episode 14 review

Spoilers Ahead

1.We open to the king and his mother. The king knows that by law both Qu Yuan and Qu Yu must die for their actions (I assume it is because Yuan failed in his duties to uphold justice and Yu because he killed a civilian). However, the emperors emotions are clouding his judgment. In addition to this he knows that this was only brought up by the Jing family to go after the Zhao and Qu families. His mother believes the brothers (or at least Qu Yuan) should die because she believes that Yuan may upset the delicate balance of power one day. She is very pragmatic.

2.In the next scene, Lady Zhao is trying to convince her husband to dissolve the engagement because it would be bad for their daughter's future. However Lord Zhao cannot do this because it would completely ruin his image in front of the other ministers. He acknowledges that Lord Jing has succeeded in doing something he has desired for years. Xia'er interrupts this discussion (she insisted upon seeing them) and begs her parents to allow her to see Cang Yun just one more time. Her father tells her that this is impossible. She then tries to kill herself (as her mother predicted) but her father stops her. He nearly hits her but she arrogantly raises her head and dares him. But he doesn't.

3.In he next scene Qu Yuan walks through he market with Chou Nu and all the people greet him. Quan County is looking pretty good. Anyways, as they are waiting for clay figurines, Qu Yuan is kidnapped by his father and Chou Nu not only chases him down and accuses him of kidnapping. She learns the man's identity and bravely tells him to treat his son better. Qu Yuan promises to return.

4.Meanwhile, Cai Wei reports that she located Cang Yun and he is drinking the day away. Xia'er believes it is their fault. She goes to see for herself and sees him gambling and cheating and drinking.He is dragged outself and beat, and Xia'er stands up for him. He believes she was involved in his plight. She admits she would still leave with him she's frustrated that he is hopeless and he is frustrated that she doesn't seem to be grounded in reality (maybe her and Yuan are suited).

5.Chou Nu cannot stop missing Qu Yuan. Her father tells her that he has a history of being at odds with his father and that this is likely another argument. But he reminds her that she cannot be with Qu Yuan because of the difference in their status. Elsewhere Yuan'er buts heads with his father (part of the issue is his way of thinking is far too progressive for him). Lord Zhao visits and suggests a King Solomon kind of suggestion and suggests they save just one, and suggests Yuan. The Emperor is trying to figure out how to save Yuan, whom he views as an important mind for the future.

--Apparently Yu was adopted, his father a general who was close friends with Lord Qu. This means Qu Yuan is technically the only descendant to the family--

6.Meanwhile, Xia'er's new goal is to make Cang Yun a court official in order to spite her father who believes he lacks the capability.

7.Lady Qu tearfully convinces Yu'er to kill himself for the good of the family. Then, Yu meets with Yuan to share a drink. He teases him and Yuan refers that they should not apologize for killing someone who deserved it. His brother gives him advice (of course it seems like light hearted banter but we, the viewers, know this to be his farewell)....

8.Meanwhile, Yu and Yuan and his father visit the emperor during court. Yuan refutes the evidence, defending his actions while his brother tries to take full responsibility. What follows is a speech by Yuan challenging the social/class values that servants lives are essentially valueless.

Comments: I have noticed that there are a lot of people clenching their fists, as if to communicate they are exercising restraint and have a barely controlled anger. Only the young people thus far act on their feelings. Others, like Consort Zhen, are a bit outliers in that they are kind of crazy.

I also really, really like Lord Zhao's facial expressions. He looks to be perpetually experiencing indigestion.

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