u/sequesteredself

Express Availability: Doesn't look like WeTV or iQiyi are getting the Express episodes, at least not from what I saw just now. So you'll need to purchase on MangoTV for like $3 (might be 6 if you don't have SVIP)

Last Fun Fact: During the Ming Dynasty, the Grand Secretariat was a group of 6 officials who served as the coordinating entity over the Six ministries. They screened documents to present to the Emperor and wrote rescripts for the Emperor. Surprisingly Grand Secretariats weren't necessarily ranked high, they were said to be 5th ranked BUT because they were often given a higher positions (Minister or Vice Minister) in the 9 ministries they were often ranked higher.

Links

Airing schedule | Masterpost | All Discussions | Flashcards | Episodes 1-3 | Episodes 4-5 | Episodes 6-7 | Episodes 8-9 | Episodes 10-11 | Episode 12 | Episode 13 | Episodes 14-15 | Episode 16-17 | Episode 18-19 | Episodes 20-21 | Episodes 22-23 | Episode 24 | Episode 25 | Episodes 26-27 | Episodes 28-29 | Episodes 30-31 | Episodes 32-33 | Episode 34 |

Spoiler Warning: None...have at it here

Current tracker as of episode 34...will update the tracker after:

Saves -Where our girl gets saved from danger by CYY: 6 (7...are we counting saved from CXQ?)

Slaps: 9

Cloak Swooshes: 3

Hugs: 12

Swept Up Off her Feet: 5

Kiss: 15

I'll come back with my overall thoughts later but I'm going to bed lol

I do have a lot of calls scheduled tomorrow so it'll probably be tomorrow night by the time I finish.

Posting Schedule: This is for episode 34, there is a separate thread for the express episodes 35-40.

Fun Fact: Curfew was strictly enforced in the capital during the Ming Dynasty. You could not be out during those times. During the Ming Dynasty the dusk drum would sound at 8pm and the dawn drum would sound at 4am. Apparently if you were caught out during curfew within an hour of curfew you got a lighter punishment of just 40 strokes but if you were caught between 9pm-3pm it was 50.

Links:

Airing schedule | Masterpost | All Discussions | Flashcards | Episodes 1-3 | Episodes 4-5 | Episodes 6-7 | Episodes 8-9 | Episodes 10-11 | Episode 12 | Episode 13 | Episodes 14-15 | Episode 16-17 | Episodes 18-19 | Episodes 20-21 | Episodes 22-23 | Episode 24 | Episode 25 | Episodes 26-27 | Episodes 28-29 | Episodes 30-31 | Episodes 32-33 |

Spoiler Warning: Nothing Past 34, so if you have seen the express episodes head over to the express episode post please

Abbreviations in case I get lazy:

CYY - Chen Yanyun

JZ - Jinzhao

YX - Ye Xian

CXQ - Chen Xuanqing

GDZ - Gu Dezhao

GDY - Gu Deyuan

GJR - Gu Jinrong

FHL - Fu Hailian

WXF - Wang Xuanfan

Commentary:

CXQ is delusional isn't he? CYY really did want to help him as a child. Also to say CYY knew about their affection is obviously false since he's so hurt by it.

Understanding someone does not mean you love them

CYY is acting way out of character...and honestly this is just going to push CXQ further and further into insanity.

She keeps saying she didn't do anything wrong and for the most part she's right. Yes, she should have had the conversation about CXQ when he started getting weird but also from her point of view, she was thinking she could handle this until it got out of hand. She also was going to tell him but he's also been avoiding her. She's allowed to have prior affection. They don't talk about his first marriage, I get that it probably wasn't a love match but still. Give the girl a break

https://i.redd.it/9zyh4oov5f2h1.gif

I do think leaving the house wasn't the right answer...sure somewhere within the manor but leaving completely...that's not how you work things out. Shouting if you leave don't come back is also not the answer. What happened to our communication our favorite couple had?

I thought Lord Yao was on Chen Yanyun's side...guess not

The Wang couple...freaking out about shenanigans

Oh look, they're going to look into CXQ

Throwback to when he realized he like Jinzhao and drew her delicate features, fine lines, and bright, versus now, it's broad strokes, chaotic, faceless, darker. Oh how his emotions are a mess right now

https://preview.redd.it/s4906xgz5f2h1.png?width=832&format=png&auto=webp&s=108c566aebebeb91dcc926a7de5fde90df470b27

Interesting...he has a plan and it involves the bandits WXF hired

I love ChenYi speaking up right now.

https://i.redd.it/73fgwvv06f2h1.gif

Oh boy, evil incarnate is really just a boy. Him begging...not realizing CYY still is kind of doing it for his own good. But of course we're going to get scheming after this. I really wish we could have done without this part of the plot.

https://i.redd.it/c50ic3s16f2h1.gif

I love ChenYi

https://i.redd.it/3s2w2ot26f2h1.gif

Advisor Jiang, this is why he's an advisor

Can us girls stop acting like it's the other's girls fault for how a man feels and what a man does? Even in modern times, this is still a thing. Don't blame Jinzhao because CXQ likes her.

Wanxue...girl...stop...he doesn't deserve you. You deserve so much better. Know your worth!

Oh...look at Jinzhao, not putting up with this crap and signing the divorce letter. That's a big risk...seeing if this will force him to act but what if it forces him to just accept the divorce? What if he doesn't fight for you?

https://i.redd.it/t72cj7b56f2h1.gif

Bro...you did this to yourself, man up, face your wife. I'm not a fan of how this is playing out, they are suppose to be this smart and strong couple. This would have been a non issue if they would have acted like their normal selves.

https://i.redd.it/s5803l966f2h1.gif

I don't know why Lady Wang keeps thinking she can one up Jinzhao and why she thinks she can get away with what she says.

Oh no...something happened to CYY

YES another slap...adding that to the tracker but seriously what the f was Lady Wang thinking...WHY make light of that at all. You stupid b-

https://i.redd.it/5tyxnim76f2h1.gif

That's a lot of blood.

Wait...how come 2nd SIL is so reasonable right now?

The Wang couple are screwed

Jinzhao...I'm so worried, never do that again

Also Jinzhao...ok well I'm still mad at you, goodbye

https://i.redd.it/isqbn9fc6f2h1.gif

lol why are you so stubborn? Did you really ask that Chen Yanyun? Like you didn't already know before you married her?

https://i.redd.it/gipgajsd6f2h1.gif

Well I'm glad they're talking it out and he's not wrong...just should have said it

Go Gu Jinzhao!

https://i.redd.it/bfi6nxdk6f2h1.gif

VA making CYY sound petulant child and Ci Sha acting like one is chef's kiss

https://i.redd.it/u5q5ex9t6f2h1.gif

Tracker just went up a lot y'all lol

https://i.redd.it/a7vsn5lx6f2h1.gif

So he risked his life for this scheme...

lol they're cute

https://i.redd.it/adsi0mmw6f2h1.gif

FHL actually brought his own doctor to make sure CYY is actually hurt? Wow

So is FHL trying to save WXF because he can help keep CYY at bay? Like he can keep trying to scheme against CYY and it saves FHL trouble?

Oh man WXF is partially to blame for all the floods and FHL is also to blame and he's calling him out? CYY...bold

Tracker:

Saves -Where our girl gets saved from danger by CYY: 6 (7...are we counting saved from CXQ?)

Slaps: 9

Cloak Swooshes: 3

Hugs: 12

Swept Up Off her Feet: 5

Kiss: 15

My comments under posts are disappearing and sometimes I see replies in my notification but I can't access them, if I click on the notification it all of a sudden shows no response. Seems to be happening to others as well.

Posting Schedule: Sorry, another busy day at work. We get Express episodes TOMORROW (or tonight if you're in the US like me)!!! So normally I just post an express episode post real quick and then go back and edit it with my thoughts after I finished...but I don't know how many of y'all have MangoTV (I don't know yet if WeTV or iQiYI will also offer up express). So my question, do you want the daily episode posts based on the viewing schedule still or should we just leave it as express episode and done? I will probably do an episode 34 post and then an express post but do you want me to do the other episodes day by day? Sound off in the comments...but also who is buying the express episodes (me...I am)

Airing Schedule: Remember, tomorrow you get one episode if you do not purchase express and then NO episodes will air until Sunday. Sunday it will be one episode a day until the show is over which is next Friday

Fun Fact: So I find this interesting, back in ancient China, especially during the Ming and Qing dynasty, adopting a boy into your family to continue the lineage was pretty strict. They still had to have the same surname as you...because they didn't want to confuse family lines. So in theory...they couldn't have adopted Chen Xuanqing into the family to continue the 5th branch...he doesn't share a surname. But guessing CYY pulled some strings or fibbed a bit

Links

Airing schedule | Masterpost | All Discussions | Flashcards | Episodes 1-3 | Episodes 4-5 | Episodes 6-7 | Episodes 8-9 | Episodes 10-11 | Episode 12 | Episode 13 | Episodes 14-15 | Episode 16-17 | Episode 18-19 | Episodes 20-21 | Episodes 22-23 | Episode 24 | Episode 25 | Episodes 26-27 | Episodes 28-29 | Episodes 30-31 |

Spoiler Warning...nothing past 33 please!

Abbreviations in case I get lazy:

CYY - Chen Yanyun

JZ - Jinzhao

YX - Ye Xian

CXQ - Chen Xuanqing

GDZ - Gu Dezhao

GDY - Gu Deyuan

GJR - Gu Jinrong

FHL - Fu Hailian

WXF - Wang Xuanfan

Commentary:

Episode 32:

He strung this poor girl along for 3 years and then just breaks it off and forces Jinzhao in an awkward af position? I can't believe this guy.

Chen Yanyun has to realize with how Jinzhao is reacting that it's her...he knows her so well. This is awkward, she should have told him. Please tell me she tells him after this.

Oh Wanxue...no...don't subject yourself to a guy who doesn't love you

https://preview.redd.it/o9dttvzzkc2h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=894049dc2ecbea20822bd8e6533d49d87c048531

I really feel like CXQ did that in front of her as a way to threaten her, honestly he's IS doing it as emotional blackmail. I still don't know what he wants out of everything he's doing. What does he think can and will happen? She is still married even if he broke it off with Yu Wanxue...who stupidly is keeping the engagement what does he expect??? There is no endgame here so why bother?

Oh no...Chen Yanyun is sad and also starting to doubt, but I like that he told ChenYi not to investigate and that she would tell him...he still trusts her, but he's definitely cracking a little bit.

https://i.redd.it/rvocc882lc2h1.gif

TELL HIM NOW...or not, he's going to avoid her isn't he?

Oh I thought when Qingpu said do we tell Yanyun and she said...yes...I was like yes! But it was just about the engagement.

https://i.redd.it/xgomkvp6lc2h1.gif

She's avoiding CXQ but she really needs to be smarter about this, everyone in the house is going to realize it if she always avoids him.

I do love the bedtime look on CYY, style him more like this...

https://preview.redd.it/topsgth3lc2h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a7a99b760586af924ac6a84c30e84d4000e53ea0

He's definitely going to take what she said the wrong way...good thing she woke back up to discuss it.

Oh look, he's letting it go. Look sometimes as a couple, you do have to pick your battles.

https://i.redd.it/rzd4sm15lc2h1.gif

What a cute date...

Of course CXQ would keep tabs on her...wtf why is he upset?

Go QingPu for blocking him

What right does he have to be upset? He agreed to keep the engagement to Yu Wanxue and Jinzhao is already married. Like what is his play here?

Broken expensive ink slab that can't be repaired...just like their courtship...be like Elsa, let it go bro.

https://i.redd.it/zrvncje9lc2h1.gif

The Wang couple...sigh of course they're plotting

https://i.redd.it/mienxa9blc2h1.gif

So we're only just casually throwing in Gu Lian is still getting married to the 4th Yao son? Nothing else happening to her?

Aw Gu Lan and Mu Zhidi, I hope they get a good ending (never thought I'd be saying that but here we are...successful redemption arc)

Gu Lan is pretty smart to at least not panic and have that line of questioning

https://i.redd.it/sgbd09xelc2h1.gif

Using that threat was a good one.

https://i.redd.it/m7ynla9elc2h1.gif

Wow Lady Wang really tried to attack them from multiple sides...the Prince's place and the Local Authorities

lol money talks

Look at how concerned CYY is...I love that he's like let me do this and she's not worried at all lol

https://i.redd.it/b0sz0j6glc2h1.gif

QingPu and ChenYi LOL

https://i.redd.it/nizrfx3ilc2h1.gif

Oh boy...CYY isn't trusting Jinzhao is going to get this done. This isn't good...

Chen Yanyun looks mad AF.

Oh he's bringing it up to FHL...he's going to get WXF in trouble. I actually bet you WXF didn't know his wife was doing this, he said go ahead earlier but he didn't stay to listen to the plans

Oh Lady Chen...why ask her to give it up

Wait Jinzhao is agreeing...she's just placating her until she finds out more info I'm guessing or she was about to say more things but CYY came trying to save the day lol

I like that Jinzhao is amused because she totally has this in the bag but here comes CYY worried and trying to save the day lol

Look at them flirting

https://i.redd.it/0sm8d59mlc2h1.gif

LOL QingPu coming in stealing ChenYi's thunder.

I'm dead, poor ChenYi, he's trying to come in with all the info he gathered but here Jinzhao is...too smart LOL QingPu is too efficient too.

So battle of the guards...QingPu vs ChenYi, who wins in the info department? I think QingPu does lol

lol ChenYi

https://i.redd.it/1mtlvpkqlc2h1.gif

I love Jinzhao...how much can you do? and CYY...how much do you want me to do? If you can't do it all...then let me do it my way LOL

https://i.redd.it/fu4h9rislc2h1.gif

He's impressed

So...FHL's wife's family is screwing things up too...great

LOL poor ChenYi...asking why and Advisor Jiang with his sigh lol and finally "you wouldn't understand"

Man...Lady Wang is annoying...neither of them are smart enough to realize they're getting set up. Like come on..."business is doubled" lately? Be serious...how do you not realize that's suspicious?

I love how Jinzhao played this so perfectly lol

lol ChenYi still trying to figure out how to QingPu about the cotton, no worries ChenYi, you'll fail again (I'm dying)

Ji Yao!!! I've missed him, look at one of Jinzhao's suitors being a green flag still and actually happy for her. I stand by if it were for CYY, Ji Yao is my choice of forest.

https://i.redd.it/e7rc8s4vlc2h1.gif

ChenYi getting one upped again lol

https://i.redd.it/yk3vc8wvlc2h1.gif

Episode 33

50,000 is a lot to make up for. Oh don't worry. Jinzhao is going to come save the day...

So she can make up half of that right now...Jinzhao knows how to come to play...look at her getting to host the next tea party.

Whoever is voicing Lady Wang does a REALLY good job at getting on my nerves and sounding like a petulant child.

lol both Wang's just got wrecked at their own game

Look at them being flirty...I'm counting this as a kiss still

https://i.redd.it/n0mwlr7xlc2h1.gif

This guy really is delusional isn't he? What's the point of telling her this? She's what suppose to fall over with happiness and run into his arms??? She's married. Also have you SEEN her with Chen Yanyun? They are obviously so in love.

This is the part of the villain story where they spiral even more when they get rejected or told they were nothing to the other person...this will cause Lesser Chen to flip his freakin' lid more

CYY doesn't skip leg day

However...no bueno CYY...I thought you weren't going to look into this...this is where trust and insecurity will start to play for our couple and who would have thought it was going to be Chen Yanyun the guy and not Jinzhao...the girl...what a nice role reversal.

SEE!!! This is on Lesser Chen...he abandoned her, how dare he get angry at her for moving on

Also, I would like to point out Chen Yanyun YOU WERE MARRIED BEFORE BRO!

She had a crush...you actually had a wife...I get it, you actually love Jinzhao, I can't tell if you loved your first wife...people said you mourned her for many years but that was probably just an excuse to not remarry any time soon. I am glad he at least acknowledges he's being dumb.

https://i.redd.it/gvzw6n74mc2h1.gif

Well you are trying to get together with his wife right now...so yes...you're in the wrong.

Also, I love Jinzhao, you're right, you haven't really done anything wrong.

https://preview.redd.it/jww46vw7mc2h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7ff1d76da4c6493ca01eca135eb036f8a9e7274a

I do love Jinzhao saying enough is enough and looking for Advisor Jiang lol poor guy can't stand up to Jinzhao either

So we've already past the Gu Lian marriage...I was hoping for a disaster wedding but it was just an offscreen mention from earlier in episode 32. Is Lord Yao a good guy all of a sudden?

Yeah! Let's not save Gu Deyuan! lol Get 'em!

WXF is getting wrecked in court

At this point, how long has CYY even worked this past year? lol

I'm actually surprised Grandma Gu isn't crying and throwing a fit while Deyuan gets taken away...oh because they have a plan to bother Jinzhao

Wait...how is Gu Lian already pregnant?? How come the show is letting her get pregnant easily? Jinzhao and Chen Yanyun have been going at it and she isn't pregnant but Gu Lian hasn't been married and she's already pregnant? Come on show...that's rude

Side note, I love when someone stays up all night all of a sudden they're sickly like on their deathbed sick...the amount of all nighters I've pulled and have never ended up like Jinzhao is now.

Do we add CXQ picking up Jinzhao to the tracker? Or just CYY?

We are going to add this slap though

https://i.redd.it/l19tdg3emc2h1.gif

By popular demand, I have added a tracker:

Saves -Where our girl gets saved from danger by CYY: 6

Slaps: 8

Cloak Swooshes: 3

Hugs: 9

Swept Up Off her Feet: 5 or 6 is you count the one from lesser Chen...do we count the one from lesser Chen?

Kiss: 11

Fun Fact: This will be short and basic because it's a bit depressing but someone mentioned it yesterday and I had to double check lol Ancient Chinese customs state there are a few parts of a funeral. Shou Ling - where you prep the deceased for burial and you keep a vigil over the deceased and allow for visitation. The Fa Yin is the funeral procession to the burial site and the final bit is mourning. So yes...they did that out of order on the show, unless maybe for some reason they were moving the body to a bigger hall for viewing...but that wasn't really the case...

Links:

Airing schedule | Masterpost | All Discussions | Flashcards | Episodes 1-3 | Episodes 4-5 | Episodes 6-7 | Episodes 8-9 | Episodes 10-11 | Episode 12 | Episode 13 | Episodes 14-15 | Episode 16-17 | Episode 18-19 | Episodes 20-21 | Episodes 22-23 | Episode 24 | Episode 25 | Episodes 26-27 | Episodes 28-29 |

Spoiler Alert: Remember, nothing past 31 please and thank you!

Abbreviations in case I get lazy:

CYY - Chen Yanyun

JZ - Jinzhao

YX - Ye Xian

CXQ - Chen Xuanqing

GDZ - Gu Dezhao

GDY - Gu Deyuan

GJR - Gu Jinrong

FHL - Fu Hailian

WXF - Wang Xuanfan

Commentary

Episode 30

Oh...so it's the stupid 4th brother who kidnapped her

Well seems like CXQ might end up saving Jinzhao

Oh no, I wonder if this is considered an abuse of power that he's calling for the closing of the city.

So smart of Jinzhao! Knowing that it was part of her dowry and the pawnshop would recognize it.

https://i.redd.it/wgvx7utcm42h1.gif

CYY is going to mistake CXQ's help isn't he? Why didn't CXQ just stay?

She was so strong until he came and she knew she could let go...

Oh boy...and this guys is where our villain story beings for CXQ...he just killed that lady and now he's not going to stop at anything to probably cover this up which will spiral into more things

https://preview.redd.it/vm9czxnfm42h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=493221f2567c922c3eb7b103a8f4a2405f56ed27

Oh man...Ye Xian is going to torture the crap out of those bandits

https://preview.redd.it/aq7at1dgm42h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8286c6785f991bf94b7b4affb50a2dd44a0cfa7b

WTF 2nd wife...are you serious right now?? "But she was out for a whole day and night" she wants her reputation to be ruined doesn't she? This is way too stupid

I love that he carries her in as a statement

https://i.redd.it/hierufrhm42h1.gif

Well at least he caught him. He really should tell his mom everything her "favorite" son did. I can't believe he even said the words "just because I killed our little brother"

https://i.redd.it/1tai6k3mm42h1.gif

The fact that he thinks all this was because he's his mom's favorite...

The amount of evil this guy is...to actually hatch up a plan like this as revenge for stopping his career. He was willing to have his sister in law kidnapped and sold off to a brothel. What?? It's pretty good on CYY that he didn't just have him killed or jailed, instead he's just sending him to his brother in Shaanxi

Is she holding a stuffy? omg I'm dying lol that's adorable

I love this fake fight they had...and then proceeded to talk it out like a real couple is suppose to do. This is really all it takes folks...communication!!

https://i.redd.it/ato01m2an42h1.gif

She's not wrong, she needs to find her footing with her Mother in law and sister in law without him or they'll always hold a resentment and scheme more against her. 2nd sister in law pisses me off with her fake on no what could have happened with her in that day.

Excuse me Lady Chen but grow up. "conduct yourself properly outside" Like it's her fault she got kidnapped

I love the pouty face 2nd SIL is making knowing full well Jinzhao is totally winning over Lady Chen.

https://i.redd.it/r6qy089sm42h1.gif

So much egg in her face, I love it

https://preview.redd.it/2z6x38vcn42h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9f4b132301c1577d7fea6e93fbd216137d155f7a

CXQ is going to use this earring for evil. What a douche

What a ridiculous entitlement...it's been 3 years!! Also YOU REJECTED HER AND YOU'RE ENGAGED

https://preview.redd.it/0bovuf9tm42h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a46ed72e4c9a52ca5eaf700e442b30990a3d7290

Sigh Wang's wife isn't not much better

This couple is so freakin' cute...and horny

https://i.redd.it/7zborck7n42h1.gif

At least Lady He is there

Ye Xian is on a mission...

Episode 31

That's not a good sign for Ye Xian...when the show hints at him overtaxing himself.

Man...this Lady Wang is going to get wrecked now that she's basically hit Jinzhao's sore spot, not only are you insulting Ye Xian, her friend...you're trying to make her look bad. Our Jinzhao is not going to go for that.

https://i.redd.it/i2ibrg2in42h1.gif

Ha...I knew Jinzhao wouldn't stand by and watch that happen of course she has a way to show Lady Wang what's up.

https://i.redd.it/mnxeikjfn42h1.gif

Ohhh going in for the kill now, I love her. I am curious what these noble ladies always think of Jinzhao, she's obviously super capable, she, herself, runs businesses and she comes from a business background AND a scholar background (if you can call her dad that...but he is an official), do you really think someone THAT young from that background and in charge of that many businesses doesn't know how to maneuver through society? Are these ladies dumb?

https://i.redd.it/9n9oi9yvm42h1.gif

I do think it's funny that Wang Xuanfan says he looks down on everyone except money lol weirdly enough...they actually seem like a couple that for the most part gets along. I would have thought he would hate his wife

https://preview.redd.it/gskz0jgzn42h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=14b30c9fd09032ec11f776d02653c6f692b33380

Smooth Yanyun...smooth

https://i.redd.it/l455x6wxm42h1.gif

Sigh evil CXQ. The absolute entitlement he has that he has any right to be angry at her? At least Ye Xian was by her side the whole time and trying to find ways to help her and small things here and there. What the heck has this guy ever done for her other than stand her up, break her heart, and leave for 3 years? He just waltzes back in here expecting to be able to come in and marry her when he's already engaged? What an absolute idiot

Ugh interrupting their cute moment...stupid CXQ and he has the audacity to give her the earrings still!!!! And he seems smug about it.

Did CXQ really think that would work? It was a lame excuse to "talk" to his uncle. And he noticed...but he's not thinking too much into it...THINK MORE INTO IT!!!

I've always wondered how to actually play Qi...I've done reversi on the computer at one point

Ohh I wonder if CYY is trying to sow discord within the group from FHL?

Darn, nevermind, seems like WXF just hates CYY more.

Ugh, I hope Gu Deyuan doesn't do something stupid again. Now he's going to be watched like a haw by WXF

Gu Lan really has done a good redemption arc to the point that Jinzhao is giving her the shares to their old house...I wonder if she'll end up with Mu Zhidi afterall, wouldn't that be full circle? Seems like they've been hinting at it for the past few episodes

Ye Xian's heart problems are flaring... this does make me think we are still going to have a tragic ending for Ye Xian

Poor Li Xianhuai is so upset...

Well...that's one way for Qinglan to stay with Ye Xian

I love hugs from behind. They're such a pretty couple.

https://preview.redd.it/o92auix9m42h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d0483ec11b0eac10e79e0b0ae1442eca31ca394a

We are awarded so many cute moments...which just means we're going to be screwed soon.

...We were all thinking the same thing right?

https://i.redd.it/p42su6b8m42h1.gif

Oh...yeah not what we were all thinking

https://preview.redd.it/7o03tw67m42h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d9b71f351185dbb38328250fd9e8d99d5e1697c7

I can't help it...they are too cute. Also my husband does this where he hugs me and doesn't let go to help him recharge lol

https://i.redd.it/g4stgqq2m42h1.gif

Y'all I had to go back and delete some of the gifs and screenshots earlier to make sure I could fit these gifs...COME ON THIS SCENE. We have to soak up all the cuteness now because I know Cdrama-land...you guys know Cdrama-land...we're in for some pain soon

https://i.redd.it/z3rf7z02m42h1.gif

Ugh evil incarnate is here

Y'all Mu Zhidi is cute.

You know...Gu Lan isn't wrong, she might have a bit of a hard time if she were to marry.

omg Mu Zhidi is SO cute...a koi pond?

By the way, I'm full prepared for us to go through some annoyance and pain between our couple and it's going to be because of evil incarnate CXQ. We'll see how this pans out.

Fun Fact: You probably already know this but figured I'd reiterate the robe colors based on the rank system during the Ming Dynasty. Each Dynasty were a little different. In the Ming Dynasty, 1st through 4th ranked officials wore scarlet, 5th through 7th would wear blue and 8th and 9th ranks wore green. The Ming Dynasty also started the rank squares or mandarin squares on the official robes themselves. This was a piece of fabric that was sew into the front or back of the official robes. The civil officials patches would have birds but the military officials badges would have beasts.

(side note did you know you can make a table in reddit? I did not realize that) This is from the later Ming period, should be roughly where we are in this drama...

Rank	Civil	Military
1	Crane	Lion
2	Golden Pheasant	Lion
3	Peacock	Tiger
4	Wild Goose	Leopard
5	Silver Pheasant	Bear
6	Egret	Panther
7	Mandarin Duck	Panther
8	Oriole	Rhino
9	Quail	Sea Horse

The Tang Dynasty's system was 1st-3rd ranks were purple, 4th and 5th were scarlet, 6th and 7th were green and 8th and 9th were blue.

Links:

Airing schedule | Masterpost | All Discussions | Flashcards | Episodes 1-3 | Episodes 4-5 | Episodes 6-7 | Episodes 8-9 | Episodes 10-11 | Episode 12 | Episode 13 | Episodes 14-15 | Episode 16-17 | Episode 18-19 | Episodes 20-21 | Episodes 22-23 | Episode 24 | Episode 25 | Episodes 26-27 |

Spoiler Warning: Remember nothing past 29, if it's episode 30...put it under a spoiler tag please and thank you!

Abbreviations in case I get lazy:

CYY - Chen Yanyun

JZ - Jinzhao

YX - Ye Xian

CXQ - Chen Xuanqing

GDZ - Gu Dezhao

GDY - Gu Deyuan

GJR - Gu Jinrong

FHL - Fu Hailian

Commentary

Episode 28

I absolutely love the interaction between Grandma Ji and Jinzhao

https://preview.redd.it/o62s0ou3rw1h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=988399d1fa7b51ff09ad3ca6c347cd311d61aaff

Oh here we go...we get a breakdown of the Chen family a bit ... so let me recap

Chen Yan Yun has two older brothers, both born from concubines and Lady Chen. The eldest brother died of illness when he was 20. The 2nd brother is still favored by Lady Chen because she raised him. He has a position in Shanxi

The 2nd wife is the one in charge of the household...so guess that's maybe why she's acting weird af? She's getting ready to play stupid games it seems like to prevent Jinzhao from having any standing in the home. But glad Jinzhao is going to let her do it

4th brother is actually Chen Yanyun's biological brother. So I guess that's why Chen Yanyun didn't have the heart to completely punish him. He just told him he couldn't take the imperial exams.

Then we know about the 5th brother having died young but that's Xuanqing's "Father"

And the 6th Chen child is our lovely Chen Yanying, the cutest little sister ever.

I love how mature Jinzhao is...except in front of her grandmother. That shows a level of love. She wants to act cute just for her grandmother but it shows how much she loves her grandmother.

Oh boy, what are you doing Ye Xian??

Well I give it to him, he didn't bust the door down and force his way inside and knew not to let her open it. I have to give him props for that.

https://i.redd.it/z4o33x97rw1h1.gif

I love that they are actually talking this through. I felt like their friendship evolved enough for that a while back. I think we mentioned it when she was kicking him while tied up in the chair, at least they communicate...and they still do but it's almost always after Ye Xian has done something rash and throws some sort of tantrum it seems.

He definitely mistook friendship to mean love.

https://preview.redd.it/zmc0f8dkrw1h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=47015f460ce2841f7d42d8b944027371fafa1c1b

I'm glad she talks this out with him and explains it.

https://i.redd.it/gw7ure3jrw1h1.gif

When she says, I can't be with someone like me...he realizes it.

https://preview.redd.it/ccm7ndxytw1h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e6f78daf45d65e7d54d6f8df5fe27e130d68faa8

Oh...here comes our Yanyun

I hope he's not mad...he has to realize they had to talk this one out.

Nope, he's mad...I was just kidding, that was definitely angry kick

Oh...the Marquis has to have passed away...

...yep...passed away with his pride. What is the thing he's holding in his left hand? Is it hers handkerchief?

https://preview.redd.it/byi77uhprw1h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f4300e730ec2cae5885221e1392fa8e45a091402

Yikes, throwback to when Jinzhao also kicked him on his back

https://i.redd.it/s61fzrgqrw1h1.gif

Aw, I was kind of hoping they'd stay friends but I also know you would need time apart to really truly get out of your feels from Ye Xian's point of view.

The Gu's over here thinking Yanyun is going to be mad at Jinzhao...do y'all think so? Surely he doesn't blame this on her at all.

Of course Yanyun would make it grand for her and brings all these high ranking officials

lol the Gu brothers freaking out

Not sure why but her seeing her mom has me tearing up right now.

Well now the speech she's giving her mom has me full on crying and putting on the gown her mom made

https://i.redd.it/lubei17vrw1h1.gif

You know how you look at the bride at weddings? I'm the one who always checks out the groom first. Look at him!! One of my favorite pictures from my wedding is actually the picture of my husband seeing me walk down the aisle. I am SO glad someone caught that moment

https://preview.redd.it/39erzy4wrw1h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=28fc6b6e4f0417281baa608f5e6c1692993efc24

He's there to catch her 🥹

She's finally leaving the Gu's!!!!

I love a good Princess Carry and through a gorgeous corridor. This show and their corridors!

https://i.redd.it/23k65f9nfx1h1.gif

I'm smiling so much

Hey...Yanyun, are you suppose to kiss her yet??? lol Cute

https://i.redd.it/imnb2vp0sw1h1.gif

Oof...this is awkward, is the funeral procession and the wedding going to cross paths?

Oh...they are going to cross paths...guys that does suck for Ye Xian

https://preview.redd.it/v6zoqi12sw1h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=453abbd706628669aaa989fcaaf6f03f5cb7472d

Oof Ye Xian...you shouldn't have been stubborn about this.

Chen Yanyun's bow of respect...

I am surprised she didn't peak, he didn't even get to see her, which really just finalizes it for him. Which is really also what he needed I think.

Jinzhao is thinking that voice sounds familiar...

Oh boy...the Emperor did NOT do Jinzhao a favor there, she wanted to keep a low profile.

https://preview.redd.it/kpxceue3sw1h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=468482fa531624d2c314161bb76366ea75a09aa3

Sigh the looks from those other wives.

Look at Chen Yanyun...making sure she's fed. I love it

Oh look it IS Mu Zhidi

I love that she understands him and his actions...let's hope she's right and he's not mad lol

Oh...this is awkward Qingpu just heard it was the Marquis...oh this will cause problems.

Ugh the evil look from the evil 4th brother, he's going to cause problems

Oh crap now Xuanqing is also going to cause trouble???

Episode 29

Oh good, Xuanqing was stopped

Look at him...he's so happy and in love

Y'all this is too cute

https://i.redd.it/d28pn6i6sw1h1.gif

Gu Jinzhao! Look at you taking charge

https://i.redd.it/i30ofbo3tw1h1.gif

Ohh look at them go. Y'all...Cdramas are getting steamier lately.

https://i.redd.it/8kjte3g4tw1h1.gif

Oh...well at least he finally told her

Y'all I did love Qinglan, but she's moving towards my "annoying" list soon. Criticizing Jinzhao and acting like she's the lady of the house for this wake? Get out of here with that sh-

FHL is ruthless...CYY and the Emperor kind of are too, his dad JUST passed away. Y'all couldn't wait more than a freakin' day?

I wonder if FHL knows of the oral decree?? Surely not...but he will eventually

https://i.redd.it/wer9urb8sw1h1.gif

I hope Ye Xian actually means that thank you and knows what CYY tried hard to do for him

Oh so FHL does know about the secret guards

Ok, so the morning ritual is going well so far...mom, 2nd brother, even weird 2nd wife...4th brother is mad but he does his thing.

So 2nd wife and brother have 2 kids and 4th brother has one kid already. Interesting.

Well this is awkward, is he going to make this difficult?

Oh...so was that his fault or hers?

https://i.redd.it/5n2pswq9sw1h1.gif

Not a fan of CXQ over here holding on to this jade pendant for dear life...

2nd Brother is not subtle whatsoever lol

Well at least CXQ realizes 4th brother might be up to no good

Lady Chen is a bit annoying...but 2nd SIL isn't being weird today so I guess that's good?

CYY swooping in to save our Jinzhao and lying about it lol come on the Emperor told her to go? lol

Ha misleading everyone...definitely typical CYY

Y'all they are so cute!

https://i.redd.it/o8urz8bbsw1h1.gif

Alright show...you go from a cute moment to straight torture in the next scene. Ye Xian is 100% ruthless now.

LOL y'all I love that Jinzhao slighted the Gu family and decided to go back to Tongzhou to visit Grandma Ji instead.

Gu Lan sticking up to Gu Lian is good

We are being treated to so many kisses y'all, I should have done a kiss counter. They are so cute

https://i.redd.it/09mb0v5csw1h1.gif

Oh...I hope Jinzhao doesn't reject the Mu's on behalf of Gu Lan without asking her and then we get angry vengeful Gu Lan back...please let's keep Gu Lan on the straight path forward...she's doing so well

Sigh...Wang Xuanfan, dude is a menace and annoying

Oh no...she got kidnapped

Edit: One of my gifs wasn't working, had to edit.

Edit 2: Fixed my Fun fact robe color lol

IMPORTANT Airing/Posting Schedule. Finally back to two a day, new schedule is out, make sure you check it out here...also I'm glad we cleared up whether or not this is 36 episodes or 40. WeTV was right, seems like iQiyi and MDL saying 36 was wrong. The viewing schedule says 40. Express episodes will be out starting Thursday which by the way, if you don't have MangoTV...you are in for a very tortuous schedule. So be sure to mentally prep yourself. I'm not 100% sure if the SVIP/Express episodes for Mango will be available for iQiyi and WeTV since neither platform offered the SVIP extra episodes but given that they want to make money I'd assume surely they'll have the option to purchase the express episodes.

Fun Fact: We might all know this from all these costume dramas but figured I'd give you the the actual steps, feel free to skip per usual.

Marriages in the Ming Dynasty (and many previous dynasties) always followed the Six Rites. Matchmakers were a big part of that. In fact, a known phrase/idiom references matchmakers specifically when it comes to arranging a marriage. 父母之命，媒妁之言 (Fu Mu Zhi Ming, Mei Shuo Zhi Yan) which means Parents Orders, Matchmakers' word, this phrase comes from a text from Mencius, a Confucian scholar. Matchmakers were the go between the families, they could be used to help suggest the matches and then they would be in charge as the go to person between the families and help make sure the rites were followed

• The First Rite: 納採(NaCai) -The Proposal, the male's family would propose to the girls family with the proposal letter.
• The Second Rite: 問名(WenMing) - Asking for the girl's name, the male's family would ask for the girl's 八字(BaZi) which is known as the Four Pillars of Destiny in English. The pillars are the Year, Month, Day, and Hour you were born. Each of the pillars had 2 characters, which is why in Chinese this is called 8 Characters or 8 Words.
• The Third Rite: 納吉 (NaJi) - Taking the BaZi to the temple to get read for compatibility
• The Fourth Rite: 納征 (NaZheng) - Groom sends the Betrothal Gifts
• The Fifth Rite: 請期 (QingQi) - Selecting the Date
• The Sixth Rite: 親迎 (QinYing) - Wedding Ceremony

Links:

Airing schedule | Masterpost | All Discussions | Flashcards | Episodes 1-3 | Episodes 4-5 | Episodes 6-7 | Episodes 8-9 | Episodes 10-11 | Episode 12 | Episode 13 | Episodes 14-15 | Episode 16-17 | Episode 18-19 | Episodes 20-21 | Episodes 22-23 | Episode 24 | Episode 25 |

Spoiler Warning: Remember, nothing past episode 27, put it under a spoiler tag. If you get a comment for me to put it under a spoiler tag, please don't take offense, just trying to maintain this for everyone to enjoy ❤️

Abbreviations in case I get lazy:

CYY - Chen Yanyun

JZ - Jinzhao

YX - Ye Xian

CXQ - Chen Xuanqing

GDZ - Gu Dezhao

GDY - Gu Deyuan

GJR - Gu Jinrong

FHL - Fu Hailian

Commentary:

Episode 26

So does he actually know? He kind of cleared his throat pretending like he might not know.

https://i.redd.it/9dirp2tulp1h1.gif

Ye Xian with his gifts...

https://i.redd.it/87ps9mwvlp1h1.gif

Qinglan, come on, I like you but that should not have been the news you told him...

https://i.redd.it/c45ek43xlp1h1.gif

I do feel a bit bad for Ye Xian, but also at the same time, he never actually told Jinzhao he liked him or that he was waiting for her. But this is another thing I was saying the other day, I don't think Ye Xian has actually matured that much in the past few years. Sure, he has a little bit, but him acting like this doesn't act like a lot of growth.

See...he never confessed to her

https://i.redd.it/g1mqz1jylp1h1.gif

...this is not how you show the girl you like you like her...or convince her otherwise...back to pointing a weapon at her. She's been down this road a few times with you. This should not be your only reaction.

https://preview.redd.it/iqhomdfump1h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=352435efb8f3e205237b6b708c6b5932d7aaa10c

I do love the term 心儀 if you break it down it's heart admires or the heart yearns.

https://preview.redd.it/bh7996hvmp1h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=80335ce5d7f00f5a5781ec16a0c79db7a3ef6c4c

Ugh the pointing the sword at her, I hate that, is his reaction really just to what...kill her? What is his play here? How does this make sense?

Splitting blood from heartache and anger is never good

But either is Jinzhao being so hurt 😞 She genuinely is heart broken too, props to Ren Min in this scene, I just feel her heartache and agony here

https://i.redd.it/03c8efm0mp1h1.gif

This interaction with FHL, the Emperor and CYY is super interesting lol How FHL can be so mad at this is just odd. I LOVE our little Emperor though. He knows exactly how to play/provoke FHL.

I love that CYY was so ready to gush to the Emperor about him and Jinzhao meanwhile our little Emperor was just using it to make FHL leave. haha love this

https://i.redd.it/1gb2svu1mp1h1.gif

Emperor just put CYY in a weird position too...the Emperor knows he shouldn't oppose FHL openly and tasked it to CYY...but CYY ALSO can't oppose FHL openly. I wonder how they'll handle this.

Well that's easy, Ye Xian came to you...

Sigh, Ye Xian, you're dumb. Why he thinks he can just try to kill CYY in the middle of the city in front of a bunch of people is beyond me. Again this speaks to his immaturity...good for him that CYY is now going to use this as a way to try to help out the Marquis

https://i.redd.it/1yzgg914mp1h1.gif

Well that's awkward...he's going to arrest his own father

The Marquis is annoying, I'm a bit confused on his stance about being the "Emperor's blade" Ye Xian is right here? Also...isn't that exactly what the Marquis did that got him in this situation? He decided to be the Emperor's "blade" and he commanded a personal brigade to protect the last Emperor? What am I missing here that he's so upset about this other than he thinks the Bureau is shady.

https://i.redd.it/6pna6566mp1h1.gif

I feel like the wife has never really cared that much about her children and only about the Marquis...as a mother, I feel like she's a bit of a failure.

Well at least even in his hate for CYY he trusts him enough to listen to him.

https://i.redd.it/c89e1mi7mp1h1.gif

Yanyun is such a chess master

https://preview.redd.it/kv9p1nl8mp1h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=62d6e7e90bbce0b18bb1fa4212eb4b144bf0a100

Qinglan lol

https://i.redd.it/3d3sw7zamp1h1.gif

I love that CYY's sister is so reasonable lol

https://i.redd.it/uzxp2xvcmp1h1.gif

Grandmother Gu...sigh

How is Wang Xuanfan dumb enough to not hide right? There was an entire screen to hide behind you idiot

https://preview.redd.it/vy4elkmemp1h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9a3006f4aaa985c2823c63349a576005e1f3a517

I hope Ye Xian realizes CYY is saying all of this for their own good

The Marquis doesn't know though...so this could also go bad for everyone with how unpredictable the Marquis might be.

Yep...like pulling a sword on him and we all now don't wonder where Ye Xian gets it from

Does the Marquis not realize CYY saved him 3 years ago? What's with the animosity?

Episode 27

I KNEW he was up to something when he was choking him out.

https://preview.redd.it/2asjxgsgmp1h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1ece0a0e3994831dc321dc5acc377e173085d50f

Again...Jinzhao being the smartest person in the Gu Household

I am telling you y'all Yanyun is the chess master

Aw...his sister begging him to see reason, I'm surprised she got through to him if I'm being honest

Give it to Winwin for this scene...

https://i.redd.it/iju90jpimp1h1.gif

Chen Yanyun AND the Emperor working together...such a great bit

Sigh, not enough though, stupid FHL but Emperor is showing too many emotions, he should have played that a little bit calmer but this is actually where the show is showing his age...even though he's a smart little Emperor they're still showing he's a kid and has his moments...but also showing he still has to learn to play a little bit more in order to defeat FHL.

Look at CYY immediately telling Jinzhao the results knowing she'll worry

FHL did seem to be good at one point...

They compliment each other and know how to make the other feel better. They're perfect for each other. Also I forget who but someone mentioned in the comments they seem to never end their hugs on screen and I'm starting to realize...that's pretty true here lol

https://i.redd.it/uwq87fqkmp1h1.gif

I still don't freakin' understand what the purpose of this 2nd SIL/Qin Xianlan is for...why is she being all sorts of weird, is she trying to now sow discord between Lady Chen and Jinzhao before she even enters the house?

LOL Chen Yanyun...seems like he knows his sister well.

Great...here comes trouble. He does look like he can go evil doesn't he?

https://preview.redd.it/zfvnepwmmp1h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=176039472d200ec217c9bf2e9d319d3a6940fa56

Wait why are so many other families adding to her dowry lol

Can I say...we're on episode 27, how am I still making flashcards for new people?? Like do we really need to know this Lady Mu

...oh are we matching Gu Lan with Lady Mu's son?

LOL looks like Jinzhao also knows how to win over Chen Yanying...her future sister in law, I really like her.

All these men...Ye Xian...Xuanqing...never actually confessing to Jinzhao and just expecting her to be available and waiting on them? Good on her for just burning it...I do worry she doesn't burn it all the way and someone finds it so I hope she burns it ALL THE WAY

https://preview.redd.it/z6t2xejpmp1h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=65c264bcf575e66ca72598681ace17d3bfdb66b6

Airing/Posting Schedule Reminder: Just one episode today, we go back to two tomorrow (Sunday).

Fun Fact: Today's fact is more of a language fact. Modern Chinese would mainly say 喝酒 (he jiu) when you drink wine but Ancient Chinese (and some dialects still)...especially in this drama I've heard them say 吃酒 (chi jiu) which in modern Chinese would translate to "eat wine". I've always thought that was rather interesting, I figured oh it's just some historical Chinese thing...it is but there IS a little story behind it. So back then apparently wines were not filtered well and contained impurities like the grain the wine was made from...so you did "Eat" your wine while you drank it. Also apparently the word chi (吃) didn't use to necessarily mean to eat like it does now, it actually use to be the word for a stammer. The radical on the left is mouth and the radical on the right means to beg...Chi didn't mean to eat until more recent times. Anyway, random language fact. I always wondered why it was 吃酒 or 吃茶 in some of these costume shows. Guess now I know. Also bonus fact...Cantonese still uses the word “食” (sik) meaning to eat when they say eat versus Mandarin uses 吃...食 is actually the more "ancient" Chinese way to say it. Cantonese has preserved a lot of the "old/Middle Chinese" more so than Mandarin. I think some scholars have mentioned Cantonese or the Min Dialects (like Hokkien) help preserve the Middle Chinese language the most that mandarin has since lost.

Links:

Airing schedule | Masterpost | All Discussions | Flashcards | Episodes 1-3 | Episodes 4-5 | Episodes 6-7 | Episodes 8-9 | Episodes 10-11 | Episode 12 | Episode 13 | Episodes 14-15 | Episode 16-17 | Episode 18-19 | Episodes 20-21 | Episodes 22-23 | Episode 24 |

Spoiler Warning: Blah blah blah, you know the drill 😄 Actually just make sure you aren't talking about anything under 26, if I comment asking you to put it under a tag and it seems nitpicky, I'm sorry, I love you, I swear.

Abbreviations in case I get lazy:

CYY - Chen Yanyun

JZ - Jinzhao

YX - Ye Xian

CXQ - Chen Xuanqing

GDZ - Gu Dezhao

GDY - Gu Deyuan

GJR - Gu Jinrong

FHL - Fu Hailian

Commentary

Look at him sending word to her he's already seen her grandmother...COMMUNICATION people, that is the key to every good relationship.

QingPu is so cute, I love how happy she is for Jinzhao.

https://preview.redd.it/avon0wwl8i1h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=82783340bc7e4dd22596b4eed22db60134eb221e

Aw...Jinzhao is trying to tell YeXian. I do love that she's trying to tell him face to face...but she still should have sent a note that said she wanted to talk to him.

YeXian...the animal whisperer...dogs...cats...

Y'all this little Emperor is smart, he's already suspicious of FHL

Lord He seems like a good guy...I hope that's true, he's still in FHL's faction so I'm not 100%

Ohhh!! Look at the Emperor go! He took away some power from FHL without even telling him. I love that

https://preview.redd.it/v361xq6o8i1h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=98c513b5626e08b56b338bde7171faa823f33a06

I can't wait for Gu Lian to realize the Yao's are there to break off the engagement since Gu Lian is over here being annoying af per usual. I love that Jinzhao and Gu Lan are paying her no attention lol

I absolutely love how Jinzhao breaks down how stupid Gu Lian is LOL

https://i.redd.it/kpdn71aq8i1h1.gif

Sigh of course Gu Lian starts to lash out at them. How stupid. But man do I love Jinzhao's eye roll

https://i.redd.it/exxuefbt8i1h1.gif

Aw Rong'er! We haven't seen much of him, but I feel like he's definitely matured.

https://i.redd.it/8yrezi2y8i1h1.gif

Of course now the Yao's don't want to break off the engagement...sigh these people are awful but at least if Gu Lian does get married maybe she'll get treated like trash by her mother in law...

Grandma Gu and 2nd Aunt really know how to capitalize on other people...making the Yao's make it worth their while...wonder what they'll come up with

https://preview.redd.it/cnfyvzwz8i1h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=206dda6b3a3550f12c7baf9eaf91e22189fd08ee

Look at 2nd Aunt and Gu Lian sucking up to Jinzhao

Jinzhao is having second thoughts still even after ALL he's done for her AND wrote her a divorce letter? Come on Jinzhao!

He's so concerned for her...he's adorable. We all love a good cloak cover

https://i.redd.it/okuoonp59i1h1.gif

Also...guys I need to study how he ties the bow LOL I do not tie it like that and this looks like a way better way than how I do it lol

https://i.redd.it/e8uin3m69i1h1.gif

She scared Yanyun for a little bit when she told him she questioned if she made the wrong decision.

https://i.redd.it/42yuwzy79i1h1.gif

I'm glad she made up for it and told him to just listen lol

Oh man...CYY with his lines

https://i.redd.it/2lguba6b9i1h1.gif

SHE ADMITTED IT!!! Awww!

https://i.redd.it/a7fr4g8a9i1h1.gif

Look at Gu Lian "Trying" to apologize to Gu Lan...I like that she realizes she has to play nice right now. Gu Lan actually tried to warn Gu Lian...so I am happy to say Gu Lan has gone through a nice redemption arc for me. I can say you does realize what she did back then was wrong and I am glad the sisters share some sort of affection...like I appreciate that Jinzhao stands up or Gu Lan now

Look how cute she is running to her grandma

https://i.redd.it/0jrtjgqg9i1h1.gif

I love Grandma saying her and Ji Yao didn't approve at first until he took out the divorce papers even they thought it was romantic and knew he was right for her.

https://preview.redd.it/i48e0uwh9i1h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ecabf7f1e24178eda87483c9bc194933a5ba531f

Aw look at Ji Yao coming in and questioning her. At least he doesn't hold any resentment or jealousy. He's very supportive and he knows her so well...telling her if CYY ever ran into any problems, he knows she wouldn't leave him.

https://preview.redd.it/2g845nej9i1h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ec2c74fc6b6623df8196dbef3af46403be31cc77

I really do love their relationship. I have a soft spot for him because you can tell with this look he's a little sad about it himself but he also accepts her being happy. Someone find Ji Yao a good match please!

https://i.redd.it/sannyg0yki1h1.gif

This is probably one of the only times I've really seen her act "young" in a way...part of that is just something she does in general in front of her grandma but I do think it's cute.

That is a fat wad of bills LOL

https://preview.redd.it/uu9d1ngk9i1h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d85622032c243d504c71dbe188ece5955ad7364d

Oh wow...Grandma Gu actually gave back her mother's dowry.

https://preview.redd.it/4dtrn7dm9i1h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c1a49bff94188bfe45f690f8706e36dbb73af692

Gu Lian over here throwing a tantrum thinking that stuff belongs to her??

https://preview.redd.it/7s906ign9i1h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4086ac5dce0b1a5e4897d2b6b1cdab21a94405e2

Ye Xian's sister is concerned with how Ye Xian is going to act...rightfully so. I said this before, I don't actually think Ye Xian is actually matured a ton, I just think he got more ruthless because he felt like it was the only way for him to gain power back to protect Jinzhao and to help his family. Sure in a way, that's a bit of maturity within itself right? That's good but fully mature? No...I don't think so, and I think we'll see that in coming episodes. I am a little afraid they'll make Ye Xian the scorned 2ML out for revenge...but I hope not. Hopefully he gets over the heartache and accepts Qinglan because we're all shipping them.

https://preview.redd.it/9ao5exgvji1h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0815e68b385f9a6d23c1464025af037430a39501

I can't believe 2nd aunt is over here upset because she already added some of that as part of Gu Lian's dowry...which isn't hers to give away! That is considered a crime and they don't realize that???

https://preview.redd.it/q3ufonoo9i1h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=afc76141f700b288e8cf63b91cb5609189792a05

Look at Grandma Gu realizing exactly what had to be done. Can you imagine what would have happened if they still kept her mother's dowry?

I do think it's funny that everyone knows that Chen Yanyun has so much power and potential...he's not in an official position right now but seems like everyone knows that won't last long. So they're all afraid of him and Grandma Gu is banking on that to help her in the situation with the Yao's.

Oh no...here we go...Ye Xian is going to find out soon.

Side note: I looked at the upcoming trailers, guess I was wrong, >!I was thinking wedding would be tomorrow's episodes but I think it's actually going to be Monday's episodes. !<

Reminder: One episode today, one episode tomorrow, back to 2 episodes on Sunday.

Fun Fact: The Dengwen Gu /Dengwen Drum/Grievance Drum has always been fascinating to me. Something like it started in the Zhou dynasty but it wasn't called the Dengwu Drum until around the Jin Dynasty. It wasn't until the Sui Dynasty there was an actual procedure established for beating the drum. The Tang Dynasty had two one for the Eastern and one for the Western Capital. During the Ming Dynasty, the procedure changed and you could only beat the drum for major cases, you couldn't beat it for marriage, household, or land disputes. It was said if you beat the drum, your case could be heard by the Emperor himself and anyone who obstructed it would be severely punished. You didn't need to take 40 beatings like they almost always say in Cdramas. In fact, a little bit of the opposite, if the officials obstructed or didn't start the proceedings to receive the petitioner quickly, they would get severely punished (one source said by two fold). However as a petitioner if you lied or provided a false claim you would be subjected to 100 strokes with the cane. You also needed to have tried to petition your case to the local courts first, you couldn't just not past go and head straight for the Dengwen Gu.

Links

Airing schedule | Masterpost | All Discussions | Flashcards | Episodes 1-3 | Episodes 4-5 | Episodes 6-7 | Episodes 8-9 | Episodes 10-11 | Episode 12 | Episode 13 | Episodes 14-15 | Episode 16-17 | Episode 18-19 | Episodes 20-21 | Episodes 22-23 |

Spoiler Warning: I love y'all but don't put anything about episode 25 or beyond here...up to 24 though...fair game. If you talk about 25 and beyond, just put it under a spoiler tag. Thaaank you!

Abbreviations in case I get lazy:

CYY - Chen Yanyun

JZ - Jinzhao

YX - Ye Xian

CXQ - Chen Xuanqing

GDZ - Gu Dezhao

GJR - Gu Jinrong

FHL - Fu Hailian

Commentary

Who is this lady?

Oh...wife of the 2nd brother

https://preview.redd.it/m3ac61klmb1h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b1b05bcf7b919ee9817f9ae72f748b74a82f44b1

Why is she giving looks of disappointment about CYY? Did she like him but ended up marrying his older brother? Also...how is this 4th brother still around?? I forgot about him and his evil self until now.

https://i.redd.it/4nolemwomb1h1.gif

I get weird vibes from the 2nd wife

Poor CYY realizing more and more he's not the same as those with FHL

lol look at her showing him she loves him OMG that line CYY! You flirt

https://i.redd.it/jbc00c6omb1h1.gif

This is divorce letter is oddly romantic...it's exactly what she needs

https://i.redd.it/5yq5636smb1h1.gif

Aw she made a move to kiss him

https://i.redd.it/4g2ns9itmb1h1.gif

OH he's going for it. Alright...I see you CYY...Look at her grabbing him tighter!

https://i.redd.it/ql5dz8oumb1h1.gif

Don't cry on it...you won't be able to use it later lol However, can I take a second to truly appreciate this gesture? He really thought about what she would need or want and realizing his career and his opposition with FHL could be bad so he figured this would help her if anything happened to him so she didn't have any blame.

Can we all just stand up and clap there was no noble idiocy here? Like it's noble but it's not idiotic, he's still choosing to be with her. He's not making up some lie or all of a sudden being cruel to her to push her away. He isn't saying nope let's not be together for your own good. He's just saying, no, I love you, I want us to be together but know if anything happens to me or if you want your freedom again, I won't stop you. Here's the divorce letter to free you of any crime I do or if you really don't want to be with me anymore. YOU are in control of your own future, I just want to be a part of it for as long as I can...

https://i.redd.it/x8q6dqtvmb1h1.gif

Are you serious right now? Stupid Gu family. They're just greedy bastards...they really want GDZ to compensate them? Why has no one brought up Gu Deyuan stealing 20K from the Ministry 20 years ago?

I hope Jinzhao comes in and sets them all straight

I do actually feel bad for Gu Lan now. Gu Lian is an absolutely b- I really can't stand her. Where does she come up with THIS much entitlement? She just cries like a baby

https://i.redd.it/nu1ymkbxmb1h1.gif

Good for Jinzhao for sticking up for Gu Lan

https://i.redd.it/7jjw177zmb1h1.gif

Wow 100,000 silver taels are they out of their minds? Also what do you mean "we all discussed it" WE didn't discuss anything, y'all discussed it. I doubt you actually asked Ye Xian's sister.

https://i.redd.it/ud0lcgl6nb1h1.gif

Are you serious right now? Y'all are all delusional to think he could have been promoted? lol I love Jinzhao breaking it down as to exactly why he wouldn't have made it. I really can't with the Gu Family, I hope once the marriage happens we can completely just stop seeing anyone from the Gu side.

https://i.redd.it/6wah570bnb1h1.gif

I love Jinzhao, seriously, how is she the most level headed. They keep thinking "yep we got her!" but all of them are just so dumb. Yes, please go to court over this, please do it.

https://i.redd.it/0qxw3h79nb1h1.gif

Look at Jinzhao extending an olive branch to Gu Lan, please keep Gu Lan good and not evil

https://i.redd.it/92xszcqcnb1h1.gif

LOL I can't believe the family, Gu Jinzhao for the win y'all

https://i.redd.it/qz0jpnifnb1h1.gif

Gu Lian is actually probably worse than Gu Lan back in the day

Oh no...I spoke way too soon. She's going to steal Gu Lian's fiance as payback?

Ohh! So he's helping CYY

https://preview.redd.it/cdknmv9jnb1h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b1ab16a7478a9c8741a6ab0969e6ae829b451596

Ye Xian seems like he might not heed the advice about going against FHL

https://i.redd.it/gzqwz4bknb1h1.gif

Oh Gu Lan, you are walking a very dangerous path with this playboy...oh good, she ran away lol

I am so confused why this 2nd wife is so distraught, someone explain to me why she's pouting, she's already married to the brother. No way she would end up with him if for some reason she likes him? Or is it just the actress playing this all sorts of wrong? lol

https://preview.redd.it/j7ffnfz3ob1h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ca01e55a2cac7b4adf8957c5574daa07d1c9769d

His mom thinks Jinzhao can't manage a household? Oh...ye have little faith...ask the Gu Household how that's going for them LOL

Yanyun coming in with bullet points on why he should marry Jinzhao saving the third and final point for last...he likes her, realistically that should be enough lol

https://i.redd.it/f94mvebnnb1h1.gif

His mom is mad at him but she had to have seen how flustered and adorable he looked right? She IS his birth mother...come on don't be mad lol

https://i.redd.it/63qqo280ob1h1.gif

I still don't get this Xianlan's reaction! They need to explain that one asap lol

LOL I love Qinglan

https://preview.redd.it/cgkdvbo1ob1h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5025b288fa5d0ede4ebed740d8e8c0e8146c3147

Ye Xian busting out the meds

COME SHOW SHIP THEM

Qinglan has some good sources lol even knew about the cat

Posting/Airing Schedule Reminder: Y'all remember today is the last day of 2 episodes a day, we have one episode Friday and one episode Saturday again before we go back to 2 episodes on Sunday. Prep yourselves for the cliffhangers and the wait! Pretty sure from the schedule though, Sunday will be worth the wait.

Fun Fact: The 刑道司 (Xing Dao Si/Justice Bureau) in this show isn't technically real. There was a Ministry of Justice but it was called 刑部 (Xingbu) and is considered one of the six Ministries under the Department of State Affairs. They worked together with the Censorate (都察院 douchayuan) and the Court of Judicial Review (大理寺 Dali Si). It could also be a play on the 錦衣衛 (JinYiWei) which was initially established by the Emperor as his personal bodyguards but eventually grew into a large spy agency that did their own investigations, trials, and questioning (by means of extreme torture at times). Shoutout to u/melissakan for the fact about Jinyiwei yesterday's discussion post, you can read their comment here

Links:

Airing schedule | Masterpost | All Discussions | Flashcards | Episodes 1-3 | Episodes 4-5 | Episodes 6-7 | Episodes 8-9 | Episodes 10-11 | Episode 12 | Episode 13 | Episodes 14-15 | Episode 16-17 | Episode 18-19 | Episodes 20-21 |

Spoiler Warning: Remember nothing past episode 23 please and thank you! If you must (and sometimes I must), put it under a spoiler tag!

Abbreviations in case I get lazy:

CYY - Chen Yanyun

JZ - Jinzhao

YX - Ye Xian

CXQ - Chen Xuanqing

GDZ - Gu Dezhao

GJR - Gu Jinrong

FHL - Fu Hailian

Commentary

Episode 22

Look at CYY ready to propose marriage lol

https://i.redd.it/xilxupgji41h1.gif

Jinzhao still rejecting him haha and telling him she still hasn't thought it through poor CYY he really did look a bit disappointed for a bit lol

Why is there a shot of this...did she brush his hand with her hand? Were they just showing this as they were really close? Why was this a specific shot? lol

https://i.redd.it/o7cg9eemi41h1.gif

So what do you think, the two nannies are also Jinzhao's? or is it grannies?

Excuse me...YOUR savings?? YOURS? Did you really just say she stole it?? SHE??

"So what, I still have the Yaos" really?

Jinzhao coming in like a boss

https://i.redd.it/om5u8hioi41h1.gif

...However that was really anticlimactic, she actually let Gu Lian get away with such a light punishment? Really??

Oh Grandma Gu...oh how wrong you are. You really think this is how you convince her to marry Wang Zan? Are you dumb?

I would absolutely love if Chen Yanyun still came to propose lol but also Jinzhao will absolutely hate it

Good on JZ for telling her grandmother she has dirt on them...stupid of the grandmother to think "I'll just punish you" Really? You think that's the way to handle this?

https://i.redd.it/qv8ds0yqi41h1.gif

Oh, it's Ji Yao...wait what is happening lol

Oh no, he's there to propose...noo Ji Yao! But also...it's insane how rich the Ji's are, the betrothal gift amount is insanity...just think it was considered good for 20,000 silver taels for Gu Lian (before it got turned to only 2000) and here Ji Yao is offering 2000 GOLD taels and 50,000 Silver. Greedy GDZ of course wants to consider it.

Aw, he's trying to help her, I do think it's super sweet...but oh boy is that going to cause issues because breaking off an engagement is not good either for her. She brings up a point about is it sibling affection and love or like a man loves a women love? He says he loves her and honestly throughout the episodes I feel like there is a bit of romantic love in there on his end and of course only sibling love on her end. I think he might actually think his sibling love is romantic but it's probably not...he definitely cares for her though and I do feel bad for an initial "heartbreak" he'll have when she keeps rejecting him lol

So I take what he says two ways...when she's explaining what love is and he says...how does she know it so well? I actually think 1. he realizes she is in love with someone else and 2. He might actually feel those things for her but he also realizes point number 1...that she loves someone else.

https://i.redd.it/f4f2urzti41h1.gif

Oh shit, Gu DeZhao was in charge?

"Heard Ji Yao proposed" how quickly she tells him she didn't accept

https://i.redd.it/dh8r1zhvi41h1.gif

Oh, GDZ is being framed too

I love he trusts JZ enough to tell her the plan and ask for help. I like that we went from the cat and mouse type games trying to figure each other out to just full on communication and asking for help.

https://i.redd.it/pb3fx4w7j41h1.gif

CYY look at him go... Check...your move next Lord Fan

https://i.redd.it/wgh01xt6j41h1.gif

Oh no...poor Ye Xian he's going to be the bad guy here but he can't look at Jinzhao lol he was doing so well until she got there

https://i.redd.it/cejq3996k41h1.gif

JZ slipping money to her brother, I do love that she cares and understands the system enough to help him this way.

I also do like that Ye Xian tells her what's going on like yeah Zhang Ling is taking revenge but don't worry I'll keep an eye on them in prison...which one if then IS his nephew after all...I feel it funny that even with his sister he's tough but he broke immediately with Jinzhao lol

Glad Jinzhao is standing up for Ye Xian.

Oh man...someone is forging a document for CYY and he notices, he's probably figured out a way out of this now...maybe??

Wang Xuanfan is really evil isn't he? He's looking real smug. Is anyone on CYY's side? Kind of seems like He Wenxin kind of is?

So now they can only really rely on JZ

Of course FHL was behind this

Oh no, I think FHL knows that JZ and CYY are probably in this together maybe?

Episode 23

Well at least he's being treated well in prison

Ah yes, even Wang Xuanfan realizes that FHL is going to stay out of this to claim neutrality. I don't know why they all haven't just teamed up against this guy?

Oh good they are working with Ye Xian

Who would have thought that the Marquis would be too afraid to help stand up for his own grandchild...

Wow Grandma Gu, seriously? Throwing something at your own daughter in law? You're trash

Speaking of trash, so is Gu Lian, seriously..."Wenxiang ge ge said" you have to be kidding me to only take everything someone else says instead of thinking for yourself you dumb b- lol so glad Jinzhao slaps her haha

https://i.redd.it/uc5xzlubj41h1.gif

God Gu Lian is such an idiot. All she knows how to do is blame other people, "Mooommmm I didn't know" THINK before you speak.

https://i.redd.it/ubki61fej41h1.gif

Look at Grandma Gu knowing that Jinzhao is who can save the family...the fact that she's asking her to save at least her son (Deyuan...Gu Lian's dad) is something...though she seems to care zero about her nonbiological son GDZ (at least that's what I'm assuming, someone can correct me, I feel like an earlier episode she said as his "legal mother" so he's probably a concubine's son)

Oh no, the Dengwen Gu...

lol CYY hate to break it to you, why would you ever think Jinzhao was going to be "obedient"

https://preview.redd.it/82eudv6gj41h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3288ff8fb3388ad09e63933adb4f2d429a15d68b

Oh my, look at our girl go!! What a loop hole! That's our girl! lol Get 'em

https://i.redd.it/m03u071lj41h1.gif

Get wrecked dude!

Oh man, I really hope she comes in with receipts and says...I already have a coroner LOL

Oh, darn, well that's just as good, getting the people behind her with her actions. Also great idea

https://i.redd.it/qihqoaqmj41h1.gif

I love this little Emperor!

https://i.redd.it/hudcps1oj41h1.gif

So true colors are coming out of FHL, he now flat out says he wants to get rid of CYY.

Wait, CYY is playing FHL right??? There's a plan? Why is he telling him this? Surely he doesn't actually trust his master still?

https://i.redd.it/p7nz30fpj41h1.gif

Oh...wait this will help his master think CYY is still on his side...right?

How does any of this make sense...dismissing CYY?

This Zhang Ling is ridiculous

lol Chen Yanyun using Ye Xian's grudge to help him out

Oh look at Advisor Jiang also there to help out

...lying in front of the Emperor? Or did the Emperor know...

Can't wait for this smug face taken down a notch

https://preview.redd.it/8we227jrj41h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=53250957d4a8c10244cec1d312d718f186c68035

Wait little Emperor...are you playing along? Do you know of FHL nefarious ways?

This walk...so smug, I love it

https://i.redd.it/k456o72tj41h1.gif

Ye Xian...I see you. I'm loving these long corridors for these walks lol

https://i.redd.it/s069pxuuj41h1.gif

Sigh...Ye Xian, I hope you don't try to take down Chen Yanyun...still have some growing to do buddy, he helped you out too

...what archive room is this?

Is this different than what CYY has? ...well this can't be good, dang it YX I didn't want you to be a villain

lol she's like where is he??

LOL she summoned Chen Yanyun

She initiated the hug! Also...I'd ship QingPu and ChenYi

https://i.redd.it/u5q5n5wei41h1.gif

Fun Fact: Binoculars were introduce to China in the late Ming Dynasty. They were mainly used by wealthy merchants as a novelty more so than actual functionality. There is one right now in the Macau museum from the Ming Dynasty time period that is made of pearl and metal. The one shown on the museum website has a handle to the side, they remind me of opera glasses. Binoculars themselves were invented around the early 1600s. Partially lame fun fact today but it still throws me off seeing things like that in a cdrama, I forget that the Ming Dynasty is a bit later

Links:

Airing schedule | Masterpost | All Discussions | Flashcards | Episodes 1-3 | Episodes 4-5 | Episodes 6-7 | Episodes 8-9 | Episodes 10-11 | Episode 12 | Episode 13 | Episodes 14-15 | Episode 16-17 | Episode 18-19 |

Spoiler Warning: Remember, nothing past 21, if I ask you to put it under a tag, I'm saying with love, I promise! Gotta make sure we don't spoil it for anyone else.

Abbreviations in case I get lazy:

CYY - Chen Yanyun

JZ - Jinzhao

YX - Ye Xian

CXQ - Chen Xuanqing

GDZ - Gu Dezhao

GJR - Gu Jinrong

FHL - Fu Hailian

Commentary

Episode 20

Look Qinglan hustling and getting more people to donate cold hard cash lol

By the way the actor FHL, props to his styling because he just looks evil AF all the time

Look our Chen Yanyun just owning the competition and these looks to Jinzhao...y'all get married already

https://preview.redd.it/80ww387b7x0h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=86b718d06e1f8f59eefc4942dac9256190cb53d9

Look at Jinzhao proud of her man

Yanyun's little sister isn't that bad

I love that she says "he usually lets me win" lol

Ohhh I know what he's doing, he's making himself look good and I bet you he will completely throw the competition for Qinglan because his sister had told him the other day she hates when people go easy on her because she's a girl.

...Nailed it, I was right, he's throwing the competition, he's trying to piss off Qinglan lol

FHL knows too...he's not happy but all the other disciples in the gang are...

Oh girls, he's 100% doing it on purpose lol

https://i.redd.it/ivbhc9p1sw0h1.gif

Our Chen Yanyun is great at flirting with Jinzhao but also really knows how to piss off everyone else too. Qinglan is right though, you letting her win isn't respecting her so why bother...Yanyun knew exactly what he was doing

https://i.redd.it/4gyaur73sw0h1.gif

Yep FHL is mad

But I bet he doesn't go easy on Jinzhao...she's getting serious though, taking off some hair accessories

I love Yanyun's smirks...he loves that she's jealous lol

https://i.redd.it/p9j9svl4sw0h1.gif

Give it up to Ren Min, she does look good doing this...we're going to ignore the fact she's just randomly really good at horseback riding and archery (along with random medicine)...guess given how Grandma Ji is, it could make sense that she just grew up learning all the things to be an independent woman.

...this guy is going to be annoying, we all just know it

I love that he explains himself right away, we don't have a miscommunication trope and he doesn't let her stew on it long. But also y'all...I can't with this look at the end. Yanyun is so smitten and smug lol I love it

https://i.redd.it/bj1sir1asw0h1.gif

Y'all...he matches her shot for shot. She did two arrows at the end, he did two arrows at the end. He's telling her they're equals

https://i.redd.it/vj69ufxasw0h1.gif

omg he trained the horse to recognize her! Y'all...that's a new level lol But also the fact that he knows her scent and went with that...

https://i.redd.it/og3s71ycsw0h1.gif

lol you can see he realizes she has some good points but he's still amused

His reason is also sound...he doesn't want to pick sides

https://i.redd.it/yrbnvn7esw0h1.gif

I'm a fan of this counter reason though lol

https://i.redd.it/3fy1kd8fsw0h1.gif

Shameless, I love it lol

https://i.redd.it/bbok9vcgsw0h1.gif

Wait didn't they both hit it, how'd she win that round? But also...y'all put BIRDS in there?? Rude

lol ok you gotta give up for Ye Xian for waiting until she was done and then raiding the party.

Ok...we all ship them right?

https://i.redd.it/ugciuddhsw0h1.gif

wow...Gu Lian is so annoying, did you watch the same competition? He did not try to lose to Jinzhao...the grandma is also just annoying, I am so done with the Gu drama

Dude...Grandma Gu, you all depend on the Ji's too and you're trying to act all high and mighty. I LOVE this clap back from Jinzhao

https://i.redd.it/w1oiovdisw0h1.gif

Ye Xian's sister admires her now but is still against the match

Oh boy...of course Gu Lian's soon to be husband is trying to pursue Gu Lan too...actually good on Gu Lan to be upset by this and ignoring it.

Hate to break it to you Gu Lan, I doubt Grandma Ji is going to let your mom go

This guy is an idiot but will probably cause problems later, especially in the name of revenge.

FHL knew exactly what Chen Yanyun was doing...I'm a little afraid for our Lord Chen that FHL might do something in retaliation

I wonder if Gu Lan realizes exactly what Jinzhao is saying about why she won't accept her investment...

CXQ is a bit sketchier now? He seems to realize how to play people?

lol CYY getting rejected by Jinzhao but also finding out he has competition...

Episode 21

Grandma Gu is going to be annoying about this isn't she?

This guy is so annoying

lol Jinzhao trying to make Chen Yanyun jealous

Why would you want to marry someone who hates you? How does that help you in life at all? This guy Wang Zan or whatever better be taken care of soon...

Ohhh I love our Jinzhao lol pulling out a knife, I really hope he goes and tells his grandmother no

Ugh Gu Lian needs to learn some sort of lesson soon.

lol Jinzhao messing with his food and he knows it 💀

Wow what trash people, he STOLE 20,000 from the Ministry?? Is he freakin' insane.

...going to make the joke...she's been captured by Yanyun 🤭

Look at CYY's smug expression "oh you knew I was here"

He knows her so well y'all, "Did you only chat and laugh with that guy because you saw me?"

YES, solve problems TOGETHER!!! Especially you two, you guys would be unstoppable together. Come on Jinzhao, give in girl

https://i.redd.it/0wfbsunv5x0h1.gif

Y'all his face!!! Him and all of us collectively are screaming FINALLY, he's so happy! And this slow walk towards her

https://i.redd.it/4s3zsgfz5x0h1.gif

WE FINALLY GOT A KISS...21 episodes! They're really going for it...

https://i.redd.it/6kzw23r06x0h1.gif

Y'all, I can only do 30 second gifs and this kiss has lasted longer than I can gif lol

https://i.redd.it/brtjl9226x0h1.gif

So...here's part 2 where she totally goes for it lol

Oh no...OF COURSE Gu Lian would be around ugh I hate this

I love our stubborn Gu Jinzhao she's over here like yep...I kissed him...so what...I didn't actually agree to marry him yet.

Man I really hate this crap, of course Gu Lian goes and tells the stupid mom and Grandmother

Gu Lian is really stupid isn't she? She's going to slip up and I hope Jinzhao really gives it to all of them.

I wonder what Grandma Gu is going to do now that she knows it was probably Jinzhao that over heard them. I hope she's more scared of what Jinzhao can do to them than what she can do to Jinzhao. There's going to be some sort of blackmailing going on

Yep, Gu Lian is dumb af she really is not listening to her grandma and trying to spread the word??

Yanyun! Just tell your mom

lol indecisive Yanyun...poor Chen Yi lol

https://i.redd.it/gy0u21gc6x0h1.gif

Did CYY beat up this guy?

Oh Ye Xian did lol This is a cute shrug. I bet you the Steward was because of CYY but Wang Zan being beat up was Ye Xian lol

https://i.redd.it/i8j2y04r6x0h1.gif

Oh, at least Grandma Gu isn't entirely stupid and knew immediately it was Gu Lian

https://i.redd.it/xxlh0kzp6x0h1.gif

CYY is a school boy with this look

lol I love that he used the leverage he has to help out Gu Jinzhao lol

https://preview.redd.it/2jxpujzn6x0h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=187069b33e41ab9ea7ee5df2fdb77ec1b19953d3

Ok, I need something to happen to Gu Lian, I hope Jinzhao marches into the manor and wrecks some havoc on her knowing it was probably her...Gu Lian over here trying to be smart and thinking there's no way to trace it back to her is laughable. I need Jinzhao to find it lol

Also dang it y'all, I have way too many gifs and screenshots again. Reddit really needs to increase the limit lol Do you know how hard it is to pick only 20?? Sigh

Fun Fact: I'm not going to lie, I had to look this up after yesterday's episode because though it makes sense in a way, I was like was this a thing? It was...the 神機營 Shen Ji Ying, was actually real and there to protect the capital and palace. It was established during the 15th century to pave the way for use of gunpowder in warfare. The Shen Jiying was actually one of the "three great battalions" it focused on research, development, and training of gunpowdered weapons like muskets and artillery. Loosely translated to the Divine Machine Battalion. The hand firearms such as hand cannons and matchlock muskets were the most common. The Ming Dynasty also made way for rockets...one called the divine fire flying crow(神火飛鴉)...which was yes...a rocket shaped like a crow...imagine having that flying at you from the enemy side...caw caaaw lol

Links:

Airing schedule | Masterpost | All Discussions | Flashcards | Episodes 1-3 | Episodes 4-5 | Episodes 6-7 | Episodes 8-9 | Episodes 10-11 | Episode 12 | Episode 13 | Episodes 14-15 | Episode 16-17 |

Spoiler Warning: Remember, nothing past episode 19, if I see you might be discussing episode 20 or beyond, I might ask you to put it under a spoiler...please don't take offense, I just want to make sure we're fair 😄

Abbreviations in case I get lazy:

CYY - Chen Yanyun

JZ - Jinzhao

YX - Ye Xian

CXQ - Chen Xuanqing

GDZ - Gu Dezhao

GJR - Gu Jinrong

FHL - Fu Hailian

Commentary:

He definitely doesn't want her seeing him as a high powered official. I love the teasing from Yanyun..."so you're pointing out I shouldn't let my ego get to me and they we're equal" lol I also think it's cute he says he'll always arrive earlier than her now so she doesn't have to wait on him

https://i.redd.it/2rd8xvd22p0h1.gif

Ugh GDZ got a position again but I do think it's nice that he asks her opinion

I love that she calls out his intension for Ye Xian...she knew he wanted her to help Ye Xian. See they read each other so well but she does admit he is her friend.

https://preview.redd.it/fdshrrq32p0h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=667cd583cff9b265a5afa4bf40c0aaa2cadcbeea

CYY making sure to get clarification here "just a friend"

ahh y'all I can't...the slow deliberate steps towards her while looking at her...he really reminds me of a panther

lol I love that he's pointing how sought out he is as a way to really drive the point home that he likes her.

https://i.redd.it/yrafva2h2p0h1.gif

I love how bold he is here...a legit confession. And him saying "well then start thinking about today"

https://i.redd.it/1ek4b1z72p0h1.gif

Girl is stronger than all of us and actually rejecting him lol I also love that he's not disappointed, he's actually kind of happy about it. He sees she's flustered which is a good sign lol

She makes good points though, she doesn't want to be "Trapped" like her mom thinking that Chen Yanyun will take on other concubines and she currently has her own freedom. She doesn't want to ruin that. I think CYY would definitely let her still have her freedoms but I know in her mind that won't be the case given what she grew up with.

Her mom finishing the wedding dress and writing her that note before she took her life is another trauma for our poor Jinzhao

Ugh so are you telling me we got rid of one Gu drama we're now going to have to deal with the main Gu family drama. That's so annoying. Greedy jerks all for Gu Lian's dowry

Ji Yao's mom is annoying

Here's the time jump, they're just so off the cuff about the time jumps. So she's been there for almost 3 years, mourning is almost over

https://preview.redd.it/zysjtxoj2p0h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b7cb1d1558d54f2863705e8167b8822619bbeec9

LOL them scaring each other, definitely sibling energy

https://i.redd.it/gtwkjedl2p0h1.gif

Ji Yao...what kind of proposal was that? lol

https://i.redd.it/ze0bhgpm2p0h1.gif

lol "do you like me?"

Chen Yanyun being frantic that she's going off to Shanxi and rejecting him LOL he's gotta chase her. I think it's funny that he actually uses the term "run to Shanxi (跑去山西)" like he's actually afraid she's running away. Bro took PTO to go chase his girl

https://i.redd.it/m4jf4sco2p0h1.gif

Seems like she's not going, she's instructing Mr. Ping.

LOL Our Lord Chen making a bit of a fool of himself, but we all love it and find it hilarious right? Our normally calm and collective Chen Yanyun freaking out that she's leaving him and rejecting him

https://i.redd.it/v8rsersp2p0h1.gif

LOL y'all what is this...quite literally a thirst trap for the viewers

https://i.redd.it/oqxiu2xr2p0h1.gif

My main question is has it been like a year or so since the temple scene? Has he not seen her since?

omg I love the "Gu Jinzhao" in the exasperated tone

https://i.redd.it/w8u0rrpc3p0h1.gif

Grandma Gu borrowed money from Ji Han...ohhh I can't wait for Jinzhao to go collect!

Yes! I am ready for this

https://preview.redd.it/f0rybkke3p0h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0c18d3851ecca6b4742a6a57c0dc84907c92a79f

Her aunt is soooo annoying, what an awful thing to do...rub it in her face that this potential match has parents. Does she not realize her mom is Grandma's child? She's insulting Grandma Ji too.

I am glad Jinzhao provokes her haha I love her.

Her business and enterprising mind "of course I want! That amount of money with interest" lol I love that

https://i.redd.it/3162wyqg3p0h1.gif

Ye Xian and his entitlement still lol he's so upset.

I LOVE how she is 100% acting like the head of the 4th branch of the Gu Family, useless father is at least keeping quiet.

I think it's funny they're afraid of Ye Xian. Grandma Gu is dumb

Not sure Ye Xian has quite matured? He's gotten more ruthless sure...but giving her the bracelet and then just leaving. I do love that Jinzhao calls him out lol "do you believe I'll never talk to you again"

Also I'm not sure giving her a confiscated bracelet is all that romantic lol

Ugh Gu Lian is also stupid, everyone in the Gu family is just a bunch of morons.

LOL Jinzhao hitting Grandma Gu with the loan. I can't wait for Jinzhao to give it to all of them.

Episode 19

You gotta give it to Ji Han, yes she was weak and she gave in but I'm actually pretty proud of her for keeping that promissory note

https://preview.redd.it/8r865dy93p0h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=564c5253328afd18bb05b37e49bedfcfe758a7d2

Wow Grandma Gu is going to go the "I didn't do it,I didn't borrow it" Man I hope Jinzhao and Ji Yao f- these Gu's up...sorry that was crass lol

Y'all I LOVE Ji Yao here, perfectly imposing. Like I know Jinzhao is the one who schemed this up, but you know Ji Yao is just as capable considering HOW much business the Ji's handle he is totally use to this. I think yesterday I joked I had 3ML syndrome, I do but not really like I just think he's a good person and I hope he finds his happy ending.

https://i.redd.it/enbaipu73p0h1.gif

LOL her dowry now only has 2000 taels

I love our Jinzhao lol she doesn't even think the Gu family is worth mentioning haha I love it I am all for the subtle revenge era

10 bucks says Jinzhao makes her pay double LOL

https://preview.redd.it/sfgyibh53p0h1.jpg?width=2880&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=41193e7db0937e0b4a4b4fcfe30d67abf7c847c3

When she says "her cup" I bet you there's something special with that cup lol

Do these officials really think it looks good on them to force a little girl to drink? An abuse of power, they're suppose to be for the citizens and here this guy is trying to be overbearing on this girl...who is still by the way all of like 18 (though we're pretending she's like 21 right lol)

Y'all, Chen Yanyun's aura changed here...he is definitely turning threatening. Jinzhao knows this and wants to stop him, he still needs to be in these guys good graces for now.

https://i.redd.it/o4oclhl43p0h1.gif

Aw look at our Lord Chen trying to defend himself

LOL he's trying to see if she's jealous

FHL notices something...

...Chen Yanyun...bro I know you're keeping up pretenses with your teacher and I know you'll find a way out of this but also...this won't go over well...also this is the one thing I would say is a slight red flag for our Chen Yanyun. Because he's playing the political game, he has to stay on his mentor's good side...FHL can totally make him do certain things he doesn't want...for instance...being set up with this new girl...

His sister seems nice, at least they seem like they get along. Look how happy Yanyun is that she's inviting the Gu's lol

That's an olive branch if I've ever seen one...

https://preview.redd.it/0a22r0l13p0h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cead2371327caf6019091f9a872edc6a7f179e2e

Oh boy...this Mr. Yao seems to have an interest in Gu Lan instead of Gu Lian...this is definitely going to cause problems

Oh, I completely forgot about Xuanqing...I think someone in the comments the other day mentioned >!how he's going to be a bit of a problem for our couple later on!<...sigh I was ok with him staying gone.

Oh look...it's the wooden pillar she so desperately didn't want to marry and schemed against Ji Han for...I guess the redemption arc is her really realizing how wrong she was and still ending up with him...we'll see

https://preview.redd.it/hafrzmcy2p0h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6f5cb40bddd3168dfbec82dc16f45b2a77f6a86d

I do like Huang Ri Ying as an actress, she's always in these minor roles and they're all over the place but she tends to play them well...though her roll in Kill Me Love Me gave me a bit of ick and she played a teenager well for being in her 30s for Fight for Love. She's playing a pretty fierce person here that hopefully won't cause too many problems for our couple.

I was afraid we'd have multiple guys running to save Jinzhao there for a sec...

Looks like Jinzhao does have Qinglan's approval with how she handled that horse...and of course our Lord Chen lol

Awww that horse is his too...look his horse knew to pick out his girl LOL

lol here's the jealousy but also...yeah stupid men...

Ok I really like Qinglan, please tell me they become besties and not rivals. I like Jinzhao's idea of donating the winnings to charity.

https://i.redd.it/t09v9yiv2p0h1.gif

He is indeed mischievous lol

Airing Schedule/Posting Schedule/Disclaimer: New airing schedule was posted yesterday, 2 episodes a day until Friday again, we get one on Friday and Saturday again. Also, I may or may not be later posting these the next day or two...I've managed to catch a cold with a cough which just means I'm probably sleep by 10.

Fun (depressing) Fact: The filial morning period, is a Confucian ideology found in the Book of Rites and the Book of Etiquette and Ceremonies. The amount of time you spend morning depends on how close you are to the deceased. In the case of a parent, you reserve the full "3 year" ritual but it's really only 27 months. The theory behind is you spend the first 3 years of your life by your parents side, you should spend the same amount of time mourning them. During this time period, you can not host weddings, drink, eat meat, or attend certain events/entertainment. If you are a scholar, you're forbidden from taking the exams during your mourning period. If you are in office, you are to resign until your mourning period is over. You should be able to go back to your same position in office once it's over but it is genuinely considered a set back in your career.

Links

Airing schedule | Masterpost | All Discussions | Flashcards | Episodes 1-3 | Episodes 4-5 | Episodes 6-7 | Episodes 8-9 | Episodes 10-11 | Episode 12 | Episode 13 | Episodes 14-15 |

Spoiler Warning: Remember anything beyond episode 17 needs to go under a spoiler tag, not everyone has SVIP.

Abbreviations in case I get lazy:

CYY - Chen Yanyun

JZ - Jinzhao

YX - Ye Xian

CXQ - Chen Xuanqing

GDZ - Gu Dezhao

GJR - Gu Jinrong

FHL - Fu Hailian

Commentary

Episode 16

Sometimes the best way to be there for someone is just to be there

I find it funny that somehow CYY's mother hasn't figured out her son seems to be smitten with Jinzhao with how he reacts about her and even now at the rest house.

She trusts him enough to cry in his presence and let go...

I do feel bad for Jinrong...he really didn't do anything bad here, but he definitely feels so much guilt.

Do you love how CYY just sits and observes Jinzhao all the time? He's just content watching her do her thing, honestly he's probably most attracted to her being a capable women. Our guy has it bad...

I'm telling you if we didn't love CYY so much and the modern day cousin ick factor, I'd be team Ji Yao.

https://i.redd.it/z9qmmw6mnj0h1.gif

He's so sweet. I love that he's like finally a smile.

https://i.redd.it/rq8qu9swlj0h1.gif

Well this took a turn...getting kidnapped wasn't in the cards

Pretty cool move by Chen Yanyun...but also did you notice he called her by her name

https://i.redd.it/v33a66t0mj0h1.gif

All that effort and she still falls...but how else do we get the line "hold on to me tight"

https://i.redd.it/5e3kepb2mj0h1.gif

But also..."it's not that high and we landed on some leaves" Please...cdrama cliff magic if I've ever seen one.

He was disappointed he couldn't keep holding her hand...that's cute

https://i.redd.it/d4vcuyl3mj0h1.gif

Her little admission had him take a bit of a breath lol you can see his wheels spinning. But also he's super respectful of her.

https://i.redd.it/iow0izb8mj0h1.gif

Then she explains her reasoning and he takes yet another breath...thinks it through and I love that he says he's not yet sure how to respond to that but it's a bit of a double meaning...because you know he's also thinking...how do I combat this and get her to marry me? lol

https://i.redd.it/7o357ro9mj0h1.gif

Oh, well that's good, I was over here thinking she means now, but no she's got time and CYY is also thinking oh phew I've got time LOL

https://i.redd.it/c0fgv727mj0h1.gif

Oh please...I did not see a giant pile of leaves to break your fall compared to this dude LOL

...ah yes, let's recognize handwriting off of just the few characters.

https://i.redd.it/oyyu124cmj0h1.gif

I'm impressed with Jinzhao heading back to figure out a way to save Ye Xian. She does care about him as a friend.

The Crown Prince is actually pretty mature. Trusting Ye Xian with something that important though, hope Ye Xian lives up to the expectations.

https://preview.redd.it/ir2leocdmj0h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5f2dcf63850651dd6f43ee8871676f3a667f2372

lol this slow reveal of Jinzhao...Ye Xian, get your act together

Jinzhao with the maturity and understanding why Ye Xian would act the way he did

Fu Hailian definitely is not for the people...Yanyun, you really need to school your face a bit better with him. You're definitely making him even more suspicious of you.

We're back to the Chess game and playing the cat and mouse type mind games but not really, now it's more their understanding of each other. He knew what she would do and he was planning on it

https://i.redd.it/482yrmuhmj0h1.gif

Of course her dad would be a degenerate

Do we actually believe Gu Lan has changed? Or do you think this is how she plays it to get what she wants? I do love how Jinzhao responded...

https://i.redd.it/ei5efcdjmj0h1.gif

I am curious if Gu Lan is saying this as in, I promise I've changed and you'll be able to see it with my actions...or if she's saying it as in, I knew that's where your heart was...if it's the latter I see Gu Lan continuing to be an annoying problem later on, if it's the former...then I guess good for her.

https://preview.redd.it/3hwzb1fkmj0h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=090ec1eeba9fda51a023664c13b36f6ce5c887db

The Marquis is getting played...

Poor Ye Xian, that has to be a hard pill to swallow, his dad is an ass, his mom isn't a huge help, his sister is basically daddy lite and here is his master...the only one who "cared" about him throughout his life and he's a traitor that's been playing him. I do feel bad for the guy.

Episode 17

Ye Xian's mom also have that annoying stuck up attitude towards other people...

Well that was a convenient time for the Emperor to pass away...now the plans are in motion for everyone

I like that Yanyun could see how all of it would play out...He knew that his teacher was the one who really help orchestrate the whole thing. He's upset...which is fair, he initial thought his teacher had the same ideals as him and wanted to help the people

Classic shot and symbolism of the teacher and disciple parting in separate directions...

https://i.redd.it/23ulsw6boj0h1.gif

I'm surprised Ye Xian's sister believed Jinzhao and was willing to help. But at least the plan they had to distract Xiao You was solid.

So Crown Prince fake fainted...Yanyun has a plan. I like this part...he screams I have a motive, figure it out...in American television the sarcasm slapstick of this would end up with a wink wink or something lol but we're in cdrama historical serious land so it's super subtle with just a look

https://i.redd.it/ecpjm5frmj0h1.gif

Yikes, so there was no stopping getting the Marquis and his men shot?

Ye Xian saving the Crown Prince...pull him out of the way, don't just block him? Also Prince Ruichang, what a weak swing, he's like right there.

Oh look Yanyun found a way to foil FHL

Yeah...Ye Xian, think this one through here before you get super upset with Chen Yanyun

Oh wow...poor Ye Xian, he killed his own master...and his master admitted he was always a pawn 😞 This boy definitely lacks love in his life, no wonder he clings on to Jinzhao

Well...our Ye Xian seems to be maturing...Side note, I love the color of her clothes and hair accessories

https://i.redd.it/45egrfwsmj0h1.gif

Crown Prince is Emperor now and everyone gets promoted.

FHL...seriously is becoming one of those power hungry villains

Ye Xian has become a bit more sadistic

Why doesn't CYY just tell his mom who he likes...I guess because he wants to give Jinzhao the actual option and let her decide. He doesn't want to force her until she's ready.

However...our boy does realize time is ticking. What a tease to end this episode here, but at least it's a pretty.

https://preview.redd.it/kx1l32hvmj0h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=13298ed001dd0bfdd8fad39f92cab0d0ef0690b4

Spoiler: >!Don't worry, we get more CP interaction in the next episode. I am ready for the next few episodes! !<

Edit: I put a wrong gif in...had to edit it lol

Happy Mother's Day for those in the US!

Fun Fact: Yesterday's fun fact was a tad bit morbid so let's go with maybe a slightly less one...I spoke about Duanwu yesterday, so let's talk about the other festival mentioned in the show. The Double Ninth Festival (重陽節) is celebrated on the 9th day of the 9th month (hence double 9). It's a festival that dates back over 2000 years ago. It's also known in Chinese as Heavy Yang Festival because in the I Ching, 9 is a yang number so 9th day of the 9th month means it is extra/heavy on yang. Apparently a way to celebrate this festival is to go out climb a mountain and drink chrysthanemum wine, chrysthanemum is said to have healing/cleansing properties. (Which if you're ever sick with a sore throat, I definitely suggest drinking chrysthanemum tea, it does wonders, I have been downing so much tea the past few days, my throat is absolutely killing me.).  A few different origin stories for this festival, one is it was used as a way to drive away danger that became just a celebration over time.  Another story is about a man and his disciple and their families decided to climb a mountain and drink chrysthanemum wine and when they came back down the mountain the disciple had found all of his livestock dead...so because he climbed the mountain him and his family were safe? (I don't know about this one...but sure ok).  Another origin story is a palace maid was banished form the palace and she told everyone it was customary to drink chrysthanemum on the 9th day of the 9th month and it just became a thing...who knows...I personally don't think I've ever celebrated it so...the more you know I guess?

Links:

Airing schedule | Masterpost | All Discussions | Flashcards | Episodes 1-3 | Episodes 4-5 | Episodes 6-7 | Episodes 8-9 | Episodes 10-11 | Episode 12 | Episode 13 |

Spoiler Warning: Remember, anything up until 15 is ok, but if you're like me and have the SVIP...episode 16 needs to go under a spoiler tag. The discussions are following the VIP schedule. Also any future novel spoilers, put those under a tag too, if it's already happened then you're good.

Abbreviations in case I get lazy:

CYY - Chen Yanyun

JZ - Jinzhao

YX - Ye Xian

CXQ - Chen Xuanqing

GDZ - Gu Dezhao

GJR - Gu Jinrong

Commentary

Episode 14

I swear GDZ how dare you look down on Ji Han when you needed her influence and money then and now...

Y'all...this is the look of someone who's given up 😞 I don't have a good feeling about this look

https://preview.redd.it/913x53ebmc0h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8ba6436cc249774aeb6eab53f699f96e5903c538

Jinzhao hasn't let her guard down completely...still calling her Taitai instead of mother but she is treating her more like a mom...I feel so bad though because we all know what's probably going to happen next. Jinzhao...just say it once...but I get it, to be fair her mom hasn't acted like a mom until recently.

Ji Han is basically saying bye to everyone...

😭😭😭😭😭😭 Lady Ji

https://preview.redd.it/bwlex4ycmc0h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c183a7e8d7a3e7e8466bfabfaebbca5b4cd38816

GDZ can go die. Also Gu Lan...she also had a hand to push her

Omg I would have loved if Jinzhao was able to actually stab GDZ...not kill him but hurt him.

https://i.redd.it/p14b75wemc0h1.gif

Why does GDZ seem genuinely shocked here. He was a complete and total a-hole to Ji Han AND Jinzhao

Poor Grandma Ji, no parent ever wants this.

F-ing GDZ, I am so glad she hit him, he deserves so much worse

https://i.redd.it/y61k31glmc0h1.gif

Jinzhao is catatonic 😞

https://preview.redd.it/oad7laimmc0h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b6870aef5a57baf95c244436aaff30f66ea75e4a

Gu Lan, get the f- out of the way... Grandma Ji knows exactly what happened with Yunxiang and Yuping...she is very well informed.

https://i.redd.it/iny0ax3omc0h1.gif

Gu Lan...now you understand consequences?? Seriously??

https://i.redd.it/ep1f27xrmc0h1.gif

Oh wow...Grandma Ji, does she have the power to do this??

https://i.redd.it/fmyirnctmc0h1.gif

You have to give it to Song Miaohua...she feels remorse enough to just accept this punishment. She really isn't that evil, she's just dumb

At least that's some solid advice...better to be the rightful wife of a humble home than a concubine of a noble one.

What the heck is even going on with GDZ. He's just in so much shock? How can he care enough about her death to be effective?

Ye Xian's sister has too much of her father in her...she doesn't care to keep Ye Xian away now because Jinzhao now has to go through a 3 year mourning period.

https://preview.redd.it/5nx9o90vmc0h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0c92dcbc4a95984573333c123cbe67e6331c3562

Aw I do miss Ji Yao. He's such a good guy. You have to admit, if it weren't for the modern day ick factor (cousin) and the fact that we all love CYY, Ji Yao would have been a perfectly good choice for her. He hasn't treated her badly, he takes care of her and he's always been there

https://i.redd.it/tqk5oulwmc0h1.gif

CYY over here trying to get as much info as he can to figure out how to best help her.

...y'all now that Jinzhao has gone through this loss, she's a bit more ruthless, I'm kind of for it. These servants/shopkeepers trying to take advantage of her...of course our girl won't stand for that.

I love that Chen Yanyun sent more capable servants for her to do whatever with...he's giving her resources but not telling her how to do things.

https://i.redd.it/wsifc6qcnc0h1.gif

Seriously...I love her. Do not mess with her

https://i.redd.it/tdohhbrcoc0h1.gif

I love that he knows this...the more someone looks ok the more not ok they probably are...

https://i.redd.it/6wqtorpjoc0h1.gif

Props to the VA for the softening of CYY's voice when he asks "how is she doing?" and props to Ci Sha for the concerned look. I still wish it was his voice but I'll take it. I just love how he softens with her and anything regarding her.

I will give it to Ye Xian, he doesn't actually care about his status and that actually within itself is a sign of respect towards Jinzhao. He's breaking from his father's prejudices that his sister obviously has...she's definitely entitled.

I will say just blatantly asking in front of everyone what happened to her mom wasn't quite the right call...but I know he did it out of concern. I do like that it pans to Gu Lan and her guilt...

Ye Xian's sister is annoying

We're going to see another shift in Ye Xian I think...seems like he's going to make something of himself. His master knocked a bit of sense into him.

He's hurting for her with that look...

Episode 15

I like how he figures out a way to clear the room so he can talk to her

CYY is just incredibly helpful, knows when to help, how to help and when to let her do her own thing. He knew he had to find Yuping for her. This guy is the greenest forest there is. His look of love and concern is swoon worthy

Oh man...poor Rong'er he was tricked by Gu Lan. He has to have so much guilt right now. But I don't buy Gu Lan's excuses. She knew she would fall out of favor with GDZ, but also you don't think she could have been killed or executed at all for "committing murder" You didn't think there would be consequences?? You just thought oh she'll just fall out of favor? REALLY?

https://i.redd.it/hbwileognc0h1.gif

I wouldn't blame Rong'er though. I am actually glad he denounced Gu Lan as his sister. She needs to realize her actions had horrible repercussions and she really doesn't deserver forgiveness right now.

Dang, suing your father. I like that she says "I'm not here to discuss it with you, just informing you" lol Give it to Rong'er for willing to be the one who takes the 40 hit punishment for suing your dad.

https://i.redd.it/8gnrg6jpnc0h1.gif

GDZ has basically been shocked into insanity? I don't actually get his reaction to be honest.

OMG the entire time it was Yuping who did, stupid b- and then to actually say "I didn't mean to frame her" Are you serious??

https://preview.redd.it/r09ug81snc0h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4f6ad3b1f393f152246ebbd36de93e16844f07f6

CYY... with his simple...I can do it...and then proceeds to find ways to make what she wants happen...I love that he tasks Advisor Jiang to find all the cases that the child accusing their parents and didn't have to endure the punishment. He then tells him to basically get other officials to impeach GDZ so that his reputation is even worse so if she does sue...it has a leg to stand on. Y'all this is another level of support

https://preview.redd.it/gcdyiz5aoc0h1.jpg?width=2880&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=814b5e548d31ffe2c8f81f6b6bbe97d72442a19b

I see we're getting back into the political stuff and the evil master...this guy doesn't care about the people and CYY is a bit horrified. Fu Hailian is looking more and more evil by the minute. I'm glad CYY is still trying to find a way to help the people.

Ji Yao...seriously is so sweet. The way he tries to explain and absolve her guilt about not calling her mom. Then letting her know that she doesn't need to hurt herself and she has people in her corner. It really was sweet

I do feel like Qingpu makes a very good point, he needs to be punished but the consequences of that punishment outweighs the one GDZ will get.

Oh man, I thought Jinzhao was 100% just going to let it happen and let GDZ hang himself. I was like oh my goodness...the horrified look from Qingpu too

https://preview.redd.it/ozboyurknc0h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d2eb5780fe19f43896887170644032b05baaf198

I love the ruthless way she just splashes tea on him. I actually have zero idea the thought process of GDZ, so he feels remorse? So you're telling me the past oh 10 years he's been an ass to Ji Han and now he feels bad because he cares for her?

I love that she uses her leverage and makes him agree to her 3 conditions and sign the divorce papers

https://i.redd.it/g5zr9c3xnc0h1.gif

Oh, he just NOW uses the "I'm your birth father" where were you the past 15/16 years?

Ye Xian coming through with an actual useful gift...

Also...I love that she named this cat Baopu ( 抱樸) which those with better Chinese than me can probably explain it better but from my understanding can mean embracing simplicity...bao is to hug and pu is simple. A little more googling says this apparently came from the Dao De Jing.

Look at CYY calculating being able to go on this journey with Jinzhao...at least part way and ending up at the same rest station.

This broke my heart for Jinzhao

https://preview.redd.it/qehpol76mc0h1.jpg?width=2880&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5db12dd8c003820a31ffa842d8d16041196eabf4

Fun Fact: 端午節 - Duanwu Festival/Dragon Boat Festival occurs on the 5th day of the 5th month and is celebrated by watching Dragon Boat races and eating Zongzi. Funny enough my city does do Dragon Boat races and they're pretty neato to see...zongzi are hit or miss for me. Anyway the festival has a few different theories on how it started but the most common one is the one that celebrates the poet and Minister Qu Yuan during the Chu State. Apparently Qu Yuan opposed the Emperor and was exiled. Eventually the Qin took over Chu and Qu Yuan was said to have committed suicide by drowning. They say the locals raced out in their boats to try and save him or find his body...they couldn't find it so they say they dropped balls of sticky rice into the river so that the fish would only want to eat that and not his body. Hence the story behind Dragon Boat races and Zongzi...

Airing Schedule Reminder: We go back to 2 a day episodes on Sunday but just the one episode Saturday.

Links:

Airing schedule | Masterpost | All Discussions | Flashcards | Episodes 1-3 | Episodes 4-5 | Episodes 6-7 | Episodes 8-9 | Episodes 10-11 | Episode 12 |

Spoiler Warning: Remember nothing past episode 13, put it under a spoiler tag if it's 14 or from the novel

Abbreviations in case I get lazy:

CYY - Chen Yanyun

JZ - Jinzhao

YX - Ye Xian

CXQ - Chen Xuanqing

Disclaimer: I will have to admit, I had to go back and edit this...I literally watch and type my reactions as I am watching the episode and let's just say the initial reactions were not appropriate to post lol

Commentary:

I can't tell if Gu Dezhao is being sarcastic here or if he's being truthful with the whole "let's just eat in our rooms" because part of me thinks he's being serious

Am I weird, I don't think Mu Zhidi is "ugly" also comparing him to a pillar is a choice lol she's being a bit harsh there. He looks a bit like a younger Leon Lai...kind of

Man I REALLY dislike Gu Lan, your mother and your nanny almost KILLED Ji Han. If she had a grudge, it wouldn't be unwarranted but she actually doesn't. So it's only your spoiled self that would seriously think you're in the right here and then get upset with her. To even come up with this stupid plan...she still really thinks she might have a chance with Ye Xian?

https://i.redd.it/6p7mvko8240h1.gif

I'm mad that Nanny Zhou died off screen like that...she needed a much harsher death.

I really can't with Gu Lan right now. I seriously doubt Nanny Zhou knew the whole story, probably just heard something and assumed it's true. So they're going to frame Ji Han for a death of this other concubine? And they think yep doing this means we'll go back to normal, news flash, she's still an illegitimate daughter. That is another form of evil and selfishness...accusing someone of killing someone isn't a small incident. She's playing with lives here. Lady Song is a different kind of weak than Lady Ji. Lady Song will just go with whatever everyone says...Lady Ji just lets things happen. No wonder they ended up with such a trash husband.

https://i.redd.it/dmanp4mb240h1.gif

Aw she showed up and he was surprised. I love how supportive he is of her helping her mom get a divorce. He's just listening to her and not judging her. He gives her some solid advice to think about but he still lets her talk it out.

https://i.redd.it/7rvkd7yd240h1.gif

I like him waving off Chen Yi like "get out of here" lol

https://i.redd.it/c5ieyh7y340h1.gif

LOL "you men are the reason for this"

https://i.redd.it/7vzwogdg240h1.gif

His face fell LOL "alright" was said in defeat and part amusement too lol

https://i.redd.it/k1ej490i240h1.gif

That's actually a good idea, have your mom rest at a quiet location. I like that he gave her a solution that wasn't pushy...just a suggestion and she took it.

I really can't with this part of the plot. Freakin' Gu Lan, Lady Song, this random Yuping. Ok so they're just guessing now too! "It can only be" ... y'all said that stuff about Ji Han's medicine too. So Gu Dezhao is just going to take Yuping's word and get all angry about this bs?

https://preview.redd.it/xkx48v4k240h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5859b52741122b1d1c7b195d10da70a3441df2f8

Yuping must have some sort of grudge against Ji Han, maybe because she gave her to this Yunxiang or something. There has to be some sort of reason

Y'all...they were starting to finally bond as a family. F-ing Gu Dezhao coming in to ruin that.

Gu Dezhao really doesn't understand Ji Han at all, does she even seem like that kind of person?? Like seriously? Also Ji Han's point...why is this being brought up now.

https://preview.redd.it/d2zc20gl340h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d54ff7cf25c0c7978ee0a991e4be9335c04f8cd8

Gu Dezhao is a piece of work, he isn't listening to reason...seriously he's like yep Lady Song found her. To Ji Han's point Lady Song's faction just tried to kill her and he's over here blaming Ji Han and saying it's two different things. Also Yuping doesn't have proof either, she just said it could "only be" but like we already know with the rhubarb thing obviously "only be" is a bunch of BS.

https://i.redd.it/nsg8eq30340h1.gif

Y'all, Ji Han needs to be way more outspoken, this stupid "stop talking" and just accepting it is such a stupid thing to do. I would be fighting and yelling and figuring this out.

Ji Han realizing that Gu Dezhao just wants to believe it's her because he doesn't like her.

https://preview.redd.it/tscgn90j340h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3bfb2e7c856c46e337028267524782f8a938fdf8

I want to punch Gu Dezhao in the face...especially when he's saying "act...keep acting" what a piece of work.

https://preview.redd.it/cgpjqx8h340h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=feca18464f2ab27804bc2ae7fe2ac771c6caee08

I really f-ing hate Gu Dezhao

Jinzhao is so right, she can easily say it's Yuping, Lady Song and them framing her mom. But no Gu Dezhao is an absolutely idiot

https://preview.redd.it/mxo9i692340h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=93676ab43877b4d725ade2f252ef429ae8184f7a

How is it no one is f-ing logical at all here...Ji Han telling Lady Song...I would have framed you and that's soo true I can't believe no one has thought of that either. Like why do it herself and set herself up when she could have tried to frame Lady Song.

Both of these women are a bit pathetic...they put their love into the most pathetic Gu Dezhao...and he seems to not love either of them apparently only likes this other concubine. Like Gu Dezhao's reaction to Lady Song cutting ties with her family and him getting mad about it...he just wanted her influence.

https://i.redd.it/uyacp094340h1.gif

I also really dislike Gu Lan, Lady Song is just easily manipulated and stupid...but Gu Lan...her actions are basically evil. I love Jinzhao...I'm super surprised she's holding Gu Lan by the throat.

https://i.redd.it/lpnje9t5340h1.gif

Gu Lan throwing a little fit over Ji Han not investigating Mu Zhidi...but did she have any real time to do that??? Did you give her a chance? Also from all they've mentioned Mu Zhidi is actually a good person, totally different than Jinzhao's almost engagement to the Liu who was a playboy.

https://i.redd.it/9htx42b7340h1.gif

Jinzhao is right here..has she ever really considered Lady Ji her "mother" no because she has her own mother so getting all butt hurt and stupid over this is just ridiculous. I can't believe she still over here saying "My conscience is clear" because you're an evil person who has no conscience

https://i.redd.it/nf1f3a49340h1.gif

I knew this whole ordeal is not going to help Ji Han's sickness...

Look at Ji Han actually writing a divorce letter.

https://preview.redd.it/llqnvqna340h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fd3bddc196d5b1a3afbad2ba5feeff9904e24c66

What a piece of work...Gu Dezhao "you're coughing on purpose" Dude are you serious?

https://preview.redd.it/njdnb59c340h1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e88d349267255c2f7f1a9911a5cf5d0185b516b1

Did he really just throw that in her face? What the actual f. He really thinks he's special. "You just want me to apologize"

Lady Ji...she's so passive but also a sign she for some stupid reason loves Gu Dezhao...she covered for him when he cheated on her with Lady Song and covered for him. Then with Yunxiang she just let them be together...she really is way too passive.

Y'all Gu Dezhao needs to die a slow painful death on screen...he is the worse. It's been a long time since I've hated an actual character this strongly but I hate him with such a fiery passion. It's so bad

I will say this...prep yourself for episode 14.

Reminder: We only get one episode Friday and one episode Saturday😞

Fun Fact: Qinqiang Opera is a genre of Chinese opera that originates from the Shaanxi province. Our Chen Yanyun mentions this particular form of opera when he's setting up the big celebration for the people. Turns out Qinqiang Opera does have it's origins in the Ming Dynasty. Chinese opera of course has a longer history but this specific genre of Chinese opera is said to have came to be during the Ming. The earliest known Qinqiang trope in the Ming Dynasty was called the Huaqing Group. The Qinqiang opera genre further split into four groups (East, South, West, Central). The Qinqiang in the Gansu and Shaanxi regions eventually evolved into what is called Clapper Opera today.

Links:

Airing schedule | Masterpost | All Discussions | Flashcards | Episodes 1-3 | Episodes 4-5 | Episodes 6-7 | Episodes 8-9 | Episodes 10-11 |

Spoiler Warning: You know the rules, nothing past episode 12...if I comment on your comment to put a spoiler tag up, please don't take offense, just trying to make sure we keep it to the episodes. Thank you!!!

Abbreviations in case I get lazy:

CYY - Chen Yanyun

JZ - Jinzhao

YX - Ye Xian

CXQ - Chen Xuanqing

Commentary for Episode 12

Just checking out the rest of his scars...no big deal

...why do they always blow on the wound, it's powder...

https://i.redd.it/nvtrjxj1kwzg1.gif

That smile...he's a goner

https://preview.redd.it/8ynufgy6kwzg1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5d5d52a4bc57cfe65d009bbb8d2f2eb4cdb6b430

Oh no...is Ye Xian's master the dude with the weird ear thing

...yep

Finally...we find the darn rhubarb

So part of the cure is finally recognizing her mom as her mom...since I'm sure one of her biggest worries and regrets is Jinzhao but we'll see how that goes.

https://i.redd.it/4dfr9io8kwzg1.gif

I love that Ye Xian recognizes he was a bit too rash last time and is willing to offer help this time by asking what she actually needs.

https://i.redd.it/4llzvmy9kwzg1.gif

Ye Xian got a thank you...he's so happy

https://i.redd.it/k5fza70bkwzg1.gif

LOL Chen Yanyun thought he had competition for a second.

https://i.redd.it/wjnxrh5ckwzg1.gif

His look of relief

https://i.redd.it/5usom79jkwzg1.gif

Oh jk spoke too soon, he does have competition lol

https://i.redd.it/jgyymi5ikwzg1.gif

His anger LOL

https://preview.redd.it/cw7g1lrokwzg1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a3c2ff5700a41230931c0347aac9768c67def42e

He really should have just told his mom he likes her lol

Oh no...the Marquis, hitting Ye Xian was unnecessary...

So now I am a little confused, CYY and Advisor Jiang were looking for this man thinking he was Xiao Qishan...the old advisor to the late Prince and they wanted to find him to see if he was helping Prince Ruichang plot something against the Crown Prince/Emperor but here we have this guy here who's been part of the Marquis household for a little while and now seems to be reporting to the Marquis. So is he a good guy or a bad guy? Is the Marquis a good guy? lol Seems like the Marquis is also trying to prevent Ruichang from doing something so let's go with...good Marquis

Gu Dezhao not punishing them as strictly as he should have...they should have received way worse punishments...like death

https://i.redd.it/s0dd3turkwzg1.gif

Gu Lan is on my shit list. She's just going to get worse. At least Lady Song feels bad and has a little compassion.

https://i.redd.it/g3ys5r5tkwzg1.gif

F-ing Gu Dezhao, seriously, his legal wife was almost killed by these people and he's over here still defending them saying that 40 and 60 hits is considered "revenge" It's the wording too 也算是 is so freakin' casual..."you could say" I know some novel readers said Gu Dezhao >!isn't that bad and is redeemable!< but at this point I don't know how drama Gu Dezhao can be redeemed, he's a POS.

https://preview.redd.it/66rllbx4mwzg1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5c628000bb8821f3498d87b9eaa5227788cf3fe5

Why do I feel like Gu Lan was out there about to just kill of Nanny Zhou to keep everything quiet for her mom and her...

The divorce is a good idea, but I do see why Ji Han won't do it...she is now doing it for her kids. Realistically Jinzhao would be fine but Jinrong? He's spoiled and won't know what to do with himself.

LOL y'all look at Chen Yanyun going into protective mode. How dare anyone hurt his Jinzhao.

https://i.redd.it/nyu709uykwzg1.gif

I absolutely love him spiraling trying to figure out the best way to deal with all of this for her

https://i.redd.it/64ii9hx2lwzg1.gif

Chen Yi is just over here so shocked lol

https://i.redd.it/x7s60v1xlwzg1.gif

I am dying this whole thing is just hilarious

https://i.redd.it/gilsnp12lwzg1.gif

Love this shot, I love that they keep framing scenes in these windows

https://preview.redd.it/juoyhtt9mwzg1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2a2ecdf8ec175ea8f7a05af9512a7150a307541d

He's gifting her guards...ok I appreciate acts of service gifts. It's a pretty good one, it tells her he has her back and he's going to be there for her.

https://i.redd.it/7qrhz15ilwzg1.gif

LOL just throwing a casual "I'm going to the temple tomorrow for Duanwu"...he's making a date. Speaking of which, are you really telling me it's been 8 months since he saved her in the forest? That was the 9th festival which is the 9th day of the 9 month. Dragon Boat is the 5th day of the 5th month...when was her coming out party? Did we miss her birthday? Or was that in the summer?

https://i.redd.it/42iilpgjlwzg1.gif

His flustered self is adorable

I was expecting him to turn around and walk back to her with that whistle...he's suppose to come to her aid!! Come on! lol

https://i.redd.it/mge6m7wklwzg1.gif

Fun Fact: The 鰲山 Aoshan Lanterns (from the last episode) were a tradition popular during the Ming Dynasty. They would build a large lantern shed and hang hundreds of colorful lanterns. These could be stacked basically forming a large lantern wall. The Ao lantern shape itself is said to resemble a mount or a giant turtle from an ancient myth...Ao was a giant turtle that carried the three divine mountains on it's back which is where the immortals live. There's a famous painting depicting the Aoshan Lanterns here Apparently they're trying to revive this and was recreated in Jiangxi's Gexian village. You can find some pictures on IG and FB if you want to look, it looked like you stepped into a cdrama.

Reminder: Airing Schedule only one episode each on Friday and Saturday...cry with me y'all...

Links:

Airing schedule | Masterpost | All Discussions | Flashcards | Episodes 1-3 | Episodes 4-5 | Episodes 6-7 | Episodes 8-9 |

Spoiler Warning: Remember discuss up to episode 11 but anything beyond that, spoiler tag please and thank you!

Abbreviations in case I get lazy:

CYY - Chen Yanyun

JZ - Jinzhao

YX - Ye Xian

CXQ - Chen Xuanqing

Commentary

Episode 10

Gu Dezhao sounds like he's annoyed that she has a cough, what a jerk

Interesting...are you saying Gu Dezhao actually cared enough about Ji Han to move away from his family? Or was he greedy enough?

So Gu Dezhao is the 4th son and the Marquis' daughter is married to the 5th Gu Son which is how they're related, I wasn't sure who she was married to at first.

So...Gu Lan is a gossip queen bad mouthing her sister and trying to give Gu Lian a bad impression of Jinzhao even before she met her...that is an annoying level of manipulation already....Gu Lian also doesn't seem that great either...this whole Gu family just seems annoying.

I do like how Jinzhao talked her way out of that situation while also putting Lian and Lan in their places about her "engagement"

This grandmother is only trying to get money out of Jinzhao it seems...why mention all that money in the first place?

Yeah, Gu Lian is annoying me but one up for Ye Xian for also putting her in her place a bit with the "older" comment

https://preview.redd.it/t2ac2f2v7qzg1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d5fa791a6d77fecaa9899ff22c0b5695e51c13a4

At least Gu Lian is observant, what she said is true. This is why the jealously thing from Gu Lan is annoying because I can't imagine why or how she seriously thinks she has a chance with Ye Xian. Like sure personally everyone should have the same chance but we're talking ancient China right now where status matters so her being a "shu" is kind of a big deal not matching with a Marquis.

https://i.redd.it/x93npegw7qzg1.gif

I really am disliking Gu Lan more and more...trying to make people take pity on her, like I doubt Jinzhao is making her life all that hard.

https://i.redd.it/wp05mf9x7qzg1.gif

I still don't understand Ye Xian's jealousy over CYY SAVING Jinzhao.

https://preview.redd.it/n70se88y7qzg1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2db0b3376f0c7a37a440b6a2385caed04f25f237

I don't know if it's a good thing to explain it's not her handkerchief or if it's better for her to acknowledge it's hers...I think propriety sake she should deny it? But not sure on this one, just a simple yep I dropped it...it's mine would have probably been ok

lol I like that Jinzhao knows how to insult subtly

https://preview.redd.it/94ybqlcz7qzg1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bef1f47e3abe4f22781be191e3d4b6ee815d7a4e

Ah...here's where the handkerchief and embroidery comes into play. I understand Ye Xian trying to help here but I would have just left it

https://preview.redd.it/zgxwtrkk8qzg1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9b56669edf5e72e2e8907023f9a6580da347bcbb

Ye Xian bandaging a kitten is pretty adorable

https://preview.redd.it/45y0vo908qzg1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1a59af09086d93cc8fd7c2c2fdfd6b18cc2bb3d6

Well at least we got the misunderstanding a little bit out of the way. I hope she does something to Gu Lan

That's our girl...of course she's confronting her.

https://i.redd.it/b9s3uwt28qzg1.gif

I really hate the playing dumb bit from Gu Lan, the more her character is on screen, the more I'm just annoyed with her. I was hoping for the best with her but obviously she's going in the direction I hate.

https://i.redd.it/6bgtt0z38qzg1.gif

I see Jinrong isn't above trying to use the meeting on the bridge with CXQ as leverage...trying to play the "nice" guy just to get money.

So he's been pawning things for money...

https://preview.redd.it/x3bya9c58qzg1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2d1579674909e3c9dc4d6312e57edefe673c9ffc

So he's not gambling...he's just convincing other people to gamble...what a dumb thing to get into.

https://preview.redd.it/nizw2u168qzg1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=31d64a73e7dace986046a8ebcb38dd7d79ad1592

LOL y'all this scene had me cackling. The subtle insult of calling him old LOL I love that he's like throw it all away but then he can't because well he likes her LOL

https://i.redd.it/i535ea578qzg1.gif

Episode 11

So looks like Chen Xuanqing placed 3rd in the Imperial Exams (tanghua)

Oh...so Chen Yanyun was already married before but his wife passed away 2 years later. That makes WAY more sense as to why he's not married right now

Yanyun taking action lol

https://preview.redd.it/vyi2l5d88qzg1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cf317ca4458f12f57daa9a183cdc3ff8bf93808c

Y'all...now that Yanyun realizes his feelings...he is in his flirting era. This slow walk, this look...I mean...come on

https://i.redd.it/k2skhih98qzg1.gif

...yep...you look good

https://i.redd.it/omxzut6a8qzg1.gif

Ugh of course it's the stupid Nanny who is causing problems, at least leave it to Gu Lan for at least realizing it was probably her mom and Nanny

Sigh...Ye Xian was trying to help with that kidnapping but he made it worse, I just know it. Everyone else would have done this way more discretely.

Gu Dezhao needs to go, everything Jinzhao said was true. He can go f- himself

I do feel for the mom here 😞 We see Jinzhao's resolve weakening towards her mom...she's so close, I thought she was going to say "Muqin" at some point. But not yet...

Good slap, I hope Jinrong uses this and changes

https://i.redd.it/a815qexb8qzg1.gif

I love her...she's on a bit of a violent streak lol

https://i.redd.it/fa0aufmc8qzg1.gif

Ye Xian's logic is sound though, I don't disagree with his method per se, he just needed to do it a bit more discretely. Probably would have been better to clue her in on it

Sigh...running away isn't the answer stupid Jinrong.

Well this ambush took a turn.

...he's breathing hard because of the pain...right 😉

https://i.redd.it/r56poqjr7qzg1.gif

But also, I'll leave this here for y'all...

https://preview.redd.it/s4mgoxoq7qzg1.jpg?width=2032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6dcffce484bb9032a129ebc064013456edf45317

Fun Fact: A few people commented on this yesterday and lucky for y'all I had actually looked into it a bit so today's fun fact is about pocket watches in China. The pocket watch came to China during the late Ming Dynasty by Jesuit Missionaries to gain Imperial favor. It became a bit of a status symbol associated with royalty, high nobility and extreme wealth. The pocket watch Prince Ruichang carries in Episode 7 is historically accurate. When pocket watches got introduced to the Chinese market they started to integrate both western and eastern features. In this case, instead of numbers the 12 zodiac symbols were used and the characters that were on the watch associated with each animal and each 12 hour period of the day. Remember they use to reference hours of the day by a certain time and their unit of time was always 2 hours. "一個時辰 - yi ge shichen" was always 2 hours so when they say 半個時辰 - ban ge shichen, that was actually one hour.
Characters and their zodiac and corresponding times on the pocket watch are below:

子 - Zi - Rat - 11pm-1am
丑 - Chou - Ox - 1am-3am
寅 - Yin - Tiger - 3am-5am
卯 - Mao - Rabbit - 5am-7am
辰 - Chen - Dragon - 7am - 9am
巳 - Si - Snake - 9am - 11am
午 - Wu - Horse - 11am-1pm (modern Chinese will say noon is 中午 by the way..or maybe I should say...that's what I say so if someone says something else don't quote me lol)
未 - Wei - Sheep (or goat) - 1pm-3pm
申 - Shen - Monkey - 3pm-5pm
酉 - You - Rooster - 5pm - 7pm
戌 - Xu - Dog - 7pm-9pm
亥 - Hai - Pig - 9pm-11pm

Links:

Airing schedule | Masterpost | All Discussions | Flashcards | Episodes 1-3 | Episodes 4-5 | Episodes 6-7 |

Spoiler Warning: Remember anything up to 9 is fair game, anything after...put it under a tag.

Abbreviations in case I get lazy:

CYY - Chen Yanyun

JZ - Jinzhao

YX - Ye Xian

Discussion Questions:

1. What direction do you think Xuanqing will go? Now that it seems like CYY has realized he has feelings for Jinzhao, is this what turns Xuanqing? Or do you think he'll stay "Good"?

2. Fans of Ye Xian...y'all still fans of Ye Xian? lol

Commentary

Random note...y'all there's so many good clips on Rednote, I need all the episodes to release like now lol anyway...on to the episodes...

Episode 8

I'm actually surprised at the relationship between Grandma Ji and her daughter...because I would have thought it would be worse. But Ji Han genuinely seems to care and love her mom and Grandma Ji also seems to care about her daughter. So why oh why did it end up like this? I do agree with y'all, what is sooo good about Gu Dezhao that both Ji Han and Lady Song decided to defy families and get married to him?

Holy crap what do you mean "only" 200 hundred taels? Are they serious right now? They want her coming out party to be 1000 taels and Gu Lan is over here saying no way? Holy moly Ten Thousand Taels for Gu Jinzhao's coming out party?

https://i.redd.it/rqdhxh0n9jzg1.gif

Oh no...Gu Lan...is she going to give that invite to her sister or is she going to keep it? If she keeps it...ugh then we are going towards the direction I don't like

https://preview.redd.it/6ytsk3sn9jzg1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9b66281800a2b72e808377ff86e796ce7019261d

Oh...so y'all were right, there is another Gu sibling in there seems like he's her biological brother. I don't understand the mom at all, how she can really pretend like nothing is really wrong. There's understanding and wanting to make peace but this is a whole new ball game. The dad literally ignored her for 15 years and even watched as Nanny Zhou choked her at the age of SIX. And here the mom is like "he is your father after all" And there's nothing wrong with whatever painting she prepared for her brother. The mom is so out of touch it's annoying. Standing up for the dad is just a whole new thing I can't take.

https://i.redd.it/k1gkbu4p9jzg1.gif

Ye Xian has really good aim.

I am NOT a fan of this plot line where Gu Lan plots against Jinzhao.

Well that's awkward, she should have said she wanted to see her cousin and Chen Xuanqing not just Chen Xuanqing.

I sense a slight bit of jealousy by Ji Yao.

https://i.redd.it/bs0daxxq9jzg1.gif

Chen Xuanqing doesn't want to see Jinzhao? I wonder why...is it just because he realizes Ji Yao feels a little awkward about the situation? I do like how well Ji Yao knows her

She didn't write a love letter to Chen Xuanqing did she??

Oh boy, a very jealous Ye Xian. I really am not a fan of this childish jealousy, what he did to Mr. Zhang, what an absolute dick.

https://preview.redd.it/3pjqe5os9jzg1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=76bdb486f1dbfb931986837810b49151fd8fdd62

DID HE REALLY JUST PULL OUT A WHIP AND HIT HER?? Are you serious right now? Yeah I can't excuse him

https://i.redd.it/cxxm39ot9jzg1.gif

I'm not going to lie, I'm already not a fan of this younger brother. He's just trying to use his older sister for money.

Yeah y'all, I don't have a good feeling about Gu Lan's direction in this show...her purposely bragging is not a good look.

https://i.redd.it/zkz5bylv9jzg1.gif

Jinzhao should have stuck with her initial gift...I'm telling you the mom is so out of touch with her children.

I feel bad for Jinzhao, she realized her brother didn't like the gift and understands he's closer with Gu Lan.

https://i.redd.it/1h9upbxw9jzg1.gif

Ugh, y'all I'm done with these two younger siblings. This little brother is a spoiled entitled brat. I'm surprised she didn't storm in there and make them eat crow.

https://i.redd.it/avxw88vx9jzg1.gif

So she wrote notes as a way to flirt? Scholarly flirting... lol ok

Look even in your drunken state, how do you mistake CYY for Jinzhao??? HOW? lol But I get that I guess we need a random way for Yanyun to find out that she's hurt. I bet you CYY sends her some sort of medicine or something I don't know...

The little brother actually went to ask for money...

This kid is a spoiled brat

https://i.redd.it/pxo9qhuz9jzg1.gif

He looks worried about Chen Xuanqing...I wonder why.

So Grandmother Chen wants to match Xuanqing with one of the girls from that party...it's this girl by the way: Yu Wanxue

I wonder if dismissing Ye Xian as a study buddy is Yanyun's doing.

Episode 9

Ouch...what a line

https://preview.redd.it/vuv4hbxeajzg1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=52e945e1e1e69243e314c123e44511e4c382daad

Looks like Ye Xian is mistaking Yanyun's intentions and I feel like he's going to to f- something up with the Crown Prince not knowing this.

https://i.redd.it/25jp5n52ajzg1.gif

Ye Xian has a pass to the palace...well that's going to be interesting

Yanyun is over here playing 3D chess...I was wondering why he had Xuanqing going to that other scholar's place every 10 days...turns out this guy is now the new imperial examiner.

Xuanqing should have just told Yanyun that he likes someone else...

So we finally get the backstory of Chen Xuanqing...so let me see if I understand this the same as y'all. Looks like Chen Xuanqing's birth father colluded with River bandits, caused the death of over 100 soldiers, so he was executed. His mother then hung herself that same day...so Chen Yanyun adopted him into the 5th branch under his already deceased little brother...what lol

https://preview.redd.it/x9vhgo64ajzg1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dd4a20ebd4b5da7a4c18ff71974cb5311f12ae5d

So now he's trying to set up Xuanqing with the Yu family so they keep this secret.

Oof...rock and a hard place, but at least he's giving him a choice I guess?

Something is up with Xuanqing and Gu Jinrong...

But also what exactly are the younger Gu siblings' play here? See her meet up with a guy in public and blackmail her to get what they want? Tell on her so she gets in trouble?

Yikes not meeting her but giving her a letter. I wonder if that letter says something like wait for me but in more coded words? Or do you think he's breaking it off cleanly? I'm thinking it's more of a wait for me because surely he wouldn't have told his servant "it's not the time" as in it can be later on and he just expects her to be available? But this is a bit sad...I do feel for Xuanqing a bit here, knowing he can't just go for it (because of his background and secret?)

Look at the little brother "protecting" his sister...but really it seems like it's just because he's scared of Chen Xuanqing.

Oh, so he returned her notes...with no notes lol

Her mom is going to be sad when she realizes she gave the jewelry away. By the way, I use to have jade bangles when I was a kid...I broke every single one of them...don't give them to kids to wear lol After the third one my mom was like forget it... (honestly as a mom now, I would have given up after the 2nd one or even the 1st one lol)

Fu Hailan still gives me the creeps but check out Chen Yanyun proposing this celebrating "for the people"...

https://i.redd.it/fwpko5l6ajzg1.gif

Y'all Nanny Zhou needs to go but I need it be satisfying what an absolute evil person

https://i.redd.it/knke1359ajzg1.gif

Gu Jinrong is doing something sketchy...

What a dumb thing to say "is she still mad at you?" of course she is, YOU WHIPPED HER

Iron fireworks is super pretty...if you want to know more about this, I actually did a fun fact about this in this You Are My Fateful Lover post you can just go read the fun fact. It's pretty neat though and a dying art that might be lost soon.

https://preview.redd.it/w368nl9j9jzg1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a646d4cd1f6ee8c7dbe258e91bcc6f00414b52cd

Ok...so Chen Yanyun did do it for the people but you know he also kind of did it for her too but I absolutely love how happy he is to hear how happy the people are. So he really is doing all of this scheming for the people.

https://preview.redd.it/kha7k36k9jzg1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8cfb44d137b7542caf292b2da81e66be2c3003f7

Girl...how is this the 2nd time you've fallen into a body of water and needed saving for the 2nd time. Also I'm not going to lie, this would be slightly terrifying if I saw someone with this mask coming at me lol

https://preview.redd.it/0u3yd1xk9jzg1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=294922a881667a10802eee5a9806434a1301cc4c

Why is he jealous?? She was drowning...what lol

We all love a good coat cover scene...

https://i.redd.it/rwc0kvelajzg1.gif

Oh, I'm liking the hair down look and the whispies lol Dude has it bad and doesn't even realize it until now.

https://i.redd.it/0somv74i9jzg1.gif

...invite her over here at this time of the night?? Are you crazy? lol

Oh good he has some sense lol

Fun Fact: This is a partially recycled fun fact but it's because I think it's neat and I did a random reel on IG in Chinese on this a few months ago and I was so proud LOL anyway 四君子 is known as the Four Gentlemen, which attributes 4 plants to 4 different Confucian values and a season. Plum Blossoms, Orchids, Chrysanthemums, and Bamboo.

The Plum Blossom, the winter flower, represents perseverance, endurance, and hope. It also symbolizes the beginning of spring which is why you'll see a lot of plum blossom images during the Chinese New Year.

The Orchid, the spring flower, represents nobility, humility and refinement.

Bamboo, the summer plant, represents strength, integrity and flexibility.

Chrysanthemums, the fall flower, represents purity and longevity.

Links:

Airing schedule | Masterpost | All Discussions | Flashcards | Episodes 1-3 | Episodes 4-5 |

Spoiler warning: Remember, only episodes 6-7, anything beyond that on the SVIP schedule please put it under a spoiler tag.

Abbreviations in case I get lazy:

CYY - Chen Yanyun

JZ - Jinzhao

YX - Ye Xian

Commentary

Episode 6

I like that she immediately starts to analyze the prize and why Chen Yanyun decided to offer up her gift and her mind just starts spiraling a bit...

https://i.redd.it/ne3sbwr0zbzg1.gif

lol Ye Xian guessing wrong and then immediately getting mad that he's wrong and questioning how he's wrong is just another level

So she won back her jade paperweights do you think she'll regift them back to Chen Yanyun? lol

I'm surprised Jinzhao didn't realize the painting was done by Chen Yanyun...she's normally so smart, surely she would have figured that out right?

He guessed that riddle so fast...sometimes when dramas have these riddles I think to myself, maybe I would be able to guess them...I can not, it's beyond me, I would fail so bad at these riddles.

This look...he's already starting to like her more and more

https://i.redd.it/gkofss93zbzg1.gif

Oh no, Ye Xian having a heart problem...I can only imagine that's just another reason his dad doesn't like him. So does she have medical knowledge randomly?

I definitely feel like Jinzhao treats Ye Xian as an annoying sibling but Ye Xian obviously likes her romantically. As cheesy as it sounds...he sees her as a light doesn't he?

https://i.redd.it/5whddxthzbzg1.gif

What a terrifying moment...just seeing a bunch of assassins appear behind you...

https://i.redd.it/rbmk8ytizbzg1.gif

Ci Sha is so good at fight scenes

https://i.redd.it/2ah10sjjzbzg1.gif

I was so afraid for the Crown Prince...turns out it was a decoy, so where they planning this to try to catch the people behind the threats to the Crown Prince? Or was this just an actual decoy because the Crown Prince really did visit the temple?

That's fake poison right?

Testing a little girl is a bit much don't you think Mr. Chen??

https://preview.redd.it/087mcw7lzbzg1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ba4afdb6aafda6cb487a23c6798a8e0faa830630

So scared her to test her...but then also pretended like he was helping save her life here so she thinks better of him...are you trying to gain her favor here Yanyun? I do like their little bonding moment...anyone else get the sense that he might do something cute and romantic with this information? Like he might make it happen to make her happy later on?

https://i.redd.it/b38erx1nzbzg1.gif

I do love her nightgown seems super comfy. Her blues always stand out, the outfit she had on at her coming of age ceremony...the one she had on during the day was this striking navy blue and her nightgown is this pretty soft blue.

https://preview.redd.it/2z9hx9cozbzg1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3ea655598fc28960904ec64208d7434ab800f344

That is A LOT of officials to get rid of/demote.

I'm conflicted on this thought process from Mrs. Nie...on the one hand, you should know your husband and his character enough to not think like this. Like your own daughter knows her dad was a good man, maybe don't bad mouth him all the time? On the other hand, she is allowed to grieve in her own way I guess.

https://preview.redd.it/o7t0kejpzbzg1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a5c439b814da032e4c282d922649316454240401

I still think it's a bit selfish since your daughter even knows that her did it for the greater good...but I get it he really did leave his wife and daughter "for the greater good" It's a dilemma for sure.

https://preview.redd.it/wygys9iuzbzg1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=21d00f7acffe5742905c26043a915adce342f2b9

It does mean that Jinzhao will probably realize exactly what Nie Fengming did.

She's acting a little odd and out of character with Chen Yanyun...definitely showing her age a bit.

https://i.redd.it/zwhb9lmwzbzg1.gif

Episode 7

Ah, see I knew she was acting a bit strange. She was actually trying to absolve CYY's involvement and helping him out while being able to also help out Nie Fengming's wife and daughter.

https://i.redd.it/xgdkw7h10czg1.gif

Every time she does something, he just gets more and more impressed...and honestly he falls for her more and more

https://preview.redd.it/wf4vmex20czg1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=34ca1c2684a6ef9b3088976c8eddf3d4c79e57c7

I love that they can analyze each other so well

https://i.redd.it/zdoux3340czg1.gif

I'm glad Ji Yao is back, though he's putting a bit of distance between himself for propriety sake

https://i.redd.it/g8a7u1gu0czg1.gif

So...does he also like her? I got glimpses of it in the first episode but also I wondered if it was just sibling energy. I'm ok with it staying sibling energy, let's not make him a love interest please...

https://i.redd.it/9rc4m5kd0czg1.gif

I like this look better on Ye Xian...

https://preview.redd.it/95dxv3de0czg1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3ed291bb8d7830344f2716fa02f03fd44e8b8003

Honestly, I think her handwriting is a little better lol but look at these two being all cute together...

https://i.redd.it/uedrd1kj0czg1.gif

Definitely screams first crush

Fu Hailian still screams a bit evil to me

Prince Rui is being sketchy...so he's plotting something...I hope our little Crown Prince is safe in the future.

Aw I do love that Jinzhao cares so much about her grandmother she's willing to ask and step up.

CYY is impressed and touched but he has his pride haha

https://i.redd.it/094ury2g0czg1.gif

I do enjoy the banter between Jiang Yan and CYY lol

https://i.redd.it/eav4zlch0czg1.gif

Fun Fact: When the Ming Dynasty was first established, the Hongwu Emperor was hesitant to start the Imperial Examinations back up. He started the examinations in 1370 for 2 years before cancelling them for another 13 years. He did not think the Imperial exams had enough practical knowledge. In 1384, the exam went back to the Neo-Confucian format set during the Song Dynasty but on top of the normal exam, the Hongwu Emperor also insisted on adding an additional practical exam with subjects in law, math, calligraphy, horse riding and archery. The first palace examinations finally occurred in 1385. The Ming Dynasty still followed the three test system, Provincial, Metropolitan, and finally the Palace exam.

Links:

Airing schedule | Masterpost | All Discussions | Flashcards | Episodes 1-3 |

Spoiler Warning: Remember, we are following the VIP schedule, if you're on the SVIP schedule, please put it under a spoiler tag. Everything up till episode 5 is fair game though.

Abbreviations: For when I get lazy

CYY - Chen Yanyun

YX - Ye Xian

JZ - JinZhao

Commentary:

Episode 4

Why is it always the maids/nannys that are the worse? Like here we are with Lady Song saying...well I don't really have that much of a grudge against Jin Zhao and here comes Nanny Zhou saying nope be absolutely awful and ruin this 15 year old's life with an awful marriage prospect.

https://i.redd.it/e8h1j2e4a5zg1.gif

The mom bothers me with how much she doesn't really stand up for her daughter, she brings up the point the daughter did just get there but then Gu DeZhao just goes and gets mad and she just takes it. I understand she's sick but come on stand up more for your daughter.

The fact that the father says this drives me absolutely nuts, neither of them had a hand at raising her...on purpose, the dad listened to a fortune teller she hasn't even seen them but like one time in 15 years.

https://preview.redd.it/7rth5qy5a5zg1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d530730e9fe731d49f744593648e8ab9021f66d7

At least the little sister is helpful still...I still get the feeling she's going to turn on her later when she realizes Ye Xian likes her. I hope we're wrong.

Why are Chen Xuanqing's uncles all so young looking? Here's a 4th uncle, so younger than Yanyun...Side note, their generation character of 彥 is also the first character of my daughter's name and that amuses me.

She seems to like Chen Xuanqing...she deliberately gets up just so she can run into him. He also seems a little interested in her too? I feel like he kind of gave that look earlier on in a previous episode too

https://i.redd.it/98wwp4i8a5zg1.gif

I am confused why his father is portrayed as a kid??? Surely he didn't die that day and maybe they're just saying because of that day his father has always been sick and they're blaming the water incident as the catalyst for his father's ultimate demise? Surely his dad didn't father a child at that age.

https://i.redd.it/p75m5oq9a5zg1.gif

Look at Chen Xuanqing getting 1st in the provincial examinations...he still has metro and palace examinations to go.

Also, this little moment between them?

https://i.redd.it/n1lqy7naa5zg1.gif

So did Chen Xuanqing not really get first they're just trying to curry favor with Chen Yanyun...wonder if he knows that.

Then she has a moment with his uncle.

https://i.redd.it/uclzozoba5zg1.gif

Having the nephew and the uncle like the same girl is a tad awkward

Gu DeZhao is seriously the worse.

So Ye Xian is good with gadgets and not as good at fighting...this skill will probably be good later...maybe? Hopefully? Is there a war aspect to this show?

I like that she is using both CYY and YX again. CYY is amused and so is Jiang Yan.

https://i.redd.it/ewopb6ida5zg1.gif

I was expecting the Crown Prince to be older given how they had Ye Xian enter the palace to be his study partner, did not realize he was younger...

LOL Ye Xian giving in quickly

https://i.redd.it/r93i9nkea5zg1.gif

Look at CYY helping YX so that YX can help out Jin Zhao

https://i.redd.it/i7ereoyga5zg1.gif

Aw are you admitting JinZhao is pretty?

https://i.redd.it/z0qtu9bga5zg1.gif

Episode 5

Interesting that she's trying to use the same Taoist that caused her father to abandon her...

Oh boy, Gu Lan is starting her jealously era, I hope it doesn't go further...I still don't understand how she can be delusional enough to think that Ye Xian, a Marquis's son would end up even possibly marrying her. Not only is she an illegitimate daughter...her father isn't even highly ranked. No way a Marquis family would even consider it. Please don't let her turn evil due to jealously and scheming to get the guy...

Ok, I'm impressed that her gifts held that much meaning behind him and that CYY could easily interpret them. I'm telling you, the two of them teamed up could be unstoppable.

https://i.redd.it/9jebke4ka5zg1.gif

Her father really cares too much about fortunes.

I am so glad Lady Song spoke up and blamed Gu DeZhao

Oof...you realize the little sister is totally not going to be on JinZhao's side anymore, not after she punished her mom like that. Gu Lan is definitely going to turn into an enemy.

Oh, I was wrong, at least Lady Song didn't get punished so Gu Lan seems to be good though listening to Nanny Zhou is just dumb

Please tell me they aren't falling for Lady Song's acting...

...ok so? Again, if I were JinZhao I wouldn't be all that forgiving to her mom either, her mom does seem nice but she's too passive. Here her daughter's reputation is being ruined by Nanny Zhou, Lady Song and her own father and she's over here just saying "sucks for you...sorry"

https://i.redd.it/ovo6v79ma5zg1.gif

CYY causing some family drama asking his mom to cancel the celebration banquet...

OH he's an adopted son. But wait...did they really have a boy adopt another boy??

https://preview.redd.it/krks03bna5zg1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=aa2f5f086505e901556179692500934ef4c8057e

...this 4th son, Chen Yan Wen seems awful. Did he really kill his own servant?

Also...you're telling me CYY has been hiding the fact that his little brother killed his other little brother this whole time from his mom?

Open palm slap...the disrespect lol

https://i.redd.it/c8roxufoa5zg1.gif

Chen YanWen is going to definitely do some more evil deeds in the future...the fact that he really thinks he's justified in killing his little brother at EIGHT because his brother was illegitimate

Ye Xian is a child still...getting jealous real easily but still unhinged that he thinks it's funny to point a gun at her??? What?

https://i.redd.it/66bln7tpa5zg1.gif

Regifting her gifts...what does that mean? lol