Old man Wang looks in much better shape than last time we saw him. Diaochan is doing a graceful dance for her dad and lovestruck Lu Bu. Wang discreetly retires so the two lovebirds can be alone together. Diaochan tells her woeful tale. Her real family were of noble lineage, but were framed for a crime they didn't commit. The entire clan was wiped out with only Diaochan able to get away. Later, old man Wang adopts her as his own, though she still fears if Dong Zhuo finds out the truth about her, he'll have her killed. Lu Bu swears to protect her and asks for her to make him the happiest man on earth.
Lu Bu goes to find Wang and ask for his daughter's hand in marriage. Acting surprised at all this, Wang calls in Diaochan and berates her for trying to rise above her station, she's not worthy of the great Lu Bu. The smitten general leaps to Diaochan's defense. He knows it is the other way around, that he is no worthy match for Diaochan. Still, he would swear by heaven and earth to love, honor and obey her or may the gods strike him down. Wang pretends to think things over and in the end gives his blessing to the couple.
Later that night, after Lu Bu leaves, Wang reveals his plan to his daughter. He wants to present her to Dong Zhuo. Diaochan nearly faints, she's so shocked. Wang reasons that the randy bastard will want Diaochan for himself. This will make Lu Bu crazed with jealousy and he'll kill his adopted father. Diaochan asks the very valid question of how is old man Wang any different from Dong Zhuo in this dispicable plot and she dashes away. Over several days Wang wages a hunger strike in order to blackmail Diaochan into agreeing to his plan. In the end she tearfully gives in.
One day after court old man Wang hangs back and invites Dong Zhuo over to his house to observe the plum blossoms. Oddly enough, Dong Zhuo seems genuinely touched by this invitation. Naturally as he enters Wang's abode he spies Diaochan and she captures his interest. He's certainly making my skin crawl. I don't know how she is keeping a cool face. Diaochan does a little dance for their guest and Dong Zhuo has rivers of drool rolling down his unkempt beard. Dong Zhuo comes up with the idea of Diaochan entering the court and becoming a consort to the child emperor, when we all know it is Dong Zhuo who is diddling all the royal consorts whether they like it or not.
Lu Bu hears about this and he's steaming mad. He storms into Wang manor demanding an explanation. Wang is all, "What can I do? I'm powerless to stop Diaochan from entering the palace. What can I do?" Lu Bu and Diaochan spend a tearful moment together (with dirty old man Wang hanging around outside the window). Diaochan says they were not meant for each other in this lifetime, perhaps they'll have better luck in the next. Lu Bu assures her he won't give up on her.
Lu Bu goes to see Dong Zhuo. Reminding his adopted father of all his military accomplishments, Lu Bu asks for Diaochan as a reward. Dong Zhuo tells him it is too late, if only he had come earlier. Basically all the paperwork is done and she's officially an imperial consort. The ministers would be up in arms if Diaochan were allowed out of her contract. Lu Bu looks devastated. I find myself feeling quite sorry for him at this moment.
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