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Thread: Lost in the Chamber of Love

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    Default Lost in the Chamber of Love

    Overview:

    The smart and sweet Hong Niang and her mistress Ying Ying shares a deep bond. Both of them were in the prime of their youth and both harbor thoughts of finding a good match. One day, at a lantern festival, Hong and Jun each picked up half of a Mandarin Duck jade. The two tried looking for the owner of other half but missed seeing each other. Just as Hong starts to develop feelings for Jun and they almost had a chance to be together, fate threw the chance to Ying.

    The Prime Minister’s wife, Ying and Hong went to the temple. A group of bandits from Feng Yun Clan barged into the temple and abducted Ying in order to blackmail the Prime Minister. In her anxiety, the Prime Minister’s wife promised Ying’s hand in marriage to whoever that could save her. Jun, who was studying in the temple, saved Ying. After the ordeal, the two fell in love at first sight. On seeing that fate has thrown the two together, Hong wished them the best with all her heart. She felt that Jun and Ying is the real couple, while she is only a lowly maid and not at all compatible with Jun. Therefore, she willingly tried to help pair the two of them.

    However, the materialistic Prime Minister’s wife felt that Jun’s background was too lowly, and tried to trick Ying and Jun into becoming sworn siblings instead so that she can cancel the wedding agreement. The Prime Minister’s wife pretended to be magnanimous and tried to delay the wedding by wanting Jun to become the top scholar before he can marry Ying. However, with so many contending for the position, how many can truly become the top scholar? Jun was apprehensive about the task ahead. However, on seeing how Hong helped him numerous times, and suffered the beatings from the Prime Minister’s wife while trying to help him and Ying, and remembering how his own family had sacrificed for him, Jun made up his mind to study hard and moved to the West Chamber.

    However, their love was not without its problems. Ying is used to a good life, while Jun is a commoner. Jun and Ying’s relationship was not smooth, and in fact, he had more chemistry with Hong. Ying believes that love is all she needs, but a poor couple will have many troubles ahead. The dashing Wang Wenbin’s appearance created a crack in Jun and Ying’s fairytale romance.

    The Empress Dowager, on seeing that the Emperor is of marriageable age, chose a virtuous empress for him but the Emperor would not accept her choice as he wanted to find his own love. Therefore, the Emperor disguised himself and roamed the country. He met Ying and was bedazzled by her. Although he knew that she had a marriage agreement with Jun, he is relentless in his pursuit of her. Ying felt that she has many things in common with Wen Bin. Faced with 2 men, Ying was indecisive about whom she should choose. Hong was afraid that Ying would make a wrong move, and at the same time worried that Jun’s studies would be affected by the relationship problems, tired herself out by trying to help both sides.

    At this time, Jun found out about Hong’s feelings for him and after spending so much time with her, developed feelings for her as well. However, due to the wedding agreement with Ying, Jun felt that he had to keep his word and buried his feelings for Hong. On the other hand, the Emperor found out how the wedding agreement came about and decided that as long as Jun does not become the top scholar, the wedding arrangement would be cancelled and he would be able to win Ying’s hand. Jun subsequently found out that there is a Wenbin between him and Ying, and realized that the foundation of his relations with Ying is so weak. Jun knows that Ying’s heart already belongs to Wenbin, while his true love is Hong. He decided not to be bound by the wedding agreement and expressed his feelings for Hong.

    Just as Hong thought that her perseverance had finally paid off and was about to accept Jun’s love, they found out that the Prime Minister had been siphoning money from the court and the Empress Dowager, on discovering this, had forbidden the Emperor from marrying Ying. She also wanted to banish the Prime Minister and his family to the plains. Hong thought of a plan to save Ying from being banished. If Ying marries Jun, she will belong to the Zhang family and will be spared the banishment. Therefore, when Jun expressed his love for her, Hong hardened her heart and rejected him. She pretended that she has found another love. However, Jun knows Hong’s character and refused to believe she had a change of heart. Just as he was going to get to the root of the matter, he found out that Hong is a Tubo Princess, who had been missing for years. Hong already had a wedding agreement with the Emperor and they have to marry or risk war between the two countries…

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    Senior Member Jean's Avatar
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    Eps 1

    On the day of the Lantern Festival, the Zhang family was making last minute preparations for the fireworks competition. The 2nd son, Jun hopes to bring back glory again to the family business. As the daughter of the Prime Minister is from a renowned family, she could not take part in the celebrations although her father is the person organizing the festival. Luckily, she thought of a plan to dress up as a man so that she can attend the festival.

    During the festival, there was a matchmaking game for the people of Chang An, where the people will look for one half of a Mandarin Duck button and look for the person with the other matching half. Hong, who was also dressed up as a man, was pushed into the arms of Jun in the crowd. However, Jun was in a hurry to rush to the competition and accidentally dropped the fireworks unknowingly. Hong picked up the fireworks and managed to return them to Jun in time to take part and win in the competition. As luck would have it, Jun and Hong both obtained half of the Mandarin Duck button but to avoid being seen by the Prime Minister’s wife, who was on the stage, Hong could not acknowledge Jun.

    However, the sharp eyed Madam (PM’s wife) saw her daughter in disguise. When Ying and Hong returned home, Madam punished Hong and Ying was pained. The bandit leader of Fei Lei clan, Hei Bao, will soon be executed and his men decided to kidnap Ying to blackmail the Prime Minister into releasing their leader.

    Ying and Madam went to the temple to pray and the bandits took the opportunity to kidnap her. The monks were all poisoned by the bandits and could not even stand properly. Madam was at a loss when her cousin Yulian offered the plan that whoever that could save Ying could marry her. Jun, who was dressed as a monk, decided to save Ying.


    Eps 2

    Actually, Jun also has no concrete plans to save Ying, but thinking that he is more familiar with the layout of the temple than the bandits, he may have a chance to save her. Hong was very much attached to her mistress and joined Jun in saving Ying. Jun laid a few traps and managed to capture a few bandits, and saw Ying tied to a tree ahead. They managed to save Ying but Hong was knocked unconscious by the bandits. Ying and Jun kept on running to evade the bandits and came to the end of the cliff.

    The 2nd-in-charge of the bandits, Fei Hu told them that he would let them off if they have the guts to jump into the sea. Ying was fearless and jumped off the cliff, grabbing Jun’s hands. On the other hand, Madam remembered that the little monk is the person who picked up the Mandarin Duck button and was worried that this poor scholar might really marry the PM’s daughter. However, Yulian assured her that poor people would rather have money then marriage.

    Jun and Ying were wet after they emerged from the water. Jun tried to start a fire but Ying was too weak to help. With Jun’s encouragement, they finally started a fire. Ying felt cold with her damp clothes and decided to take off her clothes so that she can dry up. Although Jun knows that he should not look, he did sneak a few peeks at her. They managed to catch some fish to sate their hunger. Ying in fact found the roasted fish to be delicious! The two decided to return home in the cover of the night but it snowed and they got close to each other for warmth. After much ordeal, they finally retuned to PM’s Manor. Madam did not mention anything about marriage and as Jun was worried about Ying’s safety, he forgot about the matter as well. However, after overcoming their difficulties together, the two of them started having feelings for each other. Hong was most disappointed as she had secretly fallen for Jun. Ying kept asking about the marriage agreement but her parents were worried that they would not be able to find an excuse not to let them marry. With Hong’s help, Ying managed to exchange letters with Jun. However, Madam found out about the arrangement and Hong was beaten again.
    Last edited by Jean; 03-14-05 at 03:51 AM.

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    Eps 3

    Hong was badly beaten by Yulian and the beating only stopped when Ying’s hands were injured when she tried to shield Hong. Ying gave some medication to Hong for her injuries. Since young, Hong has been punished countless times for her mistress, but when she thought of how they shared their candy when they were young, tears started to flow.

    The PM and his wife both felt that they cannot let their daughter marry a poor man, and decided to invite the Zhang family over for dinner. However, Jun’s sister does not approve of going for the dinner, as she felt that their families are ultimately not compatible, and they will only be made fun of at the dinner. Jun, on the other hand, believes that the dinner is regarding the marriage agreement and was adamant in attending. Although they were escorted by sedans, the Zhangs were humiliated once they stepped into the PM’s manor. Yet, the PM said that he will help Jun. Jun believes that he will be able to marry Ying, and Ying thought that her parents have changed their mindset about family compatibility. Only Hong was secretly suspicious.

    Suddenly, Madam said that she wants Jun to be her adopted son and everyone was shocked. Hui rejected Madam’s offer and left with the family. Ying was furious and went on a hunger strike, crying everyday and refusing to step out of her room.

    The PM is henpecked at home and even in court, he was not given the due respect. The Emperor De Zong takes court matters lightly and is only interested in having fun. Recently, the Tubo envoy came with a new toy. The competitive De wants to have a match with Tubo. The PM wanted to help the emperor and volunteered to take part in the game. However, he is no longer young and strong and in the end, not only did he not manage to take the flag, he fainted instead and lost the match. De was disappointed. The Empress Dowager was concerned that the Emperor has no interest in court matters and is only concerned about having fun but Reverend Tian Zhu advised her not to worry.

    Ying pretended to go crazy from missing Jun and Madam agreed to let her see Jun. Hong helped deliver the letter, asking Jun to meet at a pavilion but Jun took a long time deciding whether to go for the meeting. When he finally decided and reached the pavilion, Ying had already left.


    Eps 4

    Hong was discussing about Jun and Ying’s relationship with her aunt Xiuzhu. Xiuzhu said that it would be difficult for the couple to be together, but believes that if they persevere, they will surely succeed. However, both of them felt that Ying will have to sacrifice a lot of the relationship.

    Jun met an old man at a wine shop. The old man is penniless but wants a drink, so he asked Jun for a treat and Jun agreed. Later, the old man complained of pain in the leg and asked Jun to piggyback him home. When they reached his house, Jun realized that the old man is from a wealthy family, and he wanted to betroth his 3 daughters to Jun but Jun rejected as he only loves Ying. The old man was very impressed with Jun.

    One day, Ying went to the Matchmaker Temple to pray and the person there told her that if she wish to be with her lover, she will have to copy the Pan Ruo scripture 1000 times before dawn before the Matchmaker God will help her. For her love, Ying copied into the night but unfortunately fell asleep in the midst of copying. Hong secretly helped her copy.

    Actually, the rich old man and the guy at the temple were both masqueraded by Reverand Tian Zhu. Tian went to the PM’s manor and wants him to agree to the marriage between Jun and Ying if Jun becomes the top scholar. As Tian is a favourite with the Empress Dowager, the PM reluctantly agreed.

    On seeing that Ying has not given up, Madam accepted Yulian’s wicked plan. She allowed Jun and Ying to meet everyday and also encouraged Ying to help in the Zhang’s family business and home, on the pretext of learning to become a good daughter-in-law. Madam also gave expensive gifts to Jun. Ying thought that her wish had finally come true. Madam was hoping that Ying will not be able to endure the hardship and finally understand that the 2 families are not compatible in standing and give up her dream. However, the lovesick Ying does not mind the suffering as long as she can be with Jun.

    The Empress Dowager chose 4 girls for De to pick as his Empress, but De wants a pretty wife. The Empress Dowager decided to give De 3 months to choose a wife from outside and ordered the eunuch Duhui to look after him. De happen to meet Ying at the outskirts. Ying was helping Jun hang some lanterns when she tripped. In his anxiety, De jumped towards her and both fell to the ground.
    Last edited by Jean; 03-14-05 at 03:54 AM.

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    Eps 5

    Ying was shocked by the fall and on seeing De on top of her, began screaming and hitting him. Jun and his family, on seeing the scene, rushed forward and gave De a beating. Luckily Duhui appeared to stop them from accidentally killing the Emperor. However, De did not disclose his identity but went off in a huff. Back at the inn, Duhui taught De society’s rules, and that unlike in the palace, he should not be touchy-feely with the ladies.

    Ying is aware of Jun’s straightforwardness, but could not understand why he does not understand a girl’s heart at all. She had to tell him directly what she wants before he has an inkling of what she expects.

    One day, while strolling in the streets, Ying accidentally fell off the carriage. Madam happened to pass by and witnessed her daughter’s humiliating fall in public and was furious. Hong was again punished when they returned home. The PM began to feel that his daughter is not afraid of hardship, and felt that Jun will make his mark one day but Madam does not agree with him.

    To save the bandit leader, Feilei Clan attacked imperial soldiers but lost. An injured Feihu escaped while Shanmao was captured. Hui unintentionally saved Feihu and brought him home to treat his injuries. However, soldiers soon appeared at the Zhang’s family business and accused Jun of harboring a fugitive. The magistrate knows that Jun was totally unaware of the matter and was about to release him when the PM sent him a letter, wanting him to frame Jun and force Shanmao to change his statement to say that Jun was the 4th in charge in the clan. Jun was convicted and banished to the army for 10 years.


    Eps 6

    To save Jun, Ying insisted that she will marry no one but Jun, but Madam told her that she can marry anyone but Jun, and relationships in the family was strained. Hong suspected that the PM had framed Jun but Xiuzhu told her not to create any more problems.

    De is aware of Ying’s background and her marriage agreement with Jun. He also knows that Jun is currently in jail and that he was framed. To prevent others from saying that he took advantage of the fact that Jun was in prison to woo Ying, De decided to save Jun and have a fair competition with him for Ying’s affection. Therefore, he called himself Wang Wenbin and wrote a petition for the case to be re-tried in court.

    After several petitions, ‘Wen’ finally had enough evidence to point out the loopholes in Shanmao’s statements, and that the mastermind is Wang Xin from the PM’s manor. Wang claimed that he liked Ying and thus asked Shanmao to give false statements as he hated Jun. Jun was finally freed while Feihu was sentenced to 3 months in prison. Ying was suspicious about Wang Xin’s statement but Madam managed to allay all her suspicions.

    One day, Wen met Ying on the street and admitted that he saved Jun in order to woo her. Ying began to change her bad impression of him.

    On seeing that Ying and Jun are inseparable, Madam hitched a plan and invited Jun to stay at the West Chamber in PM’s manor on the pretext of giving him a quiet place to study for the imperial exam. In actual fact, Jun was being kept away and forbidden from seeing Ying.
    Last edited by Jean; 03-14-05 at 04:01 AM.

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    Eps 7

    After Jun moved in, Ying woke up early to doll herself up. However, she was not allowed to enter the West Chamber. Just as a furious Ying was about the confront Madam, Madam and Yulian arrived at West Chamber. Upon seeing her daughter’s livid look, Madam ordered Jun to come out.

    Madam wants Jun to tell Ying the agreement they had. It turns out that Jun had promised 3 matters: 1) He must study hard to become the top scholar; 2) He cannot leave the West Chamber without permission; 3) He cannot see Ying. Ying and Hong finally realized Madam’s evil plan. Ying decided to go against Madam but Hong is worried that it may cause more problems instead. She advised Ying to think things over and to treat this as a test of their love. Ying agreed but still thinks of Jun day and night.

    De was busy asking his officials how he could win Ying’s heart but they were unable to give any sound advice. The Empress Dowager was unhappy to learn that De is only interested in women and not his work and ordered him to travel to the flooded areas to reassure the people and show that he is a virtuous emperor. De of course was reluctant to leave Luoyang but had no choice as it was the Empress Dowager’s order.

    At PM’s manor, Ying was pining for Jun and worried that the servants would not take good care of him, ordered Hong to send him soup, and at the same time help them pass letters to each other. However, the more letters they sent, the more they miss each other. Ying secretly went to the West Chamber and spent a night there. Ying and Hong thought that Madam would not know but their secret was revealed and Hong was severely beaten by Yulian for not stopping the lovers from meeting. Madam ordered that Ying is not to enter the West Chamber to meet Jun.

    The PM has a son Guohuan, who is stricken with a weird sickness, and will hit others for no apparent reason. To safeguard the PM’s reputation, Guo is not allowed out of the manor. However, the smart Guo knows that Madam only ordered that Ying cannot enter the West Chamber, so as long as Ying does not step into the door, and Jun does not step out, they can both see each other at the door. When Madam found out, she was furious that Jun and Hong was leading Ying astray and vowed to break the couple up.

    Eps 8

    Yulian pretended to be nice and told Hong to give Jun some herbal soup and allowed Hong to share the soup as well. Just as they were about to drink the soup, Guo gave a loud shout and spilled the soup. Guo saw Yulian adding drugs to the soup and came up with such a plan to prevent them from drinking the soup. The 3 of them were perplexed why Yulian would be so vicous and wondered what drug was added. To solve the mystery, Guo tricked Yulian into taking the drug. It turns out that she was carrying out Madam’s instructions to break up Ying and Jun. The soup contained aphrodisiacs, so if Jun and Hong drinks it, they will not be able to contain themselves. Madam then can accuse them of having an affair and chase both out of the house, and at the same time make Ying give up the relationship. However, the tables were turned and Yulian ended up taking off her clothes in the hall and tried to caress the servants. When Madam knows that Jun is aware of her plan, she talked him into not telling Ying about the matter.

    Jun does not know the ‘art’ of surviving in a large household but Hong, who has been bullied since young, felt that Jun was too naïve and straightforward so she taught him how to handle the problems and not to judge others by their appearances.

    Although Hong is smart, she still could not escape Yulian’s bullying. Jun saw this and the righteous Jun wanted to complain to Madam but was stopped by Hong from doing anything rash. Jun promised that when he marries Ying, he’ll bring Hong away with them as well. Hong was touched.

    Although De was at the river looking at the flood conditions, he did not forget to continue his pursuit of Ying. He ordered his men to travel day and night to send fresh peaches from Jiangnan to Luoyang to Ying. Madam was overjoyed that a rich man would spend so much effort to please her daughter. However, Ying showed no interest in the peaches.

    Jun knows that Guo very much wanted to leave the manor and have a look outside. Ying is also aware that her brother has been locked in the manor for years and they decided to help him. However, they met Yulian on the way and when the 4 of them were busy escaping, Guo lost his way. Guo could not get help on the streets of Luoyang and was almost taken for a molester and brought to the court. The PM happened to walk past and did not want to acknowledge his son at first for fear of smearing his own reputation. However, he eventually could not bear to leave his son and took Guo home. Hong was again beaten badly. Jun felt that he was the one who caused the problem and left the West Chamber.
    Last edited by Jean; 03-14-05 at 04:05 AM.

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    Eps 9

    When Jun went home, his sister Hui told him to concentrate on his studies and not to help out at the shop. Ying went on a hunger strike, hoping that Madam will not try to separate her and Jun but Madam is oblivious to her pleas. Ying is worried that if Jun misses her, he will not be able to concentrate on his studies and thus fail to become the top scholar and marry her. As her thoughts run wild, she asked Hong to help be their messenger again.

    Wen (the Emperor), tricked the PM into leaving his manor in the Emperor’s name so that he could visit Ying at the manor. He decided to get into Madam’s good books in order to woo Ying.

    Wen bought silk, jewelry, land and built a house to show Madam that he is truly a rich man. He then sent an invitation for dinner to Madam and Ying. Madam forced Ying to attend the dinner. Although Wen invited the most popular performers in Jiangnan, Ying showed no interest and left, leaving behind the gifts Wen gave her.

    However, Wen did not give up even after the rejection. He sent his men to check Jun’s background, hoping to find out how Jun managed to win Ying’s heart.

    The naïve Jun did not suspect Wen’s intentions and instead treated him as his benefactor, bringing him around town and helping him avoid a confrontation with hooligans. Jun’s righteousness touched Wen and he decided to compete fairly for Ying. When Hong found out that Jun and Wen are now good friend’s she warned Jun to be careful as Wen might take advantage of him but the straightforward Jun paid no heed to her words.

    Not afraid of rejection, Wen invited Ying for an outing. Ying refused to go for the appointment but Hong insisted that she goes. It turns out that Hong has invited Jun and planned to get rid of Wen at the outing so that Jun and Ying can spend time together. However, Wen is not dumb either and he had his own plans to win Ying’s heart.


    Eps 10

    Hong, who is aware of Wen’s plan, is anxious that Ying and Jun seems oblivious to his ploys as she knows that Ying will finally fall for Wen one day. But the more anxious Hong is, the more easily Wen got close to Ying, and Madam even invited him to stay at the West Chamber. Ying could only see Jun once in a while but she is seeing Wen everyday, and with Madam’s help, it’s only a matter of time when Wen can win Ying’s heart. However, Ying still believes her love for Jun can withstand any trials.

    Ying and Hong were born on the same day. As their birthdays are coming soon, Wen of course did not forgo any chance where he can win Ying’s heart. However, he could not think of anything to give her. Luckily, Madam helped him. On the other hand, Jun is hoping to buy some expensive presents for Ying but he has limited savings. He then decided to personally make 2 lanterns for Ying as a token of their love. Hong felt that although the present is not expensive, it shows the effort that goes into making it and liked the lanterns as well.

    On their birthday, Wen invited Madam and Ying to the lake for dinner. Actually, Jun arrived at PM’s manor a long time ago but Madam told him to wait for Ying behind the hill while she tried to send Ying off to her dinner with Wen. Luckily, the clever Hong is suspicious and returned to the OM’s manor and found Jun trapped behind the hill. In the end, Jun did not manage to spend Ying’s birthday with her but ended up having an unforgettable time with Hong.

    Jun finally realized Wen is also interested in Ying and decided to seek an explanation from him. Jun claimed that Wen is unscrupulous as by taking advantage of the fact that Jun is busy studying for the exams to woo Ying. As the Emperor, Wen could not stand being called unscrupulous by his subject and decided to compete with Jun for the top scholar, and whoever wins will get Ying.
    Last edited by Jean; 03-14-05 at 04:07 AM.

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    Eps 11

    Actually, the exam questions and the scholar has always been decided by the Emperor, so Du felt that De was unfair in taking part. To show fairness, De decided to appoint one of his ministers to choose the questions. The Empress Dowager was furious when she learned that the Emperor is taking part in the imperial exam to vie for the affections of a woman. She decided to set the exam question herself so that De would not be at an advantage. Of course, De bragged that he would be able to become the top scholar.

    Hong was tasked to visit Jun and saw that his results have not improved, so she and Ying discussed how they could help him. They saw that Guo was able to memorize a whole book without missing a single word and they asked him for his secret. Jun followed Guo’s formula and his memory improved greatly.

    Ying once joked that if Wen can pluck the stars from the sky for her, she will be elated. Although Wen had to study for the exams, he still thought of how to fulfill her wish.

    One night, Ying saw the garden is full of fireflies and walked to the West Chamber out of curiosity. It turns out to be a ploy by Wen. Once she stepped into the West Chamber, Wen carried her up to the sky and the whole of West Chamber was decorated with flying flowers. The 2 of them flew to the rooftop and Wen plucked a star for Ying.


    Eps 12

    While Wen was strolling in the West Chamber one day, Hong suddenly appeared to tell him that Ying wants to meet him at the pavilion the next day. Wen thought that he had finally moved Ying’s heart but it turns out that the person who met him is Jun. Jun wants to ask Wen in front of everyone if he had asked his men to set fire to his shop. Wen was shocked as he did not know what had happened. It turned out that Du had acted on his own. Wen apologized to Jun for not controlling his men better and gave Du a talking to when he reached home.

    After Wen left, Hong left the 2 lovers alone to enjoy the breeze and the clouds. But such mundane fare can no longer excite Ying, who had experienced flying to the sky to pluck stars. Although Jun is by her side, her mind is on someone else.

    Wen thought that he could use a certain military strategy to win Ying’s heart and just as he was about to rush off to meet his love, Prince Nan sought his audience. As he wanted to rush for his appointment with Ying at Hutou Hill, he ordered the 8th prince to entertain Prince Nan on his behalf. The 8th price, who had intentions of usurping the throne, took the opportunity to forge an allegiance with Prince Nan and it seems that the future of Tang Dynasty is in peril.

    Fei Hu was tricked by his men, who had the intention of robbing Wen, to go to Hutou Hill. Jun found out that Fei Hu had been tricked, Hong was worried about Ying, who was on her way to the appointment. Hui was also concerned about Feihu, so the 3 of them rushed to the hill. Luckily, Fei Hu managed to stop his men in time but unfortunately, Jun witnessed Wen holding Ying in his arms.

    The jealous Jun marched up and gave Wen a punch. Ying, on seeing that, scolded Jun before storming off. Ying felt that Jun could not differentiate between right and wrong and lost all feelings for him. To ease Jun’s pining, Hong wrote him a letter in Ying’s name to encourage him to study hard for the imperial exam.
    Last edited by Jean; 03-14-05 at 04:10 AM.

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    Eps 13

    Fei Hu decided to turn over a new leaf. Hui and Jun were very happy with his decision to work in the shop and stop hanging out with his old pals. However, Nian En felt that a leopard will never change its spots and refused to let Fei Hu handle money matters, and also changed the lock. Hui does not agree with her and called Nian En an old maid and the 2 sisters started quarrelling.

    Hong noticed that Ying seemed listless. It turns out that the person that is constantly on Ying’s mind is actually Wen. She felt that she is drifting further away from Jun and it is Wen who shares the same interests as her. Ying started to harbor thoughts of giving up the marriage to Jun.

    Madam is aware of the huge expenses in the manor, and that the income is unable to cover all the expenses. She is at a loss when the PM, who ran into trouble out of town, asked for money for an emergency. Yulian suggested borrowing money from the wealthy Wen to tide over the period. To Wen, the money borrowed is only a drop in the ocean and he agreed without a thought.

    While on her way to deliver goods, Nian En bumped into Du and was so shocked that she fell and broke a love token from her old love, Yiping. She was still fuming when she reached home and received a letter from Yiping’s family saying that he had passed away. Nian En fainted from shock and fell sick. Jun was worried about her health and his studies.

    When the PM returned, he found out about the help from Wen and wanted to thank him personally but Wen could not see him. Wen left without a word in his haste. Ying started throwing tantrums when she found out that Wen had suddenly left. She found a note from Wen in a smashed vase, asking her to meet him at the pavilion.

    The Zhang family, on seeing that Nian En seems to be in a daze, asked Du to disguise himself as Yiping to ease her heartache. Jun studied day and night but one day, while on his way to deliver goods, he saw Ying and Wen on an outing.


    Eps 14

    Actually, Jun is aware that his background, interests and habits are totally different from Ying, and they are lucky their relationship lasted that long. Therefore, he was able to guess that the last letter from Ying is actually written by Hong, and Hong did not deny when asked. Jun had already thought through that the reason he’s studying for the top scholar is not only to marry Ying, but to bring glory to his dead father. Hong was relieved that Jun is not studying entirely for Ying.

    Wen returned to the West Chamber and the PM ‘coincidentally’ had to go to the Palace to meet the Emperor. This time, he drew a portrait of Ying. Actually, when they met at the Pavilion the last time, Ying wanted Wen to promise only to love her. However, the naturally flirtatious Wen actually made fun of Hong, saying that he will make her his concubine. Unfortunately, his words were overheard by Ying, who left in fury.

    Just then, Jun arrived at the PM’s manor with the intention of calling off the marriage agreement but was stopped by Ying, who encouraged him to study hard so that she can become the top scholar’s wife. Hong thought that Ying has changed her mind about Jun but Jun knows that this is actually Ying’s ploy to irritate Wen. Yulian ordered Hong to send tea to Wen. After drinking the tea, Wen suddenly felt flushed and aroused. He tried to take off Hong’s clothes and force her on the bed. At that moment, Ying arrived and saw them on the bed. Without another word, she slapped Hong and chased her out of the house. Jun finally reached the last stage of the exams.
    Last edited by Jean; 03-14-05 at 04:13 AM.

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    Eps 15

    When Jun knew that no one knows Hong’s whereabouts after she left the PM’s Manor, he went looking for her with Xiuzhu despite his exams being round the corner. Jun was constantly worried about Hong and has no mood for studies. He drowned his sorrows in wine and was even more depressed then when he knew Ying found a new love.

    Hong is in fact in the temple, and with Reverend Tian's advice, gained a new understanding that she should live for herself and it would be the greatest joy if she can be with the one she loves. However, Hong feels that Jun and Ying already has a marriage agreement, and it’s not good that she loves him. At the PM’s manor, no one could attend to Ying’s daily dressing and she realized that not only is Hong her maid, but her confidante as well.

    As Jun was studying and thinking of Hong at the same time, he fell sick. However, he did not tell anyone as he did not want to trouble his family. Actually Hong has been secretly following Jun in the streets and when she knew that he was sick, she quietly brewed soup for him and even helped him clean up his room. During the few days, Jun was under the impression that his granny boiled the soup but one he came home one day, he found out the truth when he bumped into Hong. At that instant, he realized how much Hong likes him. Coincidentally, he also found out that she was the person who picked up the other half of the Mandarin Duck button at the lantern festival.

    On the day of the imperial exam, Wen went to sit for it as well. However, the Empress Dowager suddenly decided to meet all examinees and Wen’s identity was exposed. Jun realized that he is actually the Emperor. The Empress Dowager sought advice on how to curb the flooding at Jiangnan but the Emperor could not think of any solutions. In fact, Jun was the one who suggested a plan. The Empress Dowager ordered the Emperor to reward such a talented person, and Jun finally became the top scholar.


    Eps 16

    After Jun became the top scholar, Madam immediately set a feast for her ‘future son-in-law’ but when Jun arrived, he told Madam and Ying that he wants to back out of the marriage agreement and left. Although Ying looked stunned, she was neither disappointed nor sad but was more concerned why she has not seen Wen.

    Jun rushed to the temple to look for Hong but she was nowhere to be found. Jun decided to build a large lantern to be placed in the air, and line the streets of Chang’an with colorful lanterns to lure Hong out to meet him. However, while he was busy preparing, he vomited blood. He was about to give up when he found the Mandarin Duck button which Hong placed in the bamboo that he was using to make the lantern. He believed that they are fated to be together and promised himself that he would finish making the lanterns for Hong.

    When Hong saw the lanterns, she was touched and decided to be with Jun and moved in to stay with the Zhangs.

    Heibao was not killed by the soldiers and he wanted Fei Hu to join him to steal official money. To repay Heibao for saving him when he was a child, Fei Hu decided to become a bandit again. Hui does not understand his actions and chased him out.

    The Emperor was informed that the bandits intend to steal official money and ordered Jun to investigate into the matter. Wen suddenly returned to PM’s manor and told Ying that his is the Emperor. Everyone in PM’s manor were overjoyed when they knew that Ying will soon become the Empress. Actually, Madam had agreed to join forces with Heibao to steal official money as the finances at PM’s manor were tight. However, since they are soon going to be relatives of the imperial family, she wanted to back out of the agreement. Heibao blackmailed her and she had no choice but to continue.

    Jun created a chance for Ying and Hong to mend their differences. Hong returned to PM’s manor and she was treated differently as she will soon become the top scholar’s wife. With Feihu's help, Jun suspects that the plans to steal official money involves PM’s manor and the Emperor decided to treat this case fairly. Jun took advantage of the fact that Hong can enter the West Chamber at will to sneak into the study to steal Madam’s account book.
    Last edited by Jean; 03-14-05 at 04:17 AM.

  10. #10
    Senior Member Jean's Avatar
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    Eps 17

    At the PM’s manor, Ying was busy choosing jewelry for her dowry when Jun arrived. Everyone thought he came to look for Hong until he took out the imperial edict. The Emperor has found out that Madam was involved in the stealing of official money and decided to apprehend the PM’s whole family. Hong was upset when she found out that Jun’s intention of go into the West Chamber the last time is to find evidence of Madam’s crimes. However, Jun had no choice but to make use of Hong as he was appointed by the Emperor to look into the matter.

    The Emperor is aware that the Cui family is in jail and was thinking how he could save them when the Empress Dowager ordered that he hold a fair trial and not let the 8th Prince find out any of his weakness. The Emperor had no choice but to sentence the Cui family to death. Hong was begging to see the Emperor outside the palace gates but was rejected. She knelt overnight outside the gates in the rain and eventually fainted.

    Actually, Jun wanted to save the Cui family but even the Emperor is unable to help. The only way is to look for Tian and ask him for help. The late Emperor, PM and Reverend Pushan were very close and would often discuss state affairs and hunt together. Reverend Pushan also kept records of the conversations between the late Emperor and the PM. Jun hoped to find from these records some information which he can use to save the PM and went to the temple that night to look for clues. Jun was anxious when he could not find anything when daybreak approached, as the Cui family would be executed at noon.

    Outside the palace gates, many gathered to witness the execution of the Cui family. The Emperor was also anxiously hoping that Jun would be able to find a way to save them but as noon approaches, the Empress Dowager reminding him to be fair and the 8th Prince making snide remarks at the side, he had no choice but to allow the execution to proceed.

    Just as the executioner raised his knife above the PM’s head, Jun rushed forward with the late Emperor’s letter. It turns out that the late Emperor had written that as the PM had helped to build the country, he will be exempted from the death penalty and will instead be reduced to commoners instead. The Cui family only had some tattered pieces of clothing when they left. Luckily Hong helped them find lodging. However, Madam and Yulian, who were used to a life of luxury, kept complaining. The 8th Prince reminded the Emperor that he should not help criminals so the Emperor can only ask Jun to help look after the Cui family.

    The King of Tubo and his envoy came to Tang to investigate the disappearance of his Queen and Princess 20 years ago. As the Emperor and the King of Tubo enjoyed good relations, he decided to extend all help to locate the 2 of them.

    Madam kept saying that she wants bird’s nest porridge, so Hong went to work at a bird’s nest shop so that she can earn enough to buy bird’s nest pieces. However, she was overworked and fainted. Yulian saw that the Cui family is no longer in power and ran off with her savings. Madam was furious at Yulian’s betrayal. However, when she saw that Hong was overworked for her sake, and Guo selling his inventions in the back lane, she decided to turn over a new leaf and not hanker after wealth. With the Zhang family’s help, Hong and Jun also reconciled their differences. Jun also has the intention of asking for her hand.


    Eps 18

    Hong was about to get married, and Ying was depressed when she thought of her own relationship with the Emperor. Hong asked Jun to help become the postman for Ying and the Emperor’s letters since he can meet the Emperor easily.

    Xiuzhu was suddenly abducted when she went to the temple. It turns out that she is the Tubo Queen. As she was unhappy that the King wanted to have concubines and neglected her, she ran away with the newborn princess and later worked as a maid in the PM’s manor. In that case, Hong would be the princess. The 8th Prince found out that the Tubo envoy has found Xiuzhu, and to prevent them from finding the Princess as he did not want relations between Tubo and Tang to improve, he decided to hide Hong. Jun and Hong arranged to meet at the temple to exchange letters but when he arrived, he only saw the letter with no sign of Hong and was worried.

    The 8th Prince could not convince the Tubo King to work with him and decided to cook up a story, saying that the Emperor is unwilling to find the Princess as it would jeopardize his marriage to Ying. The King was furious and decided to give the Emperor 2 weeks to find the Princess, or he will dissolve the agreement with Tang and attack instead. The Emperor and Empress Dowager were at a loss as to where to find the princess.

    At the same time, the 8th Prince told the Emperor that the Nan Kingdom’s army is at Tang's border and hopes that the Emperor can lead the army personally. The Empress Dowager wanted the Emperor to do a good job and decided to leave court affairs in the hands of the 8th Prince. Before he left, the Emperor asked Jun to pass a letter to Ying.

    Hong managed to escape from the 8th Prince’s prison and before she left, she found out the 8th Prince and the King of Nan's plan to attack and kill the Emperor so that the 8th Prince can ascend the throne. However, the 8th Prince found out about her escape and sent soldiers to go after her. Just as she reached the outskirts, she met Jun, who were looking for her with his men and thus managed to escape. Ying was restless when she found out that the Emperor was in danger and Jun decided to look for the Emperor. Feihu was tasked to send Hong to Tubo to meet the Tubo King and Ying decided to go with Hong.

    The Tang army were losing and Duhui escaped with the Emperor and were forced to jump off a cliff. After much difficulty, Feihu managed to escape with Hong and Ying from the 8th Prince’s men. Ying could not run any longer and the 3 of them rested in a forest. To relieve boredom, Hong used a leaf to blow a tune which Xiuzhu used to teach her. Coincidentally, the King passed by the area and heard the familiar tune, which turns out to be a love song the Queen composed for him and decided to investigate. He found out that the tune player is his long lost daughter! Back at the Tubo Palace, the physician took Ying’s pulse and found out that she was pregnant with the Emperor’s child.
    Last edited by Jean; 03-14-05 at 04:22 AM.

  11. #11
    Senior Member Jean's Avatar
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    Eps 19

    Hong begged the King to send troops to save the Emperor but the King had received news that morning that the Tang army had been wiped out. Although the Emperor’s body could not be found, it is unlikely that he will still be alive. Ying, upon hearing the news, starting screaming and running like a crazed woman.

    Jun had already reached the Kingdom of Nan and saw the 8th Prince ordering the capture of the Emperor and Du. Jun was about to leave when he met Du. Du and the Emperor had escaped separately after jumping off the cliff and he believed that the Emperor should now be in Tubo, making his way back to Tang. Jun and Du went to Tubo to seek the King’s help to locate the Emperor. Since his daughter is back safely, the King decided to forgive the Emperor and send troops to look for him. Although Jun and Hong met again, there is a distance between them as her status now is the Tubo Princess.

    Du and Jun met a drunken man on the streets of Tubo, who turned out to be the Emperor. The dejected Emperor denounced himself and Du could not convince him to start afresh. Jun decided to tell Ying the Emperor’s whereabouts. The Emperor tried to chase Ying away when he saw her but Ying insisted on following him, stating that she will be with him no matter his status. For the sake of his child, the Emperor decided to stand up and fight the 8th Prince.

    Jun decided to help the Emperor get his throne back and help sneaked the Emperor and Du back into Tang. Hong asked her father to loan his troops to help the Emperor but he was concerned that the Emperor would attack Tubo after he regain his throne. Hong then used the marriage agreement which was set 20 years ago between her and the Emperor as a bet, saying that once she becomes the Empress, the Emperor would not attack Tubo. The King agreed on hearing her. The Emperor and Du returned to Chang’an and stayed at the Zhang’s home.

    Hong found out that the Empress Dowager had been imprisoned and drugged by the 8th Prince. As Du is familiar with the workings of the Palace, he taught Hong how to place the antidote in the Empress Dowager’s oil lamp so that she will inhale the antidote once the lamp is lighted. The 8th Prince agreed to Reverand Tian’s suggestion to light the ‘Flying Dragon to the Sky’ Lantern to celebrate his ascension to the throne, and this will also be the day the Emperor return to the Palace to take back his throne.


    Eps 20

    Just as Jun was thinking why his father’s ‘Flying Dragon into the Sky’ could not be lighted years ago, the Emperor came in and confessed. It turned out that when the Emperor was still a child, he threw a tantrum and wet the explosives in the lantern, therefore the lantern was unable to ‘fly’. When Jun found out the reason why the lantern could not fly, he was happy as it means that there is nothing wrong in the construction of the lantern. Nian En also found out that Du is actually not really a eunuch. The next day would be the day 8th Prince ascend the throne, the 3 couples, Du and Nian En, Fei Hu and Hui and the Emperor and Ying were at a loss on how to wish each other luck. They also felt that this would be a dangerous mission, and it might be the last time they meet each other. Jun and Hong spent their time together under the moon, but Jun had no idea that Hong would be marrying the Emperor soon.

    The PM knew that the Tang Dynasty is in peril and on account of the late Emperor’s kindness to him, decided to risk his life to help the Emperor regain his throne.

    On the day of the ascension, Du and the PM disguised themselves as delivery workers helping Jun carry the lantern into the Palace, while the Emperor hid himself in the lantern. Outside the gates, 4 loyal officials were waiting with their troops to support the Emperor. Firstly, Du and the PM used the secret passage built by the late Emperor to rescue the Empress Dowager. At the Great Hall, the 8th Prince was happily looking at Jun placing the lantern. Just as he was able to sit on the throne, the Emperor suddenly walked out. The 8th Prince was slightly shocked but at his command, soldiers surrounded the Emperor while the 4 loyal officials were captured. Just as the soldiers were about to attack, they started falling to the ground and only the King, Hong, the Emperor, Jun and 4 Officials were fine. Actually Jun had already guessed that the 8th Prince will attack and thus placed drugs in his lantern so that when it is lighted, the drugs will cause everyone to faint. The Emperor thus regained his throne.

    After the Emperor regained his throne, the King brought up the marriage agreement made 20 years ago with the late Emperor. The Empress Dowager also wants the Emperor to fulfill the agreement and marry the Tubo Princess. However, the one the Emperor loves is Ying, and she cannot be the Empress even though she is pregnant with his child. When Jun learnt that Hong will be leaving him, he fell sick. On the day of the wedding, the Emperor, Hong, Ying and Jun were weeping. Just as they were about to start the ceremony, Xiuzhu suddenly appeared.

    Xiuzhu revealed that the real Tubo Princess is Ying, while Hong is the PM's daughter. 20 years ago, when she ran away with the Princess, she was afraid that the Princess will suffer if she stays with her, so she decided to swop the Princess with the PM's newly borned daughter. The Emperor was elated that he can marry Ying after all.

    In the end, the couples all paired up with each other. Nian En with Du Hui had twins, with another child on the way. Nian Hui and Fei Hu got married. Ying and the Emperor were together and Jun and Hong found out that they are going to be parents.


    The End
    Last edited by Jean; 03-14-05 at 04:27 AM.

  12. #12
    Senior Member charbydis's Avatar
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    Thanks Jean. I really apprecate your work in transltaing. You are doing a great job.
    "Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self."
    Cyril Connolly

  13. #13
    Senior Member Jean's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by charbydis
    Thanks Jean. I really apprecate your work in transltaing. You are doing a great job.
    thanks... was feeling bored recently.

    after translating, i realised that the synopsis's ending and the actual show's ending is different. Wonder if TVB changed their mind at the last min about the ending.

  14. #14
    Junior Member Brenda's Avatar
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    Posted by Jean
    "after translating, i realised that the synopsis's ending and the actual show's ending is different. Wonder if TVB changed their mind at the last min about the ending. "

    Hi, I was wondering how was the ending different. Did the couples supposed to have a different outcome? I was just wondering. Thank you.

  15. #15
    Senior Member Jean's Avatar
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    From the synopsis:

    "Hong thought of a plan to save Ying from being banished. If Ying marries Jun, she will belong to the Zhang family and will be spared the banishment. Therefore, when Jun expressed his love for her, Hong hardened her heart and rejected him. She pretended that she has found another love. However, Jun knows Hong’s character and refused to believe she had a change of heart. Just as he was going to get to the root of the matter, he found out that Hong is a Tubo Princess, who had been missing for years."


    but in the actual show, Hong did not think of asking Ying to marry Jun, neither did she pretend she has found another love.

  16. #16
    Senior Member Yu W3i's Avatar
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    does anyonw want to download it in viet???http://asianseries.5.forumer.com/ind...?showtopic=801
    $this->handle_bbcode_url(str_replace('\"', '"', 'http://photo.sohu.com/20040716/Img221041931.jpg'), '')

  17. #17
    Senior Member Yu W3i's Avatar
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    i'm not saying that your work is bad or anything
    $this->handle_bbcode_url(str_replace('\"', '"', 'http://photo.sohu.com/20040716/Img221041931.jpg'), '')

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