A pair, so evenly matched, charge forward through thistles and thorns whether it’s back-court harem or front-court politics.
Notable Actors/Actresses
Notable Actors/Actresses
Zhao Li Ying: Sheng Ming Lan
Feng Shao Feng: Gu Ting Ye / Zhong Huai
Director:
Chinese Title
知否知否應是綠肥紅瘦
When the physician examines Concubine Wei, it’s already too late. Concubine Wei has last words for Ming Lan. She wants Ming Lan to be grateful to Gu Ting Ye; one must thank those who helped them. Mom sewed knee pads that she tells Ming Lan to give him. Mom also tells Ming Lan to not stand out; surviving is of utmost importance. Ming Lan cries and nods. She will listen. She will obey her “mother”. Concubine Wei slaps her for calling her “mother”. Ming Lan bows and wails as she corrects herself: “小娘” (xiao niang; little mom/madam). Ming Lan also promises to live with Grandma Sheng. Relieved, Concubine Wei closes her eyes. She dies.
Ming Lan is now motherless. Gu Ting Ye comforts her. He was already motherless. He knows very well what it’s like to live alone in this world. He tells her to take care of herself. Then she faints over. No longer will we see the headstrong Ming Lan in Sheng Manor. She won’t stand out. She’ll live quietly. If only she wasn't reckless. If only...
Liang Han (House of Liang) visits Sheng Manor. Mo Lan sneakily checks out the lad to see if he’s marriage material. A curious Ru Lan (5th Sister, Daughter of Madam Wang) follows Mo Lan while dragging Ming Lan along. All three sisters hide behind a divider (because maidens aren’t allowed to reveal their faces to random men). Mo Lan and Ru Lan get into their usual argument. When Ru Lan is too loud, exposing their hiding spot, Mo Lan shoves both sisters down. Ru Lan and Ming Lan topple over the divider, creating an unsightly scene. Uh oh, Sheng Family’s reputation is tainted! Father Sheng reprimands only Ru Lan and Ming Lan because clearly the sweet Mo Lan was dragged there. Ming Lan was dragged there! No matter how much Ru Lan cries, Father Sheng doesn’t listen. Even when Ming Lan testifies that Mo Lan went to the front hall first, Father Sheng believes in the pitiful Mo Lan. Ru Lan is outraged and attacks Mo Lan, which only makes Father Sheng believe in Mo Lan more.
知否知否應是綠肥紅瘦
Recap Grade: A
Remarks
Don't scroll down for another remarks section. There’s nothing below but recaps. This runs differently because it’s a rewatch. Don’t expect a review either. There’s no amount or combination of words that I can conjure to capture my love for this drama. The recaps will also start funny if you’re following them live. I’m starting with my favourite episodes 35-40 (the battle to conquer love!) and then going back to Ep1 in orderly fashion.
On my rewatch
- This is still my favourite romance (although I know it’s not just a romance)
- I forgot how funny this could be, especially Chang Bai
- Ming Lan’s development in detailed scrutiny made me love this more
- There’s quite a bit of foretelling moments/dialogue that would be impossible to pick up on in the first watch. These were fun to spot.
- I’m surprised that I never realized the parallels between Madam Zhang’s marriage with Ming Lan’s almost marriage to He Hong Wen.
- Although I love the girls in the drama, the actors who are irreplaceable are Feng Shao Feng as Gu Ting Ye and next is Liu Jun as Father Sheng.
There is a Rewatch section in some episode recaps. These are notes with spoilers on future episodes, things that I don’t notice or can’t notice without preconceived knowledge.
Mini Recaps
[Ep1] Sheng Ming Lan (our FL at 7yo) is the 6th Sheng Sister, daughter of Concubine Wei, who’s bullied by another concubine (Concubine Lin). Concubine Lin manages the house and her servants won’t give Ming Lan coal for the cold winter. Ming Lan’s mother is also heavily pregnant. A blatant attempt to make Concubine Wei miscarry. Concubine Wei wants Ming Lan to live with Grandma Sheng, but Ming Lan refuses. She’s not afraid of the cold. If she leaves, who will protect her mother? Aw!
It’s Sheng Hua Lan’s (1st Sister; daughter of Madam Wang) engagement to Yuan Wen Shao (second son of the House of Yuan). It’s a happy day, but Sheng Chang Feng (3rd Brother; Son of Concubine Lin) is about to lose her betrothal goose. That’s inauspicious! It’s even more embarrassing that they’re losing it back to Yuan Family. (Presumably, there’s a power play within Yuan household between the first brother and second brother. The first brother wants to turn the second brother's marriage into a laughing stock. First brother told Gu Ting Ye (our ML) to beat Chang Feng in a game of arrow toss.)
Ming Lan saves the family’s reputation! She takes on the challenge for her brother against Gu Ting Ye. Their first meeting <3. He had thought there’s no glory in beating a girl who’s so much younger, but Ming Lan convinces him with her confidence. She will oblige with the same rules; the wager will still be the goose. Gu Ting Ye admires her bravery and accepts her challenge.
The arrow toss is neck and neck until Ming Lan makes the winning throw. However, it turns out Gu Ting Ye went easy on her. This dude can aim with accuracy even by throwing it backwards against strong winds.
Despite the fiasco between the families, Gu Ting Ye manages to charm Sheng Chang Bai (2nd Brother) into becoming friends with him. They share the same passion: protecting the country.
Concubine Wei reprimands Ming Lan for standing out during the arrow toss. She doesn’t want Ming Lan to put herself in harm's way. She knows Ming Lan wants to help Hua Lan because she’s nice to them but self-protection is more important. “Pain to them is skin level, but the same pain on you can can pierce the bones.”
Rewatch:
- The personalities of the sisters are so consistent. When Hua Lan’s goose was about to be stolen, innocent Ru Lan is busy playing unbeknownst to the crisis. Meanwhile Mo Lan is whining to Concubine Lin.
- In Ep50, Gu Ting Ye had said he’d forever lose to Ming Lan. Isn’t that sweet how true his declaration was from the very beginning! He lost to her on purpose. I don’t think Ming Lan ever knew.
Concubine Lin twists the truth and blames Concubine Wei’s maid (Xiao Die) for stealing the provisions. To protect Xiao Die, Concubine Wei begs Father Sheng to kick her out of the house instead of beating her to death.
Gu Ting Ye is in trouble too. Assassins are after him. And he’s dead!
[Ep3] Gu Ting Ye is not dead. Bai Family (Gu Ting Ye’s maternal family) wants to kill Gu Ting Ye because he’s the heir to Bai Family's salt business. Gu Ting Ye returns to his grandfather’s funeral and has all the proof that he’s the rightful heir. The cousins and uncles fail to steal Gu Ting Ye’s inheritance.
Concubine Wei wants Ming Lan to be adopted by Grandma Sheng, but Ming Lan refuses. She teaches her daughter to gauge for the far-reaching future. Don’t be greedy about the warmth from the coal they have now and disregard the road ahead. Ming Lan refuses with conviction. She’s not abandoning her mother. Concubine Wei is so enraged, she’s in labour.
The baby is too big! Concubine Wei’s life and her unborn child is in danger. To make matters worse, the midwife ran away. Concubine Lin complicates matters by preventing Ming Lan from finding food or water for her labouring mother. All the other nannies who could help are either absent or drunk. Planned so well. Awful and appalling. Ming Lan is met with obstacles everywhere she goes. She needs to exit the house to find a doctor. Since the doors are locked and guarded, she crawls out from the dog hole and climbs over the walls.
Gu Ting Ye sees Ming Lan running on the streets and helps her without any hesitation. When the carriage is too slow, he takes her on the horse. He finds her a physician and brings him to Sheng Family, but the doors are shut! Gu Ting Ye rappels over the walls to open the door from the inside. Then when they’re right in front of Concubine Wei’s doors, Concubine Lin prohibits the physician from entering (to save a dying woman!). Gu Ting Ye glares at Concubine Lin. It’s a piercing gaze directed at her cruel heart.
 |
| Gu Ting Ye: From now on you will be alone in this world. (No, the two of you have each other!!) |
Rewatch: Gu Ting Ye and Ming Lan’s fate are one and the same. They both lost their mother during childbirth. They both got a taste of the bitter reality. They’re both alone in this world.
[Ep4] Everyone is leaving for the capital city. Father Sheng is promoted. Gu Ting Ye will be studying. At the harbours, Ming Lan gives him the knee pad from her mother. She bows to him, vowing to never forget his kindness. He helps her up. This is something he ought to do. Ahhhh my future couple T_T.
On the ship, Ming Lan cries to the vast sea. She’s not alone! Grandma Sheng comforts her sobbing granddaughter.
Grandma Sheng: Ming’er is my sweet granddaughter. Remember this. As long as grandmother is by your side, fear nothing my child. My Ming’er is loved! T_T
Madam Wang gloats that she finally won Concubine Lin who’s neglected by Father Sheng (only because Grandma Sheng lectured him that his career could have been jeopardized). But once Concubine Lin pulls her first-cry-then-faint trick, Father Sheng’s heart softens once again.
The problem at the imperial palace: the Emperor has no heir. All his sons have died and he’s too old to be fertile.
Rewatch: Madam Qin’s first appearance! Ah, the kind and benevolent stepmother of Gu Ting Ye!! The timing of her first appearance is impeccable. It’s right after Concubine Lin seduces Father Sheng’s heart again.
[Ep5] The children have grown up! They’re around 15yo (lol).
Qi Heng (Yuan Ruo; a princess's son) studies with Sheng Family. He has a crush on Ming Lan. To see her for a bit more, he says he lost his handkerchief just to buy more time to dwell at her household. The one who kept the handkerchief was Mo Lan, (4th Sister; Daughter of Concubine Lin) who has a crush on him. To rid the handkerchief, she sabotages a clueless maid. Ming Lan smartly deduces the maid was wrongfully accused. Qi Heng overhears and compliments Ming Lan's intelligence. Ming Lan withdraws from him. No matter how proactive Qi Heng is, Ming Lan keeps a distance. She knows clearly that Qi Heng is out of her league. Ming Lang is living like her mother had wanted. She’s not to stand out or to be greedy.
Gu Ting Ye has returned! And he’s got a woman! He had pitied her and took her in. This is so Gu Ting Ye. Aiyah. The way he helped her is the way he helped Ming Lan. Gu Ting Ye meets Ming Lan again. He recognizes her, (but I'm not sure Ming Lan recognizes him!). She follows Qi Heng and calls Gu Ting Ye “Second Uncle”. When he is most definitely not her uncle!! All the Sheng sisters also call him second uncle.
Rewatch: I really like the detail of Ming Lan's ugly handwriting. I strongly believe it’s deliberate. Her mother told her to keep out of sight. If she was too perfect and flawless, she would stand out too much. There has to be something clearly visible to criticize her for.
[Ep6] Qi Heng had given Ming Lan a pair of fine brushes, but Ming Lan gave them away to her sisters. Gu Ting Ye overhears this from Mo Lan. The expression from Gu Ting Ye tells me he saw through Ming Lan’s little cleverness in giving away the brushes.
Concubine Lin nonchalantly tells her daughter, Mo Lan, to consider Gu Ting Ye, after all he’s a marquis’s son. Mo Lan is baffled her mother can say that when Gu Ting Ye frequents the brothels.
Gu Ting Ye is accused of not paying his prostitutes. Madam Qin softly defends her stepson. She also foots the bill.
Rewatch: Madam Qin paying for the bill cements Gu Ting Ye's hedonistic reputation that he does frequent the brothels and that he does owe them money. Well played, stepmom.
[Ep7] Sickly Gu Ting Yu (1st brother) tattles to Father Gu that Gu Ting Ye (2nd) has a mistress. Gu Ting Ye doesn’t make excuses. He simply kneels down to await the caning.
Ming Lan and Ru Lan are also on their knees. They’re punished to kneel for three days at the ancestral hall. Ru Lan is angry at Ming Lan. What happened to the headstrong Ming Lan from Hua Lan’s marriage? Ming Lan reasons with Ru Lan. Did Father Sheng believe them? No matter what they say, Father Sheng always believes in someone else. It would have been better if Ru Lan had said less, then their punishment wouldn’t be so severe.
Grandma Sheng invites Nanny Kong to the house to “discipline” Ming Lan and Ru Lan, but Nanny Kong is more like a prestigious tutor (who worked in the palace). It’s a lesson to improve Ming Lan and Ru Lan's etiquettes. Mo Lan is excluded. Ming Lan mumbles that there’s no way Mo Lan wouldn’t find a way to worm into their classes.
[Ep8] Gu Ting Ye invites Nanny Chang to the capital to take care of his concubine, Zhu Man Niang and his two children (Rong-jie and Chang-ge).
Since Nanny Chang is here, she tells Gu Ting Ye about his mother’s story. Maternal Grandpa Bai doted on Gu Ting Ye’s mother (Madam Bai). She was his only child. Grandpa Bai wasn’t going to marry his daughter as a concubine when Gu Family proposed. Father Gu was already married to Big Madam Qin and of the Gu Family he was the only decent one. However, half a year later, Big Madam Qin died and the Gus came back to ask Grandpa Bai for his daughter’s hand in marriage again.
Gu Ting Ye is listening to the story and notes the coincidence. How did the first wife die so soon? The story continues. After Madam Bai married, she was neglected by Father Gu. He wouldn’t consummate with her until he was forced by the grandparents. Madam Bai became a laughing stock in the manor. Fortunately, she had Gu Ting Ye. However, (during her second pregnancy) she overheard a lady telling Gu Ting Yu that his mother (Big Madam Qin) died from heartbreak because Father Gu was forced to divorce her in order to marry Madam Bai. Gu Family needed Bai Family’s money. That’s the only reason the prestigious Gu nobles would marry the lowly Bai merchants. Everyone in Gu Family disdains Madam Bai because she “murdered” the first wife. Gu Ting Ye’s mother died during childbirth just like Ming Lan’s mother. A year after she died, Father Gu married Big Madam Qin's younger sister, the current Madam Qin, and she is also the one who told Gu Ting Yu the story. That voice is so distinctive.
Nanny Kong is at Sheng Manor to teach the girls etiquette, and Ming Lan is right, Concubine Lin finds a way for Mo Lan to join too. Just seduce Father Sheng. Easy.
Rewatch:
- Gu Ting Yu’s hate for Gu Ting Ye stemmed from Madam Qin... Without Madam Qin, I think these brothers would have gotten along.
- Gu Ting Ye takes after his father. Both men only ever loved one woman.
[Ep9] Nanny Kong compliments Ming Lan to Grandma Sheng, but every remark is shot down by Grandma who says Ming Lan is just average. Look at her calligraphy, it's like chicken scratch. It’s the only thing anyone can pick on Ming Lan for. Nanny Kong is upset. How can Grandma Sheng be so blind and critique Ming Lan like this? Nanny Kong leaves. Grandma Sheng is so anxious, she’s close to tears. How come Nanny Kong doesn’t understand the reason behind her disparagements on her precious granddaughter? Ming Lan has to be prudent and careful in the household. She cannot be praised over Ru Lan and Mo Lan when one is born from the legitimate wife, and the other from the favoured concubine. Praising Ming Lan is harming her. Nanny Kong quickly apologizes. How is she to know Grandma Sheng’s love is so hidden (and so deep)?
Ming Lan’s maternal aunt (Aunt Wei) is here. She tells Ming Lan that she met Xiao Die who swore she never stole anything from the house when she served Concubine Wei (Ming Lan’s mother). Who could have sabotaged Xiao Die? The next day, Nanny Zhou (of Concubine Lin) approaches Ming Lan. Well.
Rewatch:
- Nanny Chang said this about Zhu Man Niang: “The first thing she does is kneel and refuse to get up. It looks sincere but in reality it’s a threat. How can this be considered a good character?” LOL. This is funny because Ming Lan did the same thing after marrying Gu Ting Ye too [Ep41]!! Zhu Man Niang used this move to attack. Ming Lan used this move to defend. Nice.
- Gu Ting Ye said this about Zhu Man Niang: “She cares about me even more than Madam Qin.” Oh, wow. What a comparison.
[Ep10] The Sheng sisters learn flower arrangement from Nanny Kong. When they’re in recess, Ru Lan and Mo Lan’s argument escalates. Then Mo Lan whimpers (when she’s the one who provoked Ru Lan). At the peak of the argument, Nanny Kong returns and punishes all of them to copy scriptures, including the innocent Ming Lan.
Father Sheng tries to save his daughters by acting harsh, ordering them to kneel, expecting Nanny Kong to go lenient, but no, she orders servants to bring cushions so the maidens' knees aren’t touching the cold floor. The parents are speechless. LOL. Gotta love Nanny Kong. Nanny Kong orders Mo Lan to speak first.
Mo Lan (whimpers): Everything is Mo’er’s fault... I wanted to learn more [from Nanny Kong] so I can earn honour for father and for the family. I didn’t think I’d incur the displeasure of the sisters instead. It’s all my fault.Nanny Kong: I must advise you 4th sister, don’t use your intelligence to regard everyone else as fools. Nice! Be mindful that a “clever person may become the victim of his own ingenuity”. This proverb 聰明反被聰明誤 is composed very concisely and cleverly in Chinese. This is the closest translation (less comprehensive): “Intelligence can ruin intelligence” [...] You have two wrongs. First, your word choice is wrong. When you argue with your sisters, you should not repeat concubine-born and wife-born. 4th sister, ask your own conscience. How does your father treat you? – Father Sheng is speechless (‘cause everything is true!) – Though you are a concubine-born, you can be raised by your mother with no worries of clothing or food. Anything that displeases you, you wail and threaten death. Is this the behaviour of a [concubine-born]? Second, your intentions are bad. You keep saying you want to learn. Could it be that you’re the only Sheng daughter in the household? That only you need to earn honour for the family? That only through your achievements will the family be honoured? Then do your sisters not need to learn or bring honour to the family? Someone squarely lecturing Mo Lan feels so good! And she begged for Nanny Kong to teach her.
As for Ming Lan, Nanny Kong acknowledges that Ming Lan committed no wrong. Her punishment is a lesson for her that a family breathes the same air and attaches to the same root. “Together we thrive, together we fall.” Since her sisters are wrong, then she is wrong, even if she’s not wrong. Ming Lan willingly accepts the discipline. Every sister is to take 10 beatings to the palm. But sweet Concubine Lin has a few words to say!
Concubine Lin (meek): Though it is inappropriate for me to speak here, I hope you can forgive me. Mo’er was insensible today. It’s really unfair for Ming Lan when she did nothing wrong. How about having Ming Lan’s beatings taken by Mo Lan. [...] (I am) ignorant. Mo Lan was in the wrong today and implicated the other sisters. It's all my fault for not raising Mo'er well. Perhaps you should punish me too – Concubine Lin slowly slithers downward and kneels –Nanny Kong: It looks like Concubine Lin will have to learn some rules too. The more you speak, the more inappropriate it is. You said you should be punished because you didn’t raise Mo Lan properly. Then what about Madam Wang and Grandma Sheng who raised Ru Lan and Ming Lan. Should they be punished? LOL. [...] A person’s value is self-awareness, but you have two things you’re unaware of. First, you are unaware of your identity (concubine). I’m speaking to the Master and Madam and you dare interrupt? Is this appropriate? Second, you are committing the sin while knowing the sin. First you say you should not speak but you chose to speak anyway. Pft. You say you are ignorant and since you know you are ignorant, why do you still interrupt? You clearly know everything but you commit every wrong. You are knowingly committing your crimes which is another offence. Just because you have a son and a daughter, you think you are above the rules?
I love how surgical Nanny Kong was at stripping Concubine Lin and Mo Lan’s pretences! Every word was piercing.
The sisters are punished. Only Ming Lan doesn’t cry because she doesn’t think the punishment was unfair. Father Sheng compliments Ming Lan and tells her that Nanny Kong’s words struck a chord with him. He should treat all his children fairly. He assures Ming Lan that he’ll be there for her when she needs it. Whatever! And then he’s gone. He’s called away because Madam Wang and Concubine Lin are fighting. Xiao Tao (Ming Lan’s maid) pouts that Father Sheng is gone so soon when he rarely talks to her. Ming Lan murmurs that it’s fine,
Ming Lan: The time I needed him has already passed.” Ming Lan never forgave her father from the moment she lost her mother. This is why Ming Lan grew up strong. She never depended on him. In fact, she never thought she could depend on anyone.
Ming Lan is in awe with Nanny Kong after she reflects on how Nanny Kong did it. She let the cold war brew between Ru Lan and Mo Lan until it burst so that she could punish them in one fell swoop. This is the lesson Ming Lan takes to heart in the future.
[Ep11] Ming Lan’s awe for Nanny Kong is endless. She cornered Concubine Lin without exposing her. She also knows it’s impossible to tell Father Sheng of Concubine Lin’s faults liken that it's impossible to awaken someone who intends to fake their sleep. Instead, she indirectly advised him that pampering the concubine will lead to family disharmony, sibling rivalry, and in the worst case scenario, it can ruin his officialdom. No matter how great his affection for Concubine Lin is, it’s not greater than the family’s honour. Brilliant. This punishment for the sisters was a lesson for Father Sheng.
During class, the students debate the heated topic of the Crown Prince. Will it be Prince of Yong or Prince of Yan? Everyone is afraid to speak. The brave Gu Ting Ye isn’t. He thinks Prince of Yong is an apt choice. He "plows day and night”, and look at the harvest, his yard is full of children! Hahaha! Plus, Prince of Yong is the eldest. It’s only right he inherits the throne.
The debate heats up. Should the next in line be selected by age or by merit? Prince of Yan may be younger, but he is smarter.
Teacher Zhuang asks the quiet students (Qi Heng and Ming Lan) to speak up. Qi Heng is still contemplating. He doesn’t have a decision yet, which says a lot about his personality!. Ming Lang answers clearly that it’s not within her jurisdiction. This prompts a debate among the Sheng siblings:
- Sheng Chang Feng (3rd Sheng Brother, born from Concubine Lin) stresses to Ming Lan that it’s a hypothetical question. Would she choose the useless elder son or a capable younger one even though he’s born from a concubine? Fitting, isn’t it, that he, born a younger concubine, is leading Ming Lan to choose an answer.
- Ru Lan (“the useless legitimate daughter”) is annoyed and pitches in: Why does everyone assume the eldest prince is useless?
- Mo Lan (“the smarter concubine-born”) is triggered and retorts that if the eldest isn’t useless, why would the concubine-born be in discussion?
Chang Feng pesters Ming Lan who has been quiet all along to answer. Qi Heng defends Ming Lan to let her pass but then Gu Ting Ye chirps in to let Ming Lan finish her thoughts.
Gu Ting Ye: Although she is young and doesn’t like to speak, it’s possible she might already have an answer and as she’s watching us argue, she’s secretly laughing at us.Ming Ling: Second Uncle, if you want to say something, then just say it. Why must you pull me in? Ming Lan speaking up to him! It’s actually so rare for her to retaliate so fast at this phase of her life.
Ming Lan speaks, but it’s a question directed at Qi Heng and Gu Ting Ye. If they, as legitimate heirs, had a more capable younger concubine-born sibling, how would they situate themselves?
- Gu Ting Ye doesn’t think there’s a difference between legitimate or concubine birth. It should be by merit.
- Qi Heng has different thoughts. Gu Ting Ye’s individual indifference to honour is his personal opinion, but upsetting the succession of the throne will bring shame to ancestors and the nobles.
- Gu Ting Ye: If the eldest is useless and brings the royals to shambles, then will the ancestors still have honour?
- Qi Heng: If the concubine-born is talented, then he should assist the legitimate son. There’s no need to upset the order. That would be the perfect solution.
- Gu Ting Ye: A talented man will surely be prideful. Why would he submit and be inferior when he is clearly superior?
- Qi Heng: There seems to be a trend to succeed with merit and that has made the concubine-born children delusional. Ahem, Mo Lan, lol (but Ming Lan is also concubine-born). If the world can respect status and etiquette, then there would be no divisions between brothers and families. Oh, Qi Heng. Continue to live under your rock.
- Gu Ting Ye relents, but adds a wish for Qi Heng to never be reborn from a concubine. Pft.
After the boys debate on Ming Lan's behalf, it’s time for her conclusion.
Ming Lan: No conclusion is a conclusion. Virtuosity can be disguised, but [legitimate birth and age cannot]. If the concubine-born is truly virtuous, he would not ruin the clan for his own ambition. If the legitimate elder is truly capable and can restrain his younger brother from usurping then he can ensure prosperity as well. A man of character must be loyal to the king and love his nation. It’s better to be a simple subject instead of sparing in these meaningless fights. Ming Lan made the boys argue in a meaningless debate with no conclusion. So why continue to argue? Isn’t it better to be simple subjects who love the nation? This is her conclusion.Gu Ting Ye (whispers to Qi Heng): Look. Just one sentence from her and she shoved the two of us in a bind.
Everyone is silenced and in awe.
After class, Qi Heng wants a chance to speak to Ming Lan, but she rejects his attempts. However, at night, she sews a knee pad for Qi Heng. It’s to keep him warm during the imperial exam.
[Ep12] Sheng Chang Bai (2nd Sheng Brother, born from Madam Wang) passes! Madam Wang and Father Sheng want to throw a party but Grandma Sheng stops them. Qi Heng and Gu Ting Ye didn’t pass. Sheng Family cannot upset Qi Family and Gu Family with loud celebrations.
Grandma Sheng doesn’t want Ming Lan to like Qi Heng. He’s the son of Princess of Pingning. If she does marry into his family, it’s unlikely she’ll be the legitimate wife and if she’s a concubine, there will only be suffering.
Father Gu acts like he doesn’t care that Gu Ting Ye failed the exam but he goes and inquires with the proctor for his son’s results. He cares! The proctor shares that Qi Heng’s parents were just here. Qi Heng wrote eloquently, but has no critical views of his own. As for Gu Ting Ye, he wrote excellently and passionately but because he lamented on Yang Wu Dan whom the Emperor had punished unjustly, the Emperor stripped him of his top three ranking and he can only retake the exam at the age of 50 just like Yang Wu Dan. Our Gu Ting Ye was in the top three! Better than Chang Bai!
[Ep13] Gu Ting Ye only spoke of Yang Wu Dan when he was studying at home with Gu Ting Yu, which was when he was 12yo. Gu Ting Yu swears he never tattled. Father Gu is on the brother's side. If Gu Ting Ye never said it in the first place, there’s nothing anyone can threaten him with. Gu Ting Ye is disheartened. Even if he’s bullied, his father is never on his side. He decides to leave the city with his ‘family’ but Zhu Man Niang doesn’t want to. She wants that money. She deliberately lets her daughter (Rong-jie) escape the house so that she can leave Nanny Chang’s strict surveillance in order to find Gu Family.
Gu Ting Ye saves Zhu Man Niang (who didn’t need saving) from Father Gu. He also won’t let his father beat him anymore. He reminds Father Gu how his mother died. She was tricked into the marriage and then died from hemorrhage during childbirth. Father Gu stresses that no one ever lied to his mother. When Gu Ting Ye leaves, the father mutters, “Who could have told him?” Scene skips to Gu Ting Yu (son of the original wife). But is it really him?
[Ep14] Madam Wang accuses Concubine Lin of adultery. She makes Concubine Lin sign a confession and plans to sell her as a slave. Ming Lan arrives as Grandma Sheng's proxy because sweet grandma fainted. Ha. Ming Lan delivers Grandma Sheng’s words crisply and clearly: Madam Wang is in charge. If Concubine Lin committed adultery then punish appropriately. This is a green light for Madam Wang and I love this grandma-granddaughter team! It’s too bad there’s no real evidence to incriminate Concubine Lin. But Grandma Sheng’s proxy is here again! Ming Lan smartly asks if Concubine Lin is innocent, why disguise herself? Madam Wang takes the cue and punishes her with 20 canings. Too bad that’s it. She even orders Chang Feng (Concubine Lin’s son) to exact the punishment on his own mother.
A haggard Father Sheng returns. He was confined for a whole day because Chang Feng ran his mouth with rogues, discussing Prince of Yan's succession. Father Sheng kicks his useless son to the floor. Father Sheng had narrowly escaped his predicament by remembering Ming Lan’s words and repeating them to the Emperor. “Instead of engaging in meaningless fights, to be a simple subject is the right course of action.”
Now that Father Sheng is burning in rage, Madam Wang fuels the fire and exposes the deeds that Concubine Lin was going to pawn. Concubine Lin counterattacks and reveals that Madam Wang stole money from the house to supplement her maternal family. Flustered, Madam Wang explains that she didn't know it was for her maternal family until after her sister borrowed it to make high interest loans – uh, well, this just made matters worse. Father Sheng could be sued and exiled for private loans. And then all the ladies – Madam Wang, Concubine Lin, and Mo Lan – cry in front of Father Shen. It might just be better being confined in the palace. LOL.
[Ep15] Ming Lan will manage the household! It’s because Madam Wang and Concubine Lin have proven themselves to be useless, Grandma Sheng nominated Ming Lan who’s been keeping detailed records and is objective towards Madam Wang and Concubine Lin.
Ming Lan gets her own courtyard. Mo Lan sends a painting as a congratulatory present. It’s a cow licking its calf fondly to represent a parent’s deep affection for its children. Ming Lan hangs it next to her mother’s Lady Li’s portrait. It’s to remind Ming Lan to never forget. Ou. Ming Lan will always remember who was good to her and equally who has mistreated her. Then Ming Lan receives Aunt Wei’s letter. In order to lure out the prey, Aunt Wei had deliberately left the manor to search for evidence of Concubine Wei’s death. Now the prey has revealed itself: it’s Concubine Lin’s people who are following Aunt Wei.
Ming Lan: Fourth Sister’s words truly are odd. According to you, if Madam Wang punishes me, then she’s blaming Grandma. If she doesn’t punish me, then it means she’s afraid of Grandma. One sentence from fourth sister is criticizing all three of us. You’re killing three birds with one stone.Ru Lan cheerfully asks: Are you alive again?Mo Lan: You are slandering me!Ming Lan: You said I’m slandering you? Oh, so is that not what you meant? So that means Madam Wang doesn’t need to punish me?Ru Lan is so smug. Her expression is all of us. ツ゚
After greeting Madam Wang, Mo Lan condemns Ming Lan for carrying guns and cannons in her words. Sweet Ming Lan flatters Mo Lan. She explains she had to defend herself for her Grandma Sheng’s sake. She was just promoted. She can’t embarrass her grandmother. Then she praises Mo Lan for having Concubine Lin who’s in favour and Chang Feng, who’s a capable brother. Our pitiful Ming Lan is only an orphan in the household. Love, love, love Ming Lan.
Madam Wang and Concubine Lin give Ming Lan some maids to “help” her. This prompts Grandma Sheng to send real helpers (Cui Wei) to guard against the troublemakers. Concubine Lin understands this is Grandma Sheng’s warning from messing with Ming Lan. Concubine Lin mutters, “She’s already got half her leg buried in her grave, why bother?” Concubine Lin, you have completely ignored and underestimated Ming Lan.
(In this episode, Ming Lan also meets He Hong Wen.)
[Ep16] There’s a polo match! Mo Lan flirts with Qi Heng but ends up misfiring and enticing Liang Han. Qi Heng doesn’t care about any other girl except Ming Lan. In fact, he organized this match to meet Ming Lan! He tells her he misses her but Ming Lan begs him to stop. Plus there’s more important matters...
Yu Yan Ran, Ming Lan’s close friend, desperately wants to win her later mother’s hairpin that has somehow become the prize for the polo match. (They’re friends with the same fate, they both lost their mother.) Ming Lan drags Chang Feng to participate in the mixed gender team with Yu Yan Ran.
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| Ming Lan, the one in white, shining brilliantly like the sun. |
Gu Ting Ye: You don’t know her, she lives her days hard (vigorously). Gu Ting Ye knowing is enough (':. These two, neither of them had it easy :(
During the match, the opponent falls off his horse. He exaggerates his pain to ask Gu Ting Ye to substitute. Gu Ting Ye accepts, but he will play with his left hand, but really, he has no weak hand. Chang Bai quickly surrenders. It’s futile to even try. And so Qi Heng substitutes! He’ll play with Ming Lan against Gu Ting Ye.
Ming Lan wins! Did Gu Ting Ye go easy on Ming Lan again? :D. But this game brings an opportunity for Gu Ting Ye too. He’s very interested in Yu Yan Ran’s kindness.
I like the way Gu Ting Ye helps Ming Lan. He does it inconspicuously, burdening her the least. Qi Heng naively does as he please, unable to grasp the reality of her situation. Playing with her at the match brings more harm than good to her. Even if Gu Ting Ye manages to win, I’m certain he would find a way to give the hairpin back to Yu Yan Ran (plus, he needs her).
- Qi Heng organized the match, but this event brought Ming Lan and Gu Ting Ye closer.
- Qi Heng playing on the field captured the attention of the daughter of Prince of Yong, which ruined his fate with Ming Lan.
- Ming Lan indirectly puts Yu Yan Ran on Gu Ting Ye’s radar (which pulls his fate closer to Ming Lan).
- Ming Lan impresses Countess Wu, Liang Han’s mother (giving Ming Lan the means to avenge her mother)
- Mo Lan attracts Liang Han
- Also, Courtesan Wei is also there, Ming Lan’s target of jealousy :D
[Ep17] Qi Heng asks Ming Lan why she avoids him every time. She tells him he doesn’t understand the hardship of being a woman. Once a girl’s reputation is ruined, there’s no redemption. Take Gu Ting Ye as an example, his reputation is ubiquitously awful, but if one day, he changes his behaviour, receives promotion, he can still command an army, confer his family, his wife, and his children a noble title. Foretelling!! Girls are different. If they’re caught having a secret meeting like right now, just word of mouth, her reputation will be tainted. It will suffocate her. Not just that, her entire family’s honour will be smeared. As for Qi Heng, he can walk away as if it’s just a blip in his life. It’s clearly the same matter, but the prices are different. Ming Lan cannot afford it.
Qi Heng swears he’ll take responsibility. If there are rumours, then he’ll just marry her. Ming Lan paces around in the temple. She only wants a simple life as her mother had wished. She wants Qi Heng to avoid her. His family would never accept her. Bringing up marriage will only harm her. But Qi Heng swears he will convince his mother to make her his legitimate wife, not a concubine. Ming Lan says it’s impossible.
Qi Heng: In the entire capital, who’d believe we could beat Second Uncle Gu? But in the end, didn’t we win? Only because Gu Ting Ye went easy on you!
Back at home, Father Sheng scolds Ming Lan for teaming up with Qi Heng at the polo match. It’s shameless of her. Other ministers are calling his daughter overreaching. Ming Lan explains it was Yu Yan Ran who also lost her mother. Ming Lan asks her father if he remembers Concubine Wei, her mother. He ignores her question. He already forgot her.
There is someone else who empathizes with Yu Yan Ran. Gu Ting Ye! He wants to marry her. It’s mainly because he thinks she’ll be kind enough to accept Zhu Man Niang as a concubine (since she cannot be the legitimate wife). Alternatively, he knows she’s mistreated by her family (like Ming Lan who lost her mother too!). He’ll treat her well so that life will be better than with her family.
At Ming Lan’s courtyard, her maids are bullied by Concubine Lin and Madam Wang’s maids. Ming Lan lets the maid fight. Well, isn’t this tactic familiar? (Hint: Nanny Kong)
Father Sheng declines Concubine Lin’s request for a marriage with Qi Heng for Mo Lan. It’s the same reason. They’re not on par with Qi Manor. When Mo Lan hears it’s impossible, she’s upset. Concubine Lin motivates her daughter to persevere in marrying a noble man, but Mo Lan fears it’ll embarrass Sheng family. Concubine Lin scoffs. What matters is their Lin Pavilion reputation. “If embarrassing Sheng Family’s reputation can give us dignity, then we can embarrass them a hundred times.” Mo Lan is enlightened. But now, the only problem is that Qi Heng might like Ming Lan. Concubine Lin convinces Mo Lan to consider Liang Han. He may be a few ranks below Qi Heng, but he’s rich! Mo Lan is tempted.
[Ep18] Gu Ting Ye has knocked on Yu Yan Ran’s doors for her hand in marriage. Yu Yan Ran begs Ming Lan for help. Her parents are agreeing because of his family’s honour and status. But his reputation is horrible! Ming Lan shows her a picture her mother sewed. It’s Lady Li, Princess Zhao of Pingyang. She never relied on her father, brothers, husband or sons, but she could still defeat thousands of fierce enemies. She’s a model to all women. Ming Lan tells her this story to explain that it was Gu Ting Ye who helped her mother when no one would. He’s not a bad person. However, Yu Yan Ran is still in tears. Rumour says Gu Ting Ye has a yard full of concubines!
While Ming Lan appeals to Yu Yan Ran and Grandmother Yu, Gu Ting Ye is appealing to Grandfather Yu with his humility. Grandfather Yu particularly likes how Gu Ting Ye is planning to live independently, away from the in-laws.
The grandparents plan to accept the marriage, but here comes Zhu Man Niang to ruin it! She creates a commotion at Yu Manor, begging them to give her a title.
Ming Lan (who’s at Yu Manor) invites Zhu Man Niang inside to speak, but it takes a while to actually get her inside.
Zhu Man Niang (meekly): I’m born with a bitter fate.Ming Lan (all calm): I don’t think your life was tough at all. A normal girl wouldn’t dare make a scene at the Imperial Tutor’s manor. We tell you to leave and you don’t leave. We tell you to come in, you don’t come in. You only cry outside. How interesting.Zhu Man Niang: I’m scared.Ming Lan (laughs loudly): You’re afraid? A normal family, when they take concubines, usually asks the concubine for their background. But aren’t you great, you first sob and cry to the sky. What’s your name? Where’s your home? You haven’t reported anything, and you want my sister to accept your tea? And you dare say you’re afraid?
Ming Lan tames Zhu Man Niang by having her reply the questions about her background. She sang at an opera house before. Min Lang won’t promise Zhu Man Niang anything. Go back and ask Gu Manor. Zhu Man Niang threatens them that if they don’t accept her, she’ll die here in this manor. She runs to a pole to commit suicide. Ming Lan’s not falling for it, nor will she let Zhu Man Niang bully Yu Yan Ran. Ming Lan gives her two options: either walk out yourself or we throw you out. Zhu Man Niang can’t retort.
The marriage between Gu Ting Ye and Yu Yan Ran is off. Grandma Sheng lectures Ming Lan for being reckless. She’s brave at another family’s house, but demure at her courtyard. Ming Lan explains her logic. She never revealed her name. Zhu Man Niang wouldn’t be able to find her. Yu Manor would also keep the matter confidential for their own reputation. Ming Lan thought through it all.
Yu Yan Ran has left the city. She’s off to marry another man. Ming Lan sends her off. On the way back, she meets Gu Ting Ye who’s angry at her for ruining his marriage.
Gu Ting Ye: I’ve helped you before. I’ve still got the knee pads you gifted me. I never thought of having you repay any favour, but you actually ruined my marriage? Why did you do that?
Ming Lan interrogates Gu Ting Ye for his reasons in marrying Yu Yan Ran. The moment she saw Zhu Man Niang, Ming Lan knew he wanted to use Yu Yan Ran's kindness to force her into accepting his concubine. Gu Ting Ye swears he would have treated Yu Yan Ran well.
Gu Ting Ye: You’re so young, what do you know? When you’re at the age of marriage, you’ll know then that everything needs to be thoroughly considered.
Ming Lan tells him his concubine made Grandmother Yu cough up blood and forced Yan Ran to drink her tea. Gu Ting Ye didn’t know this. Ming Lan asserts that Zhu Man Niang may be born lowly, but she certainly isn’t feeble. Ming Lan is always straightforward with him, eh. She’s not in her “feeble” act either. Gu Ting Ye isn’t listening. He’s stubborn. Everyone is just judging them.
Ming Lan: Second Uncle Gu. You’ve saved me before and I am very grateful. I want to give you sincere advice. I don’t think Zhu Man Niang is a good person.Gu Ting Ye (who was almost out the door, comes back to argue): She went and cried her grievance at Yu Manor and so she’s not a good person. You are baiting Qi Heng, and you’re good?! Haha. Isn't it true? His heart has you. You can fool others but not me. You loosen your reins only to grip him tighter. You’ve got him strung to your hands like a kite. You pull on it and he comes. You loosen it, and he'll have to go. A great man like him is turned to rubbish by you! These words from him are too funny while knowing what happens in the future episodes xD.
Ming Lan demands him to shut up. She’s innocent. How dare he slander her!
Gu Ting Ye: If I had known earlier, I shouldn’t have gone to Yu House to harm Yu Yan Ran. I should have ruined your Sheng Family.Ming Lan (falters): What do you mean?Gu Ting Ye smirks: What do I mean? If I insist on marrying you, that father of yours would marry you off to me.Ming Lan retorts: You dare! I’ll fight you!Gu Ting Ye (amused): Fight? With What?Ming Lan: This world has cliffs and water to jump into, Where could I not fight?Gu Ting Ye starts walking away (because she’s threatening death? Lol) but laughsMing Lan: I’ll be a Buddhist nun. I’ll be a Daoist nun. I’ll marry to the mountains. I’ll raise cows and plow fields, and I’ll never marry you! I love how she’s hiding behind a pole to say all this.
[Ep19] Gu Ting Ye packs his belongings to leave Gu House. He finds the knee pads from Ming Lan’s mother and although the fabric isn’t anything expensive, he orders Shi Tou to pack them with care. He’ll be keeping those.
Father Gu spits out blood! He’s sick and has fallen. Gu Ting Ye screams for help. Frantically, Madam Qin orders Gu Ting Ye to bring a physician to the manor. However, when he’s back with one, Gu Family blocks him from entering the house. This is just like Ming Lan and her mother. And now rumours have spread that Father Gu is dying because Gu Ting Ye angered him.
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| Isn’t this picture brilliant? Everyone standing disgusts me. |
Gu Ting Ye: Each of you have been living everyday like you’re acting. [...] You (Madam Qin) disgust me.
Gu Ting Ye leaves Gu Family for good.
Only in front of Chang Bai, does Gu Ting Ye sob. T_T. Instead of anger, Gu Ting Ye thinks his father’s death is his fault. Chang Bai contests it was a trap that both he and his father fell into. No. Gu Ting Ye says everything is his fault and now he has nothing left. Chang Bai reminds him he still has his family. Slowly, Gu Ting Ye smiles, “You’re right. I still have two children. I still have a family.” I LOVE how he didn’t include the mistress.
Rewatch:
- Gu Ting Ye and Ming Lan's lives are both so heartrending. Their mothers were neglected by their fathers, sacrificial pieces for the family. Both of them never grew up with fatherly love. Gu Ting Ye wanted it, but lost him. Ming Lan was already indifferent.
- I wonder if Father Gu ever knew his son was barricaded from seeing him. I wonder if he knew his family was that cruel to his son.
[Ep20] Gu Ting Ye is kicked out from Gu Family. He’ll have no title and no inheritance. Gu Ting Ye promises Nanny Chang and Zhu Man Niang that to support the family, he’ll work at the docks if he has to. Before Nanny Chang leaves the room, she loudly asks Gu Ting Ye why he fought with his father right in front of Zhu Man Niang. Gu Ting Ye avoids answering. The fight started because of Zhu Man Niang. This woman. The nerve of her for existing!!!
Ming Lan knows Chang Bai's frequent secret trips were to visit Gu Ting Ye. She made some cake and porridge for Gu Ting Ye, who’s sick. After all, he had helped her save her mother. She’s also a little surprised that he’s ill. It’s rare for him. She’s worried about him! Gu Ting Ye, who had no appetite, tries Ming Lan's fish porridge. He finds it good, like really good. From your future wife!
Nanny Chang had convinced Gu Ting Ye to refrain from revealing his Bai inheritance to Zhu Man Niang. Well, now Nanny Chang has proof of Zhu Man Niang’s betrayal. She pawned Gu Ting Ye’s mother’s item. There’s barely any more valuables left at home. Later, Gu Ting Ye confirms that Zhu Man Niang even lied about her dead brother. When he confronts her, she isn’t forthcoming with the truth. Gu Ting Ye proceeds to read the deeds he inherited from Bai Family. Regret is on her face. All the money she lost! Zhu Man Niang cries and pleads with her nasally voice. Gu Ting Ye... for this woman you angered your father, how hurt are you now? How dumb were you to have pitied her? T_T
Gu Ting Ye banishes Zhu Man Niang from the house but she kidnaps Chang-ge, their son! And only the son. She ditched Rong-jie.
[Ep21] Gu Ting Ye can’t even attend his own father’s funeral. He silently pays respect from afar.
Qi Heng sends news to Ming Lan that he has his mother’s approval for their marriage. Ming Lan is happy but nervous. As for Grandma Sheng, she’s very worried. The entire city knows Princess of Pingning’s temper – it’s awful.
Madam Wang cannot idly watch Ming Lan spoil the maids anymore. It’s disrupting the house and most importantly there’s a maid who dares to flirt with Chang Bai. Madam Wang won’t allow anything and anyone to taint her son’s marriage. Since she’s plucking her own maids, she expels Concubine Lin’s maids too.
Well. Madam Wang just did all the dirty work for Ming Lan. Even Grandma Sheng didn’t know Ming Lan deliberately "tolerated the maids and nurtured them into evildoers" to wait for this moment to annex them from her courtyard once and for all.
[Ep22] Ming Lan regrets implicating Chang Bai since he treats her well. She’s no different from Concubine Lin. Would her mother be disappointed in her? Grandma Sheng lectures Ming Lan who’s upset over such a trifle. Grandma Sheng is proud that Ming Lan can protect herself because only she herself can be responsible for how she walks her own life.
Princess of Pingning is at Sheng Manor for Chang Bai's wedding. She’s chatting with the family and compliments her own son that he’s filial, unlike that second son of Gu Family (Gu Ting Ye) who insists on marrying an unworthy woman. *CoughMingLancough*. It’s clear. Princess of Pinging is here to tell Ming Lan that Qi Heng is out of her league. Then she makes Qi Heng accept all the Sheng sisters as his god-sister. Grandma Sheng’s smile is tight as she tells Ming Lan to receive the honour since she’s the only one who doesn’t have a brother in the family. Ming Lan calmly smiles, accepting the insulting honour.
Grandma Sheng takes Ming Lan on a trip to Youyang (for her heartbreak). In the meantime, house management duties are back with Madam Wang, especially now that the family has a daughter-in-law. Madam Wang can’t look that incompetent.
Qi Heng catches Ming Lan on her trip to Youyang. He apologizes to her, and swears he’ll convince his mother. Ming Lan clearly and politely rejects him, but he has a present for her (a porcelain doll). The doll comes in a pair. He kept the boy and is giving the girl to her. A servant helps Ming Lan accept the present. Qi Heng has one more request. He wants her to call him “Yuan Ruo”. Ming Lan turns away. She won’t call him that name.
Back on the ship, Xiao Tou wonders if Qi Heng can deliver on his words. Ming Lan softly replies while looking forward, “He said he could. Let’s believe him one more time.” When Ming Lan is alone, she cries to herself, thinking back to all the time Qi Heng has touched her heart.
[Ep23] Ming Lan fumbles but stands up again. She turns over all the barrels, making it difficult for the pirates to climb through (enabling Xiao Tao to escape farther). Finally, she jumps into the water too and she's drowning...! Her eyes are closing. She manages to grab her doll and hugs it tightly to her chest. Then someone dives in to save her! It’s Gu Ting Ye! It’s always Gu Ting Ye.
Gu Ting Ye (chuckles): Aiyah, I never thought in this life that sixth sister of Sheng family would call me righteous. What a rarity!
Ming Lan finally looks up and takes a good glance at her stranger hero. She brightens up at the sight of Gu Ting Ye (her second uncle). He also assures her that everyone is safe.
Ming Lan asks Gu Ting Ye how he ended up here. He’s looking for his son, which is why he joined the canal gang (through Shi Tou’s sister-in-law). Coincidentally, the canal gang has a feud with the pirates that just raided Ming Lan's ship and while he was coordinating a plan, he happened to have saved Ming Lan.
Gu Ting Ye takes her out to meet the rest of the gang. Sister-in-law compliments Ming Lan’s beauty, which shines brightly even in rough clothes. I see Gu Ting Ye stealing glimpses at Ming Lan!! Sister-in-law shares that the plan was to catch the pirates off guard, but all that planning was trashed when Gu Ting Ye recognized Ming Lan’s ship. He abandoned his own strategy and dived in to save her. Awww!
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| “Intertwined by fate; To meet by chance” |
Ming Lan (clarifies): I want to repay you for saving my life.Gu Ting Ye (stops in his tracks): The last time you said you wanted to repay me for finding a physician for you, you told me Zhu Man Niang was evil. This time you want to repay me again, I think I’m afraid of you. LOLMing Lan (laughs): Blame the bad news, not the messenger.Gu Ting Ye: So what bad news are you bringing me now? Could it be that Rong-jie is also evil?
Ming Lan shakes her head. Of course not. But it is related to Rong-jie. Has he thought of her future? If Gu Ting Ye is a marquis, then she’s a marquis’s daughter. If Gu Ting Ye roams jianghu, then she’s either a daughter of a water bandit or a pirate. Gu Ting Ye turns pensive but realizes it’s a roundabout way to convince him to return. Plus, Ming Lan is too young (and unmarried) to conceptualize the future of his child.
Ming Lan: I may not have given birth to a daughter, but I’m still someone’s daughter. If I don't know what it’s like being a daughter, perhaps, second uncle, you know?
Gu Ting Ye doesn’t, but he knows that Rong-jie is happy here, much happier than she was in the city. Ming Lan recalls a verse in Strategies of Warring States. If parents love their children, they should think about their future and not just the present. Our little Ming Lan is teaching Gu Ting Ye about the Strategies of Warring States, LOL. HAHA. Gu Ting Ye is smitten and impressed with Ming Lan(’s mother). Ming Lan laughs that the struggles in the backcourt don't pale in comparison with the battlefield. She’s sure Gu Ting Ye wouldn’t understand though. Oh, he does. Madam Qin gave him a tough lesson. He swears that no matter how many books he’s studied, he’d still fall into her trap again and again.
Ming Lan shares her story too. She watched her mother die. Her little brother also died. She cried for help but only him, a stranger, would help her. The next day everyone moved on. That family still lives in harmony as if nothing happened. No one suffered any consequences. Everyday she pretends to be obedient and quiet. Thanks to her grandmother’s pity and meticulous care, she grew up safely. Gu Ting Ye listens quietly. He can empathize with her.
Unconsciously, Ming Lan realizes she revealed her deepest thoughts. She asks him to keep it a secret for her. He smirks, amused.
Ming Lan: If not because you are my saviour, I wouldn’t have told you this. Second Uncle Gu, it’s not easy for women to live in this world. It’s better that you think of Rong-jie’s future more.Gu Ting Ye: You are very similar to your mother. You both have great foresight.
Ming Lan turns modest. She’s just accustomed to being observant. It’s circumstantial. This is Ming Lan’s way of surviving. She has to pave a path for herself and think of alternatives in case things don’t go according to plan.
Gu Ting Ye: With so much foresight, how come you’re unable to see yourself?Ming Lan: Myself?Gu Ting Ye: Your marriage.Ming Lan: Stop with your nonsense. I think he's talking about Qi Heng or she thinks he’s talking about Qi Heng, but Gu Ting Ye is certainly interested in her now. Could he be hinting that he can be her backup?Gu Ting Ye (follows her hurried footsteps): With you being this smart, there’s no need for me to say any more. Anyway, think about it more, your future, your alternative options. Ming Lan, think about Gu Ting Ye!
Ming Lan is silent and glares at Gu Ting Ye. He just chuckles.
The next day, Ming Lan leaves on a paddleboat to reunite with her family. Gu Ting Ye doesn’t send her off, but watches her from afar. Aw, he doesn’t want to say goodbye to her? :D He has decided. He will join the army. Ming Lan’s words have reached him! Gu Ting Ye gets a recommendation (from the Zhaos whom he saved earlier), but he’s assigned to the low ranks because the Zhaos are disfavoured. It’s alright. Gu Ting Ye will work his way up.
[Ep24] Grandma Sheng asks Ming Lan for her opinion on He Hong Wen. Ming Lan thinks he has good fate and deserves a woman who is honest and devoted to him. Grandma Sheng curiously asks Ming Lan about her fate.
Ming Lan: My fate isn’t here yet.Grandma Sheng: I fear it already has and you just don’t know it yet. Gu Ting Ye ~
Scene changes to Gu Ting Ye ~ Gu Ting Ye successfully protects the campsite from a renegade while the General snoozes but Gu Ting Ye smartly gives all the credit to the General.
While Gu Ting Ye is devising strategies for battles, Ming Lan’s backcourt drama doesn’t pale in comparison. Ming Lan supports Sheng Shu Lan, her cousin, to divorce her “scholar” husband (Sun Zhi Gao). He beats her and won’t sleep with her. She will be forced to raise his child born from a prostitute. However, if Shu Lan divorces, it will affect the entire Sheng family’s honour. It will affect Sheng Ping Lan's (her sister) marriage and even Ming Lan’s. So much collateral damage. Omg. Glad those times are long gone. This is why it has to be an amicable separation. Unfortunately, Sun family won’t agree.
Well, Meng Lan, our strategist, advises her aunts to take back all of Shu Lan’s dowry and the maids. Sun Zhi Gao makes a new condition: he’ll approve if they give him more money, shops, houses and servants. From servants to his tuition, everything was provided by Sheng family. Even his prostitutes were paid with her money.
Ming Lan has another idea. Since Sun Zhi Gao came from a poor family and never had slaves of their own, he must not know that there are two deeds. One is a census registration, the other is a selling contract. Ming Lan predicts the census registration of the prostitute he wants to buy is still at the brothel. She tells Ping Lan, they need to go to the brothel now. They also need He Hong Wen (the man) and two veiled hats (to cover their faces). Ping Lan calls Ming Lan crazy.
Ming Lan simply asks: Well. Do you want an amicable divorce (for your sister)?
Off they go.
Rewatch: I love how ever since Ming Lan has taken on the housekeeping duties, she’s been practicing her writing whenever she can. In the beginning of the episode, while she’s talking to Grandma Sheng late at night, she’s practicing. Now that she’s grown up, and is no longer an easy victim, she’s correcting her writing, an obvious flaw, something she knew she could always fix if she put a bit more effort in it.
[Ep25] Thanks to Ming Lan, Sun Zhi Gao is forced to agree on an amicable divorce. Sheng Family promises to give him half the dowry for his cooperation. =.= Sun Zhi Gao has the audacity to drop an advice for Shu Lan. For a woman like her who's neither talented nor beautiful, and clearly out of his league, she should be grateful to her next husband even if he’s a butcher or farmer. Shu Lan, who has always been demure, spits at the potty-face.
Shu Lan’s grandmother passes away. During the funeral, they’re attacked by bandits. Ming Lan’s luck, lol. With a single arrow, her enemy is struck down. Then her crusader plucks her off the road and onto his horse. She fights him with all her force until she recognizes her saviour is her second uncle. Gu Ting Ye has saved her once again. <3 Fated indeed. He takes her to his camp and gives her warm food.
Ming Lan cheekily asks Gu Ting Ye why he's only a soldier, and not a commander. xD. If he wants military merits, he needs to be in the front lines. Amused, he crosses his arms asking her if she can guess the reason that he's dispatched to Youyang instead. Ming Lan lightly jests that he must be too arrogant and the commanders didn’t like him. She's wrong on purpose. Ming Lan tries again. It must be because he’s too good, and is a threat to the commanders. Right on.
There's one thing Ming Lan couldn't predict. She had thought he’d return to the capital or join the House of Gu’s army. For Gu Ting Ye, mountains can collapse and friends can run away. Aw. He finds it honourable to be recognized by his own merits. He only wants to live for himself, freely. Ming Lan gives him a toast. She's envious of him. He believes she can too as long as she wants to.
Gu Ting Ye doesn’t escort Ming Lan home for the sake of her reputation. Ming Lan thanks him, recognizing he’s keeping her maiden honour. I love the way he cares about her. So thorough. Just like her. He's not leaving her unprotected though, He gives her a sleeve arrow to defend herself just in case. She stares cluelessly at the contraption.
Gu Ting Ye (teases her): You can score accurately in arrow toss, and so how could you miss in shooting a sleeve arrow?
Ming Lan smiles brightly. She likes the contraption (and the praise).
Gu Ting Ye (complains): I just praised her for being refined and perceptive, but look at her now. She becomes (a coward) like that. She thinks she’s really some divine archer.Shi Tou: When did you say she was refined and perceptive? Lol! He said it in his heart.Gu Ting Ye: You didn’t hear it?Shi Tou: Were you saying it in your heart? Haha. Bingo.
Shi Tou wonders why Gu Ting Ye isn’t personally escorting Ming Lan home if he’s that worried about her.
Gu Ting Ye: You don’t understand the matters of the household backcourt. A maiden cannot be associated with a foreign male. If she’s caught during a mourning period, that’s actually a crime. So suffocating being a woman.
With Gu Ting Ye protecting Ming Lan along the way, she returns safely to her grandmother
Grandma Sheng (wails like a child): Why did you come back just now! Awww! Grandma!
The next day, Grandma Sheng and Ming Lan are heading back to the capital. Gu Ting Ye is returning as well. He's dropping off Rong-jie. He's aware that it’s inconvenient for Ming Lan if he joins them, which is why he's quietly trailing behind her. Shi Tou comments on Ming Lan’s rotten luck with the bandits. Gu Ting Ye corrects Shi Tou. It’s not her bad luck, but that the bandits are everywhere, which means it’s Ming Lan’s rotten good luck to have met him each time ~ This time, Gu Ting Ye is personally escorting her back, secretly. Awww. Even Rong-jie notices his daddy is traveling so slow. He makes up a random excuse that the wind makes his head hurt.
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| The family protecting “Auntie” and Uncle glaring at Shi Tou xD |
Along the way, Ming Lan’s carriage runs into another set of bandits! No need to fear. Gu Ting Ye, the knight, is here. Before the bandits even have a chance to be a threat, Gu Ting Ye defeats them. Ming Lan peacefully arrives home, unaware of any danger.
Rewatch: Gu Ting Ye never told Ming Lan everything that he did for her! :O
[Ep26] Grandma Sheng happily shares with the family what a peaceful trip it was. I wonder why! Madam Wang compliments Ming Lan’s fair complexion. Grandma Sheng merrily agrees. Grandma Sheng probably thinks Ming Lan's heart has mended all because of seeing He Hong Wen.
Gu Ting Ye entrusts Rong-jie's education onto Chang Bai. Upon meeting him, Rong-jie realizes he’s “auntie’s” brother, y'know the lady who daddy was secretly protecting. Smart Rong-jie! Now Chang Bai knows. Gu Ting Ye tells him to keep it a secret.
Liang Han’s mother, Countess Wu, happily greets Sheng family with news that’s deliberate for Ming Lan’s ears only: For months now, Qi Heng has fought with his mother and Princess of Pingning has never been this angry before. A female servant even died in their home. Countess Wu murmurs to herself that a smart girl like Ming Lan should understand. The house of a Duke (Qi Heng's) isn't easy to enter, but her house is. Countess Wu is set on Ming Lan as her daughter-in-law.
Although Ming Lan understands Countess Wu, she still has hope for Qi Heng. Grandma Sheng is disappointed. Ming Lan knows she's out of his league and his family is like a dragon’s den, but Qi Heng is starving himself for her, fighting for her. If she backs out now, she’d be a traitor. “I would have wronged his affection towards me.” If he doesn’t disappoint her, Ming Lan will always be loyal to him. This is Ming Lan. Always grateful for those who are kind to her. She knows Qi Heng is fasting for her, but too bad she doesn't know all that Gu Ting Ye has done for her.
Prince of Yan's wife, Consort Rong has a sister who she cherishes and during the middle of the lantern festival, she was abducted and presumably raped. After she returned home, she committed suicide. The culprits haven't been arrested. (Not a random piece of news)
Ming Lan reunites with Xiao Die who returns Ming Lan’s mother's last dowry. She didn’t use it and kept it for Ming Lan. She also confirms with Ming Lan that other than Concubine Lin, there wouldn’t be anyone who would harm her mother (Concubine Wei).
Auntie Wei also brings a physician who cared for Concubine Wei. But it's been too long, the physician can’t remember anything. Ming Lan adds imagery to prompt his memory. She reminds him the day he examined his mother, a marquis's son was missing (Gu Ting Ye). Now the physician remembers. Their family was unique because a Concubine (not a Madam) was in charge. He had told Concubine Lin that Concubine Wei’s pregnancy is large for gestational age. It’s not a big deal. Eat less flavoured meals, walk more and it should be fine. This shocks Ming Lan. These were the opposite instructions her mother received.
[Ep27] Ming Lan wants to perform a ritual for her late mother. Father Sheng approves, but when Ming Lan asks for a few drops of his blood and his attendance during the ritual, he finds it a hassle and refuses. He leaves her. Ming Lan wipes away her tears. She asks Xiao Tao if she’d drip her blood for her mother. Of course Xiao Tao would. Ming Lan’s heart chills. Even Xiao Tao who’s unrelated is more dependable than the man who’s supposed to be her father. Ming Lan kneels to her ancestors (and to her mother). “The dead ones below can’t sleep soundly, so how can the alive ones above sleep soundly?” Ming Lan’s plot for revenge begins.
Gu Manor hosts a banquet. During the meal, the ladies discuss the possible engagement between Qi Heng and the daughter of Prince of Yong. Yu Yan Hong (Yu Yan Ran’s sister) takes shots at Ming Lan that even if Ming Lan is prettier and more talented, she cannot compare to Prince of Yong’s family that the east wind favours (i.e. likely to be the new Emperor). It’s not just Yu Yan Hong shading Ming Lan, all the noble ladies who know of Qi Heng and Ming Lan are too. For being the target of a man’s love? Seriously? Women attacking women is just awful.
Qi Heng secretly meets with Ming Lan. He looks gaunt from fasting. He vows to Ming Lan that he won’t take anyone as his wife except her. Ming Lan smiles. Qi Heng has a plan. At the Spring Banquet, he will ask the Emperor to grant his marriage to her. Qi Heng promises Ming Lan that he’ll never forsaken her. Hm.
Later, Xiao Tao and Ming Lan discuss whether Qi Heng can make the impossible happen. Ming Lan agrees that it’s likely impossible, but she will follow Qi Heng’s footsteps. If he gives up, then she’ll give up. If he pursues, then she’ll pursue. Gu Ting Ye is within earshot and hears the conversation!
Gu Ting Ye: He can’t carry such a grand task. I fear you’ll suffer a lot of pain from the fall.
What a thorny warning. Ming Lan accuses Gu Ting Ye of holding a grudge on her for ruining his marriage. Don’t blame the messenger! Ming Lan, you said that! In the midst of their conversation, there’s a loud noise from afar. Gu Ting Ye tells Ming Lan to leave. The house servants are after him. He’s not supposed to be here in his own house. Ming Lan asks if he needs help, like holding that spear of his. LOL. Ming Lan. So cute. He assures her that he won’t trouble her with his problems. Gu Ting Ye never troubles her.
Gu Ting Ye wanted to take back his spear, which the Emperor rewarded, but Gu Ting Yu stopped him. Gu Ting Ye swears that one of these days he will return and Gu Family will have to beg him to enter, and give him back the spear with both hands.
Bu Wei (servant) dies. Princess of Pingning flogged him to death for being the bridge between Ming Lan and Qi Heng. This is harsh even for her, but there’s a reason. Prince of Yong’s family cannot be rejected. They were the ones who killed Consort Rong’s sister in order to snatch Qi Heng as their son-in-law. Prince of Yong’s daughter fell in love with Qi Heng during the polo match (the one he played with Ming Lan). By the way, Prince of Yong is the “legitimate" Crown Prince by age. In other words, useless by all other merits. If Qi Heng doesn’t accept the marriage and the Emperor passes away, they won’t have a mountain to lean on. Prince of Yong can easily destroy them. Qi Heng responds that he’d rather die. If Prince of Yong wants him, then he’ll have to settle for his corpse. However, that night, Qi Heng’s father doesn’t return home. He’s kept hostage.
Rewatch: Just wanted to praise Countess Wu for being so perceptive in wanting Ming Lan when all the noble ladies were looking down on her.
[Ep28] Qi Heng is forced to marry Prince of Yong’s daughter. His family and Ming Lan’s family are on the line. He’ll have to forsaken Ming Lan.
After hearing the news, Ming Lan hid her tears with a smile, but when Grandma Sheng comforts her, she cries.
Grandma Sheng: You’ve fought for yourself already. There shouldn’t be any regrets. If your knees hurt from falling, grandma will blow it for you. If your heart hurts from a heartbreak, then grandma will find you a better man in the future. Aw, Grandma!!! <3
Gu Ting Ye departs to the front lines! He’s cunning now and makes the soldier beg him to return. However, he also hears the news of Qi Heng’s marriage. Before he departs, he visits Qi Heng to offer him advice. “If I were you, I’d visit the Emperor, and sue the entire Prince of Yong family. Or we can learn from Prince of Yong. Kidnap his daughter.” Lol. Gu Ting Ye will actually do it. Or Qi Heng could ruin his reputation, so that the princess wouldn’t want him. Qi Heng contests. This method hurts the prince a thousand times but also ruins himself 800 times. At least you beat him 200 times? Ya? If Prince of Yong ascends the throne, such an act will likely annihilate their clan.
Gu Ting Ye: If you want to live according to your desires, then you must take risks. You always got what you wanted. You never knew how to fight or to steal. So of course you wouldn’t know that to fight or to steal, you need to strategize. Gu Ting Ye is the pro at strategizing now! But that’s because he learned it the hard way.
Qi Heng: Second Uncle, are you saying it’s my fault?
Gu Ting Ye: Of course it’s your fault! Right from the start you should have expressed your feelings to your parents. No matter how much your mother objected, you should have insisted on death over submission. You would have been married by now, am I right? But you kept hesitating and thought it wasn’t the right time. Spot on.
Qi Heng knows he wronged Ming Lan. Gu Ting Ye tries to convince him to not give up. If he does then Ming Lan would become a joke. No one would seek her for a marriage. Gu Ting Ye wants Qi Heng to think of it from her perceptive. But Qi Heng cannot put his family in danger for his own happiness.
Gu Ting Ye: If you dare fight for this woman, there’s no need for your House of Qi to act. I’ll abduct Prince of Yong’s daughter for you. We’re now in critical times. Prince of Yong won’t dare to publicize it. This is your last chance. Think about it.
Qi Heng stands up, tempted.
Gu Ting Ye: As long as you nod now, mountains of daggers and seas of blood, I’ll take the danger for you. I don’t think that Sheng lady deserves to suffer like this. The remainder of her life all depends on your decision.
As he’s pondering, Qi Heng is startled by the wind that opened the door. He’s scared. He can’t make the decision. He can’t push forward, nor can he retreat. He doesn’t make the decision. Gu Ting Ye leaves him, but helps him take his present to Ming Lan.
Using Chang Bai’s name, Gu Ting Ye meets with Ming Lan. I love how he stares at her intently, checking to see if she’s okay. His tone softens as he tells her she doesn’t have to accept the present if she doesn’t want to. It's the boy doll that’s a pair with hers. Gu Ting Ye also adds nice words for Qi Heng. Ming Lan excuses herself (and cries). Momentarily, she returns with her doll to give Gu Ting Ye. She’s giving both dolls back to him to end the fate with Qi Heng. Ming Lan doesn’t hate nor blame Qi Heng. She knows he must have his reasons. Strong Ming Lan!
Ming Lan: It seems we are just too dumb, and too foolish. We just don’t listen.Gu Ting Ye: This world is full of unexpected turns of events (mistakes and mishaps). But we’re right on track now! You – (unsaid: don’t need to be too upset)Ming Lan: I understand.Gu Ting Ye: That’s good (“that you understand"). That’s good (“because now I’m determined to marry you”). ^^
Gu Ting Ye updates Ming Lan that he’ll be leaving to the front lines. Ming Lan wishes him well. When he leaves, he calls the “dolls” as “scrolls” to help her cover.
Gu Ting Ye (smiles): Later on, if there are too many gossips, or your marital talks don’t fare smoothly, don’t take it to heart. Wait for me to return and (“I will marry you!” xD) I will teach them a lesson and break those mouths. A man of his words!Ming Lan (laughs): Let’s not talk about marital matters again.Gu Ting Ye: Why not? The future is unpredictable. If it weren't for you, I would still be travelling with the canal gang. Look now, I’m already a trusted member of the army and here you are being foolish. Always look ahead. Take good care of yourself during these days because this man will be back to marry you. So Ming Lan, you gotta cherish yourself!Gu Ting Ye leaves.Ming Lan: That’s right. Eyes grow in the front so we must look forward. Coming to this world was tough already. We must try to live better.
Ming Lan smiles and cheers up. She's motivated. From this point on, Ming Lan will never look back.
Grandma Sheng notices Ming Lan is showing off her date with Countess Wu in front of Mo Lan. Ming Lan assures Grandma Sheng not to worry. She doesn’t have plans on marrying. Grandma Sheng reprimands her pessimism. There’s also He Hong Wen. There’s Gu Ting Ye!
Ming Lan reveals to Grandma Sheng all her discoveries of Liang Han which she gathered discreetly during her outings with Countess Wu. Liang Han has a concubine (or more?) and Countess Wu, who is convinced Ming Lan is just like her, wants Ming Lan to control her son's messy harem.
[Ep31] Ru Lan meets Wen Yan Jing, a scholar with no noble title. He was supposed to be Mo Lan’s marriage candidate.
From afar, Ming Lan sees Qi Heng with his wife. He’s already married! Ming Lan silently cries but she isn’t sad. Now that she has stepped back, she can finally see the beautiful scenery of a place she always visited. When you let go, you can finally appreciate everything else around you.
Ming Lan deliberately gives her sisters presents, lying that they're from Countess Wu. Ming Lan bought the presents with her own allowance. It’s all to make Mo Lan (and Concubine Lin) anxious about losing Liang Han, forcing them into a dead end.
Concubine Lin, who is thoroughly deceived by Ming Lan, teaches Mo Lan 生米煮成熟飯: (The raw rice is now cooked; What’s done cannot be undone) Sleep with Liang Han and take him before he marries Ming Lan. Mo Lan contemplates about Sheng Family’s honour but Concubine Lin can care less. It’s all gibberish compared to Mo Lan’s future.
Ming Lan had predicted Concubine Lin’s schemes. She, together with Aunt Wei, speeds up the cooking process to give Mo Lan the chance to prey on Liang Han at the monastery.
A few days later, Ming Lan chats with Ru Lan who comforts Ming Lan that all those who gossip about her for hooking up with Qi Heng and Liang Han are just jealous. Aw, Ru Lan can be sweet. But this little meeting isn’t without a purpose. Ming Lan tells Ru Lan about an auspicious monastery, and then Ru Lan tells Madam Wang all about it. Madam Wang, who’s always superstitious, goes the next day, and aha! she catches Mo Lan having an affair with Liang Han. She quietly informs Father Sheng (because this affair cannot be exposed for the sake of Sheng Family’s honour).
At Concubine Lin’s downfall, Madam Wang can feel her blood gushing vigorously in her veins. She can finally breathe after all these years of suffocation. She gloats that one of these days she should faint like Concubine Lin. However, her happiness immediately shatters when Hua La is back to tell her about Mo Lan and Liang Han’s rumours. Oddly, it’s not about the affair, but just that they have had interactions. Hua Lan is worried that if the affair is ever known, she’d be bullied even more in her family. Madam Wang actually faints, LOL. I never realized that Madam Wang and Father Sheng (and Chang Bai) are in charge of the humour.
The whole House of Sheng is shaken from the potential harm the rumours can bring. Grandma Sheng reproves Father Sheng. He spoiled Concubine Lin, enabling her to be daring and wild. The trick that Mo Lan is pulling is the trick that subdued Father Sheng and succeeded. Mo Lan could have been a good child (no), but because she’s raised by Concubine Lin, she’s taught to forgo morality and damage the reputation of all the ladies in Sheng House. Grandma Sheng reminds him of Chang Feng who ran his mouth which led to Father Sheng’s confinement. Concubine Lin is the problem. Father Sheng staggers as he stands up, realizing the inevitable truth.
Father Sheng realizes Concubine Lin never loved him. She only used him and now she's threatening for the marriage or the entire family will have to pay: there’s Ming Lan and Ru Lan’s reputation; there’s Chang Bai’s prospects to consider; then there’s Hua Lan whose newborn is taken from her custody over the rumours.
For her children, Madam Wang is forced to meet Countess Wu to set the marriage date, but Countess Wu has a condition. She’ll accept Mo Lan only if Ming Lan is the legitimate wife.
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| Mo Lan: “Daughter won’t regret” (You better not) |
Immediately, like immediately after the wedding, Concubine Lin is pinned to the floor and flogged in front of Father Sheng in the ancestral hall. She’s beaten until her screams have subsided. Concubine Lin has fainted, really fainted. Father Sheng weeps. Then he orders for Concubine Lin to be banished to the farmsteads, never to return.
Ming Lan heard the beatings, but she’s not smiling. Her revenge isn’t over. Afterwards, Ming Lan bows to the two pictures in her room: the one from her mother (Lady Li) and the one from Mo Lam/Concubine Lin (the motherly one). This is the reason Ming Lan hung up their painting, so that she’d never forget who killed her mother. Seriously. How dare they even give her that motherly painting?
Concubine Lin: You deliberately befriended Countess Wu. You deliberately made us take the risk. It was you! But why? Why wouldn’t you be Liang Han’s legitimate wife? Why make my Mo’er.....? What do you know?!
Ming Lan returns the motherly picture to Concubine Lin.
Concubine Lin (stares at the picture in horror): I’m not afraid! It was her who harmed me first! Anyone who blocks my path would be kicked away by me! I’m not afraid!
Ming Lan hasn’t said a word.
Concubine Lin (weeps and begs): What are you scheming against my Mo’er? What evil plan do you have? Tell me!
Concubine Lin crawls onto the floor, demanding Ming Lan to speak of her plan, but Ming Lan remains silent. She leaves Concubine Lin on the floor and the picture for her to stare at, a picture of a cow licking its calf fondly. Here you go, motherly Concubine Lin.
Very soon Concubine Lin dies (forever distressed by Ming Lan’s schemes down to her grave. Chilling). Madam Wang shivers in fear (for a different reason). Father Sheng was actually that ruthless to order a servant to beat her so brutally.
Madam Wang: He isn’t only mad at her for tainting the reputation of our family, but also for deceiving him all these years, and hates her for not continuing her lies when she already deceived him.
Grandma Sheng is furious after she learns of Ming Lan’s scheme. Has she thought of herself? One wrong move and she could have ruined her future. Grandma Sheng is worried about Ming Lan, and not about anyone else. Ming Lan thought of it, but her hatred is irreconcilable. For her mother, Ming Lan can put everything at stake: appearance, reputation, and marriage. They’re nothing to Ming Lan. Concubine Lin's death is deserving. Ming Lan will not regret it, but she will accept her punishment. She knows she committed a sin. Grandma Sheng slaps her! But immediately hugs her. T_T.
Grandma Sheng: It’s my fault. I didn’t seek justice for you. I allowed you to do such a dangerous task by yourself.
Ming Lan apologizes. She wants Grandma Sheng to punish her, but she’s apologizing to Ming Lan for the slap. This matter, from now on, only the two of them will know.
[Ep34] Gu Ting Ye gets a promotion for winning a battle. He takes a break and visits his friends in Yuzhou, which is perfect timing. He saves Zhao Zong Quan (future Emperor!; the man Gu Tin Ye saved in Ep18) again! This time he’s assassinated (by Prince of Yan) because he’s in position to succeed the throne. But Zhao Zong Quan doesn’t want the throne. He laments that he just wants to farm his meadow.
Gu Ting Ye suggests returning to the palace and sue the Prince of Yan. Rather than waiting to die, attacking is their best defence. And even if they don’t win, the world will know of his evil deeds and lose trust in him. With his reputation at risk, he will be forced to protect Zhao Zong Quan. However, what to do, Zhao Zong Quan is truly a coward! He prefers waiting it out. Once the Crown Prince is selected, Zhao Zong Quan is certain the calamity will be over.
Gu Ting Ye sighs. He wanted to encourage Zhao Zong Quan to vie for the throne. If Prince of Yan can attack an imperial heir, it means the palace is already in peril. The Emperor may not even be alive. “In danger lies our chance.” Zhao Ce Ying (the son) is in agreement. He wants to aim for a revolution rather than be a mediocre soldier meandering in the borders. Gu Ting Ye vows his loyalty to Zhao Ce Ying.
The son has such great ambitions, but what about the father? Well a midnight assassination is Zhao Zong Quan’s last straw. He’s determined (or forced, lol) to depart for the capital.
In the capital, Consort Rong (wife of Prince of Yan) has invited all the noble ladies to the palace, all but Madam Qin (Gu Ting Ye’s stepmom). Madam Qin isn’t worried. Knowing how to situate themselves in the middle is the best position for them to not upset anyone. As long as they wait out for Gu Ting Yu to die, Gu Ting Wei (her son) will be the next heir. So many heirs in this episode. As for Gu Ting Ye, Madam Qin snickers, he’ll never get it, not with his boorish reputation. But Nanny Xiang worries. It seems Father Gu wanted to pass down the title to him. Madam Qin glares at her to shut up. Hm.
There’s two lines of succession happening. 1) Prince of Yan thinks that once he eliminates everyone in the palace, he’ll assume the throne. He has no idea that Zhao Zong Quan is returning. 2) Madam Qin thinks that once Gu Ting Yu dies, her son will inherit the title, but she would never have guessed that Gu Ting Ye will be making a glorious return.
Father Sheng and Chang Bai are working in the palace. Ming Lan brings them food. Unfortunately, the palace gates are suddenly closed. Ming Lan is stuck inside.
Prince of Yan and Consort Rong has the palace hostage. All the noble ladies are wives of militarist officials. If their family dares to make a move, Consort Rong swears to bring hell down on their houses. She also bears a seething resentment on the Princess of Pingning. Her beloved sister died and her son is happily in another marriage. Princess of Pingning feigns mania to escape her punishment.
The Emperor and Prince of Yong are also confined.
A kind eunuch helps Ming Lan find an escape route (it’s a dog hole, just big enough for her to fit through). He even gives her a eunuch uniform. After she leaves, Father Sheng skitters around, fretting for his life and asking what to do. Chang Bai immediately orders everyone to guard the books. LOL.
[Ep35] Prince of Yan is revolting. A eunuch (Qing Yun) helps Ming Lan escape the palace. Concurrently, the Emperor dispatches a maid to Yuzhou with the military seal and the imperial decree to crown Zhao Zong Quan as the next heir. Zhao Zong Quan may be average, but he is benevolent and righteous.
Ming Lan and the maid cross paths. She tries to help the maid, but unfortunately, the maid dies. Now Ming Lan is on the run for her life with the country’s future in her hands. Our poor girl was just bringing lunch for her daddy and brother and now the world is in her hands. Who would have guessed? Now she needs to find her way to Yuzhou to find Zhao Zong Quan (I don’t know how she’s going to get there... She’s like a headless chicken now). The soldiers have caught up to her! Our brave Ming Lan fights with all her might and scratches the man’s face until he’s bleeding. She flees on foot and screams for help.
And help is here!
Gu Ting Ye strikes down Ming Lan's attacker with an arrow. It’s not shown on screen, but I’m sure he saved her because think he recognized her voice. Ming Lan shivers in fear until she recognizes her hero, who’s smiling brightly down at her, is none other than her Second Uncle Gu. Our Ming Lan is a sobbing mess. So cute, hahaha. She bawls and hiccups that she needs to find Zhao Zong Quan and give him the military seal – sob – and the decree. I don’t think she has any idea what she’s doing. LMAO. Confused and startled, Gu Ting Ye tells Ming Lan that Zhao Zong Quan is right here with him. Ming Lan’s neck snaps to that direction and runs towards Zhao Zong Quan, still crying. I love the way Gu Ting Ye’s eyes follow her as she runs off.
Zhao Zong Quan is a coward, though. He panics at the decree. It’s dangerous. He’d rather live everyday peacefully than fight for power. Gu Ting Ye warns him there will be no peaceful days if he doesn’t accept the throne. Once Prince of Yan is the Emperor, he will eliminate Yuzhou and anyone who’s an obstacle. The only choice is to march forward, Invigorated, Zhao Zong Quan orders to mobilize the army and pacify the rebellion. Yes sir!
Gu Ting Ye: The two of us really are fated. Whenever you’re in danger, you’ll always bump into me.Ming Lan: Second Uncle Gu, you really are my life saviour, god-like. Once I’m home, I will make a tablet for you and pray for your longevity. I will light incense and bow to you everyday.Gu Ting Ye (inquisitive): How come that doesn’t sound like you’re thanking me? It’s like she’s paying respect to the dead, LOL.Ming Lan: No matter how many times I thank you, it’s all empty words. If heaven has eyes, surely, I’ll get another chance to repay you. (Oh Ming Lan, you will xD)Gu Ting Ye (amused): How will you repay me?Ming Lan (steadily replies): With my life.
Gu Ting Ye gives her a hard look and chuckles. Does she know what she’s saying?Gu Ting Ye: Why would I want your life?Ming Lan (feeling challenged): There aren't that many people who’d I give my life to. There’s my mother, my grandmother. Second Uncle Gu, you’re the third one. Third time’s the charm!Gu Ting Ye: What about your future husband?Ming Lan: That’s too far in the future. How would I know?Gu Ting Ye (mutters): You don’t know, but I know. Of course he knows (;
Gu Ting Ye changes the topic. He will leave Shi Tou at her side to protect her. If Gu Ting Ye is victorious and pacifies the rebellion, he'll light two fireworks to let her know. Ming Lan thinks it’s better Shi Tou goes with Gu Ting Ye because he’s the one in danger.
Gu Ting Ye (flirts): Are you worried about me?Ming Lan (is very serious): Will you die?
Gu Ting Ye chuckles and leaves her hanging. She tells him to be careful, but he wants to hear something auspicious.
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| “With you waiting (for me), I will surely return!” |
Ming Lan (dithers): I will wait for your return.Gu Ting Ye: With you waiting (for me), I will surely return!Ming Lan (stutters): I ... I didn’t mean it that way!
Shi Tou (tells Ming Lan): I stayed behind not for you Miss, but rather for Master to feel at ease.
Ming Lan, you hear that?! You get that?! :D
Gu Ting Ye leads the imperial army (with the seal) through the palace gates and heroically saves the Emperor. The Emperor assigns Gu Ting Ye the honour of protecting Zhao Zong Quan. From now on, no one is to look down on House of Gu.
Ming Lan sees the two fireworks. The capital is safe.
Gu Ting Ye pulls Chang Bai aside to tell him that Ming Lan had a hand in protecting the Emperor but he didn’t report her merits to keep her safe. If people knew she was involved with the rebels (who are raping and looting) it would affect her reputation. He apologizes to Chang Bai that Sheng Family can’t be rewarded. Chang Bai thinks this is for the best too. Aw, good brother. And don't worry. Gu Ting Ye will bring glory to Sheng Family by marrying Ming Lan :D.
The Emperor passes away peacefully. Zhao Zong Quan is the new Emperor.
Rewatch: Ming Lan’s “I will wait for you to come back” will soon become her “I love you.” Here, she blurts it out without processing it, but the next time she does say it, it’s Ming Lan’s way of confessing she loves him (Ep69 and 73). The nuance in this line is the timing of it. There’s a few separations in the drama where she doesn’t say this line. She just watches longingly. Until she fully embraces her love for him, she says her line with certainty, and yearning.
[Ep36] About half a month has passed.
Qi Heng asks his mother for permission to marry Ming Lan once he passes the upcoming imperial exam.
Gu Ting Yu (condemns): Are you here to deliberately laugh at us? Laugh at the House of Gu? Do you not have a conscience? HA! Says the brother who wouldn’t let Gu Ting Ye see their dying father nor give him his inheritance according to the will. And he has the conscience to talk about conscience in the ancestral hall?!Gu Ting Ye: When our father died, weren’t you all sprouting lies without a single conscience?
Madam Qin and Gu Ting Yu are guilty and they know it. Gu Ting Ye announces that he will be inheriting the noble title of their Gu Family whether or not they like it. As for today, he’s here to retrieve his spear. He said he’d be back for it and make Gu Ting Yu hand it to him with both his hands. Sweet Madam Qin volunteers on behalf of Gu Ting Yu to hand the spear only because her son will probably need his help.
Currently, Gu Ting Ye is the hottest commodity. Every family is eager to have him marry their daughters. Ming Lan was right in Ep17. As long as the guy comes back with merit, his reputation will be restored. It’s so different for girls. Sneaky Gu Ting Ye casually asks the strait-laced Chang Bai if his Sheng family plans to shove him a daughter too (coughMingLancough). Chang Bai is like Dream on. The sisters have marriage prospects already. Gu Ting Ye turns restless as he learns of He Hong Wen He’s got nothing nice to say about Ming Lan’s marriage to another man even if Chang Bai directly asks for compliments. Heh. xD. Only Chang Bai can be this clueless.
Gu Ting Ye is dispatched to a battle in the southern borders. Nanny Chang is worried about Gu Ting Ye’s marriage. Who knows how long he’s going to be gone? Ma’am, he’s got it all covered! He knows his marriage with Ming Lan is in jeopardy too and so Gu Ting Ye entrusts Shi Tou an important task. It’s a battle to marry Ming Lan!
Ming Lan isn’t in love with He Hong Wen, but everyone else seems to love her upcoming engagement with the very boring man. Everything seems to be going as planned, but suddenly Cousin Cao helicoptered in and is desperate to be her cousin, He Hong Wen’s, concubine. What a coincidence, eh, Gu Ting Ye? Cousin Cao begs Ming Lan to let her live. She promises to not compete with Ming Lan in anything. She can’t. She reveals her face that's tattooed with a marking of an exiled prisoner (now pardoned by the new Emperor). She begs Ming Lan, whose life seems so fortunate, to take pity on her misery. Ming Lan’s life is not fortunate at all! Ming Lan asks for He Hong Wen’s opinion. He suggests making Cousin Cao a maid. Ming Lan objects. There’s no way he can treat his cousin, whom he grew up with, as a mere servant.
Ming Lan: I would rather not marry for the rest of my life. I won’t take in this “half-cooked rice”. The original idiom: 生米煮成熟飯 = Turning raw rice into cooked rice. What’s done cannot be undone. Contextually, Cousin Cao and He Hong Wen have done nothing illicit (hence why Ming Lan calls her “half-cooked”). However, to Ming Lan, this ambiguous relationship is still unacceptable. To her, what's half-cooked also cannot be undone.
Ming Lan will not settle with Cousin Cao as a maid or concubine. Ming Lan suggests finding an appropriate suitor for Cousin Cao. He Hong Wen, who’s a little dumb, is enlightened. He never thought of that but Cousin Cao frantically accuses He Hong Wen of leaving her to die. There’s no man who would accept her with a face like that.
Back at home, Grandma Sheng reprimands Ming Lan for being rash, but also angry for Ming Lan that she hasn’t even married over but there’s already talks of a concubine. Ming Lan understands that Grandma Sheng did her best in finding someone who would love her and respect her.
Ming Lan (analyzes): When you acquaint yourself with someone, the most important is their “worst fault”. For example, Shu Lan married a provincial scholar and his worst fault is his shamelessness. He Hong Wen’s worst fault is his soft-heartedness. When you live with someone for decades, in the end, you have to see if the other person’s worst points are something you can tolerate. And to her, it’s not about finding love. Ming Lan has no hopes of finding love, a man whose flaws she can accept and embrace.
Ming Lan stares up at the night sky. She muses, “To live for myself just once, I dare not think of it.” If she can choose her life, she wouldn't marry He Hong Wen. Also, in Ep25, Gu Ting Ye was the one who made her envious that he can live freely. Is she unconsciously thinking of Gu Ting Ye? xD. By chance, she catches Ru Lan having a secret meeting with a man. Scandalous! Ming Lan escapes but Ru Lan drags her inside for a girls’ chat. Ru Lan shares with Ming Lan her love for this man.
Rewatch: As Gu Ting Ye is renovating his new home (the scene with Chang Bai), he’s making it according to Ming Lan’s tastes. He chose the manor he thought she’d like the most (Ep41)
[Ep37] Ming Lan worries about Ru Lan. Although the man seems honest, Madam Wang would never approve of someone that Mo Lan rejected.
Ru Lan: When you love someone, you can do anything for that person and you won’t think of the consequences. [..] You too. If you meet such a situation in the future, don’t loosen your grip. There are things that are worth fighting for. Ming Lan doesn’t understand love right now. Ru Lan’s behaviour is very weird to her, ha.
Ming Lan: I don’t have the energy to fight right now. Ming Lan, when you love, you will have the energy!
Ming Lan meets He Hong Wen’s mother, Cousin Cao and Aunt Cao (mother of cousin). The Aunt pressures Ming Lan into accepting Cousin Cao as a concubine and criticizes her for demanding her future husband to only have one wife. Monogamy. Horrendous, isn’t it? Unperturbed, Ming Lan politely asks Auntie Cao of her future status. Will she be the birth mother of a concubine or a relative of Cao family? If she’s an elder, Ming Lan will respect her. If she’s a concubine’s family, then she’s a servant. Ming Lan stresses the order will be messed up. That’s no good, you see. When no one can out logic our clever Ming Lan, Cousin Cao weeps. Softhearted He Hong Wen can’t utter a word. Ming Lan sits silently in the mucky mess (a crying woman, a clueless man, a domineering aunt, and an ailing mother). Yuck. Grandma Sheng clears Ming Lan from the scene by emphasizing her granddaughter is only an “outsider” and excuses them from their family matters. Everyone catches the meaning, except the only man in the room. Once He Hong Wen gets it, it’s too late, he has lost Ming Lan. He never had Ming Lan anyway.
Ming Lan vents her anger to Grandma Sheng. Just because Cousin Cao is more pitiful than her, Ming Lan has to yield. Is that how the world works? The most pitiful have the right of way? Ming Lan’s anger is directed at Cousin Cao. She feels nothing for He Hong Wen. However, eventually, Ming Lan decides to accept He Hong Wen because Grandma Sheng went through so much effort to plan her marriage for her. Ming Lan can’t be avoiding all the potholes in her life.
Ming Lan (reasons): He Hong Wen doesn’t actually love me, and I don’t love him either. We have a harmonious relationship. Our days will be filled with respect, like special guests.Grandma Sheng (worried): At this young age, your heart is already like an elm tree (like a dead piece of wood). You can’t be like this. Ming Lan was always like this. It makes me wonder if she ever loved Qi Heng. She only mirrored Qi Heng’s actions. If he didn’t give up, she wouldn’t give up. If he let go, she’d let go.
It’s been less than half a year and Gu Ting Ye is returning home victorious! The man who will make Ming Lan’s “dead” heart beat! After hearing how Shen Cong Xing (general) is forced to marry, Gu Ting Ye is evermore determined, “I must get married quickly. The sooner, the better!” Lol, hahaha.
The next day! Bright and early! Gu Ting Ye is showering presents at the House of Sheng. Befuddled, Chang Bai wonders if he’s at the wrong house. No sir! Gu Ting Ye wants to marry one of the Sheng sisters. Gu Ting Ye also extravagantly praises Sheng Family to the ceiling that no longer sounds like Sheng family at all, LOL. Chang Bai blushes from the compliments. Gu Ting Ye tells him these compliments aren’t for him. Pft. It’s for Chang Bai to tell his father. Hahaha. Chang Bai curiously asks which sister Gu Ting Ye intends to marry.
Gu Ting Ye: Of course it’s the one who’s beautiful and with a good personality.
Later at night. Chang Bai tells the parents that Gu Ting Ye wants to marry – wait for it – Ru Lan. BWAHAHA.
Chang Bai: He (Gu Ting Ye) said that she’s very beautiful, graceful, highly cultured, and steeped in propriety, gente and adorable.Father Sheng: Wait, wait. Is he talking about Ru Lan? Because that sounds like Ming Lan. LMAO.
Offended, Madam Wang is like Of course it’s Ru Lan! She’s the legitimate wife’s daughter after all!
As Gu Ting Ye predicted, the parents are easily on board with flattery. The only obstacle left is Ru Lan. She’s adamant on refusing.
Ming Lan is surprised at Gu Ting Ye’s random proposal. She tries to put in nice words for him in front of Ru Lan: he’s not as bad as the rumours say; he has become more humble and earnest, which Ming Lan subtly adds that she heard it from her father when clearly Ming Lan witnessed it on her own; he has achieved so many merits and pacified rebellions; there’s not many men more capable than him. Ya, Ming Lan! Ming Lan also tells Ru Lan how he saved her mother. This is Ming Lan’s second time speaking up for Gu Ting Ye’s marriage.
Ru Lan (sniffles): You're praising him like some flower. If you think he’s that good, then you marry him.Ming Lan (in a comforting tone): But he doesn’t want me. He wants you. Gu Ting Ye wants you, Ming Lan!Ru Lan: But I don’t want him.
Rewatch:
- When Ru Lan said this to Ming Lan “When you love someone, you can do anything for that person and you won’t think of the consequences. If you meet such a situation in the future, don’t loosen your grip. There are things that are worth fighting for.” The current Ming Lan would have never guessed how much she’d put at stake for Gu Ting Ye’s wellbeing (Ep70+)
- I never realized how similar He Hong Wen and Shen Cong Xing were! Show even made them appear in the same episode, omg! If Ming Lan had married He Hong Wen, her marriage would be exactly like Madam Zhang’s, yikes. Madam Zhang married Shen Cong Xing, who took in his sister-in-law as a concubine out of repayment, out of pity. Here, Ming Lan was so wise to have the foresight in rejecting He Hong Wen’s family.
- Ming Lan’s heart is like an elm tree. I don’t think she “loved” Qi Heng. I don’t think she knew how to love at this point of her life. When Qi Heng let go of her, she let go of him. In contrast, when Gu Ting Ye (Ep70) tried to let go of her, she latched onto him. She threatened him. She cried. She wasn’t letting go. She was prepared to go down with him.
[Ep38] Gu Ting Ye asks the Emperor to grant him a marriage with Sheng Family’s “legitimate” daughter. And this locks Sheng family in place. A legitimate daughter has to marry Gu Ting Ye. (;
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| “You-you-you You You!" |
Well, that’s some bad luck! Ru Lan only wanted to say farewell to Wen Yan Jing. That sucks. Now, the only solution is for Ming Lan to marry Gu Ting Ye! Since the Emperor already granted the marriage and Ming Lan can pass off as the “legitimate” daughter (because she’s recorded under Madam Wang’s name), Gu Ting Ye will graciously take Ming Lan as substitute. Pft.
However, Grandma Sheng won’t let Ming Lan marry Gu Ting Ye, not over her dead body. Every time the Sheng sisters’ marriage runs into problems, Ming Lan is shoved into it. She saved Hua Lan’s marriage with her arrow toss, she was almost forced to marry Liang Han as a buy one get one with Mo Lan. This time, though, the “marriage catastrophe” was directed at Ming Lan all along, lol.
The imperial exam results are out. Wen Yan Jing passes. Qi Heng passes too. He’s #12. Gu Ting Ye was in the top 3. Just saying. Princess of Pingning is so happy, she promises to finalize the marriage with Ming Lan. Too late! Madam Wang refuses Princess Pingning while flaunting the marriage with Gu Ting Ye. (Revenge sure tastes sweet. Who told Princess of Pingning to look down on Sheng Family.)
Gu Ting Ye meets Ming Lan. Finally! It’s thanks to Hua Lan connecting the two at her manor. (Gu Ting Ye is acquainted with Hua Lan’s in-laws)
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| I love how both boys are staring at the woman they love |
Ming Lan (reprimands): Being truthful to a person who is truthful is treating one another with sincerity – She’s angry, but she sits down anyway – Being truthful to a liar is being stupid like pig. Second Uncle Gu, are you treating me like a fool? [...] From the very beginning, you had no interest in marrying Ru Lan. You were aiming for me. Am I right?Gu Ting Ye (grins): Aiyah! You were able to see through this! You are indeed the person I want. Hahaha. I love how he’s so amused when Ming Lan is so angry.Ming Lan (blinks in surprise at his jolliness): I just guessed it when you walked over. But it’s too late. Our entire family fell into your devious scheme.Gu Ting Ye: Last time I saved you from the river...
Ming Lan kept her composure, but couldn't conceal her shock at his last sentence. From that long ago he had feelings for her? Yes! Gu Ting Ye was resolute on marrying Ming Lan when she gave him advice on raising Rong-jie. Ming Lan is dazed, but her brain is still functioning as she interrogates him for making such a big detour and implicating Ru Lan. Gu Ting Ye reasons that he cannot directly propose. Grandma Sheng should reject him on the spot. Ming Lan compliments Gu Ting Ye’s self-awareness and rubs it in that if he’s so perceptive, he should know about He Family. Oh, Gu Ting Ye knows.
Gu Ting Ye: You and He family have no fate! I love how confident he said this line.Ming Lan: If not because of your interference, how could we not be fated?Gu Ting Ye (smugly): Because there exists a Cousin Cao.Ming Lan (stops sipping her tea): You arranged that too? How is that possible??
Ming Lan, who has been looking away, finally faces him, intently listening to his schemes of love. Gu Ting Ye knew of He Hong Wen before he left for the battle. There was nothing he could do from Ming Lan’s side, and so he investigated the guy and learned of Cousin Cao.
Gu Ting Ye chuckles: That night I was so happy, I couldn’t sleep. LOL. He’s happy just remembering about it now, hahaha.
Gu Ting Ye (via Shi Tou) paid for Cousin Cao's slave contract and tipped her to find He Hong Wen. Still chucking, Gu Ting Ye exclaims at how exemplary Cousin Cao was; she performed beyond his expectations. Much thanks to her, Gu Ting Ye could focus on his battles. LOL. Ming Lan stares blankly at the devious man in front of her, unimpressed (or very impressed? LOL. I am!). She links the rest of the story. When Cousin Cao arrived in the capital it was less than a month from when she was pardoned... Could it be? Bingo! Gu Ting Ye used his connections with the Canal Gang to ship Cousin Gao to the city at high speed. Ming Lan is speechless. Someone outsmarted Ming Lan!
[Ep39] Ming Lan spots a blemish in Gu Ting Ye’s masterful scheme: she could have accepted Cousin Cao as a concubine.
Gu Ting Ye: I’m not a person who’s alright without fish or shrimp and so are you. You look obedient but you’re actually very stubborn. Hence, I used Cao Family. You see, I was too far away from the city and couldn't juggle so many things at once.
Gu Ting Ye only needed to delay Ming Lan and even if she accepts He Hong Wen, he still has his ways! Ming Lan snickers at his boasting. His plans would have failed if it weren’t for Wen Yan Jing’s existence.
Gu Ting Ye (is glowing): I’m determined to have you and only you. Heaven pitied me and sent Wen Yan Jing to me.Ming Lan (pointedly corrects him): Heaven is afraid of evil people.Gu Ting Ye (still happy): Whatever you want to say. When I knew Ru Lan was secretly meeting with Wen Yan Jing, I was so happy that I couldn't sleep again LOL – He heartily chuckles. Ming Lan glares at him – It’s true! I don’t think I even put this much effort in my battles. This is called 聲東擊西. Just to marry a wife, I’m using my military tactics! 聲東擊西 is the art of diversion. “Make noise in the east but punch in the west”.
Ming Lan (how is she not smiling already?) is still angry. He jeopardized Ru Lan’s reputation and Sheng Family’s honour. Don’t underestimate Gu Ting Ye! He’s got that covered too. Gu Ting Ye explains his elaborateness. He had investigated Wen Yan Jing’s background. If he had a bad reputation, Gu Ting Ye would kick him out of the city so that he doesn’t implicate Sheng Family’s honour, and most importantly Ming Lan’s reputation. Awwww! How is he so caring! Ming Lan, how do you retort now! It’s not just that. He investigated her entire family (via Chang Bai), and he was certain Chang Bai wouldn’t hate him for lying and so he boldly took action.
Gu Ting Ye: Everything from time, place, and people were all in the right place. It wouldn’t have worked if luck wasn’t perfectly aligned either.Ming Lan (stalks off): What do you treat me as? A wild pig in a trap? A herring in a fish net? Gu Ting Ye, you’re a ruffian! A scoundrel!
Later in the evening, Qi Heng confronts Gu Ting Ye for stealing Ming Lan from under his nose. He asks Gu Ting Ye to let her go since she’s just a ‘substitute’ for Ru Lan. First and foremost, Gu Ting Ye corrects him that he didn’t steal her. It was Qi Heng who gave up on her. Gu Ting Ye would have taken the risk for him through “mountains of daggers and seas of flames” if he had to, but Qi Heng was the coward.
Qi Heng defends himself. He had to pass the imperial examination, then he’ll have the honour of marrying her. He was just one step behind. Dude, do you have any idea how large Gu Ting Ye’s web was for Ming Lan and here you are talking about “one step”?. Gu Ting Ye lectures him. Qi Heng, the man, has a reputation, but what about Ming Lan? Just because she’s an illegitimate daughter of a low ranking official, she doesn’t need face? The rumours that buzzed through the capital did no harm to Qi Heng, but for her, it was devastating. Qi Heng had this lesson twice now. Ming Lan already lectured him at the temple in Ep21. Gu Ting Ye is the one who truly understands how tough it is for women in this society.
Gu Ting Ye (sounding more understanding): You had your reasons for not marrying her, so don’t blame me for coming late and overtaking you.Qi Heng (whines): It’s not like you have to marry her and only her.Gu Ting Ye (serious): How do you know it’s not like that for me?
Dun dun dun. And now Qi Heng knows Gu Ting Ye loves Ming Lan!
Gu Ting Ye: To marry her, I cut through thistles and thorns, charged forward and broke through enemy lines, and bled and fought with all my might that I was able to marry her. He’s being both metaphorical and literal. This man, so educated. Love.
- 披荊斬棘 pi jing zhan ji = cut through thistle and thorns = overcome all obstacles along the way
- 衝鋒陷陣 chong feng xian zhen = break through enemy lines
Qi Heng, who’s unsatisfied, heads off to find Ming Lan. Shi Tou worries if Ming Lan would change her mind after meeting Qi Heng. Gu Ting Ye isn’t. He was more afraid of her choosing He Hong Wen. Gu Ting Ye knows Ming Lan, whose resolution is firm and clear, would never choose Qi Heng again.
And he’s right! When Qi Heng visits Sheng Manor, Xiao Tao stops him with a message from Grandma Sheng, “It’s you who said that you want her, and it is also you who said that you don’t want her. Although Sheng Family is small, we still value our dignity.” Ming Lan is in her room (and hears??). She cries. Dan Ju (maid) comforts Ming Lan that the marriage with Gu Ting Ye isn’t solidified yet (in case Ming Lan wants Qi Heng back).
Ming Lan (firmly): Dan Ju, don’t ever look back.
On Gu Ting Ye’s side, it’s his third meeting today (what a long day!) and this time it’s with his brother and stepmother. He’s here to inform them he’s getting married. He’s not asking for permission. He just needs them to show up, drink some wine, and accept some presents. Politely, Gu Ting Ye asks if they have any objections.
Gu Ting Yu: You made up your mind already. Why bother to ask us?Gu Ting Ye: Ah, this pretentiousness display needs to be properly done, otherwise this great talent inherited in the Gu lineage will be lost with me. That would be a pity, no? Slayed.Gu Ting Yu chokes.Madam Qin is silenced.
The next day, Ming Lan tells Grandma Sheng all the details to Gu Ting Ye. It’s so cute how lively Ming Lan is.
Ming Lan (exclaims): That Gu Ting Ye is a spider devil. He weaved a ginormous web – Her hands draw a big circle in the air – He wanted me to have no way out and submit to him. I have never encountered such a thing. I was so scared that I ran back home.Grandma Sheng: He schemed so...ruthlesslyMing Lan: It’s not really that ruthless (lol). Although it’s a bit heinous, he has a good character. Speaking up for his faults! xD
She cites the times he saved her. He even considered her reputation and didn’t ask for repayment. He’s an upright gentleman. After Grandma Sheng recovers from the shock of her thrilling adventures, she asks Ming Lan for her thoughts on Gu Ting Ye, the man himself.
Ming Lan (smiling): At the start, I was a little smug that someone would go through so much effort to pursue me. Afterwards, I felt angry. The more I thought about it, the angrier I got. I wanted to slap him. Then afterwards, I got nervous. If this person is this devious, what would happen to me in the future? Already thinking about the future!
Ming Lan worries that if Gu Ting Ye no longer loves her, how scary would he be? He also knows everything about Qi Heng. Then there’s his messy family. Grandma Sheng assures Ming Lan that as long as she’s not willing, then no one can force her, not even the Emperor....
...but what about the Empress? :D Gu Ting Ye had begged the Empress for a polo match just to invite Ming Lan to the event. Chang Bai is aghast, “You even asked the Empress for help?” Chang Bai is certain Gu Ting Ye’s plan will backfire. Using the Empress might scare Ming Lan away.
Gu Ting Ye: You don’t know your little sister at all. Scaring her? She’s not afraid! I’m just taking drastic measures to deal with a drastic situation (釜底抽薪 fu di chou xin = to remove the firewood from the cauldron).
Rong-jie, who was practicing writing, tells Gu Ting Ye, she finished. She wrote “馬到成功” Once the horse arrives, success is imminent. Rong-jie is wishing her father a speedy victory. Piqued, Chang Bai calls the entire family devious, hahahaha.
Polo match commences! Hua Lan brings Ming Lan according to Gu Ting Ye's plan. Ming Lan is shocked to see Gu Ting Ye. Hua Lan smiles and tells her the grasses haven’t fully grown yet but there’s already a polo match. “Do you know why?” Gu Ting Ye begged the Empress for this chance just to speak with her. Then Ming Lan’s eyes follow Gu Ting Ye on the field. He greets the Empress to ask for a present for his future wife to show his sincerity. Empress peeks over at Ming Lan, who’s doing her best to look straight ahead at the field. The Empress gives a hairpin for his betrothal gift. When Gu Ting Ye locks eyes with Ming Lan, she runs away, but Gu Ting Ye catches up to her.
Ming Lan: Second Uncle, are you using your power and status to force me (to accept)?Gu Ting Ye: Today I want to tell you my sincerity. If you still won’t agree, I won’t pester you anymore. Also, didn’t I tell you to stop calling me Second Uncle?
Gu Ting Ye: I want to know why you don’t want to marry me. I don’t want to hear some highfalutin words. I want hear the truthMing Lan: I fear that I can’t become a good wife. I’m not virtuous, gentle nor submissive. I will bring you shame.Gu Ting Ye: This doesn’t sound like the truth.Ming Lan (blurts): Your Gu family is complicated with a lot of conflicts. I’m just a daughter from a small family, inexperienced. I won’t be able to handle such a large clan.Gu Ting Ye: Now this sounds more like the truth. Don’t worry, After our wedding we’ll be living in another manor.Ming Lan: We can even live in separate manors? “We!” She said we!Gu Ting Ye: I dare not say how good it will be if you marry me, but I can promise one thing, I will not let you feel oppressedMing Lan: I - I was raised with adequate food and clothes, I never felt oppressed. I also don’t need anyone acting like a hero to save me from danger.Gu Ting Ye: You. So eloquent and clever with your words. You’re a little liar. You always held onto your grievances. The moment you were born until now, you were suffering. You can’t stand those etiquettes between legitimate and illegitimate, but you have no choice but to obey. You clearly excel at everything, but you deliberately keep a low profile. You never dare to stand out so you settled for He Family, not up or down.Ming Lan: Standing out? By showing off, I caused a lot of trouble. You saw it (the arrow toss). And what happened to me after? (Her mother’s death). I don’t like sewing or embroidery. Everything I don’t like, I have to pretend I like them. But what can I do? I have to survive first.Gu Ting Ye: It’s because you’re too sensible. You’re intelligent. You’re perceptive. You’re able to see everything so clearly, which is why you dare not overstep the boundaries. But your heart is unwilling and your breathing is uneven. You feel wronged. You feel oppressed. You can only pretend to be dumb and look like you’re dazed, always cautious. You force yourself to become a flawless Sixth Sheng Sister. I don’t want to see you suffering like that for the rest of your life.
我不敢說妳嫁給我有天好地好總之我指著天對著地説一句從此以後我在男人堆裡是老幾妳在女人堆裡便是老几
I won’t say that marrying me will be as good as the sky and earth has to offer.
In short, I vow to the sky and to the earth
Among the herd of men, whatever rank I am, then you in your herd of women, will be that rank.
吾傾慕汝已久
願聘汝為婦
托付中饋
衍嗣綿延
終老一生
(Gu Ting Ye is using old-speak for ‘I’ and ‘you’)
I have greatly admired thou for a long timeI hope to take thou as my womanEntrusting (thou) my house,
My line of succession (continuously without breaks),
My life for as long as I shall live
Impossible. Ming Lan can’t reject this sincerity! Impossible. This man knows her so well. All that she suffered, he understands when she did so well to hide it from everyone. All that she yearns, he’s willing to give when she never directly asks. By the end of his proposal, he promises to give her everything: his inheritance, his lineage, and his life. Everything! The most romantic of it all, I think, is how empowering his proposal is. How can Ming Lan withstand that?!
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| 馬到成功! |
Hua Lan (in the audience): 成了 (It’s a success!) Nice one, Show. Think back to Rong-jie’s writing: 馬到成功 = once the horses have arrived, it’s a success. Ming Lan and Gu Ting Ye are on their hoses and now they’re a pair.
Ming Lan visits an angry Ru Lan who complains about her future mother-in-law being ostentatious. Ming Lan offers to switch marriage since Wen Yan Jing is willing to climb walls to meet the woman he loves. Ming Lan, so sneaky. Climbing walls is nothing compared to Gu Ting Ye’s net. Ru Lan gulps. There’s no way she’s switching her husband. Ru Lan is just afraid of her in-laws. She’s afraid her husband will betray her. She almost doesn’t want to marry anymore. Ming Lan laughs at her. A maiden not wanting to marry is a big fat lie. The sisters laugh together. Ru Lan warns Ming Lan to be careful of Gu relatives. But then feels assured because Ming Lan is so intelligent and clever. They’ll like her for sure. Ming Lan returns the compliment (clever and intelligent). Ru Lan laughs. She knows very clearly that she’s not, haha.
At night, Grandma Sheng mentions to Ming Lan that Gu Ting Ye’s betrothal gifts have filled an entire courtyard. It’s obvious he didn’t gather them in a day. Ming Lan assumes he reused them from Yu Yan Ran’s engagement. Grandma Sheng shakes her head. She confirmed with Grandma Yu that it’s a different list. Aw!! Ming Lan smiles brighter. Grandma Sheng also has presents for Ming Lan (her dowry).
[Ep40] Ming Lan and Gu Ting Ye are marrying! The brother-in-laws are there too. With the guys in the same frame, I’m reminded of how interesting the marriages are. Ming Lan didn’t want Liang Han, but Mo Lan wanted Liang Han. Mo Lan didn’t want Wen Yan Jing, but Ru Lan wanted Wen Yan Jing. Ru Lan didn’t want Gu Ting Ye, but Ming Lan wanted Gu Ting Ye.
Wishing to ride the golden carriage, but timid of the east windsTo push through clouds and see the moon, drink until the cup is emptied.Alone, with a fairy-like beauty, you are shy to the point of being nauseousThe cold (wine) will delightfully betray a tinge of red in the white porcelain (like face)
Ming Lan chokes on her wine when she hears the poem. How did he know she was drinking wine to gain courage? Dan Ju translates the full poem for us: It’s time for Ming Lan to get on the carriage, but she’s afraid of the east and the west. Take some cold wine, have some courage and once the cup is emptied, she’ll be bolder and her porcelain like face will naturally blush. Gu Ting Ye knows Ming Lan so well! She’s doing exactly as his poem described while smoothly complimenting her beauty. He’s good. The maids are giddy.
Alert! Gu Ting Ye has broken through the barrier! The groom is in the house! But apparently, he already bribed the entire family beforehand xD. So Gu Ting Ye. Even strait-laced Chang Bai was bribed, heh.
At Gu Ting Ye’s manor, the bride and groom bow to the tablets representing his father and birth mother. Madam Qin is sitting grumpily on the sidelines. LOL. A “living” parent is there, but Gu Ting Ye chooses to bow to the dead over her.
In the chamber, Ming Lan meets Rong-jie (as she’s waiting for Gu Ting Ye to finish entertaining the guests). Ming Lan realizes Gu Ting Ye even received Rong-jie’s approval for the marriage. So thorough. I need to stop being impressed.
Gu Ting Ye: She knows me. When it comes to pretending to be dumb and dazed, we’re pretty much tied. A match made in heaven!
Finally, the wedding night has arrived. Gu Ting Ye greets his bride. Ming Lan quickly hides her face behind the fan, but Gu Ting Ye tells her to drop the demure act, lol. Timely, her stomach grumbles. Then he takes off his belt... He’s ready! …Ready to head out! What? Ming Lan is confused. Why is her groom leaving her on their wedding night? Gu Ting Ye teases her. Does she not want him to leave? She laughs, and jokes that he can leave all he wants. But he’s really leaving!
He’s leaving to order takeout for her, hahaha. When he returns, Ming Lan freaks out.
Ming Lan: If this gets out, won’t the whole capital know I’m a tigress?!
Ming Lan (growls with her red horns): I don’t mind but you don’t have to deliberately incite those rumours.
In the middle of glaring at her groom, the aroma of the food consumes her senses. Gu Ting Ye is actively fanning the scent towards her, lol. Ming Lan, our foodie, smiles and eats with her hand until she realizes it’s bad manners. She mindfully inserts the food back into her chopsticks.
Gu Ting Ye (in his stern tiger growl): In front of your own husband, stop acting demure.
Prompted by her bashfulness, he assures her that she’s not in any way below him. Remember that she’s a concubine-born marrying a legitimate son and into a marquis’s home. In fact, it’s him who's not good enough for her. He has a son who is missing. Even if he has to go to the ends of the world, he has to find his son. He also understands that it would be uncomfortable having her care for Rong-jie and if that is truly how she feels, he wants to know. Aw. Ming Lan is compassionate. She understands him. They both have been raised by stepmothers. Ming Lan will not let Rong-jie walk the same path she/they did. As for Chang-ge, she supports him in his search. Gu Ting Ye stands up to give her a full bow. He’s grateful for her compassion. Ming Lan is proud of him too. If her father was like him, how great would it have been? Gu Ting Ye smiles at her with love. Aw. These two damaged souls found each other.
Gu Ting Ye (caresses her cheeks): I knew that marrying you was the best decision. It’s late. We still have a major thing to accomplish.
Ming Lan looks up, timid. She turns around to find clothes to change into. Gu Ting Ye picks her up off her feet and onto the bed. He removes her shoes. Then he walks away. He walks away! Then he brings back a chest! A chest! It’s all his inheritance (from Bai Family). There should be more, but all his salt businesses are outside the city and then there’s Gu Family that excluded him from the will. He makes it sound like he doesn’t have much, but his chest is ginormous compared to Ming Lan’s modest box of deeds that Grandma Sheng gave her for her dowry. Ming Lan isn’t sure she can manage his inheritance (plus the ones the Emperor bestowed him).
Gu Ting Ye says she must! He risked his life for these and he can only entrust them to her. Ming Lan scratches her head, confused. Why would he need to risk his life? When he drowned (in Ep2), it was Bai Family who assassinated him. Afterwards he made a will (aw, at such a young age, he had to make a will). Once he has a heir, Bai Family gave up murdering him. But the will is blank. It is an empty threat.
Gu Ting Ye: Back then I had no one trustworthy to entrust my assets to – the assets that he risked his life for. And now he gives them to Ming Lan. In a way, he’s telling her he’s entrusting his life to her. ❤️
Ming Lan pities him.
Gu Ting Ye (smiles comfortingly): This is fate. Letting the two of us, who have suffered, marry as husband and wife. As long as the two of us are of one mind, no matter how strong the storm is, we can survive it together. I, Gu Ting Ye, swear to heaven, that if I forsaken Minglan I would lose my official post and nobility title and never get a chance at redemption.
Ming Lan stutters. She doesn’t know what oath to make that’s worthy of his trust towards her. Gu Ting Ye doesn’t need an oath from her. If she ever leaves him, it must have been his fault.
Ming Lan starts cleaning the bed of the deeds. Gu Ting Ye stops her. Why clean when the bed has more than enough space for them to roll around? And speaking of bed, there’s still one last important matter to finish today. Not doing it would be ominous. Ming Lan looks down and blushes. Gu Ting Ye closes the curtains. Our couple kisses and consummates. Ming Lan and Gu Ting Ye are of one mind and one body.
Best wedding of all dramas. Gu Ting Ye is the dream guy. A man of his words. In one night, he fulfilled his marriage proposal to Ming Lan (托付中饋 衍嗣綿延 終老一生). He entrusted her with his house (i.e. inheritance), his line of succession (his children and his future children), and his life.
In one night, he promised her his lifetime 🥰
Rewatch: Ming Lan doesn’t know anything about love at this point. With a father like Father Sheng and his relationship with her mother (Concubine Wei), I don’t think Ming Lan believes in love. Towards Gu Ting Ye, currently, Ming Lan admires his fatherly charms. Over the course of their relationship, I really enjoy how Ming Lan slowly falls in love with Gu Ting Ye. She, who always depended on herself, learned that there’s a man she could actually depend on for the rest of her life.
On the first day, Madam Qin wants Ming Lan to accept a concubine. Of course, Madam Qin isn’t the one saying it. She’s a tiger with a smiling face. She kills while keeping her hands clean. She’s got 4th Aunt-in-law playing the bad guy role. Ming Lan politely refuses, and is stricken with guilt and so as an apology, she volunteers to kneel at the ancestral shrine. Ming Lan learned from the master: Concubine Lin. First kneel then cry xD. Ming Lan is confident that Madam Qin won’t make her kneel for long. If Gu Ting Ye is right about Madam Qin, who’s as fake as they come, and to keep her reputation virtuous, she’s wouldn’t want to be an evil mother-in-law who’s punishing her newly minted daughter-in-law on her first day of marriage. Spot on. Madam Qin hurriedly helps Ming Lan up and they leave arm in arm, while smiling at each other. I love Ming Lan being pretentious xD.
Ming Lan, our real tigress, is back and throws a fit while Gu Ting Ye is thoroughly entertained (at his wife kneeling, lol) and enlightened with her tactics. His past struggles with them is laughable in comparison.
Ming Lan (isn’t laughing): You said you wouldn’t let me suffer. You said that among the herd of men, whatever rank you are, then among the herd of women, I am that rank. Well today on the first day of marriage, I was forced to kneel. I never knelt more than twice at my own house.
Gu Ting Ye defends himself. He told her not to go. She insisted. At least Ming Lan has met Madam Qin who’s far more superior than Concubine Lin and now Ming Lan has thoroughly offended Madam Qin. Gu Ting Ye is relaxed. He’ll be there to protect her.
Gu Ting Ye is curious about Ming Lan’s thoughts on taking in a concubine. Ming Lan wouldn’t mind as long as she's of good character. Gu Ting Ye loses his smile. He doesn’t complain. Aw. He changes the topic to food, which excites her. It’ll be her first time at Fan Restaurant. But then Ming Lan remembers she needs to be refined and answers that it’d be inappropriate for her to go.
Gu Ting Ye: If I liked rule-abiders, I wouldn’t have married you.
Ming Lan is thrilled. She almost forgets her shoes.
The next day, Gu Ting Ye takes Ming Lan to stroll through their new marriage home. They’re moving out! Ming Lan loves the place. It’s not the biggest one out there, but she loves how it's bright and spacious. Gu Ting Ye handpicked the place, knowing that she’d love it. Ming Lan doubles back. He didn’t even propose then! It was when Gu Ting Ye was taking Chang Bai through his yard. He picked the place in Ep36. To Gu Ting Ye, it doesn’t matter where he lives, but now that he has a family, he needs a place worthy of her. Ming Lan is worried, though. She doesn’t think she can manage such a large manor. She can’t be embarrassing her Marquis husband with her stupidity and incompetence.
Gu Ting Ye: You. Muddled? Dumb? Who believes that! You don’t need to care about gossipers. The day I proposed to you, my vows are accountable forever.
Ming Lan gives in. She’ll try.
The following day, Ming Lan, Mo Lan, and Ru Lan visit Sheng manor. Grandma Sheng is ecstatic to see Ming Lan who says she didn’t lose a strand of hair nor piece of flesh. Gu Ting Ye quips that he didn’t lose anything either. Rascal, lol.
[Ep42] Madam Wang congratulates Mo Lan and Liang Han on their baby girl, but it’s a shot at Mo Lan because she had a miscarriage. The baby girl is born from a concubine. It was a miracle, because the baby was too big. Disgusting. Mo Lan is just as low as Concubine Lin if not lower.
Grandma Sheng saves Ming Lan from nugatory chatter with the sisters and aunts. Grandma and Ming Lan are too cute. Grandma Sheng is happy for Ming Lan that Gu Ting Ye always protects her, but she reminds Ming Lan that she can’t rely too much on a man. A woman must be able to protect herself. Also, don’t pretend to be virtuous in front of him. Gu Ting Ye is a perceptive man. Lol. Ming Lan takes a while to learn this.
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| Gu Ting Ye,“Whoever dares to goad you, I’ll goad him.” |
Gu Ting Ye: Fine. I’ll tear off this soft, white lambskin and put it over you, a little fox. I love it when he calls her a fox.
Gu Ting Ye stops joking. He has a question for her. Is Ming Lan really indifferent about accepting a concubine or is she pretending to be virtuous? Ming Lan lists everything he’s done for her. She’s grateful for him. (In other words, if he wants a concubine, Ming Lan will cooperate). He says they’re trifle matters. Ming Lan disagrees! She knows that as long as Gu Ting Ye is there, she’ll always get justice. I almost forgot Gu Ting Ye’s question. Basically Ming Lan is truly indifferent :P. Hang in there, Gu Ting Ye!
Ming Lan: Nanny Lai, this is the second time you refuted me today [...] I thought that my elders sent you here to help me, not to be my ancestor. 5th Aunt-in-law and 5th Sister-in-law haven’t even said anything yet you keep interrupting. Are you slapping my face or theirs?
Subdued, Nanny Lai quickly apologizes. 5th Aunt-in-law backhandedly praises Ming Lan. She can almost run a court trial. Precisely! Ming Lan’s current interrogation is inspired by the ways of the Emperor, who surely cannot be wrong. Right 5th Aunt-in-law? Hahaha. How can 5th Aunt-in-law dare to say the Emperor is wrong?
Ming Lan (softly lectures Nanny Lai again with a sweet smile): I am human too. I will commit mistakes but no matter how wrong I am, you shouldn’t have refuted me publicly. I just got married. My current prestige isn’t enough yet. Couldn’t you have privately addressed me? Must you slap my face so openly? [...] Additionally, if the matter is under your jurisdiction, you should speak without reservation. Not under your jurisdiction, keep your mouths shut. My marquis's blades have no eyes. He hates people who show off their glibness through speech and stir up enmity.
That second half of Ming Lan’s lecture wasn’t directed at Nanny Lai. It was at 5th Aunt-in-law who now leaves in a fit of anger. Ming Lan just told her to mind her own business.
Back inside, Ming Lan is eliminating her maids. One of them boasts she was assigned to all sorts of departments. Ming Lan and Dan Ju understand this as no department wanted to keep her. The nanny tries to correct herself that she’s sickly. Ming Lan is like Oh really? You should go home and rest! Next! LOL.
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| Gu Ting Ye: "Look at this long leg of mine" |
Gu Ting Ye (sighs heavily): You little fox! You can’t even pretend, can you?Ming Lan (entertains the child): If you dare take in a concubine – smack! – I’ll hit you with a huge pole and drive you out! I’ll never allow you in my room!
Gu Ting Ye (cackles merrily): Jealousy is good!Ming Lan is very confused. Hahaha.
The next morning, Gu Ting Ye confidently asks Ming Lan if she needs help shoving the maids out of their house. Ming Lan reasons with her impatient lord that they must banish the maids without any room for criticism. They can't use force against force or he could be reported for immoral conducts and disrespect for his elders. “Haven’t you been taken advantage enough of already?” Aw! Ming Lan is here to protect Gu Ting Ye!!!
Gu Ting Ye: My wife, you’ve become a military strategist who schemes within the comfort of your tent.
Just as Gu Ting Ye leaves the house, he sees Madam Qin arriving. He quickly returns home. He’ll be on standby if Ming Lan needs him. But our little fox is no lamb. Ming Lan can handle Madam Qin just fine. She’s here to reprimand Ming Lan for accepting presents. She doesn’t know that Ming Lan didn’t open the presents. Our graceful Ming Lan assures Madam Qin the presents will be reported to the Emperor. And there goes Madam Qin’s chance of finding fault with Gu Ting Ye.
Madam Qin (pretentiously): He (Gu Ting Ye) is rather scheming and shrewd. If I didn’t know better, I would have thought he was pretending in the past. Oh vile woman, you knew.Ming Lan: Mother-in-law, You mustn’t praise him. If he really was shrewd, he wouldn’t have roamed in the wild for so many years, unable to pass the imperial examination. He had to rely on his own effort, one sword and one spear at a time, to achieve his merit. Ming Lan setting the facts straight! And gee, I wonder why Gu Ting Ye couldn’t pass the exam. Hm. It wasn’t easy for my husband to achieve what he has now. Although as his wife, I’m a bit dumb, I understand the principles of being husband and wife, being united as one, sharing joys and sharing sorrows.Madam Qin (mutters audibly under her breath): I said one sentence, and you have ten to follow up. That’s our Ming Lan protecting her husband!
Gu Ting Ye hears of Ming Lan’s victory. He’s overjoyed that Madam Qin has met her match.
Gu Ting Ye: I only knew about using my steel fist. Now I know, it’s incomparable to using soft nails. I love this metaphor.Shi Tou (can’t stop laughing, though): Young Master, just now, you looked like a hen protecting her chicks.Gu Ting Ye: 滾蛋 (Get lost)! (蛋 means egg. Quite a fitting insult for the mother hen.)
While Gu Ting Ye merrily leaves to the court, Ming Lan is dying of thirst. Peeps, it’s not easy having ten sentences to follow up. She gulps down the pear soup (good for the throat).
Hua Lan visits Ming Lan. Rumours about Ming Lan being unfilial and disrespectful to Madam Qin are rampant. Ming Lan complains that all the criticisms are directed at her. What about Gu Ting Ye? Hua Lan lightly hits her. Must they be yelled at together for Ming Lan to be happy? Ming Lan wants fairness, lol.
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| I love how helpless he is with his feelings. The way he glares at her makes me laugh. He’s mad at her but he’s not mad at her, but he’s mad at her. |
Despite Gu Ting Ye’s anger, he’s very in tune with Ming Lan’s emotions unlike Ming Lan to him. He can tell there’s something bothering her. Ming Lan explains that they’re excluded from the aristocrats. No matter how valiant Gu Ting Ye is, he can’t shake off his rumours of being a scoundrel. Ming Lan is upset that he’ll have to suffer like this again.
Gu Ting Ye (is beaming): I am a scoundrel. My wife, are you going to fight for my justice?Ming Lan: We’re a married couple. We are one entity, experiencing glory together and damage together. Of course I must care for you.Gu Ting Ye (is angry again!): I charged through mountains of swords and seas of fire. Why would I care (about my reputation)?
Ming Lan has her dutiful wife answer. They are one entity. As his wife, of course she has to care for his sake. Gu Ting Ye is angry again!. That wasn’t the (loving) answer he wanted to hear. Ming Lan sulks. “Are you mad again?” LOL. But then he grabs her for a smooch and another smooch!
Gu Ting Ye: You can’t run away anyway. Our days together are long. Ming Lan will come around xD.
Ming Lan nags at him for kissing her in broad daylight while he’s chuckling about having dinner together. When he’s out of earshot, she calls him a ruffian. So moody. One moment happy, and the next moment angry. Even Buddha isn’t this hard to serve. Hahahaha xD
[Ep44] Under Ming Lan’s instructions, Nanny Chang creates a divide among the maids from Madam Qin. The next day, they fight in the kitchen. I love Gu Ting Ye for simply sitting there and telling the drummers to make more noise to mask the commotion. When the husband supports the wife like this, it’s beautiful :D. This is the chance Ming Lan has been waiting for: have them commit a grave mistake and take them out in one fell swoop. This is Nanny Kong’s trick! After the maids fought like that, Ming Lan has the perfect reason to banish them from the house. But two remain. Chun Yue is one of them (she’s Nanny Lai’s daughter).
Madam Qin is irked that Ming Lan swept most of the maids out of the house, but she’s certain Gu Ting Ye will be seduced by the remaining maids one of these days. Madam Qin hums that their battle is long. They’re still in the middle. Ah, but Madam Qin, don’t underestimate Ming Lan! Gu Ting Ye asks Ming Lan for her plan. Ming Lan’s tactic is to win without fighting. She plans to have the two maids visit Nanny Lai.
Gu Ting Ye (amused): My wife is using the art of war to manage the house. Did I perhaps marry Zifang (Zhang Liang, a great strategist)?
After Chun Yue visits her mother, Nanny Lai, they realize they’re at a dead end: Nanny Lai is living in a cold farmstead; Chun Yue will never be able to seduce Gu Ting Ye; Madam Qin has abandoned them. Chun Yue begs Ming Lan to pay off their slave contract. Ming Lan was aiming for this. Now no one would criticize her for terminating the contract when the maids volunteered.
The maids are cleared! At night, Ming Lan stuffs her mouth with pig's trotter. Gone with the etiquette! Gu Ting Ye is so in love and amused with her. He’s smiling and wiping her mouth. (Read “Rewatch” for why I singled out this moment. It’s not that big of a spoiler ^^.)
Ming Lan doesn’t take all the credit for eliminating the maids.
Ming Lan: If it weren’t for my lord supporting me, I wouldn’t have the courage even if I could borrow it. The merit goes to you. So obsequious, lol.Gu Ting Ye (laughs at his little fox): Sly! You are a sly one! You want to praise me so that I can be the evil guy and ask my stepmother for the slave contracts (to free Chun Yue).
Gu Ting Ye read her mind, but Ming Lan can’t read his. He was only teasing her, but she thinks he doesn’t want to go. The conversation ends awkwardly where Gu Ting Ye had to promise with conviction that he does want to help her.
Gu Ting Ye: I married you so that I can give you happiness. If you think managing the house is too much, you can dump it on me. I just want to see you having meat like you were just now, free and happy. No matter what you want, I will agree. I am a soldier. I can’t guess what’s on your mind. Gu Ting Ye, you’re much better than her! You must tell me. I’m a man of my words. I will fulfill my promise. [..] So do you believe me?Ming Lan (who’s surprised at the direction of the conversation): I believe you.Gu Ting Ye: Really?Ming Lan: Really.
The same night, Dan Ju is elated that Gu Ting Ye is so caring towards Ming Lan
Ming Lan (calmly): No one is forever dependable. Grandma Sheng taught her this. He’s a good man and takes care of me. This is already really good, but it’s best not to place too much hope on someone else. Everyone has their predicaments. Even if you rely on that person, don’t rely too much and too deeply. The more hope you have, the more you’ll be disappointed. The more the disappointments, then the more the grudges. As the grudges accumulate, it’ll turn to hate.Dan Ju: Madam, you don’t sound like you’re talking about Master, but rather Father Sheng.Ming Lan: Indeed. I have to treat my husband like he’s Master Sheng. I have to be cautious and conscientious. He’d find me interesting, especially since we’re newlyweds, but the days I’m spending with him aren't just a few months. There are many years to come. Placing all my hopes on him would be a burden to him one of these days.
Gu Ting Ye heard everything. He’s hurt, but he doesn’t confront her about it. Instead, he updates her with news of Chang-ge. He hopes she won’t be upset that he’ll have to look for his son while she goes alone to examine the farmsteads. Ming Lan laughs. She doesn’t understand why everyone is so concerned about her feelings over Chang-ge. She’s proud of Gu Ting Ye for caring for Chang-ge that she would even want to be his child. Oh gurl, no. He doesn’t want to be your father! Gu Ting Ye smiles sorrowfully (at the thought being her father. Nah. He’s sad because she doesn’t love him yet), but he’s thankful she’s here with him.
Gu Ting Ye: Marrying you is the karma I’ve accumulated from all my reincarnations of saving the world.She smiles and says she knows. Then when she leaves..Gu Ting Ye (mutters solemnly to himself): What should I do to make you really trust me?
Hang in there Gu Ting Ye!!! 💪
Rewatch: In Ep 55, according to Gu Ting Ye, one of the most interesting moments of Ming Lan is her eating pig's trotters in this episode. LOL. From the way she’s eating, she’s not pretending, she’s truly happy from the heart. Also, do make a note on the next time “pig's trotters” appear again :)
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