Prince of Lan Ling Episode 36

Before joining Xue Wu for lunch, Chang Gong secretly takes the pill An De slipped him. The prince has to do some finagling in order to get his wife to drink the spiked wine with him. The pill he took earlier will prevent Chang Gong from falling asleep like Xue Wu does. Xiao Cui disguises herself as the divine sorceress in order to distract the ninjas hanging around outside. This allows Xiao Dong time to slip out the back with the unconscious Xue Wu.

 

 

An De once again tries to talk his beloved brother out of this crazy thing. Chang Gong instructs An De to not seek any kind of vengeance against the emperor. An De just cries his little heart out. 

 

Alone in his chambers, Chang Gong takes out the ceremonial belt Xue Wu made in her village. (Although technically I thought Yuwen Yung had the belt back in Episode 6.) He reverently kisses the belt and then ties it around his waist.

 

Xiao Cui (who got away from the ninjas) seeks comfort in Prince An De's arms. Chang Gong pays off all his servants and sends them back to their hometowns. Faithful butler Wang refuses to leave his master's side.

 

Gao Wei, Zheng Er, and Zu Ting (Team Evil) arrive at Lan Ling Manor to check out how the whole dying process is going. They've brought along some poison wine. Zu Ting claims to have found a chest full of treasure in the prince's study; proof that Chang Gong was stealing from the country and thus deserves to die. Chang Gong reminds Gao Wei of his promise to become a benevolent ruler after the prince's death.

 

Zheng Er isn't happy that Xue Wu is nowhere to be found. She orders Zu Ting to find the divine sorceress and kill her. Zheng Er eagerly offers to pour the poison wine for Chang Gong. For just a brief second Gao Wei has a look of disgust on his face at his wife's actions. Just a second. The royal couple look on silently as Chang Gong drinks from the teeny tiny goblet. Blood begins to pour from his mouth as he slowly does the Nestea Plunge.

 

 

Xue Wu comes to in the carriage being driven by Xiao Dong. She orders him to stop but he has his orders. Xue Wu threatens to jump from the moving vehicle of he doesn't tell her what's going on. Xiao Dong knows she'll do it so he stops the carriage and tells her about the emperor's order of death. Xue Wu begs Cute Boy to take her back so she can be with her husband and Xiao Dong was just about to do it when Zu Ting and his soldiers start to catch up with them.

 

They try to escape only to be trapped by a steep cliff. (Where's that bright light coming from?) Xue Wu suggests they run the carriage over the cliff to delay their pursuers. Furthermore they should split up so at least one of them can avoid capture.

 

Xue Wu is running through the foggy forest, Zu Ting and his men are right behind. Whoops, there's that pesky steep cliff again. Xue Wu falls over the side.

 

Chang Gong's body lies in state at the palace. Gao Wei can't stop staring at the corpse. Is he really dead? Maybe he's not really dead. Zheng Er has the imperial physician double check just to assure the emperor. He's dead. He's deceased. He's kicked the bucket. He's bought the farm. He's bit the dust. He's crossed over. He's punched his ticket. He's better off in a pine box on a slow train back to Georgia.

 

Gao Wei still isn't assured. He takes a dagger and is about to stab the body but at the last second stops his hand. It's Zheng Er who puts her hand on top of his and makes Gao Wei stab Chang Gong's remains. Gao Wei gives her that look again:

 

 

I can only hope the emperor is starting to realize this bitch be crazy.

 

Zu Ting reports back to Zheng Er about Xue Wu falling over the cliff and into the rushing river below. Zheng Er sends the astrologer back out there. Until she sees Xue Wu's body, she won't believe the divine sorceress is dead.

 

The next morning a couple of peasants find Xue Wu washed upon the shore. They recognize who she is and take her back to their hovel. They bring in a physician who can tell just from her pulse that not only will Xue Wu be fine from her ordeal but she is also pregnant.

 

Zheng Er wants to have a cenotaph built for Chang Gong. Not out of any sense of respect towards the man. Zheng Er knows if Xue Wu is still alive she'll eventually make it to the monument to pay her respects. That's where Zheng Er will have her arch rival captured.

Prince of Lan Ling Episode 35

The peasants present for the wedding ceremony between the emperor and the divine sorceress start to protest. Xue Wu is the Prince of Lan Ling's wife. How can Gao Wei marry her? Zheng Er tries to explain to the people that Xue Wu isn't really a divine sorceress but a witch and she's the one to blame for the country's drought. The people shout back, "We know who the real witch is around here!" and start throwing rocks. It's like we're in the Ukraine all of a sudden.

 

With everyone distracted, Xue Wu pulls out her homemade bomb. She's about to light the fuse when Chang Gong and his men ride into the fray. The peasants start cheering and shouting out his name. Chang Gong has brought Canal Man (whose name I still don't know) with him. He announces to the people that this water disaster is man made. Although he doesn't outright say her name, Chang Gong implies Zheng Er is the blame.

 

Gao Wei says he has something to say to Chang Gong and will meet with the prince back at the palace. Chang Gong goes to retrieve his woman right as the heavens open up and a downpour begins. The peasants cheer that the rains came with the prince and he's saved the day once again.

 

 

Over at the palace, Chang Gong pleads with Gao Wei to get his act together and put Qi State first. Gao Wei claims he really does want to be a good king but there's one thing standing in his way: Prince of Lan Ling. Here's the deal - if Chang Gong will willingly give up his life, then Gao Wei promises to be a better leader.

 

To the emperor's surprise, Chang Gong agrees. Gao Wei actually starts to question his actions. Zheng Er presses her husband to stick to the plan. Let the prince die. He's too great of a threat to them.

 

Chang Gong returns home to Xue Wu, assuring her everything is alright but not telling her about the emperor's fatal demand. An De has heard about what's been going on in the city and has rushed back. He and Chang Gong are about to start talking serious when they realize Xue Wu is eavesdropping. Instead they speak about how the emperor is truly sorry for what he's done and won't retaliate against them.

 

After Xue Wu goes back inside, Chang Gong comes clean about what Gao Wei asked him to do. An De immediately starts planning on getting a carriage and some money together so Chang Gong and Xue Wu can escape tonight. Chang Gong puts a halt to the escape plans as it appears he's willing to fulfill Gao Wei's request. Whatever it takes to save the people from tyranny.

 

An De tries to talk the prince out of this crazy idea but Chang Gong stays firm. With tears in his eyes Lan Ling asks An De to look after Xue Wu.

 

Even Zheng Er is having some regrets as she thinks back to the early days when her crush on Chang Gong first began. The next morning both she and Gao Wei act like they're quite happy as they await the news about Lan Ling.

 

 

Chang Gong makes the most of what time he has left with the oblivious Xue Wu. He offers to comb her long hair so she won't see the sadness in his eyes. Xue Wu asks him to teach her how to fight with a sword so she'll be better able to defend herself. She still doesn't trust Gao Wei and believes the emperor will try something again.

 

After the lessons, the couple walk hand and hand through the marketplace. Chang Gong buys her a silver comb. Suddenly his spidey senses start to tingle. There are ninjas nearby! (Sent by the empress to make sure the prince does kill himself.) He rushes Xue Wu back to Lan Ling Manor.

 

Already there is An De. He, along with Xiao Cui and Xiao Dong, have put out some food and An De adds a drug to the wine. When the couple enter, everyone slaps on a happy face and excuses themselves so the Prince and his wife can have a romantic lunch together. As An De is leaving he slips a small pill to Chang Gong.

Prince of Lan Ling Episode 34

This wig is heavy on the side. It's a wonder Mao Lin Lin is able to hold her head up straight.

 

Chang Gong and Zheng Er take a walk along the battlements. When the Prince of Lan Ling asks what the empress wants, Zheng Er points at Xue Wu down below. Chang Gong warns that he will defend his wife with his own life.

 

Back at Hu Kou Barrier (remember that from way back when?) the soldiers are starving to death. Yang Shi Shen is facing a rebellion from the unpaid brigade. He assures the men he's sent a message to the prince and the prince won't let them down.

 

Chang Gong begs Gao Wei to pay his soldiers. The emperor will only agree to sending half of the wages owed and puts Chang Gong in charge of taking the money to the border. Turns out this is all a Zheng Er plan. She wants Chang Gong far away so she can strike against Xue Wu.

 

Chang Gong and Xue Wu say their goodbyes. She wants her husband to take one of their dirt dolls with him. As she's passing the figurine to Chang Gong it slips and falls to the floor. Omen!

 

Zheng Er meets with the man in charge of the water canals. She hands over to him some secret orders as well as some men to help him out with his instructions. Oh yes, and his family has been "invited" to stay at the palace, just in case he doesn't feel like following orders. Later the man reads the orders, supposedly from the emperor, commanding the floodgates to be opened.

 

Chang Gong and his retinue are moving slowly when he hears the sound of rushing water. He sends a man to investigate and learns about the floodgates being opened. Finding this strange, Chang Gong orders his men to ride back. They encounter Canal Man (I don't know his name) who is being held at swordpoint by the empress's men. Chang Gong and his stuntman leaps and swirls, performing some impressive sword moves, and frees Canal Man, who tells Chang Gong it was the emperor who commanded the water to be released.

 

Zheng Er is holding another prisoner death match, this one for her husband. I'm rather creeped out at how much Gao Wei is getting off at seeing people fight each other to the death. Zu Ting reports to them about the city's water reservoir has now been emptied (as planned) and that it won't rain for months.

 

 

Over in Zhou, Yuwen Shen Ju is already reporting about Qi's water crisis as well as how Gao Wei has cut his soldier's pay in half to be able to pay for the new garden. You are so on top of things, Shen Ju. I'd follow you on Twitter. 

 

The people of Qi are already suffering from the drought. One of Zu Ting's stooges, dressed as a peasant, tells the suffering people that there is usually water under big trees. Everyone starts to dig around this tree with lovely yellow leaves. While digging, a young man uncovers a statue of Buddha. Written on the back is some kind of prophecy concerning the divine sorceress marrying the chosen king. 

 

Other statues with the same prophecy are found elsewhere. The people are all talking about the wrath of the gods because Xue Wu didn't marry Gao Wei. An De suspects Zheng Er is behind this, but he's sent out of town by the emperor so now Xue Wu has no one to protect her. Not that she can't protect herself. She has a supply of gunpowder.

 

Gao Wei sends soldiers to go fetch the divine sorceress so he can marry her. Xiao Dong races to warn Xue Wu ahead of time. While Xiao Dong and the rest of the servants swear to defend their lady, Xue Wu commands them to not fight.

 

When Zu Ting and the military escort arrive, Xue Wu acts compliant and dresses up in her wedding finery. Ah, but what's that up her sleeve? Some of her private stock of fireworks. Xue Wu gives Xiao Cui a message to give to Chang Gong when he gets back. She says something along the lines of she'll make sure Chang Gong and Qi won't have to put up with a crappy emperor in the future. Um, you're not planning on becoming a suicide bomber, are you, Xue Wu?

 



Prince of Lan Ling Episode 33

 

Hulu Sr. and Duan Shao come to Lan Ling Manor to inform the prince that they've been suddenly ordered to report to the northern frontier. Supposedly they are to check the threat of invasion from the Turks. What this really does is strip Chang Gong of two of his strongest supporters.

 

Gao Wei is building a huge garden for his new empress. While they tour the worksite they encounter a man being whipped. The emperor stops to ask what is going on. The whipped man explains he has two young children to feed but his wages aren't enough so he stole some food.

 

Gao Wei has the whipped man and his family brought before the royal couple. Gao Wei makes the magnanimous offer of allowing one of the screaming babies to be killed in their father's place with the added benefit of the surviving baby getting more to eat. This gives Zheng Er the brilliant idea to start having every baby girl in Qi state killed. Somehow this slaughter of the innocents will help build a stronger army in the future.

 

What. The. Hell.

 

This Celestial Garden being built is crippling the royal treasury as well as causing a burden to the people. Xue Wu worries that Chang Gong won't be able to help himself and will end up arguing with the emperor.

 

The garden isn't being built fast enough. There aren't enough workers. Zheng Er once again comes up with a brilliant idea. There are no wars going on right now. Why not use the soldiers? Specifically, why not use the soldiers from Chang Gong's army?

 

Chang Gong tries to talk the emperor out of this. Not only does he not succeed, but the emperor makes the prince announce the soldiers will all be docked one month's pay in order to buy new clothes for the new empress. This is all part of an act so Gao Wei can step up and tell the men he would never ask them to make such a sacrifice. Chang Gong then publicly resigns from his military position.

 

As he's leaving the parade grounds, Gao Wei orders the prince to kneel for the next couple of hours. To show where their loyalty really lies, all the soldiers also kneel. The emperor orders them, even physically tries to make them stand back up but they refuse. I am Spartacus! It is only when Lan Ling orders them to that the soldiers stand up. Gao Wei gives Chang Gong such a "You are dead meat" look as he finally leaves.

 

 

A storm breaks as Chang Gong remains kneeling on the ground. I'm having a Bu Bu Jing Xin flashback. Sure enough here comes Xue Wu to stand by his side in the rain.

 

Later, Empress Zheng Er invites Chang Gong and Xue Wu over for some tea. This is a rather odd place to be having tea. Is that an arena set up there? Oh, I have a bad feeling about this.

 

 

Yep, that's an arena, alright. Zheng Er has invited the couple over for some tea and massacre. While armed soldiers surround the outside of Thunderdome, prisoners are marched into the small enclosure. A lotta men enter, one man leave, as the prisoners must fight each other to the death. Let the Hunger Games begin.

 

Chang Gong demands this brutality to be stopped. Zheng Er counters that it was his own Gao family who came up with this prisoner massacre in the first place. One can't go against family tradition. The one survivor, a boy who managed to live by sheer luck, is brought before the empress to be pardoned. In his exuberance of thanking Zheng Er he accidentally slings some of his blood on her dress. Zheng Er motions for a nearby soldier to kill the offending survivor.

 

Chang Gong asks just what does Zheng Er want? She tells him to walk with her, she'll tell him what she's after.

Prince of Lan Ling Episode 32

Xiao Lian heeds my advice and tries to run away from that crazy Zheng Er. Argh! Just because you're locked in doesn't mean you can't fight back! You're about the same age and height as Zheng Er. You can take her on. She's just armed with a cup of poison. Pick up a candelabrum and bash her upside the head.

 

Alright, fine. Let her force the poison down your throat. You deserve to die. Idiot.

 

 

Zheng Er now assumes the identity of the dead Xiao Lian, but I'm still going to refer to her as Zheng Er. A simple name change is all it takes for Gao Wei to bestow the coveted title of Imperial Concubine on her.

 

Xue Wu receives a letter from the palace inviting her to come meet the newest concubine. She's not been feeling well and is hoping for a diagnosis from the divine sorceress. When Xue Wu is presented, the concubine is resting behind a curtain. Xue Wu thinks she recognizes the voice but then dismisses it.

 

 

She reads the concubine's pulse and diagnosis the young woman to be filled with pent-up emotions. The diagnosis: take a load off your chest and air out your feelings. Meanwhile outside, Zheng Er's evil maid plants a golden bracelet on an unsuspecting Xiao Cui. The maid then comes running into her mistress's rooms to announce the bracelet, a gift from the emperor, is missing.

 

Xiao Cui is brought in. To prove her innocence, she allows Xue Wu and the evil maid to search her. It's Xue Wu who stumbles upon the gold bracelet in Xiao Cui's voluminous sleeve. The punishment for theft in the palace is a flogging and having all your fingers cut off. Xue Wu pleads and pleads for her maid, even offering herself up for punishment as well.

 

The women are stunned when the concubine parts the curtains to reveal she's Zheng Er. She assures Xue Wu that she has no intention of punishing Xiao Cui and dismisses the pair. They make it back home alive where Xue Wu informs Chang Gong and An De about the new concubine. Chang Gong thinks he should say something to the emperor about Zheng Er not being proper Imperial Concubine material.

 

Chang Gong meets with Gao Wei the next day and tells about Zheng Er's true part in the bandit fiasco. She's a very kinky girl. The kind you don't take home to mother. The emperor acts like he is seriously considering Lan Ling's advice. We see Gao Wei go to Zheng Er's apartments to tell her he's not going to give her the title of Imperial Concubine.

 

That's because he's waiting to drop the bomb at the next session of court. Gao Wei announces that thanks to Chang Gong's sage advice he's decided not to make Zheng Er his concubine.

 

Instead, he's going to make her his empress.

 

Chang Gong's face says it all:

 

Prince of Lan Ling Episode 31

A stunned court reacts to Emperor Gao Zhan's sudden death. No one looks more stunned than his son/murderer, Gao Wei. (I so want to reach into the screen and snip that wayward thread on his robe.) Zu Ting thinks Team Crown Prince has nothing to worry about. No one will suspect Gao Wei of murdering his father. Zheng Er worries that there is one high ranking person who can bring their house of cards down. That one person is the Queen Dowager.

 

(Run, Grandma Fu, run!)

 

The Queen Dowager is at a temple praying to Buddha when she's attacked by ninjas who strangle her. Oh, you have pissed me off now, Show! Her death is explained away as a suicide caused by her grief. An De goes to the farmstead to inform Chang Gong and Xue Wu about the grievous happenings.

 

 

Gao Wei starts experiencing Lady MacBeth Syndrome. He can only find solace with Zheng Er, who can miraculously make a lute sound like string quartet. She keeps assuring him he's done nothing wrong. In fact, Gao Wei should be happy that he has fulfilled his beloved mother's greatest wish by becoming emperor.

 

Worried about his safety, Xue Wu doesn't want her husband to return to court. Worried about her safety, Chang Gong doesn't want his wife to accompany him to the imperial funeral. But of course she's going to go.

 

Over in Zhou it's nothing but good news as they hear about the changing of the guard in Qi. King Yung considers the three year truce between the states to be null and void now.

 

Gao Wei officially takes the throne. After the formalities, he asks for Chang Gong and Xue Wu to join him for a private luncheon. Xue Wu presents the new emperor with a gift of four small drinking cups. Gao Wei has wine served to them in these cups. (The cups are silver which is supposed to detect poison. The wine is fine. This time.) The emperor requests Chang Gong to resume his previous post in the government. The prince tries to wiggle out of it but Gao Wei won't take no for an answer.

 

Zheng Er sure is enjoying the good life now that she's the emperor's woman. Only Gao Wei won't bestow the official title of Imperial Concubine on her because of Zheng Er's criminal past. Zheng Er gets that look in her eye that means trouble.

 

Zheng Er is reunited with Xiao Lian, a maid who knew Zheng Er back in the harem days. Xiao Lian is ecstatic to be with her old friend again even though she's heard nothing but bad things about Zheng Er since she left the palace. Zheng Er tries to serve Xiao Lian a drink. The other girl politely declines as she's not thirsty. Zheng Er says, "You will drink this."

 

(Run, Xiao Lian, run!)

Prince of Lan Ling Episode 30

While Chang Gong is enjoying his second honeymoon with Xue Wu, he can't help but worry about how things are going back at the palace. Xue Wu catches him receiving secret reports on current events.

 

Zu Ting brings tidings of joy back to his master. He informs Gao Wei that the emperor will be returning to the capital soon to announce a change in the line-up. Gao Wei wants to throw a celebratory feast but is stopped by Zheng Er. Now is the time to act restrained and humble, not party hardy.

 

The emperor returns to the palace. During his absence, Gao Wei raised a butt-load of money. Much more than Chang Gong did, points out Zu Ting. The emperor isn't fooled. He knows Gao Wei has replaced all the local magistrates with his own toadies (for a hefty fee, of course) and they've been putting the squeeze on the populace. Gao Wei argues he's done nothing wrong. The emperor commands that all the "donations" from the new local magistrates to be returned. Also, the emperor will name his successor when the prince of Lan Ling returns to Ye City.

 

Gao Wei finally gets the backbone to confront his father. Why am I always being compared to Chang Gong? Why don't you ever see my accomplishments instead of my failures? Why have you always treated me like a turd? Gao Zhan's answer to all this is to slap his son. A stunned Gao Wei walks away, the final tie between father and son apparently broken. One could almost feel sorry for the crown prince. (Kudos to actor Zhai Tian Lin.)

 

Fearing the emperor will name Chang Gong as his successor, Zu Ting and Zheng Er try to convince Gao Wei to simply seize the throne. There's some kind of celebration scheduled for two days hence involving the Rou Ran Tribe. Zheng Er suggests they assassinate the emperor then.

 

As part of the tradition, the Rou Ran will offer the emperor a cooked lamb. The emperor will take a bite to symbolize the unification between the Qi state and the tribe. Imperial tutor Duan Shao will of course test the meat for poison. But as part of the complicated ritual, it will be the crown prince who cuts up the meat. The poison, therefore, will be on the knife Gao Wei will use.

 

As he sweats the bullets that haven't been invented yet, Gao Wei watches as his father eats the poisoned meat. To everyone's surprise, including Team Crown Prince, the emperor wants to announce his successor today. Gao Wei makes several attempts to stop the official announcement, at least until the poison takes effect.

 

The emperor suddenly goes down. The crown prince sweeps his father up in his arms and carries the emperor away to the royal bedchamber. Gao Wei won't let anyone else into the emperor's bedroom. As he waits for his father to kick the bucket, Gao Wei has a therapeutic release of emotions with the unconscious man.

 

But then the emperor comes to. (I'm kind of confused on this. I think the first poison was just to knock the old man out. Gao Wei was to take the emperor to his bedchamber where the prince would then administer the killing poison. Whatever.) The emperor starts calling for his guards. Gao Wei has no choice but to bludgeon his father to death. Blood is splattering everywhere just as Zu Ting comes in with the good news that the emperor had been planning to name the Crown Prince as the new emperor after all. Oh, the irony.

Prince of Lan Ling Episode 29

Chang Gong reluctantly begins Operation Get Xue Wu Pregnant. An De confesses to Duan Shao and Hulu Sr. that there is more to the story that he didn't tell the prince. While Chang Gong is off sowing his oats, the emperor has temporarily put Gao Wei in Chang Gong's position. While the men are outside talking, something starts flying around in the night sky. Bats? Dementors? Drones? 

 

Eh, must be bats, and they're attracted to the fish blood Eunuch Si Xi innocently smeared on the emperor's windows. The windows rattle as the blood suckers attack. The emperor is shitting his pants and to be honest I would be too if this was happening to me.

 

The next morning everyone is talking about the mysterious events at the palace last night. The crown prince offers to guard his father's rooms tonight and prevent the disturbance from happening again. Gao Wei forces Si Xi to apply double the amount of "sacred water" to the emperor's windows.

 

That evening the bats return and the windows rattle even more. The emperor fears it is the vengeful spirit of the brother he had murdered. Gao Wei puts on a performance outside on the porch. As he has his men throw water on the windows (to wash away the fish blood), Gao Wei draws his sword and acts like he is combating ectoplasmic attackers. With no more blood to attract them, the bats fly away. Everybody goes YAY!

 

 

The next morning the emperor meets with his son to thank Gao Wei and to ask, "Just what did you do?" Gao Wei says he had the help of someone very wise. Would the emperor like to meet him? He's right outside, fresh from the pig sty. Since Zu Ting helped drive away the annoying spirits, the emperor graciously allows the little piggy to return to his post at the imperial astrology department. 

 

Xue Wu and the gang are playing with sacred mud from the temple of Nu Wa. This is supposed to help get Xue Wu pregnant. Everyone has great fun. You know who else is having great fun? Team Crown Prince, now consisting of Gao Wei, Zu Ting, and Zheng Er. (I'm not a fan of her new hairstyle.) Zu Ting has yet another plan up his sleeve to get the throne for Gao Wei. 

 

Chang Gong and Xue Wu move back to his mother's house for a few months. She still worries about the evil omen in the sky. 

 

Zu Ting goes to the market and buys a little beggar boy. Back at the crown prince's manor house, Zu Ting drugs the boy, dresses him up in royal clothing and has the kid set on fire. Gruesome.

 

Later, the imperial astrologer meets with the emperor. They talk about the inauspicious star in the night sky. Zu Ting warns the troubles have just started. If the emperor wants to save himself, he should consider abdicating and appointing a new emperor. 

 

In the middle of this meeting, Si Xi comes running in with the bad news that Gao Wei's son (never mentioned before until this episode) has mysteriously been burnt to death. The evil star has struck again! With the supposed loss of his favorite grandson, the emperor reconsiders Zu Ting's suggestion of abdication. 

 

The emperor decides to take a month long sabbatical to go pray to the gods. He's leaving the empire in Gao Wei's hands; a sort of trial run to see how the crown prince will do as a ruler. 

 

*Blink* The time just flew by and the emperor is back. He tells Zu Ting to go ahead and pick an auspicious date to announce the emperor's abdication.

Prince of Lan Ling Episode 28

Chang Gong wants to take the captured bandits back to Ye City. Specifically he wants to show Emperor Gao Zhan that these men became outlaws because of the devastating wars. But then Crown Prince Gao Wei shows up at the formerly hidden village (that everybody seems to know how to get to) and he wants to execute the bandits here and now by roasting them alive. Hidden away in the carriage, listening to the bandits scream, is Zheng Er. Where'd you get that pink lipstick, girl?

 

The cast returns to Ye City. Xue Wu worries about the wrath of the crown prince. The emperor rips Gao Wei a new one for being so cruel to the captured outlaws. Then he rewards Chang Gong with some imperial jade that custom dictates should only be given to a crown prince.

 

Xue Wu sees a stellar sign that bad stuff is about to happen. Over in his pig sty, castrated Zu Ting also sees this ominous star.

 

The emperor somehow manages to sleep despite all those Buddhist monks making a racket. He dreams of the time when he was Prince Chang Guang and his brother was emperor. Despite Chang Guang being the one winning all the wars, the emperor has appointed his son, Gao Bai Nian, as crown prince. Later, the emperor is on his death bed and he is visited by his brother. He knows Chang Guang is going to seize the throne because the crown prince is just a boy. All the dying emperor asks is that Chang Guang not kill Bai Nian.

 

What Chang Guang does instead is have his soldiers rush in and slaughter both the emperor and his son. With his dying breath, the emperor hurls a curse on Chang Guang to be killed the same way: by a family member.

 

 

Gao Wei and Zheng Er have fun breaking some crockery. She advises the crown prince to somehow restore the disgraced imperial astrologer, Zu Ting.

 

Xue Wu asks An De to help her convince Chang Gong to retire from the imperial court.

 

Gao Wei goes to the pig sty to visit his former crony. Zu Ting has been expecting this visit and already has a plan worked out to regain his position. First he needs a bowl of fish blood.

 

Xue Wu invites imperial tutor Duan Shao over for some bean soup. She begs the old man to come up with a way to make Chang Gong retire. The tutor assures Xue Wu he'll get General Hulu Sr. in on this as well.

 

Gao Wei asks Si Xi, the emperor's eunuch, how things are going. Si Xi whines about how the emperor isn't sleeping well and wants even more monks to make more racket. Acting the devoted son, Gao Wei gives the eunuch a bottle of "sacred water" with the instructions it be sprinkled along the emperor's window sills. This should help the emperor sleep.

 

Team Xue Wu holds an intervention with Chang Gong. They all beg the prince to retire and go live in seclusion with his wife. As to be expected, Lan Ling refuses. An De speaks up and informs them all that he's already had a word with the emperor. An De requested Chang Gong be given some vacation time so the prince and the divine sorceress can get to work on making a mini me. The emperor said Okey Dokey. 

Prince of Lan Ling Episode 27

Thanks to the elusive healing herb, Xue Wu's fever has broken and she's feeling much better. (I wish I looked that clean and refreshed after sleeping in a cave.) Yung orders Shen Ju to take the army back to the palace. The king wants to spend some alone time with the divine sorceress. In a cave.

When Xue Wu wakes, she tells Yung she's fine now and he'd better get back to his palace and resume his kingly duties. Yung won't leave her unprotected. He senses the honeymoon is over between her and Chang Gong. Xue Wu expresses the desire to return to White Mountain Village so Yung puts her on his horse and takes her back. But the mystical wall of fog isn't there, the fields are overgrown, and the village buildings are empty and falling down. Oh dear, is that Granny's headstone?

Xue Wu curses herself for abandoning Granny for Chang Gong. She wants to become a nun and renounce the world. Yung tries talk her out of making such a drastic life change. The people need her as the divine sorceress, not as a hermit. Xue Wu goes out to Granny's gravesite and starts to chop off her hair. As a last ditch effort to get her to stop, Yung threatens to burn down her old house.

Xue Wu desperately beats out the flames. During the melee a small box is knocked open. Inside, Xue Wu finds a written message from Granny, saying how the old woman had always been proud of her feisty granddaughter. Yung tells Xue Wu she should carry out her grandmother's wishes by helping people. And what better people to help than the Zhou?

As Xue Wu mulls the king's offer over, we learn Yung is the one who actually wrote the note. He was willing to try anything to stop Xue Wu from becoming a bald nun. (This is going to come back and bite you in the ass, Yung.)

Xue Wu has a dream/vision. A very much alive Granny chides the young girl for not fighting hard enough for Chang Gong and for losing sight of the big picture. Dream Granny instructs Xue Wu to go back to the prince as he needs her now more than ever.

Chang Gong's men are wanting to take a break in their search for his wife. The prince recognizes that they are near the hot springs, the place where he and Xue Wu first met.

Yung finally confesses his true feelings to Xue Wu and asks that she give him a chance. This is when Chang Gong arrives and says, "Back off, bro!" Yung replies, "Back off yourself. Your the one who couldn't protect his wife from being sold in the slave market." (Ahem - good point.) The two boys draw their swords and fight.

Yang Shi Shen was left behind to watch over the captured bandits. Hairy manages to get possession of a knife, allowing the bandits to cut their bonds and overpower the guards.

Xue Wu vainly tries to get Chang Gong and Yung to stop fighting. No one sees the bandits until Hairy takes Xue Wu as hostage. Xue Wu manages to break free but during the course of the fight its now Chang Gong and Yung who are taken hostage. Hairy is just starting to do his evil laugh of victory when BAM he's hit by an arrow. Shen Ju has arrived! (Shen Ju is always showing up just in time. He's the real hero of this show.) 

Xue Wu runs right past an injured Yung and straight into Chang Gong's arms. Heartbreak.

Chang Gong tells her he found out the truth about Zheng Er. He does a teensy bit of groveling but not enough for my tastes. You should be down on your knees licking her boots, Prince of Lan Ling! 

Prince of Lan Ling Episode 26

For the first time Gao Chang Gong gets to see Zheng Er's crazy side. She tells him how they were destined for each other. About all the trials and tribulations she's been through to earn him. When Chang Gong says he doesn't have any romantic feelings towards her, Zheng Er refuses to believe him. He must love her because the voices in her head tell her so.

 

Yang Shi Shen, along with a beaten Xiao Dong, ride up to the couple to report Yang Xue Wu has been kidnapped by the bandits. Chang Gong thinks back to all the times he's been an ass to his wife, and there are plenty of flashbacks for that. He doesn't kill Zheng Er like he should but only orders the woman to never appear before him again. The men mount up to ride off to Xue Wu's rescue, leaving a weeping Zheng Er behind.

 

She's found by two hunters who drag her off, beat her and rape her. After the brutal attack Zheng Er finds a tree branch and is in the process of killing herself when Crown Prince Gao Wei and his men discover her. They cut her down before Zheng Er's suicide is a success.

 

Over at the Zhou border, King Yuwen Yung is busy recruiting men for his army. General Yuwen Shen Ju runs into some newbies who are carrying a poster with drawings of beautiful women for sale at the slave market. Shen Ju recognizes one of the women is Xue Wu. He wants to keep this news from the king but it's too late: Yung has already seen one of the posters and has left the camp.

 

As Gao Wei nurses Zheng Er, he thinks back to happier days when they were young and he first fell in love with her. When Zheng Er wakes up the crown prince asks her who is responsible so he can avenge her. Zheng Er names Xue Wu and Chang Gong as the ones who drove her to suicide.

 

Look, random white people are at the slave market! An unconscious Xue Wu is brought out on the auction block. (I'm not sure if she's been drugged, knocked out or if her illness has gotten worse.) The bidding begins and it looks like Xue Wu is going to be sold off when King Yung rides in. He outbids them all with a giant pearl.

 

Yung puts his unconscious purchase on his horse and rides out. Hairy and the bandits decide if this guy has a giant pearl then he must have other riches. Riches that are just begging to be stolen by them.

 

A step way behind, Chang Gong and the others see the poster for the slave sale and recognize Xue Wu. They set off for the market.

 

 

Hairy and his men surround Yung and Xue Wu and demand more treasure. This is when Shen Ju and his soldiers attack. This allows the king time to ride off while they all fight.

 

The slave auctioneer is enjoying his haul when he's confronted by Chang Gong and the gang. They question him about the whereabouts of Xue Wu. Fearing the bandits more than Chang Gong, the auctioneer lies about which direction she was taken.

 

That night Yung and Xue Wu find shelter in a cave. She must be sicker as Yung wants to go find a doctor for her. Xue Wu stops him as she fears he'll run into the bandits again. Besides, perhaps it would be better if she died. Yung blames Chang Gong (as he should) for Xue Wu having such a defeatist attitude.

 

He leaves the cave to go search for a rare healing herb. He's gone forever. Long enough for a song from the OST to play.

 

After two days of useless searching, Chang Gong realizes the slave auctioneer sent them on a wild goose chase.

 

Shen Ju and his soldiers find Xue Wu just as an exhausted Yung returns to the cave. He feeds the herb to the fevered woman and wills Xue Wu to live.

 

Hairy and his bandits, defeated by Shen Ju, sit dejectedly at the abandoned slave market. They're trying to work out their next move when Chang Gong and his men work it out for them.

Prince of Lan Ling Episode 25

Once Chang Gong's identity is verified, Merchant Wang's family is ecstatic that the legendary warrior has come to rescue their patriarch. They mistakenly assume Zheng Er is the divine sorceress, another plus. Chang Gong doesn't bother to correct them as he doesn't want to ruin the uplifting morale.

 

Xue Wu and Xiao Dong, who have decided to keep their presence a secret for now, can find shelter for the night only at a temple for the goddess Nu Wa. Remember, this is the same goddess who presided over Chang Gong's and Xue Wu's pretend first marriage. Unfortunately the show is using that same statue of the goddess that I didn't like before.

 

Anyway, the duo hear a group of people approaching so they duck behind the statue. Wang's wife has brought the prince and his group to the temple to pray for success in their mission. Xue Wu hears Zheng Er referred to as the divine sorceress. Furthermore, Wang's wife offers the "couple" a branch from a sacred peach tree to bless their marriage.

 

Suddenly they receive news that the bandits have sent the family a message (in the form of Wang's ears - eww). Everyone starts to head back to the main house. Xiao Dong wants to rush out and set people straight as to who is the real divine sorceress but he's stopped by Xue Wu. Blah blah blah the mission comes first blah blah blah. However, Zheng Er hears the duo arguing behind the statue.

 

With time running out, Chang Gong expects to put his plans into action in the morning. When the family learns Zheng Er/divine sorceress will be playing the role of the young daughter, Wang's wife gives the faker an amulet for good luck.

 

Xiao Dong is still wanting to go tell the prince what's what (as well as wanting to blow Zheng Er up). As the two are arguing in the temple they are surprised to be joined by Zheng Er herself. She acts all innocent as she explains the reason why she's with Chang Gong is to be a substitute for the merchant's daughter. But now that Zheng Er has seen Wang's severed ears, she's scared of just how dangerous this mission is going to be. At least she acts like she's scared. Xiao Dong warns his mistress not to fall for Zheng Er's tricks. Sadly he's talking to a brick wall.

 

The next morning, per the bandits' instructions, Zheng Er is put into a wooden barrel to be floated down the river. The bandits retrieve her and haul the woman back to their mancave. Zheng Er demands to see her "father." Hairy has the dead man dragged before her. Zheng Er starts to mourn over the man which gets her into trouble with the bandits. The dead body is not Merchant Wang, therefore Zheng Er has given herself away.

 

 

To give her credit, Zheng Er keeps her cool. She informs Hairy that she's left a secret trail to the cave. A trail that will be followed by Prince of Lan Ling and his army (of ten). Just the sound of the prince's name frightens the bandits. Yet Zheng Er is telling them all this for a reason. She wants the bandits to run for the hills before the prince gets there.

 

After the bandits run away, Zheng Er (as already pre-arranged) gives the signal to a waiting Xue Wu and Xiao Dong. Thinking they are helping, the two set off some explosives to block the path with rocks so the bandits can't retreat. But what they really end up doing is blocking the path so the arriving Chang Gong can't get to the bandit's lair. He's surprised to see his wife there and scolds her for messing up his plans.

 

They hear Zheng Er screaming and set off on foot to reach the cave (which looks an awful lot like that sinkhole Xue Wu and Weirdo fell into way back when.) Zheng Er has wounded herself and torn her clothes to make it appear she's been attacked by the bandits. With relief she throws herself into the prince's arms. He keeps apologizing for being so late to her rescue.

 

Xiao Dong has finally had enough of this and demands Zheng Er get her hands off of Chang Gong. Chang Gong defends Zheng Er and turns on Xue Wu for not obeying him and allowing the bandits to get away. Xue Wu tries to explain she was acting on Zheng Er's signal. Zheng Er is like, "What signal? What are you talking about? I never met you in the temple and made plans." 

 

Xiao Dong and Xue Wu try to defend their actions and disclose Zheng Er's evil ways but Chang Gong is blind, deaf and dumb. He says to his wife that if she doesn't trust him then perhaps there's no point to them being married. Zheng Er goes on about how she's been eternally shamed by the bandits and no respectable man will ever marry her. Chang Gong assures her that he will take her in. Disgusted with it all, Xue Wu walks away.

 

Chang Gong orders Xiao Dong to take Xue Wu back home and make sure she doesn't leave. Zheng Er has a smirk of victory on her face. Ah, but perhaps Yang Shi Shen noticed this smirk. 

 

Xiao Dong catches up to Xue Wu. She cries over all she's given up to be with the prince and now she's lost even more since she's lost his love. Neither realize that they're being watched by Hairy and his men. Now that they know Xue Wu is Chang Gong's wife they plan to take her prisoner. 

 

That night at camp, Shi Shen voices his suspicions to Chang Gong. How could Xue Wu have known where the bandits' cave was if someone didn't tell her? Also, all of Zheng Er's injuries are very superficial. They would have been much worse if the bandits has made them. Thank goodness it appears Chang Gong is finally listening. He goes back to the temple to pray to Nu Wa for a brain. As he's bowing, Chang Gong finds the amulet Wang's wife gave to Zheng Er. More proof that the pretty little liar had been in the temple and had met with Xue Wu and Xiao Dong.

 

(I hope there's major groveling from Chang Gong in the future.)

 

Xue Wu and Xiao Dong are staying in an abandoned farmhouse when they're attacked by Hairy and the Bandits. Xiao Dong is left for dead while she's carried off.

 

Zheng Er is resting in her tent when suddenly a knife with a note tied to it is thrown in. The note seems to be from Hairy, telling Zheng Er to meet them at a certain place or time or he'll expose how she helped the bandits escape. Zheng Er goes out to the appointed meeting place expecting to encounter the criminals. Instead it is Chang Gong waiting for her. Unable to lie herself out of this one, Zheng Er finally comes clean. Yeah, she did all this to drive Xue Wu away because she wants Chang Gong for herself. She's not going to be ignored!

Prince of Lan Ling Episode 24

Prince of An De is rather surprised Prince of Lan Ling has volunteered to help out in capturing the bandits. An De thinks he can handle this problem by himself. Why would Chang Gong want to leave his new bride so soon? Have they quarreled? Chang Gong sez nunyabizness.

 

Xue Wu is truly starting to come down with something.

 

The boys get together to strategize. Chang Gong has heard about Merchant Wang being held hostage because the bandits want his beautiful daughter. The prince thinks this would be a good opportunity to send his own confederate in undercover posing as the daughter. But where can they find a bold, clever and beautiful woman to pull off such a dangerous job?

 

 

Chang Gong quickly cuts off An De before Xue Wu's name can be brought up. She's already put her life in danger before when she helped rescue Hulu Xu Da. Besides, she's a princess consort now. Princess consorts don't do these kinds of things except in Disney movies.

 

Eavesdropping Zheng Er quickly steps up to volunteer.

 

Crown prince Gao Wei learns about the mission and plans to somehow find a way to use it to avenge his mother.

 

Chang Gong doesn't bother to tell Xue Wu goodbye or anything as he starts to leave on his mission. Luckily Xiao Cui overhears he's about to leave and goes to report to her mistress. Xue Wu gets up out of her sickbed and runs to the gate to catch her a-hole of a husband. It's an awkward moment between the two as she asks why he didn't even bother to say goodbye.

 

That viper Zheng Er makes sure Xue Wu knows she gets to go off on this assignment with the prince. Chang Gong dares to shed a tear because he doesn't feel Xue Wu trusts him.

 

Ah, Xiao Dong reappears! He's been investigating this mysterious "wife" of his and the source of all those rumors about him and Xue Wu. Suddenly his attention is drawn to a couple of guys beating up a scam artist. Xiao Dong recognizes the scammer as the Taoist monk who came to Lan Ling Manor that one time.

 

After questioning the con artist, Xiao Dong figures it must have been Zheng Er who paid the fake Taoist to make all those doom and gloom predictions. Xiao Dong ties up the con to take back to Lan Ling Manor.

 

Xiao Dong is quite distressed to return to the manor and find his beloved mistress so down in the mouth. Xue Wu keeps accepting the blame for all the problems in her marriage. (This is kind of getting on my nerves.) My boy tells her to stop being an idiot; this is all Zheng Er's fault and he's brought the proof. He has the con man brought in to make a confession.

 

Trouble keeps piling up as An De comes by to tell them he's not able to join Chang Gong in the bandit hunt. The crown prince has ordered An De on some other fluff job. This means Chang Gong won't have as many soldiers as he's expecting. Gao Wei is supposed to be heading up the reinforcements now but everyone knows he won't come to his brother's aid.

 

With her husband in danger, Xue Wu jumps into action despite her ill health. She orders Xiao Dong to gather her fireworks material. He's hoping to expose Zheng Er to the prince. Xue Wu squashes that idea. The mission comes first. They can deal with Zheng Er later.

 

Gao Wei sends word to Chang Gong that because of their horses being ill, the reinforcements Lan Ling was expecting won't be there. This leaves Chang Gong, Yang Shi Shen and about ten other men to fight the bandits.

 

Xue Wu and Xiao Dong have caught up to the prince's camp that night. They're just about to make their presence known when they spot Zheng Er. Hiding behind a thin tree that doesn't shield them at all, they watch as Zheng Er seems to be drugging some wine.

 

Zheng Er serves the wine to Chang Gong. She watches eagerly as he slowly lifts the saucer to his lips. At the last moment Chang Gong stops and decides it wouldn't be right for him to enjoy this fine wine by himself. He should share it with his men. Zheng Er, her original plans foiled, makes the excuse she's just going to warm the wine back up. This is so she can quickly switch the drugged jug with another jug of wine.

 

Xue Wu and Xiao Dong, still hiding behind that very thin tree, watch as Zheng Er pours the drugged wine out on the ground. After she leaves, our duo scurry forward so they can investigate the remains of the wine. No one notices that they're being watched by a couple of bandits who think this is the camp of a rich merchant. They report back to their hairy bossman. Hairy decides not to bother for now with attacking this merchant as he's still waiting to get Wang's beautiful daughter.

 

Smelling the dirt where the wine was poured, Xue Wu deduces Zheng Er had been using an ancient Chinese date rape drug. Once again Xiao Dong wants to immediately tell the prince what's going on and once again Xue Wu insists they wait until the mission is over.

 

The next morning Chang Gong and company visit Wang's household to assure his family that things are being done to rescue the merchant. And the episode just ends there.

Prince of Lan Ling Episode 23

Already at the halfway point of this drama.

 

 

Chang Gong comes inside to a now cold dinner and a now cold wife. As usual, the prince is totally clueless as to what the real problem is. Xue Wu tries to storm out only to be stopped by Zheng Er (eavesdropping as she always does) who falls to her knees to apologize for causing any misunderstandings between husband and wife. Chang Gong takes Zheng Er's side because he's a moron.

Then he dares to blurt out pure stupidity by shouting that he's a prince and if he wants concubines then he can have them. He goes off to his office to find the little pot of sprouts Xue Wu put there. Xue Wu, meanwhile, has moved back into her old room.

Xiao Cui presses her mistress to let Chang Gong know about all of Xue Wu's work at Veteran's Village. Xue Wu defends her husband, pointing out it is perfectly normal for princes to have concubines. She asks the loose-lipped maid to try and keep all this trouble from the Queen Dowager. Xiao Cui promises... and then goes straight to Grandma Fu to tell her everything.

The next day Grandma Fu compels Xue Wu to work with her on her new plan. Xiao Cui scurries over to tell Chang Gong that the imperial physician has been called to the manor because Xue Wu is ill. The prince paces worriedly outside while the doctor takes Xue Wu's pulse. The doctor reports to the Queen Dowager that the young woman is absolutely fine. Grandma Fu tells him to reconsider is diagnosis.

Oh dear, Xue Wu is quite ill.

Chang Gong is desperate to get inside and see his "ailing" wife. Grandma Fu blocks him at the door and orders him to stay away. Chang Gong waits outside in the hot sun all day. Finally Grandma Fu comes outside to grill her grandson. Will he give up the jade pendant Zheng Er gave him? Is he going to get a concubine or not? Will he find Zheng Er a good husband? Chang Gong is willing to promise anything if he can just see Xue Wu. The Queen Dowager gives him a month to come up with a prospective bridegroom. Oh, and no, the prince can't see his wife. Try again tomorrow.

Zheng Er hears the renewed plans to marry her off and is quite distressed. She suspects Xue Wu is faking her illness. Time for evil to once again get to work.

It's time for the Queen Dowager to move on to her summer retreat. Chang Gong thinks he'll now have the opportunity to see his sick wife. Damn, here comes Zheng Er, though. She acts all concerned as she had just been to the kitchens to prepare Xue Wu's medication yet the powder was nothing but harmless herbs. How could the imperial physician send bogus meds? Chang Gong orders the doctor to come to Lan Ling Manor immediately.

Chang Gong accuses the physician of being a quack and threatens punishment. The poor man breaks down and saves himself by telling the prince the truth. Chang Gong goes to confront his wife and begin his asshole act all over again.

Then we're taken to 500 miles away and a small entourage traveling through the forest. Merchant Wang wants to stop and take a leak. His servant tries to warn the old guy this is a bad idea as bandits are all over these woods. But Wang really has to go! As it turns out this may have been his lucky break. As the old guy hides behind the bush he was using, hairy bandits with scimitars ride out to attack the entourage. 

If he would have stayed behind the bush he would have been fine, but no, Wang has to go running around and is caught by the head hairy bandit. Wang pleads for his life. The head hairy bandit has heard Wang has a beautiful daughter. Hairy Guy wants her for his mistress.

Over at the palace, the emperor has had enough of these hairy bandits. He orders An De and Chang Gong to get rid of these hirsute hombres. 

Prince of Lan Ling Episode 22

Xue Wu asks her husband to search for Xiao Dong (when she should be asking him to stop wearing those stupid feathers).

 

The Queen Dowager confides in Xiao Cui that she's not just here to help get Xue Wu pregnant. Grandma Fu has heard Zheng Er is now part of the household and Granny doesn't like it. She orders the troublesome maid to be brought before her.

 

 

To Xiao Cui's confusion, Grandma Fu acts all warm and fuzzy towards Zheng Er. She thanks the maid for saving Chang Gong from the horse and forgives Zheng Er for her part in framing the prince. Fu then goes on to say Zheng Er is too lovely and talented to be wasting her life as a maid. She should be married off to a fine family. Zheng Er is like, "Oh no, I'm perfectly happy working here at the manor. Please don't trouble yourself." Now the Queen Dowager is all cold and offended that her gracious offer has been rebuffed and dismisses the girl.

 

Zheng Er goes to the kitchens (where there are tomatoes!) and slips a little something into the tea being brewed for the Queen Dowager. When Fu wakes from her nap, Xiao Cui goes to fetch a cup of tea. Fu takes about two sips of the tainted concoction and faints dead away. As Xue Wu rushes to the lady's bedside, the household staff start to wonder if this is a sign of the Taoist monk's prediction coming true. Perhaps the master should get a concubine.  

 

As Fu wakes back up, she asks that this incident be swept under the rug. Zheng Er advises Xue Wu that perhaps it would be better for the Queen Dowager to return to the palace and her own doctors. Fu won't hear of it. She'll be fine. Chang Gong dares to jump Xue Wu's case for not being there for his grandmother when this all went down. (Xue Wu was at the Veteran's Village.) Chang Gong, you're needing a slap upside the head.

 

Chang Gong continues to be an ass. I continue to want to knock his block off. Men. Can't live with them, can't kill them without the risk of going to jail.

 

While Xue Wu is off tending to the Queen Dowager, Zheng Er gets all so helpful and comfy with the prince. She claims to have an idea on solving the budget crisis but it will involve Chang Gong taking Zheng Er with him to the palace tomorrow.

 

Xue Wu leaves the manor early to go wrap things up at Veteran's Village so she can spend more time caring for her grandmother-in-law. The grateful, and now self-supporting, villagers give her a small pot with the first sprouts they've grown. Xue Wu takes it back to the manor house and leaves the pot on Chang Gong's desk. Also, Grandma Fu is up out of bed and on the mend. You'd think things are going to work out.

 

You'd think wrong.

 

Meanwhile at the palace. Zheng Er's grand idea is to squeeze the royal concubines for all they're worth. Really? That's your plan to replenish the treasury? (Also, if these are the royal concubines, I feel sorry for the emperor.)

 

Whatever, it seems to work. Chang Gong reports back to his father how all the concubines were willing to donate their jewelry and now Qi has a surplus. The prince goes on to give credit where credit is due and acknowledges Zheng Er as the one who came up with the idea. Chang Gong asks his father to formerly pardon the woman.

 

Xue Wu cooks all of her husband's favorite dishes for dinner and waits for him to come home. And waits and waits and waits.

 

It's late by the time Chang Gong and Zheng Er return home. She presses him to accept a jade pendant as her thanks for asking the emperor for a pardon. Then seeing that Xue Wu has seen them, Zheng Er suddenly throws her arms around the prince.