Welcome to the discussion post for Episodes 30-31 of Royal Betrothal!

‼️ Last Post

This is my last post for this drama. Whooo, it's been a rough ride, eh? While it's not the best drama I've watched, for me, the side characters have made up for the leads and plot holes. Because of the side characters, I able to keep clicking "next episode" and hosting the discussion. For the final episode, hop over to the Express post that was created a few days ago.

🚫 Use spoiler tags for anything beyond the episodes discussed. Format: >! text !<

Links: Masterpost | Character Flashcards |  Ep. 1-3 | Ep 4-5 | Ep. 6-7 | Ep. 8 | Ep. 9 | Ep. 10 | Ep. 11-12 | Ep. 13-14 | Ep. 15-16 | Ep. 17-18 | Ep. 19 | Ep. 20 | Ep. 21 | Ep. 22-23 | Ep. 24-25 | Ep 26-27 | Ep. 28-29 | Express Ep. 27-32

Episode 30

Yan Fu Zhi noticed that Meng Meng has been weird since the bath tattoo incident. But Shen Zhi Li says it's most likely just wedding jitters.

I wonder how the whole "the Emperor will have her back in court, Di Nian and Shen Zhi Shu in the protection department, the two best lady friends accompanying her, and Yin Qing as the funny guy who makes her laugh" will pan out once everybody knows who is who.

🗡️ Beijian Second Prince

We lear that the reason he wants revenge is that eight years ago, the Emperor, then Crown Prince, shot an arrow through his uncle's neck at the Battle of Humen Pass. This ruined the fortunes of his mother's clan. Since then, the Second Prince's father has only paid attention to his older brother.

I'm telling you, this whole harem and half-siblings thing is a hassle 😅

What's the plan? Lord Xu doesn't like an imported Empress, but he seems to prefer a Beijian Empress over Meng Meng. So he's open to receiving the Second Prince with offerings of warhorses, and once again, a marriage alliance.

https://preview.redd.it/0h6om2g4m4kh1.jpg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=98ddd0724bec4493a3c85c0ca7d5ffc382ea3847

With an Imperial Permit to the Capital, plus a map of where the wedding procession will pass, provided by Mr Shangguan, the Second Prince is ready to execute his revenge plan via Shangguan's ambush.

🎭 All Sorts of Reveals and Changes

The day we've all been waiting for.

The bride and groom are super grand!

The ambush failed miserably.

Beijian Second Prince is no more. He lasted just a few minutes in the whole drama.

And in the ancestral hall, it went from the bride and groom bowing to the ancestors, to Meng Meng stabbing the Emperor with her hairpin (influenced by the incense) and then passing out, to Mr Shangguan and friends flying in from above (how nobody saw them hiding up there is beyond me), and the main wedding-goers being surrounded by Zhongwan people within maybe a hot minute.

https://preview.redd.it/f9hd8jdim4kh1.jpg?width=1586&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bb10e7be4cd53c7e307b81e131106eba96c8cef5

Note: 10 years ago, over 100,000 Zhongwan people were killed.

Mr Shangguan and the Emperor fight. I must say, the fight choreography is pretty cool.

https://i.redd.it/s7fnnk52n4kh1.gif

And the mysterious Mr Shangguan is...

https://i.redd.it/jpr7gajhz4kh1.gif

We've all guessed it by now, right? Yin Qing. And because of this, the reveal feels underwhelming.

Question: In your opinion, at what point should a reveal land to make it feel more "wow"? For this show, Gu and Mr Shangguan felt underwhelming, since we'd had some good guesses two or four episodes before the big reveal.

Meng Meng woke up.

This was all a trap!!

Meng Meng and the Emperor already suspected Yin Qing. All the ministers in the ancestral hall are apparently great at fighting (or were they replaced by Di Nian's men? I can't tell), and amazingly, Lord Xu still has it in him too.

I am going to pretend that Zhi Zhi are the leads in this show. When Shen Zhi Shu barged in, that look on Yan Fu Zhi's face, yup, that was mine too 😅

Ok, THAT was a surprise to me. Who saw that trap coming?

Within another hot minute, the Zhongwan folks are surrounded.

And they all fight.

Meng Meng and Shangguan exchanged words, more or less telling Shangguan she's a Ning citizen and to let bygones be bygones. But he refused, and pulled Meng Meng's dress down just enough to show her whole tattoo.

https://i.redd.it/5qdns7xto4kh1.gif

Of course Lord Xu is furious and wants Meng Meng executed on the spot. The Emperor said nope.

To add fuel to the fire, Shangguan threw Meng Meng under the bus, saying that she and the Blood Moon Society planned all the bad things that had happened, i.e. the Eternity Pills. Shangguan also drove a wedge between the Emperor and Meng Meng by saying the Emperor's been using her.

Meng Meng, sick of the bickering, stabbed and cut through her bird tattoo and said she's just Meng Ting Hui, not the Zhongwan Princess.

I feel bad for Madam Xu, she'd be so heartbroken!

I wasn't expecting the dragon staff to be broken by Shangguan. But here we are, watching Lord Xu be the hero, and in the process, dying from the stab injury. At the end of the day, all the old man wanted was for the Ning empire to survive and continue on.

Shangguan is very pleased with his kill. Insert evil laugh.

More fighting, with many ministers (or fake ones) killed.

And WTH did you just stand there, dear Emperor, when you could have taken Shangguan down with one swing? If you weren't standing around, fewer men would have been killed.

Before Shangguan or Situ Xue could be killed, Meng Meng stepped in.

Arguments between the leads. One wants to kill Shangguan, the other doesn't. One for the safety of Ning, the other so the hatred doesn't run any deeper.

What to do?!

No more royal wedding. The necklace removed and broken, and they as a couple are no more. He told Meng Meng to leave with Shangguan and Situ Xue.

🚫 After the (Not) Wedding

The Emperor wants to make more changes. The current plan is to issue a new policy for Zhongwan: those who surrender will no longer be slaves, will be given fertile land, and will be allowed to become officials through the Imperial Exams.

The Emperor wants to go to battle himself too, and the Grand Tutor will take over the Emperoring (and maybe the Chancelloring, and whatever else, since a lot of ministers got killed the other day, unless they were fake ones).

https://preview.redd.it/bvnpxhe0x4kh1.png?width=826&format=png&auto=webp&s=2611806422590c1a0722724268a847ee550aa239

Now, isn't this a bit silly, since he's a single man with no heir?

At this point, whatever,a lot in this drama don't make sense 😅

Come to find out, letting Shangguan go was already part of the Emperor's plan. If Meng Meng hadn't got suicidal, Shangguan and Situ Xue would have been let go anyway.

I know I'm not a war expert or the writer of this drama, but I'm not one to faff around. If I were Emperor, I'd have killed Shangguan and Situ Xue. Afterwards, I'd send Di Nian and his men to sort out those who doesn't want to surrender. That's just me, maybe his way is better.

⚔️ The Leads

The Emperor and his three men are prepping for war and Meng Meng is back home. For the first time will experience the Zhongwan ritual.

Episode 31

The elder came to see Meng Meng, or birth name Murong Yao (I'll keep calling her Meng Meng though). Shangguan asks Meng Meng to offer her blood to the altar to register, then swear to the Black Bird to restore their kingdom.

Meng Meng refused. She's for the people; saving the Zhongwan people matters more to her than some memorial tablets. The old chief couldn't bear it and him and two others offered themselves to the fire.

Dude, the old man went blind from crying. Is that even a thing?

https://i.redd.it/pcxy4uxtq4kh1.gif

There's a lot of guilt-tripping from Shangguan's end, trying to get Meng Meng to agree to restore the kingdom.

I get it, but at the same time, if the current ruler is all about peace, shouldn't you be thinking of the now and the future? We often watch revenge dramas and root for the person who was wronged, but in those, the wrongdoer usually stays awful. Here, the Emperor has done a lot of good, and as Yin Qing, Shangguan was part of that whole process. Not to mention Shangguan sacrificing his own people during the flood, just for the sake of revenge.

Meng Meng didn't donate her blood, but she did change into Zhongwan clothing and pay respect to her ancestors. She promised not to let war happen in Zhongwan again. Shangguan wants her to swear to the ancestors to restore their kingdom and reclaim the realm, but Meng Meng said no. She believes letting the people live in peace matters more, and told him that restoring the kingdom is his obsession, not hers.

Oooh, Situ Xue got slapped by Shangguan when she suggested they sleep on it and think of a non-bloody solution. At this point, Shangguan's gone a bit cray too, treating Meng Meng the way he did at the altar.

She'd have had major TBI by the end of this head bashing.

Meng Meng and Shangguan argued, since they're not on the same path, and it ended with her handcuffed and under house arrest.

👭 The Best Friends

Yan Fu Zhi wants to go find Meng Meng. Shen Zhi Shu caught her as she was leaving and said he'd take her to Meng Meng, since the Emperor is leading the effort himself.

Shen Zhi Li is reminiscing about her and Meng Meng's encounters, aka flashbacks. Then it shows her with Di Nian, probably because she listened to Meng Meng's advice to let her guard down, and because Di Nian is leaving for war.

Zhi Li and Di Nian drank a farewell cup of wine, Di Nian gave her the necklace again, and she put it on him. He walked out, and before he left, Zhi Li called him back. She hugged him, then kissed him, and finally, at the end, they consummated their marriage!!

https://preview.redd.it/yx18xfrks4kh1.jpg?width=1586&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=22c03e95f5c7384b62d4d6fe35bc21fcd42f9f6f

Then he left the next morning 🥺

⛓️‍💥 In Zhongwan

It wasn't hard for the ex-thief to break out of the handcuffs. Before she left the ancestral hall though, Situ Xue stopped her. She said the guards were threatened by Shangguan, that if Meng Meng escaped, they'd be killed. Who's the cray serial killer here, eh?

Some backstory for Situ Xue: she was a slave sold to the magistrate as a household prostitute. She was abused day and night, and it was Shangguan who saved her.

Because of this relationship, Situ Xue is loyal to Shangguan, and also has feelings for him.

https://preview.redd.it/9wj73d3ts4kh1.jpg?width=1586&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=95906f2a87344e505e18eab4d829bbdbb2b72111

Meng Meng persisted and asked for her help, not just for her but so that they can save Shangguan. Meng Meng also wants to go to Wannu Camp. Situ Xue took her.

At the camp, she saw people being abused by the soldiers. Nobody could escape easily. Only Meng Meng can save these people.

Back at the ancestral hall, Shangguan proposed they get married. This way, they could draw Beijian into the battle.

Meng Meng agrees, with three conditions:

• Zhongwan will obey her orders, including him.
• The alliance with Beijian must be under her lead.
• Shangguan shall no longer threaten her with any person or matter.

Shangguan agrees. They'll marry once she's coronated as Empress of Zhongwan.

Did the camp visit convinced her to go Zhongwan all the way or is she still in plotting mode? I have no clue.

🏕️ At the Ning Campsite

Shen Zhi Shu is reporting that Beijian has blocked their grain route for over seven days.

They're also short on medicine. With the resources she has, Yan Fu Zhi promised to sort this out, no matter the consequences. Zhi Shu is to escort her.

The Emperor received a report on Meng Meng's intention to declare herself Empress. The Emperor understands her goal.

🏹 Beijian & Zhongwan

We finally see the First Prince of Beijian. Shangguan is working on persuading him to join forces.

https://preview.redd.it/7934h6uav4kh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=5e990d6142f50c285ff8ec79de786c38fbce2ccf

And they joined forces.

♟️ The War Game

I honestly don't fully understand this part, but in general, Meng Meng and the Emperor are tactic-ing and war-ing.

https://preview.redd.it/qvnver1ct4kh1.jpg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fcb63adae063429eef0398702b4db7c6871c9c03

❤️‍🩹 Zhi Zhi

Will they make it through this? Yan Fu Zhi is mad at Shen Zhi Shu because he wanted to rid of Meng Meng. Zhi Shu tried his best to explain to her that it's his obligation as a Shen and loyal subject to Ning to protect the country which also means protecting her. Fu Zhi gets it but she's still upset because Meng Meng is her bestest friend and she really believe that Meng Meng would not hurt the people of Ning or Zhongwan if at all possible.

https://preview.redd.it/h9ci40kkt4kh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=1dc308f718d5ba8229541a9109bd8e11aa2c399f

What would you react if you were Fu Zhi, caught in the middle like this?

🔥 Zhongwan & Beijian Camp

The Emperor set fire to the enemy's grain.

https://preview.redd.it/jcab60dbu4kh1.jpg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6b956a19cfdf2927982954791c6852d32d9b472b

What just happened between the Emperor and Situ Xue?! And is Meng Meng really against the Emperor? I am so confused.

The Beijian Prince is unhappy with Zhongwan after a bad loss. Shangguan said losses are expected in battle.

I think Situ Xue and Meng Meng planned something, and Situ Xue intentionally sent the Beijian army east instead of west. But Situ Xue denied giving them false info, and Shangguan backed her.

Shangguan probably has no feeling left in his hand from cutting himself up monthly.

https://preview.redd.it/tksj7m5eu4kh1.jpg?width=1586&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=342d42385625616138a912f6a04b90c00d9e6b65

Situ Xue is imprisoned and questioned by Shangguan. She more or less says that Beijian aren't trustworthy people, and she doesn't want him dealing with the devil. She doesn't want to watch Shangguan fall any deeper. At this point, she's not sure if he's fighting for the people, or using them to kill the Emperor because he's jealous of the Emperor and Meng Meng's relationship.

Shangguan let Situ Xue go.

How will this all wrap up in one episode?!

Closing

Thank you all for following along! It's been fun discussing this drama with you all despite the issues we've talked about along the way. See you in other discussions in this sub!

Welcome to the discussion post for Episodes 28-29 of Royal Betrothal!

‼️ Housekeeping

I only have Viki, and since it's nearing the end and Viki only releases one episode a day, my next and last post will be for episode 30-31 on Tuesday. The final episode can be discussed in the Express post.

🚫 Use spoiler tags for anything beyond the episodes discussed. Format: >! text !<

Links: Masterpost | Character Flashcards |  Ep. 1-3 | Ep 4-5 | Ep. 6-7 | Ep. 8 | Ep. 9 | Ep. 10 | Ep. 11-12 | Ep. 13-14 | Ep. 15-16 | Ep. 17-18 | Ep. 19 | Ep. 20 | Ep. 21 | Ep. 22-23 | Ep. 24-25 | Ep 26-27 | Express and final post (only for those who have the Express package, or like to read spoilers)

Episode 28

There are two main events in this episode: Shen Zhi Li accepts Di Nian's proposal, and the Emperor changes the subject laws.

💍 Shen Zhi Li & Di Nian Marry

Zhi Li told Di Nian there's still a huge knot in her heart, that it won't go away soon, and right now she isn't in love with him. Di Nian said that's fine and she can take her time, he'll wait. If there ever comes a point where she truly isn't into him and finds someone else, he is willing to divorce her so she can pursue her true feelings. Di Nian, you good, good man!!

Zhi Li accepts the marriage proposal!

Later...

She did the ripping and burning. As she should!

Wedding Time

That night, Di Nian gave Zhi Li space by telling her, via the maid, that he'd sleep in another room. Zhi Li, being a woman of tradition, came out (he's sword praticing outside) and asked him to sleep in the same room as her for reasons below:

• She doesn't want the court to think they're faking the marriage, which would only stir up more gossip.
• She doesn't want her own faults to harm his reputation.

During their convo, Zhi Li promised to acknowledge Di Nian as her husband, that his home is her home too, and that as long as he treats her well, she'll treat him well in return. Di Nian said he won't force the marriage to be consummated until she really likes him, and that she's beautiful when she smiles.

https://preview.redd.it/bubd5est6sjh1.jpg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ecdd74d105f8eb997f32b77ee501a7f080762873

🐉 Emperor Abolishes Old Ways

Somewhere up on a hill, the Emperor gave Meng Meng the dragon and phoenix pendant, which had accompanied his parents for thirty years. The dragon is the emperor, the phoenix the empress.

https://preview.redd.it/60h580qz6sjh1.jpg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fd5d2f7830a3b5a3f7f50c01f92d01a05df82957

Meng Meng still only wishes to serve the court and be the blade and voice of truth, but the Emperor wants more. He shall reform the officialdom and the court!

The next morning, Meng Meng left for court, and Yin Qing helped her with her cloack.

Sketch look here.

🏯 At the Ancestral Hall

The court meets at the ancestral hall, since it's the grand ancestral offering day. The Emperor burns a book, I think it's the traditions book? I am unclear here.

https://preview.redd.it/kwo5hxls7sjh1.jpg?width=1586&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ee859fcc7eb5fb4e0ddb1d3ea49448cfbd8021f8

At this event, he issues an edict of reform.
OG law:

• The Founding Emperor set down twelve precepts, which have lasted three realms.
• Times have changed, and three of the twelve are no longer suitable:
  • Ban on ruler–subject love
  • The perpetual servitude law
  • The Official-nominated Empress selection

Lord Xu, of course, disagrees. Arguments break out between the Emperor and the others.

Around that time, Meng Meng's dragon and phoenix necklace breaks and falls. Everybody recognises it. The argument escalates, with accusations that Meng Meng has ill intentions and covets the Empress position. Only one minister defends her, it's nice to see that some ministers are on her side.

https://preview.redd.it/8xr1nqxq8sjh1.jpg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=75e24a394f8ab009dfad1ef63951e8cdbf71cef2

Finally, the Emperor says he gave her the necklace, and tells everyone he loves Meng Meng.

The volcano finally erupts between the Emperor and Lord Xu. The Emperor says he's not doing this just for Meng Meng, but Lord Xu truly believes the Emperor is being deceived. If he changes the law today for her, who knows how many he'll change tomorrow. This will make the empire unstable and the people lose trust in him.

First comes the Edict of Self-Reproach.

https://preview.redd.it/71a9qcyr8sjh1.jpg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=08507bd7c945fa1eb1e5a70da0f470f58bd3d0b1

And second comes the dragon staff, to discipline the Emperor! Meng Meng takes the hit, and the Emperor is, of course, big mad.

Well, that was dumb. Lord Xu runs and bangs his head on one of the pillars. He more or less says that if the Emperor doesn't withdraw the edict and execute Meng Meng, he'd rather die.

The Emperor is now forced into a corner. Meng Meng asks him to imprison her instead. She doesn't want a minister of three realms to die because of her; she'll wait out her punishment there.

⛓️ Meanwhile, in the Prison

In prison, Meng Meng feels suss about her necklace breaking.

Yin Qing comes to visit, trying to help her escape. She refuses.

Flashback to when Yin Qing helped Meng Meng with her cloack. Ooooh, so it was Yin Qing who sabotaged the necklace to break with this "soft glue fuse"! No wonder that sketch look!

https://preview.redd.it/pvtcga2casjh1.jpg?width=1586&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e960333ef11089429c41d18008b41ce11fac6cef

🏛️ Back at the Ancestral Hall

They're waiting for the Emperor, and whilst waiting, Lord Xu makes remarks to Grand Tutor Shen about how he failed to teach his pupil well. The Grand Tutor says laws can't stay the same forever; at some point they need to change with time. The minister who supported Meng Meng agrees too. To him, as a young minister, the Emperor and Grand Tutor's words are inspiring.

To note: the Emperor has been Emperoring for three years.

The Emperor arrived, and the Founding Emperor's Whip is called out. That looks more like a stick, no?

Someone needs to execute the "whipping". Lord Xu doesn't want to do it, neither does the Grand Tutor. Nobody else really wants to do it either, and you know what happens when nobody volunteers in class? The teacher picks. Eunuch You gets voluntold.

Three strikes: one for the three old laws he wants to change, the second for defying the will of the court, and the third for issuing the edict.

https://preview.redd.it/c6exznak9sjh1.jpg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bc85528b8426e0ca8fa17198e26a1db44b71ec38

Somehow Meng Meng got out of prison and runs to the Emperor. Is her kneeling in the snow her punishment?

A day and night of kneeling later, all the court folks gather again. The Emperor burns the old laws in front of them all. Lord Xu finally realises that "it's not the court that cannot be without me", and he leaves.

Yes, Lord Xu, the court will move on with or without you. I think you can retire now.

To end his arc, Meng Meng passes out. I think I would too, if I had to kneel that long.

https://preview.redd.it/2l8qdmcg9sjh1.jpg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d5e1edf3eb0f910eddf034141addd70eea3fb1d9

🌙 Episode 28 Ending

Meng Meng is being cared for by Shen Zhi Li. They have a little girl talk, and Meng Meng also wonders how Yan Fu Zhi is doing.

The ladies talk about Zhi Li's relationship, and how it's the same now that they're married as it was before. Meng Meng gives advice: she says Di Nian is a great guy, and that Zhi Li should give him a chance and lower her guard, because Di Nian is worth it.

Meng Meng says that when one is in extreme pain, they always need to find support. For Zhi Li, Di Nian is the light that's always guided her through the fog. They understand each other, and because of this, he can give her the peace of mind she needs. Zhi Li says she does care about him. She hates seeing him physically hurt or sad because of her.

Speak of the devil, Di Nian shows up to pick her up, wanting to make sure his wife makes it home safe and warm. He also brought her some crab.

My thought: I think Di Nian has a good chance at a good marriage!

Episode 29

The episode we've all been waiting for, and the cdrama gods are with us: Zhi Zhi is still a thing!

Meng Meng has another visitor, Yin Qing. As usual, he's helping her heal. He asked if they should keep a distance, since she'll be Empress, and whether the Censorate will be disbanded.

🏡 The Shen Residence

Di Nian brought gifts for his in-laws. Grand Tutor Shen hopes the two will always support each other. For his daughter, he hopes she can be a good wife for Di Nian. Madam Shen hopes Zhi Li can quickly give Di Nian an heir, since he's an only child. Di Nian quickly changed the subject.

🤔 Where Is Shen Zhi Shu?

Everybody is wondering, his family and the Emperor included. And a letter arrived.

https://i.redd.it/1ugyw69vasjh1.gif

WTF? Zhi Shu REALLY died?!

His father doesn't believe it and is in shock. Well, neither do I, especially since Viki used a very alive Zhi Shu thumbnail for this episode.

Anyhow, a flashback of the tiger tally, and how Zhi Shu asked for the other half for his birthday, but his father scolded him and didn't give it to him, in case he got arrogant. Father Shen is feeling all sorts of regrets.

Note to all: you never know when it's the last time you'll see the person you care about. Always cherish each moment.

Yan Fu Zhi received her birth booklet back. She was told by Zhi Shu's parents that before he left, Zhi Shu had prepared the betrothal gift and marriage contract, and begged his father to prepare the Three Letters and Six Rites.

Even with Zhi Shu dead, Fu Zhi is willing to be the Shens' daughter-in-law, which basically means she'll never marry another in her lifetime. The Shen parents disagree, but you know Fu Zhi, once she's made up her mind she's set, and she persisted. The Shens accepted.

https://preview.redd.it/e2pz9x2bbsjh1.jpg?width=1586&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e174780133d4e177264ec1f85cdf0011169ff95b

At the palace, the Emperor is venting his anger through sword practice.

At the end of the day, Fu Zhi's exhausted and being cared for by Meng Meng and Yin Qing. Fu Zhi's employees came to visit, and they're even very sad about Zhi Shu's passing. Before he left, Zhi Shu taught them how to make a liquor.

In this moment, I wonder what's Yin Qing thinking?!

For Fu Zhi, Meng Meng will avenge Zhi Shu, no matter what her relationship was with Situ Xue.

🗺️ Beijian Folks and Blood Moon Society

We're finally introduced to them! They're waiting for the Blood Moon Society, who to them aren't trustworthy, but they'll have to do, to get to their end goal.

The Beijian royal siblings don't seem to be in harmony either.

Situ Xue came to meet the Second Prince of Beijian to clear up the misunderstanding between them, and they agree to be allies in attacking the Ning Empire. The reason Beijian and the Blood Moon Society couldn't meet earlier: a funeral.

https://preview.redd.it/17j2d9usdsjh1.jpg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f32c8807837a9beb5baea461655a09e31a565f16

The Blood Moon Society's next move: restore Meng Meng's full memory.

🎉 Shen Zhi Shu's Back!

The Shen family, Fu Zhi included, were keeping vigil, with Fu Zhi burning a lot of paper money, when a robed man on horseback stopped and entered the Shen residence.

https://preview.redd.it/r9gw9hdxdsjh1.jpg?width=1586&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7f38df4304af1938d670b6278ddf3acfd9d5c034

You all guessed it! Zhi Shu is NOT dead! Just a scarred-face man.

https://i.redd.it/8kdqsmvydsjh1.gif

I don't know how this show would be without the side characters. We'd probably have left it a few episodes ago, right? But, just like the A Luo moment, I had real tears during father Shen and his son's heart-to-heart.

His face, he's so happy to be accepted and acknowledge by his father.

After meeting his family, Zhi Shu reports to the Emperor. During Zhi Shu's meeting with the Emperor, he told him and Di Nian how he escaped death. He had the Blood Moon Society token, and they helped him recover. While recovering, Zhi Shu found out a few things:

• Mr Shangguan isn't dead, and he's hiding in the Ning court.
• Beijian's first and second masters don't get along, and it's most likely the first master who sent the marriage proposal, with the second working with the Blood Moon Society.
• They need to find Mr Shangguan, and the Emperor suspects it's someone close to them.

As for Fu Zhi, Zhi Shu's been avoiding her. When she finally found him, he locked himself back in his room and, from behind the door, said they should break up. Fu Zhi being Fu Zhi:

https://i.redd.it/wrlzc2ivesjh1.gif

They talked it, or mostly Fu Zhi doing the convincing and we still have our Zhi Zhi!

IMO, these two have done a great job of acting their parts and I hope to see more of them in the future.

🏮 Imperial Marriage

At their favourite spot, the Emperor and Meng Meng had a heart-to-heart about their fears and wishes. He proposed marriage, but she refused, feeling he's still hiding something from her, since he's adamant she not involve herself in the Blood Moon Society investigation.

This refusal didn't last long. Meng Meng and Yan Fu Zhi were bathing, and Fu Zhi mentioned Meng Meng's tattoo. For the first time, Meng Meng saw this tattoo, and everything clicked together. In shock, she went to see the Emperor (and in ancient times she may as well have been naked, with that wardrobe) and said: let's get married.

https://preview.redd.it/jxg0f5n1fsjh1.jpg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e07124ec23af9433a4497cac447b45ac32afb0b1

Why do you think Meng Meng changed her mind that quickly?

At court, the marriage plans are announced, and at the Censorate, Meng Meng had a chat with Yin Qing and gave him a book, Records of Mountains and Rivers. The hand!!

Well, I think we're getting more and more certain that Mr Shangguan is Yin Qing?

The book, I think, is a compilation of Great Ning's accomplishments. I see a difference in view here, and I get where Yin Qing is coming from. He's from Zhongwan, and assuming he is Shangguan, his and Meng Meng's family were killed by the late Emperor, who dissolved their country. Sure, Great Ning accomplished everything in the book, but it was at the cost of others, including the Zhongwan people. While I get his thinking, if he is Shangguan, he also abandoned the Zhongwan people during the flood in exchange for more weapons.

Meng Meng's girlie friends are delighted for her, and they hosted a bachelorette dinner in her honour.

This is us, drinking it up for making it this far! Ganbei!

Ok, discuss!

I think discussing both episodes today will be better than one today and another tomorrow. I will post again Sunday with episode 28-29.

So, welcome to the discussion post for Episodes 26-27 of Royal Betrothal!

‼️ Housekeeping

I only have Viki, I'll be posting each new episode's discussion the day after it airs there. So please:

🚫 Use spoiler tags for anything beyond the episodes discussed. Format: >! text !<

Links: Masterpost | Character Flashcards |  Ep. 1-3 | Ep 4-5 | Ep. 6-7 | Ep. 8 | Ep. 9 | Ep. 10 | Ep. 11-12 | Ep. 13-14 | Ep. 15-16 | Ep. 17-18 | Ep. 19 | Ep. 20 | Ep. 21 | Ep. 22-23 | Ep. 24-25

➡️ If you have the Express package and wants to discuss episodes 1-32, please discuss in the Royal Betrothal Express post.

Episode 26

We're made to see Lord Gu and Shen Zhi Li again.

Zhi Li, you gullible girl. You're gonna get hurt!!

Using the same pick up lines and scene for two women is so lame, Gu!

🤝 Mr Shangguan and Lord Xu

A meeting. Mr Shangguan wants the military deployment map of Qingzhou. In exchange, Lord Gu will get the book of all his evil deeds back.

https://preview.redd.it/zrfyk73eudjh1.jpg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b3ad0efac1e9737c8384530131e0543fd4d9e691

Kinda dumb, ya think? Like one can't make a copy of a book 🙄

Anyhow, Mr Shangguan also said he can help Lord Gu out of the mess he's in if he helps Shen Zhi Li become Empress.

They'll meet in three days.

💔 Di Nian's Confession

Di Nian met Shen Zhi Li as she was walking back to her room and confessed his feelings. She rejected him though, saying that he's still young and may not really understand his own feelings, that she's older than him, and that to her he's like a younger brother.

Di Nian has no regrets telling her his feelings despite the rejection, and before parting, gave her a compilation book of ancient law that she likes to reference.

I seriously don't understand this girl. Di Nian vs Lord Gu...

🌾 At the Border

Grain, 30,000 dan of it (Google says that's about 3.3 to 4 million pounds/1500 to 1800 metric tons), and fodder were looted, and Shen Zhi Shu is furious. Right now they only have about seven days' worth to feed the army, and the enemy is only about 100 li away (31 miles/50km). I looked it up, one can walk this in ~12hrs.

They need to gather grain, how?!

https://preview.redd.it/ov73elo9tdjh1.jpg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=aef47619c6652b5c9a992ed2f4f0ff36a089f09b

A report was sent from Shen Zhu Shu to the Emperor of the latest happenings:

• The Blood Moon Society has been infiltrated
• The leader is a man called Mr Shangguan.
• Mr Shangguan is most likely hiding in the capital.
• The remnants of Zhongwan are based in Qingzhou.
• The sect is conspiring with Beijian to provoke a border conflict while their army provisions are gone.
• Secret agents have been planted.
• The Emperor should be prepared

Beijian has always coveted the iron mines of Qingzhou and may break the treaty if baited by Zhongwan. War may break out because of this.

What the Emperor told Di Nian to do to prepare:

• Have the Ministry of War allocate grain to Qingzhou.
• Have the elite troops of Shazhou provide covert support.
• Have Zhi Shu sabotage the Zhongwan and Beijian cooperation, but also remember to prioritise his own safety first.

🤝 In Shazhou

Yan Fu Zhi is wheeling and dealing to expand her business. She's observed by her dad, who tells her how proud he is of her. She's shocked and happy about the praise, it's the first after all. But he said that he's seen the influence Meng Meng and Fu Zhi have had on the people, and slowly his mind has changed about them. Aww, father and daughter will be ok!

Family... we can ignore Madam.

Shen Zhi Shu abruptly arrived. Goal: to ask for grain help.

While there, Mr Yan told them they don't have to pretend to be a couple, he knows they only said that to help Fu Zhi avoid marrying Mr Song. But Zhi Shu said they actually do love each other and he plans to be faithful to Fu Zhi. Mr Yan is happy.

Zhi Zhi forever!

Her dad is pleased and wants to have a big dinner to welcome Zhi Shu and the good news.

But Zhi Shu has no time for it. Goal: to ask for grain help.

Mr Yan agrees to help by giving Zhi Shu all the grain he has, and to act as guarantor if more is needed. Madam disagrees though, because it would cost them all their money and who's to say they'll get it back for sure. She got put in her place and walked away in a huff.

30,000 dan of grain secured!

A sweet Zhi Zhi goodbye. I swear, if the director kills one of them off, I'll never watch another show from them again!

https://i.redd.it/fdvk2bnttdjh1.gif

💍 Royal Betrothal

Beijian sent their third betrothal invite. Remember, the court doesn't want an imported Empress, so Lord Xu highly recommends Shen Zhi Li as Empress. Guess who agrees with Lord Xu? Yes, Lord Gu!

Except for Meng Meng, everyone has signed, including Grand Tutor Shen.

The Emperor isn't in agreement.

When the Grand Tutor was confronted by the Emperor, he said he's doing it for two reasons: Beijian, and so that the Emperor doesn't develop inappropriate feelings for Meng Meng, a Zhongwan princess.

Meng Meng may not know her origins now, but the Grand Tutor is afraid that when she does, she may become a great threat to the nation's security.

The Grand Tutor is using his Mandate token, also given by the late Emperor (I guess it's like Lord Xu's staff, but a one-time use?), to force the Emperor to accept the request.

https://preview.redd.it/tvaynfa4wdjh1.jpg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5ccff0b9d7f8372c85444841c00b881ab26d1757

The Emperor has seven days to make his decision.

At home, Meng Meng confessed to Yan Fu Zhi about her feelings and current situation via a letter.

https://preview.redd.it/ceh478n5wdjh1.jpg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9ed801aa2f4eff6ee6d5cae579b7f0105cd4b4cd

At Gu's home, Gu is also having a drunken, melancholy moment, reflecting on his conversation with Lord Xu about why Zhi Li should be Empress.

In conclusion, it's Gu that pushed the idea of Zhi Li being Empress.

😢 Shen Zhi Li

Zhi Li is also upset, and confronted Lord Gu at his home about signing his name on the petition. She feels like a puppet to everyone, even those who claim to love her.

Gu does what Gu does best: lie.

Would Gu seriously chuck everything and run off with Zhi Li? We all know the answer, but sadly, Zhi Li doesn't, and believes him. Silly girl.

On the way home, Zhi Li is being followed. By whom? I don't know, but it's a female silhouette and outfit, so I am guessing the maid witness, Dou Kou.

The next day, Zhi Li sent in her resignation letter to Meng Meng. Meng Meng and Di Nian tried to tell her that Lord Gu is deceiving her, that he killed his wife, and that he also recommended Zhi Li as Empress himself, but Zhi Li doesn't believe it.

At the Shen residence, Zhi Li tells her father that she's in love with her tutor and the feeling is mutual. Father Shen is furious, he tells her that if Lord Gu really cared, he wouldn't have personally recommended her for Empress. Zhi Li is still adamant about wanting to be with Lord Gu despite all her father's explaining, and for the first time, her father slapped his daughter.

https://preview.redd.it/h59l38y5xdjh1.jpg?width=1586&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4bc2bc715faef22c523bdc037171bf9da8e98c63

I think Grand Tutor Shen did what we all wanted to do at this point. I know I wanted to slap some sense into her.

Zhi Li is placed under house arrest until after the Emperor announces her as Empress.

🔄 The Exchange

Three days later, as agreed, Mr Shangguan and Lord Gu does their exchange.

https://preview.redd.it/25r5304axdjh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=0a48edef5542359b359e1344e5436b6032dd83ac

Lord Gu, being Lord Gu, ordered his guy to kill Mr Shangguan. Before Mr Shangguan could kill Lord Gu's guy, Di Nian and the Emperor showed up. How did they know? Guess from the spies Shen Zhi Shu planted?

Who knows, if you're still watching and doing a drinking game each time there's a plot hole, we'd all be wasted by now.

Di Nian and Mr Shangguan fight, and Mr Shangguan is defeated. We see a face.

Is that the real Mr Shangguan, you think? Seems anticlimactic, since that face is a nobody, so I'm guessing it's a fake.

Episode 27

https://preview.redd.it/wo22142fxdjh1.jpg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=738ecf5b9e73fc4e26a9e151a7b55de9fa728123

Over a campfire, Meng Meng and the Emperor talk about Lord Gu. Meng Meng said Dou Kou gave her witness testimony, but outside of this, they still don't have solid evidence of Lord Gu colluding with Ling Yun Fei.

Plan: organise a birthday celebration for Lord Gu and give him a surprise.

Here, Meng Meng asked the Emperor why the Grand Tutor, who's super open-minded and chill with his daughter, insisted so hard on Shen Zhi Li being Empress, and Meng Meng could see that the Emperor was really struggling with the whole exchange.

Meng Meng also said she never wants to be Empress, just a position of power. Since everybody is stressed out about this Empress business, she thinks they should step back in their relationship and go back to colleague status.

The Emperor isn't having it.

🗺️ Somewhere in Qizhou

Mo You Han and Beijian now meet, or at least that's what the Beijian people think. Instead of Mo You Han, it's Shen Zhi Shu pretending to be Mo You Han. The Beijian rep, Zhao Hui, didn't last long.

On the way back, Zhi Shu was met by the real Mo You Han. A big fight ensued and everyone died. Is this for reals? Did they kill off Zhi Shu?!?!

https://preview.redd.it/zo5kxf2lxdjh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=614c574d5b49719041771260bf4f54887180c53c

No! We will persevere.

If it's not officially announced, we will believe in the cdrama gods of bringing people back from cliff falls, incurable poison, being buried deep in the ground, and in this case, being stabbed multiple times in the middle of nowhere.

🏙️ At the Capital

Shen Zhi Li is on a hunger strike. She's heartbroken and still doesn't want to believe the negative things said about Lord Gu. Di Nian tried to convince her, but she's not having it. Instead, she asked him to help her leave her house to see Lord Gu and hear from him in person.

https://preview.redd.it/s9lofisqxdjh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=68d32ae763a2a73a6a6bce86403e9244ce0615f4

I'm glad Di Nian helped Zhi Li escape her house arrest. Whether she knew about the birthday party or not, she walked into Lord Gu's birthday banquet just as he was about to open his present from Meng Meng. Everybody who matters is there, by the way.

In summary, Zhi Li confronted Lord Gu about the love token and his promise to leave everything behind and just be with her.

https://preview.redd.it/t7157b0c0ejh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=860352fe69d3e1a5015c95184502b9e691969958

Gu is being Gu again, and in front of everyone said that Zhi Li is lying.

Zhi Li is obviously heartbroken. Gu gets a slap, and Zhi Li cuts ties with him.

The Emperor took this moment to tell Lord Gu to look at his present. The book contains a list of his wrongdoings, which he again denies, and the witnesses were brought in.

https://preview.redd.it/dkahonihzdjh1.jpg?width=791&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=601a791c8f55c969639043991553e8223ef4d1eb

The first witness was Dou Kou, who said Gu did express his love for Zhi Li AND killed Madam Gu, who was a month pregnant. The second was his private assassin, Xue Leng. Xue Leng said Lord Gu threatened to kill his wife and daughter if he didn't carry out Lord Gu's killing bids. Xue Leng, though, said Lord Gu killed Liu Ru Yan himself, and confirmed Lord Gu's relationship with Huxiao Gang.

Gu denies and denies. In the end, Meng Meng added the relationship between Lord Gu and Ling Yun Fei and threw him all the proof.

https://preview.redd.it/m4fwdp650ejh1.jpg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5e8062b1ef016205542f6caa59ef933837b2a27c

Lord Gu cracked and went on a spiel about how crappy everyone else was and how amazing he is as an official. He doesn't feel like he did anything wrong. If anything, because of what he did, the nation has prospered over the last 10 years, and he thinks he's a hero and the best chancellor ever.

A contrast with Meng Meng. Both Gu and Meng Meng came from humble backgrounds (let's forget she's a princess, since she didn't live that life for the most part and doesn't know it herself). If anything, Meng Meng's life was tougher. They both want power, but they went about moving up in different ways. One eliminated everybody in his way, while Meng Meng moved up through hard work and care for the people.

Lord Gu was convicted and paraded around the capital. At this point he's gone 100% cray.

https://preview.redd.it/ynjhdh8czdjh1.jpg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d8d4fee04fb5461a9d7afaf987b91a62feb69991

Does anybody know what the petition umbrella is?

You all satisfied with the punishment?

He ended up drowning. We're not going to ask or explore why no guard pulled him out 😅

Lord Xu was told of Gu's demise. He's pondering Gu's last words. Time to retire, Lord Gu?

🏮 Shen Zhi Li

Rumours are swirling around Shen Zhi Li. Grand Tutor Shen's cousin wants to hook Zhi Li up with her widowed nephew to "help" Zhi Li and the Shen family. Good thing the Grand Tutor isn't having any of that bullshit. Zhi Li is so lucky to have parents who support her unconditionally!

https://preview.redd.it/i4a40o0kzdjh1.jpg?width=1579&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5a7fea3bfb75bc3a2a82703052b9789c33bb982c

It's Laba Festival, and for the first time it's quiet at the Shen residence, just the three of them. Nobody wants to visit because of the Zhi Li x Lord Gu rumours.

Meng Meng, though, came to visit. Is the Grand Tutor warming up to her a bit? Maybe he's seeing that Meng Meng is really kind?

On this day, Di Nian decides to move out of the Shen residence and manage his own household. In the past he didn't think he was worthy enough to inherit his father's title, but now he's ready, and he also wants to be able to propose marriage to Zhi Li. The Shen family kindly said he didn't have to, and that they'd always be siblings, but Di Nian told them he truly cares for Zhi Li and that they're not really blood siblings, it's just that he's lived with the Shens since he was young and they helped raise him.

Will Zhi Li say yes?

Welcome to the discussion post for Episodes 24-25 of Royal Betrothal!

‼️ Housekeeping

I only have Viki, I'll be posting each new episode's discussion the day after it airs there. So please:

🚫 Use spoiler tags for anything beyond the episodes discussed. Format: >! text !<

Links: Masterpost | Character Flashcards |  Ep. 1-3 | Ep 4-5 | Ep. 6-7 | Ep. 8 | Ep. 9 | Ep. 10 | Ep. 11-12 | Ep. 13-14 | Ep. 15-16 | Ep. 17-18 | Ep. 19 | Ep. 20 | Ep. 21 | Ep. 22-23

➡️ If you have the Express package and wants to discuss episodes 1-32, please discuss in the Royal Betrothal Express post.

Episode 24

By now I've seen a fair share of cdrama, and for the first time I am more invested in the side characters than the main ones. I was emotionally touched here and there throughout the show, but this scene with A Luo made me tear up. I just wanted to reach into the monitor and give her a big hug.

I am sure her brother and Huang Bo are best friends!

I am glad she'll be able to take care of herself, being a fruit and veg supplier for Bofeng House.

🏛️ Gu Mansion

Faux sad at the funeral. Until Lord Gu was told his wife was a month pregnant when she died. I think that was real emotions for his loss. Still, I think he played it up a notch for Zhi Li. The story he's telling is that his wife took a knife for him when a thief tried to kill Lord Gu.

The Oscar goes to...

Somebody tell Shen Zhi Li that her laoshi is fake!

💰 A Raise

The Censorate team got a raise.

• Meng Meng is now a senior 3rd rank official and her salary doubled, though too long a flashback imo.
• Yin Qing and Zhi Li are promoted to Left and Right Judges of the Censorate, also double the salary.

Promotion partay!

Ganbei!

After the party, work goes on.

Who is behind Ling Yun Fei? Meng Meng still wants to know.

Amongst the box of jewellery confiscated from Huxiao Gang is a Maojing pendant, a tribute from Beijian. The pendants were then bestowed by the late emperor to two chancellors.

I love the blue uniform!

Zhi Li is quick to defend her tutor.

⛓️ Ling Yun Fei

https://preview.redd.it/mtkgyp5gl6jh1.png?width=826&format=png&auto=webp&s=819f8c3535c1e01914422d5a35590e18905e3a00

In prison, he was interrogated by Meng Meng.

Meng Meng shared how Liu Ru Yan died and showed him the pendant. She explained that it was torn off by Liu Ru Yan from the killer during their struggle, in hopes it would give some form of clue on who her killer was. Meng Meng also told him that coincidentally this pendant was bestowed to two chancellors, so there is only a 50/50 guess on who the killer was.

But, she got nothing.

👴 The Emperor and Grand Tutor

The Grand Tutor was given the rundown of the fight at the Poisoned People's Mound. Grand Tutor is now certain that Meng Meng is the Zhongwan Princess and needs to be eliminated.

After that, they went into theory-talk, just like what us drama watchers have been doing here.

Mid theory-talking, the Emperor received a report regarding Ling Yun Fei. While the backer hasn't been named, it's been confirmed that the pill maker was from the Blood Moon Society.

https://preview.redd.it/il6nuuhwl6jh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=517571191672b13192d2cb7a6ab1545c605e8d0d

And oooh, we now have the answer to why Meng Meng wasn't affected by the Eternity Pill. The Fuqing herb is unique to Zhongwan, and the royals have taken this herb since young to build immunity to the poison.

I honestly don't know what ancient medicine in China was like, or if antidotes made from blood are a thing, but in this drama, Meng Meng donated her blood to the imperial physicians to make an antidote to the Eternity Pill.

Another oooh moment: the Zhongwan royals were demoted to slave status by the current Emperor's father.

When asked by the Emperor if his father's decision regarding Zhongwan was correct, I think, in a long-winded way, Grand Tutor agreed?

🏮 Huiyin House Is No More

https://preview.redd.it/2pe0ltu0m6jh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=b95b8a18300b6c6a8d431c84571789c0189164d7

Meng Meng is finally informed that Situ Xue is a spy for the Blood Moon Society.

Meng Meng had a flashback of her dream.

⚖️ The Chancellors

They're confronted about the pendant. Lord Xu said he lost his.

Lord Xu said he buried his with his wife.

The Emperor then "returned" the pendant to Lord Xu and told him to keep it safe. I think Lord Xu, outside of governing, is just a forgetful old man when it comes to worldly things. One day he'll find the other one and wonder why Lord Gu said he placed his in his wife's coffin.

🐴 Meng Meng and the Emperor

Alone by the riverside. Meng Meng is given a horse, the Emperor's beloved horse. Name: Qingyun Buzhui. Meaning: May you soar to the highest heights and never fall.

The Emperor told Meng Meng he likes her. She accepts, and a kiss! Horse riding, and another kiss.

https://preview.redd.it/2obodt7fn6jh1.jpg?width=1580&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f0a6b1c1c2c6a44ecf182e5972025db45fdbe2fc

😢 Pretend Sad Boy

Who is Lord Gu trying to silence from the Censorate?

I am holding on to this drama so I can see Gu fall. Zhongwan etc, I am not so invested in, but Gu, oh I want to see him exposed and punished!

We get a flashback of how Liu Ru Yan was murdered. So brutal!

I think we're starting to see Gu losing his mind.

What exactly is his psychological issue? What's his core trauma? His dad cheating on his mother with a prostitute? Did this make him hate women, seeing them as just the source of men's bad deeds? Combine that with low self-esteem, and is this why he dreams of being at the top with a lot of power?

What's your theory here?

https://preview.redd.it/nxlkj4bko6jh1.jpg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=712b16a368c956dd852cc8015e12ad0b01a23a0a

Why does Shen Zhi Li have to come in right at this moment? Ugh! More scheming by Lord Gu to get the Shen family's name.

⚔️ Ling Yun Fei Execution

Led by Meng Meng and supervised by the two Chancellors.

Meng Meng's last chance to get a name: which of the two Chancellors is the killer?

Episode 25

https://preview.redd.it/3mt6fpr4p6jh1.jpg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ed4c8e96da73414f60eb6bad5f6cbae66833efc4

Ling Yun Fei did a lot of bad and he deserves his punishments. At the same time, I do feel pity for him. He was used, abandoned, used again, and abandoned once more by the only family member he has left. One that he throught would always protect him.

At the end, Ling Yun Fei, convinced that Meng Meng will avenge him, hinted at who the killer is via a pork rice dish and a few indirect sentences.

https://i.redd.it/hatweqjto6jh1.gif

📈 More Promotion

Shen Zhi Shu is promoted to Fourth-rank Supervisory Censor and will handle the whole Blood Moon Society case. He'll be sent to the border to reinforce Qingzhou's defences. Zhi Shu is also given the ok to act first and report later, if there's solid evidence of treason.

https://preview.redd.it/guemfw3op6jh1.jpg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a2d975118f827fb28491eb4a6931c252c0c5e851

Surprisingly, Lord Xu asks to lead the elite troupe to eradicate the remnants of Zhongwan.

The Emperor said no, he doesn't agree with ruthless suppression, as people will suffer.

Lord Gu has an idea: a marriage alliance with the Beijian Goddess.

Lord Xu, as much as he wants the Emperor to have an Empress, disagrees. He doesn't want a foreigner to be Ning Empress. He'll work extra hard to find the Emperor a local Empress.

Eunuch Gu is just as enthused as Lord Xu about finding the Emperor an Empress.

The Emperor has zero interest in a local or imported Empress, just Meng Meng.

🐎 Shen Zhi Shu Leaving

https://preview.redd.it/cj4zid4qp6jh1.jpg?width=1580&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f1c03aa844c65b83beb50dfcf6c11a551c8a9a9e

Shen Zhi Li helps her brother (over)pack for his trip.

Di Nian came in also to give a protective gift for Zhi Shu.

Zhi Shu asked Di Nian to take care of his parents and Zhi Li. Zhi Shu mentions that he knows Di Nian likes his sister. He also said that Zhi Li only admires Lord Gu as a tutor. Di Nian though needs to keep an eye on her so Lord Gu doesn't mislead her. Zhi Shu also adviced him to confess his feeling sto Zhi Li.

At the newly reopened Bofeng House, the Emperor also gave Zhi Shu a parting gift, a sword.

And the two lovebirds, Yan Fu Zhi and Shen Zhi Shu... the two Zhi Zhi, such a cute nickname for each other!!

Meng Meng's look is me when watching the Zhi Zhi being cute.

The Zhi Zhi will travel together. Fu Zhi's business of expanding the restaurant and visiting her family will be a good cover for Zhi Shu.

⚰️ Tomb Raiding

Meng Meng and Yin Qing are at Madam Gu's tomb. They want to see if the pendant is actually buried with her.

Yin Qing's ritual 🤣

And Meng Meng telling him to quit it, since they're pressed for time.

https://i.redd.it/0x9l97fwp6jh1.gif

Result: no pendant.

Lord Gu is also at the burial site. He noticed the coffin had been tampered with. He didn't look underneath though, so Meng Meng and Yin Qing made it out.

Meng Meng promptly reported to the Emperor on her (lack of) findings. While they know he's probably lying, it's not solid evidence. The search for evidence continues.

What did Eunuch You give the Emperor?

🎣 Stirring the Water

I was super confused when it cut to this scene, but after rewatching a few times, Meng Meng is trying to stir the water to get the big fish to come out. To do this, the Censorate team have been busy finding and getting rid of corrupted officials backed by Ling Yun Fei.

What they've found so far:

• Li Xin, the Vice Minister of Revenue, embezzled money, which he gave to his wife to manage.
• This wife uses the money to keep several young lovers behind his back.
• Ministry of Justice wife, Madam Zhang, reported that her husband keeps 12 mistresses, half of whom came from Wanxiang Pavilion.
• Chen Jing Yi, the compiler in Hanlin Academy, was threatened into silence, being harassed by a 70-year-old official, Mr Jiang.
• The Ministry of Personnel sold positions, mostly the lower-ranking ones.

Of course Meng Meng got a lot of complaints. The Emperor isn't having it though, and Meng Meng detained these officials for false accusations for 24 hours.

At the Censorate, these government employees were read them their wrongdoings:

• Academician Lin took bribes from candidates and altered 13 exam papers; three of these candidates couldn't even read, and some who should have passed were failed.
• Pan Wen Hai, Minister of Works, under the pretext of repairing dams, embezzled 100,000 taels of disaster relief funds. This destroyed six villages with countless casualties. He then used the money to buy land.

In the midst of this all, Gu showed up with his ledger. Is the fishing expedition working?

https://preview.redd.it/998ozl71q6jh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=8fb4bb559b3d9737d28b3ab679a4e3e5594ed3c8

Meng Meng knows Lord Gu is acting, and she and Yin Qing will play along. Meng Meng tasked Yin Qing with gathering and compiling all the files related to Lord Gu.

🌙 Blood Moon Society

Some ritual performed by Situ Xue is happening. Meng Meng being the Princess seems to be 100% accepted as truth by the sect.

Reports were given to the members on the latest happenings in the Ning court and their operations. Most important: in three days, the sect and Beijian will meet.

https://preview.redd.it/gr4ob3z2q6jh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=3405318d2e3ca34e623b4ffdc0ba5b3e15ea59fa

Is this Shen Zhi Shu spying?!

📜 Yin Qing

Is reading Meng Meng's reports, he saw the Emperor's note regarding the marriage alliance and how he only wants to be with Meng Meng, and burnt it.

I am feeling evil aura out Yin Qing now.

More memory-jogging incense burning and Meng Meng dreams of little her running around chasing a Shangguan gege.

Is this Shangguan somebody else or is Shangguan = Yin QIng?

https://preview.redd.it/kxq3pupdq6jh1.jpg?width=1581&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1ca877f7ecaf3a21476e0df5614bbad069e2cc02

📚 Shen Zhi Li and Lord Gu

Zhi Li, or Le Yan, as her tutor likes to call her.

Eww... Lord Gu using the same pick-up line he used on his wife.

https://preview.redd.it/0srr9p8gq6jh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=a5e9d0a4153ec6bd60ca4373db52960ad37b4358

Zhi Li, don't fall for it!!!!

Welcome to the discussion post for Episodes 22-23 of Royal Betrothal!

‼️ Housekeeping

I only have Viki, I'll be posting each new episode's discussion the day after it airs there. Also, express is out if you are watching on MangoTV. If you have watched the latest episodes or an express viewer, please:

🚫 Use spoiler tags for anything beyond the episodes discussed. Format: >! text !<

Links: Masterpost | Character Flashcards |  Ep. 1-3 | Ep 4-5 | Ep. 6-7 | Ep. 8 | Ep. 9 | Ep. 10 | Ep. 11-12 | Ep. 13-14 | Ep. 15-16 | Ep. 17-18 | Ep. 19 | Ep. 20 | Ep. 21

Episode 22

Shen Zhi Li wanted to ask about the Fuqing herb, but Meng Meng cut her off and instead asked A Luo about the flowers in her garden. Why? To not alert the enemy.

To try and find the herb, the team paired up for the search, with Yin Qing in charge of the operation, and off they went.

🍎 Lushy Fruit

While the Emperor and Meng Meng are searching, the Emperor interrogated Meng Meng regarding her past. Meng Meng has zero memory of the past. She felt suss about all the questions, but the Emperor just said he's curious.

While exploring one area, rain poured and they took shelter in a cave.

Note to all: Don't pick and eat fruits in the wild without knowing exactly what they are. You never know what you picked.

The Emperor went foraging and found some fruits, which Meng Meng ate.

I can only guess it's some sort of aphrodisiac fruit because she got hot and bothered. Before the act of subject seducing Emperor could escalate, Yin Qing barged in.

The fruit seems to be a Waxed Apple or Jambu. It's very popular in Asia, not an aphrodisiac, nice and tasty.

Everybody returned to A Luo's house, with Meng Meng looking flushed. Then Huang Bo came in with fresh fruits for all. Meng Meng and the Emperor quickly told everyone not to eat the fruit. All suss.

According to A Luo, this fruit is called Hehuan fruit, used by couples wanting children. Everybody returned the fruit to Huang Bo.

Once more, before it got more awkward for Meng Meng and the Emperor over how they knew about this fruit, Yin Qing announced that he'd found the Fuqing herb, which the villagers call Jinqian herb.

https://preview.redd.it/fhkxbfdqtxih1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=00b3b78bd979a2210b9af6c1dbdcbe117fa37e2c

A Luo was told of Meng Meng and the team's purpose there and what the herb has done in the capital. She told them that the villagers only wanted to earn a living, so when Lü Da asked them to grow the herb, they did it willingly. Next delivery is tomorrow morning.

Issue: the Divine Guard is blocked somewhere and won't make it there until around tomorrow noon. Di Nian will try to get them to the valley sooner.

Tasks divided: with Shen Zhi Shu staying in the village with Shen Zhi Li and Yan Fu Zhi, while the Emperor, Meng Meng, Yin Qing, and Huang Bo disguise themselves as locals and try to buy time.

My guess is A Luo's brother is now one of the zombies.

🌙 The Blood Moon Society

Situ Xue updated the sect with the latest news. In essence:

• The Emperor and Meng Meng have located Wangxian Valley.
• Tomorrow they will sneak into the Poisoned People's Mound (and how did they get this intel exactly?!)
• Mr Shangguan did want to make money via the pills, but Ling Yun Fei went cray and won't quit trying to kill Meng Meng, besides attacking him too.
• Pill-makers will transfer in batches.
• Their sect has left the Poisoned People's Mound, and now it's a gift to Meng Meng.
• What they want: the Emperor dead in this face-off, so the land will be theirs.
• They're ok with whatever happens to Ling Yun Fei.

🧟 Zombie Lair

Huxiao Gang are going all out; the zombies are given all the pills. Ling Yun Fei isn't stopping, even after a letter from Lord Gu is delivered and read by Lü Da.

https://preview.redd.it/rtxg25p1uxih1.jpg?width=1536&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=501b74221f7cfe140620fd21e77efa4677c000aa

Lü Da is even hesitant about a face-to-face battle with the Emperor and the Divine Guard, since they've lost half their men, but Ling Yun Fei is at his breaking point.

🌸 The Flower Festival

All the ladies wore flower wreaths and some gave flowers as blessings. Huang Bo was encouraged to give a bouquet to A Luo. So cute!

Everybody is trying to matchmake Huang Bo and A Luo

Di Nian also wants to give Shen Zhi Li a bouquet, but just before that, she saw another man give a woman the wooden thing Di Nian gave her some episodes ago. Zhi Li asked what it is, and A Luo said it's Peach wood, used to express love.

Zhi Li accepted the flowers, and using them, she wished Di Nian would find a girl he likes so she doesn't have to worry about him anymore, then returned the flower.

My thought: I thought Zhi Li was starting to like Di Nian, but I think I was wrong. I think she only sees him as a dear brother. This scares me a bit. I really don't feel good about this...

A Luo is sad about her brother not being there. Luckily, Huang Bo is there to cheer her up some. They made wreaths together.

So cute, Huang Bo is hooked I tell ya!

In another corner, Shen Zhi Shu and Yan Fu Zhi are together. Zhi Shu expressed his feelings for her, and Fu Zhi expressed her concerns. Zhi Shu promised that if he's ever caught flirting with even one girl, Fu Zhi can leave him.

Fu Zhi took the flowers and found two jade bracelets attached to them.

So cute!!

We have a couple! And Zhi Shu doesn't faff around with the first kiss!

This is one of a few shows where I love the second couple more. You?

https://i.redd.it/ankop3chjyih1.gif

In another corner, Yin Qing saw Meng Meng and the Emperor holding hands. Man's got a crush on Meng Meng and he's now one sad boy.

If only he had cherished her when they were married in a previous life, this wouldn't have happened, right?! 🤣

🏘️ Next Day

Shen Zhu Shu and the two ladies, tasked with staying and guarding the village are just waiting.

The new couple is coupling. Shen Zhi Shu is not holding back, witnessed by dear sister.

https://preview.redd.it/7kwc9hk2wxih1.jpg?width=1581&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a2b9ceea9f228b1a6a74f9c7033db60fc8f19634

The sweetness didn't last long, because in the village, since they're no longer needed to grow the herbs, Ling Yun Fei ordered Lü Da to kill them. Luckily, A Luo saw them coming, but it was a bit too late, as many villagers had already been killed.

How is Shen Zhi Shu going to defeat a bunch of thugs?

https://preview.redd.it/71i5dxpeqyih1.jpg?width=1374&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=55c39c8959ef91e894e59e38f58ec6d5e7365501

He got sliced a bit on the shoulder, but he's ok, and the Divine Guard came right on time.

☠️ Poisoned People's Mound

The team left to take the last batch of the herbs to the herbalist. A Luo gave Huang Bo a sachet to protect him.

The team made it to the delivery point. And oh I see, they did the hide-in-the-box-and-hope-they-don't-check trick.

https://preview.redd.it/9ck1vyitoyih1.jpg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fdf5485ade3de262ba39602e47275d849d11c1b1

Meng Meng and the Emperor are inside, but no pills found.

IT'S A TRAP!!!

Ling Yun Fei came in, they confronted each other, Ling Yun Fei blew the whistles, zombies out of their cell, fight fight fight, and Ling Yun Fei locked them in.

https://preview.redd.it/rn385yaqmyih1.jpg?width=1536&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=45a2015ff956c2544bd4102a9c3e1e1bd097eacf

And good thing the zombies are dumb and they were caged back up again, A Luo's brother being one of them.

My thought: I felt a bit underwhelmed with the whole zombie thing. Like Ling Yun Fei thought he was going to capture the capital with that?

Meng Meng and the Emperor got out of zombieland. They found Ling Yun Fei. It doesn't look like there's a lot of Ling Yun Fei's men left, so it shouldn't be too hard for the three.

Is the Blood Moon Society here too? Oh, I forgot, they're here to kill the Emperor.

So now it's become a tougher fight, because Huang Bo has all of the Huxiao Gang and the Emperor has all of the Blood Moon Society plus Ling Yun Fei. Meng Meng tried to help, but she's just not there yet with the fighting skills.

Episode 23

Thank goodness Di Nian and the cavalry got there on time!!

The fight is brought outside:

• It's cliffside.
• Meng Meng got fed the Eternity Pill.
• Meng Meng got pushed, but caught by the Emperor.
• Ling Yun Fei was about to stab the Emperor when Huang Bo shot him with an arrow.
• Huang Bo helped the Emperor pull Meng Meng up, saw Ling Yun Fei come after the Emperor again, and did a body block.
• Huang Bo, stabbed in the chest, said his goodbye to the Emperor, and jumped off the cliff with Ling Yun Fei.
• That's not all, an arrow came after the Emperor, Meng Meng saw this though and blocked it with her body.

https://preview.redd.it/ztbo1f4nnyih1.jpg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=03d49325468659a1c53c098fff6ce285e92d9c98

🗡️ Ling Yun Fei

How the f**k did this dude survive? I feel like falling down cliffs and surviving is excessive in cdrama.

Lü Da and Di Nian, plus his cavalry, are out looking, dead or alive. They didn't find him. Gu found him though. Or I think it's him... not personally, but that assistant of his.

Ling Yun Fei is still alive, and Di Nian found him. Taken into custody.

🩹 Injured Folks

https://preview.redd.it/g738gx7ynyih1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=ce7392a585a96580e64105bf842385bbeb02ed11

Meng Meng is being operated on, or something. Maybe some acupuncture procedure? She's ok, the arrow was just a coin's width away from her heart. Oddly, there's no trace of the Eternal Pill in her.

Why? Any theories? I can't think of any.

Yin Qing is watching.

Poor Emperor, called out Huang Bo's name out of habit, but no Huang Bo. And his body hasn't been found either.

Everyone is worried about Meng Meng, her bestie included.

Yin Qing is shifty with the incense. Is the incense bringing out Meng Meng's memories of the past?

Little Meng Meng and her parents.

Yin Qing isn't the only shifty one. Zhi Shu is too. He's been hiding his sword cut from the village fight from Fu Zhi.

https://preview.redd.it/fzp0kd12oyih1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=b3fff1bb904f5404e2d2a94944c981f4054ff70c

Cute threat, Fu Zhi!

🏛️ Gu Mansion

So it was Gu who tried to kill his little brother!

Madam Gu came in to talk about the Beijian Goddess, which seems to suggest Gu is planning to hook up with the Emperor? Madam disagrees, she thinks Shen Zhi Li is the best option. Gu of course disagrees, and they argue. What she said isn't wrong. You can't make a baby if you don't do the deed, and yes, all his "love" is fake, since he only loves himself.

Did Gu drown his wife's dad? And I think Madam just told all of us she'll be killed off soon.

They got married 10 years ago. It all happened 10 years ago. I still don't know where Gu and Ling fit in. Were they from the last dynasty?

That night, Lü Da came in to confront Lord Gu. Lord Gu tried to bargain with him. The bargaining didn't work.

How could a ceramic mug knock someone down like this?!

Anyhow, Lü Da is down and telling everyone what a piece of sh*t Lord Gu is, which is overheard by Madam Gu, who just found out she's pregnant and wanted to tell her husband the news.

Within a minute, Madam Gu learned that she's been played: her husband killed her dad, and he is half-brother to the Huxiao Gang leader.

https://preview.redd.it/t7fug1jpiyih1.jpg?width=768&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d186a2a07176a4b95cc62e8cbbe02a41d8851a76

Lü Da and Madam Gu died. Lord Gu blamed his wife's death on Lü Da.

We have a witness though, Madam Gu's maid, the one that was with her before she saw Lord Gu.

https://preview.redd.it/x7hr3tq3ryih1.jpg?width=1582&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b96def9075cefc66ae16b60c9570d511623d98eb

⚖️ At the Censorate

Meng Meng still has a lot of questions despite Ling Yun Fei being caught:

• Who else can control the poisoned people?
• Why didn't she get the same effect from the poison?
• Why was the Emperor targeted by the assassins that day (Blood Moon Society) and not her?
• What's the connection between the assassins and the Huxiao Gang?

Good thing the Emperor used this opportunity to tell Meng Meng about the Blood Moon Society.

They found Huang Bo's remains 😭

Goodbye Huang Bo. Glad you experienced the feeling of falling in love before you your passing.

The Emperor is understandably very upset; everybody was very sad. Huang Bo was always faithful to the Emperor and a great colleague to all. Posthumous title: Divine Might General.

In private, Meng Meng told the man who's restrained all his emotions for the last 20 years to cry it out.

https://preview.redd.it/8ltetkzqqyih1.jpg?width=1374&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2e04c46203fd7cc1aaec8ba1c356e065985302eb

Welcome to the discussion post for Episode 21 of Royal Betrothal!

‼️ Housekeeping

I only have Viki, I'll be posting each new episode's discussion the day after it airs there. So please:

🚫 Use spoiler tags for anything beyond the episodes discussed. Format: >! text !<

Links: Masterpost | Character Flashcards |  Ep. 1-3 | Ep 4-5 | Ep. 6-7 | Ep. 8 | Ep. 9 | Ep. 10 | Ep. 11-12 | Ep. 13-14 | Ep. 15-16 | Ep. 17-18 | Ep. 19 | Ep. 20

Episode 21

We're all wondering how Yan Fu Zhi is. And she's definitely alright!

https://preview.redd.it/pe7a15z7arih1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=041c62f3a44b1b973fdac96c95f2d7b9ff241fd3

Even though Meng Meng is happy about her bestie's recovery, she is having doubts that she may always be able to protect the people she cares about if she continues the course. The Emperor reassured her to keep going, promising he'll protect her.

Fu Zhi got lucky and survived, but many of the restaurant guests didn't. Meng Meng promised them she'd solve the case in 10 days, and if not, she will resign and be punished according to the law. This unresolved issue, especially with Ling Yun Fei having gotten away under their nose, also gave the Chancellors, and the court in general, an opportunity to once again attack Meng Meng.

To appease the court, Meng Meng offered to be punished according to the law for negligence: caned 20x. In solidarity, the whole Censorate also offered to be punished with Meng Meng.

https://preview.redd.it/zvdk7i8farih1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=b5227b717616de8652c5a95d80c6e0cb0eef1264

PS: I wish Shen Zhi Li's blood phobia disappearing had been told better, as there wasn't much shown between her passing out at the slightest encounter in earlier episode and now.

🏯 The Shen Residence

We see how the two Shen children and Di Nian are treated by the elder Shen after the caning.

It's nice to see a doting mother in c-drama!

I love the convo between Shen Zhi Li and her mother.

A little history: Madam Shen was one of the first Hanlin Academy's female students, but she married instead of doing anything with her education. Although she has no regrets about the choice she made, seeing her daughter with the Censorate is like getting a glimpse of her former self. Mother is very proud of her daughter.

Shen Zhi Shu and Di Nian with Grand Tutor Shen... Father Shen still raving about Di Nian and poking at his own son.

https://preview.redd.it/qgo57c15brih1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=560ef8f1c54a43d06cc836c39304dd6b3b8f42f5

I think that herbal drink was supposed to be for his son, but Di Nian misunderstood and took it to Zhi Li? That's why he gave his son the meat? Not the end piece either.

https://preview.redd.it/a6kcmyjfbrih1.jpg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3fcf0d0fbe12aa33c8ac2b57e65a73330b14d0b0

What do you think?

🐦‍⬛ The Tattoo

The Emperor came in to see Meng Meng. Graciously he accepted Yan Fu Zhi's complaint and promised her fears won't happen.

Is it just me, or does Meng Meng get hurt every time there's a promise?

https://preview.redd.it/nehbx82kbrih1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=2c9f0875b7e629f1d99e79942417d4de23b81a97

Anyhow, the Emperor helped apply medicine on her back and he saw the tattoo!

Back when we first saw this tattoo, some of us wondered if Meng Meng knew. Now we have the answer. She had zero clue about this tattoo when the Emperor brought it up. Since Meng Mend didn't seem to know that this tattoo exist on her, he didn't really discuss it with Meng Meng; instead, he took his wondering mind to Grand Tutor Shen and Shen Zhi Shu.

https://preview.redd.it/sd7087pverih1.jpg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=df5b604e2ce5f6656731b19be8194e5897239e86

I personally think this was a good decision. I think at that point the Emperor wasn't sure. But, I do hope that when he's for sure, he'd talk to her about it soon after finding out.

From the convo between the Emperor and Grand Tutor:

• The Black Bird is the guardian of Zhongwan.
• It is tattooed onto young royal children.
• There is a secret application method, where it's not visible when young but becomes more visible as one ages.
• Emperor's dad killed the whole Zhongwan family. Not sure how Meng Meng will feel about this when she finds out and this may be the excuse for the Emperor to not talk to her about it later. I mean, "Hi, my dad killed all your family, including you, back in the days"
• A General's son was saved. Who's guessing with me that this boy must be Yin Qing?
• Grand Tutor wants the Emperor to remove Meng Meng, or at least be very wary of her and the Blood Moon Society.
• The Emperor wants to do more research.

It's quite obvious at this point that Meng Meng is the Zhongwan Princess who didn't actually die at age four.

The next big question is, is Yin Qing a third party, or he's the Moon Blood Society leader? If he's a General's son, he should be able to martial arts too, right?

💊 Eternity Pill Valley

Huang Bo is sent to find location where the main ingredient for the pill is planted. When searching, he fell off the cliff due to a snake bite and, in true cdrama style, survives. Thank god there is no amnesia plot!

Nobody would have survived that!

Huang Bo is lucky that a medically knowledgeable lady, A Luo, found and saved him.

The man is shook! 🤣

The team got news that Huang Bo went missing in the last area on the map, Wangxian Valley, and off they all go to find him.

🧟 Huxiao Gang (New) Lair

They're building a zombie army to attack the capital and Meng Meng.

https://preview.redd.it/mfjeschherih1.jpg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=58bcbc3ad785fdefa030a3aa1c15061941072558

Mr Shangguan showed up and told Ling Yun Fei to stop with the zombie business, and also to quit attacking Meng Meng. Ling Yun Fei refused, wondering why Mr Shangguan is always protecting her.

Their business relationship is no more.

Question: Since the whistle was given by Mr Shangguan, think he's got a counter whistle?

🎬 Closing of Episode 21

https://preview.redd.it/q64abw3odrih1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=680889df943c80ae9244d989b1b6e5c199fdb9d8

• Yan Fu Zhi knows that Shen Zhi Shu is sincere.
• Yin Qing has become Situ Xue's regular.
• Meng Meng has no clue about the meaning of the Black Bird or much about Zhongwan in general.
• The Censorate and the Emperor will investigate Wangxian Valley together.

Welcome to the discussion post for Episode 20 of Royal Betrothal!

‼️ Housekeeping I only have Viki, I'll be posting each new episode's discussion the day after it airs there. So please:

🚫 Use spoiler tags for anything beyond the episodes discussed. Format: >! text !<

Links: Masterpost | Character Flashcards |  Ep. 1-3 | Ep 4-5 | Ep. 6-7 | Ep. 8 | Ep. 9 | Ep. 10 | Ep. 11-12 | Ep. 13-14 | Ep. 15-16 | Ep. 17-18 | Ep. 19

Episode 20

An 80th birthday party is being held at Bofeng House. Everybody is happy, business will be booming if all goes well, and then a zombie apocalypse.

https://preview.redd.it/y21atukdmjih1.jpg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f1613438612e07f28496bdb5324086e8ffb60f96

Like a pro, Yan Fu Zhi barks commands to respond as best as possible to this unusual event.

One of the restaurant employees runs to the Censorate, and after hearing the news, the team (who were busy trying to figure out the Eternity Pill's effects on users) rush to the restaurant.

https://preview.redd.it/8t42mm7pmjih1.jpg?width=1374&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=236d94abe8a6e87b566c549ea561bbd31f962bc9

At the restaurant, the people are (understandably) upset. Sometime during Meng Meng and the team calming people down and investigating the casualties + cause, Yan Fu Zhi gets kidnapped.

Also worth noting, before running off to the restaurant, the Censorate team try to find where the main ingredient, the Fuqing herb, is planted. Maybe this way they can catch Ling Yun Fei. This is where that painting they found at Wanxiang Pavilion comes in handy.

Question: how did Meng Meng learn about the whistle? Did I miss something, or is this a case of bad editing/storytelling on the director's side?

🎭 Yan Fu Zhi Kidnapped

Per standard kidnapping procedure, a ransom note is sent, or in this case, somehow thrown down to the people on Changle Road from above.

https://preview.redd.it/b593r0ixmjih1.jpg?width=1374&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cc13cb1212092d965b46820c2f69c3a3cf0a9771

Meng Meng is to come to a location at a set time. Alone, of course.

At the palace, both Chancellors want the Emperor to hand Meng Meng over. The Emperor disagrees, not just for Meng Meng's sake, but for the image he presents as Emperor to his people.

Meng Meng also goes to see the Emperor. You've probably guessed it, she wants to confront Ling Yun Fei. Alone, of course.

https://preview.redd.it/oi9dkhhenjih1.png?width=826&format=png&auto=webp&s=dba6e81a939624c3b9915e56169ff350d8e71fcd

The two butt heads again. Meng Meng is still going.

But before she can leave, Yin Qing and Shen Zhi Li drug her and put her to bed. Meng Meng must have suspected this might happen, since she'd already taken something before meeting her colleagues.

At the Censorate, Zhi Li is left alone. As she steps out, she runs into Lord Gu. He asks, and she answers. Luckily, she doesn't know the details of their plans or anyone's whereabouts!

👁️ Seeing Ling Yun Fei

Meng Meng leaves a trail of fluoride powder. She and the Emperor made an agreement after all: she can go, but she has to let them follow.

Outside, two teams are waiting: the Emperor's men, and the Blood Moon Society (they didn't do anything though).

https://preview.redd.it/d2ut7hlbojih1.jpg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=35caa59735eff5644f10337958153dfd56a36841

Inside, Meng Meng is finally face to face with Ling Yun Fei. He's not, however, about to release Yan Fu Zhi. Instead, he force-feeds her a large amount of the Eternity Pill.

https://preview.redd.it/dfzdk31dojih1.jpg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c0b392ef2e0f2c71a5553cd1809084824d3ee467

My thought: I'm surprised Fu Zhi didn't just choke to death from being forced fed the pills. I can't even take a small ibuprofen without a full glass of water.

At the last minute, the Emperor and his men barge in. A fight breaks out, and once again, Ling Yun Fei and Lü Da get away.

💊 Saving Yan Fu Zhi

Fu Zhi has overdosed and is going feral. She breaks things, tries to attack her friends, bites Shen Zhi Shu, and in the end, has to be tied to the bed to protect everyone.

The actess did a great job here of looking manic!

Meng Meng begs Yin Qing to help find or make some medicine. Yin Qing says he can't, and even if he could figure something out, it might take months or years, while Fu Zhi only has three days left.

Meng Meng, being the good friend she is, tells Fu Zhi that all she wants is for her to live. They can go back to Shazhou and leave everything behind for a simple, safe life. If Fu Zhi does pass away, Meng Meng says she'll join her.

That night… WHO UNTIED HER?!

https://preview.redd.it/4andjfmnojih1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=32a03199a5d74887fbdbbfaff0f54ac86a075b02

Luckily, Yin Qing comes in to help.

Shen Zhi Shu also returns, having found a pill, but Meng Meng refuses to give it to her. Zhi Shu got it because he couldn't bear seeing Fu Zhi so miserable. If she only has three days, he wants her to at least be comfortable. Meng Meng insists she will not die, and refuses to give her another Eternity Pill.

Situ Xue also comes by with something that can counter the pill and help Fu Zhi get through it better. Not a cure, just relief.

This helps! Fu Zhi will be ok!!

I wonder if Situ Xue is genuinely helping because she hates seeing the pill go this far, or if it's another tactic to make Meng Meng, Zhi Shu, and Fu Zhi feel indebted to her?

Also, was that a weird look Situ Xue gave Yin Qing?

I am not feeling good about this look!

🤝 Shen Zhi Li and Di Nian

Zhi Li is going through papers trying to find clues. Di Nian stops by to check on her.

I hope these two end up together!!

We get a hug. Zhi Li's been worried about everybody, and even more afraid something might happen to him. Oooh!

But, I don't think she really understands her own feelings yet. Di Nian though is one happy man.

By the way, did Zhi Li get kidnapped and swapped?

THERE IS SO MUCH BLOOD!

What happened to her blood phobia?!

Hope that good luck charm protects her from creepy Gu!

https://preview.redd.it/a6rxb482pjih1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=73a4cc6ed7aa3f359a28ec0730c0ab77d7402861

🏠 Madam Next Door

Turns out she's not that bad after all. She acknowledges how difficult it must have been for Fu Zhi to build her business up to where it is now. I hope they can become friends, or at least good business neighbours.

https://preview.redd.it/dbtajag3pjih1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=684408d20640804a7192cc68461bdcc0a2cf83fc

What's next? Lord Gu doesn't seem to care which direction his little brother will end up in. Alive or dead, all Gu cares about is that his secret doesn't get revealed. Hope he has a miserable ending because he's truly evil.

Welcome to the discussion post for Episode 19 of Royal Betrothal! MangoTV wants us to not watch too much TV on weekends. That's nice of them. But when things are starting to unravel, this is just torture!

‼️ Housekeeping I only have Viki, I'll be posting each new episode's discussion the day after it airs there. So please:

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Links: Masterpost | Character Flashcards |  Ep. 1-3 | Ep 4-5 | Ep. 6-7 | Ep. 8 | Ep. 9 | Ep. 10 | Ep. 11-12 | Ep. 13-14 | Ep. 15-16 | Ep. 17-18

Episode 19

At Wanxiang Pavilion, not only is Meng Meng there, but the Emperor too. Both are fighting over Xiang Ning, with a slight tension of jealousy from Meng Meng's end.

Together they try to get information from Xiang Ning about the Eternity Pills. I think if Xiang Ning knew more, she'd have said more for the right amount of money, but Master Liu intervened before anything more could happen.

And yeah, Master Liu knew that Meng Meng's a woman.

🏮 On Changle Road

The road is festive that night.

The Emperor tells her he's not marrying anybody. Instead, it's the young ones of Lord Xu and the Wen family who are getting hooked up.

Then a somewhat accidental (sweet) candy kiss.

https://preview.redd.it/wqbxdqo7ubih1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=6d2e0531c5986966065236c9e3525973906cc683

They meet Situ Xue, who also recognises Meng Meng. She invites them to her place, where she plays a tune that Meng Meng seems to love and feel a strange familiarity with.

https://preview.redd.it/t9mh33kaubih1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=d1add3ca7c7d97344673a987a47b4464a90e75d2

I think the Emperor is starting to feel a bit suspicious of Situ Xue and Meng Meng's connection. He knows Situ Xue isn't just an ordinary musician and is most likely connected to the Blood Moon Society and Zhongwan. Seeing Meng Meng enjoy the music so much (a piece called the Hearth-Calming Chant, passed down through Situ Xue's family), and knowing she's an orphan that was trafficked, sets his Sherlock Holmes brain off.

My thought: I think I can conclude that Meng Meng is from Zhongwan. Based on the earlier task the Emperor gave Shen Zhi Shu, to find the missing Zhongwan Imperial family, plus Meng Meng's tattoo and her reaction to the music, I'm almost certain she's one of the missing family members.

Situ Xue is asked about Wanxiang Pavilion's backer, and the info shared is that a person comes there monthly, but Situ Xue has never seen his face. Master Liu uses a fragrant bath, sold by Situ Xue, said to heighten the joys of intimacy. On certain days each month, Master Liu sends someone over to pick it up.

Meng Meng asks Situ Xue to let her know next time there's a pick-up.

At this point, I'm not sure if the Emperor is 100% suspicious of Situ Xue's sincerity, or jealous of the ladies' "姐妹/jiěmèi/sister" bond.

Both, maybe?

https://preview.redd.it/a01gluw0vbih1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=0e59b4de5dd4929a7748e849141252f95af80608

On their way back, the Emperor advises Meng Meng to stay vigilant about her relationship with Situ Xue.

🌕 Blood Moon Society

The trio of the Blood Moon Society gathers. We see Mr Shangguan offering his blood as a sacrifice to the Zhongwan royal family. He's been doing this every full moon for 10 years 😳

https://preview.redd.it/g89rquuzubih1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=66c7a65bf992f942bd8a209ea7c4eea7c7bb367d

In their conversation, we learn that Situ Xue was instructed to tell Meng Meng about Wanxiang Pavilion.

Goal: earn Meng Meng's trust, and have the Censorate catch Ling Yun Fei. The Huxiao Gang is getting greedy with the pills, and Mr Shangguan has had enough.

After this scene, I'm feeling more confident that Situ Xue will end up defecting.

🎭 Masked Man

Master Liu, Ling, and Lü sit together enjoying hot pot while discussing the latest happenings: Meng Meng's visit to the pavilion, and how Meng Meng's assault was framed on the Huxiao Gang by the masked man.

Okay, so my confusion from last episode is now answered. The masked man DID send those two guys to sexually assault Meng Meng, not the Huxiao Gang. Also, Huxiao means "tiger's roar." The Tiger's Roar Gang. Gotcha!

Enter the masked man. Oh my goodness!

https://preview.redd.it/i8fe9ec2vbih1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=638392953e4ca53309cb1a897befd1b167d90e22

IT IS GU!! It fits his creepy shiftiness perfectly!!!

Gu isn't happy with little brother Ling for going into the drugs business, and wants him to stop. He also hates the people surrounding Ling. LIttle brother refuses to listen.

Let's circle back a bit, remember the talk these brothers had in episode 16? How Gu used a despicable way to tame his wife? Gu:

• Made his little brother kidnap his wife, Yuan Ling Yi
• Swooped in to "rescue" her
• Sent little brother to prison
• Got his little brother out and gave him a new identity

That incident is what triggered Master Ling's craziness and left him unable to trust his older brother again, the same brother who used to protect him from bullies.

🏯 Wanxiang Pavilion

It's that time of month, and Situ Xue brings news that the fragrant bath was picked up. Off they go to the pavilion.

But it's too late. Somebody got there first and killed Master Liu.

https://preview.redd.it/0cdib1gdvbih1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=9a54f339610b98aed59161b01c66d72457738883

Good thing Shen Zhi Li didn't go. So much blood!

A search is conducted, a painting and a box of gold and jewellery are found, and the women are gathered for interrogation.

After this, Wanxiang Pavilion is no more, and with Meng Meng's help, those willing will be taught to make their own living.

Whodunnit?

Gosh, it could be either Situ Xue, adding fuel to the fire as Mr Shangguan instructed, or Lord Gu, who despises this woman.

If this were a gambling table, I'd put my money on Situ Xue right now. What do you think?

🧟 Eternity Pill Zombies

Outside, the Emperor and Huang Bo are waiting for Ling Yun Fei. They spot a shadow and give chase.

https://preview.redd.it/78rttpwivbih1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=1d64d2901e17bc719e311eb77f2532fe129fc01b

So this is what happens when you take too much of that pill, zombie like. The whistle must be what's controlling them.

Prepare yourselves for the next arc. Zombies here we come!

💔 Ling Yun Fei

It definitely wasn't him who killed Master Liu, he's utterly devastated. I do admire the Huxiao Gang's closeness, as long as you do your job well, that is.

I'm guessing Master Liu saved Ling Yun Fei from the streets, he grew up loving her, and they became lovers? Maybe this is why he's 100% against child trafficking because it could have been him?

I feel a bit sorry for him.

🔮 What's Next?

We're a bit past the halfway mark. It's a 32-episode show, and usually the bulk of the action happens in the last 10 episodes or so. I think we'll see another big piece of information in the next couple of episodes, with a bigger one a couple more episodes that that will build toward the end.

My big questions right now: Meng Meng's tattoo, Yin Qing's connection to it, and who Mr Shangguan really is.

Welcome to the discussion post for Episodes 17-18 of Royal Betrothal!

‼️ Housekeeping I only have Viki, I'll be posting each new episode's discussion the day after it airs there. So please:

🚫 Use spoiler tags for anything beyond the episodes discussed. Format: > ! text !

Links: Masterpost | Character Flashcards |  Ep. 1-3 | Ep 4-5 | Ep. 6-7 | Ep. 8 | Ep. 9 | Ep. 10 | Ep. 11-12 | Ep. 13-14 | Ep. 15-16

Episode 17

Wen Ruo Mei, sent by Lord Xu, is what's making him late to see Meng Meng.

Wen Ruo Mei is lucky to just be sent away, and if I were Eunuch You, I'd not be able to sleep, wondering if I still have a job the next day.

https://preview.redd.it/nmj34q1k86ih1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=39b49cb475da385fb5c3b84d879e7f0ccd2b4e74

😡 The Despicable Deed

Not sure how long Meng Meng waited, but she gave up eventually. On her way back home, alone 🤦🏻‍♀️, she was ambushed by two men who attempted to sexually assault her.

Meng Meng fought with everything she had. One good kick to the balls, a rock to the face, and a lucky lightning strike later, she managed to get away.

https://preview.redd.it/y9pfiwmp86ih1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=0daf25b78e88eab6120e28a5454d4d2d11edd5cb

Along the way, she was found by Yin Qing. Safe! For now, at least.

At the bridge where Meng Meng and the Emperor were supposed to meet, Di Nian delivered the news of the attack and they anxiously ran back to see Meng Meng.

For the second time that night, the Emperor was big mad. He sent Di Nian to investigate and find the culprits.

Yin Qing is shown to be angry at himself for failing to protect Meng Meng. Without disturbing her, he left some medicine outside her door.

The next day, the Emperor slipped in a drawing of his younger self extending a hand towards Meng Meng, and this seemed to motivate her to finally ask him to teach her how to protect herself.

I just hope she doesn't keep running around alone still!

About time!!

📚 Shen Zhi Li

At the Censorate, Lord Gu tries to persuade Zhi Li to take over Meng Meng's position, so that Lord Xu can't take advantage. Zhi Li refuses, and gives her own thoughts on what she thinks Lord Gu should do instead, to help Zhi Li no matter what Lord Xu does.

In that moment, Lord Gu put his arm around her, with Di Nian watching from a distance. Zhi Li seems uncomfortable, and I think it's fairly obvious she's setting boundaries when Lord Gu tries to wipe away her tear. I hope Di Nian realises soon that Zhi Li doesn't have those kinds of feelings for her tutor.

https://preview.redd.it/rzhq9m5n86ih1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=b55454601a4e3e9742354c3a5347d137fb17a401

🗣️ Facing Rumours Head On

At the Censorate, Huang Bo arrives to pick up Meng Meng in a carriage, sent by the Emperor so she wouldn't have to face the gossiping capital folk. Meng Meng refuses.

On the market street, she hears the gossip as she walks past. At the make-up shop, she runs into Wen Ruo Mei and friends. The ladies start bad-mouthing her, but before it escalates, Shen Zhi Li and Situ Xue step in to support Meng Meng.

https://preview.redd.it/3h8lc2uqa6ih1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=37c50ca2e05260b66ae0dc276741a2d40f137b25

In the end, Situ Xue invites the ladies to her shop for some sound therapy.

🏡 In Shazhou

For anyone who guessed Yan Fu Zhi being called home was suss, you're right! Stepmother dearest has persuaded Fu Zhi's dad to marry her off to the Song son.

Remember that guy who was with Jiang Mei Er, bullied Meng Meng, and later got beaten up by Fu Zhi with an abacus at her restaurant in front of Shen Zhi Shu? That Song guy.

Why? Because the Songs are rich, and two rich families make an even richer, more powerful one. Mr Yan also resents that Fu Zhi ran off to the capital to follow Meng Meng, who now has a bad reputation (per the rumours going around). At the core of it all, her dad is just another man who thinks women should marry and stay home.

Fu Zhi is locked in her room and to marry in three days.

https://i.redd.it/x3tcea74a6ih1.gif

Yay!! The forced wedding is cancelled because, of course, Shen Zhi Shu comes to the rescue, claiming Fu Zhi is his betrothed, that they've consummated the relationship, that he plans to propose, that Fu Zhi ran off suddenly to Shazhou, and that they'll hold a grand wedding later.

Wow, Zhi Shu really threw everything at this one, eh?

Stepmother, being the awful person she is, puts the unmarried couple in a single room, and the two act out being a couple until the next day. We get a semi/fake kiss out of it.

https://preview.redd.it/9ds16khbg6ih1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=cac875ad005f9bcd1aa1d4f645d17033355b87c6

There are some genuinely sweet moments in this part of the show. Poor guy got the slap, though. But he still likes Fu Zhi 😆.

I hope stepmother, dad, and that Song dude all get a good slapping before this drama ends!!

🌊 The Flood in Liangzhou

It's been raining there for seven days.

https://preview.redd.it/q1ks4cq5e6ih1.png?width=826&format=png&auto=webp&s=2f9b244fd01eddb15dd40f25b5df191f542a51cf

• The city is beginning to flood.
• The dam in Qingzhou has burst, flooding the fields nearby.
• Many starving people are blocking the main roads.

The Emperor wants:

• The Ministry of Works to dredge tools and dispatch them where needed.
• The Ministry of War to send 30,000 troops to clear the rivers and reinforce the riverbanks.
• The Ministry of Revenue to hire refugees to dredge the river, pay them by the day, and set up porridge kitchens for the vulnerable.

🎬 Episode Ending

Yan Fu Zhi and Shen Zhi Shu are to return to the capital, and the man who attacked Meng Meng is caught and killed off.

Episode 18

The attack on Meng Meng points to the Huxiao Gang.

I'm a bit confused here... thought the man in black was going to sort this out, not Master Ling/Huxiao Gang. Did I misunderstand?

🌧️ The Flood

More days have past and it's still raining hard. There's a celestial anomaly, and Lord Xu and friends are waiting for the Emperor at the Imperial Observatory. Before he arrives, Lord Xu listens to all the "news" on the Emperor and Meng Meng.

https://preview.redd.it/2195lm92b6ih1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=cf27e2ecb163fb542aed3dee49a0affb69998814

The Emperor was expecting some logical reasoning and a plan to help with the flooding, but instead had to listen to this nonsense:

• The continuous heavy rain isn't due to nature, but to the palace lacking an Empress 🙄 (I wish I could roll my eyes back more).
• An Imperial wedding is imminent.
• There's also an ominous star offending the sovereign, in the form of a woman.
• Lord Xu pulls out a fox spirit portrait and a map of the country with the flood marked, spelling out a heavenly script: "spirit."
• This woman is Meng Meng.

Speaking of Meng Meng, she arrives and says, more less, "Fine, kill me and see if the rain stops. But if it doesn't stop after killing me, then Lord Xu and Director Lu need to offer themselves as a sacrifice to the world."

The men aren't keen on signing a death pact with Meng Meng, and instead bring out all the dirty rumours, hoping for the Emperor to punish her. It's to appease the wrath of heaven and the resentment of the people they said.

Since the men labelled her an evil woman, Meng Meng did exactly what an evil woman would do.

These men are infuriating. Just blame nature's wrath and the lack of heir to a woman.

After Meng Meng leaves:

• Lord Gu arrives and takes charge of sorting out the flood.
• The seething Lord Xu requests the Emperor issue a decree naming Wen Ruo Mei Empress.
• Equally seething, the Emperor agrees, but only after the flood is sorted.

Me: Goodness gracious, the Ning Court is a joke!

Back in her office, Meng Meng drafts and presents the Ten Strategies for Pacifying the People plan. Later she presented it to the Emperor. How he let her do it outside in the rain is beyond me.

Yan Fu Zhi is back. They have a nice chat, and when Fu Zhi asks Meng Meng if she likes the Emperor, Meng Meng says no.

She's lying, right?

🌙 Blood Moon Society

https://preview.redd.it/ttbuxm48c6ih1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=d16a267f4698e4e72f4e81607d671047d8905e3d

Situ Xue and team report:

• The Eternity Pill is making loads of money, 30,000 taels for the first instalment.
• The private mine in Wanshan has been sealed off by Shen Zhi Shu, but another route was found: 300 weapons obtained from the Beijian black market.
• The Zhongwan camp is submerged in water, with the youngest flood victim just 3 years old.
• Food is scarce, ome are eating bark, others fighting dogs for food, and many are dying of starvation.

Situ Xue suggests using the money to help flood victims with food and medicine instead of buying weapons, but Mr Shangguan says no. They've waited 10 years, and he doesn't want their plans ruined over a few starving old and weak people. Instead, he wants to use the grief of losing these people to recruit loyal followers.

Ouch! I wonder if Situ Xue will change sides because of this.

👑 Emperor and Shen Zhi Shu

https://preview.redd.it/zptwdwiie6ih1.png?width=826&format=png&auto=webp&s=a4ba85afbb72fb05721d7547ab6d8d6fac5592f2

Discussing what Zhi Shu found during his investigation:

• A token was found bearing the Blood Moon Society's mark.
• The Emperor guesses the group behind the arms trade in Shazhou may be the Blood Moon Society.
• Around the same time the Zhongwan royal family fell, a mysterious force disappeared without a trace too.
• Zhi Shu guesses this group may be trying to restore their empire.
• Huiyin House will stay as is, so as not to alert them, just keep watching Situ Xue.

The talk then turns to Meng Meng. Zhi Shu asks whether, given everything that's happened to her, the Emperor might reassign her. The Emperor says no. Instead, he asks Zhi Shu to also take up a position at the Censorate, so he can help protect her too.

🛡️ Keeping Meng Meng Safe

As Yin Qing and Meng Meng watch the rain slowing down, Yin Qing, the Q of the team (anyone else watch James Bond? Q makes all the cool spy gadgets), gifts Meng Meng an array of protective gadgets.

What will the marbles do?

Adding this: in the comments of yesterday's discussion, a few theories floated around on who Yin Qing might be anything from a royal relative or family friend to possibly a brother. Why he's not saying anything yet is still a big question, but maybe he's gathering proof, or waiting for the right moment, perhaps when an elder can be present.

A minute later they hear horses outside the door.

Remember the 12 men the Emperor asked Di Nian to select and train? Here they are!

https://preview.redd.it/ex3oeq1xc6ih1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=681be530d60d9d2cdfb226efdd235cd9c3de9895

Their name: the Light Cavalry of the Censorate.

Besides the guards, the Emperor also tells her Di Nian and Shen Zhi Shu will be joining her at the Censorate.

Oh, on top of giving his full support, the Emperor also wants to investigate alongside Meng Meng. As Emperor and Minister. As friends.

The Emperor will have to do with this for now.

Me: Doesn't he have Emperor-y things to do?

🔍 Investigating the Huxiao Gang

The new bigger team

What they have so far:

• The gang is five years old.
• Ling Yun Fei's mother was a courtesan.
• His childhood was hard.
• Father unknown.
• Wanxiang Pavilion has a drug called the Eternity Pill, which causes addiction.
• People are willing to sell family members for this pill.
• The pill is most likely a Huxiao Gang business.

Why didn't Yin Qing report what he knew about Ling Yun Fei earlier? Meng Meng, you're not the only one wondering!

Question from Meng Meng to the group: is there a connection between Ling Yun Fei and Wanxiang Pavilion?

Wanxiang Pavilion needs investigating. Yin Qing volunteers, but Shen Zhi Shu pushes him aside and offers himself as the best choice. Meng Meng, however, thinks she's the best person to go.

💌 Marriage Decree

The rain stops. More rumours follow, this time about the Emperor and Wen Ruo Mei. Ya know, about that bath scene. Since Lord Xu is so impatient, a marriage decree will be delivered, as promised.

At Lord Xu's house, the Lord is struggling to control his son, who wants to see Meng Meng. His son does make sense, it's not raining anymore so Meng Meng is no longer an evil woman 🤣

At the Wen household, Wen Ruo Mei is practising her curtsy.

Around the same time, two decrees are delivered. One to the Wen family, another to the Xu household. Our Emperor sure has a bright and petty mind. He sends a decree marrying the two children to each other.

Wow, how many birds did he hit with this one stone? Three? The kids, and Lord Xu? I couldn't stop laughing 🤣

"My Empress dream…." 🤣

🍜 Yan Fu Zhi and Shen Zhi Shu

Our playboy Zhi Shu is quite obviously smitten with Fu Zhi. He wishes, just once, that Fu Zhi would come for him.

https://preview.redd.it/9rt98vpvd6ih1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=9a283cac7733a6b9c93a1b3dd414b7621c97820c

Her response? She likes his looks but doesn't trust him. How could somebody like him, surrounded by so many noble women, devote himself to just her, a merchant's daughter? If he's playing around, she can play along, but if he's sincere, he needs to show her his sincerity.

🏯 Wanxiang House

Meng Meng, dressed as a man investigating. Until next episode!

https://preview.redd.it/n8ehucxrd6ih1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=d5dd7e6b0418e7f84bf770609f00526209e6fe10

Welcome to the discussion post for Episodes 15-16 of Royal Betrothal!

‼️ Housekeeping I only have Viki, I'll be posting each new episode's discussion the day after it airs there. So please:

🚫 Use spoiler tags for anything beyond the episodes discussed. Format: >! text !<

Links: Masterpost | Character Flashcards |  Ep. 1-3 | Ep 4-5 | Ep. 6-7 | Ep. 8 | Ep. 9 | Ep. 10 | Ep. 11-12 | Ep. 13-14

Episode 15

Before I start, since I am hosting solo, it's been fun reading all your theories this far. When co-hosting, I have other hosts to share ideas with before posting, or if something is unclear. With being a solo host, I have been getting some aha and ooh moments from you all comments!

One to the episode...

I'm still not on board with Meng Meng or the Censorate trio wandering around with no guards. Luckily for Meng Meng, this meeting is only between her and Old Zhai. He's older, with a limp, and she's now a fairly tough adult.

At the meeting, Old Zhai deliberately goads Meng Meng into killing him. Meng Meng chases him out of the courtyard and into a busy street.

https://preview.redd.it/gzvebxjg8zhh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=346ea1892291b08da8604a4af1c68daee8052e88

I think this was his plan all along, to make her look like the villain in the public eye by provoking her into killing an apparently innocent old man, who holds the secrets to her dark past, right in front of the capital's residents.

If not for the Emperor, who witnesses the whole scene after confronting Situ Xue (and sending Shen Zhi Shu to follow and investigate), Meng Meng might have killed Old Zhai.

Yan Fu Zhi hears about the event, and on her way to the Palace, bumps into Shen Zhi Shu. Together they ride to the palace.

I am shipping these two so hard. Please, c-drama gods, give them a happy ending!

🏛️ At the Palace

In front of the full assembly of ministers, Meng Meng and Old Zhai are questioned.

Meng Meng is true to her character here: she does what she thinks is right without weighing evidence or consequences.

Old Zhai, real name Master Wen, denies everything and continues to paint himself as a law-abiding old man who happened to know Meng Meng when she was a young thief. Despite her history with Old Zhai, she has zero evidence of what he did, beyond her own word.

She would have lost the case if it hadn't been for the lucky fact that the young man who helped her back then was the Emperor, then the Crown Prince.

Before any final decisions could be made, including abolishing the Censorate, stripping her rank, putting her on trial, and throwing her into prison (a suggestion from Lord Xu, naturally, and one that Lord Gu, surprise but not surprise, agrees with), the Emperor produces a key piece of evidence: a weapon. And, two witnesses, Hei Yang (one of the child-trafficking gang members) and himself.

Note: Did anybody else notice the surprise look from Lord Xuwhen Lord Gu agreed to his advice regarding Meng Meng?

Between the dagger as evidence and Hei Yang's and the Emperor's testimonies, Old Zhai confesses. In his confession, he also names the Huxiao Gang as his backer, and is sentenced to death, with Meng Meng as executioner.

Here, Meng Meng learns it was the Emperor who saved her 10 years ago.

Before the court session ends, Lord Xu argues that somebody with Meng Meng's past isn't qualified to be a court official. Meng Meng quickly asks whether Ding Chong, Wan Kai, and others qualifies. With this Lord Xu backed off.

In the end, Meng Meng only loses three months' pay, and all charges are dismissed.

Outside, Fu Zhi meets Meng Meng. Fu Zhi's thanks to Zhi Shu 🤣:

https://i.redd.it/eji8q9vz9zhh1.gif

A Xiang and Meng Meng's revenge, complete.

https://preview.redd.it/6v4fs083azhh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=788990dd7ed5e03d516b512623e2cd49e26f4bea

🏮 The Shen Residence

Shen Zhi Li hears the news from her dad and Di Nian regarding her tutor, Lord Gu. She can't believe it. Understood.

https://preview.redd.it/d84qtkkkfzhh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=17fb095c11149de2d764942ee189ca3ee3a4961c

So, Di Nian more or less tells her that Lord Gu may look honourable on the outside, but has always been a fence-sitter who plays both sides. Her dad, who I think can see there's something more than a teacher-student bond here, tells Zhi Li that she needs to maintain propriety and act accordingly. He also reminds her that the hearts of those in court are never clear, and that she needs to step outside the board to see the full picture.

I hope she remembers this conversation soon!!

🏛️ At the Censorate

Shen Zhi Li comes to see Meng Meng with gifts. She feels bad about what happened to Meng Meng as a child, and these small gifts are the only way she knows how to express her feelings. She hopes the items can warm the coldness of her past.

Yin Qing comes in too. He shows his support and wishes he'd known Meng Meng back then, so he could have protected her.

https://preview.redd.it/0m74ho7gazhh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=33279167898c9c492774b32c52a7cf9ddf9c79ff

Let me dissect what Yin Qing said here… I think he knew her family, based on the "if your family knew…" line. It doesn't seem like her family would have sold a child to traffickers, since they'd have been heartbroken if they'd known. He also says it's his fault, and that if he'd met her earlier, he wouldn't have let her suffer, even a little. They're around the same age, so maybe his family, or his father, was her family's guard, like Huang Bo is to the Emperor?

I wonder why he isn't telling her about her tattoo and her family, if he knows something. This mystery continues...

Whatever the connection, Yin Qing is now more committed than ever to protecting Meng Meng.

💕 Meng Meng and the Emperor

I think this is filmed so well!

https://i.redd.it/8neujmgtazhh1.gif

A few of us were wondering whether the Emperor knew all along who Meng Meng was, at least by the time they met again in Shazhou, and the answer is yes!

Episode 16

At the start of this episode, we learn the Gu couple is struggling to have children.

My thought: maybe they'd have one sooner if he put in more effort in bed with his wife?

I hope the Monk's words don't give Gu some inappropriate ideas about his student!

Di Nian and Shen Zhi Li are also at the temple, to pray for their parents, without Shen Zhi Shu, still out on a secret mission following and investigating Situ Xue's shopping trip to Beijian.

During the brief meeting, Lord Gu shows concern towards Zhi Li, but his wife tries to distract him and hold him back. Awkward.

💑 Our Leads

At the palace, the Emperor is waiting, and Meng Meng arrives with a bowl of noodles. They chat.

https://preview.redd.it/r8n2tejfbzhh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=54d8e0d81241720ae41ae34a9ce7a82301134247

Random related thought: I love how they just carry an open bowl of soup without spilling a drop. Even with a covered takeaway container, my soup somehow still manages to spill.

Meng Meng learns a bit about the Emperor:

• He likes layer cake, especially made by his mother.
• When she passed, he ate 12 boxes of layer cake, vomitted, and has had little desire for food since.
• Because of Meng Meng, though, he now remembers the taste of mutton noodles.

Eunuch Yao spots them together and thinks it's inappropriate, since a ruler and subject can't be in a relationship.

Huang Bo knocked the Eunuch out.

Aaaaah, I see more matchmaking on the horizon…

🎭 Lord Xu and Eunuch Yao

The Eunuch tattles to Lord Xu. These two old men are anxious about the lack of the next generation, since the Emperor is still very single.

Uh oh... the "if the Emperor has an heir, he'll be more mature" comment has me thinking of inappropriate scenarios, like these two drugging the Emperor, marrying him off, then drugging him again to produce an heir. Good luck with that, I guess. It's not like the Emperor is a weak man; he knows martial arts.

🏠 Lord Xu's House

Oh my goodness, this wasn't expected. I laughed so hard here. His wife and son are fans of Meng Meng. Not only that, his son is in love with her and adamant about marrying Meng Meng, and his mom supports it.

I kind of feel sorry for Lord Xu here 🤣 It was never on his Bingo card! 🤣

Beyond the comedy, we now know Lord Xu wants to re-send Wen Ruo Mei back to the Emperor as an Empress candidate.

My theory: after watching this, and the small glimpse of the man in black's face from the previous episode, what if Lord Xu is just an old-fashioned Chancellor who genuinely has no clue his subordinates are that awful and many (if not all) of them under the Huxiao Gang's influence? Like he knows his people are corrupted but not so morally wasted, if you know what I mean.

So, what if that backer isn't the Left Chancellor, but the Right? Sure, Lord Xu has made his share of mistakes and wants Meng Meng gone, but what if he's also just being used?

🍽️ Yan Fu Zhi

Is called home because her dad is sick. Why do I get the feeling this is her stepmother's trap?

I think Meng Meng is feeling suss also.

📜 Shen Zhi Li

Receives a painting and a message from her tutor. It says he's doing all this to restrain improper conduct and help the Censorate develop in a more orderly way.

https://preview.redd.it/9epvci5iczhh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=3af0bba118b493a788846d67d83c37b0ef3c582e

Uhm, I think you should reflect on yourself, tutor Gu, before handling others… and do you mean "under your control" kind of orderly?

✉️ Letter from Shen Zhi Shu

Letter content:

• A private mine with traces of weapon forging has been found between Qingzhou and Beijian.
• Beijian troops have been frequently provoking them at the border.

https://preview.redd.it/on6zi1fjczhh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=a2a0717b59ed1400ee505276a082ae80448fc43d

Huang Bo's to-do list:

• Deliver a token to General Huo De Wei at the Qingzhou military camp.
• Send men to help Zhi Shu.

🌙 Blood Moon Society

Reporting to Mr Shangguan that Shen Zhi Shu has discovered them. Blame is placed on Xitu Xue and her men.

Notice the internal conflict between the two women in this sect?

Mr Shangguan is willing to forgive the mistakes made by Situ Xue's men, Si Jian and Si Qi.

In the meantime, the forging effort is suspended, and they'll move on to the poison pill plan instead. Pill name: Eternity Pill.

My confusion: Are there two mines forging weapons? This one above belonging to Zhongwan and one that Huxiao Gang master has? Did I miss something?

Interestingly, the Huxiao Gang also dabbles in this pill, despite theirs being of lesser potency. From what it does, it sounds like an ancient psychedelic.

🏯 Wanxiang Pavilion

Pavilion Master Liu, Master Ling's woman, receives more women. Plus a child.

https://preview.redd.it/okuyoi3ddzhh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=b33ac717fe25b0b7f4603b0c03dfd21948692aa2

These women were sold by their spouses or families, but it looks like they're free to go if they wish.

Through Xiang Ning, it's explained that she's there not to please men, but for the men to please her. At the pavilion, this is what the women will learn.

All are convinced to stay, and the child will be educated.

At the end, a bed scene with Ling Yun Fei.

🏛️ The Censorate

Still no news on the Huxiao Gang. What to do? Gather more info on what Ling Yun Fei looks like, and have Shen Zhi Li sketch him.

Imagine how many sketches she's had to do. It's not as if there's a copier back then.

⚔️ The Ling Brothers

Summary of their brotherly talk:

• Big brother says no to simply killing Meng Meng — the better route is smearing her reputation.
• According to little brother, big brother used the same despicable tactics to tame his own wife. Me: WTF?!
• Big brother doesn't want to be seen as despicable by little brother, and thinks little brother is worse off for being in a relationship with a prostitute old enough to be his mother.
• Backstory: the woman saved little brother years ago, and if not for her, he'd be dead — and big brother wouldn't be who he is today.
• If big brother insults his woman again, little brother will personally hand him over to Meng Meng.

We're all curious just how despicable this masked man can be!

🤝 Huxiao Gang + Blood Moon Society Deal

Drug-dealing deal secured between these two, with a 40/60 split. The Blood Moon Society will produce and the Huxiao Gang folks will distribute.

What will the pill do? After the pill is consumed, the user will go mad. Users of the pill can be controlled via a whistle.

Maybe this info will be useful in the future: the raw ingredient, Fuqing herb, is grown in Wangxian Velley.

https://preview.redd.it/udjd5xvwdzhh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=5f7085728cf1c61d7c85720e904976c186ad3276

🛁 Big Plan Causing Big Mad

The Emperor wants to go out to see Meng Meng, alone.

Before he's finished bathing, somebody enters. There's Lord Xu's big plan…

https://preview.redd.it/mkolat3pdzhh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=ca4a32a017ff5db0ea8cc9c6b1dd09bb4c91c49d

That made the Emperor big mad.

⏳ Meng Meng Waiting

just hold on Meng Meng, Emperor had an unwanted person to handle.

I can't wait to see what the Emperor does to Wen Ruo Mei in the next episode!

Welcome to the discussion post for Episodes 13-14 of Royal Betrothal!

‼️ Housekeeping I only have Viki, I'll be posting each new episode's discussion the day after it airs there. So please:

🚫 Use spoiler tags for anything beyond the episodes discussed. Format: >! text !<

Links: Masterpost | Character Flashcards |  Ep. 1-3 | Ep 4-5 | Ep. 6-7 | Ep. 8 | Ep. 9 | Ep. 10 | Ep. 11-12

Episode 13

https://preview.redd.it/z9wmt5xnnqhh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=4a5d529aa0d610c4393c0979433aa705ffbee3bd

The Emperor is worried about Meng Meng, which is understandable since she's made enemies left and right so far. Meng Meng, though, says she'll handle it.

💰 Mr Hao Wen Ming

He's on a mission to win Meng Meng over with a large box of silver, gold, and jewels, plus a contract offering 20% 30% of the gambling den's profits. By signing, they'll be on the same boat, and Meng Meng can get in on their secrets.

She signs (I hope it's some form of ancient invisible ink) and they drink to celebrate. From their drunken talk, we learned a few things:

• Special guests on the second floor need "special hospitality." I'm guessing that means whatever kink these special guests have.
• The semi-monthly Flower Feast won't be on the second floor this time, it'll be at the gang leader's Spring Manor on the western outskirts of the city instead.
• We finally have a name for the Master of the Huxiao Gang: Ling Yun Fei.

飞/fēi in Mandarin means \"fly,\" which is why they're flapping their arms and hands

Mr Hao reports to Master Ling:

• Contract signed.
• No secrets exchanged, they just made small talk.
• Meng Meng is sent on a wild goose chase to a fake Flower Feast location.

Master Ling's lady friend is convinced all officials are the same, greedy and corrupt, but Master Ling is being ultra-cautious. He's prepared a trap so she'll never return.

🌆 West Side of Town

WHY ARE ONLY THE THREE OF THEM OUT THERE FOLLOWING HAO'S CARRIAGE?!?! AND THE EMPEROR DOESN'T KNOW?!

None of them. NONE! Know martial arts!

This was, of course, the trap Master Ling prepared, and the carriage blew up. Luckily, they spotted the explosives in time and were only mildly injured.

https://preview.redd.it/nibvavx2oqhh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=40dcd82eebe8f352897c059dce26d6fbeb023464

BUT WHAT THE HECK IS THIS NEW DISCOVERY?!

Who is Yin Qing, and what does that tattoo mean?!

So many more questions!

👑 At the Palace

https://preview.redd.it/4i7p0726rqhh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=1d52f19942e290700eed06a2dfeffd462382b59a

The Emperor is hosting a banquet for the Beijian envoy while all the action above is happening. The Xiyan flower is used for decoration. While the effort is appreciated, one of the Beijian representatives says Beijian is bitterly cold all year round, so they've always prized the Snow Lotus instead — the Xiyan flower is actually rarely seen there.

The Emperor now understands why so many of the treasures their country offered were carved with the Snow Lotus instead of the Xiyan flower.

Remember, the Emperor is still trying to work out where the arrow that killed the Governor of Shazhou came from.

Unless the leader of Beijian is shady, I'm not picking up any shady vibes from this banquet, it felt genuinely sincere about wanting peace and cooperation.

🌸 The Actual Flower Feast

Meng Meng figures out where the real Flower Feast is. What's happening there?

https://preview.redd.it/o6ifely9oqhh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=1370b0b2eeca20c9b419a35b9fcbbb26500bdc73

Masked men attacking women, beating them, stripping their clothing off. Who knows how far they'd go if Meng Meng and the guards hadn't raided the place.

A confrontation breaks out between Mr Hao and the female host (I'm guessing this is Ms Meng, though it's not entirely clear).

Then Minister Zheng from the Supreme Court arrives. He says he's investigating Meng Meng because he received reports she's been taking bribes and gathering people for lewd activities.

Minister Zheng has already sent people to Bofeng House to search for the illicit goods, and before long, the box arrives. Mr Hao also slanders Meng Meng and hands Minister Zheng the contract.

Except, Meng Meng's signature isn't on the contract! And the box, which Mr Hao claimed was engraved with their seal underneath, actually bears Bofeng House's seal instead.

Another discovery: Minister Zheng is A Yue's abuser! He's wearing the ring she described!

https://preview.redd.it/h4piou3eoqhh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=5227992e7daf2202fe473d090fedd810eccc50af

Things escalate between Meng Meng and Minister Zheng, and Mr Hao attempts to kill Meng Meng. Before the dagger reaches her, a sword intercepts. The Emperor is here!

Unmasking time, and we have:

• Mr Liu from the Hanlin Academy
• Vice Minister Zhang from the Ministry of Revenue
• Others were not named, although Shen Zhi Shu recognises them

They're paraded from the gambling house to prison for the capital's people to see. Minister Zheng is taken too.

Meng Meng faints. Is she pretending? I thought it was real.

Either way, she's taken back to the Censorate, where she apologises for:

• Not telling him about following the carriage
• The box of gifts, which was needed to gain trust
• The contract, which she didn't sign

Meng Meng is forgiven, and she realises the Emperor knew the direction of her plan all along, without her ever telling him.

The next faint is for real. She's got a fever, and the Emperor takes care of her. In the middle of all this, "Pretty Boy" arrives with medicine. The Emperor thanks him for his hard work and tells him to rest, since he was injured earlier too.

⚖️ At Morning Court

https://preview.redd.it/mlgut1tcrqhh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=4d5c2db07ea0f7d9391c56d1d99e9b9fdb1b33fa

• Meng Meng is promoted to fifth-rank officer.
• Anybody trafficking humans will be beheaded.
• Gambling houses are now forbidden.
• Anybody covering up any of the above will also be punished.

👩🏻‍🎓 The Women

Support will be given to them no matter which route they take: going home, or staying in the capital.

https://preview.redd.it/t70pf7nvrqhh1.png?width=826&format=png&auto=webp&s=0a05a402b9453d739401a1d1352820e11e457b8f

Inspired by Meng Meng and Shen Zhi Li, many want to continue as academics or work toward becoming officials themselves.

Go ladies!

⚫️ Man in Black

This robed man is concerned about Mr Hao, who's being interrogated. But Master Ling says Mr Hao's family is under their control. One word, and they're gone.

It doesn't fit I think but we've not seen his CV or history yet, but I dunno... that kind of look like Gu?

More learned from their conversation:

• They're brothers from different mothers.
• It's now clearer that the man in black holds a decent court rank.
• Master Ling has his brother's account book, recording all his dirty money.
• The man in black saved Master Ling years ago, when he was pinned in mud and crying for help during the upheaval (the injury from this is still on the man in black's left arm).
• Master Ling is asking his brother to try to overturn the Emperor's gambling ban, since it's his biggest money-maker.
• Big brother tells little brother not to make a move on Meng Meng.

Episode 14

The episode opens with Lao Zhai, the gambling den's gatekeeper and former child-trafficking leader, convincing Master Ling that he can help eliminate Meng Meng.

Master Ling hates child traffickers and thinks Lao Zhai isn't worthy of bargaining with him for that reason, but he's willing to cooperate anyway.

My take: Lao Zhai is going to use Meng Meng's fears against her. We're now entering the psychological-thriller stretch of this drama.

🎉 Celebrating Meng Meng

At Bofeng House, a celebratory meal is being prepared by Yin Qing while Meng Meng spaces out. Yan Fu Zhi notices, but Meng Meng brushes it off as just being tired. Meng Meng then teases her bestie about Shen Zhi Shu, but bestie pooh-poohs it and starts complaining about him instead.

Shen Zhi Shu arrives with the Emperor and Huang Bo. Di Nian and Shen Zhi Li follow shortly after.

https://i.redd.it/t0pyhicfpqhh1.gif

Fave moments from this group:

• Fu Zhi's legs giving out every time the Emperor is in front of her
• All the ladies loving Yin Qing
• All the men jealous of Yin Qing, because he knows the ladies' likes and dislikes better than they do
• Yin Qing's faux pas moments

We also learn one reason the Emperor is there: Lord Xu has been sending noble ladies into the palace for Empress selection, and the Emperor wants to escape it.

Question: is Yin Qing from Beijian? If so, is the tattoo on Meng Meng a Beijian tattoo? What does a Snow Lotus look like? Is this why Meng Meng loves Yin Qing's cooking?

🔍 Interrogation at the Censorate

No matter what level you're at in the gambling den, if you're a woman, there's no choice. To survive, you do what you're told. That's the case for Fu Meng, Mr Hao's trusted assistant in charge of the second-floor girls.

https://preview.redd.it/66x5l89kpqhh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=17586cfe79594c409bc85d9e9114a96f38fe6094

She was kidnapped at age 14 and has endured all sorts of torture by the Huxiao Gang.

She has no information to give Meng Meng, though.

Mr Hao is next to be interrogated. He has information, but chooses to kill himself instead. He knows one word could wipe out his family. All Meng Meng gets is confirmation that the Huxiao Gang has a backer.

The road's a dead end again.

𐴛 The Clue

The Censorate trio are feeling a bit deflated after their lead is cut off. Meng Meng brings them back to the clue from Wan Kai: the cross mark.

https://preview.redd.it/rhbkg6qlpqhh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=e5c57cb961d9d2dd7ae88de59fad59b9e544341b

Before continuing, I want to share a theory from u/craftsycandymonster comment post that says:

>that clue is definitely either 左 (Left Chancellor, the obvious manipulator) or 右 (Right Chancellor, our guess for the mystery man).

In hanzi, 左/zuǒ means left, and 右/yòu means right.

Back to the drama…

Meng Meng also mentions that both Mr Hao and Second Master Lü referred to somebody else besides Master Ling.

Were the two talking about the same person?

Shen Zhi Li suggests it might relate to "xiang," as in zuǒ xiàng, or Left Chancellor. Yin Qing counters that it could just as easily be yòu xiàng, or Right Chancellor. But Zhi Li insists that's not possible, because she knows her tutor well.

Now the plan seems to be to investigate the other shops on Changle Street, to find out if any may be connected to the Gang.

💍 Xu's Son

I think Meng Meng's mental health is taking a toll on her. Did she really see this, or was it just her imagination?

Real or imagined?

She's feeling burdened by the praise, by the dead end, the need to help the weak, and by the sound of the past.

Before she can report to the Emperor, this young man appears.

Young man, say your name again!

We didn't hear wrong. He is Xu Run Ze, Lord Xu's son.

DOES DADDY KNOW?!?

He's here to propose marriage to Meng Meng. The reason? His words, not mine:

I couldn't stop laughing watching this young man 🤣

Again, DOES DADDY KNOW?!?

👸 Empress Selection

At the Palace, Eunuch Yan really wants to find the young Emperor an Empress. He's spent 10 days and 10 nights preparing this.

These are the best noble lady dancers, led by Wen Ruo Mei.

Eunuch Yao is so chuffed with himself 🤣

The Emperor has zero interest, and when he spots Meng Meng watching in amusement, he calls her over. In exchange for a substantive fifth-rank post, she's willing to help him. With a magic trick.

The noble ladies are not impressed. More enemies for Meng Meng.

If Meng Meng doesn't start keeping a guard with her at all times, I'm going to rage-scream 😤

🔔 Sound of the Past

As Meng Meng walks back home, she hears that sound again, AND sees the old leader.

Luckily, Yin Qing is there.

That night, Meng Meng has nightmares, and we're shown how Xiang jiějie was killed. This must be the traumatic event Lao Zhai was referring to earlier.

My thought: whatever marking is on Meng Meng is what's making Yin Qing so protective. I think he's secretly following her to make sure she's always safe.

Meng Meng assigns Yin Qing to investigate somebody.

Whatever he finds for her, I have no clue, but it shakes her, so it's probably confirmation of who the man is.

📢 WHY IS SHE MEETING OLD LAO ALONE?!? 📢

Woman, I can't with you right now with your solo walking about!

I hope the guards are hiding out somewhere!!

🎻 Investigating Huiyin House

The Emperor and Shen Zhi Shu are also investigating. Outside Huiyin House, they test whether the musicians could possibly be well-trained assassins in disguise.

Possible!

Hope no horse was actually hit with a stone in filming.

The Emperor and Shen Zhi Shu then question Situ Xue, who casually explains that they need to procure a massive amount of incense and zither wood, and that the quality and price from Beijian are simply better.

And that's that for today, until the next episodes!

Welcome to the discussion post for Episodes 11-12 of Royal Betrothal!

‼️ Housekeeping I only have Viki, I'll be posting each new episode's discussion the day after it airs there. So please:

🚫 Use spoiler tags for anything beyond the episodes discussed. Format: > ! text ! <

Links: Masterpost | Character Flashcards |  Ep. 1-3 | Ep 4-5 | Ep. 6-7 | Ep. 8 | Ep. 9 | Ep. 10

Episode 11

The crying helped.

https://i.redd.it/j0cr1bexjkhh1.gif

Shen Zhi Li got the Censorate team + Yan Fu Zhi together in prison. How they managed to smuggle in weapons and poison is beyond me — no TSA‑type security check at the door, I guess — but they’re in, and Yin Qing discussed different ways for Meng Meng to escape. Meng Meng refused, which makes sense.

At the Guardian training camp, the Emperor is venting using real human beanbags. He’s frustrated because he thinks Meng Meng isn’t cherishing her position. In his mind, she used every trick to get the role and now doesn’t know her place. Meng Meng is equally frustrated because she believes she’s protecting the people, and the Emperor should know she’s not the conventional, obedient type. They both think they’re in the right.

And why is Meng Meng in prison? If you guessed this in Episode 10, you’re right! He's protecting her.

https://i.redd.it/i85azpe7kkhh1.gif

🐦 Meng Meng Summoned

The Imperial Justice Minister, Wan Kai, is threatened to either kill or be killed, not sure which, to be honest. Even though I know it’s a fake bird, poor Phoenix the bird!

In prison, Meng Meng is summoned by Lord Xu. She’s probably suspicious about this but goes anyway. Mid‑way, the carriage is stopped by the Huxiao Gang Master and First Master Lü, also called Lü Da by the Master. I'll do the same.

Meng Meng is fine though because, as some of us predicted, the Emperor used her as bait. She has been secretly guarded by his Shadow Guards. Besides a small scratch on her neck, she’s unharmed. The guards give chase.

At the Justice Minister’s house, he’s almost dying and manages only to write the start of a name or word.

https://preview.redd.it/nt1l92ofkkhh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=882bc504b0aa3153431c53bfc0c0ab281f2b4433

Somewhere in Changle Street, Master and Lü Da disappear.

The Emperor’s conclusion: if someone like Wan Kai, who holds a decent court position, is a disposable pawn, then corruption in court must be on a whole other level.

Meng Meng returns to prison and meets the Emperor. She’s annoyed and exhausted. She understands she was used as bait and is fine with it, but would appreciate a heads‑up. She refuses medicine, a physician, or an escort home, and leaves alone as the Censorate Director.

🏛️ At the Censorate

To her surprise, Meng Meng is greeted by villagers. They appreciate her help, want to gift her things, and some come to share new grievances because they now know at least one person is working for the people.

I know gifts can’t be accepted by an imperial officer, but the cooked dish looks temping 😅

🏯 At the Palace

The Emperor, Lord Xu, and others.

Lord Xu gets a dressing‑down from the Emperor, how could he not know what mess Wan Kai was involved in all these years? Not only that, the Ministry of War was trading arms and the Ministry of Rites was involved in exam fraud. Claiming ignorance is probably not enough for Lord Xu to escape blame.

Xu asks to retire, but Huo An and another minister speak up for him, which according to Shen Zhi Shu makes the Emperor choose between law and sentiment.

We still see Lord Xu and his staff. Ahhh...

No severe punishment, but due to age, the Emperor will lighten his load. Does this mean the Emperor took over the ministries under Lord Xu? I’m unclear here.

🎉 Bofeng House Opening

A festive event, though not everyone is happy. I’m sensing the next side arc.

Next second lead arc I am guessing?

Even so, everybody who matters attends.

As the Emperor entered one of the private rooms at Bofeng House:

Pretty Boy 🤣

Since everybody was there, and Shen Zhi Li came in with a drawing of the Master of Huxiao Gang, they did a bit of work talk.

Once that’s done, the scar medicine issue comes up again, and "Pretty Boy" is put in a tight spot.

To lighten things up, Fu Zhi drags Meng Meng to the kitchen to prepare a bowl of noodles, which she claims Meng Meng made herself. Yin Qing runs off to Wanxiang Pavillion, and Di Nian and Zhi Li do the same.

In the kitchen, Meng Meng tells Fu Zhi that deceiving the Emperor is a capital offence. Fu Zhi isn’t deterred and has her spoon green onions on top. Meng Meng, being petty, has another plan: she lifts the noodles, dumps a lot of cayenne in, and serves it to the Emperor.

https://i.redd.it/yi9ahx2qmkhh1.gif

Guess who else shows up? Xitu Xue, invited by Shen Zhi Shu.

I think someone may be starting to have feelings for the Emperor, despite her many annoyances with him.

As they drink:

https://i.redd.it/z3e0yet2nkhh1.gif

🎲 At the Gambling Den

There are a lot of gorgeous people in this show.

Meng Meng arrives to investigate a gambling den, Xingrong Gambling House. She wants to explore upstairs but is stopped by a dealer, A Gui, who says only those who have won 10,000 taels can go up. Nobody wants to gamble with a woman.

Except one man…

Episode 12

He Du, of course.

https://preview.redd.it/ru0zgsqotkhh1.png?width=826&format=png&auto=webp&s=2d23fc6e088a40853914ccaa6b346c49fb42dc45

Meng Meng and He Du gamble, with Meng Meng winning. She probably has the ears for this game, similar to that guy in The Double. Whether it’s real or not, I don’t know, but in c‑dramas it seems you can hear what size the dice are.

After the game, the dealer is tipped and they’re taken to a private room to relax. Meng Meng and He Du talk and explore the gambling den.

🧵 A Yue and A Gui

We see two people: A Gui and a lady called upstairs by Mr Hao, A Yue. What this means, we’ll see. A Gui is trying to earn more money to pay off this Ms Meng. A Yue says forget the money, it’s all arranged, and gives him a handkerchief as a gift.

https://preview.redd.it/ux4nf0kknkhh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=0685c23b1e04387f2676360f7e4fd281b6d64957

Note: This Ms Meng confused me for a second because I thought he meant Meng Meng.

🛁 Master Bathing

https://preview.redd.it/q20r13shnkhh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=7a96e578797efe6e2d2517bcb52f32d59e0c8859

Our cold and manly Master enjoys pampering, accompanied by a lady, in a rose‑petal bath.

From their conversation we learn:

• Someone is backing the Master, but this person is shifty in the trust department and has used him.
• This person seems to hold a higher position.
• They are to continue whatever money‑making business they’re doing.
• Master will continue trying to get Meng Meng.
• Anyone leaking info to the other side should be killed.
• Whoever this lady is, Master trusts her and can’t bear to hurt her.

We get a bit of backstory: some “brat” abandoned him and his mother. From that trauma, he vowed to gain power so he’d never be discarded again.

🐯 Huxiao Gang News Gathering

Back at the gambling den, A Gui asks if Meng Meng wants to play more games. Instead, Meng Meng uses her gambling winnings as incentive and asks if A Gui can give her info on the Huxiao Gang. A Gui, needing money, agrees.

Outside, Meng Meng and He Du meet A Gui. Before sharing anything, he wants the money first. Trusting him, Meng Meng gives him the money so he can save A Yue.

This is really bad, right?

🏮 Wanchun Pavilion

Back to the Huxiao Gang Master bathing. He receives news that someone from the Censorate is at the gambling den.

https://preview.redd.it/4amfxponnkhh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=60b2e459990793fcb49b605d9ff991fb8991a87c

By this time, how many times has this lady gone into the pool?! And each time she’s dry before entering.

🎰 Xingrong Gambling House

An hour passes since A Gui took the money. Before they enter the gambling den to check on A Gui, he falls from the floor above. Before dying, he asks Meng Meng to save A Yue.

📜 At the Censorate

The crime board. I love a good crime board!

Nothing can be figured out and no shifty establishment can be closed off due to no solid proof. The only option is to keep investigating.

The Big Gamble

Back to the gambling den AND that creepy guy again!

https://preview.redd.it/0ijd96hynkhh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=4f6b3659d625dcc864b95c48cc9fda1bda785c73

Meng Meng can feel the creepiness in the air. But as she looked back, nothing.

This goal: win 10,000 tales and get access to the second floor. Meng Meng only has 1,000 taels though, donated mostly by her friends, and without much persuasion, He Du covers the rest.

https://i.redd.it/x6cdpe32okhh1.gif

Half a year’s worth of He Du's personal savings later, the money is gone.

But it’s not wasted: they’re invited to the second floor. You don’t need to win 10,000 taels, being a big spender is enough.

Upstairs, they’re required to wears masks to bid on antique vases, which seems to be nothing special. After analysing the women though, let’s circle back to when the Huxiao Gang was first introduced. Remember those women they were trafficking?

🀄 Mr Hao

Not the most productive gambling‑den manager, but he’s making enough money to keep Lü Da happy. In this scene, the man who’s been following Meng Meng enters. He is Zhai, the gatekeeper.

He's the child trafficker from 10 years ago, right? Just with hair?

He has news: Meng Meng and a man are on the second floor.

Upstairs, Meng Meng and He Du follow A Yue.

Where is she? Some odd room with torture gadgets.

https://preview.redd.it/qejn88rbpkhh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=a56fa538ad076d0880ddfab40fb9ae3fe919aab9

Summary of the second floor: one can pay a lot of money to bid on a woman, dressed in women student uniform, and torture her (close to) death.

🕯️ A Yue’s Testimony

After waking, A Yue learns A Gui has died and feels guilty. From her we learn:

• These women were female students hoping to take the Imperial Exam.
• They were tricked into believing they were being picked up for a Women’s Academy.
• Instead, they were taken to a house in the capital to learn music, writing, poetry, etc., to prepare them for the second floor.
• By chance she recognised A Gui, and with his help she stayed alive.
• Some of the women have escaped and reported to authorities, but the authorities were in cahoots with the gambling den and returned them.
• Some women had limbs removed; some committed suicide.

When names were asked, only Lü Da’s name was heard, which Meng Meng recognised. Among the guests, A Yue remembers only a man wearing a red jade thumb ring etched with a caged bird.

Sadly, A Yue cannot be saved. She’s with A Gui now…

https://preview.redd.it/19tder6dpkhh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=055de92455922b85fbddffd7c93151809d9ef779

More fire in Meng Meng to fight for the weak. If I were Lü Da, I’d be terrified.

At the end of Episode 12, it’s summarised:

• The masked people must be court officials.
• The Huxiao Gang uses this as leverage and makes them the gang’s protective umbrella.

He Du reminds Meng Meng to stay calm and plan, not act rashly.

https://preview.redd.it/lyogaw4epkhh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=6e4d21999fb51829ec268691bd2ab31b287fbbbe

Welcome to the discussion post for Episode 10 of Royal Betrothal!

‼️ Housekeeping I only have Viki, I'll be posting each new episode's discussion the day after it airs there. So please:

🚫 Use spoiler tags for anything beyond the episodes discussed. Format: >! text !<

Links: Masterpost | Character Flashcards | Ep. 1-3 | Ep 4-5 | Ep. 6-7 | Ep. 8 | Ep. 9

Episode 10

Yan Fu Zhi is also checking out Huiyin House. Both she and Shen Zhi Shu noticed each other. Banter ensues.

She does change her face faster than turning a page! 🤣

The Emperor isn't quite finding the connection between Huiyin House, the Xiyan flower, and the crossbow, to either Zhongwan or Beijian. Huiyin House will be watched though.

🌙 Blood Moon Society

HA! We knew, right? Situ Xue looked way too sus!!

We're introduced to a new group, or cult: the Blood Moon Society, led by Mr Shangguan.

https://preview.redd.it/l7apscnc0dhh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=a8cee90f9f27f9dbbae1597f21d01af5df37c467

I had to look up on MyDramaList who Ying Gua is, and found out it's the Emperor's name. Did I miss this, or is it just now being mentioned?

Either way, referring to the Emperor by name alone seems to indicate that, to them, he's nothing.

The main takeaways from this cult:

• These people are Zhongwan people who want to restore their old kingdom.
• They had been collecting weapons from the Heixu Crew in Shazhou, but now that the Crew is gone, they've shifted on their weapons gathering method.
• Mr Shangguan has found a private mine, and weapons are now being forged there.
• They should take down the Emperor, but it must be done carefully and succeed in one strike.
• They want the Ning court to be as chaotic as possible before making their move.
• They also want Meng Meng on their side. Situ Xue is tasked with this.

⚰️ Burial Site

Around the same time the creepy cult is meeting, the Censorate trio are out at the burial site. Now, WTF are they there without security?! NONE of them know martial arts!!!

I am proud of Shen Zhi Li's dedication, despite her fears.

This scene gives a clear explanation of how the gang members extort money from the villagers (I'm a bit confused, as the subtitles say "villagers," but I thought these people live on the east side of the capital):

• They dig up the graves, steal the bodies, and the families have to pay to redeem them. That's what the last episode showed.
• Then, every year, they have to pay over 100 taels to keep a burial place, which is supposed to be free.
• If one complains, they get a beating, or worse.
• Even after many reports to the Ministry of Justice, nothing ever happens.

Meng Meng sets a trap. Guess who fell into it?

https://preview.redd.it/gteypdlg0dhh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=ba80a2f36317f10a11c6273847cc8c9c9ad0fc36

Yup!

The Divine Guard caught them in the act, but before they arrived at the Censorate jail, the Ministry of Justice stopped them midway and managed to transfer the prisoners to themselves, despite Meng Meng's objections (with advice from Shen Zhi Li and Yin Qing).

https://preview.redd.it/byygp7up0dhh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=512a4950959bd120ba076a43c821c873cdad5844

At Lord Wan's house — he's the Minister of Justice — an arrow note came, ordering him to release the prisoners.

https://preview.redd.it/39fp4lhr0dhh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=19090af8c848f6bdbd6307d5ffd77c1de3b15cf9

📜 The Next Day

Meng Meng went back to Cheng and his wife's home to gather written evidence. Most are anonymous blood letters. Anonymous due to fear of being beaten or killed, with some even killed by being dragged behind a horse (reminds me of the first scene at the start of this drama).

On the way to the Emperor to deliver the written evidence, Meng Meng was stopped by Second Master Lü and two of his men. In public, the men beat the village man and attempted to sexually abuse the woman. Lü also tried to make Meng Meng "his woman," but Yin Qing, with a secret knife-like ring, punched him in the face. Before things could escalate further, the Divine Guard arrived, led by Shen Zhi Li and Di Nian.

This is the end of Secon Master. He was later dragged by a horse and died.

The three scoundrels were beaten in public, with the villagers cheering. And the creepy guy, we get a better look at him here.

https://preview.redd.it/7lz8khix0dhh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=f0b24a3625cf6d6b5b3a7811b79aa2a7c6bc8dea

Is that the child trafficker, with hair?

Of course the Ministry of Justice had to butt in, but this time Meng Meng isn't having it. The beating continues, with one gang member left conscious and released so he can tell their leader what happened, while Lü is knocked out.

🏮 At the Shen Mansion

Shen Zhi Shu continues to have a good appetite whilst his parents worry about the latest happenings. Ah, so it looks like daddy Shen isn't too worried about his daughter running around at night, because he believes Di Nian is there to protect her. So maybe Di Nian and his men are in the background watching at all times?

Some info from this scene:

• Zhi Li's mom knows that her daughter is not one for the boudoir.
• Di Nian was adopted to their family when he was 10-years-old

https://preview.redd.it/2wlo75i31dhh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=3ae8ee10fb282b03ba06e956c7db019a7d93f5dc

👑 At the Palace

The Emperor is super mad. I get it, and I think he's mad for different reasons.

• It's not going as he expected, because Meng Meng is too bold. She has a habit of doing things, like burning the restaurant in the Jiang Mei Er scene, without thinking of what may happen to her next.
• He's worried about her safety because he cares for her, whether he really knows it or not.

https://preview.redd.it/3bh5dat61dhh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=e179cc1ddffd2563f42ae7d4dedd13ffe2c27268

What do you think about the argument between Meng Meng and the Emperor? They're coming from two extremes. Her from the lowest point, him from the highest. He thinks it's not worth killing a few lackeys; the greater good, or taking out the most in one sweep once you know who the backers are, is the best way. And I get it, he's not wrong. But Meng Meng, imo, isn't wrong either, because even if it's "just" a couple of villagers' lives, their lives matter too.

The crew eavesdropping outside.

I do think Meng Meng has the bigger picture in mind, though. She's lived among these types of people, and they're not the brightest and are easily triggered. So via a public execution, while risky, she's hoping to flush these people out of hiding.

Somebody jealous? 🤣

In the end, Meng Meng is removed from her position and sent to prison.

The slo-mo in this part...

Which I think is the safest place for her right now. Or maybe the Emperor is using her as bait, since they're really just using one another, right?

🚩 Lord Xu

And here's the misogynistic Chancellor and his men. They want Meng Meng out of the capital.

https://preview.redd.it/axwcz32n1dhh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=2cd7fbf47d82ce62595575c344ae8a677fb8e2d2

🐍 Huxiao Gang

The message reached the Master. And this is exactly what I mean. There's a top-level leader, but most gang members don't have the patience to wait. They will wait though...

They're brothers!

We see the masked man again. Is this the same person as Mr Shangguan? If he is, then this Master is also a missing Zhongwan royal? If it's a different mask person, then this is all still sort of a mystery.

The only hint is that the masked person is:

• An older brother
• A bit taller than the Huxiao Gang Master.
• Not super old, the hand looks young ish. It's not Palpatine like ya know.
• The masked man took some form of position, what position?

I'd like to think it's Gu cause he's a bit self righteously creepy but I think he's been married and in the capital for longer than 10 years.

https://preview.redd.it/bg00l2qc6dhh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=0e62a83e9f94455690a57d491f498ea1a2b2c315

I wonder what this part in the above image means.

🏛️ At the Censorate

Ending with a gif of these two.

Yan Fu Zhi is looking for Shen Zhi Li, to see if she can help her visit Meng Meng in prison. She also wants to beg the Emperor to release her. Yin Qing tells her that Zhi Li wrote up a list of 20 crimes committed by the Huxiao Gang overnight, and Lord Gu also submitted a memorial pleading for leniency, but so far, nothing.

I get the Emperor's side of this. He doesn't want to show favouritism. And I still think it's for her protection also. We've seen enough cdramas where jai is the safest place, right? So we'll see what the next episodes have to offer.

Zhi Shu is willing to help Fu Zhi see Meng Meng.

Welcome to the discussion post for Episode 9 of Royal Betrothal! This episode mostly gives use viewers a bit of what's to come. Setting the stage.

‼️ Housekeeping I only have Viki, I'll be posting each new episode's discussion the day after it airs there. So please:

🚫 Use spoiler tags for anything beyond the episodes discussed. Format: >!&gt;! your spoiler text !<!<

Links: Masterpost | Character Flashcards | Ep. 1-3 | Ep 4-5 | Ep. 6-7 | Ep. 8

Episode 9

https://preview.redd.it/bdnxziaj06hh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=21e34d59da0ca10bb710305b770247a917011bbf

What are they doing at the graveyard?!

Exploiting the residents. Led by First Master Lü, the gang members are using the annual subscription route to extort money from the city folk.

Second Master Lü wants to help, but he's grounded and not supposed to even be there. He left in a huff. I feel bad things will happen to him soon due to his temper…

https://preview.redd.it/2uks7rtk06hh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=2b7dd8e2fe24df28e4bfaffe14542213628aff4d

💼 First Day at Work

Meng Meng's first day. She's excited. The day is finally here. Shen Zhi Shu giving her some court survival tips.

One day she'll be wearing a red robe too, right?

Shen Zhi Li, though, isn't as excited as Meng Meng. She's worried that she's not cut out for the job, since she feels she's physically weak to solve crimes. Her brother and Di Nian were there to cheer her on and help change her mindset.

And Di Nian knows her best!

And then we have the boys bathing and discussing current events. And how the Emperor may never find a wife due to his temper.

I just realised who Shen Zhi Li is! He's in Generation to Generation and Road to Success, which I just finished. So three of him, back-to-back! This is his best styling and role so far. I think he kinda looks like Bai Jing Ting 🤔

Shen Zhi Shu also mentioned his sister, and how she looks at her tutor. So does this mean he thinks/knows she likes her tutor?

I may be wrong but I think Di Nian is right. I think Zhi Li admires her tutor and nothing else.

🏛️ The Censorate

The ladies arrived at their workplace, with Shen Zhi Li hauling a cart full of office stuff. As you do, to make your cubicle/office comfy, right?

But the office space isn't quite as they expected. The building is dilapidated and unkempt.

https://preview.redd.it/1d5c7d1f16hh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=686c4e75a01785ccc3f1d888065dca08be5e64a1

Whilst cleaning, guess who popped up?

https://preview.redd.it/usknq74g16hh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=154da2c1f452fad69930464a88536e68833f1188

Dear Yin Qing, the imperial pharmacist, who (in a few days) has turned a new leaf from the beating that Di Nian's men gave him.

He wants to be part of the team. He wants to be helpful. So helpful that he went from pharmacist to voodoo master within seconds to cleanse the building. With blood.

https://preview.redd.it/mk6yu9vi16hh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=c644feefdf4a217c041b788333f8f913128bff74

Not a good idea with Zhi Li there.

https://preview.redd.it/agwdzmek16hh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=b295c86c8f42fc5af500926c4d6107b433ba6d92

Some bad-smelling something in a bottle woke Zhi Li up, only for her to faint again because of the blood.

Is there a moment where Yin Qing isn't trying to sell something? 😅 And is there an ulterior motive for him wanting to join the team? Such a huge career shift. It seems like he's a huge fan of Meng Meng?

To show sincerity, he poured a new poison to drink himself. It's supposed to make a person lose their fighting ability. But before he could drink it, Huang Bo showed up, perched, and drank the whole bowl.

https://preview.redd.it/dwp8efro16hh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=d767f45a1a6ba80f1655fa4d3214ba09fe3598c9

Result: his manly voice turned into a female voice 🤣

Note to all: don't grab other people's drinks to consume. You never know what's in it!

Hopefully the antidote works…

Yin Qing is hired, on probation though.

Together, with some hired help that Yin Qing found, the Censorate slowly got fixed up. But who is this person lurking?

https://preview.redd.it/007qwitr16hh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=297d7fe9bcceb146cac2d6c9bbe64e6fbc0f746d

It seems like the same person who was watching her parade. One of the old or new gang members?

Yin Qing is an all-rounder. He's a great cook too! Zhi Li is a bit picky though, and just sat and watched. When asked what's wrong, she rattled off how things weren't cooked properly and how some things were supposed to be done. Maybe she and Yan Fu Zhi should team up instead?

But for now, maybe Zhi Li should just bring her own lunch 😅

🔍 First Censorate Task

The trio went out to find some clues. It seems that the Huxiao Gang do their illegal deeds discreetly. And since ladies were sent to investigate, not the male court employees, the city people didn't think this matter was that important.

A person may have been found though, and the team follows.

Note: I am surprised there are no guards, especially being in the poor side of town, and at least Shen Zhi Li is a noblewoman. Wouldn't her dad at least worry?

https://preview.redd.it/b7gydwuw16hh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=02fd506cbb2793dc5ef0c053bec0ca3ee94d0f79

Despite fear of retribution, the guy spoke of what happened to the Censorate.

🎭 The Real Situ Xue

The Emperor and Shen Zhi Shu are doing their own investigating. Zhi Shu took him to Huiyin House, owned by Situ Xue. To enter, one must send in a name card half a month in advance. They then get a pass — the one Zhi Shu showed to the guards.

https://preview.redd.it/4qxymzny16hh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=74c929e905792f505e910fd140759d1308b053e8

And here is the real Situ Xue.

https://preview.redd.it/dcvdk19126hh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=9fdff32cccd81df8179309189c5d6630ce9d196e

She looks sus.

While Situ Xue was playing a song for the Emperor, the Emperor kept looking around the room. He's interested in the purple flowers painted on the screen.

https://preview.redd.it/ff05x6r326hh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=065181c84de92bec71372fa4da5762b40c219586

Situ Xue explained that it's a Beijin design from a folk music troupe she met years ago. The flower is called Xiyan. It blooms at night and withers in the morning, which symbolises fleeting beauty. But the Emperor read it otherwise. He said that the flower symbolises extermination, revenge, and hatred. Situ Xue disagrees, and we end the episode here.

Welcome to the discussion post for Episode 8 of Royal Betrothal!
*Hate it when they just drop one episode a day.

‼️ Housekeeping

I only have Viki, I'll be posting each new episode's discussion the day after it airs there. So please:

🚫 Use spoiler tags f

or anything beyond the episodes discussed. Format: >! your spoiler text !<

Links: Masterpost | Character Flashcards | Ep. 1-3 | Ep 4-5 | Ep. 6-7

Episode 8

Important part from the start of episode 8

• Captain Di Nian is training with his Divine Guard, using a secret technique passed down from his father, the Marquis.
• Huang Bo gets a bit of backstory. He's also an orphan, taken in by the Emperor after his father died.
• Emperor tasks Di Nian to select 12 men, train them in secret, and the purpose? Stay tuned!

I hope we don't get the Double 2.0 ending for these two. If you know what I mean.

👩‍🎓 The Women Scholars

They took the exam in front of the Emperor.

A few days after the exam, the women await their results in the courtyard of the Chunman House. Whilst waiting, treats were handed out. WHAT IN THE HECK IS DONKEY-HIDE GELATINE?!

https://preview.redd.it/lwhl4kvkyygh1.png?width=826&format=png&auto=webp&s=b77fc2bf8d48ef413756ed50a0215359bab98610

I had to Google this and I guess it can be a thing. Back in the day it was considered an expensive delicacy to treat fatigue.

The women got their results, but not Meng Meng. Not long after though a decree arrived, delivered by Huang Bo.

Meng Meng ranked first! Granted the title of Zhuangyuan.

https://i.redd.it/7f1m31wqyygh1.gif

Not all is happy though, and in Lord Xu's mind, without a post, a Zhuangyuan title is an empty title, and he can still send her packing back to Shazhou.

Besides these Debbie Downers, the rest of the capital is celebrating their first female triple first.

https://preview.redd.it/fxwfw9q0zygh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=475823b4b8a93a899fef7d9bc099bb0f2f01d9ac

Yan Fu Zhi is so happy for Meng Meng. I'm getting bad vibes. I don't like these types of c-drama happiness.

She's the cutest best friend!

And of course there will always be somebody trying to make money from connections 🤣

The man hustles hard! I wonder what his story is.

And who is this?!

The masked man?

🍜 Yan Fu Zhi's Restaurant

As planned, Fu Zhi wants to open a restaurant and settle with her bestie in the city. She's found the building and now needs to register with the Envoy of Customs.

This will be fun! She's regretting kicking him out of her restaurant some months ago 🤣

As viewers, we have a good idea that Mr Shen is popular with the ladies. But maybe we didn't really get a good idea on how popular. So here we are with him being fought over.

https://preview.redd.it/cg13qqrjzygh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=ef0af91ac8959b0b24f3c299c70d391c48aaab86

But Fu Zhi came in and saved his day.

I am loving these two's banters!

For saving him, and some further negotiation of wine and a home-cooked meal, Fu Zhi got her licence to open her restaurant way earlier than the usual year's wait.

Now wait a minute… wouldn't this be considered a form of bribery? Making Shen Zhi Shu a corrupt court employee? 😁

⚔️ Di Nian

His spidey senses are telling him that Uncle Gu is up to no good with Shen Zhi Li.

https://i.redd.it/62am7n520zgh1.gif

A few snide and appropriate remarks, and calling Zhi Li sans "jiejie" make it seem like the two have a closer relationship.

I can't tell with Zhi Li, think she has a crush on the tutor or she just admires and respects his teaching?

🍽️ Shen Family Dinner

Grand Tutor is concerned about his son's position as Lord Envoy and advises him to watch what he does, since all eyes are now on him.

https://preview.redd.it/agjhkdxa0zgh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=1ac79160bc3ecfc59b315a66ecc4e3b557c449a7

We're introduced to Madam Shen. She seems lovely and loves her son. Mama's got his back.

And so does his sister.

I am, though, a bit confused by Di Nian calling Grand Tutor "father." I had to rewind and listen to the audio, and it did say 啊爹 / ā diē / father. So maybe, because the Marquis has passed and the seniors were close, the Shen adopted Di Nian?

Awww, but daddy Shen is fonder of Di Nian than his own son, and keeps comparing them. Poor Zhi Shu!

Di Nian is good at reading the room and changing the topic, so back to celebrating Zhi Li passing her exam.

I can see that dad is worried, but still. Good thing his wife is standing up for their son.

📜 Meng Meng's Court Appointment

No news yet of what post she's supposed to hold. When the letter came, it said she should go back to Shazhou and wait.

https://preview.redd.it/mqc13p0k1zgh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=55ba55729c4242d8119702a0462f903a42a1609c

Meng Meng suspects somebody still wants to cut her off from officialdom: Lord Xu.

She wants to see the Emperor, but before she could go, Lord Xu summons her.

Wait!

Lord Xu didn't summon her; the (drunken) Emperor did, under Lord Xu's name, to test her courage. So here she is at the the sixth-rank banquet.

Not far behind, Lord Xu entered the banquet. He heard that the Emperor used his name to summon Meng Meng and is not pleased, and more so after seeing that the Emperor is drunk.

When Lord Xu asked Meng Meng why she's at the banquet, the scheme to send her home unravelled.

Without skipping a beat, the Emperor took the opportunity to grant Meng Meng the Censorate Director position, reporting directly to the Emperor. Shen Zhi Li is transferred from the Academy to the Censorate to assist Meng Meng (I wonder what Gu thinks of this).

We have a name now for the staff that Lord Xu can't leave the house without. It's the Rosewood Dragon-Head Cane. It suppresses the seals of the six ministries.

https://preview.redd.it/r3idjrul1zgh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=560407f9462c11f30e12069bc0d0736d1519b1ba

And just like that, the Emperor left the banquet.

Was he really drunk?

Nope!

After the banquet, Meng Meng went to see the Emperor, as he had predicted she would, since she was summoned earlier.

https://preview.redd.it/gcjjz9xn1zgh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=15cff825fbdb85cd3ea4042c76a1cf69e639ae4d

In the study, she was given her first task: the Hexiao Gang. And also the freedom to choose others she wishes to work with within the Censorate, besides Zhi Li and Di Nian.

Based on this, my best guess is that the 12 elite guards will be assigned to the Censorate. What do you think?

Welcome to the discussion post for Episodes 6-7 of Royal Betrothal!

‼️ Housekeeping

I don't have a MangoTV sub, but I couldn't let Wu Jin Yan go un-hosted. Since I only have Viki, I'll be posting each new episode's discussion the day after it airs there. So please:

🚫 Use spoiler tags for anything beyond the episodes discussed. Format: >!text!<

Links: Masterpost | Character Flashcards | Ep. 1-3 | Ep 4-5

Episode 6

Who guessed that An Ru Lan would be Jiang Mei Er?! I didn't see this one coming! Did you?

At the courthouse, Meng Meng challenged Jiang Mei Er to some test questions, which, as expected, Jiang Mei Er failed. A fight ensued between the two ladies, the court stepped in to break up the fight, and next thing, Meng Meng was handcuffed and taken to jail.

As expected, the Judge, Dong Shou Cai, is in cahoots with the Huxiao Gang. Or at least one of them.

These two seem to be on the same level of morality and brain cells. I think they're made for one another.

Note: this is the first time I've seen this much snogging from a minor character in a c-drama.

🏛️ The Exam Hall

The Emperor got the confession he needed. As he was finishing up, Captain Di Nian came in with Meng Meng's grievance petition. News was also delivered that Meng Meng is now at the Capital Prefectural Office.

⛓️ Capital Prefectural Office Jail

Meng Meng is being tortured by Jiang Mei Er, and afterwards, pinning the blame on Meng Meng, the jail was set on fire. Meng Meng managed to get out, and before Jiang Mei Er could kill her with a dagger, Jiang Mei Er was shot by an arrow. Meng Meng was saved by the Emperor, or He Du, the name he used when he was in Shazhou.

Jiang Mei Er was left behind by the gang and she was sent to prison. Due to shame, the Judge took his own life. Meng Meng was taken to the palace and cared for by Shen Zhi Li.

Think these two will be new besties

🗝️ Jiang Mei Er

Meng Meng went to see Jiang Mei Er in prison. Here Jiang Mei Er accused Meng Meng of sleeping with the Emperor to get to where she is now, stating that Meng Meng without a man is nothing.

The cinematography is beautiful and despite me hating Jiang Mei Er's character, the actress is quite good acting her part.

Typical narcissistic behaviour: Jiang Mei Er blamed everything bad that's happened to her on Meng Meng.

Meng Meng shot back, saying Jiang Mei Er had no one to blame but herself. Aside from wanting to climb higher, they shared nothing.

Jiang Mei Er is not the brave kind, and her need to survive is strong. In the end, she wrote a confession letter that pointed towards the Huxiao Gang. She thought that by confessing she would be spared. What she didn't know was that the punishment for her type of crime would be death by a thousand cuts. But because she confessed, she doesn't have to endure a painful death, instead, she can choose between white silk or poison wine.

I think she went the rope route? Either way, I hope that's really the end of her. I don't want the "the prison guards are on the Gang's payroll and got her out" plot twist.

What we learned: the Shazhou Heihu Crew was just a branch of the Huxiao Gang. That's how Jiang Mei Er connected with Second Master Lü.

🐍 Huxiao Gang

The birdie express mail came with news.

https://preview.redd.it/7m72nme7nsgh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=38a0175cbdf06b4d34cb9312580ce5c2ba54bb9d

In the next scene, if it wasn't for Lü's brother stepping in and cutting off a pinky, Lü would have been killed by the Master.

This Master seems a bit complex. He's ruthless, but he also cares. A complicated villain?

You think he's one of the Zhongwan Imperial family that's gone missing? The ten-year timing kind of matches. You think he's also the masked man?

🏯 At the Palace

The Prince is replanting a plant. While replanting, the Emperor and Grand Tutor Shen had a chit-chat about establishing a Censorate that's independent of the two chancellors and six ministries. Also, about Meng Meng, and how her staying in the Palace too long will invite not only gossip but suspicion from Lord Xu. The Emperor then decided to have Meng Meng checked again, and if all's good, she should leave the Palace ASAP. All of this was overheard by Meng Meng.

And she's scheming. For what, I'm not sure. But here's the Double 2.0 drunk version, although here she's pretend drunk.

https://i.redd.it/6kyq0rrinsgh1.gif

Whether the Emperor knows she's pretend drunk or not, they are on the same wavelength, and he knows that the next thing she'll look for is a tree to lean on. And that tree may be him.

Episode 7

I think the Emperor knows she's scheming.

https://preview.redd.it/xajzd3wwnsgh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=057a8d2ef54c29c9ab32cef281e4082486bba2bc

And why would she send that letter whilst in the Palace? I'd be afraid that somebody would check all outgoing mail.

👸🏻 Shen Zhi Li

Zhi Li definitely has no feelings for the Emperor, and maybe not for Di Nian either. That little half smile at the end...

And now, I am detecting something ick… does Gu like Zhi Li?!

And his wife knows? And is trying to defuse this feeling?

Now we have a complicated righteous person.

💄 In the Palace

We have a court official selling beauty products as a side gig. Overpriced beauty products.

https://preview.redd.it/y6h3yl4eosgh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=adcc408a90f4f072bc5d888176635068dd91c97f

I find the use of the same actors/actresses from past shows by the same director funny at times. This scene, for example. In my head I am thinking, "As long as she doesn't marry you, then all will be good." 🤣

If you watched The Double, he was the FL's ex-husband.

That's how we're introduced to Yin Qing, our last main lead in this show.

In another part of the Palace, the Emperor is arguing with Lord Xu about the women's exam. After some back and forth, and the dragon staff (still need backstory for this), Lord Xu gets his way.

I am guessing the previous Emperor, or maybe even the grand dad Emperor gifted this staff to Lord Xu for check and balance purposes.

📜 Getting the Women's Imperial Exam Back

The women's exam is now no more. The Emperor, furious, went to do some research at the library, where he bumped into Meng Meng, who wasn't supposed to be there.

The two exchanged words. He told her that he hates being schemed against the most. She said she's not scheming, just there to relieve his worries.

https://i.redd.it/r7tdi8g2qsgh1.gif

Over a chess game, a plan is hatched to break the stalemate by treating Lord Xu with courtesy and using Lord Gu.

With the help of Shen Zhi Li, Lord Gu was taken to see Meng Meng. He was initially not in agreement with the plan, but in the end, he's willing to help write to the prefectures for recommendation letters for each female student.

I feel like he's showing himself as a bit misogynistic here and later when blaming Meng Meng for causing havoc regarding the exam?

Was he willing to help with the idea that the female officials will be loyal to him?

Anyhow, Lord Gu does his thing, and the recommendation letters were obtained to restore the women's exam. The ladies then marched to Lord Xu's mansion. The ladies vowed to pass, or if they fail, be assigned to the the Music Bureau.

https://preview.redd.it/ldfaskdhqsgh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=94a4c97f43fd31a05121823704ff1a2b8cb021f8

Would you gamble your life for the exam if you were one of these women? It's not life or death, but it does affect what you do for the rest of your life.

I think if I were confident enough in my studies and had studied that long for it, I would.

🍷 Emperor and Meng Meng

Met up at the tower for a friendly chit-chat and wine. The first wine for the Emperor since his dad admonished him. The chat ended up a bit tense, with her bringing up the (eavesdropped) Censorate. I think he's for sure figured out that she's been playing him, and the Emperor put her back in her place and left.

IMO, these two definitely have a love and hate relationship at this moment.

💕 Shen Zhi Li and Di Nian

I hope they end up together. Love how he noticed her discomfort, maybe period cramps, and got her brother out and personally made her soup. I love a guy that cooks for the person he cares about.

https://preview.redd.it/mv6tz9xxqsgh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=cb082085423dad3221868c0da86b79d29986fa2d

🤔 Ending Thought

Gu lusting over his student is a bit disturbing, especially since he's teaching all sorts of virtues to his students. The Gu couple relationship, where his wife was maybe giving him some form of aphrodisiac, is a bit "damn!"

https://preview.redd.it/66b9q3vorsgh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=3e73adb93a35bbacedbdfd37ef823364db07c701

Gu, during his meeting with Meng Meng, made some comments to Shen Zhi Li that made me think that he's not really appreciative of the intelligent woman that she is. I can't pinpoint exactly what it is now but he definitely does not approve of women who stands up for themselves.

What's your thought?

Welcome to the discussion post for Episodes 4–5 of Royal Betrothal!

‼️ Housekeeping

I don't have a MangoTV sub. Since I only have Viki, I'll be posting each new episode's discussion the day after it airs there. So please:

🚫 Use spoiler tags for anything beyond the episodes discussed.

Format:

>! text !<

Links: Masterpost | Character Flashcards | Ep 1 -3

Episode 4

How imagine all of us when watching a c-drama with handsome men and beautiful women.

At Bofeng Restaurant, Shen Zhi Shu is enjoying lamb mutton while a group of women admire him, Yan Fu Zhi included. She considers offering him a special wine, but two other ladies beat her to it. Annoyed, she drops the idea.

Then Mr Song shows up, bruised and desperate. He asks Fu Zhi to help fix things with his father, but she refuses because he helped Jiang Mei Er. Irritated, he starts spouting nonsense about her and Meng Meng. And this happens.

Wow, his face would have been non-existent after that 🤣

Note to all the folks out there: don't add fuel to fire. If you do, this may happen:

Poor guy...

But, it seems like Shen Zhi Shu is experienced at avoiding getting beaten up. Here is Grand Tutor doing what dads do back in the days when kids were naughty.

Two beating in one day? 🤣

The convo between the Grand Tutor and Emperor covers a few important things:

• Strategies on who will support the Emperor. Some names came up:
  • Pei Jing He, Left Assistant Minister of the Ministry of War. Currently ostracised because he hates Liu Ren.
• There are six ministries and Lord Xu controls four of them.
• To get fresh talent, most likely untainted by Lord Xu's influence, is via the women's exam results.
• Gu Qin's support, as Right Chancellor, is important to balance Lord Xu.

📜 Gu Qin and Shen Zhi Li

https://preview.redd.it/juv27a1dekgh1.png?width=1546&format=png&auto=webp&s=c6471f67ea50cc4736fb82ed66c65d81038bb873

In one part of the capital, Gu Qin is surrounded by his students, one being Shen Zhi Li, Shen Zhi Shu's sister. Based on the conversation, they all seem to be on the Emperor's side.

✍️ The Provincial Exam and Results

Meng Meng took it and passed. She not only passed but was the highest scorer in Shazhou. To celebrate, Fu Zhi handed out meals and medicine. Her father and step-mother disagreed. Meng Meng, though, was prepared for this, and in the middle of the argument, a banner delivered by the Inspector stating "Honoured Family" for the Yan family arrived. The banner essentially says that the Yan family is recognised for their kindness.

https://preview.redd.it/brglhf2sfkgh1.png?width=1546&format=png&auto=webp&s=0b4994f9e28928660ec6a01d3839ad88094b120e

Best part of this all: the copying scriptures 10,000 times. I mean, that'd last a lifetime, no? 🤣

🏯 Emperor Returns

Around the time Meng Meng was taking her exam and getting results, the Emperor returns to the capital. En route he met with Gu Qin and most likely gave him the details of the Shazhou investigation.

At the palace, the ministers are waiting for the Emperor to come out of his ten-day seclusion.

The slo-mo in this show, one of many from those above shots, which I quite like, by the way.

https://i.redd.it/zt2majbwfkgh1.gif

After the Emperor came out, Chancellor Gu handed him a report, a quick scan, and all were told to go to the palace hall to wait.

In the palace hall, they waited a long time for Chancellor Gu and the Emperor to discuss the matter. So long, some fell asleep. Snoring and all. Standing up.

Key points:

• A gift for Lord Xu: the plaque that was hanging on Shazhou's Governor's house.
• Accusation of Lord Xu knowing and shielding the Governor's corruption.
• Lord Xu denies all of the above and accuses the Emperor of being in Shazhou.
• The Emperor denies it, backed up by Shen Zhi Shu.
• Chancellor Gu backs the investigation, saying he investigated Wang Qi, who disregarded military regulations without the General's knowledge. Wang Qi colluded with Liu Ren, the Minister of War.
• Wang Qi (the man in the red ministry robe, executed) and Gao Meng (military wear, demoted one rank) came in to confess and can confront Liu Ren (removed from office and caned) for the truth.
• Pei Jing He is now temporary Minister of War, despite Lord Xu's objections, with Chancellor Gu supervising.

Now I think we're even, with three ministers under Lord Xu and three under the Emperor.

Personal note: that is one high throne! 👑

🌸 Goodbye to Xiang Jiejie and Shazhou

Meng Meng went to her sister's grave to share the news that she's leaving for the city. Here we see more backstory from back then, of when Xiang died and how the Prince saved Meng Meng from dying.

Fu Zhi can't pack light. 🧳

https://preview.redd.it/nmmk8cncgkgh1.png?width=1546&format=png&auto=webp&s=50437c3c09ce5f759d6812375bab0d4ebee2624b

🏙️ Hello Capital

The Emperor gets the exam results. He's proud of his cousin's results — Zhi Li, not, Zhi Shu — and also Meng Meng's.

I love the relationship between these three guys. 🥹

https://preview.redd.it/gyd5dvujgkgh1.png?width=1546&format=png&auto=webp&s=7baefa191ff149d8f29a54af2baea04720ce0af5

Meng Meng and Fu Zhi arrive at their hotel. What a welcome!

🕶️ New Gangster

Out with the Huihe Crew and in with the Huxiao Gang.

Episode 5

The Huxiao Gang does all sorts of dodgy business, including buying and selling women, but no child trafficking.

Conclusion so far... I think the gang master has some form of morals, but his men are questionable.

While this episode focuses on the Metropolitan Exam and the results, the beginning of the episode starts with an intro to what the next arc may be: the investigation of where the arrow that killed Shazhou's Governor came from.

To start off: the Zhongwan imperial family members. Where are they?

To help investigate, Shen Zhi Shu is given a new title: Envoy of Customs. He will now be officially known as Lord Envoy.

🗣️ The Rumour

Somebody, most likely Lord Xu, is spreading rumours that women who pass the exam will enter the Music Bureau instead of becoming a minister at court. No matter, though, those who are brave and smart enough to see through the rumours will continue on.

Lord Xu, being petty McPetty, sent a plaque as a gift to the Emperor. A snarky plaque that more less states that the women's exam is just a cover for the Emperor's feelings. But he's not bothered and still believes in the cause.

PS: good thing social media wasn't around back then, the Emperor can just casually walk around without bother whenever he wants to. 😂

🍜 Changle Street

Everybody who matters is on that street, the same restaurant even, but no one bumps into each other. I guess the director is taming the coincidences a bit, eh?

https://preview.redd.it/enrjn7zuikgh1.png?width=1546&format=png&auto=webp&s=43db57287cd98cd67903982c26ce5a64f0127075

The capital may have its perks, but that doesn't mean the food is better than in more remote places, like Shazhou.

I love Fu Zhi. She reminds me of me in public 🤣

📝 Exam and Results

Who just passed by?

Who?!

Shen Zhi Shu is definitely a peacock who likes to spread his feathers whenever he can 🤣 His sister is definitely more sensible.

Lord Xu has the exam papers. Ahh, we can see where this is going...

Sure enough, Meng Meng did not pass. Not only that, but someone tried to kill her and make it look like suicide. As they were running out to leave the hotel, Meng Meng heard the top scorer's paper being read aloud and it was her paper! A person named An Ru Lan stole her exam paper and results. After realising that somebody stole her spot, and that it's possibly a conspiracy, she and Fu Zhi hatched a plan.

In the other part of the capital, the Emperor also recognised that somebody must have stolen Meng Meng's exam, because the writing style and argument in the paper he'd just read was so much like hers.

Some days later:

• Meng Meng executed her plan: spreading word that the top candidate's essay was fake and other candidates' essays had been stolen.
• The Emperor paid the Imperial Examination Hall a surprise visit to read all the failed candidates' papers.
• Lord Xu got the details on who Meng Ting Hui is, and he's even more fuming, and more convinced than ever that women shouldn't be participating in Imperial Exams or entering court.

In the middle of executing the plan, Meng Meng recognised her possible killer: one of the Huxiao Gang members.

One of the gang members recognised Meng Meng, and they gave chase. For a better chance of survival, the girls split up. Meng Meng to go to the authorities, Fu Zhi to find Shen Zhi Shu.

Fu Zhi found Shen Zhi Li and jumped into her carriage. Before the Huxiao Gang had a chance to look inside, enter a new handsome man on a galloping horse to the rescue: Di Nian, Captain of the Divine Guard.

Does it look like Zhi Li may have a thing for him, and vice versa? 👀💕

At the Exam Hall, the exam papers were either drowned or eaten by rats. For their carelessness, the Emperor handed out punishments to the ministers there. Or Huang Bo did, since the Emperor, being Emperor, was just Emperor-ing, aka watching with a cup of tea. ☕

A confession is coming.

The episode ends with Meng Meng at court, and the mysterious An Ru Lan entering the building.

---

👉🏼 How are you enjoying the show so far?

Right now I am still engaged. Each small arc gets resolved quickly, which is my liking.

Welcome to the discussion post for Episodes 1–3 of Royal Betrothal! I'm your host for this drama, unless someone else volunteers to co-host with me.

‼️ Housekeeping

I don't have a MangoTV sub, but I couldn't let Wu Jin Yan go un-hosted. Since I only have Viki, I'll be posting each new episode's discussion the day after it airs there. So please:

🚫 Use spoiler tags for anything beyond the episodes discussed. Format: (>!)text(!<) — No brackets.

Links: Masterpost | Character Flashcards (will be updated after this post)

May the C-drama gods be merciful. Grab your popcorn, we ride at dawn! 🐎

Episode 1

🎬 The Setup

We open on a flashback. Young Meng Ting Hui and Xiang jiejie fleeing child traffickers. It's rough to watch (physical abuse and the girls dragged in a bag by a galloping horse) but...

To make money, she does a side hustle, like selling exam-prediction Q&As to classmates.

Meng Ting Hui survives and is now a student at an all-girls school in Shazhou.

She has one goal: passing the Provincial Imperial Exam, newly reopened to women after nine years.

The male lead, an Emperor, and his most trusted side kick.

Around the time our fl is at school, a young Emperor and one of his guy, also on a galloping horse, is on their way to Shazhou to investigate illegal arms trade by the strategic military stronghold. Shazhou is govern by Ding Chong, who is a prized follower of Lord Xu Ting.

🤔 Question for the group: Is it normal for Emperors to go wandering off to investigate things themselves? I've seen Crown Princes do it (Blossom in Power), but an actual Emperor? And what's Huo An's plan if the Emperor just says no? Tie him up?

Huo An

👹 The Bully and the Bestie

I wonder how many times a day she says this.

Jiang Mei Er, Shazhou Governor's niece, is the typical TV bully: spoiled, not the brightest, easily angered, and she hates that Meng Ting Hui outperforms her academically and not a follower.

I want a ferocious friend like her.

Yan Fu Zhi, abacus girl, is Meng Ting Hui’s best friend. She’s a merchant’s daughter. Yan Fu Zhi’s father is wealthy, her family is the wealthiest in town, but sadly, she has an evil step-mother. Yan Fu Zhi calls her bestie Meng Meng. I think throughout I will also call our FL by this name.

📄 The Dossier

Every exam-taker needs a Personal Dossier. No dossier, no exam. Meng Ting Hui will do anything to get/keep hers, including facing down a dagger.

Note to all: this dossier and that dagger will be the foundation of the next few episodes.

🍜 The Meet-Cute

Feng Lu, the leader for the Heihu Crew. His mother dies, and the Heihu Crew forces the entire city into mourning.

https://preview.redd.it/jtfg97nw6egh1.png?width=1374&format=png&auto=webp&s=ddce9455142947717c0b452380f7083d78cdd71b

Same day, Yan Fu Zhi reopens the family's Bofeng restaurant, with Meng Meng playing "Xitu Xue". Think a Tang-era influencer who can make anything trend. The gang saw the celebration and things turn violent. In the commotion, the Emperor helps Meng Meng, and the avoid a strike, she uses him as a human shield.

https://i.redd.it/zj8fdkz90egh1.gif

The Emperor clocks Meng Meng's dagger, gets suspicious, and after a quick tussle has her tied up and questioned, Dossier as the bargaining chip.

In the process we learn the "free" exam isn't free in Shazhou, and the Emperor is more pissed.

https://preview.redd.it/qpwtr59f1egh1.png?width=1382&format=png&auto=webp&s=1a18fcdda94b73a01fe1fc3390d8401d77b1ba8a

Another backstory was shared in this scene and I guess they met years ago. We know because we’re cdrama pros, but they don’t know.

We also get our first real look at Ding Chong

https://preview.redd.it/mwyejm6h1egh1.png?width=1382&format=png&auto=webp&s=eedea8b36a6c33fe62c8c74184440a7f74f0827c

and Xu Ting, who reads as 100% villain.

https://preview.redd.it/ysjjtzbj1egh1.png?width=1382&format=png&auto=webp&s=10f8731c9fce30697aa8270500a8a4704d15738d

🤔 For The Double fans: who plays it better, Duke Su or this Emperor?

https://preview.redd.it/bomqa3bp1egh1.png?width=1382&format=png&auto=webp&s=4168afddb1b930fa796c7c7120468cabe578bca7

By episode's end, the Emperor's clearly noticed how sharp, loyal, and upright Meng Meng is. Someone's getting smitten. 👀

Episode 2

🔥 Restaurant Drama

Jiang Mei Er rolls in with her entourage to start trouble (purely because someone else might be prettier than her).

Note to all, that guy on the right is Mr Song.

Meng Meng has zero patience for it. She closes the door, reveals herself, and burns the hall down, forcing the bullies to apologize and pay for damages.

Jiang Mei Er is seething!

💭 They Meet Again

A dream reveals Xiang jiejie being dragged into a tent. The Emperor and Huo An walk in right as Meng Meng wakes from the nightmare. Somehow, in under two minutes, the leads con Huo An into leaving the Emperor "free" to keep investigating.

Tea and a chat follow, where the Emperor gets a glimpse of the public servant Meng Meng could become, and Meng Meng realises the Emperor (that's at the Capital, not sat in front of her) isn't blind, he's just been kept in the dark by the Left Chancellor.

Cooperation: unlocked.

🏯 Back in the Capital

A very hungry "fake Emperor" has been covering for the real one. Lord Xu isn't fooled, and sends fake Emperor, who happens to be the Emperor's cousin, Shen Zhi Shu, to retrieve dear cousin within five days.

https://preview.redd.it/wf28fko72egh1.png?width=1382&format=png&auto=webp&s=d5d37d4eb380749f83e24457c20db2c36c3050bd

🕵️ The Plan

With time running out, the Emperor disguises himself as a wealthy foreign merchant to obtain a pass to Jiuyou City. At the Governor's home, the Emperor saw all sorts of wasted luxury, like a men's water dance number.

A big chest full of gold of bribing later, the Emperor got the multi-pass that he needs. Whilst there, he also heard that Meng Meng was arrested and what Governor Ding thinks of people like Meng Meng.

💛 Good Friends are Gems

Yan Fu Zhi offers to sell everything she owns, and even offering herself up for an arranged marriage, to help free Meng Meng. But step mom refused to help and locked Yan Fu Zhi in her room.

In this scene… Who is this "Song," the guy engulfed in flames back at the restaurant scene? Is he the stepmother's son? Why did Fu Zhi say he's not her didi/younger brother? I am confused.

⛓️‍💥 Prison Break

In Prison, it seems like Meng Meng is doing well. But before she could steal the key, Jiang Mei Er showed up. Even though the whip did get used a few times, the ultimate poisonous snack backfired. But, the Dossier got ripped up and Meng Meng was left helpless. Still, our FL is not one to give up. She got out of prison and somehow managed to find and meet-up with the ML somewhere in the desert.

Episode 3

🤨 Mystery Woman

https://preview.redd.it/d73j5n2q5egh1.png?width=1382&format=png&auto=webp&s=882f69e096569a34234298565f97d628fa62818c

Will she be anybody important?

🤝 The Deal

Meng Meng doesn't know he's the Emperor, she thinks he's just a high-ranking officer, but she offers to help him crack the case in exchange for clearing her name which will allow her a shot at the exam. With one real pass and a forged pass, the two enter Jiuyou City together.

🐍 Snake Pit

In the city they meet with some dude. Again, after a lot of bribing with chunks of gold and cash, dude offers to show the way. Into a well. A well full of snakes.

https://i.redd.it/k1at7zlm4egh1.gif

Turns out the Emperor is terrified of snakes. Good thing Meng Meng packed phosphorus: she starts a fire, Emperor kills the snakes, he finds a hole in the wall, and busts straight through the rock to escape.

😅 This show runs on convenient timing, the snake pit happens to sit directly beneath the Heihu Crew's lair, so the leads are perfectly positioned to eavesdrop.

⚖️ The Reveal: They capture Feng Lu but still can't find the arms-trafficking ledger.

A name did surface: Wang Qi.

Ding Chong shows up and, instead of helping his gangster crew, turns on them and accuses them of trafficking. Feng Lu, stung by the betrayal (he genuinely thought Ding Chong was like a brother), gives up the ledger's location.

Turns out Ding Chong was played the whole time by Shen Zhi Shu and the Emperor, two birds, one stone: the Heihu Crew is eradicated and the Governor is arrested.

But before anything else can happen, Ding Chong is murdered by a woman in black (the same one from the market scene?). His sister and Jiang Mei Er get away though. Will there be more chaos from these two or will they have a major character development?

🎁 End of Ep 3

For her help, the Emperor will ask Mr Shen to create a new Dossier for Meng Meng and she will be able to take the exam. Shen's dad is the Grand Tutor, who will be supervising the exam.

Up on the hill, overlooking the vast sand, it seems like it was around 10 years ago that the Emperor was there and met Meng Meng. It was also him that took down the child trafficking gang.

Back in Shazhou, Yan Fu Zhi is joyous. Bofeng Restaurant is officially hers, and her engagement is off. She celebrates by smoking out the house.

🤔 Is that actually a real practice for warding off bad luck, or is this just drama flavor?

Our two leads meet, her treating him to a meal because he gave her the Dossier… or she stole it out of him.

When was the last time this man ate?

Before the end of ep 3, we see the two in the middle of the desert. I thought we were going to get to the "oh it's you!" part but no. Meng Meng started to tell him her childhood but quit after remembering her younger self and her sister attacking the leader.

The two leads part ways on good terms. The Emperor offered to introduce her to the Grand Tutor and her telling him that she appreciates the help but she wants to try and get to where she wants to be on her own.

Episode 3 closes on two galloping horses riding off.

🤔 Give a Guess: who's the mysterious Master, and who's the woman in black? Theories welcome.