can understand the overall meaning*
1.Unsurprisingly, Chou Nu rejects the fact that he is Qu Yuan. Her father seems to believe him, but since Yuan'er seems to have earned her utmost dislike, she believes he is making up lies (his brother did almost kill her brother...so her dislike is justified...it's just that he looks like a sad puppy!). They leave after she thank him for saving her father (in the most wooden way; she won't even look him in the eye!) Her father warns her that she could be wrong but she is so certain in her judgement (....kind of like Elizabeth from Pride & Prejudice). For reasons completely unknown, her father warns her that if she should ever meet the real Qu Yuan they are not to associate (oohh.....maybe they are related? it is a pretty common plot device...)
2.(sorry, a lot of this is unsubbed) The emperor essentially does not want anything to happen to his precious He Shi Bi and is hesitant to lend it because there is no guarantee that it will avoid war. ( I don't know if he will lend it but he is thinking about quietly mobilizing troops)
3.In the next scene, Chou Nu is sitting on a little bridge. Thinking about Qu Yuan. She asks Quing'er if it is him, after all he swore an oath, but Quing'er reassures her that it isn't him and that is enough to stop her doubts. She wonders what Mr. Qu is like...(I think she may be in love with this poet she has never met....supposedly....)(she reveals a more soft, vulnerable side)
4.The emperor meets with Yuan'er and they have a talk (mainly unsubbed) at some point Yuan'er begins to discuss the poverty in the question, using a story about fish. Whatever they talked about bc it is unsubbed, Yuan'er concludes he has 3 days to do it or else become an official. (I want to know!)
5.Zhang Yi delivers boxes of pearls to Princess Yin (of Qin) to soothe her homesickness. She seems disgusted as she snaps he should not have sent her here in the first place.She essentially rejects the gifts and tells him to take them with her and that she must think of her child. Translation: I want my kid to be king of Chu, so I won't help you. Poor Zhang Yi is having a rough time here!
6.Quing'er brings Chou Nu copies of Qu Yuan's new poem. It is the poem she heard Yuan'er make up the other day, the one she assumed was not written by Qu Yuan. She is surprised, and begins to seriously wonder if Qu Yuan was telling the truth....
7.In another scene, we are introduced to another pretty face but none of it is translated...
8.We go back to Chou Nu who is walking with Qing'er and she seems to still be debating the truth of Qu Yuan's identity. She seems confused. Quing'er says it could be him. They go to market, and soldiers arrive to draft soldiers. They take her brother, even though they try to fight for him. It is the order of the Minister o War...who is related to Qu Yuan...(this does not bode well for our hero)
9.Elsewhere, our oblivious and romantic hero is inhaling a fragrance that he acquired during the festival way back in episode 1. It probably reminds him of Chou Nu...who hates him. He is happy that she has turned up at his house, pleased she believes him (oh man...you have no idea....) He thinks she came to confirm his identity. Her answer? Yes and no. Quing'er is the one asking questions while she woodenly stares at him as he serves tea. He casually explains that the draft is to preserve the safety of Chu (I really wish all of this translated! I imagine he is cataloging all the rational reasons for this draft--but he is very arrogant and so certain he knows everything...)(
10.She asks him why he didn't join the army (the answer is not translated, but I bet it is something like I am a poet or I have to teach the royal brats). So she challenges him again--so you snatch random people and force them? he is confused, and Quing'er explains her brother was drafted. He says it is his fortune to join the soldiers! (oh man he really has no sense of reading a situation...or understanding basic emotions...this going bad to worse for our hero....I love it) He tries to reassure her that his big brother will be there....She wants to know why the commoners have to fight on the front lines (his answer is not translated) she tells him she misjudged him and storms out.
11.In the next scene she tries to visit her brother. they are refused. Qu Yuan is troubled by her words (me too because I don't know what was said....) and visits his brother. He asks him why the commoners are in the front lines and his brother replies, 'they are commoners, that is their fate' (bad answer!)
12.Her brother has always been weak, and he was injured by You'er. He cannot handle the training and collapses. His sister manages to break though, in spite of all the swords. Luckily him and his brother arrive, saving them from death. But her brother dies in her arms! Nooooo!
13.In the next scene, the entire family is gathered around Brother Mo. Crying. She steps outside and sees Yuan'er who confronts her and states that he knows she does not like him. He again raises his hand to swear an oath but is interrupted. They want him gone (family comes out) But he won't get off his soap box and argues that commoners must fight to protect the state just as nobles fight only then can they have peace (he really, really cannot read a situation. she is about to break down in tears. there is a time and a place but all he cares about is proving he is right....)
14.(I officially love her love her) she quietly asks him if he is done and he looks confused so she drags him inside and shows him her brother. He is shocked. She asks him is this how he becomes a big hero? She explains he can't do much, but at least he can live. And he seems at a loss for words. She screams at him that they are from different worlds and then he leaves. Later, she burns his new poem on a pyre....
---I like it! This is getting good! I didn't expect them to move so quickly with his personality growth! Keep it coming! This is my understanding: she may seem reserved but she is really very emotional and passionate and probably puts up a guard to avoid either being hurt or starting a problem. He seems friendly and nice and smart but is in fact very insensitive and self-righteous and emotionally illiterate.
1.Unsurprisingly, Chou Nu rejects the fact that he is Qu Yuan. Her father seems to believe him, but since Yuan'er seems to have earned her utmost dislike, she believes he is making up lies (his brother did almost kill her brother...so her dislike is justified...it's just that he looks like a sad puppy!). They leave after she thank him for saving her father (in the most wooden way; she won't even look him in the eye!) Her father warns her that she could be wrong but she is so certain in her judgement (....kind of like Elizabeth from Pride & Prejudice). For reasons completely unknown, her father warns her that if she should ever meet the real Qu Yuan they are not to associate (oohh.....maybe they are related? it is a pretty common plot device...)
2.(sorry, a lot of this is unsubbed) The emperor essentially does not want anything to happen to his precious He Shi Bi and is hesitant to lend it because there is no guarantee that it will avoid war. ( I don't know if he will lend it but he is thinking about quietly mobilizing troops)
3.In the next scene, Chou Nu is sitting on a little bridge. Thinking about Qu Yuan. She asks Quing'er if it is him, after all he swore an oath, but Quing'er reassures her that it isn't him and that is enough to stop her doubts. She wonders what Mr. Qu is like...(I think she may be in love with this poet she has never met....supposedly....)(she reveals a more soft, vulnerable side)
4.The emperor meets with Yuan'er and they have a talk (mainly unsubbed) at some point Yuan'er begins to discuss the poverty in the question, using a story about fish. Whatever they talked about bc it is unsubbed, Yuan'er concludes he has 3 days to do it or else become an official. (I want to know!)
5.Zhang Yi delivers boxes of pearls to Princess Yin (of Qin) to soothe her homesickness. She seems disgusted as she snaps he should not have sent her here in the first place.She essentially rejects the gifts and tells him to take them with her and that she must think of her child. Translation: I want my kid to be king of Chu, so I won't help you. Poor Zhang Yi is having a rough time here!
6.Quing'er brings Chou Nu copies of Qu Yuan's new poem. It is the poem she heard Yuan'er make up the other day, the one she assumed was not written by Qu Yuan. She is surprised, and begins to seriously wonder if Qu Yuan was telling the truth....
7.In another scene, we are introduced to another pretty face but none of it is translated...
8.We go back to Chou Nu who is walking with Qing'er and she seems to still be debating the truth of Qu Yuan's identity. She seems confused. Quing'er says it could be him. They go to market, and soldiers arrive to draft soldiers. They take her brother, even though they try to fight for him. It is the order of the Minister o War...who is related to Qu Yuan...(this does not bode well for our hero)
9.Elsewhere, our oblivious and romantic hero is inhaling a fragrance that he acquired during the festival way back in episode 1. It probably reminds him of Chou Nu...who hates him. He is happy that she has turned up at his house, pleased she believes him (oh man...you have no idea....) He thinks she came to confirm his identity. Her answer? Yes and no. Quing'er is the one asking questions while she woodenly stares at him as he serves tea. He casually explains that the draft is to preserve the safety of Chu (I really wish all of this translated! I imagine he is cataloging all the rational reasons for this draft--but he is very arrogant and so certain he knows everything...)(
10.She asks him why he didn't join the army (the answer is not translated, but I bet it is something like I am a poet or I have to teach the royal brats). So she challenges him again--so you snatch random people and force them? he is confused, and Quing'er explains her brother was drafted. He says it is his fortune to join the soldiers! (oh man he really has no sense of reading a situation...or understanding basic emotions...this going bad to worse for our hero....I love it) He tries to reassure her that his big brother will be there....She wants to know why the commoners have to fight on the front lines (his answer is not translated) she tells him she misjudged him and storms out.
11.In the next scene she tries to visit her brother. they are refused. Qu Yuan is troubled by her words (me too because I don't know what was said....) and visits his brother. He asks him why the commoners are in the front lines and his brother replies, 'they are commoners, that is their fate' (bad answer!)
12.Her brother has always been weak, and he was injured by You'er. He cannot handle the training and collapses. His sister manages to break though, in spite of all the swords. Luckily him and his brother arrive, saving them from death. But her brother dies in her arms! Nooooo!
13.In the next scene, the entire family is gathered around Brother Mo. Crying. She steps outside and sees Yuan'er who confronts her and states that he knows she does not like him. He again raises his hand to swear an oath but is interrupted. They want him gone (family comes out) But he won't get off his soap box and argues that commoners must fight to protect the state just as nobles fight only then can they have peace (he really, really cannot read a situation. she is about to break down in tears. there is a time and a place but all he cares about is proving he is right....)
14.(I officially love her love her) she quietly asks him if he is done and he looks confused so she drags him inside and shows him her brother. He is shocked. She asks him is this how he becomes a big hero? She explains he can't do much, but at least he can live. And he seems at a loss for words. She screams at him that they are from different worlds and then he leaves. Later, she burns his new poem on a pyre....
---I like it! This is getting good! I didn't expect them to move so quickly with his personality growth! Keep it coming! This is my understanding: she may seem reserved but she is really very emotional and passionate and probably puts up a guard to avoid either being hurt or starting a problem. He seems friendly and nice and smart but is in fact very insensitive and self-righteous and emotionally illiterate.
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Spoilers Ahead:
1.The King studies the rare jade (He Shi Bi) and tells his attendant that he must guard it closely and not let anyone near it. His attendant mentions Zhang He, who gave it to him, and suggests he is the most loyal official because he offered up such a rare gift. The king patiently explains that these officials merely want to curry favor, and as long as they want something from him they will be loyal. Yuan'er is unique in that he gave a gift that has no real value, perhaps implying that he does not want anything from the king.
2.Elsewhere, Zheng Xiu, the daughter of the conquered Zheng kingdom, is busy with her lover (very brave or very dumb) she has been in love with this man since before she was forced to be a concubine to the king. Her lover worries that they will be caught and reminds her to be cautious but she insists that the king has not visited her for months. As luck would have it, he visits her that night and her lover barely escapes without the king seeming to notice...
3.Elsewhere, Zhang Li arrives with a mission: somehow obtain the He Shi Bi. He admits he is returning after a long time (when was he last here?)
4.Elsewhere, the emperors two sons are playing with the He Shi Bi (apparently security is lax). One little brat insists he wants it now in spite of the fact that he may someday receive it as the king. They refer to Yuan'er as Shifu, thus it seems he is their tutor (apparently he is the Grand Scholar). The emperor arrives, the boys scatter, and the king asks the tutor an extremely important question: who should I name as heir? Yuan'er isn't an idiot and puts the ball back in his court by asking him what the strengths are of his children. The king explains that Zhi Lan is good with words (so a statesman?) is and Zhi Lang is more brave (so a soldier?). Yuan'er explains a king must have both qualities. The conversation turns to Quin, and the king asks him what he thinks of the Quin king, and Yuan'er explains he is a warrior.
5.The emperor explains that Zhang Li is an ambassador to the court and the king wants to know Yuan'er's thoughts. Yuan'er explains he met him once, when he was a child. He came to request troops/support from his father. Zhang Li was/is known for his wit and cleverness, thus the Minister of War challenged him to finish his chess game for him. Before he could, Yuan'er did it, surprising Zhang Li. Next, Yuan'er had posed him a riddle: but he was unable to answer it. This led to his father laughing at him because he was outwitted by a child and he sent him away--he was humiliated by Yuan'er. (Note that Yuan'er seems completely unperturbed by the fact that he humiliated him. It is too early to say if he is dense or just doesn't care).
6. The king intimates that he is worried about Qin's motive because there has been a truce with them as a result of the Chu/Qin marriages. However, in recent years Qin has been leading many military campaigns and absorbing territories. Yuan'er asks permission to come to the morning meeting, and the emperor points out that this violates his rule of not interfering in worldly affairs, to which Yuan'er cheekily replies that he said it depends on the matter (basically he might be useful for non worldly affair things)
7.At the morning meeting, officials are clearly surprised to see Yuan'er there because he isn't an official. This means that the king clearly favors him. Even his father cautions him to not cause any trouble. When Zhany Yi arrives, the ministers all caution the king but Yuan'er advises that he 'make Zhang Yi' wait. The king agrees, and Zhang Yi waits until Yuan'er finally suggests he be let in (this is a pretty big deal because the king has ignored his ministers and allowed a scholar to have a great say in an important political affair. it also clearly violates Yuan'er's rule, in my book).
8.Zhang Yi asks to borrow the He Shi Bi. The ministers laugh at him, after all, wasn't he (we learn) responsible for stealing it last time? Yuan'er introduces himself to Zhang Yi, and Zhang Yi immediately remembers the kid who had a profound impact on his life with just a few words (somehow I think he hates him...)Yuan'er confronts him and states that he should have no reason to take the He Shi Bi for an offering because only the flame emperor, Zhou Tian Zi of Zhou, can claim that title and it would be like copying him. Zhang Yi asks the king why a mere poet is here arguing with him, and the king defends him and states he is the grand scholar. Zhang Yi further insults him by calling him a mere ant. Yuan'er essentially recommends that the He Shi Bi not be lent, and Zhang Li leaves but gives the king 3 days to make up his mind.
9.IMPORTANT:
Qu Yuan explains to the king that he suggested that they not lend the jade because it was necessary to preserve their reputation. Now that they have done that, he believe that they should lend it out of kindness because it will gain them a lot. He believes that they will win the trust of the world in doing so, because of Qin returns it, they look magnanimous, and if they don't return it, Qin loses face.
10.However, he notes Qin is a very ruthless state and would take offence if they don't lend it, giving them an excuse to attack. Lending it would prevent this. Furthermore, given that Shang Bian (who is this guy?) has passed many reforms in Qin thus it would be unclear if Chu would win against Qin.
11.Afterwards, the emperor walks with Yuan'er who explains he doubts an ambassador of Qin would journey all this way for a treasure, even one like the He Shi Bi. The emperor remarks that he has seen a new side of him and he is clearly much smarter than he looks. But he points out he went back on his word (he got involved). Is he not afraid he will punish him? The emperor reveals that there is game people play at court and everyone knew the reasons for and against giving the jade; that Yuan is extremely cocky for thinking he is the only smart person and this seems to surprise Yuan who takes everything as he sees it. the emperor again asks him to join his court as an official.
He selects a plant that he apparently has a special attachment to and decides to gift it to Chou Nu for her brother....I call him little buddy.
12.Meanwhile, a gangster (he looks and acts like a stereotypical gangster) named Master Liu is out extorting people for money. A merchant with no money panics as this Liu begins to have his men steal his fishes. Luckily, Yuan'er just happened to be strolling by. He sends these guys running with a few slaps but wait...this guy returns with more men. (Good think You'er is there; also this guy is SUCH A STEREOTYPE IT HURTS TO WATCH). You'er beats him with wet laundry. Yes. Wet laundry (and anyone hit with a wet towel can attest, that HURTS). Yuan'er just watches this (what will he do when he actually has to defend himself?)
13.We go to Chou Nu, whose little brother stop by. It just so happens her father is selling fish in the market (I wonder if it is the same guy. That was sarcasm). Guess who brings him home? Yuan'er. This must be destiny. (her face literally falls when she sees who is bringing her dad back while Yuan'er is the opposite and grins) Now he knows her name! She attacks him with a broom. (I am conflicted. He is responsible for her brothers injuries...but he tried to apologize...) He gives her medicine (that was why he was in the area) She is rude, her father says that is just her way (she has no idea that this plant is like his best friend) She gives them dinner to thank them for helping her father and Yuan'er clearly thinks it is disgusting but lies.
14.Both You'er and Yuan'er are surprised when they learn that although her father sells fish, they rarely get to eat it because they need the money. Quing Er essentially says that they are rich boys and could never understand the suffering of commoners (they might learn empathy, I think) this criticism seems to make Yuan'er uneasy (maybe because she is right, and he, who knows all, doesn't know anything about this?)
15.He raises his hand like swearing an oath, and says that he will do all he can to improve the lives of commoners. Oh he also introduces himself as Qu Yuan, surprising Chou Nu....(Also, I don't think he realizes exactly what he is getting himself into. But he is painfully honest.)
Comments: I like how Yuan's character flaws are basically being brought out: He is extremely talented but also very convinced he is the smartest. He also isn't good at reading people and while logical he needs to be more pragmatic and realistic.
1.The King studies the rare jade (He Shi Bi) and tells his attendant that he must guard it closely and not let anyone near it. His attendant mentions Zhang He, who gave it to him, and suggests he is the most loyal official because he offered up such a rare gift. The king patiently explains that these officials merely want to curry favor, and as long as they want something from him they will be loyal. Yuan'er is unique in that he gave a gift that has no real value, perhaps implying that he does not want anything from the king.
2.Elsewhere, Zheng Xiu, the daughter of the conquered Zheng kingdom, is busy with her lover (very brave or very dumb) she has been in love with this man since before she was forced to be a concubine to the king. Her lover worries that they will be caught and reminds her to be cautious but she insists that the king has not visited her for months. As luck would have it, he visits her that night and her lover barely escapes without the king seeming to notice...
3.Elsewhere, Zhang Li arrives with a mission: somehow obtain the He Shi Bi. He admits he is returning after a long time (when was he last here?)
4.Elsewhere, the emperors two sons are playing with the He Shi Bi (apparently security is lax). One little brat insists he wants it now in spite of the fact that he may someday receive it as the king. They refer to Yuan'er as Shifu, thus it seems he is their tutor (apparently he is the Grand Scholar). The emperor arrives, the boys scatter, and the king asks the tutor an extremely important question: who should I name as heir? Yuan'er isn't an idiot and puts the ball back in his court by asking him what the strengths are of his children. The king explains that Zhi Lan is good with words (so a statesman?) is and Zhi Lang is more brave (so a soldier?). Yuan'er explains a king must have both qualities. The conversation turns to Quin, and the king asks him what he thinks of the Quin king, and Yuan'er explains he is a warrior.
5.The emperor explains that Zhang Li is an ambassador to the court and the king wants to know Yuan'er's thoughts. Yuan'er explains he met him once, when he was a child. He came to request troops/support from his father. Zhang Li was/is known for his wit and cleverness, thus the Minister of War challenged him to finish his chess game for him. Before he could, Yuan'er did it, surprising Zhang Li. Next, Yuan'er had posed him a riddle: but he was unable to answer it. This led to his father laughing at him because he was outwitted by a child and he sent him away--he was humiliated by Yuan'er. (Note that Yuan'er seems completely unperturbed by the fact that he humiliated him. It is too early to say if he is dense or just doesn't care).
6. The king intimates that he is worried about Qin's motive because there has been a truce with them as a result of the Chu/Qin marriages. However, in recent years Qin has been leading many military campaigns and absorbing territories. Yuan'er asks permission to come to the morning meeting, and the emperor points out that this violates his rule of not interfering in worldly affairs, to which Yuan'er cheekily replies that he said it depends on the matter (basically he might be useful for non worldly affair things)
7.At the morning meeting, officials are clearly surprised to see Yuan'er there because he isn't an official. This means that the king clearly favors him. Even his father cautions him to not cause any trouble. When Zhany Yi arrives, the ministers all caution the king but Yuan'er advises that he 'make Zhang Yi' wait. The king agrees, and Zhang Yi waits until Yuan'er finally suggests he be let in (this is a pretty big deal because the king has ignored his ministers and allowed a scholar to have a great say in an important political affair. it also clearly violates Yuan'er's rule, in my book).
8.Zhang Yi asks to borrow the He Shi Bi. The ministers laugh at him, after all, wasn't he (we learn) responsible for stealing it last time? Yuan'er introduces himself to Zhang Yi, and Zhang Yi immediately remembers the kid who had a profound impact on his life with just a few words (somehow I think he hates him...)Yuan'er confronts him and states that he should have no reason to take the He Shi Bi for an offering because only the flame emperor, Zhou Tian Zi of Zhou, can claim that title and it would be like copying him. Zhang Yi asks the king why a mere poet is here arguing with him, and the king defends him and states he is the grand scholar. Zhang Yi further insults him by calling him a mere ant. Yuan'er essentially recommends that the He Shi Bi not be lent, and Zhang Li leaves but gives the king 3 days to make up his mind.
9.IMPORTANT:
Qu Yuan explains to the king that he suggested that they not lend the jade because it was necessary to preserve their reputation. Now that they have done that, he believe that they should lend it out of kindness because it will gain them a lot. He believes that they will win the trust of the world in doing so, because of Qin returns it, they look magnanimous, and if they don't return it, Qin loses face.
10.However, he notes Qin is a very ruthless state and would take offence if they don't lend it, giving them an excuse to attack. Lending it would prevent this. Furthermore, given that Shang Bian (who is this guy?) has passed many reforms in Qin thus it would be unclear if Chu would win against Qin.
11.Afterwards, the emperor walks with Yuan'er who explains he doubts an ambassador of Qin would journey all this way for a treasure, even one like the He Shi Bi. The emperor remarks that he has seen a new side of him and he is clearly much smarter than he looks. But he points out he went back on his word (he got involved). Is he not afraid he will punish him? The emperor reveals that there is game people play at court and everyone knew the reasons for and against giving the jade; that Yuan is extremely cocky for thinking he is the only smart person and this seems to surprise Yuan who takes everything as he sees it. the emperor again asks him to join his court as an official.
He selects a plant that he apparently has a special attachment to and decides to gift it to Chou Nu for her brother....I call him little buddy.
12.Meanwhile, a gangster (he looks and acts like a stereotypical gangster) named Master Liu is out extorting people for money. A merchant with no money panics as this Liu begins to have his men steal his fishes. Luckily, Yuan'er just happened to be strolling by. He sends these guys running with a few slaps but wait...this guy returns with more men. (Good think You'er is there; also this guy is SUCH A STEREOTYPE IT HURTS TO WATCH). You'er beats him with wet laundry. Yes. Wet laundry (and anyone hit with a wet towel can attest, that HURTS). Yuan'er just watches this (what will he do when he actually has to defend himself?)
13.We go to Chou Nu, whose little brother stop by. It just so happens her father is selling fish in the market (I wonder if it is the same guy. That was sarcasm). Guess who brings him home? Yuan'er. This must be destiny. (her face literally falls when she sees who is bringing her dad back while Yuan'er is the opposite and grins) Now he knows her name! She attacks him with a broom. (I am conflicted. He is responsible for her brothers injuries...but he tried to apologize...) He gives her medicine (that was why he was in the area) She is rude, her father says that is just her way (she has no idea that this plant is like his best friend) She gives them dinner to thank them for helping her father and Yuan'er clearly thinks it is disgusting but lies.
14.Both You'er and Yuan'er are surprised when they learn that although her father sells fish, they rarely get to eat it because they need the money. Quing Er essentially says that they are rich boys and could never understand the suffering of commoners (they might learn empathy, I think) this criticism seems to make Yuan'er uneasy (maybe because she is right, and he, who knows all, doesn't know anything about this?)
15.He raises his hand like swearing an oath, and says that he will do all he can to improve the lives of commoners. Oh he also introduces himself as Qu Yuan, surprising Chou Nu....(Also, I don't think he realizes exactly what he is getting himself into. But he is painfully honest.)
Comments: I like how Yuan's character flaws are basically being brought out: He is extremely talented but also very convinced he is the smartest. He also isn't good at reading people and while logical he needs to be more pragmatic and realistic.
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Comments: I am in a strange fix: the acting for the show is decent. But the script isn't very impressive (no I have not read the novel). I am worried it will run the risk of not balancing comedy with drama. Currently, the main characters and supporting cast remind me a little bit of teenagers inexperienced with reality because some of the antics remind me of some of the stuff I might have done when I was 14. Now, this could reflect the age of the protagonist in the novel; however the actors all look to be 20. So...you see the inconsistency. Maybe the directors could have considered using younger actors and a time skip? Am I being overly critical? I don't think so because while they (the actors) work hard, our time is valuable (some of us have day jobs) and I don't want this to turn into a show that is mediocre. I will hang on for a few more episodes and let them establish plot. A couple of things happened in this episode to advance plot but it is moving very slowly.
1.We open to Sheng in his bath, appearing (naturally) startled that someone has hacked a hole in the wall surrounding the Academy (and into his bathing area). Unlike other male characters introduced in the series, he is extremely shy when Princess Bai Lu emerges. She is startled too (so she did not know his bath was there) but maintains her cool, and pretends to study the sky as she explains very casually that she only meant to build a gate (I like that she doesn't even blush, and I like her awkward response. I can relate; in her shoes I would also play dumb).
2.Sheng immediately departs to 36's home and asks him if he can stay for a bit. He explains he cannot go home (perhaps he has come to some strange conclusions about Bai Lu). Oddly, it seems like he is coming on to him as he asks to sleep in his room (is that a fan service for the BL fans?)(Given his genius personality, I was hoping he would adapt cold sarcasm but at this point it is safe to say that he is the warm, friendly genius type who shyly doesn't know what to do with the opposite sex, probably because of his sheltered life up to this point).
3.Meanwhile, Rong'er appears to be one with nature as she meditates, a giant bird is just hanging out next to her, and she receives an origami message. She is notified of her engagement, that Sheng stopped by, and instead of being upset like her parents, she seems to be excited. Her father visits her and explains that while Sheng stopped by, he is coarse and unrefined and unsuitable for her. He also explains he is staying at G. Academy. She tells him to him no harm and decides to pay him a visit.
4.Outside of the academy, Yuan Po (bear clan) is sweeping. Upon seeing him, she politely says while she came to see an old friend she has since decided to lead a secular life (she seems to have changed her mind? unless I misunderstood. So Rong'er has some standards and isn't as perfect as she appears. She has become more interesting). In typical drama fashion, Sheng emerges the moment she leaves.
5.Elsewhere, Quishan encounters three of the seven demon assassins (Youzhou, Yuanfei, Xuanming) we don't see him destroy them but he reports to the empress, with his weapons, that he has reduced their number to four (Apparently he killed them all, which INFURIATES ME because I really don't like it when one side seems to be unreasonably overpowered. It makes me sympathize with the demon sect, who is living in caves and it makes me think that the so-called good guys are oppressors). Anyways, the empress names the other four assassins: Quiniv, Wumian, Lian, and Yeshi Taniv (he is the demon smoke guy).
6.Meanwhile, Ya'er encounters Yuan Po and immediately proceeds to prove that he is in fact, a bigger ass than we initially thought. For no reason at all he decides that Ya'er must vacate the market and proceeds to use his power to 1)have his lackeys hold 2)dislocate(?) his shoulder and brag that he, as the Empress's nephew, should be obeyed. Fortunately, Princess Bai Lu arrives and is indifferent to his behavior. She explains that she is not the type of person to listen to reason and she hates him--she dislocates his arm herself and explains she is the only princess of the beast kingdom (meaning she is a higher rank) he apologizes but she doesn't want to hear it. He runs off.
7.They plan to visit Sheng but Yeshi Taniv attacks. Princess is critically wounded when she takes a hit for Yuan Po (Taniv also explains he wants to finish this up to rejoin his family, so he isn't evil if he has people he loves). Mo Yu arrives and is able to run him off. They go to Sheng who explains that it doesn't look good (he also learns her meridians are blocked). He uses the medicine his shifu gave him (every time he uses it, his life is shortened) and promises to make her his disciple before healing her. I think her meridians are healed.
8.Meanwhile, Yeshi Taniv runs into Rong'er (an old woman is slowly walking by in a rather surreal scene). He tries to attack her but she sends him to the ground. Her sword remains pointed at the old lady until she disappears (we learn later this woman is Wumian). Rong'er sheaths her sword, and we don't know if she is going to arrest Yeshi or help him (I am on the boat that she might black gown or that there is more to her than meets the eye because her character is way to boring).
9.Princess Bai sends a letter to the empress and tells her that her palace is boring (she drew a picture) and she is remaining with her new shifu (this letter had me rolling my eyes and cringing it felt extremely out of place. I would have liked to see Bai simply not report/show up or directly tell her and then teleport away this was just too childish and seemed inconsistent with her character)
10.Sheng continues to practice finding his sword and succeeds (he doesn't no it yet but it is in a big way). He finds a red star. We go to the Beast King/Empress and they look at the star and note that it is a red Erebus light, and that is owner is a person of great power and meant to do great good. Then we go to Empress & Mo Yu who say basically the same thing. The empress sends Mo Yu to find him.
11.36 gifts Sheng with a pair of wings but takes them back after Sheng points out all of its flaws. He flies away, and is knocked out of the sky by Mo Yu. 36 proceeds to pose seductively (this was actually amusing and is consistent with his character) and essentially flirts with her. This only angers Mo Yu, who slaps him and storms off. 36 goes back to Sheng and proceeds to tell him how a beauty wanted him so badly she knocked him out of the sky and then tried to steal his virginity (an infuriated Mo Yu overhears this and bursts in) and 36 then hides behind Sheng and says 'you see, she followed me!'
12.Mo Yu has found the guy she is looking for...?
--I gave the show a 7.5 because they advanced the plot a little. Since we are at episode 5 and not a lot has happened I am going to rate it according to plot advancement/story since we have already established the acting is descent and we have established that the sets/costumes are descent. Again, anything in the 7 area for me means that it is okay but not super engaging.--
1.We open to Sheng in his bath, appearing (naturally) startled that someone has hacked a hole in the wall surrounding the Academy (and into his bathing area). Unlike other male characters introduced in the series, he is extremely shy when Princess Bai Lu emerges. She is startled too (so she did not know his bath was there) but maintains her cool, and pretends to study the sky as she explains very casually that she only meant to build a gate (I like that she doesn't even blush, and I like her awkward response. I can relate; in her shoes I would also play dumb).
2.Sheng immediately departs to 36's home and asks him if he can stay for a bit. He explains he cannot go home (perhaps he has come to some strange conclusions about Bai Lu). Oddly, it seems like he is coming on to him as he asks to sleep in his room (is that a fan service for the BL fans?)(Given his genius personality, I was hoping he would adapt cold sarcasm but at this point it is safe to say that he is the warm, friendly genius type who shyly doesn't know what to do with the opposite sex, probably because of his sheltered life up to this point).
3.Meanwhile, Rong'er appears to be one with nature as she meditates, a giant bird is just hanging out next to her, and she receives an origami message. She is notified of her engagement, that Sheng stopped by, and instead of being upset like her parents, she seems to be excited. Her father visits her and explains that while Sheng stopped by, he is coarse and unrefined and unsuitable for her. He also explains he is staying at G. Academy. She tells him to him no harm and decides to pay him a visit.
4.Outside of the academy, Yuan Po (bear clan) is sweeping. Upon seeing him, she politely says while she came to see an old friend she has since decided to lead a secular life (she seems to have changed her mind? unless I misunderstood. So Rong'er has some standards and isn't as perfect as she appears. She has become more interesting). In typical drama fashion, Sheng emerges the moment she leaves.
5.Elsewhere, Quishan encounters three of the seven demon assassins (Youzhou, Yuanfei, Xuanming) we don't see him destroy them but he reports to the empress, with his weapons, that he has reduced their number to four (Apparently he killed them all, which INFURIATES ME because I really don't like it when one side seems to be unreasonably overpowered. It makes me sympathize with the demon sect, who is living in caves and it makes me think that the so-called good guys are oppressors). Anyways, the empress names the other four assassins: Quiniv, Wumian, Lian, and Yeshi Taniv (he is the demon smoke guy).
6.Meanwhile, Ya'er encounters Yuan Po and immediately proceeds to prove that he is in fact, a bigger ass than we initially thought. For no reason at all he decides that Ya'er must vacate the market and proceeds to use his power to 1)have his lackeys hold 2)dislocate(?) his shoulder and brag that he, as the Empress's nephew, should be obeyed. Fortunately, Princess Bai Lu arrives and is indifferent to his behavior. She explains that she is not the type of person to listen to reason and she hates him--she dislocates his arm herself and explains she is the only princess of the beast kingdom (meaning she is a higher rank) he apologizes but she doesn't want to hear it. He runs off.
7.They plan to visit Sheng but Yeshi Taniv attacks. Princess is critically wounded when she takes a hit for Yuan Po (Taniv also explains he wants to finish this up to rejoin his family, so he isn't evil if he has people he loves). Mo Yu arrives and is able to run him off. They go to Sheng who explains that it doesn't look good (he also learns her meridians are blocked). He uses the medicine his shifu gave him (every time he uses it, his life is shortened) and promises to make her his disciple before healing her. I think her meridians are healed.
8.Meanwhile, Yeshi Taniv runs into Rong'er (an old woman is slowly walking by in a rather surreal scene). He tries to attack her but she sends him to the ground. Her sword remains pointed at the old lady until she disappears (we learn later this woman is Wumian). Rong'er sheaths her sword, and we don't know if she is going to arrest Yeshi or help him (I am on the boat that she might black gown or that there is more to her than meets the eye because her character is way to boring).
9.Princess Bai sends a letter to the empress and tells her that her palace is boring (she drew a picture) and she is remaining with her new shifu (this letter had me rolling my eyes and cringing it felt extremely out of place. I would have liked to see Bai simply not report/show up or directly tell her and then teleport away this was just too childish and seemed inconsistent with her character)
10.Sheng continues to practice finding his sword and succeeds (he doesn't no it yet but it is in a big way). He finds a red star. We go to the Beast King/Empress and they look at the star and note that it is a red Erebus light, and that is owner is a person of great power and meant to do great good. Then we go to Empress & Mo Yu who say basically the same thing. The empress sends Mo Yu to find him.
11.36 gifts Sheng with a pair of wings but takes them back after Sheng points out all of its flaws. He flies away, and is knocked out of the sky by Mo Yu. 36 proceeds to pose seductively (this was actually amusing and is consistent with his character) and essentially flirts with her. This only angers Mo Yu, who slaps him and storms off. 36 goes back to Sheng and proceeds to tell him how a beauty wanted him so badly she knocked him out of the sky and then tried to steal his virginity (an infuriated Mo Yu overhears this and bursts in) and 36 then hides behind Sheng and says 'you see, she followed me!'
12.Mo Yu has found the guy she is looking for...?
--I gave the show a 7.5 because they advanced the plot a little. Since we are at episode 5 and not a lot has happened I am going to rate it according to plot advancement/story since we have already established the acting is descent and we have established that the sets/costumes are descent. Again, anything in the 7 area for me means that it is okay but not super engaging.--
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1.Pope receives the message that Sheng is seeking an audience. In spite of his achievements, the Pope is not yet willing to see him because the boys actions show he is reckless and not really concerned about the consequences (in Sheng's defense his clock is ticking). Finally, the Pope sends him a leaf which teleport him to his garden. Here he learns that Sheng wants G. Academy opened again because none of the other academies will have him. Pope also points out that Sheng would not even have a teacher. In the end, Pope agrees to grant him entry and urges him to read the books but it seems this is as far as he is willing to go to help him.
2.Teacher Xin (as Sheng calls him) leads him into the dusty and abandoned G. Academy and gives him the key. He informs him that he is not to use the key and urges him to read as many books as he can (I assume in order to pass the Imperial Examination). He tells him he should aim for the Top 43.
3.Meanwhile, Rong'er and Quishan visit the empress. After basic formalities (how are you,etc.) She explains to the empress she is searching for the key to Zhou Garden but has been slow to do so because of the demons tailing her.
4.Meanwhile, Sheng begins by trying to locate his 'star' something his shifu told him would be helpful. From observation it looks like an uncomfortable practice of some kind of cultivation. He fails often. Elsewhere, Madame Xu discusses her surprise that Sheng was able to open G. Academy but concludes he is extremely reckless to stir 'up the hornet's nest' and for now will watch.
5.There is a brief flashback to 19 years ago and we see a thriving hall. Back in the present 36 arrives with some 'second hand' gifts--magic tools--that clean up the place (Not only do I need these they remind me of robotic vacuums). The place is restored to its formal glory. Sheng explores the academy library but hasn't committed to studying anything yet. He continues to search for this star.
7.Elsewhere, Princess Bai Lu Heng awakens (in a pretty awesome room) to a scent. She teleports to an unknown location (the imperial city?) using the bug that black gown wants. There she encounters the top demon assassin who has the demon smoke. It prevents her from leaving. It looks like she might lose in spite of her excellent skill and many magic weapons but she hears someone telling her how to act--and then appears Sheng. He has memorized the type of form that the assassin is using, so he can predict his moves. The demon leaves, and Bai Lu Heng's uncle shows up...
8.Uncle lectures her, but she can't stop thinking about Sheng. Meanwhile, the assassin returns home and is visited by his...wife and child? He says goodbye and sees black gown (I wonder if back gown is a woman because he is pretty short and slim--maybe he is Rong'er? Or Bai Lu?) Black gown essentially tells him that the next time he may not return because the empress will strengthen her guard, but assassin is willing to make that sacrifice.
9.The Princess Bai Lu awakens. Sheng is giving her acupuncture. She wonders how he knew all those moves and again, he essentially reveals he has a photographic memory (though he does not say that) and impresses her uncle. Her uncle lectures her to be careful.
10.Later, Princess visits Sheng with many gifts (pearls, medicine, rare books)--she begs him to let her be his student, clinging to his leg after he denies (aww). I think he rejects these gifts (WHY???) She continues to follow him, and she may have a crush on him I don't know. She is with him when he runs into the bear prince, who clearly falls in love with her. She sticks so close to him she even falls asleep on him (awwww). The empress wants her to go into the palace but she does not....
11.Sheng is bathing when people break into his bath...and the episode ends.
Comments: I found this episode to be a little boring. Nothing seemed to advance the plot, other than him being reuinted with Princess Bai and Sheng having an opportunity to demonstrate his skill in battle. I think the acting is descent, especially since the actors are so young; the script may or may not be the determining factor in me sticking with this show. Still, it is too early to tell as many shows start out a little slow to build up so I will keep watching. I hope the supporting characters receive the amount of attention and development as the main characters (often shows I think are ruined when the supporting characters are reduced to 1 dimensional archetypes)---I need to pin down my rating system so for me a show that is in the 7 range is not that interesting (kind of like the show you put on in the background and half watch)
2.Teacher Xin (as Sheng calls him) leads him into the dusty and abandoned G. Academy and gives him the key. He informs him that he is not to use the key and urges him to read as many books as he can (I assume in order to pass the Imperial Examination). He tells him he should aim for the Top 43.
3.Meanwhile, Rong'er and Quishan visit the empress. After basic formalities (how are you,etc.) She explains to the empress she is searching for the key to Zhou Garden but has been slow to do so because of the demons tailing her.
4.Meanwhile, Sheng begins by trying to locate his 'star' something his shifu told him would be helpful. From observation it looks like an uncomfortable practice of some kind of cultivation. He fails often. Elsewhere, Madame Xu discusses her surprise that Sheng was able to open G. Academy but concludes he is extremely reckless to stir 'up the hornet's nest' and for now will watch.
5.There is a brief flashback to 19 years ago and we see a thriving hall. Back in the present 36 arrives with some 'second hand' gifts--magic tools--that clean up the place (Not only do I need these they remind me of robotic vacuums). The place is restored to its formal glory. Sheng explores the academy library but hasn't committed to studying anything yet. He continues to search for this star.
7.Elsewhere, Princess Bai Lu Heng awakens (in a pretty awesome room) to a scent. She teleports to an unknown location (the imperial city?) using the bug that black gown wants. There she encounters the top demon assassin who has the demon smoke. It prevents her from leaving. It looks like she might lose in spite of her excellent skill and many magic weapons but she hears someone telling her how to act--and then appears Sheng. He has memorized the type of form that the assassin is using, so he can predict his moves. The demon leaves, and Bai Lu Heng's uncle shows up...
8.Uncle lectures her, but she can't stop thinking about Sheng. Meanwhile, the assassin returns home and is visited by his...wife and child? He says goodbye and sees black gown (I wonder if back gown is a woman because he is pretty short and slim--maybe he is Rong'er? Or Bai Lu?) Black gown essentially tells him that the next time he may not return because the empress will strengthen her guard, but assassin is willing to make that sacrifice.
9.The Princess Bai Lu awakens. Sheng is giving her acupuncture. She wonders how he knew all those moves and again, he essentially reveals he has a photographic memory (though he does not say that) and impresses her uncle. Her uncle lectures her to be careful.
10.Later, Princess visits Sheng with many gifts (pearls, medicine, rare books)--she begs him to let her be his student, clinging to his leg after he denies (aww). I think he rejects these gifts (WHY???) She continues to follow him, and she may have a crush on him I don't know. She is with him when he runs into the bear prince, who clearly falls in love with her. She sticks so close to him she even falls asleep on him (awwww). The empress wants her to go into the palace but she does not....
11.Sheng is bathing when people break into his bath...and the episode ends.
Comments: I found this episode to be a little boring. Nothing seemed to advance the plot, other than him being reuinted with Princess Bai and Sheng having an opportunity to demonstrate his skill in battle. I think the acting is descent, especially since the actors are so young; the script may or may not be the determining factor in me sticking with this show. Still, it is too early to tell as many shows start out a little slow to build up so I will keep watching. I hope the supporting characters receive the amount of attention and development as the main characters (often shows I think are ruined when the supporting characters are reduced to 1 dimensional archetypes)---I need to pin down my rating system so for me a show that is in the 7 range is not that interesting (kind of like the show you put on in the background and half watch)
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*This is beginning to become interesting*
1.We learn Tang 36 (whom I will refer to as 36) had his name changed because he came in 36th place in the Astronomer's Chart of Mythical Beasts (not sure what that is). He did this to remind himself of this disgrace so it doesn't happen again. As this conversation unfolds, a representative of Tiandiao Academy emerges and announces they will be taking 24 scholars. At the same time, an ostentatious cariage appears and Mr. Tian Hai emerges (Ya'er?). The reps faun all over him and 36 explains it is because he is the nephew of the empress. He is extremely disdainful of everyone.
2.The exam begins. they must touch the sensing rock and it will measure their power; they must also bind a star. From his conversations with 36, we learn that Sheng (sorry I am too lazy to write his full name) essentially has a photographic memory and is extremely well-read. Since Sheng has not cultivated 36 expresses doubt that he can do this, and he indeed is correct: Sheng fails. However, Sheng conveniently remembered the entirety of the exam rules and successfully argues to take the written test; if he passes he should be admitted. He indeed passes but still is not admitted. We learn that the academy has been pressured by a very powerful noble (My guess is Madame Xu) and he chooses to try out for another academy (36 passed)
3.Sheng goes to Zhaixing Academy and observes a member of the bear clan, (Xuan Yuan Po?) during his test. Essentially one must stay conscious while evading a giant demon troll. He succeeds. Afterwards, Sheng gives him some medicine. Sheng enters the ring, and is able to avoid the demon by using an instrument to hypnotize it. Someone deliberately releases 3 more, and he creates a shield, hypnotizes them, and passes. Still, he is not allowed into the academy. The person in charge of the test says that if they let him in they would be violating a rule but don't tell him what rule.
4.Unperturbed, he meets 36 for food. He asks about Guaijou academy; 36 warns him to stay away and that it is impossible to solve the sword formation. 36 talks about an amazing beauty/phoenix and (Rong'er?) and Quishui Jun, whom he likens to a dragon and is the only one for her. In spite of his warning, Sheng goes to the abandoned academy...
5.Elsewhere the Pope, who designed the formation, can sense someone has opened the academy and realizes someone has finally accepted the challenge. The empress also senses it. Pope meets Sheng and says he can give him anything he wants if he chooses not to do this test. Sheng refuses, even though Pope essentially threatens to have him killed, because he has 'hope' (I myself don't know why he is so fixated on this)
6.36 is unable to dissuade him. He plans to do it. Elsewhere, the empress meets with the pope who reassures her that no one can break the formation. We learn the academy was closed because it's leader, Pope's senior, is suspected of being the black gown. Also, his senior disagreed with the empress ascending to the throne.
7.36 and Lu'er watch as Sheng solves the test with ease. Afterwards, Sheng hopes to see the Pope and gain permission to study at the academy. But he is denied an audience and told to go away...
1.We learn Tang 36 (whom I will refer to as 36) had his name changed because he came in 36th place in the Astronomer's Chart of Mythical Beasts (not sure what that is). He did this to remind himself of this disgrace so it doesn't happen again. As this conversation unfolds, a representative of Tiandiao Academy emerges and announces they will be taking 24 scholars. At the same time, an ostentatious cariage appears and Mr. Tian Hai emerges (Ya'er?). The reps faun all over him and 36 explains it is because he is the nephew of the empress. He is extremely disdainful of everyone.
2.The exam begins. they must touch the sensing rock and it will measure their power; they must also bind a star. From his conversations with 36, we learn that Sheng (sorry I am too lazy to write his full name) essentially has a photographic memory and is extremely well-read. Since Sheng has not cultivated 36 expresses doubt that he can do this, and he indeed is correct: Sheng fails. However, Sheng conveniently remembered the entirety of the exam rules and successfully argues to take the written test; if he passes he should be admitted. He indeed passes but still is not admitted. We learn that the academy has been pressured by a very powerful noble (My guess is Madame Xu) and he chooses to try out for another academy (36 passed)
3.Sheng goes to Zhaixing Academy and observes a member of the bear clan, (Xuan Yuan Po?) during his test. Essentially one must stay conscious while evading a giant demon troll. He succeeds. Afterwards, Sheng gives him some medicine. Sheng enters the ring, and is able to avoid the demon by using an instrument to hypnotize it. Someone deliberately releases 3 more, and he creates a shield, hypnotizes them, and passes. Still, he is not allowed into the academy. The person in charge of the test says that if they let him in they would be violating a rule but don't tell him what rule.
4.Unperturbed, he meets 36 for food. He asks about Guaijou academy; 36 warns him to stay away and that it is impossible to solve the sword formation. 36 talks about an amazing beauty/phoenix and (Rong'er?) and Quishui Jun, whom he likens to a dragon and is the only one for her. In spite of his warning, Sheng goes to the abandoned academy...
5.Elsewhere the Pope, who designed the formation, can sense someone has opened the academy and realizes someone has finally accepted the challenge. The empress also senses it. Pope meets Sheng and says he can give him anything he wants if he chooses not to do this test. Sheng refuses, even though Pope essentially threatens to have him killed, because he has 'hope' (I myself don't know why he is so fixated on this)
6.36 is unable to dissuade him. He plans to do it. Elsewhere, the empress meets with the pope who reassures her that no one can break the formation. We learn the academy was closed because it's leader, Pope's senior, is suspected of being the black gown. Also, his senior disagreed with the empress ascending to the throne.
7.36 and Lu'er watch as Sheng solves the test with ease. Afterwards, Sheng hopes to see the Pope and gain permission to study at the academy. But he is denied an audience and told to go away...
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Spoilers Ahead
1/81!
Characters Introduced:
**Qu Yuan/Li Jun: Second Master, Son of the Minister of War
A renowned poet known for his righteousness, commitment to living a secular life, and intellect.
**Mo Chou Nu
A beautiful peasant girl who can quote Qu Yuan’s poems and is an excellent acrobat. She and her siblings sometimes perform to raise extra money. She also looks exactly like Qu Yuan’s Mountain Spirit.
**Mo Meng
Chou Nu's elder brother. Will protect his sister in spite of his weak body.
**Qu Yu: Eldest Master, Son of Minister of War, General of Chu
Highly protective of his little brother, who does not know martial arts. Very filial.
**Qu Bo Yong, Minister of War
Head of one of the most powerful families in Chu. Very loyal and cares deeply for his country and family.
**Xuai Huai, King of Chu
Leader of the only state that is able to challenge Qin. Known for his vigilance and committed to stabilizing and expanding Chu’s greatness.
**Hui Weng, King of Qin
A military genius and effective statesmen, willing to sacrifice his pride for the sake of expanding his power.
**Princess Yin, Consort of King Chu
A daughter of the king of Qin, currently pregnant
**Nan Hou, Queen Huai (Chu)
**Prince Yue Wu Ming
Survivor of the now collapsed Yue state
**Minister Zhang Yi of Qin
His state of origin is not known. He is extremely clever. In the novel he was the Prime Minister of Qin.
**Chu Li Ji: King Qin's brother, loyal to his brother
1.We open to a dream (although we do not find out it is a dream until it is over), where a little boy is playing a zither. He then swings through the jungle like Tarzan and when he lands he is a beautiful grown man. This is Qu Yuan (and let me take the time to appreciate the invisible breeze causing his hair to billow about....). He stands on the edge of a cliff and spies a scantily clad goddess-like woman playing a flute and leaning against a mythical beast. This beast attacks him, and just when it seems he might die, she calls the beast and leaves. He chases after her.
2.The pursuit ends at a cliff overlooking a waterfall that puts Niagra Falls to shame. It is a very pretty scene, and she looks at him before diving over the edge, followed by her furry companion, and much to the horror of her male pursuer. But then she turns to look at him and smiles, almost as if in invitation, and he returns the smile before following her over the edge. They land in the water together, and face one another (very pretty, with all that hair billowing about)....we are suddenly brought back to reality, and there is a painting of the woman and her leopard being held by a man.
3. Qu Yuan is on a boat with several friends discussing this dream, one that he has been having for many years. This woman is his Mountain Spirit, and he believes that they have some kind of fate...
4.Elsewhere, a masked young woman is performing acrobatic stunts on a tight rope. Her family is trying to raise money (perhaps because they are poor) and are selling fragrant sachets. She is quite skilled. Yuan is riding by with a friend and they stop to observe the show. Meanwhile, the scene changes to what looks like a Mayan pyramid and a bunch of ministers/military people are holding court. Qu Yuan's father, the Minister of War, and older brother are here, and his father is upset that Qu Yuan is missing this grand ceremony (this is kind of a big deal). He sends Yu, his elder brother, to find him.
6.Meanwhile, the acrobat falls, and Qu defies gravity and physics to save her. He catches her and we are treated to the kind of long scene, found only in dramas, when people stare at on another. But Confucian ideals are deeply embedded in the show, and she is upset that he is holding her. Perhaps to thank him, she gives him a sachet. Unfortunately, as she walks away, he steps on her robe, causing it to tear. He attempts to apologize, but ruins it when he asks how she, a peasant, could possibly know the poems of Qu Yuan. This is highly insulting, and she rips off her mask. Qu Yuan is amazed as she is the woman of his dreams.... But her brother, believing her honor is in jeopardy, jumps in to confront Yuan. This occurs as Yu arrives, and all he sees is a stranger harassing his brother. He immediately intervenes (and in my opinion overreacts), injuring Brother Meng badly.
7.Back to the grand ceremony. The emperor appears and walks up the steps of this pyramid in order to receive the blessing of the dragon god. This will ensure prosperity for Chu. One of the dragon priests is suspicious and has a flashback to a little boy screaming (him, I imagine) as his father is killed by Chu soldiers. This, we will find out, is the assassination of the King of Yue.
8.Meanwhile, a fight is unfolding. Chou Mu gets angry and attacks him with a whip, but it turns into a fight of uneven odds as Qu Yu easily overwhelms them with his martial arts skill. He even turns his fists on her. Qu defends her (she was about to get punched), and then is essentially summoned away to the ceremony as his brother arrives. As he leaves he apologizes and promises to find her again. This entire episode, including Qu Yuan's smiling face as he rides off after 1)injuring her brother and 2)ruining their show and 3)insulting her intelligence all highlight the giant differences between their class. She does not like him, and she shouldn't have to. He is clearly ignorant and rude and selfish.
9.Qu is now at the grand ceremony and the priests or shamans do a ceremonial dancer with fire. They summon the dragon god, and then the shamans try to kill the emperor! They make it hard to protect him because they send a fire ball down the stairs that his soldiers are running up, slowing them down. He almost falls off the pyramid. Qu's father defends the emperor and is stabbed in the heart, but he somehow is alive and fights them, he even catches a sword with his hand! His elder brother shows up and defends the emperor like a boss but Qu (clearly not as skilled) gets caught with a blade to the throat. The emperor insists they let Qu go...
10.The shaman slowly walks backwards with his hostage, and then kidnaps, Qu with the army pursuing him. At its head is Qu's brother. Qu and the shaman fall from the horse. They hide in the brush Qu grabs a rock and hits him in the head. He takes off his mask and sees that it is Wu Ming (!) (His poet friend from the boat).
11.The scene changes to Qin, where a man is hunting. This is the king of Qin, and in the very first scene we learn his goal is to dominate the world. He returns to his palace where his brother Chu Li Ji reports that they are celebrating many military victories: Wei is weakened and Zhan Jiao, Qu Wo, and Fen Yin have been captured. One person in the room, Minister Zhang Yi, insults the king by dumping his wine on the floor and storming out. The king, strangely, does not confront him.
12.In the next scene the King of Qin is greeted by his favorite concubine: Mi Ba Zi (we later learn she is a Princess of Chu). She seems supportive of her husband and outraged by Zhang Yi's rude behavior. The king reveals he will tolerate it because he will even sacrifice his pride of it means gaining the world, and Zhang Yi, who is from a fallen state, is necessary to crushing Chu. (We also learn that Princess Yin of Qin is useless as she seems to be siding with Chu)
13.In the next scene, we are back to Qu. He is in his palace and pulls out a sword (I didn't think he could use it--NVM he cannot). He looks extremely mad as he points his sword at the man on the ground, the man who tried to kill the emperor. It seems he cannot kill him. He just leaves him there, unconscious.
14.We go to the female lead, who is talking to the moon and recites one of Qu Yuan's poems. We learn that she deeply respects Qu Yuan for his righteousness and desire to lead a secular lead. She doesn't hold most men in high esteem, but he is different. Her friend Quing'er arrives to talk about her feelings for Qu Yuan, and it is like an unrequited love. She admits she would be happy just being able to see him (she doesn't know that she's already met him).
15.Meanwhile, Wu Ming awakens. Qu Yuan is angry and wants to know why he attacked his highness, but Wu Ming bitterly says that there are some things he should not know. Qu Yuan asks if he is afraid if he will kill him. Wu Ming says he isn't a coward. Qu is baffled and defends the emperor as magnanimous and good (oh he is so naive! Big sister just wants to cuddle him!). Wu Ming snorts and basically says the emperor is anything but kind. He says that Xua Huai attacked the state of Yue and caused his father to die (so he is a prince of Yue). And he killed the innocent. Qu did not know he was from the stae of Yue.
16.Elsewhere, the Minister of War (who is seemingly invincible) is with his wife and older son. The emperor visits him. He visits Qu Yuan, and the whole family goes to visit him. Wu Ming escapes and he lets them in. He tries to keep him from coming in but the king comes in anyways. He sees the painting of the beauty on the wall and he tells him truthful that she is a girl in his dreams. Apparently the emperor wants to meet her, and Qu says she is a mountain spirit (he compliments his poetry skills and invites him to use it in politics. Qu says he lacks the talent for politics)(somehow I think the emperor will be obstacle in his love)
17.Before the emperor leaves, Wu Ming attacks the emperor with Qu Yuan's sword. He is captured, and the sword is enough evidence to automatically implicate Qu Yuan in treason. He is arrested.
18.Wu Ming is tortured and Qu Yuan is imprisoned. All he cares about is protecting his buddy (he is so naive....) Mo Yi, a servant, gives him some invaluable advice: worry about yourself. Meanwhile the Minister of War is begging the emperor. The emperor essentially tells him that the evidence is pretty incriminating. His father insists he is innocent and begs to be punished along side his son.
19.When the emperor is visited by his concubines and the empress we learn that the princess of qin is pregnant and he is extra attentive to her.
21. Elsewhere, Qu Yuan is summoned by the emperor. Qu Yuan reveals to the audience that he is extremely brave because he directly tells the emperor that it is a wonder that the kingdom has survived with him and will basically collapse if he continues to reign this way. He tells the emperor that his way of ruling is like that of a tyrant, that he should have expected someone like Wu Ming would have sought to avenge his family, and tells him that there is no way he can kill all of his enemies and should (basically) try to remove hatred and build alliances. The emperor isn't exactly happy with his criticism.
Comments: So far I am not sure what to expect. We know from the beginning that the male lead possesses some very strong views but can be both rude and ignorant (his interactions with Chou Nu) and he also is very confident in his beliefs.
I think a major theme of this show will be how what we think or expect plays out differently in reality. For instance, Qu Yuan has his Mountain Spirit but the woman we know he will fall in love with is very different from his ideal. In the same way, she is going to find out that the Qu Yuan she thinks she knows is a far cry from the man in her head.
In that same token, Qu Yuan who knows everything may find out he knows very little about the way the world works. And the emperor is a clear foil to the emperor of Qin who would keep a member of a fallen state as a minister while king chu would not hesitate to kill any enemy to prevent future problems.
1/81!
Characters Introduced:
**Qu Yuan/Li Jun: Second Master, Son of the Minister of War
A renowned poet known for his righteousness, commitment to living a secular life, and intellect.
**Mo Chou Nu
A beautiful peasant girl who can quote Qu Yuan’s poems and is an excellent acrobat. She and her siblings sometimes perform to raise extra money. She also looks exactly like Qu Yuan’s Mountain Spirit.
**Mo Meng
Chou Nu's elder brother. Will protect his sister in spite of his weak body.
**Qu Yu: Eldest Master, Son of Minister of War, General of Chu
Highly protective of his little brother, who does not know martial arts. Very filial.
**Qu Bo Yong, Minister of War
Head of one of the most powerful families in Chu. Very loyal and cares deeply for his country and family.
**Xuai Huai, King of Chu
Leader of the only state that is able to challenge Qin. Known for his vigilance and committed to stabilizing and expanding Chu’s greatness.
**Hui Weng, King of Qin
A military genius and effective statesmen, willing to sacrifice his pride for the sake of expanding his power.
**Princess Yin, Consort of King Chu
A daughter of the king of Qin, currently pregnant
**Nan Hou, Queen Huai (Chu)
**Prince Yue Wu Ming
Survivor of the now collapsed Yue state
**Minister Zhang Yi of Qin
His state of origin is not known. He is extremely clever. In the novel he was the Prime Minister of Qin.
**Chu Li Ji: King Qin's brother, loyal to his brother
1.We open to a dream (although we do not find out it is a dream until it is over), where a little boy is playing a zither. He then swings through the jungle like Tarzan and when he lands he is a beautiful grown man. This is Qu Yuan (and let me take the time to appreciate the invisible breeze causing his hair to billow about....). He stands on the edge of a cliff and spies a scantily clad goddess-like woman playing a flute and leaning against a mythical beast. This beast attacks him, and just when it seems he might die, she calls the beast and leaves. He chases after her.
2.The pursuit ends at a cliff overlooking a waterfall that puts Niagra Falls to shame. It is a very pretty scene, and she looks at him before diving over the edge, followed by her furry companion, and much to the horror of her male pursuer. But then she turns to look at him and smiles, almost as if in invitation, and he returns the smile before following her over the edge. They land in the water together, and face one another (very pretty, with all that hair billowing about)....we are suddenly brought back to reality, and there is a painting of the woman and her leopard being held by a man.
3. Qu Yuan is on a boat with several friends discussing this dream, one that he has been having for many years. This woman is his Mountain Spirit, and he believes that they have some kind of fate...
4.Elsewhere, a masked young woman is performing acrobatic stunts on a tight rope. Her family is trying to raise money (perhaps because they are poor) and are selling fragrant sachets. She is quite skilled. Yuan is riding by with a friend and they stop to observe the show. Meanwhile, the scene changes to what looks like a Mayan pyramid and a bunch of ministers/military people are holding court. Qu Yuan's father, the Minister of War, and older brother are here, and his father is upset that Qu Yuan is missing this grand ceremony (this is kind of a big deal). He sends Yu, his elder brother, to find him.
6.Meanwhile, the acrobat falls, and Qu defies gravity and physics to save her. He catches her and we are treated to the kind of long scene, found only in dramas, when people stare at on another. But Confucian ideals are deeply embedded in the show, and she is upset that he is holding her. Perhaps to thank him, she gives him a sachet. Unfortunately, as she walks away, he steps on her robe, causing it to tear. He attempts to apologize, but ruins it when he asks how she, a peasant, could possibly know the poems of Qu Yuan. This is highly insulting, and she rips off her mask. Qu Yuan is amazed as she is the woman of his dreams.... But her brother, believing her honor is in jeopardy, jumps in to confront Yuan. This occurs as Yu arrives, and all he sees is a stranger harassing his brother. He immediately intervenes (and in my opinion overreacts), injuring Brother Meng badly.
7.Back to the grand ceremony. The emperor appears and walks up the steps of this pyramid in order to receive the blessing of the dragon god. This will ensure prosperity for Chu. One of the dragon priests is suspicious and has a flashback to a little boy screaming (him, I imagine) as his father is killed by Chu soldiers. This, we will find out, is the assassination of the King of Yue.
8.Meanwhile, a fight is unfolding. Chou Mu gets angry and attacks him with a whip, but it turns into a fight of uneven odds as Qu Yu easily overwhelms them with his martial arts skill. He even turns his fists on her. Qu defends her (she was about to get punched), and then is essentially summoned away to the ceremony as his brother arrives. As he leaves he apologizes and promises to find her again. This entire episode, including Qu Yuan's smiling face as he rides off after 1)injuring her brother and 2)ruining their show and 3)insulting her intelligence all highlight the giant differences between their class. She does not like him, and she shouldn't have to. He is clearly ignorant and rude and selfish.
9.Qu is now at the grand ceremony and the priests or shamans do a ceremonial dancer with fire. They summon the dragon god, and then the shamans try to kill the emperor! They make it hard to protect him because they send a fire ball down the stairs that his soldiers are running up, slowing them down. He almost falls off the pyramid. Qu's father defends the emperor and is stabbed in the heart, but he somehow is alive and fights them, he even catches a sword with his hand! His elder brother shows up and defends the emperor like a boss but Qu (clearly not as skilled) gets caught with a blade to the throat. The emperor insists they let Qu go...
10.The shaman slowly walks backwards with his hostage, and then kidnaps, Qu with the army pursuing him. At its head is Qu's brother. Qu and the shaman fall from the horse. They hide in the brush Qu grabs a rock and hits him in the head. He takes off his mask and sees that it is Wu Ming (!) (His poet friend from the boat).
11.The scene changes to Qin, where a man is hunting. This is the king of Qin, and in the very first scene we learn his goal is to dominate the world. He returns to his palace where his brother Chu Li Ji reports that they are celebrating many military victories: Wei is weakened and Zhan Jiao, Qu Wo, and Fen Yin have been captured. One person in the room, Minister Zhang Yi, insults the king by dumping his wine on the floor and storming out. The king, strangely, does not confront him.
12.In the next scene the King of Qin is greeted by his favorite concubine: Mi Ba Zi (we later learn she is a Princess of Chu). She seems supportive of her husband and outraged by Zhang Yi's rude behavior. The king reveals he will tolerate it because he will even sacrifice his pride of it means gaining the world, and Zhang Yi, who is from a fallen state, is necessary to crushing Chu. (We also learn that Princess Yin of Qin is useless as she seems to be siding with Chu)
13.In the next scene, we are back to Qu. He is in his palace and pulls out a sword (I didn't think he could use it--NVM he cannot). He looks extremely mad as he points his sword at the man on the ground, the man who tried to kill the emperor. It seems he cannot kill him. He just leaves him there, unconscious.
14.We go to the female lead, who is talking to the moon and recites one of Qu Yuan's poems. We learn that she deeply respects Qu Yuan for his righteousness and desire to lead a secular lead. She doesn't hold most men in high esteem, but he is different. Her friend Quing'er arrives to talk about her feelings for Qu Yuan, and it is like an unrequited love. She admits she would be happy just being able to see him (she doesn't know that she's already met him).
15.Meanwhile, Wu Ming awakens. Qu Yuan is angry and wants to know why he attacked his highness, but Wu Ming bitterly says that there are some things he should not know. Qu Yuan asks if he is afraid if he will kill him. Wu Ming says he isn't a coward. Qu is baffled and defends the emperor as magnanimous and good (oh he is so naive! Big sister just wants to cuddle him!). Wu Ming snorts and basically says the emperor is anything but kind. He says that Xua Huai attacked the state of Yue and caused his father to die (so he is a prince of Yue). And he killed the innocent. Qu did not know he was from the stae of Yue.
16.Elsewhere, the Minister of War (who is seemingly invincible) is with his wife and older son. The emperor visits him. He visits Qu Yuan, and the whole family goes to visit him. Wu Ming escapes and he lets them in. He tries to keep him from coming in but the king comes in anyways. He sees the painting of the beauty on the wall and he tells him truthful that she is a girl in his dreams. Apparently the emperor wants to meet her, and Qu says she is a mountain spirit (he compliments his poetry skills and invites him to use it in politics. Qu says he lacks the talent for politics)(somehow I think the emperor will be obstacle in his love)
17.Before the emperor leaves, Wu Ming attacks the emperor with Qu Yuan's sword. He is captured, and the sword is enough evidence to automatically implicate Qu Yuan in treason. He is arrested.
18.Wu Ming is tortured and Qu Yuan is imprisoned. All he cares about is protecting his buddy (he is so naive....) Mo Yi, a servant, gives him some invaluable advice: worry about yourself. Meanwhile the Minister of War is begging the emperor. The emperor essentially tells him that the evidence is pretty incriminating. His father insists he is innocent and begs to be punished along side his son.
19.When the emperor is visited by his concubines and the empress we learn that the princess of qin is pregnant and he is extra attentive to her.
21. Elsewhere, Qu Yuan is summoned by the emperor. Qu Yuan reveals to the audience that he is extremely brave because he directly tells the emperor that it is a wonder that the kingdom has survived with him and will basically collapse if he continues to reign this way. He tells the emperor that his way of ruling is like that of a tyrant, that he should have expected someone like Wu Ming would have sought to avenge his family, and tells him that there is no way he can kill all of his enemies and should (basically) try to remove hatred and build alliances. The emperor isn't exactly happy with his criticism.
Comments: So far I am not sure what to expect. We know from the beginning that the male lead possesses some very strong views but can be both rude and ignorant (his interactions with Chou Nu) and he also is very confident in his beliefs.
I think a major theme of this show will be how what we think or expect plays out differently in reality. For instance, Qu Yuan has his Mountain Spirit but the woman we know he will fall in love with is very different from his ideal. In the same way, she is going to find out that the Qu Yuan she thinks she knows is a far cry from the man in her head.
In that same token, Qu Yuan who knows everything may find out he knows very little about the way the world works. And the emperor is a clear foil to the emperor of Qin who would keep a member of a fallen state as a minister while king chu would not hesitate to kill any enemy to prevent future problems.
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So I very rarely watch modern dramas. I am giving this a try because I am a big fan of the leading actress. Here goes.
1.We open to a girl who, by American standards, might be considered 'cute' in a 'I don't care how I look' kind of way or a 'nerdy' kind of way. She seems a bit awkward when she talks. In dramaland, she certainly would be considered 'plain' or even 'unattractive'. Again, that is dramaland standards. Her drawn on freckles are very obviously fake. She appears to work at a grocery store. This is Li Hui Zhen.
2.Elsewhere, a girl named Qio'er is dancing on some rooftop bar, insisting that her friend come and party (I find it amusing that she answers this call while putting up some Maxi Pads) (also, in ever drama that I watch, no one can dance). Apparently it is her birthday and she shares that she only accepts cake from one person but tonight will graciously share it to avoid wasting it.
3.....I envy this girl and her giant pile of gifts....Li Hu is a nice friend I would have gone home. She shows up to the party after everyone is gone, her friend is drunk, but waiting for her cake (i guess she is the cake maker of cakes that only she eats)
4.We get some flashbacks: Apparently Zhen'er (Li Hui Zhen) and Qio'er's mother were BFF's and married and gave birth the same year. They also lived next door, so the girls grew up as sisters. Zhen'er says something happened that changed their lives and families but does not say what...
5.It is evident that Zhen'er is both cute and completely eccentric (she reminds me of Miss No Good). Anyways, she is trying to get a better job. Qio'er (her roomate) tells her to be confident and to borrow some of her clothes and to try her best. Zhen'er doesn't feel comfortable in most of her friends clothes and she picks the kind of clothes that I rememember wearing when I was a teen and didn't want to stand out: baggy clothes that don't fit but are comfortable, and unfortunately cause you to stick out as a poorly dressed person.
6.She runs to her interview, past a bunch of smartly dressed sharp looking people (my heart goes out to her). Oh man....so during her interview she is unable to answer her questions well (she is too honest and does not B.S. to play her self up....it just makes the other candidates look better and her like an old woman who is unable to get a job....essentially she doesn't interview well)
7.The girl beside her is told to point out Zhen'er's weakness (WEIRD) and the girl says she doesn't have a responsible attitude because her hair and clothing are disorganized, and appearance is something you should take care of yadayada
8.Her girlfriend seems supportive of her. Zhen'er goes home and sees Quo'er in a car with a new guy--apparently she changes men as fast as Zhen'er changes jobs--we are treated to Zhen'er creeping around the car (I really can't help but notice that Quo'er's legs seem like unhealthily thin but that could just be her body type)
9.Okay, so Quo'er struggles with trusting other people and loving them, and her personality she says makes it hard for people to accept and love her. In contrast, Zhen'er is eccentric and is herself but this causes others to judge her and makes it hard for her to form relationships. Through flash backs we learn that Zhen'er wants to be a kid again, and go back to the days with her male childhood friend (a cute chubby kid)
10.Apparently this guy grew up and is extremely pretty. She seems to have found him online and is excited to see him again (I think in her mind they can just pick up from before). he was in America for 12 years...
11.That night, at the designated meeting place, Zhen'er immediately assumes that a guy who is a bit chubby is 'him'. But she finds it isn't him just as the real guy walks by, not even noticing her (ouch). Over the phone she tells him that they are standing in the same spot. He turns around, looks at her, and says he can't find her (OUCH). Then he goes to Quo'er, says she is the same as when they were kids, and sits down...
12.She begs Qio'er to pretend to be here but once he starts to get a little flirty she makes up an excuse and leaves (I have a feeling this guy will be sort of obtuse and shallow).
1.We open to a girl who, by American standards, might be considered 'cute' in a 'I don't care how I look' kind of way or a 'nerdy' kind of way. She seems a bit awkward when she talks. In dramaland, she certainly would be considered 'plain' or even 'unattractive'. Again, that is dramaland standards. Her drawn on freckles are very obviously fake. She appears to work at a grocery store. This is Li Hui Zhen.
2.Elsewhere, a girl named Qio'er is dancing on some rooftop bar, insisting that her friend come and party (I find it amusing that she answers this call while putting up some Maxi Pads) (also, in ever drama that I watch, no one can dance). Apparently it is her birthday and she shares that she only accepts cake from one person but tonight will graciously share it to avoid wasting it.
3.....I envy this girl and her giant pile of gifts....Li Hu is a nice friend I would have gone home. She shows up to the party after everyone is gone, her friend is drunk, but waiting for her cake (i guess she is the cake maker of cakes that only she eats)
4.We get some flashbacks: Apparently Zhen'er (Li Hui Zhen) and Qio'er's mother were BFF's and married and gave birth the same year. They also lived next door, so the girls grew up as sisters. Zhen'er says something happened that changed their lives and families but does not say what...
5.It is evident that Zhen'er is both cute and completely eccentric (she reminds me of Miss No Good). Anyways, she is trying to get a better job. Qio'er (her roomate) tells her to be confident and to borrow some of her clothes and to try her best. Zhen'er doesn't feel comfortable in most of her friends clothes and she picks the kind of clothes that I rememember wearing when I was a teen and didn't want to stand out: baggy clothes that don't fit but are comfortable, and unfortunately cause you to stick out as a poorly dressed person.
6.She runs to her interview, past a bunch of smartly dressed sharp looking people (my heart goes out to her). Oh man....so during her interview she is unable to answer her questions well (she is too honest and does not B.S. to play her self up....it just makes the other candidates look better and her like an old woman who is unable to get a job....essentially she doesn't interview well)
7.The girl beside her is told to point out Zhen'er's weakness (WEIRD) and the girl says she doesn't have a responsible attitude because her hair and clothing are disorganized, and appearance is something you should take care of yadayada
8.Her girlfriend seems supportive of her. Zhen'er goes home and sees Quo'er in a car with a new guy--apparently she changes men as fast as Zhen'er changes jobs--we are treated to Zhen'er creeping around the car (I really can't help but notice that Quo'er's legs seem like unhealthily thin but that could just be her body type)
9.Okay, so Quo'er struggles with trusting other people and loving them, and her personality she says makes it hard for people to accept and love her. In contrast, Zhen'er is eccentric and is herself but this causes others to judge her and makes it hard for her to form relationships. Through flash backs we learn that Zhen'er wants to be a kid again, and go back to the days with her male childhood friend (a cute chubby kid)
10.Apparently this guy grew up and is extremely pretty. She seems to have found him online and is excited to see him again (I think in her mind they can just pick up from before). he was in America for 12 years...
11.That night, at the designated meeting place, Zhen'er immediately assumes that a guy who is a bit chubby is 'him'. But she finds it isn't him just as the real guy walks by, not even noticing her (ouch). Over the phone she tells him that they are standing in the same spot. He turns around, looks at her, and says he can't find her (OUCH). Then he goes to Quo'er, says she is the same as when they were kids, and sits down...
12.She begs Qio'er to pretend to be here but once he starts to get a little flirty she makes up an excuse and leaves (I have a feeling this guy will be sort of obtuse and shallow).
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