Beyond The Realm Of Conscience [TVB][E]

The answer to my question in I believe last recap; did Sam Hou and Hin Yeung consummate their marriage is revealed tonight, with full illustration so to speak. And we see why Kam Ling is truly and utterly stupid. In fact someone mentioned to me everyone is useless in this series, including the so called villains. I agree. I have never seen such stupid crazy insanely illogical and nothing to hate/like/pity about these villains, or any character for that matter. However, and a huge HOWEVER, finally, Hin Yeung shows a bit of personality other than that of a wide eyed log of wood. Well a lot of that and eyeing with the emperor but you will know what I mean. And confirmed; Sam Hou is not human. Or rather the show's not showing is more of her human side.

On with the recap! And did I mention this is probably THE BEST EPISODE thus far? Or rather THE MOST EXCITING? Had me go, WHAT?! and HUH?! and WAIT! and OH COME ON!

Kam Ling was pissed. Very pissed. Threw things around pissed. I thought why she was so petty with Sam Hou. It isn’t jealousy, but rather pure contempt for her best friend. She shouted, well she whispered shouted "That slut Lau Sam Hou! Who does she think she is?! When my honour was insulted by that General Ma, degraded, humiliated, the emperor did nothing. He said nothing! But when he tried to slap her, not one but 2 men came to defend her honour! 2! The emperor himself too! Who does she think she is?! I won't stand for this! I WON'T!"

Hmmm... to be fair, the emperor did come to her defense but meekly. However before he could say more, Sam Hou came to her defense. And so did Hin Yeung in his own way. So Kam Ling wasn't right, but I suppose there should have been more force in the emperor's words.

Anyway Kam Ling was planning something which is utterly cruel and utterly stupid at the same time.

She went to see Concubine Yin, as usual smiling and chatty and of course at the same time smirking and rolling her darn eyes so obviously but everyone seemed oblivious to that. She asked I believe for the painting Concubine Yin did of Sam Hou which I missed, where she wanted to draw Guan Yin and she sincerely and inadvertently drew Sam Hou's face as Guan Yin's face which to me is like way way wayyyyyyyyyyyy too much! But we all know Sam Hou is a saint and a bodhisattva in this case. The painting was very lifelike, with Charmaine's loop sided smile which was rather funny to see.

Anyway they were walking left to right or whatever and they bumped into that lusty foreign king and I believe Kam Ling put on a huge show of dropping that portrait onto the floor which conveniently rolled out for the foreign king to see and he was very taken by Sam Hou's beauty and as Fei Yin quickly rushed to pick up the painting, she made sure she held the painting right in front of him for a few seconds before slowly rolling it back and as she did so the king asked "Who is that?" and Kam Ling eagerly said "Oh, that's a painting painted by my sister, concubine Yin who modeled Guan Yin after our head of jewelry, Lady Lau" and the king said "What a beguiling innocent beauty" and Kam Ling said "Yes, Sam Hou is famous for her 3 principles in life; Speak good words, do good deeds and show good will and everyone knows Sam Hou led a chaste and decent life. Don't you agree sister?" and Concubine Yin put into a spot said "Yes, I wanted to draw Guan Yin and somehow drew inspiration from Lady Lau who has been a wonderful inspiration. She is as gentle and as kind as she is reputed to be" and the king was intrigued, Kam Ling very happy.

So.. this was her grand plan? She plans to marry off Sam Hou to some god forsaken desert or wherever far away the King came from? In the olden days even if that guy is a king, marrying so far away means being cut off from families, friends forever and the land is unknown, anything can happen. It is not an honour to be sent away but a life sentence even if real life, some such marriages were successful. But Kam Ling knew Sam Hou and Hin Yeung is a pair, she probably knew they were married in secret or at least plans to do so. I am sure Sam Hou must have told her of the emperor's plans for her and Hin Yeung. And yet her insanity drove her to this act of pure malice and cruelty to probably her only friend and ally in the palace. You know, a concubine needs allies. When Kam Ling was in trouble, Sam Hou came to her defense at the risk of her own life, where to find such an ally? If Sam Hou goes, Kam Ling basically has no ally at all. What a stupid plan don't you think? And that is why sisters marry the same husband is most ideal back in those days. Sisters support each other. The emperor will marry more than 1 wife, that is inevitable, so who better than that of an ally? I think the way the series goes, Kam Ling going insane is the only solution. Before I watched this series and I heard she went insane and I was very pissed off with such a lame ending since everyone said SAINT SAM HOU Vs VILLANOUS KAM LING. However as I truly watch this horrendously badly written show, I begin to realise, Kam Ling is not some grand villain worthy of a grand death scene of like 1000 machines guns sweeping her body so to speak. Not even General Ma or anyone else. Because of their pettiness and insanely stupid development as characters, none of them are super villains. A bit of spoilers here; Kam Ling going crazy and thinking she is Sam Hou in the end is to me the perfect ending for such a lame villain. I may be rolling my eyes whenever I see saintly Sam Hou, but I think my resentment for such a stupid villain makes me like Sam Hou more. Sam Hou is not a saint; what she will do tonight shows she is as reckless, selfish and thoughtless as everyone else. But Sam Hou chose to live by her principles, no matter what (although she seems to forget that in tonight's story, I will explain I promise) and she chose not to compromise her integrity and honour and her promises to her dead mother. I suppose she lives as she is in the memory of her respected mother. She has her temper, she has her sometimes harsh judgments and she certainly has her irritating personality and such but in the end it is a matter of choice; she is not ambitious and yet she seems to have all the luck in the world; and yes I did criticize that but looking at the context of her bahaviour, the luck came purely from her own undoing or doing; simply, she is well liked and people are not wary of her as she has no bad intentions, she is genuine and she is sincere so naturally people would protect her. Those who hate her, will try to hurt her but she is saved by those who likes her, because some genuinely hates her, some genuinely likes her. Meaning with Sam Hou it is a matter of sincerity and genuineness in others. Kam Ling on the other hand is wary of people, people wary of her, even if people not wary of her, she thinks she needs to claw, climb, kill, slash her way to prominence when like I said before, she has the most understanding husband and wife and sisters in a palace with just 1 irritating eunuch for a villain. I understand her anger, but she has wrongly directed her anger. She should have been angry with the person issuing the insults, not the one who in trying to protect her was in turn protected by the man Kam Ling thought should have been more forceful in terms of protecting herself.

What a stupid villain.

Anyway, the king went in search of Sam Hou and found her gardening. She turned and was startled by him and he looked at her with lusty eyes as she went along with her work (probably her off day again since she is not in uniform - one legit criticism - so darn free - Susanna seems overworked when she was head of jewelry).

King, emperor, Hin Yeung, General Ma and I can't remember if the 2 wives were there or not, I think maybe, anyway, they all were happy and King said "I promise my country's allegiance to this great Tang Dynasty from hereon and forever more!" and General Ma was very happy and smiled and toasted as if he was Emperor and all when the King suddenly said "However I have a request your majesty, for the hand in marriage of one lady in this palace" and General Ma quickly quoted a few examples of past princesses married to this king's ancestors and so we know there is a habit of marrying princesses there. Emperor said "Who is the lucky princess or high ranking official's daughter? I shall oblige your request" and the King smiled lustily and said "Thank you your majesty. Not a princess but rather, the head of jewelry dept, Lady Lau" and Hin Yeung stared at Emperor who stared back, Hin Yeung's eyes pleading "Love me emperor, love me".. no no I mean "No, not Sam Hou!" and Emperor quickly said "Why of all the women, you chose Lady Lau a mere servant? She is not an ideal choice for a bride!" and the King said "Oh she is. I have heard of her reputation, and I have met her, her beauty and her grace would befit me and would be most suitable to be my Queen and I am set on having her as my wife" and Hin Yeung pleaded some more and Emperor said "I am sorry but Lady Lau is not available" and King now rather pissed said "Why not? Isn't it tradition to strengthen political ties through marriage between 2 kingdoms?" and I was thinking what country you're from? You're THAT powerful? and General Ma quickly said "I am sure his majesty will take your request under serious consideration, be rest assured" and the Emperor said "I shall think about it".

General Ma, Hin Yeung and Emperor walking, General Ma was angry and nagging at the Emperor as he said "Why did you hesitate? He was just asking for a maid! Why risk the political ties between 2 nations over one maid?!"

and for once I understand General Ma's position. After all he asked for a maid, not a princess or a concubine.

However the emperor was silent and General Ma then said "Could it be the rumours are true? That Lady Lau is promised to Officer Ko? That would be against the rules!" and Hin Yeung angrily said "We have already explained the rumours and denied them. Why is General Ma bringing out the same old rumours again? What have you against Lady Lau and myself?" but General Ma angrily said "Your majesty, you cannot jeapordise the relationship between these 2 nations! The ties that were built by your ancestors cannot be destroyed for merely 1 maid! Let's go see Empress Dowager then! Let me advise her on the dangers of wrecking this ties and perhaps she will advise you in turn! Or are you going to start a war and destroy the peace just for that maid Lau Sam Hou? And destroy the efforts of your ancestors?!" and now Hin Yeung was very angry and he stepped forward and said "General Ma, why are you pressuring his majesty when his majesty already said he will think about it? Is his majesty's words alone not enough or are you trying to usurp his majesty's authority in deciding state affairs and make such decision yourself?!" and General Ma even angrier shouted "I am trying to stop his majesty from making a decision that will justifies him as an incompetent ruler!!" and ouch! Emperor raised his voice and said "Enough! General Ma, I will make a decision that you will surely be pleased. Now leave me be!" and so General Ma skulked away.

What a rude bastard! Problem would have been solved if the emperor awards marriage to Hin Yeung some episodes ago. This General Ma seems to forget he is just a eunuch! How dare he speak that way!

Hin Yeung is worried, very worried. The Emperor promised him he would think of something.

Sam Hou met with 2 concubines, again Kam Ling was sort of less emotional than she should be, smirking and rolling eyes which no one noticed. Concubine Yin sadly said "It is my fault, I drew that picture, I even praised you highly in front of him. If you were to be married off to that place, I will never ever forgive myself" and Sam Hou looked downcast and a bit teary eyed as she gently said "I don't blame you my lady. This is my fate, I don't blame anyone, I am prepared to accept my fate" and Kam Ling was awfully quiet and smiling(!) and then said the obligatory "I am sure his majesty is thinking of a solution" and suddenly Po Yin said "NO! I will not have this happen! Come, we all go see his majesty now!"

Hin Yeung and emperor alone, Hin Yeung asked "Your majesty, how can we solve this?" and the emperor said "This is one political tie I can't break and yet I owe you and Sam Hou too much to allow this to happen" and Hin Yeung said wisely "Your majesty, you can't start a war over us...but.." and emperor said "I will think of a solution" when eunuch announced 3 ladies waiting outside and before the eunuch can say COME IN!! they already walked in.

Po Yin went straight to her point; "Your majesty, you can't allow Lady Lau to marry off so far away and be separated from her friends and family! You must help her!" and of course Kam Ling skulking behind said meekly "Yes your majesty, please help my sister, Sam Hou" and even Hin Yeung pleaded with his eyes but the emperor said without much emotion "My hands are tied. I myself am not willing to allow for such a marriage but denying the king his request could break this political tie and plunge our nation into war that I am also not prepared to do..." and Po Yin said firmly "Then I have a solution. With this solution you don't need to send Lady Lau away and you won't need to worry about breaking such ties" and Kam Ling suddenly alert as was Hin Yeung and Sam Hou as the emperor said "If you have a solution, do tell me!" and Po Yin walked to Sam Hou, pushed her forward and said simply "Your majesty makes Lady Lau a concubine. By being your concubine, she can't be married off" and Kam Ling now frowned with shock as was Hin Yeung and Sam Hou looking at one another and the emperor I suppose was surprised by the solution which was simple and effective but that would be retrospective in effect isn't it? The emperor will think about the suggestion.

Sam Hou and Hin Yeung together, Sam Hou said sadly "In the past princesses have been married to that faraway places and many suffered silently such decisions. They were princesses. What more me? I am just a lowly maid, I am not worth all the trouble and all the wars. I am prepared to accept his majesty's decision. I am afraid I will have to break my promise to grow old with you" and Hin Yeung said "I think...being a concubine would be.. the best solution. I wouldn't want you... to leave for such a far away country, this way you could still stay and I could still at least see you. The emperor is a good man, he will make a fine husband, I will be assured of your well being if you were to marry him..." and Sam Hou teary eyed said "Whatever his majesty's decision may be, I will accept it" and so they looked at each other, anguished, teary eyed, knowing the emperor's hands are really really tied.

Empress Dowager came to see Emperor even though she was unwell and Emperor chastised her for not resting as she said "Concubine Yin came by to see me and her solution is the best way to solve this problem. I myself am not willing to let Lady Lau to be married off so far away and I know you and Lady Lau has been friends since childhood and that you like her. So why are you hesitating?" and Emperor confessed "Mother, I am hesitating because of a promise I made. I know Officer Ko and Lady Lau are a pair, they're deeply in love and I have promised them when the politics are settled, I will allow them to leave the palace. If I marry her, I will be breaking my promise. I owe them too much to cause them such injustice. And I am a man of my word" and the empress dowager said "I see... but my son, you can't just deny the foreign king however much you promised Lady Lau and Officer Ko. You can't start a war over such a matter! You can't risk the peace. My son, you must make a decision and your only solution is that!"

True. Since he can't marry her off, like the empress dowager said, his solution is to marry her. He can't not marry her and not marry her off. I would think they would not have hesitated that much over a princess though. Crazy isn't it?

Emperor walking with Hin Yeung to the place where Hin Yeung saved emperor from being bullied and beaten by that previous emperor. Emperor said "Do you remember this place?" and Hin Yeung said "Yes" and Emperor said "This was the place I was bullied by Emperor Muk Tsung and you stepped in front of me and blocked his punches. If not for you, I wouldn't know what would have happened. You and Sam Hou have done so much for me and my mother. I owe you both too much and yet ... yet my hands are tied" and Hin Yeung said "I understand your majesty, this is a state matter and the matter of the empire's well being" and Emperor said "Which is why I am asking you to do something for me, I am asking you to do as I say and not question me" and Hin Yeung quickly said "Whatever you ask of me your majesty, I will do so with all my dedication and loyalty. Just say what you want me to do!"

Pause here.

Again a tiny personality from Hin Yeung who knew the difficulties the emperor is facing and yet shows such loyalty. Rather nice touch.

Emperor stared at him and said "You haven't even asked what it is I ask of you" and Hin Yeung said "I will serve your majesty to the ends of earth" and the emperor nodded and said "If that is the case, I hereby order that you... take Sam Hou and run away" and Hin Yeung was shocked and said "But... but your majesty will be all alone in this palace! Who is to assist you? Who shall remain as your ally? Who will fight Ma Yuen Tzi with you? I can't be that selfish!" but Emperor smiled "Officer Ko, I have my way of dealing with Ma Yuen Tzi, that you don't have to worry. Have you no faith in my capabilities? There will always be allies and there will always be solutions. I won't be alone in my fight against Ma Yuen Tzi, you don't have to worry about me. I have long considered you and Lady Lau as my dearest friends, and my greatest wish for my dearest friends and I shall have you both fulfill them for me is to run away with Lady Lau, get married and live till grand old age surrounded with children and grandchildren. Can you promise me that?" and Hin Yeung very touched said "Yes, I can promise you that"

Pause here.

I find this scene very touching. It is a risky move, Hin Yeung and Sam Hou will be on the run forever, ala Jewel In The Palace but the emperor did the kindest thing he can think of. So I find the emperor very very kind, but very very unwise. Hin Yeung's concern for him was also very touching and it took some persuasion from the emperor to have Hin Yeung to say yes, so for me Hin Yeung's slow reaction (or as slow as this scene can be) is very satisfactory from plot points and consistent with his loyal nature. However, I would have wished for more feedback from Sam Hou as I told myself "Sam Hou will say no, she will realise the risk to everyone involved"

Sam Hou met with 2 concubines, gave them presents as Po Yin said "I am very happy you will soon be one of us, and I am very glad to call you my sister" thinking she will be a concubine as did Kam Ling saying the same thing but Sam Hou said "I will not be marrying the emperor" to the surprise of the 2 as she said cryptically "I will however accept the emperor's final decision without question".

Next she went to see Michelle and Susanna and they thought she would be marrying the foreign king and I am disturbed by the lack of tears and emotions or anger from Michelle and Susanna. They seem too zen like. They both wished her well and suddenly Michelle said "You don't have to worry about us, Lady Yuen and I are now on good terms. I know the pain of separation, when Gut Cheong died, I was devastated but now I know.. I know Chui Wan has nothing to do with his death" and Susanna was shocked to hear that as Michelle said "I have always wanted to apologise for my rash nature and for questioning you, I just never came around to it. Chui Wan, I am sorry" and Susanna was very happy as Sam Hou said "Who would have thought, this farewell dinner has become a reunion dinner! I am very happy!" and all smiled and got a bit teary eyed.

At night Sam Hou was packing so she knew she would be running away when Susanna dropped by as Sam Hou hid the baggage which Susanna found and Susanna questioned Sam Hou who explained they were eloping. Susanna said "You can't do that! It would be death if you're both caught!" but Sam Hou said "Don't worry, the emperor has gave us his blessing. It was his plan" and Susanna asked "When?" and she said "Tonight" and Susanna said "Let me give you some jewelry as remembrance" but Sam Hou said no need as Susanna said "Sam Hou, I have always treated you as my daughter, please accept my gifts" and so Sam Hou agreed as she said "I wish to visit the well and pay my respect to mother one last time, tonight" and Susanna said "I will go with you. And I promise you I will pay my respect to your mother at the well on occasions on your behalf, so you don't have to worry about that" and Sam Hou was very happy as she said "That I was worrying but thank you, thank you for that"

Morning, eunuch whispered to emperor "They have left your majesty" and emperor nodded and eunuch asked with concern "But what about General Ma? Your majesty can't hide this for long" as the emperor said "As long as I could manage to give them some distance away from us.."

Pause here.

Why I said Sam Hou was acting selfishly and unlike her 3 principles is simple; no scene of her protesting to Hin Yeung about the plan or the fact this would surely put the emperor in a very very difficult position. One such short scene would make Sam Hou consistent. I could not believe Sam Hou would be eager to elope. Death is not the question but the implication for everyone involved would be too much and Sam Hou is smarter than that. So missing that pivotal scene of at least an eek of protest makes Sam Hou look very bad in this situation. I would have loved it if one more scene shows she has a heart to heart talk with the emperor who would persuade her to run away. After all, they were rather close when they were children. It would have been an emotional scene, one showing Sam Hou feeling deep gratitude towards the emperor and perhaps later on explain why she would return to the palace and one showing the emperor's for her. In fact it would have been an awesome scene.

So Sam Hou and Hin Yeung eloped in the most relaxed and leisure manner in commoner's clothes. Smiling, STROLLING, happily. What an easy elopement. Come on, some urgency please! Anyway they made plans to hide, build small house, plant trees, etc. Then unnecessarily we are shown they on bed, he letting her hair cascade down her back, he pulled apart her clothes and they kiss. Why? Just show candles, bed, shoes would be enough. Am I to feel genuine happiness for their short lived togetherness as husband and wife?

Well I can't. Because I kept thinking what if they did run away, emperor got grilled by General Ma, nation attacked by offended foreign king, emperor got disposed off and killed and General Ma took over? Would they then live happily as they did for that few days? I believe there must be hesitation and continued hesitation. All these running away, strolling, dreams of a future, sex and all doesn't give much emotional impact of that of the lone man in the palace trying to protect his crown, his kingdom and them. Very selfish of them indeed.

Anyway Emperor alone, looking at some handkerchief which I think is made by Sam Hou, eunuch said Eunuch Ma is outside but emperor said "Just tell him I am unwell, stall him" but General Ma walked in and said "Your majesty I heard you're unwell" and Emperor said "What is it you want?" and General Ma said "There are rumours that Lady Lau hasn't been seen in meetings and for days" and Emperor said "Really? Then General Ma, go in search of her in the palace, she could be hurt somewhere" but General Ma says "Or she could be missing and has left the palace" and Emperor said "Are you suggesting something General Ma? Because only you and I have permits to allow anyone to leave the palace, are you suggesting I gave such permits?" and General Ma said "Of course not" and Emperor said "Because if you did suggest that General Ma, may I remind you it is your responsibility to ensure the security of this palace and if you don't go in search of Lady Lau now and if she is missing, then it would be your fault! If you can't even ensure the security of one maid, how can I be rest assured of my safety in your hands?" and General Ma as usual panicking said "Of course your majesty's safety is perfectly assured. But where is Officer Ko? I haven't seen him around..." and Emperor quickly said "I have sent him out on an errand. Must I inform you of everyone I send out for errands?" and General Ma smirking said "Of course not" and Emperor ordered "So, go find Lady Lau now!" and General Ma smirked some more and said "As you ordered your majesty!"

Pause here. Very strong of the emperor to give that General Ma some piece of his mind. But General Ma panics way too easily doesn't he? He doesn't have the aura of a super villain, more like a coward who happens to wield incredible power. Emperor, knife him! KNIFEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE HIMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!

Anyway General Ma angrily walked away with his new assistant and met with General Man and he said "I will wait for that incompetent fool to make a stupid decision to deny the king that maid, then I will make sure to publicise to the world that this fool is willing to throw away a kingdom for a mere maid, willing to risk peace for that maid! I will see to that!!" and General Man looked worried.

Pause here.

General Ma, delusional. This is not some elected Emperor, he is a divinely picked emperor, son of heaven, not some political puppet. He can have General Ma killed. If General Ma insisted on making this into a huge issue and goes all out to say Emperor incompetent, get the emperor off that chair, wouldn't that mean TREASON? And isn't TREASON punishable by death? Why isn't General Ma arrested yet? Even if the emperor starts a war, it's his decision. He is the emperor. Moreover ordinary citizens may be touched by the fact that the emperor is not willing to compromise one of his citizens to some small god forsaken nation. Ok some would say send off Lau Sam Hou but some may see this as national pride and ego. And Tang Dynasty so darn rich can't win over that king who came with how many assistants? 2?

Then eunuch walked in and said "Sir, Lady Lau was last seen at the well, with another woman... Lady Yuen..." and General Man were shocked as General Ma said "Good! At least some lead! General Man, go arrest Lady Yuen and question her to reveal where that maid is. Use whatever force necessary. Torture her, make sure she reveals the truth!" and General Man reluctantly agreed.

Another fool. General Man is just... not sure what to call him.

Heads of dept, or rather dwindling heads of dept (how will the palace survive without jewelry? Can Susanna take on another dept??) met up and Michelle asked "Does anyone know where is Lady Lau?" and all explained they haven't seen her and she asked Susanna "You're close with Lady Lau. Have you seen her?" and she lied "No" but General Man walked in and said "You lied. A eunuch said he saw you with her at the well before she disappeared. General Ma is onto this, give me an alibi, if not you will have to follow me to be investigated" and Susanna said "I was sleeping, so I had no alibi" and so General Man said "Well then, follow me" but Michelle, at her most feisty can be quite formidable. I mean she can be immature and dumb but when she intends to protect someone, she will go all out. So she said "What proof you have General Man to accuse my subordinate of helping Lady Lau to run away? The word of an eunuch as against that of a Madam?" and General Man said "General Ma will investigate this" but Michelle said "I will not allow you to take Lady Yuen away, not without any shred of proof!" but General Man said "Are you trying to be difficult?" and quickly Susanna said "This has nothing to do with the 4 depts, do not implicate them! Madam Chung, I will be fine, don't worry, please lead the way General Man" and so they left together.

In prison. Why helping in investigations mean prison?? Anyway Susanna in prison, Michelle dropped by and she whispered "Tell me where is Sam Hou. I know you know" and Susanna whispering said "She has run away with officer Ko" and Michelle shocked said "What? How can you keep this as a secret from me Chui Wan?" and Susanna said "Suet Ha.." and yes they're now on first name basis and I believe this reconciliation is permanent, hope. Anyway Susanna said "Suet Ha, I can't let you know because that will implicate you and I alone in this prison is enough!" and Michelle in tears said "Chui Wan, I cannot let this happen. I will beg the empress dowager to intervene" but Susanna said "No! This is a state affair, I cannot put the empress dowager in a difficult position than she already is" as Michelle said "But you will die!" and Susanna smiled and said "I could have died many times, for many reasons, whether for displeasing my masters or negligence in my duties but to die for such a noble reason, I have no regrets. My only worry is Siu Shun, you must promise to take care of Siu Shun for me" and Michelle stubbornly said "No, I will make no such promises. You will take care of Siu Shun yourself, Chui Wan, promise me you will survive this!" and Susanna very touched by Michelle’s concern said "If I could, I promise..."

See Sam Hou! 1 more live on your head!!

Michelle went to see General Man who somehow looked rather arrogant for some reason as Michelle asked "So what are your plans to save Chui Wan?" and General Man said "If she doesn't know, she has nothing to be worried about". Very naive le! Anyway Michelle, now smarter already said "Well she has plenty to worry about then!" and General Man looked shocked as Michelle continued "You and I both know her personality. You and I both know what she really knows. General Man, you must save her! You owe it to her!" and General Man said "I know... when she wrote me that rejection letter, her intention was for me to pursue my dream and my career. Without that letter and her sacrifice, I would not have been a general that I am today" and Michelle said gravely "Her sacrifice was far greater than just a rejection letter" and General Man asked "What?" and Michelle said "When she wrote that letter and you continued with your life, she was pregnant and she gave birth to a son" and General Man was so shocked as he wanted to ask more when one of the supervisory maid ran in and said "Madam Chung! There is trouble! I went to visit Lady Yuen but I saw General Ma's men taking her away, intending to torture her!" and General Man ran to General Ma's place and saw Susanna held onto the ground on her stomach and 2 eunuchs were basically beating the crap out of her. General Man screamed "STOP!! Please, my dear benefactor please let Lady Yuen go. She does not know anything!" and General Ma said angrily "She knows something! I will beat the truth out of her!! Beat!" and so they continued and she vomited blood as General Man pushed the eunuchs away, grabbed the paddle and General Ma shouted "What do you think you're doing? Rebelling against me, for that woman?!" and General Man kneeled and said "Please dear respected benefactor, let her go!" but General Ma refused and so General Man stood up and said forcefully as Susanna looked at him and General Ma stared at him as he said "Remember what you promised me years ago?"

Next episode, Emperor pressured to hunt down Sam Hou and Hin Yeung who both came back and then we see Sam Hou dressing revealingly and dancing for that lusty foreign king. Why was she dancing for him? And what died General Ma promised General Man years ago?

That made me go "WHAT?!" and I must say, after watching so many episode, this was one cliffhanger that will have me anticipating the next episode eagerly!

Acting aside, and some problems with the story and characters, I find the dilemma faced by the emperor in tonight's episode to be exciting and thought provoking, hence my in depth and almost 100% recap of whatever happened in here. I felt the scenes of Michelle and Susanna in the prison to be very touching and also the scene between Hin Yeung and the emperor. In fact with Hin Yeung's eyes begging the emperor and the emperor stuck between state and friends, the story tonight is perhaps this series' best thus far. Watching this series, I have learned not to watch it as a whole or as one series but rather watch it like those American sitcoms; an episode at a time. Ignore the previous ones, remember the characters for all episodes and just see this episode in itself, I find myself really enjoying this episode. And I do mean this episode alone. Hopefully next episode is as exciting.

Performances wise, everyone was fine except well.. Moses just has one expression, Kevin Cheng can do the pleading look but when he had his confrontation with General Ma, very terrible acting. Doesn't seem angry enough, voice sort of shrilly and in the end just not "man" enough. I do like his scene with Sam Hou though, the one where he approved of the emperor's plans. The scenes that slowed down this episode is the one where Sam Hou went to everyone and said good bye but that was just 2 scenes, but terribly draggy. Worst was the eloping and the bed scene. The missing scenes as I have noted could have helped give credibility to this series in terms of consistency and good writing, at least a few good episodes out of the many lousy ones would have been better than none, but the writing again stopped short of that. Plot wise, a rather jam packed episode, characters wise, still the same failed ones. But the dilemma is delicious and Kam Ling sunk to a new low. Can she go lower? Can she go from garbage to decomposing garbage so to speak?

Frankly of all episodes, this is one you mustn’t miss. Now I am looking forward to the next one even if I am not looking forward to Charmaine Sheh dancing or Tavia rolling her eyes and smirking.