Mei Lin must live ... for revenge. Role playing between a lustful playboy and a lethal seductress.
Episode 1 :As soon as Mei Lin appears asleeped and her father saves her, she wears the same outfit she wore in the happy ending sequence.We also see the Weibei army and Qinzhoun in fire.Wich means that it is really their story that begins again in the ending of the show.While exfiltrating her from the fire, her father tells « Live, You must live well! »This represent a promise done to her dying father and we know how important are moribund's last wish for the ones they left behind.This is why Mei Lin kept repeating it. She respected her dying father's last wish. "She must live".This is role playing time at Jeinbei: MRJH is a lustful playboy and Mei Lin is a lethal "femme fatal".In this white troubled water pool, after Mei Lin, (very seductress) told Prince Jing that she just wanted him.The latter pierced her throat with her own hairpin. The same hairpin she wanted to use to assassinate him. Suddenly a drop of blood fell in the water.Like the virginal blood falls on the « proof of virginity » on the wedding night.We had there a hint (through this symbol) of the marriage between the two.MRJH's hint is delicious :« Bleeding should be on the wedding night in ZhaoJing »This foreshadowing of their wedding amazed me :)
Episode 2 : Murong Jing He is innocent.Prince Jing's fake love story with Mei Lin resumes. He nicknamed her "Little Beggar" and she become someone meaningful to him. As Mei Lin is walking a path toward death, attepmting to murder the culprit of the Qingzhou great arson. She collides with the depressed Prince Jing. Who, at this point of time, has lost his purpose and feel as good as dead. This encounter sparks in him a living thirst for revenge with the clear goal of avenging the 100.000 civilians of Qinzhou as well as rehabilitating his comrades from the Weibei Army. Mei Lin's relentlessness at kill him amazes him and he starts to admire her. As the two lie on a subliminal crisom herbal bed staring at each other. Prince Jing has made up his mind. He will make of her his pawn. She will follow him on his quest for revenge because they need each other. They are already a pair. Mei Lin : « I live to kill you »MRJH : « You can’t take revenge with just hatred ». We discover that MRJH's lips is still red from the bitting of Mei Lin in the nupcial pool. He is like tattooed by her, sealed. ( this man is mine, no tresspassing allowed ^_< ).Because everyone in Zhaojing was able to see it. It served MRJH’s plan of pretending to be interested in this particular beauty among the 100.When he plays a game, making every one looking at him as a lunatic and a blood thirsty murderer. Only Mei Lin knowns on the spot that the killer from the night before has been spotted and killed by him. Something feels off. It's the first time she as an hint that something is weird. The feeling deepens, as she enters the capital, witnessing the bashing Prince Jing was subjected to. In the middle of a commotion, Mei Lin is stunned by the sound made by a fallen Weibei Army token. Once again, she senses that something is off. Is Murong Jing He the real culprit of Qingzhou mass murder? As they enter the city of Zhaojing, 6 children sing a disrespectful nursery rhymne. Their goal is to diss Prince Jing and resurface the Qingzhou mass murder public outrage. Suddenly, someone throws a rond piece of bread at Prince Jing’s face. He sarcastically starts to have it. At this point of time, Mei Lin already suspects that Prince Jing might have been framed. Once upon a time, in order to save her. Mei Lin herself was throwing a rond peace of bread ( baozi ?) at a little girl trapped in a burnt house. Then she left her, passing on her father's blessing : « Live well. »Now, Mei Lin gets another hint at Prince Jing’s innocence.The fall of the Weibei army’s token undoubtedly sounds different from the one she stole from the arsonist. Did Mei Lin decide to save Prince Jing at this very moment ? She certainly found this token weird. For she feel compelled to bring justice to the innocent. Mei Lin will save Prince Jing, like she saved the little girl.
Episode 7 - Death of the Master of Shadow Works.Prince Jing has to protect Mei Lin.He already thwarted attendant Shang’s plot aiming to assassinate her. When he cornered the two servants and the maids, in the Empress De Jia’s embroidered screen room.In fact, the Crown Prince intended to frame Mei Lin for damaging the revered screen. Which would have led her to death penalty.He was able to save her, but he had to slice the screen. That would make it believable. Good thing was : Mei Lin was kept in house arrest in the Court of State Ceremonial. That way she would be guarded by the Imperial guards. Those guards remain loyal to Imperial Father. Eastern palace's master would not have acces.As expected Prince Yin Que rushed in the room and offered to take full responsibility for the incident.However, repairing is just an excuse. Mei Lin doesn’t need to concern herself with it. She should stay there peacefully and if needed he will come to take her away.Now that Mei Lin is safe, he can focus on retrieving the whereabouts of War Minister Zhang Yin.Suddenly, Qin Yan arrives and gives him the whistle he entrusted to Mei Lin. Mei Lin summoned him.Prince Jing arrives and ask : « What is it ? »Mei Lin replies : « The Empress De Jia must have had a reason for embroidering this screen. »Prince Jing is pissed : « I told you before. Mind your own business. » He starts leaving when Mei Lin forcefully grabs his arm.She mysteriously utters : « There’s an hidden pattern on the screen. »Prince Jing is shocked and looks at her intensly.She continues : « There is an invisible thread woven into the design. If you don’t look closely, you won’t notice it. The hidden thread leads to a secret pattern. The arrangement is very neat, almost like a riddle. »Prince Jing gently touches the screen. He recognises the Weibei army flag semaphore and starts to sadly decypher :« My son, Jing He is good by nature, He could have never been the butcher of the city. But the rumour mill is churning. I made this embroidery to calm the people’s anger, hope for a chance at survival for my boy. Jing He, My only wish is for you to live on, to never loose hope. One day the clouds will part and the truth will be revealed. Thought we are separated by life and death, may you be safe when my soul at peace. »Prince Jing almost cries and clenches the screen.Mei Lin comforts him : « So Her Majesty made this screen to plead for your life. »At this point, Prince Jing feels guilty for all the resentment he arbored toward his Imperial Mother. He knows he was wrong. And feels compelled to beg for her forgiveness but how ? She passed away.Unexpectedly, Mei Lin reassures him. He can use this embroidery as a bridge to speak to his mother, like she uses her hairpin to keep her parents by her side. That way her parents will always protect her from death. She shall never fear death.As Mei Lin leaves him, he starts to make peace with his mother.Prince Jing remembers that he came there a few days ago. He was dressed as his vindictive alter-ego : the Master of Shadow Works. Full of grievances he approached the lantern to the embroidered screen. And there, in the dead of the night, among the shadows, he started whispering :« Imperial Mother, why didn’t you believe me? » Today, at the same exact place, the vindictive Master of Shadow Works is dead.Only remains the repented and crying Prince Murong Jing He, who difficultly utters : « Imperial Mother, I have returned. I am doing well. »Master of Shadow Works:https://mydramalist.com/photos/KpZ8rv_3Murong Jing He : https://mydramalist.com/photos/zBdQ7A_3
Episode 6 - Declaration of war, Master of Shadow Works vs Crown Prince - Mei Lin is the bait.
Episode 6 - Declaration of war, Master of Shadow Works vs Crown Prince - Mei Lin is the bait.Prince Yi Que stands before Zhanyue pavilion.Will Prince Jing He be home?He did his best to convince the Emperor that he was the only one who could teach all the Xiyan beauties the customs and etiquette in Yan. The sole purpose was to find a way to stall time, in order to keep Mei Lin from being assigned to a Yan Officer. He must keep her in the court of state ceremonial. This is the only way he could take action and take her to Xiyan without implicating Zi Gu or leave any trace.He sighs as he remembers the warning of his personal attendant Shu Muo :« You never discussed politics with the Emperor, yet now, you break that rule to save her. If this draws suspicion, you might never return to Xiyan. Your Highness, if I may speak, Mei Lin is not your fated match. She will always be one of the great Yan. And she has great enemies too. »Did Shu Muo predicted that their plan would fail? No, he refuses that option. He wants to protect Mei Lin. He has been deceiving everyone in this palace for years now. There is no way he can’t have her.He knocks. Prince Jing appears unwelcoming. After exposing the situation laughs « Study, You should go through so much, just to save her. »He replies : « Yes I am here to save her. Since you’ve shown kindness please, see it through too the end. Don’t make it difficult for her. »Prince Jing smiles : « Difficult… » And calls : « A’mei. Do you want to stay at my mansion, or go with Prince Yue Qin ? You have the choice. »Mei Lin steps outside Prince Jing’s bedchamber.Prince Yin Que immediately lost his composure, would something be happening between those two ? He cannot believe things went this far in such a short period of time. He won’t accept it.Mei Lin declares : « Your Highness, I’d like to go to the court of state ceremonial. Prince Jing stops his sweet gaze at Mei Lin. »Prince Yin Que continues : « Your Highness I am under an Imperial Mandate , please don’t interfere. »Prince Jing coldly answers : « Very well, since this has come so suddenly, let her freshen up first. I will send her over myself. »Prince Yin Que persists : « I will wait here. Please take your time. »Prince Jing adds : « suit yourself, then. »As he closes the door Prince Yin Que feels more and more angst.Mei Lin exhales as Prince Jing pushing her against the wall.He abruptly says : « So you want to work with him?Let me remind you, since you left the imperial prison. whether dead or alive, you are mine. Relying on others will only hasten your death. The more you depend on them, the quick you’ll die.»Mei Lin replies : « Don’t worry your Highness, I won’t rely on Prince Yue Qin. Zhang Yin plans to flee to Xiyan. And his female accomplice is hiding in the court of state ceremonial. Find her, and we’ll find Zhang Yin. »Prince Jing is puzzled, Will he be able to work that way. Yes, if he sets the rules of the game.He then adds : « From now on , follow orders strictly. What I say and do are all confidential. Do not disclose anything to anyone. »Mei Lin asks joyfully : « You have agreed to collaborate with me? »Prince Jing continues imperturbable : « One more thing. Don’t keep any secret from me. »Now comes the time to face his brother the Crown Prince. He must keep hiding behind his subordinates. Confronting him might cause him to panic and make mistakes.He will ask him to stop pretending the brotherly affection. Now that Zhang Yin is believed to be dead. The Crown Prince feels at ease. He has to unbalance his confidence. And lets him turn on his henchmen. Crown Prince will surely accuse him of being a mass murderer. And he will reply by incriminating him. This might suffice to give Mei Lin and him the time to find that mysterious Xiyan Lady, who is hiding in the Court of State Ceremonial.The next day, A’dai is found dead from poisoning in her bedchamber. Overwhelmed by grief and wrath, Mei Lin decides to burn her own wrist. That way, she would redirect all suspicion toward herself and no more innocent will die.By doing so Mei Lin sets herself as a bait. A bait Prince Jing authorizes by saying : « You’ve been the Wenhua pavilion. You are indeed the perfect bait ».
Episode 5 - The revenge of Mei Lin - Slaying the culprit of Qingzhoun massacre.
Episode 5 - The revenge of Mei Lin - Slaying the culprit of Qingzhoun massacre.Prince Jing softly whispers : « Undying ».As he proudly contemplates the little bottle of « red coix seeds potion» he managed to snatch from the persistent Luo Mei. Suddenly, Qin Yan, his bodyguard, shouts : « Zhang Yin went to Wenhua pavilion, so did Mei Lin. »No time to spare, Prince Jing immediately mounts his horse and rides in the dark night.In the lugubrious Wenhua palace, War Minister Zhang Yin is thoughtful. Tonight’s operation must be successful. He has had enough problems with Prince Jing in the past. Since the end of the battle of Qingzhou, when the latter dismissed him from his position, he has arbored resentment ever since. Thinking about it, the Crown Prince scolded him when he lost the assassin he sent to kill Prince Jing. He cannot afford another set back.Crown Prince : « The man you sent to kill her is now under Prince Jing’s control. The only option now is to loose something to survive. You can’t keep any of those Momai warriors. »Zhang Yin opposes : « Your Highness. »But he suddenly remembers the imperial flogging ceremony. When the Crown Prince belittled him saying : : « Minister Zhang it is not time to celebrate yet. Once a dead piece becomes a living one, it indicates that she has become useful in another way …It’s nothing strange that Xiyan beauty can’t take the repeated punishment. Prince Jing wants to save her. I want to kill her. »War Minister Zhang then realizes that, he should better stay silent and suffer the humiliation, once more.Crown Prince : « Minister Zhang, I kept the second-rank official position for you. Why leave the others an opportunity to use those warriors against you? The battle in the court is a battle of public opinion. The method must be able to withstand public scrutiny.If the Momai warrior are discovered. At most, I will be accused of misjudging my subordinates. But you, you committed arson in Qingzhou, and attempted to assassinate a Prince. Each is a capital offense punishable by the execution of all your clans. It’s for you own Good. Make a quick decision. »Zhang Yin: « Thank you for reminding me your Highness. »Yes, he plotted the Qingzhou massacre. But now that the situation is tense, His Highness wants to let him defenceless. He's been used and dropped ? No way!After Miss Mei left promising to help him flee the city via the black market, 9 of the remaining Momai Warriors, all dressed in black, kneel before him.Zhang Yin : « Prince Jing has discovered us. If the Qingzhou case is re-opened we will die. Everyone, abort the mission and go into hiding among the civilians. »Momai Warriors : « yes. »Wang Qang is lurking in the shadows : «Tonight, No-one must be left alive at Wenhua pavilion. »He then lets, black dressed eastern palace guards armed with bows and arrows, enter the premises.Looking at War Minister Zhang from behind a pillard.Mei Lin whispers : « So you are the true culprit of Qingzhou massacre. »This is when the eastern palace guards launch a burning arrows strike.The Momai warriors are set on fire like human torches.Mei Lin recognises : « Phosphorus coated garment. Who did this? »On impulse, Mei lin twirls a dagger, and jumps at War Minister Zhang from the 2nd floor.Mei lin stabbs Zhang Yin by the heart against a wooden door.Adrenalin is rushing through her body while she stabbs and subdues the culprit of Qingzhou great arson. The souls of the dead may rest in peace. As, the place is falling apart in flams. Minister Zhang takes advantage of the situation to escape through a secret passage.Mei Lin looks at the bookshelf, she spots the « red cox seeds potion » boxe and have it.A bookshelf falls over her. The pavilion is ablaze. Mei Lin is trapped under the « year of the goat » bookshelf.Is it her destiny? Is she a scapegoat about to be burnt, like the inhabitants of Qingzhou were? Absolutely not, she must live.She painfully pushes, and extracts herself crawling with great difficulty.She stands up, nearly walks, a burning beam falls over her and propels her into the burning emptiness. Luckily, Prince Jing is down there, on horse back. He catches her, as a grey veil falls over them, safeguarding his forbidden attraction for Mei Lin. Prince Jing glares at her silently as Mei Lin looses consciousness.Somewhere else, in Wenhua pavilion, Miss Mei gets burnt on the right arm, meanwhile she is fleeing.At Zhanyue pavilion, Prince Jing aims at Mei Lin with his crossbow and slowly goes at her. He has to kill her. After suffering the bittings and sniffing of the hallucinating Mei Lin. She told him she found the Master of shadow works. He cannot let her recognize him and spoil his plan.Mei Lin : « I’ve got the « red coix seeds potion », you can’t make me kill anymore. I am not your killing machine. ( she continues ) You took advantage of the grudges in Qingzhou to kill innocent people. General Weibei was wronged. He shouldn’t die. The one who should die is you, the Master of shadow works. »Prince Jing understands that she is still hallucinating and lowers his weapon.Checking out if she sees his moving hand before her face. Mei Lin unexpectedly grabs Prince Jing’s arm and bites him forcefully. Prince Jing silently jumps to avoid screaming.Mei Lin : « Does it hurt? (She giggles). You can’t feel pain in shadow works. You turned me into a killing machine. The first lesson in shadow works is : taking a beating. Which will never stop. It won’t stop. It won’t stop until you die in pain. Or no longer cry in pain. »Mei Lin starts crying at the memories of the pain she felt becomes more and more vivid.Prince Jing looks at her painfully. He feels compassion seeing her in such a tourment.Mei Lin’s hallucination continues. Now, she is at a picnic with her father and her mother in a foggy glade. She joyfully promises to her parent that, after the Weibei army enters the city. Mother will open a fruit cake store and father will do stonework .Prince Jing glares at her curious then softened, before leaving.As he walks out and sees « Undying Flowers ». He reminisces that moment and utters : « A dead piece has some how made a way out. »
Episode 4 : They must team up. Can Prince Jing trust you Mei Lin?
Episode 4 : They must team up. Can Prince Jing trust you Mei Lin?Looking at the Qingzhou knot falling on his Go board, Prince Jing whispers : « Only a dead man can leave any evidence. » After full consideration, no more hesitations. He has to save Mei Lin. If he doesn't act up quickly, War Minister Zhang Yin will soon take action and the proof will be lost forever. Arriving at the prison, he finds Mei Lin fighting for her survival, as a corrupted prison guard is trying to assassinate her. The latter is quickly taken care of by his bodyguard, despite the interference of Wang Qang, the Crown Prince's sidekick. Time to have a serious discussion with Mei Lin. Like he always does, he is going to play tough and heartless. He has been playing the Ghost General for years. Making her give up. He might have a chance. First grant her a wish before putting her to death. She dodges it, saying : « I only have one wish in my life. I want to personally slay the true culprit of Qingzhou massacre. » Ok, let's take another chance. Maybe the fact that she's been tortured by him 10 years ago can put enough pressure on her to make her surrender. But again she replies : « You were torturing your self. You would rather bear the crime of a massacre, even if it means being despised by the whole world, than explain the the ones who set the Qingzou fire were not the real WeiBei army. The true Weibei army, even when face with an onslaught from the people, would turn their blades toward themselves. On the day I entered the city I saw it.»Prince Jing is stunned, how could she perform the assassination attempt knowing all this? The death threat of the Momai poison must be the reason behind her actions. Indeed, it is. She also tells him that she stole a fake WeiBei army's token from the arsonist and promises to give it to him as soon as she is out of prison. Prince Jing must take the bait. It's been 10 years of preparation for this very day. At last, A proof of the mass murder resurfaces. He owes it to 100.000 dead civilians and the 30.000 of Weibei army. But that woman is a difficult safe to crack. Can he trust her. As he leaves, she suddenly utters :« You and I are both living for the dead. If the wronged souls cannot rest in peace. We dare not die. » She won. He will take the gamble. Save her life and get the token. He will play the perfect womanizer. Imperial father will certainly subject her to flogging instead of death penalty. Anyway, he has the whole city as witness of his lustful intentions toward the beauty. Mission accomplished, he can leave now.Prince Yin Que and Shu Muo decided to set up Mei Lin's prison escape. This would be donee through the Dangguo cake box they use the day before. But this time they will temper with it by adding "fake death poison". As soon as they arrive at the prison door, they see Prince Jing getting into his carriage. Prince Yin Que gets paralized. Is he again too late. The words he told Princess Zigu on the day she arrived in Zhaoning are spinning in his head : « I am afraid in this life I will be fated to miss her ».All of a sudden Shu Muo declares : « Master, we are a step late, it seems the fake death poison is useless now. »
Episode 3 : Oath of survival - Mei Lin must live.Mei Lin is desperate she knows she has only 3 days left to live and the culprit is still at large. She whispers : « I don’t know what to do now ». She remembers that she has to attend the royal banquet that evening. A plan pops up in her mind : she will seek Prince Jing's help. Later on, as she arrives at the banquet among the first groupe of 25 beauties. Momai poison starts to flare up. Mei Lin has more and more difficulties to play the complying and obedient peace-making beauty. Quick, she must speak to Prince Jing. But will the Crown Prince spoil her plan? He seems decided to give her the "eastern palace jade". While Mei Lin approaches her hand to receive it, Prince Jing suddenly stands up and walks at her. The banquet attendants are shocked. But they start to yell when Mei Lin suddendly stabbs Prince Jing . Just time for her to whisper to his ear : « You are not the true culprit of Qinzhou Massacre. I have proof. Save me ».The couple twirls as if they were dancing a macabre song and Prince Jing falls unconcious. Mei Lin opens her eyes. She is hanging by the wrists with a rope, a meter above the ground, in a prison cell. It's been hours since the first tortures and harsh interrogation sessions began. She is weak and injured. All her body suffers. She softly whispers : « I cannot die ». It was the legacy of her dying father. His order binds her, she has to survive. After the torture, as she is linning on the wall of this dark and dirty prison cell.For the very first time, Mei Lin notices the undying flowers fighting their way to life. She crawls painfully at this living beacon of hope. In case she lie down by them, would she be able to sense their fragrance? As she slowly whispers « un- dy- ing ». Prince Jing, who was watching her with admiration and care, also slowly whispers « un- dy- ing ». They just vowed to survive that deadly quest. The undying flower represent them. Mei Lin and Murong Jing He must live. They just made an oath of survival.