This is The Road to Splendor discussions. I am hosting with the totally terrific u/sequesteredself.

Discussion Links:

Airing Schedule | Masterpost | Flashcards | All Discussions |Episodes 1-3 | Episodes 4-5 | Episodes 6-7 | Episodes 8-9 | Episodes 10-11 | Episodes 12-13 | Episodes 14-15| Episodes 16-17 | Episodes 18 | Episode 19 | Episode 20 |

Houekeeping: We will be following the VIP schedule, so episode 19 is the discussion.

Just one more day of one episode and on Thursday we will be back to two! I will also admit that I might have taken advantgae and put in way to many screenshots. And gifs, plus I have extras in the comments. Sorrynotsorry.

Spoilers: Please use the spoiler tags if you are going to talk about anything beyond episode 19. Thank you!!

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Episode 19

Military Advisor Li Mao has been poisoned. Zhao Ling is furious and slumps against the table holding his side. He got stabbed, has he even done anything to it? Advisor Li gloats that Zhao Ling has overstepped his place and will be in trouble for his death. Zhao Ling tells him that Advisor Li’s death will make it easier for him. We know that the one who poisoned Li Mao is the guy in charge of the prison. He’s probably one of those guys standing in front of Zhao Ling.

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Fu Xie Tingyun has purchased the house she wanted next to the academy and is throwing a house warming. The house seller came to congratulate her and tell her it was a good thing she didn’t buy the other house, because the man was arrested. 

https://preview.redd.it/kfx12yypr9kh1.jpg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e5fa7df2932a87eace8e6d44083960bb84ac49ea

Zhao Ling heads to search Li Mao’s house, now that he’s dead. This entrance deserves all the slow motion. Did I make too many gifs of this yes. Did I actually make one that is way too long? Yes I did. 

https://i.redd.it/bkjz2z7sr9kh1.gif

Xie Tingyun sees the soldiers march by and goes to see if it is Zhao Ling. She drops her handkerchief and just misses him. The soldiers set up barriers to keep the crowd out. Sannaing reminds her that they have guests and she needs to go back. 

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After all the guests have left, Xie Tingyun goes back to the crime scene Li Mao’s house. Zhao Ling is arresting people and is alerted to her presence coming to the cloth barrier. He sees and recognizes her shadow.  Zhao Ling has Tingyun senses. 

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Their shadows touch hands. Is this practical in the middle of an arrest and with the woman you are not currently claiming is your betrothed because people are trying to kill you? No. Is this devastatingly romantic? You betcha. This is such a lovely moment. 

https://i.redd.it/6torm6j3s9kh1.gif

One of the arrested men breaks free and tries to stab Zhao Ling. He kills him and covers the body to save Tingyun’s eyes. Zhao Ling orders his men to take the long way back to not make a spectacle of the body. He is gone by the time his men have removed the white barrier. Tingyun is sad. 

https://i.redd.it/w5aip195s9kh1.gif

Fan Yake has a baby boy. He is almost 1 years old. I worry about that kid. She is unhappy that Tingyun has purchased the house she wanted.

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She goes to greet Madam Wu, a merchant from Madam Yu’s home town.  She has come with presents, and her niece, Miss Wu. Fan Yake can smell the orchid perfume on Miss Wu and demands she remove her veil. The girl is young and pretty. 

https://preview.redd.it/rfg9xgles9kh1.jpg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=86ce9fa8035ac3bde83a538190c1d409bf12d3b7

Instantly Fan Yake feels threatened. She decides that she will throw the biggest birthday party for her child and no one will think that her husband is available for another wife. Especially not one who could be a special trained courtesan from Anzhou. 

Sen brings Tingyun the invitation to Madam Yu’s grandchild’s birthday party. He warns Tingyun that this must be a trap. Tingyun agrees but says that in order to see how dangerous the social scene is, she must go.

https://preview.redd.it/pxqjfexqs9kh1.png?width=1488&format=png&auto=webp&s=5b39fb72a4955aa248ba854f13c25934368c24c1

Madam Wu receives an invitation to the birthday party. She tells Miss Wu no dinner until she loses weight and then orders her two nice outfits. Madam Wu wants something and is using her niece to get it. The treatment the niece gets is not nice. 

Fan Yake is immediately put out when Xie Tingyun arrives. She puts Tingyun at the farthest table. Yu Jingxiu is very happy to see Tingyun and has the kitchen add sesame flatbread to the menu. When it is served, Fan Yake announces that this is a gift from her husband because she likes it so much. 

I am not happy to see you

Fan Yake asks Tingyun if commander Zhao has forgotten her already because she’s not married yet and getting old. Tingyun tells her that she sounds like someone they both know, Madam Zuo. Tingyun asks if she’s truly happy, because the narcissus has become an orchid. Ah the symbolism.  

 

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Miss Wu has painted the scene but not included XieTingyun. Fan Yake makes a whole scene about not including her. This is just insulting in the biggest back handed way. Tingyun asks why the hospitality of the Yu family is so bad. The whole exchange just makes Yake look incompetent and her jiejie is really just stirring the pot. 

https://preview.redd.it/kgc367y1t9kh1.png?width=1488&format=png&auto=webp&s=e218eaf54cfc167ee1a697f6da559c518147fd26

In court Zhao Ling is being accused of overstepping his authority. The emperor summons him and he brings in his official robe and hat on a tray. Zhao Ling admits he used excess means but on his death bed Li Mao repented and confessed his co-conspirators. It’s blank. That book is totally blank. What a way to draw out the enemy. 

https://preview.redd.it/5ze10ve4t9kh1.jpg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c3b4bf78afab67e116c74d27c53b67b27c483d1b

Zhao Ling gives the confession to the emperor. It is blank. The emperor tells his officials that Zhao Ling is investigating under his command and has not overstepped his authority. The emperor gives his the authority to investigate and make arrests. He tells Zhao Ling to not get killed. 

https://preview.redd.it/lvehujf6t9kh1.png?width=1488&format=png&auto=webp&s=685d38368da778d2e32a2288b42f83965ad71316

The emperor is having a banquet. He promotes Zhao Ling to Senior Fourth Rank Assistant Commander of the Capitol Guard and gives him a courtesy name, Hucheng. The emperor asks when will he get to celebrate Zhao Ling’s marriage to Tingyun. Zhao Ling tells him that she is at a banquet at the Yu’s house.. The emperor tells him to go with Minister Yu and pick up his girl. 

https://preview.redd.it/edied63at9kh1.png?width=1488&format=png&auto=webp&s=c592c3e226e9c1638873b15747b888afed068d57

The baby gets to pick what he wants to be when he grows up and then everyone has dinner. Tingyun is once again at the farthest table. Madam Yu is upset and has her come sit at the main table with her. 

https://preview.redd.it/zy6ez52ct9kh1.png?width=1488&format=png&auto=webp&s=d8cd74f2656f2647b7742933767fae6fc3cd3998

Because the emperor ordered, Zhao Ling and Yu Jingxiu must leave together and snipe at each other.  Zhao Ling asks if he has risen high enough yet and Yu Jingxiu asks if they have set a wedding date yet. 

After dinner Madam Yu apologizes about the seating arrangement and asks Tingyun if they could just be friends.  Tingyun rebuffs her, saying that she grew up with her daughter-in-law. When Madam Yu protests, Tingyun points out that she hurt her too and the 4 confession matters are resolved. Smelling blood in the water Madam Yu pounces on that statement that Tingyun has destroyed her leverage over Madam Yu and Fan Yake. This conversation was full of double meanings. Insults and warnings were exchanged. 

https://preview.redd.it/el0hdd9et9kh1.jpg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e8bbcb858a03c3b840721f41f4944f0e2a6ccc9b

As the festivities at the Yu mansion are ending, it is raining. As umbrellas are opening and everyone is descending the steps, an unknown carriage pulls up. It is Zhao Ling, with another fabulous entrance. 

https://i.redd.it/em1a6lwmr9kh1.gif

Tingyun drops her handkerchief, again. It looks like the same one from before. Time to retire it cause it won’t stay in her sleeve. Zhao Ling picks it up. 

https://preview.redd.it/21dz1pw9s9kh1.jpg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=63a142b675f6fdbc5a9f2f823bc6cb26e74bf4aa

Thoughts:

Are we all surviving the sad romance right now? The distance is killing us. 

I think that it is interesting that the emperor revealed Zhao Ling as his agent this early. I know he said it was to save Zhao Ling but I think that he is actually making Zhao Ling the target. Technically Zhao Ling is expendable. Commoner background, no family support.  If everyone goes after him then the emperor will live. I think Zhao Ling knew this was a possibility and it is why he has been keeping his distance to Tingyun. However there is a flip side. The emperor promoted Zhao Ling, gave him a courtesy name and practically betrothed him and Tingyun. It was everything except an imperial decree. The emperor could be saying these are my people paws off. 

How much trouble do you think Miss Wu is going to be? Is she a possible ally or mischief waiting to happen? 

This was a positioning episode. We are assembling all our characters and getting ready for the next arc. Any speculation on what is going to happen next?

Zhao Ling has all the amazing entrances in this episode. Which one is your favorite?

This is The Road to Splendor discussions. I am hosting with the amazing u/sequesteredself.

Discussion Links:

Airing Schedule | Masterpost | Flashcards | All Discussions |Episodes 1-3 | Episodes 4-5 | Episodes 6-7 | Episodes 8-9 | Episodes 10-11 | Episodes 12-13 | Episodes 14-15| Episodes 16-17 | Episodes 18-19 |

We will be following the VIP schedule, so episodes 16 - 17 are the discussion.

Spoilers: Please use the spoiler tags if you are going to talk about anything beyond episode17. Thank you!!

A lot happened in these episodes, so hold on.

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Episode 16

Yu Jingxiu regrets his life choices. Having met Fu Xie Tingyun again and being unhappy with Fan Yake, Jingxiu asks if he made the wrong choice. I think I am going to spend a lot of this episode wanting to pound on Jingxiu. We have recapped it many times but DUDE! You did this to her and now you want her back. Never going to happen.

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Yu Jingxiu goes to see Tingyun. He brings presents, a replacement dress for the one ruined while saving his life and his confession about what happened back in Huaying. He doesn’t want to be Tingyun’s enemy. Tingyun is so angry she is crying. Those are not happy or relieved tears. Those are pissed beyond belief tears. Jingxiu’s arrogance is so high.

https://i.redd.it/niek81ww4ujh1.gif

Tingyun sends the dress back. Jingxiu is offended and runs back to see her. Tingyun refuses to see him. 

Zhao Ling is haunted by what Jingxui said about Tingyun. He asks her if she would have chosen Jingxiu if the framing had never happened. Tingyun thinks that Jingxiu doesn’t feel guilt at all for what he did and they need to be on guard for whatever his next plans are. They watch the stars together in the courtyard and talk about the big dipper. 

Jingxiu has formed a plan. The Yellow River Lantern Formation festival can be used to boost morale among the people and soldiers. The winner traditionally gets to light a lantern on the city wall. With the Women’s Hall thriving, they can honor Tingyun’s contribution and she can light the lantern with the winner. Commander Wang tries to protest that it is expensive but Advisor Li backs him into a corner. Advisor Li suggests that a match between a scholar and a lady would make the people happy and create a good story.

Tingyun is asked to help with the lantern festival. She thinks she is ascending the tower to celebrate women’s education. Zhao Ling has come up with an idea for renting booths that will help with the financial burden. He realizes that she has not been told the whole truth and decides to win. I’m not excited that he didn’t tell her the truth. 

Zhao Ling spends time thinking and skipping rocks. I also think he is waiting for Tingyun. He asks her if when they are married, what type of couple will they be? 

https://preview.redd.it/46vlhu2rytjh1.png?width=1488&format=png&auto=webp&s=cb7953f5fbb3c873c9a7e411dcbb25f2f040f223

The Yellow River Lantern Formation is a maze competition set to the 8 trigrams. It is made out of shelves set with lamps that move. Competitors are in groups of 3 and enter through the life gate. They exit through the rest gate. If you step into the death gate the formation will shift. Advisor Li suggests that Jingxiu participate. Commander Wang says he will bear no responsibility if Jingxiu gets hurt.

Zhao Ling’s team is him, Sen and Yang  Yucheng. The drum sounds and all the teams are off. Team Zhao are moving forward quickly, trying to figure out the maze. Jingxiu and his team are moving at a walking pace but are not getting stopped when the walls move. Zhao Ling figures that something is wrong and that Jingxiu has been given an advantage. Jingxiu was given the formation maze ahead of time. Advisor Li has set some traps and planted men to help him win.

https://i.redd.it/8ull05o35ujh1.gif

Zhao Ling asks Sen where the death gate is. They are attacked at the death gate by arrows and another team.  Zhao LIng sends that team through the death gate. The full formation changes and Jingxiu has lost his advantage. Zhao Ling  jumps on top of the maze and tells General Mo that his garrison is slacking off because it's too easy. General Mo changes the formation and it throws Jingxiu off. Zhao Ling sees the stars and remembers the big dipper conversation with Tingyu.  Zhao Ling figures out where the rest gate is. Team Zhao is attacked again.

Someone makes it through the end. It is Zhao Ling and he is shaky. Tingyun runs down the stairs and catches him.

https://i.redd.it/trq170685ujh1.gif

REVERSE BLOSSOM *see comment if you don’t know what I'm talking about. 

They use a flaming arrow to light the lantern in the middle of the formation maze. Everyone celebrates and talks about how good Tingyun and Zhao Ling look together. Jingxiu is upset that his plan did not work. 

https://i.redd.it/ade7h7efeujh1.gif

Tingyun is mad at Zhao LIng that he did not tell her what being selected to light the lantern really meant. If Jingxiu had won she would have been humiliated. Zhao Ling tells her that she was so excited that he couldn’t bear to make her unhappy, so he just decided to win. Tingyun says that she did not make herslef clear about them as a couple. She wants to cherish Zhao Ling and grow old together. Zhao Ling tells Tingyun to close her eyes and he kisses her. 

https://i.redd.it/du3xcfvneujh1.gif

The military merits are given out and Zhao Ling once again gets nothing. Mo Yi is restored to garrison commander. Madam Mo throws a party but General Mo feels bad.

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Jingxiu summons Tingyun to apologize for Zhao Ling not getting his military merit. He is not good at apologizing. Very bad. He needs to take apology lessons. Tingyun cuts him off to tell him that she is marrying Zhao Ling and to leave her alone. Jingxiu wants someone who understands him and he thinks she does. Tingyun tells him his apology sinks and she doesn’t want it. 

Zhao Ling and Yang Yucheng talk to Lord Li who came with Jingxiu for the inspection about the missing merit. Lord Li says that next time, but next time is in 5-6 years. Yang Yucheng loses his temper. While on patrol Yang Yucheng is told that Lu Dahu’s 36 head credit has not been redeemed. He could redeem it for the men in their unit and they could all earn merit. Zhao Ling would be promoted and they could got to the capital. Yang Yuchen says that its fraud and it told that lots of people do it and that no one will investigate it later. 

https://preview.redd.it/tyw95gmxytjh1.png?width=1488&format=png&auto=webp&s=5df77086858ae615c98a001ce8c36ad54ada8504

Yang Yuchen just wants to take care of his blind mom. He goes to Lord Li and apologizes. He tells Lord Li that everyone is scared to take the credit but they rightfully earned it. Lord Li agrees to investigate.

Episode 17

Zhao Ling confronts Yang Yuchen about the 36 enemy heads credit. He asks him why he did it. Yang Yuchen asks why he shouldn’t. Everybody else can take the short path, why can’t he. They joined the military to earn merit and what did they get? No salt, no grain and no credit for what they accomplished. It was easier when they were salt smugglers. Now they do the right thing and their hands are tied. Yang Yucheng begs Zhao Ling to take the shortcut.

https://i.redd.it/lcxjwjk5fujh1.gif

Zhao Ling asks if he can live with the guilty conscience. Yang Yucheng asks how long he’s going to make Tingyun wait. Zhao Ling says they have time and Yang Yucheng says his mother doesn’t. Zhao Ling walks away.

https://i.redd.it/cijxq2o7fujh1.gif

I LOVED this scene. The cinematography is absolutely beautiful. The script is fabulous and both Ding Yuxi and Jiang Jin Wei deliver. The questions of morality are real. The audience knows that this is probably a trap but Yang Yucheng is in pain and desperately wants to provide what he promised for his mother. The questions that Zhao Ling asks are the most important. What can you live with? For him, is it can he live with failing to take care of the people he cares about and what does he owe the people who care for him? 

Tingyun’s letters have been returned because the post station refuses to send them without her asking for a favor. This is Jingxiu’s doing. Tingyun gives Sanniang her favorite gold hairpin to pawn for a bribe. Zhao Ling overhears this conversation. 

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Zhao Ling sends Zheng Sen with his savings to pay off the post station. At dinner he gives Tingyun back her hairpin. Zheng Sen makes it back and tells Zhao Ling that they wouldn’t accept the money.

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Jingxiu has backed Zhao Ling into a corner and Zhao Ling needs to make an important decision. At the military meeting Zhao Ling is asked if they claim the 36 heads for merit and Zhao Ling says yes. He signs that it is true.

Zhao Ling is a sad boy

Tingyun received the news that Zhao Ling has been promoted and she is excited. She pulls out the bracelet from her mother. She is so happy to go to capital and see her mother again. 

https://i.redd.it/fnhdnnygfujh1.gif

The whole house is packing to leave for the capital. Sen feels like Zhao Ling has betrayed himself. You can see the disappointment in Sen’s face. 

A villager comes forward to testify that the 36 heads were not all Wangur kills. 16 of them were civilians who were killed to subsidize the merit. Commander Wang tries to reason that Zhao Ling would not do this. He is out maneuvered by Advisor Le and Jingxiu. Zhao Ling is arrested.

The Wangur tribe has attacked. Shaqiong is overrun. The army prepares to leave. 

Jingxui is interrogating Zhao Ling. The punishment for killing civilians and claiming military credit is beheading. The only way out is to provide 16 heads. Zhao Ling can use his own men if he wants. Then he will get to fight the Wagur and earn merit. Zhao Ling accuses Jingxiu of putting personal grievances before the welfare of the country. Jingxiu tells Zhao Ling that he will never be good enough to surpass him. Zhao Ling is only dragging Tingyun down and needs to let her go. 

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 The Wangur are on their way to Galin. Commander Wang confronts Advisor Li on why the military supplies haven’t arrived. Advisor Li says it because the storehouse is empty. Commander Wang threats to go to the emperor and Advisor Li says do that because an investigation will reveal that Commander Wang turned a blind eye to getting salt from salt smugglers. He will have to go the capital and they will lose the war because the soldiers don’t have a leader. 

The city is under imminent attack. Tingyun goes to Jingxiu and demands that he release Zhao Ling because he is innocent. She offers her four confessions to him. Jingxiu refuses and Tingyun burns them to prove her sincerity. Jingxiu tells her he never wanted the confessions he wants her. Tingyun says she has already chosen someone else and what about Fan Yake? Jingxiu decides that he is taking her out of the city, by force if necessary.

https://i.redd.it/9k8tooopfujh1.gif

Zhao Ling and his men are stuck in the cells as the army prepares to leave. Sen comes to let them know what is going on. Zhao Ling decides that it doesn’t matter and they need to make their move. They break out. Sen lets Yang Yucheng know that his mother died last night. Zhao Ling and his men go to the bandit salt smuggler camp. They kill every man. They have a total of 15 heads. The way I yelled at the TV when they said the total.

https://preview.redd.it/e407k6ulztjh1.png?width=1488&format=png&auto=webp&s=f6dc1ddf5f6f7d87a8c2042efb845bf34ce954d2

Yang Yecheng decided that he is done. This whole 36 heads merit is because he asked Zhao Ling for it. He will repay this with his head. Yang Yecheng cuts his own throat and dies in Zhao Ling’s arms.

https://i.redd.it/2ov7fv04gujh1.gif

Zhao Ling brings a chest filled with the 16 heads to Commander Wang as a gift. Now there is no evidence of the military purchasing salt from smugglers. Commander Wang wants to know why he should help Zhao Ling. Zhao Ling wants to protect the people he cares about. Commander Wang decides to help him because only when those like Zhao Ling, that rise from nothing, gain power will there be less injustice. He asks Zhao Ling for 5 years and he will help him rise. Zhao Ling vows to follow Commander Wang and volunteers to lead the vanguard against the Wangur.   

https://preview.redd.it/5qd3rxpoztjh1.png?width=1488&format=png&auto=webp&s=674caa535a2db4028931939ccf52a61d175a463a

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Thoughts:

Just when we thought we were going to get a break, Yu Jingxiu shows up and screws everything up. How do we feel about his realization that he picked the wrong girl? Is there any chance for him to redeem himself and be a better person? Or is he going to end up corrupt? His framing and bribing actions for him equal him not becoming a better person. 

I loved the Yellow River Lantern Formation. I thought that was so cool. I have never seen anything like this before.

What was your favorite Tingyun/Zhao Ling interaction?

Zhao Ling made some tough decisions in this set of episodes. Did he make the right ones? Is what happened with the 36 heads his fault? What about Yang Yucheng and his sacrifice? How do you think this is going to affect Zhao Ling?

This is The Road to Splendor discussions. I am hosting with the brilliant u/sequesteredself.

Discussion Links:

Airing Schedule | Masterpost | Flashcards | All Discussions |Episodes 1-3 | Episodes 4-5 | Episodes 6-7 | Episodes 8-9 | Episodes 10-11 | Episodes 12-13 | Episodes 14-15|

We will be following the VIP schedule, so episodes 12 - 13 are the discussion.

Spoilers: Please use the spoiler tags if you are going to talk about anything beyond episode13. Thank you!!

- - -

Episode 12

MoZhan has gorgeous embroidery skills. She is wondering if Madam Yu wants to make her a bedchamber maid. Yake tells Mozhan to make her two pouches.

Fu Xie Tingyun discovers embroidery done by the girls learning at the Women's Admission Academy has been sold at the market. She shows them some of the women in the ward and they promise to tell everyone that Madam Zuo is exploiting her students. Tingyun hypothesizes that Madam Zuo has a backer. 

https://preview.redd.it/mt8lnq6nghjh1.jpg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d0437b454bed1ba1cf6ec54c767b615c7a381ee0

Madam Zuo has freed her brother from prison. Zuo Jinjie has been hiding out at the academy, getting drunk. He stole some of the embroidery to buy more alcohol. Madam Zuo is furious, because this is affecting her reputation. Zuo Jinjie blames Tingyun for their misfortune and tells his sister to make peace with it. She kicks Zuo Jinjie out and has Concubine Lu brought to her.  Concubine Lu then goes to talk to her brother. 

https://preview.redd.it/e8mg5gorhhjh1.png?width=1488&format=png&auto=webp&s=74d5a52aad6dc18d420f3d01c0f5b11063052bc4

Bandits are raiding but Zhao Ling can’t go because of his absence without leave. Lu Dahu is in charge of handing out grain and salt. He won’t let Zhao Ling or his men get salt. Lu Dahu says that they have no salt but if Zhao Ling will give him part of his pay then he will give them salt.  Zhao Ling says no.

https://preview.redd.it/e8chq05uhhjh1.png?width=1488&format=png&auto=webp&s=f1fda0e23dc27f81daec0e4b7625ac6008ce248a

Zhao Ling gets salt to add to their food. Commander Wang shows up and is impressed that they have salt. Zhao Ling says that with help he can refine cliff salt for about 100 men. Commander Wang says that he will promote Zhao Ling to company commander if he delivers as promised.

https://preview.redd.it/n3c00guzhhjh1.png?width=1488&format=png&auto=webp&s=68a8a10b7b75d8b4b5cab8a0da865b9c5bcf3fd3

Zhao Ling, Yang Yucheng, Biao and Chuan go out in the hills to find salt. They are attacked by bandits. Chaun makes it back to camp and Lu Dahu says to wait until commander Wang returns. Lu Dahu says that if Zhao Ling is missing from camp for 7 days he will be reported, after 2 weeks declared dead. 

Zhao Ling and Yang Yucheng are taken captive.They observe that the bandits seem more like salt smugglers and they have warhorses. Someone in the military is trading with the smugglers. Mr Tao tells them that they can join his gang but there is only 1 place and they must fight to the death. 

Pushed into the fire ring, Yang Yucheng caves and goes for swords. Zhao Ling and Yang Yucheng fight, putting on a big show. They use their weapons to fling burning wood at the smugglers, steal a horse and escape. 

https://i.redd.it/lt0qvdqdghjh1.gif

After Zhao Ling has been missing for 7 days, Military advisor Li shows up at Tingyun’s door.  He says that Zhao Ling has been declared dead and quarters at the Admonitions for Women Hall have been prepared for her. 

Madam Zuo shows up to escort her. She shows Tingyun her new room. It has bricks on the lower half like where Madam Zuo was locked up at the Fu manor. She has to drink a chastity potion every week. It ruins the skin, turns the hair white and causes infertility. She tries to force Tingyun to drink it. Tingyun knocks it out of her hands. She has had practice. Once with the poison was enough. Enraged Madam Zuo grabs the scissors and starts hacking off Tingyun's hair. Someone is lucky they didn't lose an eye.

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Zhao Ling shows up in the middle of this and kicks Madam Zuo off of Tingyun. Madam Zuo threatens Zhao Ling's career. He wraps her up and carries her out. Back home, he combs out her hair to see the damage. I think its length is choppy.  Tingyun tells him that it's not that she fears being a widow, she fears a world where is not. Zhao Ling frees some of his hair and cuts it off. He uses string to attach his hair to hers, evening out the length ( I think). Like extensions

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Yake gives Jingxiu a box with a new pouch. As she is describing it, he opens the box and the colors don't match. He knows that she didn't actually make it, Mozhan did. Jingxiu goes to Madam Yu to ask her to lighten up on Yake. Madam Yu refuses, but will not interfere with chamber affairs. She is undermining the trust between Yake and Jingxiu. Although I don't think there was much to begin with. 

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Zhao Ling reports to Commander Wang for his return and the location of the salt mine. Commander Wang cannot give him the promotion he promised. When Zhao Ling protests, Commander Wang asks him who he has offended recently. 

Zhao Ling takes his frustrations out while chopping wood. Tingyun has examined the cloth he wrapped her in and discovered it is an unfinished man’s garment of junior rank 4th and above. It can only be advisor Li.

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Advisor Li has been to visit Madam Zuo and makes a move on her maid Hanyan. Madam Zuo interferes and sends Advisor Li away. Hanyan has been with her for 10 years and Madam Zuo releases her. 

Someone is stealing things from the girls at the Admonitions academy. That’s creepy.   Tingyun and Zhao LIng are pretty sure it is advisor Li. Tingyun goes to Madam Mo to thank her for trying to get her out of the Admonitions for Women Hall, She asks Madam Mo if she has heard about the thefts and theorizes that Madam Zuo is hiding a man at the hall. In full mob style, with the ladies of the neighborhood, they storm the hall. 

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Episode 13

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Madam Zuo and a half dressed Advisor Li hear the banging. Advisor Li grabs his clothes and runs. The mob of ladies breaks in. Tingyun’s line about Buddhist scripture. AH!!! It was perfect. Madam Zuo’s rooms are searched. They find a man’s sock. A search of the back yard and Madam Zuo says she will give them the man. Zuo Jinjie is asleep under the table again. Advisor Li is hiding in a cabinet. Madam Zuo gives the ladies her brother. She cuts a piece of her hair and vows to take monastic vows.

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Madam Wang interferes with Madam Zuo’s punishment and has her taken to Dadong temple. Tingyun accuses her of knowing who Madam Zuo was hiding and acting in her own self interest. Madam Wang asks Tingyun instead of getting revenge on petty people to instead make something in the community. She asks Tingyun to take over teaching the girls at the Admonitions for Women Hall. In return she will put down roots in the community and Madam Wang will get Zhao Ling his promotion. 

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Tingyun tells Zhao Ling about his promotion and worries about what will happen if the girls learns that a man was spying on them.

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Madam Wang visits Madam Zuo at the temple. Madam Zuo is blackmailing Madam Wang with the undershirts of some of the girls. The undershirts are burned and Madam Zuo threatens to ruin the girls lives if she doesn’t get her way. I swear Madam Zuo has nine lives. Will she not go away? 

Tingyun takes over the school and teaches the girl useful practical things, like how to keep accounts, gardening and history. With Zhao Ling’s promotion to  company commander, they move to a nicer house. 

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To celebrate Tingyun’s birthday Zhao Ling spends his whole paycheck on fireworks. When Chaun and Biao show up, Tingyun offers to make more food. Zhao Ling feels frustrated that she is working so hard and he can’t give her what he thinks she deserves. That is a slippery slope. Please check with your lady before you assume what things she wants.

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Tingyun gives him the last bag of candied apricots to make him feel better. Zhao Ling talks to Sanniang, who tells him not to worry if Tingyun loves him or not. She tells him that Tingyun treats him differently than everyone else. Zhao LIng is content to know that he has a place in her heart. He will talk to her about marriage, when he can give her the life she deserves. 

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Concubine Lu invites General Mo Yi over and suggests fireworks. General Mo says that they are too noisy. Lu Dahu shows up in the morning after General Mo leaves. Concubine Lu complains at him and isn’t getting anywhere until she brings up that it is Zhao Ling. She slanders them and Lu Dahu vows to show Zhao Ling where his place is. 

Lu Dahu volunteers to take provisions to a town attacked by the Wangur Tribe. Zhao Ling goes as his second. Lu Dahu needs 36 heads. He only has 4 and needs 20 more for a promotion to battalion commander. Why heads? Also the math is wrong.

General Mo brings Sen’s application to join the military to Zhao Ling. He has rejected it because Sen is too young. Zhao Ling is furious and tells Sen that he will never join the military. It becomes “my house my rules” and Sen throws back that Zhao Ling isn’t his father or brother. Fighting with family gets dirty and everyone’s feelings get hurt. Yang Yucheng tells Sen to take the military exam in a few years and then he won’t have to work from the bottom as hard. Zhao Ling is very attached to Sen. They are family. 

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Lu Dahu sees Tingyun before they leave and decides that she is pretty. Tingyun needs to carry a big stick so she can smack the stupid men when they get too close. Lu Dahu puts Zhao Ling and co. doing the worst things. While stopped, Yang Yucheng discovers salt that looks like the bandit salt smugglers that kidnapped them before. He shows Zhao Ling and they theorize that Lu Dahu is trading with the bandit salt smugglers. The question is does Commander Wang know?

Lu Dahu brings out two starving men, dangling food and then goes to kill them for his head count. This is cheating. I don’t think these circumstances count. Zhao Ling stops him. Lu Dahu says that he needs… The math isn’t mathing in the translation, but 36 heads for a promotion to battalion commander. 12 to deputy battalion commander or 24 war horses. He kills both men. Zhao Ling attacks him and gets in a few punches. 

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Lu Dahu issues that Zhao Ling has attacked a superior and is to be executed on sight. Zhao LIng and his men escape, promising to get 24 war horses and be promoted. Lu Dahu stops the pursuit and orders a report made that Zhao LIng and his men deserted. 

Zhao Ling and his men are heading for the bandit salt smugglers. They have salt and horses. This will earn them enough merit. Chaun gets sent to tell Tingyun what is going on and relay a message that Zhao Ling has gone to the mountains to pick apricots. 

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Lu Dahu got enough heads to be promoted to deputy battalion commander. He tells Concubine Lu to got the temple and pray for him. While Concubine Lu is there, Madam Zuo suggests that Lu Dahu go after Tingyun. 

Thought:

The relationship between Zhao Ling and Sen. How is it different from his other men? How is it the same? What should Zhao LIng do better?

Predictions of Madam Zuo and when she will get her comeuppance? Also how annoyed are we at Concubine Lu?

Will Zhao Ling succeed in getting his horses? How much of brute is Lu Dahu going to be?

Any insights into the hair tying?

Welcome back to The Road to Splendor discussions. I am still super lucky to be co-hosting with the fantastic u/sequesteredself. Those fun facts are seriously so cool.

Discussion Links:

Airing Schedule | Masterpost | Flashcards | All Discussions |Episodes 1-3 | Episodes 4-5 | Episodes 6-7 | Episodes 8-9 | Episodes 10-11 |

We will be following the VIP schedule, so episodes 8 - 9 are the discussion.

Spoilers: Please use the spoiler tags if you are going to talk about anything beyond episode 9. Thank you!!

- - -

Episode 8

Fu Tingyun has figured out Madam Yan’s wish. It is for Tian Wanyi’s Pai Gow tiles. Madam Yu goes to visit Tian Wanyi and promises that her husband can get Tian Wanyi’s husband a promotion if she gives her the Pai Gow tiles. Tain Wanyi agrees.  

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Fu Tingyun delivers the Pai Gow Tiles to Madam Yan. She tests Fu Tingyun’s knowledge of the salt trade. Fu Tingyun knows that Madam and Lord Yan have a rocky relationship and she admits that her fiance’s kindness to her is all for show. He is just using her connections for business. Madam Yan agrees to give Zhao Ling a salt permit. 

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Fan Yake makes Yu Jingxiu shoes for the upcoming exam. She promises to be more diligent so that Madam Yu may eventually favor her more than Fu Tingyun. Ah the level of manipulation going on here. Jingxiu goes to Zuo Junjie with a bribe  and promises a top tier test spot to take the exam if he spreads rumors so that Fu Tingyun will leave Fan Yake alone.

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Zuo Junjie starts talking about how his betrothed has run away to chase the imperial envoy. This reaches Madam Yan who puts two and two together. She realizes that Fu Tingyun’s fiance might be the imperial envoy. 

She invites Fu Tingyun to meet her at the wharf where Zhao Ling is working. Fu Tingyun comes and Madam Yan accuses her of lying to her. If Fu Tingyun doesn’t tell her the truth she will kill Zhang Lling.  Fu Tingyun admits that she is the ninth lady of the Fu family and that she was arranged to marry Junjie. Zhang Ling said he was the imperial envoy and she followed him to get out of the marriage but he is actually just a salt smuggler. Every word of this is true. Madam Yan suggests that she go find her man. She is going to test them. 

Fu Tingyun runs to Zhang Ling, who is a bit startled at her appearance. She throws herself into his arms. IN PUBLIC!!!!! In Broad daylight in the middle of the street. That is scandalous.

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Fu Tingyun whispers in his ear that Madam Yan is going to kill him. They get off the street and into a boat. 

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Zhao Ling is concerned about Fu Tingyun’s reputation. They have been found out and they can’t investigate anymore but her running to him will cause people to think she eloped. Fu Tingyan tells him she doesn’t want him to die. 

They shelter behind a table, while the cabin is shot full of arrows. Zhao Ling tells Fu Tingyun to get out and he will hold them off.  He goes out to confront the attackers. They fight. Sen arrives bringing Yang Yucheng and a flare.  Zhao Ling shoots it into the sky. All of Juiweijiao’s men show up to help. The assassins are out numbered 2 to 1. Yang Yucheng declares to everybody that this is Juiweijiao.

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Zhao Ling destroys the seal and says the Juiweijiao is now the face, not the token.

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Madam Yan decides that she can work with the Juiweijiao and promises the salt permit if they can find her husband’s mistress. Using rumors, Zhao Ling and his men track Lord Yan to his mistress's house. She has a son. Madam Yan is devastated.   

On the day of the Autumn exam Yu Jingxui and Zuo Junjie are both in line. Zuo Junjie is found to have cheat sheets in his things and is denied entrance.

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Zhao Ling’s men bring Junjie to him. Zhao Ling demands he write a confession about what happened at the Fu mansion. Junjie tries to refuse and Yang Yucheng punches him in the nose. While Junjie is whimpering about his nose, Zhao Ling tells him that being a cheater gets him sent into forced labor. He can go with everything intact if he writes a confession or he can go being less of a man. Junjie folds like a wet paper bag and pees himself. Fu Tingyun is listening outside the door. The blood with the bloody nose. The urine. I am so impressed with the human level of grossness visible in this episode.   

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Junjie confesses that his sister told him to propose and gave him one of Fu Tingyun undergarments to substantiate his claim. She set everything up.  Junjie writes out his confession. Fu Tingyun has gotten exactly what she wanted. 

The exam results are released. Yu Jingxui has come in first. Master Zhao comes to Madam Yu to ask her to keep things discreet while they finish up the salt case. AKA no celebrating, no attention.  The Sixteenth master gives her special flower pastries from the palace as a gift. To celebrate Jingxui’s win Yake is planning a banquet, but Madam Yu tells her they can’t have it because of their high profile guest. Yake proposes a small poetry gathering held outside the manor, mostly ladies to thank friends for their help. Madam Yu agrees. 

Yake wants this to be as grand as possible while staying small, so she goes for elegance. She gets pine soot ink and paper reminiscent of the last dynasty. But to really shine she needs something rare and memorable, like Fu Tingyun’s crabs. She sells 3 boxes of rare books from her dowry to set up the poetry gathering. 

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Episode 9

The poetry gathering is the wives of officials. Everyone comments on the luxurious paper and ink. Tian Wanyi asks why they didn’t have it at the Yu’s manor and Yake mentions that they have a guest but she doesn’t know the details.  The culminating event are small flower pastries from the capital. Tian Wanyi comments that she thinks she has had these before.  They also seem familiar to Madam Yan. 

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At home Madam Yan realizes that she had the pastries at the palace before. he pastries have come from the capital, the Imperial Envoy is from the capital. There is a mysterious guest staying with the Yu’s. Fu Tingyun was introduced by Madam Yu.The Imperial Envoy here investigating the selling of salt permits. 

Madam Yan goes to her husband. He tells her if this blows up she and their daughters are on their own.. All the money has come to her and gone to their 3 daughters' dowries. He had nothing to do with it. She is the one who will take the fall. After not hearing from Madam Yan, Fu Tingyun and Zhao Ling realize that they have been exposed. They go to Madam Yan and convince her that if she will sign a sworn statement implicating Lord Yan, then they will protect her daughters. 

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Madam Yan confesses and massive arrests take place. Lord Yan is arrested. Many salt sellers and smugglers are arrested. All the salt is confiscated and they have to pay a fine or face exile. Jin Yuanbao is in trouble. His current partners take their money back and he is arrested. 

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Zhao Ling asks General Mo Yi if Jin Yuanbao is on his list. General Mo says he is and there is a hefty fine. Zhao Ling pays the fine for Jin Yuanbao but tells General Mo not to tell Jin Yuanbao. 

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Jin Yuanbao tracks Zhao Ling down to apologize for his lack of loyalty. Zhao Ling tells him not to worry about it. Jin Yuanbao cuts off his ear as a pledge of loyalty. This seemed very extreme to me.  

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Fu Tingyun goes to the Yu’s in the Sixteenth Master’s carriage. She is there to obtain a confession from Yake that she gave false testimony about the situation with Zuo Junjie. Madam Yu makes Yake write down the confession.

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Yake overthinks too much and traps herself in her own suspicions.  Fu Tingyun acknowledges that she was blind to see the unhappiness in Yake’s heart and she trusted their childhood friendship too much. This is the absolute end of their relationship. They owe nothing to each other now. 

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Fu Tingyun asks Zhao Ling if he wants to be rich for a while or have a peaceful life. With the salt permit case over, there is no protection from the court or Juiweijiao’s enemies for Zhao Ling. She advises Zhao Ling to go to the Sixteenth master and give him everything that belongs to Juiweijiao. Zhao Ling follows her advice. The Sixteenth master accepts the wealth and asks Zhao Ling to join the military using his name. Zhao Ling respectfully declines. I think someone is going to get drafted, one way or another.

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Everyone is leaving. Biao and Chaun go home. Fu Tingyun and Zhao Ling say goodbye. 

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Madam Yu goes to Sixteenth Master to apologize for her household’s mistake. The Sixteenth Master is forgiving, but the Yu family will receive no credit in the salt permit case. 

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Fan Yake wants to make her wedding a grand affair. In a few years no one will remember the humiliation attached to her name. She is going to sell more of her rare dowry books. 

Thoughts:

Salt Case arc complete. Our couple is parting or are they? When will they meet again?

Zhao Ling has lots of people around him. How do we feel about Jin Yaunbao? Yang Yucheng? Biao and Chaun? Sen? Who is coming back? Who do we trust?

Fu Tingyun and Fan Yake seem to be at an end. I was pretty sure that nothing could help recover their friendship and the last episodes have cemented that. Yake has a definite idea about what she deserves and it is everything that was once Fu Tingyun’s. I am happy to see Tingyun taking responsibility for her part in the fallout of their friendship. Was Tingyun to forgiving? Will this come back to bite her?

Fu Tingyun had conversations with Madam Yan and Madam Yu, that touched on the future. What does Tingyun want? Is marriage on the table? Madam Yan said be very careful and trust no man. How do we think this will go?    

Hello and welcome to The Road to Splendor discussions. I am super excited to be co-hosting with the absolutely amazing u/sequesteredself. I am so happy to do this that I learned how to make gifs today! To everyone who makes them fast, WOW!

We will be following the VIP schedule, so episodes 4 - 5 are on the docket today.

Discussion Links:

Airing Schedule | Masterpost | Flashcards | All Discussions |Episodes 1-3 | Episodes 4-5 | Episodes 6-7 |

Spoilers: Please use the spoiler tags if you are going to talk about anything beyond episode 5. Thank you!!

- - -

Episode 4

Fu Tingyun has been handed a death sentence at Biyun Nunnery. The reputation of her family is too important to try to prove Fu Tingyun’s innocence and the blackmail of Zuo Junjie has put Old Madam Fu (grandmother) in a tough spot. She would rather her granddaughter die than marry Zuo Junjie.

Fu Tingyun refuses to drink the poison, so her maid Yuwei is threatened with the lives of her family. Yuwei drinks the poison and then forces Fu Tingyun to drink as well. Yuwei dies in Fu Tingyun’s arms and the nannies drag her away. Fu Tingyun crawls out the door into the rain. 

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Zhao Ling shows up and finds her. She tells him she’s been drugged and doesn’t want to die. Zhao Ling tries to help her throw up but she can’t get the drug up.

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He tells her it's up to her if she wants to live. Fu Tingyun eats the rancid food from her hunger strike and pukes. I was actually really thrilled that this was here and with real effort. 

Grandmother is very upset that Fu Tingyun is missing. The nannies are killed and Fu Tingyun’s coffin is sealed because she died of illness. Grandma is ruthless. 

Fan Yake has received a gift from her betrothed. She is devastated to learn that Fu Tingyun is dead. Maybe she has a heart? Fan Yake convinces herself that she did nothing wrong and Fu Tingyun deserved to die for her pride. Nope I was wrong. I hope this eats at her.

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Madam Zuo is sent away from the Fu family to a small town to tend her chastity arch. I hope she rots there. 

Fu Tingyun wakes up in Zhao Ling’s safe house. She begs for help to see her mother and he wants to know what mess she has gotten herself into. Fu Tingyun tells him she did not committee adultery. 

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Zhao Ling is that guilt I see? He tells her he has plan that will avenge her and let her see her mother.  Cue the opening scene. This is so gorgeous. Plus we have context now and the symbolism of the marriage and death of Fu Tingyun is poignant. 

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Grandmother comes to see Fu Tingyun in the carriage. Zhao Ling wants his salt back. Grandmother offers 10,000 gold on top of that if he will give her Fu Tingyun. Zhao Ling refuses but he does want Fifth Madam Fu to come talk to her daughter. Fifth Madam gives Zhao Ling 5,000 silver notes if he will take Fu Tingyun to the capital to her Uncle's house. When he gets her there, Zhao Ling will receive another 5,000 silver.

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Zhao Ling goes to Jin Yuanbao and gives him the 5,000 silver notes. The debt is paid in full. They wish each other success in their next endeavors. I can’t decide if this is good or not. Because he already betrayed Zhao Ling once. I’m not sure I trust him.

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Zhao Ling and his men retrieve all the salt. Zhao Ling decides that he is going to thumb his nose at the Fu family and give salt to the poor people who can’t afford it. He has his men tell everyone to put water vats outside their doors and gives salt brine. 

The real Imperial Envoy is observing and finds the man who gave salt but left no name to take credit, interesting. This guy looks very important and very dangerous. We will probably see him again.

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Zhao Ling, Fu Tingyun and Sen leave Huaying.

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Yake is officially betrothed to Yu Jingxiu. Her father, Fan Kun is worried that she has made a bad match. Yake tells him that she made this marriage bed and now she will lie in it. She can do more than anyone thinks. Yake is more ambitious than I thought. 

- - -

Episode 5

Madam Yu, Yu Jingxiu, Fan Kun and Fan Yake leave the Fu residence. They are headed to Linchun Town so Yu Jingxiu can win the favor of the crown prince. 

Yuwei's grave marker

Fu Tingyun wants to go to Yongning prefecture to clear her name. She wants to kidnap Zuo Junjie and force him to sign a confession. Zhao Ling tells her that there are many people chasing them and asks who would help her capture Zuo. Sen tells her it won’t be them.  Fu Tingyun is starting to realize that she doesn’t have the backing or power she once did.  

Zhao Ling Gives Fu Tingyun the bracelet from her mother

Zhao Ling, Fu Tingyun and Sen travel past many refugees. A woman is calling for help and Fu Tingyun tries to help her by tossing food. The three get swarmed by refugees, they lose the horse and all their supplies. Zhao Ling’s arm is sliced with a dirty hoe. There is a joke in here.

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Feng Laosi and his men are after Zhao Ling to capture him for the Jiuweijiao bounty. 

Sen is sent to the nearest town to get a salve for the injury. Zhao Ling and Fu Tingyun will meet him at Puji temple.  Zhao Ling cauterizes the wound. I try not to complain too much about the injury treatment on screen. I fail on a regular basis. Bandage goes on the wound not on the wound over the shirt. Just saying. Fu Tingyun is having an identity crisis. 

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Zhao Ling admits that he is not Jiuweijiao. He is a salt smuggler. He and his men got caught up in a deal gone bad when Jiuweijiao found his men were selling salt on the side. Sen goes back for the salt and Zaho Ling goes after him. Jiuweijiao was killed in the fighting and Zhao Ling took his seal. It looks like Zhao Ling stabbed a dying Jiuweijiao but it is not clear.

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Jiuweijiao’s seal was supposed to make his life easier instead, Jieweijiao’s men want to kill him, the authorities are chasing him and the gangs ignore him. 

Fu Tingyun and Zhao Ling head to Puji temple to hide from Jiuweijiao’s men. Another party is already there. It is the Imperial Envoy. Zhao Ling recognizes that this is a dangerous and wealthy man. He thinks it is better to retreat. Fu Tingyun approaches to say they are merchants and to ask if they can stay. They are allowed the far corner. 

Jiuweijiao’s men make it to the temple and begin searching. They offend the Imperial Envoy’s men. Fu Tingyun tries to distract the men from finding Zhao Ling. Instead Zhao Ling takes them on. He does okay. Flaming sword is cool!!!

https://i.redd.it/tc4zu09dgoih1.gif

But he is injured and eventually loses the fight. Before Jiuweijiao’s men can kill Zhao Ling, the Imperial Envoy’s guards kills all of them. 

Fu Tingyun figures who the Imperial Envoy is. It is the crown prince. She risks it to ask for help for Zhao Ling, but mostly so she can get to Yungun and try to clear her name. The Imperial Envoy agrees that they can come with him to Linchun Town.

She called him her fiance

Madam Yu is looking for the right gift to give the crown prince. Fan Kun has been transcribing a rare book that will fit the criteria of the gift. Madam Yu asks Fan Yake for the book. Yu Jingxiu finds her as she’s packing it for Madam Yu. He tells her she doesn’t need to use her dowry to curry favor. Yake then spills tea on the book to make it an unsuitable present. 

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Zhao Ling figures out that Fu Tingyun is up to something. She tells him that this guy is the true Imperial Envoy here to investigate the salt case. Fu Tingyun thinks that if she can help solve the case then the Imperial Envoy might help clear her name. Zhao Ling wants to know what’s in it for him if he helps her. Next we see he acts like he is sick with something.

Thoughts:

Fan Tingyun’s identity crisis is not a surprise but I think that it will be a bit of a driving force for at least the next couple episodes. She has lost everything that made her Fan Tingyun. She needs to figure out what she wants and how to get it. What she wants most right now is to clear her name of the adultery charge. 

Zhao Ling not actually being Jiuweijiao was a bit of a shock to me. He is the Male Lead. He should have a secret identity. I actually love that he seems like a rough figure out on the fly ordinary guy. He is the male lead so he still has secrets but I thought this was cool. 

Fan Yake’s hypocrisy is huge. She asks why Fu Tingyun couldn't accept a marriage below her station. Fu Tingyun station is higher than Fan Yake’s. So if Yake is marrying up then she knows why Fu Tingyun did not want to marry down. So why should Yake get marry up?  She is more ambitious than I gave her credit for at the beginning. I think Yake is going to be torn between her Madam Yu and Yu Jingxiu. Neither of them will be happy with her and Yake will be miserable trying to please both. Also is Yu Jingxiu low key gaslighting her? Or do we think he is sincere?

How do you think Fu Tingyun and Zhao Ling are going to help the Imperial Envoy? How badly is it going to go wrong? Thoughts?

We are in the home stretch. This is Love For You's second to last post. So mush happened in these two episodes, so hang on to your butts.

The express episodes for LOVE FOR YOU dropped and you may discuss them HERE.

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Masterpost: & Airing Schedule

Previous Episode Discussions: 1-5 | 6-10 | 11-12 | 13-14 | 15-16 | 17-18 | 19 - 20 | 21 -22 | 23-24 | 25- 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30- 31 | 32

Discussion posts have spoilers for relevant episode. Keep the focus on the current discussion, episode 30-31. Please don't spoil future episodes. Anything from episode 32 needs to use the spoilers tags. Thank you!!

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Episode 30

Mingtong is withdrawing. Haoyun’s stalking, tracking, and being uncooperative with the auditing team has paid off and they are not going to finish the report. Zhang Bin knows that this could effect their relationship with Hongshen. Mr. Tao has a new auditing team that can publish the report they want, it will just cost extra. I could not take him seriously in that face mask. I seriously thought something was wrong with his face the very first time. I thought it was like some tacky disguise that was just awful. He tells Tao to make sure to invite Miao Jing to their annual banquet being held in a couple days.

I cannot take this face seriously.

Miao Jing and Chen Yi go to the banquet. They are not seated next to each other and they do not talk to each other. Zhang Bin brings Chen Yi up to the front to thank him for his service. He reveals Chen Yi’s past in Country Jin. That he was a boxer and drove with the gangs and when he came back he was covered in wounds. To prove how much Zhang Bin values Chen Yi he will give him a bonus of 5% of his personal shares in Haoyun. This is humiliating for Chen Yi. He worked hard and didn’t die and Zhang Bin saying “it all happened for me. We are so close.” Zhang Bin is trying to drive Miao Jing and Chen Yi apart further because he thinks he’s revealing information that Miao Jing doesn’t know. Miao Jing knows just about everything. He is trying to tie Chen Yi to him. Grrr that was mean. 

Zhang Bin comes over to talk to the auditing team that is there. He asks if Miao Jing is shocked about Chen Yi’s past. Maio Jing tells Chen Yi she trusts him. As the auditing team is leaving, Miao Jing and Chen Yi clasp hands for a brief second. Zhang Bin feels suspicious, but Miao Jing is leaving. Where is Cen Ye? Shouldn’t he be at the banquet? Isn’t he in charge? Maybe he wasn’t invited?

This hand brush was cute.

Cen Ye tells the audit team that they are not finishing the audit and to pack up because it’s time to leave. Miao Jing tells everyone she wants to be behind a couple days and tie up loose ends on their part.

Miao Jing goes to the prison to visit Sun, the arsonist. She tells him that Zhang Bin is the one that gave him up and she wants to know more about Haoyun’s set up. Sun tells her that he doesn’t really know anything but that back in 2006 Zhang Bin started his logistics company and they were barely making enough to cover fuel for the trucks. And then Zhang Bin got rid of all the old staff and all of a sudden Hongshen agreed to invest. The money came from all the people Zhang Bin let go. Sun clams up and won't say anything about Zhang Bin being involved with  Kuangxia. Miao Jing leaves and uncle Zhou asked if she got everything she needed.

Chen Yi packs for Miao JIng to leave. Zhang Bin  takes Miao Jing to the airport. She’says I can’t wait to leave.  At the airport a guy in a black baseball cap grabs her, drags her underneath the stairs and kisses her. Hello Chen Yi. He couldn’t let her leave without saying goodbye. We get the impression that they’re going to be apart for a little bit, but that Maio Jing is coming back.

Kiss!!

Miao Jing leaves but has a layover in some other city where she goes to find roasted goose noodle soup. The restaurant is run by a husband wife team. The wife gives her a takeout card with their number on it. The husband is actually Zhai FengMao  OK, I’m gonna admit. I didn’t quite see this one coming. It’s been very implied that Zhai is dead. At the same time we have had goose show up multiple times in this show and ‘goose’ I’ve decided represents Zhai . And without an actual on screen death, you can’t trust that characters are actually dead. So I was wrong. I missed it. Miao Jing did not miss it and has found him.

Zhai FengMao is alive.

Cen Ye has to explain to his superiors, including Ding Lei‘s boss Monica, why they pulled out of the audit. Monica is really going after him and Miao Jing shows up to explain. She plays the recording from Sun in jail and explains that Haoyun was built on fraud and that this is really bad for Hongshen. Cen Ye and Miao Jing go to tea together. Cen Ye flat out asks her why she picked Chen Yi and not him. She tells Cen Ye that they are too similar and what she needs a partner who is loyal and will always put her first. Cen Ye can’t give her that but Chen Yi can.  They agree to stay friends.

The police have put together a joint task force, and have been working towards arresting Mr. Liu in Lingang and Zhang Bin in Teng city. On the night of transport, Chen Yi manages to slip away for a second and calls Uncle Zhou to let him know that it’s happening right now, but he has to hang up in the middle of the call. Tao notices that Chen Yi is missing and comes over. See why he shows him his phone and that it is powered off.

The irony. :)

Miao Jing gets back to the apartment and Chen Yi is not there. He does not respond to her calls or texts. She goes to the police station to ask Uncle Zhou if he’s seen anything. The police are literally in the process of pulling out. Uncle Zhou tells her to just sit tight, that they have to go but Chen Yi will be fine. Miao Jing gives him the keys to He WenJie’s apartment and reminds him that it matters to her too. He tells her not to be reckless and the police leave. Uncle Zhou should know better. The only way to keep Miao Jing out of this is to arrest her and put her either in a holding cell or an interrogation room where she can’t leave for the next couple hours. He really means be careful. 

Episode 31

Miao Jing gets back in her car and takes off. Tao and Chen Yi are interrupted by a worker knocking over a crate. Tao loses his temper, Chen Yi calms him. It is time to move out. Zhang Bin shows up and wants Chen Yi to drive him. He also wants Chen Yi‘s phone. 

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Zhang Bin has a lot to say. He is villain monologuing. He talks about how his life has gone from poor, selling roast goose to rich and powerful. That he and Chen Yi working together is fate. Zhang Bin got Zhai to take the fall and he built a clean company.  His life is a gamble. It is worth everything to win. 

The truck convoy makes it most of the way to the port, but there is an unexpected checkpoint. The police are doing a random drunk driving test. Once Tao gets close enough to the front of the line he sees Uncle Zhou. He calls Zhang Bin, who tells him it’s time for the backup plan. Tao drives his car through the barrier and all the police converge on him. Zhang Bin directs Chen Yi off the main road and onto a side street. 

Miao Jing has actually been sitting at the curb near this checkpoint waiting. She sees the car with Chen Yi go by and follows it. But what she’s actually following is the blessing that has been in Chen Yi’s car for years. He hung on the back wiper when he walked around the car. Miao Jing calls Uncle Zhou to let him know that Zhang Bin and Chen Yi have left the checkpoint, the license plate of the car and that she is following them. Uncle Zhou tells Miao Jing that this is reckless. She hangs up on him. Poor Uncle Zhou. He’s gotten hung up on twice tonight by his kids. 

Follow the blessing

Zhang Bin pulls a knife and puts it to Chen Yi’s throat. He is furious that Chen Yi has set him up. He stabs him in the gut. Miao Jing is not very subtle about following Zhang Bin and he figures out that they’re being followed pretty quick. To make Chen Yi drive how he wants Zhang Bin keeps twisting the knife in Chen Yi‘s guts. There is a long car chase. Miao Jing, you don’t look stressed enough. This sort of crazy driving, I would be sweating bullets.  Miao Jing pulls her car up next to Zhang Bin‘s. Why would you do that? What is the point? Zhang Bin grabs the wheel forcing Miao Jing‘s car to spin out and crash into a water barrier. Chen Yi sees Miao Jing get out of the car and it’s relieved to know that she seems okay. 

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Miao Jing calls Uncle Zhou again to let him know that they are headed to the pier and there are two possible places from this location, Loumei and Fishing Harbour. The police send two teams one to each pier location but they’re a ways out. Miao Jing then calls Zhai and asks him if he wants revenge against Zhang Bin. 

They make it to Zhang Bin’s secret warehouse. Zhang Bin discovers the blessing on the back wiper. Chen Yi has a flashback to 2005. After the fire he comes home to find Zhai FengMao sitting in his living room. He tells Chen Yi that Miao Jing is out getting medicine. That’s freaky. How does he know that? Zhai FengMao puts a knife to Chen Yi’s throat and demands the ledger. I think he wants the papers He WenJie saved from the fire. Chen Yi demands 500,000 yuan for them. Zhai comments that he almost thought he was an undercover cop. Chen Yi sends Miao Jing to Hai City. Then he gets jumped and knocked unconscious outside his apartment.  Chen Yi is tied up inside a car trunk. Zhang Bin is sending him and Zhai FengMao to Country Jin to start over for a while. 

Zhang Bin parks the car in his secret warehouse, then drags a bleeding, zip tied Chen Yi out of the car and across the floor.  Zhang Bin ask Chen Yi why he betrayed him. Was it for money or power or status? Chen Yi laughs at him and tells him he got He WenJie killed.

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Zhang Bin tries to kill Chen Yi and Miao Jing wacks him in the head with a pipe. Hit him again. Once to knock them down and a second time to make them stay down. Miao Jing is trying to free Chen Yi but Zhang Bin comes back and starts hitting her. Chen Yi gets the knife and starts trying to cut himself free. I want Zhang Bin to go to jail, not die. Do not throw him over the cat walk Chen Yi. 

Zhang Bin drags Miao Jing up the catwalk above the warehouse floor and traps her in black flexible hose,  getting ready to toss her over the edge. Chen Yi gets free, drags himself up the stairs and catches the ends of the hose, stopping Miao Jing from hitting the floor. They can hear the police sirens. 

On the catwalk

Zhang Bin tries to leave but is stabbed by Zhai FengMao, with a HUGE knife. The two fight. Chen Yi is trying to pull Miao Jing up. Why? It looks like it would be easier to lower her down as close to the floor and there is excess of the black hose. The police arrive and arrest Zhang Bin and Zhai FengMao. Miao Jing and Chen Yi are loaded onto ambulances.  Considering that Zhang Bin was just stabbed. He should probably go to the hospital too. But in a different ambulance. 

I love you

Chen YI is still holding the blessing. He and Miao Jing confess their love to each other.

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Thoughts

I have lots and lots of thoughts. This was already a beast of a post and I'm going to go longer.

These two episodes feel like the major climax of Love for You. I am willing to bet that tomorrow's episode will be fluffy. There was so much packed into the episodes that it felt a little overwhelming.

Rebelarkey and I put together a list of all things we wanted resolved a couple episodes ago. Let's check the list

• Tu Li and Cen Ye knowing each other. Nope
• He WenJie's death. Explanation about the apartment. Yes to He WenJie's death. The apartment was suppose to be for them when they got married. But we didn't get an explaination of why Zhou still has the apartment.
• The random money Miao Jing received. Nope
• The FIRE - Yes, see episode 28.
• Country Jin/Fight Club - Nope.
• Ledger Hidden under Miao Jing's bed - Kind of. Miao Jing has read it and memorized. She talked about it at the fire.
• Explain the what, why of the auditing team - Sort of. The audit is for the company Hongshen which is going public and is currently an investing partner in Haoyun. Hongshen needs to make sure that everything is clean before being under scrutiny.
• The locksmith with unlocking the door for the fire. - yes he was at the fire
• The truck with the sticker - This is to make spotting Bai's truck easier.
• The construction people protesting - nope

I think we got about 6 out of 10. not bad. We shall see what we find out in the final episode. What questions do you have that you hope are answered in the episode 32?

I have enjoyed watching this drama and talking about it with you. Thank you to everyone who commented. This was so much fun. Thank you to u/Rebelarkey for being a fabulous hosting partner.

The express episodes for LOVE FOR YOU dropped and you may discuss them HERE.
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Masterpost: & Airing Schedule

Previous Episode Discussions: 1-5 | 6-10 | 11-12 | 13-14 | 15-16 | 17-18 | 19 - 20 | 21 -22 | 23-24 | 25- 26 | 27 | 28 | 29

Discussion posts have spoilers for relevant episode. Keep the focus on the current discussion, episode 28. Please don't spoil future episodes. Anything from episodes 29, 30, 31 and 32 needs to use the spoilers tags. Thank you!!

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Episode 28

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Miao Jing and Chen Yi find a Ferris wheel. It is not the Ferris wheel from when they were teenagers because that one was an amusement park. Miao Jing asks Chen Yi if he kissed Linda all those years ago. He say no how could he. We know he didn't. Instead Chen Yi gives Miao Jing a gold necklace and promises to no matter where she goes he will be with her. I’m guessing the signifies that they are 100% officially together now.

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They return to Teng City. Miao Jing goes back to work and Chen Yi drops her off asking for a goodbye kiss before he leaves. Chen Yi receives a threatening phone call about how he ruined Mr Zhai and should not get to live comfortably. Chen Yi calls Bo Zai and has him check the pool hall for anything suspicious.

Miao Jing is working when she gets a phone call. The pool hall is on fire and Cjen Yi went inside after some students. Miao Jing runs out of the office and in the taxi to the pool hall sees her younger self also moving frantically towards Chen Yi and a burning building. She gets to the pool hall and Chen Yi is still inside. Uncle Zhou tries to stop her from going inside but fails. He thinks that this fire is different.

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Flashback to six years ago on the night of the fire. Chen Yi is waiting outside the investigative building when Mr Zhai shows up. Chen Yi was sent to help because Zhang Bin has the police there and is trying to subvert suspicion. Nope. I don't believe you Zhang Bin. Chen Yi is basically told to keep watch.  He WenJie declines going with her coworkers to get food because she wants to work on her wedding stuff. She bought Zhou a nice watch.

Chen Yi calls Uncle Zhou and says that the police need to come  and then he realizes the building is on fire so he rushes in to find He WenJie.  Chen Yi finds He WenJie on the floor with a packet of papers. She insists he put them in the water tank. But by the time he tries to gets back to her, she is unresponsive and they are separated by flaming debris.

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Miao Jing has made it to the investigative building, but can’t get in because the door is locked. She tries to persuade her locksmith neighbor to open it, but the neighbors are reluctant. She calls them out because they think it all has to do with the pyramid scream investigation and they don’t want their names revealed if they had anything to do with it. So Miao Jing starts reciting names and amounts of money. Obviously she has read the ledger. The police show up and Zhou won’t let her go into the building. The firefighters find Chen Yi and load him into an ambulance. Miao Jing goes with him. The paramedics bring out  He WenJie’s body and Zhou is crushed.

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Miao Jing find Chen Yi with a kid in the burning pool hall. A piece from the ceiling collapses and Chen Yi shields the kid. The firefighters show up, pull the burning scrap off and get the kid out. Miao Jing helps Chen Yi.

Chen Yi wakes up in the hospital to a worried Miao Jing. His arm is in a sling. I’m not sure if it’s broken or fractured or sprained. It doesn’t look like they put it in a hard cast so I’m not exactly sure except something is wrong with it. Uncle Zhou brought food and sends Miao JIng to get hot water so he can ask Chen Yi some questions. Miao Jing won’t let Chen Yi eat the food that Uncle Zhou brought. Instead she brought him soup.

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Miao Jing has a hard time letting Chen Yi out of her sight. The bathroom Miao Jing, really!!! Chen Yi tries to make her sleep in his bed, instead they both end up in the hospital bed. Miao Jing expresses that she wants to help Chen Yi. He tells her he doesn't want her to feel like taking care of him is her job. Um it kinda is. Girlfriend/boyfriend is suppose to care for their person. Miao Jing tells him that they will be leaning on each other when they get old. So you better get used to this mister.

They get to go home on the mid-autumn festival. They eat dinner and make wishes. Miao Jing is wearing the earring Chen Yi got her 6 years ago. While finishing up the dishes, Miao Jing promises to kiss Chen Yi if he tells her his wish. He wishes to stay by her side. They kiss and then they don’t stop kissing. They go to bed. It’s been a long time coming people.

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In the morning, there’s a moment when it feels like Chen Yi has left, but he’s actually just in the kitchen making breakfast. Miao Jing helps Chen Yi shave. She mentions that because of the fire, all the focus will shift onto the arson case, but they will slip up eventually.

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Thoughts:

Yay we got what actually happened with the fire. No we did not get anything else. Although Chen Yi mentioned an incident with Zhai at the docks afterwards??? I have questions.

How do we feel about the fire reveal? I think it was pretty close to what I was speculating. I am happy that Miao Jing went and found her mom's ledger. I want to know what happened with the files Chen Yi hid.

These two episodes are focused mostly on Miao Jing and her mother.

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Masterpost: & Airing Schedule

Previous Episode Discussions: 1-5 | 6-10 | 11-12 | 13-14 | 15-16 | 17-18 | 19 - 20 | 21 -22 | 23-24 | 25- 26 | 27 |

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Episode 25

Miao Jing and her mom, Wei MingZhen, walk around town. Mom seems to be trying to re-create some of those moments where she let Miao Jing down. Miao Jing‘s not really having it. Wei MingZhen tries to win a stuffy from a claw machine. Miao Jing ends up actually winning it herself. They go to dinner. It’s awkward. Wei MingZhen gives her the gold bracelet she bought for her. Miao Jing puts her up in a hotel room in the same hotel she’s staying at. Wei MingZhen ask Miao Jing if she will go with her to visit her mother's grave. Miao Jing doesn't reply.

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At the end of work Miao Jing says she want home and Cen Ye volunteers to take her. He follows her up to the apartment and they open the door to Tu Li drying her hair. There is a moment of shock. We know what this looks like. We also know that it’s not what it looks like. But at the same time, it totally looks like that. Chen Yi comes out and wants to know what Cen Ye is doing there. It’s like he’s totally oblivious to what the implications of this look like. He just wants Cen Ye gone. Tu Li says this isn’t what it looks like. At least she has some situational awareness.  Bao shows up to break the tension. Miao Jing tells Cen Ye to leave. Tu Li explains about her ex and Bao to Miao Jing.

Tu Li’s psycho ex, Yang Dajun, starts banging on the door and Chen Yi throws water at him through the door. The Yang Dajun says he won't leave. He starts going off on the fact that Bao is his son and unless Tu Li gives him money he won’t go or he’ll take the kid. Chen Yi starts to head through the door but Miao Jing grabs him,  pulling him back. And she handles it like a boss. Miao Jing turns the tables, calling Yang Dajun out on his gambling debts, which is why he needs money, so he can leave or she’ll call the police. When Yang Dajun says he won’t leave, she calls the police and he leaves. Chen Yi standing there looking so proud as Miao Jing just handles the entire situation. 

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Super cute moment while they are all eating hot pot when Bao says that Chen Yi is Miao Jing’s Bao. It’s freaking adorable. Also true.

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Tu Li and Bao spend the night in Miao Jing's room. Tu Li talks a little bit about her past and wonders if she is a good mother. Miao Jing says that if Wei MingZhen had been more like Tu Li, she would have had a happier childhood. Chen YI is out on the couch and thinks back to living with Wei MingZhen and Chen Li Bin. Why is Chen Yi sleeping on the couch? There’s another bed. They’re in Miao Jing‘s room. Maybe that way he can put a stop to the ex if he comes back up? In the morning Tu Li and Bao are gone early. Miao Jing tells Chen Yi about her mom's request and says she will do it because they owe each other nothing. Chen Yi asks Miao Jing if she’s moving back in. She says we’ll see.

The audit is almost finished. Cen Ye and Ma Yang need to go Lingang because there is an issue with the cash flow for one part of Haoyun but everything else is legit. Miao Jing recognizes the name of Liu Bin Bo. Or Liu Shan Bai . I'm pretty sure these are the same character but the show has one name and the wiki's another. He was there the night Chen Yi had to play pool for Zhang Bin. Miao Jing finds this odd because it was before Chen Yi was hired. She convinces Cen Ye that she should go on the business trip instead. 

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Wei MingZhen is taking pills. Miao Jing texts her that once she can take leave she will go with her to Jiang City to grandma's grave. In Lingang, Miao Jing discovers that the code on the toys being delivered is different from the stores.

Chen Yi is a mopey little puppy without Miao Jing. He makes a countdown calendar for when Miao Jing is back. Eventually, he ends up at the pool hall and Bo Zai and Da Yong try to figure out how to help him. They are no help. The only thing they got right is he’s mopey because he misses Miao Jing.

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Episode 26

Qiao Qiao shows up and they all go back to our newlyweds apartment for food. I don’t know if it’s lunch or dinner. It looks like lunch to me, but then it seems like dinner so I don’t know. Bo Zai has lots of bad advice. Qiao Qiao actually has some practical stuff. She points out to Chen Yi that a relationship is building a future and that one person cannot do all the giving. Chen Yi takes Qiao Qiao advice and calls Miao Jing, basically to tell her he misses her. She said she’ll be home soon. This makes him amazingly happy.

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Chen Yi then gets a call from Ma Yang. Wei MingZhen collapsed in her hotel room and they brought her to the hospital. Chen Yi goes to the hospital and fills out the paperwork. Wei MingZhen has breast cancer. Chen Yi asked her coworkers not to spread this around at work. And then he calls Miao Jing. We don’t actually get to see him call Miao Jing and before he does, it seems like he’s not going to. But then he did. But I’m kind of wishing they’d put that in because it’s a little bit more of a shared responsibility as opposed to trying to shield her from this. Anyway, it’s character growth and we didn’t actually get to see it.

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Miao Jing leaves her business trip and comes back. Chen Yi  tries to figure out if Wei MingZhen wants money or Miao Jing‘s attention. Miao Jing talks to the doctor and learns that Wei MingZhen has stage 4 breast cancer and it’s in her bones and brain. If you know cancer, especially in any type of show, that’s basically the kiss of death. Miao Jing decides that she still wants to do treatment for Wei MingZhen. Chen Yi learns that she got married and has a stepson who is a student. Wei MingZhen got sick a year ago, but the treatment got too expensive and she and her husband split. 

Chen Yi and Miao Jing get Mom set up in a private hospital room with a nurse to take care of her. Miao Jing shows up after work and tells her mom she’s gonna take some leave. Her mom says not to, that she needs money. Wei MingZhen wakes up in the middle of the night and wants to get up. Even though the doctor said not to, Miao Jing helps her into a wheelchair and they go outside. Wei MingZhen expresses some regret. And asked for lots of paper money to be burned for her after she dies.

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Chen Yi spends the night in the car. His car is not very big although I’m pretty sure he could lay one of those seats down and then stretch out his long legs. Anyway, sometimes I question his life choices. Miao Jing wakes up and realizes her mom is no longer in the hospital room . Also, she has changed out of patient clothes into street clothes. Chen Yi and Miao Jing go running through the hospital looking for Wei MingZhen. Miao Jing finds her in a bathroom on another floor putting on lipstick. Wei MingZhen says that she won’t die that bed looking like a dirty old rag. Wei MingZhen collapses. Miao Jing catches her. Wei MingZhen dies in Miao Jing‘s arms.

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The nurse lets Miao Jing know that the morgue charges by the day so funeral arrangements should be made quickly. The nurse‘s bedside manner is a bit abrupt. Death really is a mercenary business. Chen Yi comforts Miao Jing.

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Thoughts:

I am still enjoying this show, I just wish that there was more tension. The first half of the show managed to carry the tension and character development. Recently there is potential for tension but the episodes are not carrying it as well. I really want to feel the threat that Zhang Bin is and it keeps getting sidelined. Chen Yi is a police informant, Zhang Bin doesn’t trust him. Miao Jing is investigating him. The tension is there, it’s just not actually present in these two episodes.

Chen Yi is finally understanding, just a little bit, why Miao Jing is upset with him. Thank goodness for Li Qiao Qiao. He needs to make an effort and think about their future together. I think we made some progress in these episodes. He helps but lets her handle it.

Wei MingZhen is the type of character I love to hate. She is selfish and has made many mistakes. She's screwed people over again and again, including her daughter. She is constantly trying to get to the next thing, mostly at the expense of other people. At the same time, Wei MingZhen does love Miao Jing, at least a little. She is just too little, too late. Her return is to see her daughter again before she dies. Miao Jing is the character that I actually care about. She wants that relationship with her mom, She just doesn’t trust it and I don’t blame her. 

So how do we feel about Wei MingZhen death? Are we going to get some resolution of the fire? Is Chen Yi going to get caught by Zhang Bin?

Episode 21 was like half plot and the last half fluff. Episode 22 is almost all fluff and a little relationship communication. I am ready for more plot!

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Episode 21

The convoy of trucks leaves. Miao Jing bites Chen Yi. She says that as her boyfriend, he is out of line. It’s his fault they were almost caught. If you be sneaky, silence your phone!  He needs to let her do her job, she can handle it. If he does something like this again, she won’t come home. Then Miao Jing kicks him out of her car. 

Miao Jing leaves  and Chen Yi follows her. This car chase/follow was weird. Miao Jing meets Cen Ye and Chen Ye follows them into the gas station. Chen Yi tries to take Miao Jing home with him but she needs to plan with Cen Ye. Chen Yi tells Cen Ye that if something happens to Miao Jing for him, then Chen Yi will make Cen Ye regret it.

The awkwardness of having your ex as your boss.

Cen Ye asks Miao Jing about Chen Yi and Miao JIng tells him that its not appropriate to talk about it with her boss.  They saw the license plate switch but Miao Jing didn’t get the proof to report it. They decided to set up Mr Ding. Cen Ye tells MIao Jing that she will have to take one for the team and that Chen Ye will be unhappy.

Miao Jing goes to the traffic police and files a report for a sideswiped vehicle using the license plate from one of the trucks. She gets the info about the truck and the phone number for the driver to contact for insurance purposes. Mr. Tao is having a meeting with all the truck drivers and realizes that Bai is not there. Iit turns out it was his truck that Miao Jing “swiped”. Bai has gone to the traffic precinct to solve the problem. Chen Yi makes it there first and sends Miao Jing away. Mr Tao shows up and tracks down Bai. He wants to know who filed the report because the scrape in the middle of nowhere is suspicious. Chen Yi walks in with the paper and announces that it is a member of the auditing team, Ding Lei.  

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Chen Yi meets with Ding and shows him proof that Cen Ye submitted a complaint about him. The only way for Ding to survive is to resign. Ding resigns. Chen Yi is a softy. It would be a lot easier to let Ding actually get caught to carry the blame and have people confronting him and everything than it is for him to resign.

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Zhang Bin calls Chen Yi and gives another fish metaphor. This guy likes his fish. Basically clean up this mess because it’s your people a.k.a. the auditors. Zhang Bin also doesn’t quite believe him because Chen Yi is not involved with the port trucks. Chen Yi tells him that after Zhai FengMao he won’t be fooled again. To prove that he is not Zhai, Zhang Bin puts Chen Yi in charge of the port trucks.  

Captain Zhou visits He WenJie’s grave. He tells her how proud she would be of Miao Jing and Chen Yi. He says they’re all grown up now and not listening to him. Captain Zhou misses her*. I am so sad. I knew something was up and this confirmation that He Wen Jie is dead,*  Captain Zhou brings a report to his commander because he is certain that this time it will work. Commander says he will report to higher ups but be prepared to be called to the task force. It’s speculation but Chen Yi is passing info to Zhou and the person they are investigating in Zhang Bin. 

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Bo Zai is getting married. Chen Yi is his best man. When Bo Zai comes for the bride, there are a bunch of questions to answer and a web of fate, a maze of red strings, to walk-through. The bride and groom pick Chen Yi and Miao Jing to tie the end of the red strings together. Later in the hallway, Miao Jing asks Chen Yi if he has thought about their future together but they are interrupted.

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Tu Li is also at the wedding as the makeup artist and Li Qiao’s friend. The bridesmaid can’t make it and Tu Li volunteers. Tu Li misses the security that dating Chen Yi gave her but he only has eyes for Miao Jing. Bo Zai and Li Qiao get married. Miao Jing catches the bouquet. Her advice for the happy couple is that the promise of the future was made to both of them  and she hopes in rain or shine that they’ll always be there for each other for the rest of their lives. Seems pointed at someone. I wonder who?

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Chen Yi and Da Yong talk and drink in the empty pool hall. Chen Yi asks Da Yong about his dreams. Da Yong says his dream is for Bo Zai, Li Qiao, Chen Yi, Miao Jing and him to go camping in a meadow. Does this wish make anyone else nervous?

Chen Yi offers the auditing team a trip for a break. The team suggests Country Jin but Miao Jing shuts it down with a visit to an island instead. The look on Chen Yi’s face. He never wants to go back there. 

Episode 22

The auditing team and Chen Yi go to an island for a break. Miao Jing is keeping her distance from Chen Yi. Cen Ye and Chen Yi are sniping at each other and competing for her attention. The group teases Miao Jing about Cen Ye.

Competitive

Xiao Yu, Ma Yong and Miao Jing go beach combing away from the rest of the group. Ma Yong coaxes Xiao Yu up on some rocks where she falls and twists her ankle. Stuck in between two rocks Miao Jing gets down to help Xiao Yu but ends up trapped herself. Ma Yong takes Xiao Yu and goes for help. 

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The tide is coming in and Chen Yi can’t find Miao Jing. Ma Yong makes it back. Cen Ye calls for a boat and Chen Yi takes off. He is having flashbacks of her drowning when they were kids. Chen Yi gets there, pulls her out but the tide has come in enough that the rocks are separated from the beach. While they wait for the boat, Chen Yi looks at the cut on Miao Jin’s hand. He admits that he is scared for her.

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After Miao Jing’s injury is doctored, she and Chen Yi walk on the beach and talk. Let’s be honest, it looks like a bad scrape. It didn’t need that much fuss. Those two idiots could have bandaged it themselves. Miao Jing asks what Chen Yi thinks about when he saves her. He tells her that he acts because if he thinks too much he’ll worry. Miao Jing tells him she is afraid that he is trading away parts of himself for her and not getting anything in return. His response is that the characters in the story she used to explain this are not in the same story. You stupid boy. That is not going to help. Maio Jing tells him that she used to think she could get him out but in reality she is just putting him in more danger. His suffering is her fault. Chen Yi tells her he chose this. She kisses him. 

Kiss!!

Maio Jing wants Chen Yi to love himself. Chen Yi wants Miao Jing to be safe. 

Tu Li has come to visit Li Qiao. She wants to know if Chen Yi is dating Chen Yi. Bo Zai tells her to leave it alone, that it has always been Miao Jing. Tu Li thinks that maybe she has a chance.

They get back from their trip and Miao Jing is frustrated with the whole situation. She looks at her old online journal entries and decides that maybe she’s making it worse for Chen Yi. If she lets go, will he stop getting hurt? Now a typhoon is coming in. 

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Thoughts: 

Are we all getting the vibes that Miao Jing is the one who broke up with Cen Ye and Cen Ye is trying to get her back. Even if he’s not, he definitely likes pushing Chen Yi’s buttons. 

I understand Tu Li but now I’m finding her persistence annoying. 

Miao Jing feels like maybe all Chen Yi wants is to save her, particularly the girl from 6 years ago. She needs him to treat her like a partner, not someone who needs to be protected all the time. 

Chen Yi is so stuck in his head and in what he thinks he’s worth, that Miao Jing is moving toward putting distance between them. Any ideas on how Chen Yi can start fixing his problems? I’ll go first. Less longing looks and have a real conversation about feelings and the future.

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Discussion posts have spoilers for relevant episodes. Keep the focus on the current discussion. Please don't spoil future episodes. If you have to talk about something in the future please use spoiler tags.

Episode 17

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Cen Ye, the boss has appeared on the projection screen. Xiao Yu called him! He warns Mr Ding that once the project lead signs off on something, they hold the firms reputation in their hands. Does he really want that responsibility? Boss Cen says that everything needs to be reviewed by Miao Jing. Mr. Ding backs off, but he is not happy. In apology he takes the whole team to dinner and gives an apology to Miao Jing and Xiao Yu. It feels so fake. No one seems to really believes him. Mr Ding leaves first, without telling anyone.

Chen Yi, is at dinner with Tu Li and the mall management team. Tu Li calls off their fake relationship because he has found someone he loves. Miao Jing calls Chen Yi, to come get her. While on the phone she sees at least 8 men walking into the restaurant and tells Chen Yi to call the police. There are 8, I counted. She hangs up. That is going to get Chen Yi there faster than anything. The men are checking rooms and asking for Mingtong's auditing team. They have a picture and realize its her. Miao Jing takes off and they chase.

Chen Yi shows up and hits a guy with his car. WHOA!!! He takes on all eight and beats the crap out of them. The leader confesses it was Lihao that hired them. Another company that Mingtong audited and found problems. This ruined the company. The guy says that Mingtong set Maio Jing up. Chen Yi loses it. He as a PTSD flashback and can't stop hitting the guy. Maio Jing embraces him until he stops and the police show up.

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This whole scene was so intense and I loved it!! Miao Jing had flat shoes to run in. She fought to get away with fire extinguisher and the potted plants. She answered the phone for Chen Yi and told him where she was. I adore a smart and quick thinking FL.

LOVE this!

At the police station Captain Zhou is trying to help but Che Yi is less cooperative then he should be. An officer tells him to stop making it hard for Captain Zhou because he treats Chen Yi like family. Chen Yi says "What right do I have to be his family now?" Maio Jing is worried about Chen Yi but Captain Zhou assures her that there were cameras at the restaurant. Zhou says that he failed both Miao Jing and Chen Yi six years ago and that he didn't protect them. I am very certain that something terrible happened to He WenJie. Just the way Zhou is talking.

Cen Ye is informed about the attack on Maio Jing by Liaho. He askes for the files to be pulled, espically for Mingtong employees who handled coordination with them. Who smells a rat. I do and it's name is Ding.

Chen Yi is upset. He wants to know why Maio Jing switched from accounting to auditing. She wants to know why he gets to control what she does. He's scared she almost died and shouldn't gamble with her life auditing. Maio Jing tells him he's gambling with his life working with Zhang Bin. Chen Yi tells her that she has a shot at getting out and that he can't. Maio Jing is angry that he thinks he can't get out. She dares him to kiss her.

KISS!

Captain Zhou shows up at the pool hall the next morning to get Chen Yi to go to counseling. He has missed the last two weeks and it is routine for someone in his position. Chen Yi is a police informant. When Chen Yi refuses, Captain Zhou says its fine, he'll just talk to Miao Jing about it. Chen Yi agrees to go. Maio Jing is the lever to move Chen Yi. Lets hope it stays good. Maio Jing brings lunch. Captain Zhou returns to pick Chen Yi up that evening.

At the counseling session, Chen YI gets stuck in a flash back of a cage fight. He can't get out until Maio Jing shows up. This is the same flashback from the fight earlier. Maio Jing shows up with dinner for Captain Zhou. She waits for Chen Yi and they go home.

He is her home.

The counselor and Captain Zhou talk. The counselor says that Chen Yi is getting better and says that his will power is very strong. Captain Zhou "what ifs" that Chen Yi had gotten into the police academy. You can tell there is regret but that Zhou is proud of Chen Yi. The counselor reminds Captain Zhou that he can come talk to him too.

Episode 18

Maio Jing and Chen Yi take the motorcycle home. She flashes back to her conversation with Captain Zhou about counseling and Chen Yi. Maio Jing says she will face everything with Chen Yi.

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Chen Yi goes fishing with Zhang Bin. Zhang Bin keeps fish in the pond to teach them to behave. Is Chen Yi a fish? Zhang Bin says that there are many rules in Country Jin and that they were hard to follow. Chen Yi says that besides obeying the laws and being a model citizen in Teng City that there are no rules. Zhang Bin feels like he is being watched. He says that Chen YI would never betray his brothers and that he wants to bring him into Haoyun. There is a rat and the only outsiders are the auditing team from Hai City. Chen Yi says he will take care of it. This conversation has so many layers.

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Maio Jing shows up at the pool hall with lunch to get information from Bo Zai and Da Yong about Chen Yi. Neither of them really tell her anything but they are worried. Bo Zai admits to Chen Yi that Maio Jing came asking questions. Chen Yi tells him that someone is looking into Haoyun and Zhang Bin. He is afraid that her investigation will bring down all the thugs in Teng City and he can't protect her. Chen Yi knows that Maio Jing looks harmless but has teeth when she bites.

Maio Jing has gotten tickets for the opera from the festival. She invites Chen Yi to go with her. Chen Yi tells Maio Jing that she can ask him anything. She just wants him to get a good night's sleep.

This is sweet.

Ding is pressuring to move on in the audit. Maio Jing refutes saying they need to follow every step and procedure carefully. Two of Zhang Bin's companies are clean but they don't have enough information about Haoyun yet.

A guy shows up at Tu Li's shop and starts making a fuss. Customers are uncomfortable and leave. Tu Li comes out to confront him and a little boy, Bao, follows her. She threatens to call the police and the guy says bring it on. I think this is her ex and he's probably going to be a nuisance. Chen Ye appears and the guy is immediately sorry and promises not to do it again. Chen Yi is happy to help the kid but leaves very quickly because he is late.

Maio Jing goes to the opera. Chen Yi texts that he is going to be late. There is a rumor that the famous singer is doing the show today because a boyfriend paid her for his girlfriend. The opera ends and the singer brings the sword off the stage. She looks like shes heading for Maio Jing but its actually the girl by her. The boyfriend proposes. This whole thing feels like it talking to Maio Jing. The words of the song fit her situation. Maio Jing gets a text, turns around and it's Cen Ye.

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Chen Yi finally makes it and walks into Maio Jing and Cen Ye staring at each other. Instant jealousy. They take Cen Ye back to his hotel. Chen Yi makes him ride in the back. It's hilarious. Maio Jing and Cen Ye go up to Cen Ye's hotel room to do some work. Xhen Yi makes it 30 minutes before he goes up to retrieve Maio Jing. She is very patient with him.

Maio Jing and Ding go to an onsite confomration. Ding is put out and tries to short cut all over the place. On the way back to the office, he lectures Miao Jing that she should try harder to be more flexible and that she should be more accomidating to her bosses besides Cen Ye. Miao Jing is not impressed.

At the office, Cen Ye brings presents for the auditing team. Cen Ye has them come to his office and is unhappy with the way the audit is going. Both Ding and Maio Jing are in trouble. We learn that Ding is the team leader from another boss and not actualy Cen Ye's. Cen Ye lets Ding go to back to work but Maio Jing has to stay at sort papers out for him. Ding looks smug but this feels like a set for Ding to let down his guard. Cen Ye and Maio Jing make plans to go to dinner but Chen Yi is there to pick her up. They all got to dinner. Cen Ye has to sit in the back again.

The second male lead has arrived.

Thoughts:

The resturant sequence was my favorite. It had action, smart FL and ML, and affection. It was my favorite part of episode 17.

The fight and kiss between Miao Jing and Chen Yi. That whole conversation is the most comunication they have had in episodes. The feelings of guilt and hoplessness that Chen Yi is drowning in. He down't want her to see him, like he is. But she has always seen him, no matter what state he is in. Maio Jing is fighting for him. Chen Yi needs to fight for himself.

Happy to see more of Captain Zhou. He really cares about Miao Jing and Chen Yi. My heart is very sad over He WenJie. Even if we don't know what happened to her, something did.

Funny moments. Chen Yi is jealous, like Miao Jing was over Linda. He is hilarious with the car door and the concern about the hotel.

I am convinced that Ding is responsible for the Lihao attack. I also think he might be leaking to Zhang Bin or bribed into it. Also I smell a set up from Cen Ye and Miao Jing for Ding.

The 2nd male lead has appeared. How do we feel about Cen Ye? Chen Yi does not like him.

I just realized that Cen Ye and Chen Yi have to same intials so I'm not sure which text was Miao Jing recived was from which CY.

Hello welcome to the Love for You episode discussions. The posts will be hosted by me and u/rebelarkey.

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Discussion posts have spoilers for relevant episodes. Keep the focus on the current discussion. Please don't spoil future episodes. If you have to talk about something in the future please use spoiler tags.

Episode 13

In the same place and ignoring each other.

Miao Jing is not coming home until early in the morning. Chen Yi is concerned and irritated. When he tries to talk to her she blows him off. They are very aware of each other but no one is talking. Miao Jing shows up at the Pool Hall for a lesson from Chen Yi. He basically shows her no mercy and then tells her she shouldn't be there. He asks why she is making him miserable because she is making him worry and everything feels wrong. She asks him why he would worry. These two are very snippy with each other. But probably point to Chen Yi.

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The police show up for an inspection because there were reports of some altercations. One of them is Captain Zhou KangAn. He's alive!!! It is very tense between Chen Yi and Captain Zhou. With little eye contact like they want to say something to each other but can't. Captain Zhou reminds Chen Yi to run a clean business.

Chen Yi decides to do something drastic. He visits a real estate agent to rent out his apartment because Miao Jing will go back to Hai City if she doesn't have a place to live. Rent not sell. The apartment was his mother's. The agent shows up at the apartment where Miao Jing is trying to fix the faucet. Point to Chen Yi. The agent explains about renting out the apartment. Chen Yi is listening to the conversation in the stairwell. Miao Jing sees Chen Yi's text about renting out the apartment and decides two can play this game. She lets the agent in and gives him the grand tour.

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Chen Yi comes inside and Miao Jing is crying in the living room. He caves and says that she doesn't need to leave right away and that he will find her another place. The agent comes back from washing up, talking about all the dust they just disturbed. Then two more agents show up. Miao Jing assures Chen Yi that she can get him a great price on the apartment. Two points to Miao Jing.

The movers are packing up the apartment. Chen Yi is hiding in his room, hoping it will all go away. Miao Jing comes in looking for the house deed but finds her high school picture instead. Chen Yi doesn't care. She packs it and takes it down to the truck. Chen Yi changes his mind. He asks Miao Jing what is really going on. She tells him that she lost her job and by helping him sell the apartment she will get a cut. Chen Yi declares that he is not selling or renting the apartment. The point belongs to her.

Anyone think that he trying to quite smoking? The candy makes a convincing argument.

Miao Jing promises to move out when she finds a job. Chen Yi decides to find her a job. He meets with Mr Xu LinFeng (I think he's the architect from earlier) and he gets her an interview. Miao Jing goes furniture shopping. Chen Yi comes home to her putting together the new furniture. He reluctantly helps. A point to both of them.

Miao Jing bombs the interview on purpose. Point for her. Chen Yi abruptly announces that the pool will be closing for renovations and will reopen as a snooker training center. This surprises everyone, including his friends. Miao Jing is investigating a shipping company.

Look at that smirk. She knows exactly what she is doing.

Episode 14

Tu Li is having some issues with her salon at the mall. She uses Chen Yi's name to get management to redo her contract and move her salon to a new location. Tu Li hears a rumor that Chen Yi has another girl at his apartment and she goes to see.

Miao Jing comes home to find Tu Li on her doorstep. Game of Chicken round 2! Tu Li immediately clocks her as the new girl hanging around Chen Li and starts in that she needs to give up on Chen Lie. Miao Jing unlocks the apartment and invites her inside. Miao Jing pulls out her house slippers to put on, goes to the kitchen to wash fruit. Tu Li kicks her out of the kitchen and then tells her that being clingy will get her nothing. Miao Jing asks information about their relationship and Tu Li is inconsistent in her storytelling. Miao Jing won every point in this game.

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Chen Yi is shocked to find Tu Li there. Miao Jing finally reveals that she is Chen Yi's meimei. Chen Yi makes Tu Li leave, after reminding her that they are not in a real relationship and to leave Miao Jing alone. Chen Yi asks Miao Jing to come by the pool hall. Miao Jing asks why his girlfriend sleeps in a separate room. Chen Yi admits that its not what she thinks.

The shock on Chen Yi's face!

Miao Jing goes to a badminton court. While there she runs into Yi Lan, an old friend from high school that currently works for the development and reform commission. Chen Yi, Da Yong and Bo Zai are working on the pool hall and need the key to the storage room, which Bo Zai's girlfriend Li Qiao has. Li Qiao works at the badminton court and mentions seeing Miao Jing. Chen Yi goes to get the key. Miao Jing is getting information from Yi Lan. She brings up Hao Yun Logistics which is owned by Zhang Bin.

Chen Yi shows up and the two of the play a game. Miao Jing falls and scrapes her knee. Chen Yi takes her to the pool hall to doctor it. He asks her if she wants to do the accounts for the pool hall. This will let her look for a job slowly. Miao Jing says she'll think about it. They are interrupted by Zhang Bin's assistant. He says he'll be right back. Miao Jing finds medication in Chen Yi's office. It's used to treat depression. Zhang Bin wants a small favor from Chen Yi. Reluctantly Chen Yi says yes, gets his pool cues and tells Miao Jing that Bo Zai will take her home. She questions if he is really running a small business. Every time Zhang Bin shows up I yell at Chen Yi to not go anywhere near him.

https://preview.redd.it/86ziio9r15dh1.png?width=2166&format=png&auto=webp&s=76269893d36bb27c00f4a1410d4e7dd02186c44e

Chen Yi goes to Zhang Bin's place where he plays pool with Liu ShanBai. Miao Jing follows him. The door guard won't let her in. When he is distracted Miao Jing steals an umbrella and sneaks in. She is taking pictures through the window of the guests and recognizes Chen Yi. She assumes that Chen Yi has been lying to her and is still involved with Zhang Bin. Miao Jing calls Chen Yi to come get her at the old factory where they scrapped metal as kids.

https://preview.redd.it/ggj29qio15dh1.png?width=2166&format=png&auto=webp&s=bcc79a92215e609421713fc4528c6e8155ff9cbb

Cheng Yi leaves. Zhang Bin is a bit unhappy about it but implies to his guests that everything is fine and Chen Yi is back working for him. Chen Yi finds Miao Jing. She tells him that she lost the earrings he gave her. It is raining really hard. Chen Yi starts looking for the earrings. Miao Jing yells at Chen Yi if he has moved on from the past. She shows him that she found the earrings. Chen Yi asks Miao Jing if she hates him that much. She says yes.

https://preview.redd.it/6a2gmc8m15dh1.png?width=2166&format=png&auto=webp&s=6a7d59b4fc9d506609b483fb2afa27545739d64f

Thoughts:

Final score for our game of chicken is Chen Yi 3, Miao Jing 5. Miao Jing also won against Tu Li, with all the points.

Chen Yi is really a big softie. He is trying to protect himself and Miao Jing and he keeps losing. Also Miao Jing doesn't want his protection. She came back to Teng City for reasons. These two need to be locked in a room together until they finally talk to each other.

We finally learn that Miao Jing is investigating something, probably related to Zhang Bin. She is upset with Chen Yi in the beginning, starts to think that maybe she was wrong and then the dinner with Zhang Bin has made her doubt everything with Chen Yi again.

What do you think Miao Jing is investigating? Do we really believe she is unemployed? How do we feel if she is lying to Chen YI?

On the flip side how would we feel if Chen Yi is getting involved with Zhang Bin again?

Hello welcome to the Love for You episode discussions. The posts will be hosted by me and u/rebelarkey. This is my first time hosting so wish me luck.

Masterpost:

Previous Episode Discussions: Episodes 1-5, Episodes 6-10.

u/Rebelarkey will have the previous discussions up soon.

Discussion posts have spoilers for relevant episodes. Keep the focus on the current discussion. Please don't spoil future episodes. If you have to talk about something in the future please use spoiler tags.

Episode 11

https://preview.redd.it/6agrzcql47dh1.png?width=2166&format=png&auto=webp&s=961cbda3b57336cd24e767ed57e886cbbc8d0920

The police are closing in on Zhai FengMao. There are issues with taxes. He and Zhang Bin concoct a plan. I'm pretty sure this is going to involve Chen Yi. There is a storm and Chen Yi ends up on Miao Jing floor, because she mentions the thunder. They end up on the bed together and Chen Yi won't let her kiss him again. He promises to tell her everything from now on

Zhang Bin calls at 1 o'clock in the morning and Chen Yi has to go. Miao Jing asks him not to go and he promises to be back in time to help her check her exam scores. He pinky promises and says that the future will be fine. The timing is so suspicious. Also Chen Yi is making promises we already know he can't keep.

https://preview.redd.it/wi27z7uo47dh1.png?width=2166&format=png&auto=webp&s=41a079e0bdb02d4dd13d7cf92c0938cb14b5e1b3

Zhang Bin says that only Chen Yi can help. Also with Chen Yi leaving Kuangxia and resigning to go the Hai City with Miao Jing, Zhang Bin says that this will be the last time. Chen Yi is suspicious but goes anyway. I'm glad he has good instincts.

The home computer dies and Miao JIng goes to the internet cafe to check her scores. She is 4 hours early. A fire breaks out at the building the special investigation team is using to investigate the tax fraud. The door is chained and locked. Miao Jing tells Captain Zhou KangAn that Chen Yi is still inside. How does she know that?

Chen Yi changes Miao Jing's college application and sends her to Hai City instead of having her stay in Teng City. She asks if he ever loved her and he says "Don't be ridiculous" She slaps him and walks away. Chen Yi tells her not to contact him, he will contact her. Yeah that's not going to happen anytime soon. I love it when we get none answers to protect someone and we don't get an actual conformation. The replies are vague around it so that there is no actual lying.

https://preview.redd.it/3lupmcsj47dh1.png?width=2166&format=png&auto=webp&s=deaa73d39d1c98d1e7906d4493f127b85d8dd4a5

2011

Chen Yi tries to convince Miao Jing to leave. She says she will leave when her annual leave is over and then drives him crazy, wearing a lacy slip, showering, walking around in a robe, drinking and smoking. Chen Yi leaves to sleep at the pool hall.

https://preview.redd.it/7uozuahe47dh1.png?width=2166&format=png&auto=webp&s=e806c368d3925effce155673cfb3ebd9ce81806b

Zhang Bin is making plans to involve Chen Yi his new business deal with Mr Liu.

Chen Yi, Bo Zai and Da Yong have dinner. Bo Zai doesn't understand why Miao Jing has come back, because Chen Yi hurt her so bad to make her leave. Chen Yi is drinking to much. Dragon, the gang leader having his people cause trouble at the pool hall, shows up. Dragon asks for "tea money", aka protection money, He wants 30% if the profits. Chen Yi says no.

https://preview.redd.it/ivmpyoea47dh1.png?width=2166&format=png&auto=webp&s=e54a62e9037d6cca14fec1e239d6c19096af5f30

​Episode 12

Tu Li shows up and drinks for Chen Yi trying to diffuse the situation. Instead Chen Yi drinks even more and Dragon leaves. Chen Yi is very drunk and the boys take him home but he won't go in. Miao Jing shows up, gives Bo Zai her number and takes Chen Yi upstairs.

https://preview.redd.it/918ipf4747dh1.png?width=2166&format=png&auto=webp&s=edd9e54fd46afbf34e8f79c7da0a0b2979d7e97c

​

Chen Yi wake up and goes to the auto place to get a part for his car. He sees Miao Jing there buying a car and realizes that she has no intention of leaving. Bo Zai gives Chen Yi Miao Jing's contact but Chen Yi forgets to label himself when he messages her.

https://preview.redd.it/i740g2p447dh1.png?width=2166&format=png&auto=webp&s=371ee03c1e03918855c762b566b254eb2b5c826e

Chen Yi makes dinner for Miao Jing. She calls him out on fishing for information and complains about the food. They get petty with each other and he leaves. She asks him to fix her window latch. While fixing it, Che Yi asks Bo Zai if he can stay at his place. Chen Yi wants to find an excuse to get Miao Jing a different apartment. Bo Zai says no because he has a girlfriend.

https://preview.redd.it/i7cby75247dh1.png?width=2166&format=png&auto=webp&s=b20899c28f353e70f4b503f410276e4a610be547

While fixing the window latch, Bo Zai comes to get Chen Yi because there is an issue at the pool hall. Dragon takes over the pool hall and Da Yong gets beat up by Dragon's lackeys. Dragon wants to know if Chen Yi has given thought to the protection money and threatens that he has a powerful backer. Chen Yi puts a pool que through Dragon's chair and puts pressure on him. He wants Dragon to pay compensation. Zhang Bin shows up and Dragon takes off. Chen Yi still won't go with him. Miao Jing has followed and watched the confrontation.

https://preview.redd.it/12n0su0z37dh1.png?width=2166&format=png&auto=webp&s=145816913e2efc394e4fbc6ce7665b119299fc35

Chen Yi gets back and Miao Jing asks about Zhang Bin. Chen Yi says that he doesn't follow him any more and Miao JIng asks who he has been with for the past 2 years. Chen Yi gouges himself with the screwdriver.

https://preview.redd.it/f6h98ihr37dh1.png?width=2166&format=png&auto=webp&s=79a1ad123a1aad9e1a491e9366462ecd03065949

​Thoughts:

Chen Yi is still up to his eye balls in the crap that started all of this. He is not in a good place at all. Whatever is going on is complicated and has him trying to compensate in bad ways.

Miao Jing is furious with Chen Yi, which makes her the petty queen at the moment. However she has just proven that she knows a least little of what has been going on in his life.

We skipped the whole incident with what happened. So all we have are speculations. Bring them on. I wanna know what we think happened.

Also I need to know what is going on with KangAn and WenJie. I am so worried about the two of them.