Resumo do episódio 1 de Mengfei Comes Across
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In the ancient imperial palace, the fight for favor among concubines was a constant and often bloody struggle, fueled by jealousy and ruthless ambition. Bu Meng, the intelligent and free-spirited daughter of Imperial Censor Bu, quickly discovered after entering the palace that even the Emperor Wen Lou's most favored consorts met tragic ends, some drowning, others poisoned. Terrified, Bu Meng concluded that the only way to survive in the harem was to avoid the Emperor's favor.
She set two daily goals for herself: not to seek glory, but to seek longevity. Her maid, Yan Er, was unconvinced, suggesting Bu Meng seize the opportunity to attract Wen Lou's attention while the Empress Dowager was away praying. However, Bu Meng warned Yan Er that any attempt to "make waves" would only invite the wrath of Noble Consort Ru, reiterating her firm decision to avoid gaining favor.
Navigating the vast palace, where civil and military officials engaged in power struggles and concubines fought deadly battles, building a strong support network was crucial for survival. Bu Meng’s circle of friends included not only the skilled "four small dragons" of the palace and various small animals, but also several key consorts. There was Consort Yan, who mysteriously survived a lightning strike and was consequently labeled the "cursed consort."
Then there was Qu Xiao, a beauty with pure white skin who, after being neglected since entering the palace, resorted to overeating to cope with her sadness. Finally, Noble Lady Xiao remained deeply entangled in her love for Shen Shang, her fiancé who disappeared on the battlefield, unable to let go of their betrothal. Despite her best efforts to avoid the Emperor, fate intervened. Imperial Censor Bu had openly defied Wen Lou, causing the Emperor great displeasure.
In an act of petty revenge, Wen Lou deliberately chose Bu Meng's card for imperial service. Eunuch Fuxi excitedly rushed in to deliver the news that His Majesty had picked Bu Meng. Yan Er was ecstatic, but to her dismay, Bu Meng was nowhere to be found. As panic set in, Consort Yan, with her extensive palace experience, declared that Bu Meng was likely "making a big move in silence."
True to her prediction, Bu Meng soon emerged from the outhouse, covered in what appeared to be feces, crying dramatically. She claimed that the thrilling news of being chosen had made her lose her balance and fall into the pit. She insisted on washing herself before meeting the Emperor, but Eunuch Wu refused, stating her appearance was unacceptable. At that moment, Qu Xiao stepped forward, offering to serve Wen Lou in Bu Meng’s place.
Consort Yan also vied for the opportunity, but Qu Xiao discreetly slipped Eunuch Wu a bracelet as a bribe, securing the chance to serve the Emperor. As Yan Er reluctantly helped Bu Meng clean up, Bu Meng revealed that the "feces" was actually just yellow mud. She lamented that serving the Emperor was not a good thing and called Yan Er naive for thinking so.
Qu Xiao was carried to Wen Lou’s chambers, but upon learning the reason for the substitution, Wen Lou was greatly displeased. Qu Xiao was swiftly sent back, still wrapped tightly in a quilt, and had to struggle through the entire night to free herself because only the Emperor was permitted to untie her. She cried out, saying no one dared to help her or they would have their fingers cut off.
The next morning, as Bu Meng and Consort Yan shared breakfast, Consort Yan harshly criticized Qu Xiao for her desperate attempt to gain favor, calling her a "woman who just knows how to cry as if she's just been widowed." Bu Meng, however, showed compassion, comforting Qu Xiao and inviting her to join them. Qu Xiao, in tears, lamented that even eunuchs and palace maids now openly ridiculed her and that her heart was broken.
Consort Yan also revealed that her own initial "volunteering" to serve the Emperor was merely to annoy Qu Xiao, as she was a "cursed consort" who wouldn't actually be chosen. She also stated that she became a consort as a result of a bet with Wen Lou, who was incognito outside the palace.
Determined to help Qu Xiao, Bu Meng and Consort Yan devised a plan: they would stage an "accidental" encounter with Wen Lou in an area he frequented, with Qu Xiao reciting poetry. The three women strategically positioned themselves as lookouts, using a cuckoo bird call as their signal. Bu Meng advised Qu Xiao to recite a poem of purity and freshness, but to be prepared to "fall on the floor" if the Emperor preferred a more dramatic approach.
However, Wen Lou was late, and after a long, boring wait, Consort Yan left, followed by the hungry Qu Xiao, who went off to find food. Bu Meng was left alone. Just then, Wen Lou appeared, telling his guards to withdraw as he wanted to walk alone. Thinking quickly, Bu Meng began making loud "cuckoo" noises, pretending to be talking to a bird. Wen Lou, amused, asked her which palace she belonged to and why she wasn't greeting him.
Bu Meng, in a desperate attempt to escape, covered her face with her hand, spun around, and deliberately bumped into Wen Lou, causing a nosebleed, then fled the scene. Soon, rumors spread throughout the palace that Wen Lou had been injured by an assassin.
Yan Er excitedly told Bu Meng that the assassin was amazing and had even given His Majesty a nosebleed, adding that no one knew where the assassin was hiding because His Majesty wouldn't say, deeming it shameful. Bu Meng, appearing unfazed, then began burning her clothes to destroy any evidence. Later, all the concubines were summoned and instructed to cover their eyes with their hands, mimicking the gesture the "assassin" had made, so Wen Lou could identify her.
Bu Meng, trying to disguise herself, covered her face with red dots, claiming an allergic reaction to an egg white mask. Despite her efforts to avoid him, Wen Lou recognized her immediately. He grabbed her hand and led her back to the "crime scene." Bu Meng feigned amnesia, but Wen Lou, seeing through her act, threatened to count to three and declare her "dead" if she didn't speak truthfully.
Terrified, Bu Meng confessed her actions, claiming guilt for her horrific appearance and for wanting to gain his love despite being unworthy. Relieved that she wouldn’t be executed, she began to babble, imagining Wen Lou had fallen in love with her because of her unique personality, and that this love would only lead to her early demise.
Wen Lou, utterly exasperated by her rambling and delusions, called her "sick" and ordered her to be confined to the Spring Courtyard for ten days. Bu Meng, grateful to not be killed, readily accepted the punishment. Bu Meng was relieved to have escaped with only a confinement, admitting she was "scared to death." Consort Yan warned her not to "seek death" anymore, stating that if Bu Meng continued her antics, the cold palace would be her permanent home.
Bu Meng tearfully explained how difficult it was to avoid favor, and then revealed the true reason for her presence in the palace: years ago, the Imperial Astronomer had discovered that Bu Meng's destiny could turn Wen Lou's bad luck into good fortune.
Believing the Emperor would not listen to warnings about an "unlucky star," the Imperial Astronomer had added Bu Meng's name to the selection list, hoping she would be chosen to secretly watch over Wen Lou and find anyone endangering his life. Indeed, she was selected, despite her desire to remain a "free and cheerful birdie" rather than a "miserable canary." Meanwhile, Wen Lou, curious, wondered how Bu Meng would cope with her ten-day confinement. He also inquired about her family and learned that she had an elder brother named Bu Yue, noting the Bu family's reserved nature in their children's names.
