American Perspectives: Zi Yuan Learns Martial Arts ("Twisted Fate of Love" Ep. 11)

Dao Le is teaching Zi Yuan martial arts in the gorgeous Feng Manor courtyard.  He is teaching her the individual forms and steps involved in sword play.  She is learning quickly and gracefully.  Dao Le is impressed, as martial arts training was initially difficult and painful for him.  He tells her how he used to hide from Feng Xi so he wouldn't have to train.  Yet, Zi Yuan actually looks for Dao Le, as she is willing to train as often as she can. Her motivation is to be able to protect herself and not drag anyone down.  Dao Le is impressed that she is the first woman who has ever stood in front of him to protect him.  She smiles, "That means...I'm brave!" 

Dao Le guarantees that if she trains with him, she will definitely surpass Dong Yue in martial arts.  Her strength is currently lacking, so he made her some flying darts to also practice with.  

A while later Zi Yuan is practicing the Qing Ping Sword technique alone in front of Dao Le.  He is impressed that it only took a few days for her to learn it, while it took him a month.  She asks if she'll be able to protect herself soon, and he says she definitely can.  As she continues to practice, she misplaces her foot while spinning, and she begins to fall.  Dao Le rushes over to catch her.  Zi Yuan feels embarassed about her mistake, and asks to continue practicing.  Dao Le feels a little awkward and flustered, but agrees to continue.

Because Feng Xi is under threat of being arrested, Dong Yue comes running to the Feng Manor.  Martial arts practice is long over, and Zi Yuan is in the courtyard wearing a lovely sky blue hanfu.  She asks if Dong Yue is looking for Lord Feng.

Dong Yue confirms, and says Zi Yuan needs to go to the Wu Residence to save him.  She hands Zi Yuan a note that must Feng Xi.  Zi Yuan runs to the Wu Residence, while Dong Yue stays behind (3rd Prince made it clear that she cannot be at the Wu Residence).  Zi Yuan gets right to the door, and is unknowingly halted by Dao Le.  Dao Le takes the note to Feng Xi who wasn't surprised that a note would be sent in his direction, but he's disappointed that Dong Yue didn't deliver it.

Back at the manor, Dong Yue is agitated.  Zi Yuan returns, letter her know someone (Dao Le) took the note from her (according to her story, he was a masked man, so she didn't know it was him).  Dong Yue isn't happy with the outcome, and decides to personally go to the Wu Residence.  Her exit is blocked by QIngxiao, 3rd Prince's personal guard.  She accuses Dong Yue of being a traitor who is shielding Feng Xi, and according to the 3rd Prince, she cannot leave Feng Manor.

Dong Yue doesn't accept that as an answer, and using her own martial arts skills, she gets past them, with Zi Yuan assisting.  Dong Yue leaves the manor, ready to save Feng Xi, while Zi Yuan stays behind.

3rd Prince arrives at the Wu Residence, ready to arrest.  Feng Xi steps out, and asks if 3rd Prince is looking for him.  The 3rd Prince accuses Feng Xi of selling military weapons.  3rd Prince searches Feng Xi's carriage, and finds gold, silver, and grain instead of weapons.  He is furious.  His plans to arrest Feng Xi have been foiled.  He pulls out his sword, and holds it at Feng Xi's neck, demanding an answer.  The episode ends here, but fear not, more will be written tomorrow.