Huan Zhu Ge Ge Season 2 Episode 2 Recap

We start off in Ci Ning Gong- the Dowager’s residence where Xiao Yan Yi and Zi Wei have been summoned. It’s inspection/interrogation time and no doubt Xiao Yan Zi is her usual bubbly self, acting and talking out of fashion for a princess even going so far as to call the Dowager ‘Grandma’ which no one dares to- even the Emperor refers to her as Imperial Mother. 

Moment of truth...

Oh Xiao Yan Zi, you're so loveable but please don't over do it

Seeking advice from Zi Wei

Aside:
Comic relief of the moment: their ‘what’ conversation, I think this is only funny to those who are Chinese but basically they have a string of ‘sum ma’ where they question each others what’s. Of course our intelligent Zi Wei comes to her aid when Xiao Yan Zi is lost for words when explaining how she supported herself before she entered the palace.

I love their conversation, it's so hilarious

To top that off, Xiao Yan Zi’s interpretation of idioms have failed her once again. Questions are then directed to Zi Wei (Ming Zhu Ge Ge), where the Dowager is determined to get to the root of her identity as the Emperor’s legit illegitimate child however questioning ceases because the answers like with her mother who we have already past away. Wasting no opportunity to portray the two in bad light, the Empress alludes to Zi Wei’s relationship with Er Kang implying that she has already been promiscuous before marriage. This is akin to an attack on Zi Wei’s virtue because of her being born out of wedlock, yet being as reserved, as she is Zi Wei accepts the Dowager’s teachings whereas Xiao Yan Zi can only bite her lip to stop herself from venting her anger. The Dowager picks up on this and starts to provoke her, or more appropriate ask her about how she feels as what she just said. Xiao Yan Zi continues to be silent until she finally lets it out under the command of ‘Speak’ but what Xiao Yan Zi’s says is definitely not music to the Dowager’s ears so they are then forced to kneel.

Bloody Huang Hou 

She's about to blow

The Empress notices Xiao Yan Zi’s ‘Easy Kneeling’ and points that out to the Dowager who then orders Gui Mo Mo and Rong Mo Mo to inspect her but as if Xiao Yan Zi wouldn’t resist and thank god she does because someone needs to hit those Mo Mo’s, they’re so ugly and really need to be taught a lesson for abusing everyone below them for rejoicing at the expense of Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei.

Easy Kneeling

Xiao Yan Zi resists again when the Mo Mo’s are ordered to bring her ‘Easy Kneeling’ to the Dowager, eventually temporarily escaping by flying away, she attempted to bring Zi Wei with her but of course she refused. Upon escape, Xiao Yan Zi crashes into Qing Er mistaking her for a palace maid and warning her about the granny ahead.

I take extreme pleasure in her sadness

Woo Easy Kneeling

Brilliant first impression

The Emperor orders his men to capture Huan Zhu Ge Ge and so begins the great chase, I swear the palace guards so are incapable (most of the time), it’s so funny seeing them scrabbling left and right to capture her. 
The Dowager is disgusted at how there can be such a princess who dares to cause such a scene and revolt but again the Empress reminds her that this is only a minor incident. Yong Qi, Er Kang and Jin Suo arrive soon after astonished at how Xiao Yan Zi could’ve caused such a scene after they coached her for half a day. She winds up climbing a tree but is brought down by Yong Qi and Er Kang so that she can beg for forgiveness from the Dowager.

Incompetent guards

 With the help of Zi Wei, the Emperor and most importantly the Dowager’s favourite, Qing Er, Xiao Yan Zi is ultimately forgiven after a bout of her stubbornness and the Dowager’s insistence that she be punished. The Dowager and Qing Er leave but she sneaks a glance at Er Kang, if I didn’t know any better I’d think that Er Kang also fancied her.

Qing Er to the rescue

The four return to Shu Fang Zhai, and it is revealed that Qing Er is no palace maid but a princess, the only child of the Prince Yu of the First Rank who died in battle and mother unfortunately left her orphaned as she committed suicide to join her husband. Thus the Dowager raised her by her side and loves her as much as the Emperor loves Zi Wei and Xiao Yan Zi. Quote of the moment:

Translation

Xiao Yan Zi: “Are those MoMo’s mentally sick? Will they become immortals after slapping us?”

^I agree, those bloody MoMo’s, I swear they live to punish others.

Er Kang and Yong Qi find out the reason why the questioning became out of hand, they’re smart so there was no need to tell them explicitly. Their solution, to ask the Emperor to arrange a date for their respective marriages (I bet they’re secretly happy that this happened because Er Kang and Yong Qi are dying to be wed to Zi Wei and Xiao Yan Zi and this gives them the opportunity to do so), however Zi Wei refuses to allow them to do so as it will create further misunderstandings about their integrity. Yong Qi continues to root for marriage saying there is no reason why the Emperor would oppose their earlier marriages, yes Zi Wei will be marrying out of the palace but Xiao Yan Zi would just be moving into a different residence within the palace. Surprisingly, Xiao Yan Zi was able to deduce a counter argument, saying that the Emperor cannot bear to see Zi Wei and Xiao Yan Zi separated because they are after all sworn sisters and have been described by the Emperor as being as close as his two hands. 

"You don't understand?"

Finally her other argument against the marriage is that she refuses to see the Dowager each day because she’ll be married to a prince so she cannot live outside the palace, poor Yong Qi is so frightened at the thought of that and tries to persuade her otherwise recalling the difficulties they went through in order to be together. In the end the two guys can only follow their leading ladies, they really do get the short end of the stick sometimes, they went through hell to get engaged and now even their marriages are certain.

Xiao Yan Zi's horror at the thought of seeing the Empress and Dowager everyday and Yong Qi's reaction

The Dowager and the Emperor have a private discussion about the two princesses, regarding why the Emperor loves them so much. She again brings up the marriage dilemma saying that Xiao Yan Zi is unsuitable for Yong Qi, the fifth prince and potential Crown Prince which would make Xiao Yan Zi the future Empress (what a thought, seriously cannot imagine her as the Empress) and even if Yong Qi isn’t the Crown Prince he will be a Prince of First Rank making Xiao Yan Zi the Princess Consort. Of course, the Emperor is rooting for this marriage and shuts the topic by saying that he will groom her so that she is up to par, that is before he hears of the Empress’ interference in the matter.

The Dowager then brings up the next potential marriage that she’s dissatisfied with, offering to pair Er Kang with Qing Er- a legitimate princess of true royal blood (because she doesn’t quite believe Zi Wei’s story) and using as her leverage, the Emperor’s previous promise that he would pair Qing Er up with a good husband and because there are supposedly no suitable males in a country as big as Imperial China the only two candidates are Er Tai and Er Kang. Er Tai was married off last season to Tibetan princess Saiya to resolve the marriage issue at hand then and thus leaving Er Kang as the only suitor that the Dowager approves of but he’s already engaged … time to use your almighty Dowager powers to get everyone to cave somehow (mhm?).

Emperor's 3 stage shock at the Dowager's wishes

Qing Er and Er Kang have a long overdue conversation but are interrupted by Xiao Yano Zi and Zi Wei as they head to Jing Yan Palace (residence of Yong Qi) because Xiao Yan Zi is bored to death. The two become acquainted with Qing Er but their conversation is cut short as Qing Er leaves to handle some errands assigned by the Dowager.

Everyone is back at Shu Fang Zhai where Xiao Yan Zi tries to convince the gang to leave the Palace to celebrate the opening of Liu Hong and Liu Qing’s guesthouse however their servants (Xiao Deng Zi and Xiao Zhuo Zi) try to persuade Xiao Yan Zi out of it for fear of the consequences to everyone including them. But Xiao Yan Zi dismisses it right away, originally Jin Suo, Er Kang and Zi Wei originally object to suggestion as well but because the mood is so good they decide to take the chance.

Poor Servants

Onto the streets of Beijing, and there is a lion dance display, the public has come out to see the dancers as they make their way to Liu Qing and Liu Hong’s guesthouse. Meng Dan, the Ughur warrior we saw in episode one makes another appearance and this time it’s outside the guesthouse as the commoners gossip about how the guesthouse has the backing of Huan Zhu Ge Ge. Liu Qing and Liu Hong are faced with the option of setting of the firecrackers now (for good luck) or wait till gang arrives risking the possibility that they might not even arrive at all because they may have been caught up in some trouble. We find out that the dragon and lion dancers are sent from the gang who unfortunately couldn’t make it but if you’ve watched as many dramas as I have you know that there’s something up with that and it’s confirmed Xiao Yan Zi, Yong Qi and Er Kang were the lion dancers.

FAVOURITE COUPLE <3

Meanwhile, Jin Suo and Zi Wei were hiding amongst the crowd that turned up. Xiao Yan Zi blurts out her frustration about the Dowager, which we assume to be overhead by Meng Dan (cue in dark, sinister music).

Shhhh

Firecrackers are set off, and the guesthouse is officially open. Xiao Yan Zi who can’t keep still decides to help out the waiters but being as clumsy as she is, she accidently crashes into Meng Dan with plate of food in hand. She apologises immediately but Meng Dan he continues to be rough and short with her, Xiao Yan Zi who takes offence to his lack of manners starts quarrelling with him. Liu Hong goes over to try to calm the guest (Meng Dan) but Xiao Yan Zi starts fighting with him and that’s the end of this episode!

End!

Huan Zhu Ge Ge/Princess Pearl Season 2 Recaps Episode 1

Warning any photos included my recaps will be of poor quality, I’m sorry but they don’t exist in HD. In case you were wondering, this is a C+P from my other blog which has problems that I need to rectify.

Recap:

We start off with the typical flash forward in true Huan Zhu Ge Ge manner; our two leading ladies have run into dire trouble again. It’s no different this time as they’re about to receive the capital punishment (i.e. getting their head chopped off in the Qing Dynasty) as if they’re destined to be executed one way or another.

Some background info: Read Wikipedia, it’s pretty comprehensive! But the general gist is that Xiao Yan Zi, a commoner, assumed the position of a princess due to a series of misunderstandings. The real princess being Xia Zi Wei who is her sworn sister, at the end of Season 1 they return to their originally positions but they are betrothed to Yong Qi (5^th prince) and Er Kang respectively meaning that Xiao Yan Zi is a daughter-in-law to the Emperor so she gets to keep her title and stay in the palace and to keep her head.

Back to the story unfolding, there’s a procession going on in the streets, the commoners are gossiping about what the two princesses have done to anger the Emperor (Huang Shang) whilst Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei arrive on the back of a horse drawn carriage in handcuffs. All the while a distressed Yong Qi and Fu Er Kang watch helplessly from the crowd- you’ve got to feel sorry for these two, I mean their love interests put them through so much. The people of course love the two princesses as they’re from the people, even breaking free to plead with the officials to spare the lives of the princesses.

BUT cue in music here, first off Zi Wei spots Er Kang and crew (Er Kang, Liu Hong and Liu Qing) but let’s face it she only really notices Er Kang, and secondly an imperial edict arrives telling the official that the Emperor orders the death of the princesses without fail.

Er Kang, Liu Qing, Yong Qi (5th Prince) and Liu Hong watching from the side lines

Dissolve to white and we pick up our story from 6 months ago where we’re introduced to the Uyghur people who are making their way to Beijing to visit the Emperor. Here our focus is on this new girl, the princess of the group who shall play a major role in the future plot. Although if you’re making your way to the palace then you’re sure to have enemies, I mean that’s why they always bring the whole enchilada (makes me wonder whose left back at home base) to fend off surprise attacks from other Uyghur people who just happen to be stalking you so that they can take away the princess, Han Xiang. And for the record, the ‘King’ (don’t know what to call him) has like his whole army fighting against 10 people (how disproportionate but I love my Chinese martial arts so I’m not complaining even though it’s all fake. I mean how cool would it be to be able to ‘fly’ Chinese style where you seem to be running in air). So it’s only expected that the leader of the coup gets stabbed but it typical drama fashion you need not worry because 99.99% of the time, important live or live long enough for what they’re needed to do in which case it’s feasible for them to die later on. Oh and it turns out that the leader and Han Xiang are lovers (go figure) and you get the case of ‘save yourself and leave me behind’…. Stare at each other for what seems like a lifetime meanwhile everyone is fighting amongst you, guy leaves because let’s face he’s badly injured and that’s how that rendezvous ended.

Han Xiang, the Uyghur princess

Liu Qing and Liu Hong are opening up a hotel/Guest House and Xiao Yan Zi, Xi Wei, Er Kang, Yong Qi, Jin Suo (might just refer to them as ‘The Gang’ from now on for convenience) and the servants are all there to help them paint and what not (note that Fu Er Tai has been written out of this season, he married Saiya last season so he’s off in Tibet for the entirety of the season. Have got to say that his presence was missed, he provided comic relief as that lovely and all important third wheel). Everyone is merry, partly because of Xia Yan Zi’s character and her shortcomings when it comes to Chinese idioms (you can’t help but adore her) but in their quiet conversation Yong Qi and Er Kang mention the Empress Dowager and we know that we’re supposed to love to hate her so that can only mean bad news as well as another new character Qing Er who has some tie to Er Kang. And whenever Xiao Yan Zi is involved expect the worse, doing one of her flips with a bucket of paint in hand she manages to get everyone splashed with paint and with that comes bad news, the Empress Dowager is coming back earlier than expected. Apparently she’s even worse than the Empress (Huang Hou) in how she expects a princess to act.

Xiao Yan Zi up to her usual trouble making self

....and everyone is left to deal with the after effects of Xiao Yan Zi's actions

Cut to the Empress and her nanny Rong Mou Mou, (the two bitches) and they continue to resent our two beloved princess because let’s face even though the Emperor has many princesses and princes we’re really only ever going to acknowledge Xiao Yan Zi, Zi Wei and Yong Qi. The two resident bitches start plotting their next move against Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei because the arrival of the Empress Dowager can be manipulated to be in their favour, of course we should recognise the root of the problem with the two bitches and that’s Rong Mou Mou who seriously can’t help herself but to hate on others. Sorry to whomever I offend but she seriously is an old hag and I’m glad that the characters occasionally refer to her as that because she’s so spiteful speaking words to the Empress just to spark her renewed anger and distaste for Concubine Ling, the Fu household, the two princesses and just about everyone besides their own circle of people but it’s the reality because it’s dynasty China and there are some serious power struggles going on.

The two resident bitches

Back to the palace and our favourite Shu Fang Zhai (where the two princesses live) everyone is hurriedly getting the girls looking decent despite having paint splashed all over their face. And so they begin their mad rush to greet the Empress Dowager (practical lesson here don’t be late) with Zi Wei falling over every corner, you can’t blame her after you see the shoes that they wear (how they even walk just baffles me).

We finally put a face to the title of Empress Dowager and Concubine Ling is expecting! And to add to their troubles of trying to sneak in undetected (because going under the radar totally works) they happen to find themselves right in front of the Empress Dowager, Emperor, Empress, and crew. It goes without saying they make a horrid first impression and I think that is even an understatement. Finally, Qing Er and Er Kang have a moment.

The Empress Dowager 

These two are so pitiful, their love interests make them worry so much

Qing Er the favourite grand-daughter of the Empress Dowager, and the niece of the Emperor

Arriving in spectacular fashion and notice Xiao Yan Zi's wonky head dress

The next part isn’t so important but it’s basically an interrogation of Emperor by Empress Dowager of last season’s events even going so far as to question the engagement of Xiao Yan Zi and Yong Qi (how dare she!).

And because of Xiao Yan Zi’s horrid first impression, Er Kang and Yong Qi begin to lecture her about etiquette and how to act when she’s summoned by the Empress Dowager and surprise, surprise they’re summoned and that’s when the episode ends.

Ending Comments:

I hope you enjoyed reading this recap, I know that Wikipedia does a good job of capturing the plot line but you get any information about all the little moments throughout the drama that we fan girls live for because nothing is better than OTP developments.

Please comment to give me feedback on to improve my recaps for future episodes. 

Welcome

Hello!

Most of my readers will know me as Bitter, call me Bitter if you don’t me personally, that’s okay we can be internet friends through a common interest of HZGG otherwise why would you on this site (: Anyways I complained quite a bit of this thing called a google redirect virus, I suck at IT and have no idea why in particular I cannot access my blogspot posts when I google ‘Huan Zhu Ge Ge season 2 recaps’. Good news I am the first hit which means I am the most accurate search result for those words, the downside is being persistently redirected to youtube origami videos which no offence really irks me especially when I’m trying to access my own blog. So thus I’ve decided to open up a WordPress account and hopefully I won’t face the same problems. This site is at the moment purely dedicated to HZGG only and I’m only recapping season 2 because no one has done that and I really want to recaps on it so if no one does it then I must take the initiative myself. Enjoy reading the recaps and I would for any visitors to leave a comment I would really appreciate that.