u/sequesteredself

Housekeeping: Last day of 1 a day episodes...tomorrow you get 2 episodes with u/katleap13

Fun Fact: The Forbidden City started construction in 1406 by the Yongle Emperor during the Ming Dynasty. It took 14 years to build and served as the government epicenter of China from 1420-1924 and housed 24 Emperors during the Ming and Qing Dynasty. It is built as a rectangle with over 8000 rooms. The walls are 26 ft high...I've never been but it's on a bucket list.

Discussion Links:

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

Spoiler Warning: Remember, let's make sure we don't spoil things for anyone who doesn't want to be spoiled...put it under a spoiler tag if it's anything past Episode 20

Abbreviations I use if I get tired of typing out their names...

ZL - Zhao Ling

FTY/XTY/TY - Fu TingYun/Xie TingYun/TingYun

FYK - Fan YaKe

YJX - Yu JingXiu

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you think Zhao Ling is changing for the better? Will his ruthlessness cause tension in our couple later?

Commentary

Episode 20

TingYun is mad...as she should be but look at his sheepish face...

https://i.redd.it/323sm2rwnfkh1.gif

Please tell me our 4th ranked official badass is going to get on his knee to be a stepstool for TingYun...

HE DOES...I love it. Ok TingYun, you can't hate him too long

https://i.redd.it/9ti2svdznfkh1.gif

I love that all the wives are fawning over TingYun and Zhao Ling...and yet again we show up Yuck YaKe...who knows her husband doesn't love her even though they seem to act it.

https://i.redd.it/yyfjl7x3ofkh1.gif

Yuck really is trying to play the game but is still an amateur...Madam Tian is not falling for it

https://i.redd.it/vb37kuf6ofkh1.gif

This is so pretty

https://preview.redd.it/2u5wsi58ofkh1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=27464a7b49e5709d3faa96c13d89f2720169301d

Also...TingYun really hitting him hard...knowing exactly what he's been up to...she's playing this up a bit...it's the first time I've seen her act slightly less mature...like your typical "oh woe is me helpless female"

https://i.redd.it/hyehjeggofkh1.gif

The way she snaps out of this "helpless" act to call over A'Sen

A'Sen...what's up with you?

https://preview.redd.it/k7gf40dbofkh1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=69910258b894f8d3f9a7eaa45753e8af0139ca20

Zhao Ling definitely sounds like a dad right now talking about hoping A'Sen doesn't have to go what he went through...these 5 years has made Zhao Ling more literary lol

https://i.redd.it/6iw4slddofkh1.gif

No...just you and your awful husband. Most marriages get better over time because you know each other...speaking from my almost 10 year marriage, pretty sure it gets better daily. Sooo it's all you Yuck

https://i.redd.it/fsy0acwiofkh1.gif

Slap in the face to Yake by Madam Yu...so did she just take all of her grandson's gifts? lol

Yeah...I feel like the Yu family in general are part of the big bads...the three of them...technically four of them if we count Yuck are going to be annoying

It took 6+ years for Yu JingXiu to fess up to what he did???

How did his mom know there was a written confession? Or does his mom just know TingYun would have been capable enough to get one from her son...which basically means she doesn't think all that highly of her son and thinks very highly of TingYun still

https://preview.redd.it/fhd68zpmofkh1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=834d7d20d329b8e2a6236da1fa75a0cb2ada8183

Sometimes I'm suspicious of the Emperor because I've seen too many awful ones in cdrama world buuut I'm going to go with this one is just smart and isn't blind to what's happening in the court.

Accepting this assignment is going to be rough though...I appreciate that the Emperor just gave him a free pass by saying I don't care how it's done as long as there are results.

https://i.redd.it/eek49yxoofkh1.gif

TingYun feeling exasperated with Zhao Ling for accepting the assignment lol at least they talk. I always love that TingYun almost always has to list out reasons it's always "1st...2nd...and 3rd"

Aw that's cute "I'm most worried about you"

https://i.redd.it/eyfopyesofkh1.gif

LOL what if you're sick

She has a point...be careful Icarus...is he trying to go all the way to the top?

https://i.redd.it/4qlvb3vuofkh1.gif

https://preview.redd.it/xf2gfbqcpfkh1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f0808ff7fcaf545d3b80aabed66c2764e12e085e

Who is Mr. Yu talking to? It looks like no one...is he insane?

So Ms. Wu is just being raised as a gift?

Yuanbao is head of the salt association? Interesting. Whoever this loud mouth instigator is...he's trying to force Yuanbao into a corner with his friendship with Zhao Ling. But yeah this guy is already annoying me

lol TingYun asking not to go

So...Zhao Ling has changed a bit, him asking TingYun to help him navigate some of the political circles with the wives...he wouldn't have 5 years ago. It's nice that he's asking and including her, he believes in her ability and knows she can help him...but it also feels a little weird to me...slightly like those officials who take advantage of their wives and want them to do their bidding all the time. Am I over thinking this? Are they going to grow apart because he's being too callous and too ambitious in the name of power to protect TingYun?

https://i.redd.it/swy0vmigpfkh1.gif

These merchants realize he's an official right? A ruthless one at that...so trying to embarrass him and looking smug seems like such a stupid idea.

https://preview.redd.it/zsprla6lpfkh1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6eb0e77540919e2fe42435ce22e3b8fc3799c15d

I hope Yuanbao and him planned this in advance...or did he really just kick his friend to make an example?

Zhao Ling is definitely more slimy and knows how to navigate the nobles now.

Look at the cute Parakeet dove

https://preview.redd.it/ree20tzmpfkh1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3305130ad2b29cf477d7d65fcba546623fe5bf9e

30% seems like a lot to me...these greedy merchants...

Housekeeping: We are down to one episode a day until Thursday...thankfully not all week like other dramas. So 3 days of suffering before we're back My wonderful co-host u/katleap13 and I will still be posting daily based on the VIP schedule. Also, sorry this is late and I'm going to try to make this short because I am exhausted today...work was rough.

Fun Fact: Did you know the maze in episode 16 is based on something real? To an extent...the Yellow River Lantern Array, also knowing as winding nine curves is a centuries old Chinese folk tradition in the northern parts of China...mainly the Shaanxi, Gansu and other areas along the Yellow River and set up during the Lantern Festival during the Lunar New Year. It's actually based on a myth...but during the Ming Dynasty, they decided to make it real. It is set up with hundreds of wooden poles with lanterns attached. The layout is set to mimic the path of the Yellow River and as the show said...the Eight Trigrams (bagua) formations and the Nine Palaces from the I Ching. Normally the maze is set up with 361 lights to represent each day of the year (back then...now 365). During the festival locals will follow a dance troupe and musicians walking through the maze to pray for good health, safety and a good year. This maze is actually considered an intangible cultural heritage in China. Unfortunately, I couldn't find anything about a competition, death gate or neat shifting paths...but hey it's still pretty cool that it's real.

Discussion Links:

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

Spoiler Warning: Remember, let's make sure we don't spoil things for anyone who doesn't want to be spoiled...put it under a spoiler tag if it's anything past Episode 19.

Abbreviations I use if I get tired of typing out their names...

ZL - Zhao Ling

FTY/XTY/TY - Fu TingYun/Xie TingYun/TingYun

FYK - Fan YaKe

YJX - Yu JingXiu

Discussion Questions:

1. Who's the big bad of the show?

Commentary:

Yu JingXiu...that jerk really locked TingYun in a room...but luckily our girl is smart and slightly fearless at times because she totally just lights the room on fire hoping they'll actually save her...but like what if they were like meh oh well??? Also that curtain really caught on fire QUICK. 

https://i.redd.it/7ribrylh32kh1.gif

I have to give SOME credit to YJX...he actually was actually concerned about her being caught in a fire, only to be told she ran away and she was the one who set the fire lol

I appreciate YJX being put in his place for a second...Official Liu actually telling him, I am your supervisor, I outrank you.

:( Do you have to remind us that Yucheng is no longer with us? 😭😭

https://i.redd.it/hcmufgkk32kh1.gif

I'm surprised Sen didn't just crumple up the letter, hopefully he actually gave it to TingYun. 

https://i.redd.it/yhdjg34n32kh1.gif

Well, this voiceover makes it sound like maybe she did read it. Or hopefully...because what a great letter. I will say...it is nice that he didn't say "don't wait for me" he actually said wait for me...

Also as romantic as this is...I do find it hard to believe she was able to kind of catch up them when they barely caught up themselves lol Also...anyone believe that maybe she did just trip trying to run in sand in all that clothing...the director was probably like OH that's GOOD keep that in...and Enxi just stayed in character the whole time. Or maybe it was all scripted but I'm pretty sure if I were to run in the sand in all those clothes...I'd trip ALL the time.

These scenes with TingYun in red is SO visually striking against the sand dunes.

https://i.redd.it/cans4efs32kh1.gif

Well, I'm glad they got to "see" each other before he left.

https://i.redd.it/zsyf5xav32kh1.gif

I'm so glad TingYun realizes how much she loves him and she understands what a true marriage can be like...

https://i.redd.it/sk9qkjlz32kh1.gif

So I wonder if letters are actually making their way to him or if she's just writing a journal.

And just like that 5 years go...they aged up Sen and changed the actor out, which makes sense...

https://preview.redd.it/28g0b2b342kh1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b5ab35a99932f0b3dfbd8846251213d526a354d1

Again...it amazes me how everything I've seen and read about Ding YuXi is about how he's quite literally the sweetest and nicest guy yet he plays hardened and ruthless SO WELL!!

https://preview.redd.it/zzetf4w642kh1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2df90b7070a80505d17755cba2a27c8e26fd7c7e

Aw y'all...they're both making names for themselves

https://i.redd.it/zcy9cbd942kh1.gif

Ok...so letters are actually going through.

Um...excuse me...Zhao Ling...what do you mean you aren't engaged??

https://i.redd.it/94qe9d3e42kh1.gif

He looks good in red...also a red official robe means he is 100% ranked above stupid Yu JingXiu.

Look how scary he looks

https://preview.redd.it/j2fjfj3h42kh1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f5ef0c62f3c4e6ec72738f56749c82cb3e1bc0ab

Oh...secret mission from the Emperor.

https://i.redd.it/9y3uzicj42kh1.gif

Her mom is probably the only good person in the Fu family...

I love how TingYun is able to convince the lady to sell it to her because she can bring a lot of business lol

Sigh...being in the capital means we have to see Yuck YaKe again

Yake is already trying to be a b-

https://i.redd.it/f0ndoj5n42kh1.gif

I would not have survived this time period...imagine being 24 and single...I didn't get married until I was 29, they'd think I was ancient lol

Look at TingYun navigating the nobility already...she's totally taking the house right out from under Fan YaKe's nose. I love it

She's so smart...look at them helping each other out

https://preview.redd.it/l73i204q42kh1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a1472371a7dd3358ce11a1acb8f74f7259ce9e3c

...who was that just talking?

Aw yay he's going to surprise her for her birthday

...except of course he gets attacked and now he's going to not see her to keep her safe? But like everyone knows she's his fiance...

He really should have told her it was him who set off the fireworks again...

Honestly, he should have just gone in

Sen seems to know he's out there, I wonder if he'll tell TingYun

https://preview.redd.it/7vapcoit42kh1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d2b7e71012c0b311e20ac378cb9d159677d2154d

...Madam Yu is back and ready to scheme

Sorry for the rushed half of this...I am literally falling asleep lol

Fun Fact: I love hot pot...that's it...that's the fun fact. Just kidding but really today's fun fact is about hot pot just because I was curious how far that hot pot in the show goes back...so history of hot pot is pretty long, it can be traced back all the way to the Zhou Dynasty...so more than 3500 years...eventually during the Three Kingdoms Period they started using copper pots. The one we see in the show is called a Copper Chimney Hot Pot and this was said to be invented during the Yuan Dynasty by the Mongols but it became very popular during the Ming Dynasty enjoyed by the imperial court and nobility. It became especially popular amongst Emperors of the Qing Dynasty...

I have some mini fun facts about Chinese idioms later in the post if you want more fun facts.

Discussion Links:

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

Spoiler Warning: We (myself and my lovely co-host u/katleap13) are following the VIP schedule on WeTV. Remember...anything up until episode 15 totally fair game...anything after 15 please put it under a spoiler tag or wait till episode 16-17's discussion...please don't take offense if I ask you to put something under a spoiler tag :)

Abbreviations I use if I get tired of typing out their names...

ZL - Zhao Ling

FTY/XTY/TY - Fu TingYun/Xie TingYun/TingYun

FYK - Fan YaKe

YJX - Yu JingXiu

Discussion Questions:

1. Who is your most hated character right now?

Commentary:

Episode 14

I've got to admit, Zhao Ling has balls...I guess it comes with the territory when you use to be a salt smuggler for most of your life...you learn the how to bluff, negotiate and the tricks of the trade. The fact that he just marches into the smuggler camp and manages to get the information he needs...knowing very well the smugglers need the army to keep their business up so when he throws down the superior salt...what a good play lol

https://i.redd.it/ku0tbcji5mjh1.gif

So...you're saying Commander Wang isn't not only turning a blind eye to this...he's actually supporting this

Concubine Lu thinking everyone has to be like her and only rely on a man...to be fair kind of true but we all know TingYun has been prepping to not necessarily need this...her trump card can always be the Crown Prince.

https://i.redd.it/44ppc57p5mjh1.gif

Mini Fun Fact: Concubine Lu says "心急吃不了熱豆腐“ which is impatience can't eat hot tofu if you want to directly translate it...or in other words haste makes waste...I was curious about the origin of this but apparently there isn't one per se...just one spoken orally in modern times...the actual literary idiom that's similar is 欲速則不達 - This comes from the Confucian Analects with the same meaning...to want speed, you can't achieve.

I'm glad TingYun isn't easily tricked...something to be said about knowing the rules as a safeguard because Concubine Lu over here trying to trick her into marrying her brother...not that TingYun would do it which is really laughable that Concubine would really even try...like does she really think "Zhao Ling is dead, but hey I have a little brother, marry him" like it's going to be that easy? Maybe because she's that' easy...

I love General Mo...even if he's dumb to have Concubine Lu...how he's been tricked by Concubine Lu for so long is insane.

https://i.redd.it/b33uf5dt5mjh1.gif

I love how tactful TingYun is about telling General Mo about Concubine Lu

https://i.redd.it/nqfl24yw5mjh1.gif

lol and then she says this...

https://preview.redd.it/mgke6y2z5mjh1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=883cdc0b366853757d7ffe380463738c22320444

Ugh General Mo, you're so dumb to be deceived by Concubine Lu but thank goodness he sees her true colors now...she couldn't have waited just a little bit she threw a fit immediately, I'm so glad General Mo saw that...I was kind of hoping for more of a fall out though

https://i.redd.it/zaufx9f16mjh1.gif

I do really feel bad for Mrs. Mo...she gave General Mo three kids and General Mo favors his concubine and seems to ignore his kids for the most part...she acts so tough but what women wants this? Knowing your husband is so hurt over the other woman and not really caring about your feelings. :(

https://preview.redd.it/pyc7cna46mjh1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cd92dde03c4b4826cea00541dc048f41f797158b

Y'all I absolutely love that Zhao Ling sent Chuan back just to make sure she knew he was ok...and yes reinforcements but mainly to let TingYun know not to worry...look guys this is a perfect example...if I guy wants to communicate with you, he will make it happen. Don't settle for less

You gotta love a couple who help get even for each other because holy moly...TingYun getting all fired up...I mean she's about to mean business. Don't mess with her man...

https://i.redd.it/qkvapd876mjh1.gif

I wonder what trap she's going to set up for Lu DaHu...oh a honeytrap...her slipping "I'm going to be alone tonight" you know she's not going to be there...so let's see what happens.

Oh man, holy moly, attack dogs...that is SAVAGE...do not mess with TingYun

lol poor Madam Wang...she's so tired

I don't know how Concubine Lu can really think she would win a court case for TingYun not being home and her little brother being the one who broke into their house and attacked by dogs...TingYun even has a powerful alibi with Madam Wang. She can totally hit the Dengwen Gu because during the Ming Dynasty if she makes up a case and loses...she gets canned 100 times

I really don't understand her demanding TingYun marry him...again he broke into her house and she wasn't home...

Dang y'all...Zhao Ling straight up killing him point blank in front of everyone...it is jarring, especially like TingYun who has been sheltered her whole life...but luckily it doesn't seem like she's scared of him just more traumatized...but she's also crying and letting go of being strong now that he's back. There is something to be said about just letting the dam break when she can finally let go of the pressure.

A bit of plot armor here not getting in trouble for killing Lu DaHu...I'm not a huge fan of Commander Wang, is he good or bad? Is an a-hole but seems like he cares about the soldiers and keeping the border town safe when he mentions as long as the soldiers have salt.

I feel bad for General Mo though...he got demoted because of his Concubine

Madam Wang hitting Madam Zuo where it hurts...telling her she has to go back to the Fu's.

Ah there is some explanation...a lot of people have asked why Madam Zuo hates TingYun so much, apparently TingYun also has the same question and honestly...not a good answer at all

https://i.redd.it/flaq1utf6mjh1.gif

I'm surprised she actually told her who was behind the plot to frame her...all because the jerk Yu JingXiu didn't want to marry her so he decided it was better to scheme and ruin her reputation behind her back. I love Zhao Ling 100% calling it out too and is right. Yu JingXiu is despicable

https://i.redd.it/yom7p7zj6mjh1.gif

Another mini fun fact: This Idiom 邪不壓正 is an idiom that has evolved over time...in the Han Dynasty it was said to be 邪不伐正，in the Tang 邪不犯正 ，and in the Ming 邪不勝正 eventually evolving into the current idiom 邪不壓正...when I was a kid there was a cartoon on TVB called 成語故事...stories of idioms, had a Panda Professor and a robot and I LOVED watching it. My parents said I use to speak in idioms as a child because of it...so idiom origins amuse me.

https://preview.redd.it/0iefonjm6mjh1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b32a4aa1886b4aa939de07eb8fb812a12e36c959

Is Madam Zuo killing her little brother???? What?

Oh...and now she's unaliving herself too...we finally get rid of Madam Zuo.

Y'all major props to Una You for this insane and chilling performance as Madam Zuo.

Episode 15

Serves her right...Concubine Lu getting kicked out...

Oh boy, I hope Madam Mo won't resent and hate TingYun...why is it always the servants who start sowing discord?? Seems like Madam Mo only cares that her children's futures aren't as bright...which is fair, General Mo hasn't really been good to her lately.

https://i.redd.it/djv0txxp6mjh1.gif

Look at TingYu happy and enjoying her little family life.

https://preview.redd.it/mzp3f3qs6mjh1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ec989656a6de9b17f3214796439c61fb387b244a

What...Grandma Fu died?? That's it? That is SO unsatisfying

Help, their chemistry is insane...come on, get married already

https://i.redd.it/9uegz44v6mjh1.gif

Y'all, this looks so good...might have to recreate it...which made go find some sort of recipe here...maybe I'll try it one day.

https://preview.redd.it/4oqooija8mjh1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1dbbc6522649900256e7cc0f4ea70d1255fdac90

Surely he didn't leave just like that...

Aw...he got her lotus seeds romantic and practical lol

He came back!

https://i.redd.it/a3quwrtx6mjh1.gif

I think it's nice that she's restoring the name of the dead from the previous dynasty. She's been slowly restoring them since she's lived here.

Oh...Our Crown Prince is now the Emperor, that's good for our couple isn't it? The backing of the now Emperor?

https://i.redd.it/2ppfip927mjh1.gif

Interesting...seeing the dad default to his wife's thoughts...

I feel like Madam Yu is definitely manipulating him into taking the position. She knows anything she says, he'll do the opposite.

Yep...I was right.

Oof things don't seem to have gotten any better for Fan Yuck YaKe..

https://i.redd.it/179q5l4s7mjh1.gif

Oh...interesting Madam Mo can't read. Technically, on par with the time period and her background.

lol Madam Mo having a hard time with trying to ask TingYun for help

Sigh, can't our couple live in peace? They just got rid of Madam Zuo and Concubine Lu and here comes a stupid Yu JingXiu

Of course Yu JingXiu is going to block Zhao Ling's promotion

Commander Wang coming in clutch and defending Zhao Ling with his Imperial Recommendation...

I have been wondering how it's going to look when the Emperor finds out Xie TingYun is actually Fu TingYun

I freakin' hate Yu JingXiu

Wait, is Zhao Ling going to try to kill Yu JingXiu? Like that would solve problems but it will also cause bigger ones...bro...not a good idea...also DYX with his evil scary facial expression...for being what basically is the nicest actor out there, he sure can look hella scary and evil

Yu JingXiu is very well informed somehow about Li Mao

Seriously...Yu JinXiu and Li Mao are hatching a plan to switch out the warhorses with normal horses? ? Like a bunch of people didn't already see the legit warhorses??? But of course that doesn't matter...just evil plots plotting 😒

Bro, this is your fault for being inadequate...Zhao Ling can get things done, he also doesn't cave to his mom, you are literally nothing without your mom.

https://i.redd.it/iv8654de7mjh1.gif

I'm not going to lie, I'm going to HATE this part of the show

I was totally hoping he would actually die under that collapse...but no we're going to have TingYun save him...and he's going to fall for her...ugh the fact that he even was protesting her trying to save him for a bit...what an idiot. I really do hate Yu JingXiu.

Oh, I'm so glad Zhao Ling caught them trying to switch the horseshoes.

haha that kick was satisfying.

Also WHAT IN THE F- Yu JingXiu, you telling Zhao Ling that she's in normal plain clothes and stuff because of Zhao Ling. YOU CAUSED ALL OF THIS YOU FREAKIN' JERK!!!

https://i.redd.it/u48ishd57mjh1.gif

Sorry for the caps I am SO mad at this

Ok, so I'm one who watches previews. >!And I am so worried for our couple. Ugh I hope I'm wrong, guess we'll find out in the next few days how this goes. !<

ok this one was a bit lengthy, let me know what you think of these episodes!

Fun Fact: I've seen some newbies joining the discussions and they had some questions about the Widow Arches and figured this would be the fact for today. First, why they became a thing...during the Song Dynasty Neo-Confucianism stressed ideologies like moral purity. There is a famous scholar in the Song Dynasty that spearheaded this belief named Cheng Yi. He is quoted to have said "to stave to death is a small matter but to lose one's chastity, is a great matter." The Yuan Dynasty decided to make honoring young widows into an honor but building the stone arches, though done before in the past, really took place more in the Ming. The Ming Dynasty wanted to rebuild the social order that was changed by the Yuan Dynasty (Mongols) so they started giving out imperial commendations for these values, they saw Widow Chastity as one of the ultimate symbols of virtue...to qualify, you were basically a widow young...under the age of 30 and had to stay chaste for over 30 years. During this time period they were required to do everything a normal daughter in law was required to do...stay filial to her husband's family including helping raise children, taking care of the elders and so on. One thing about staying chaste, living with her husband's family and not remarrying or moving back to her family is that everything in her dowry would also remain with the husband's family...Widows who remarried or moved back to their maternal homes were not allowed to take any of those with them. It was more advantageous to stay a widow in your husband's family than leave...(this was different than other dynasties by the way...Tang Dynasty had it so the dowry stayed with the woman) Once a widow qualified and received the imperial commendation, it would give power, prestige and some money to the family.

Discussion Links:

Airing Schedule | Masterpost | Flashcards | All Discussions | Episodes 1-3 | Episodes 4-5 | Episodes 6-7 | Episodes 8-9 |

Spoiler Warning: Remember, my co-host u/katleap13 and I are going off the VIP schedule, anything up to episode 11, totally fair game, anything after episode 11...please put it under a spoiler tag or wait till that episode's discussion 😄

Abbreviations I use if I get tired of typing out their names...

ZL - Zhao Ling

FTY - Fu TingYun or XTY for Xie TingYun...

FYK - Fan YaKe

YJX - Yu JingXiu

Discussion Questions:

1. How do we think Fu Xie TingYun is going to navigate dealing with Madam Zuo?

Commentary:

Episode 10

I'm still figuring out Mrs. Tian...is she just an important status person...the show had zoomed in on her a few times past few episodes...

Interesting that word is already got out that YaKe might have messed up

I wonder if that money went to his friends or if he's saving it for her...

I knew the advisor would come find TingYun to get het to convince him lol 

Ok, come on! He's a keeper...the money is for her

https://preview.redd.it/xklqrg33l8jh1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8d1e5483d8577c030ddfec57c63ba6951dd8e39c

Wait...she really probably should tell the truth about her identity...that can be a problem later 

Lol he almost fell in the water with that question

https://i.redd.it/mt8z4zs5l8jh1.gif

Lol slight jealously about also liking Sen and the others 

But also...y'all, I feel for him, he's already fallen hard for TingYun and he wants her to want to marry him for love...but here she is just making it a business transaction.

I like her saying...I'm only going to ask once

https://preview.redd.it/0o5fipn8l8jh1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9d989bb8ab6587c3d782495edc231a3c02b55915

Ha...Fan YaKe not getting the wedding she wants

https://preview.redd.it/cokr3djal8jh1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=96dd9dc91bea0ceb0aa535f0345b2f5cbf193472

Interesting...sowing discord between the couple already. But why though? Seems like he values those texts more than she does 

https://preview.redd.it/snditt0cl8jh1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=01092101f4591a22f682f084b41878fc428b18f5

Oh I knew Madam Yu wouldn't take TingYun holding anything over her head...she would align herself with a psycho 

Aw look at him making a decision to marry and join the army...I hope they marry first.  

Lol I love this guard 

https://preview.redd.it/8bekrm1el8jh1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c617ff2833eb28087cded4701dc3a15d157f0f99

Aw he loves her, he's going to do best to advance, she's his motivation...look at this look...DYX with his expressions...

https://preview.redd.it/2iucrwrhl8jh1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e9fa8409c29d56895b64bf35dde2ccadc2dbdba6

...Madam Yu the master schemer...so she wanted Fan YaKe to mess up to take the heat off of them and make them unnoticeable?

I love this little group of bandits turned legit...especially Yang YuCheng with his mom...his mom is so happy for him

Madam Yu knowing full well that TingYun is going to suffer a bit...

So Madam Zuo is now some school teacher?

Oh boy...this concubine Lu is going to be trouble, I can already feel it.

Oh no, she's going to have a bit of a hard time at the camp if she's already at odds...this Madam Mo seems a little ridiculous to get so angry quickly. Very petty

https://preview.redd.it/0ww69tell8jh1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=11c6a3bd339ff697d31fcd1b38fd04f3d423f233

Looks like he's also not going to have a good time in this camp...oh boy they really set themselves up for a tad bit of hardship haven't they?

Episode 11

So...hierarchy town, guess that makes sense for a military town

TingYun is surprisingly amused by everything right now, she looks very bright eyed and filled with promise

Ok...swoon y'all...how can she not fall in love with him by now?? I love his promise to her...he's doing this for her. I love her trust in him

https://i.redd.it/1bs438pol8jh1.gif

On the flip side...I love his trust in her too...they really are perfect for each other

https://preview.redd.it/nuapza8rl8jh1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6b199a549e3570d15667ada11562cae303afae39

lol General Mo does not think highly of his "brother in law" at all

I seriously doubt that...honestly Commander Wang seems like a joke and a bit of an a-hole. No way he's going to like Zhao Ling because he has the Crown Prince's support...in fact because he has the Crown Prince's support, Zhao Ling is going to get targeted a lot. Time is not going to go well for him for a bit.

https://preview.redd.it/as6074awl8jh1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0de706c3fe409cca718be91647273d7b42e4d289

Sigh the Lu family looks like they're going to be annoying af and trouble

what the heck...Madam Zuo lives in this town? Ugh this is just not going to go well and I'm not looking forward to the stupidity that comes out of these women

Yikes...Mrs. Mo is petty...

I like TingYun breaking down the situation and understanding it fully already. And like a good husband, Zhao Ling is going to do whatever she wants.

https://i.redd.it/ili6rce2m8jh1.gif

I love how she tricks them to give up the land back to her...

Ok...Mrs. Mo is mad but like it's Xie TingYun's land...

Come on...they love each other

https://i.redd.it/2rj9fon7m8jh1.gif

...ok are you serious right now???? Mrs. Mo playing stupid tricks like messing with the horse? What is wrong with her. I'm sure there's some random redemption arc for her soon and they'll be besties or something ridiculous but THIS this petty trick pisses me off.

https://i.redd.it/9e5iv8dam8jh1.gif

Oh...that's the wrong advice, don't tell him to not go back to camp until the morning...that is definitely going to get him in trouble.

I love how much he cares about her reputation so much so he's willing to take punishment

Sigh...I knew this Commander Wang and Deputy Lu or whatever he is were going to be trouble

Aw...his buddies helped take some of the punishment for him

LOL I love him totally hamming this up...He was totally going to act cool about it but then realized how much better it was for her to dote on him. I love him

Aw he's definitely going to drop the act with her crying, he's so kind hearted

Mrs. Mo makes me so mad. Women should help women, not be complete jerks to them, clearly she's trying.

Look at him riding in to help...man I really was hoping they'd be married first

https://i.redd.it/shf71x6fm8jh1.gif

Oh good...I'm glad this Mrs. Mo thing is settled pretty quickly, I'm still mad about all of it though lol

...what kind of bdsm BS is this with this official and Ms. Zuo...sigh she's definitely going to cause issue with TingYun

Yes...get married! lol Zhao Ling...always being caught off guard.

https://i.redd.it/4p9vjxpim8jh1.gif

Poor Zhao Ling though...he wants her to love him before they marry...he doesn't want it for "convenience"

Y'all, I can't handle how much he loves her already...just how worried he is for her...but also lol that it's cold water

https://i.redd.it/vaur5vilm8jh1.gif

I do absolutely love the term 心悅 (xin yue), it breaks down to heart is pleased or delighted...an older term for love but just the poetry behind the word...your heart is absolutely delighted or your heart is so full of delight or heart is full...I don't know, it's just romantic and we all realize by now our Zhao Ling is romantic...wanting a marriage of love and not just a business transaction. Y'all...Zhao Ling really is the a green forest.

https://i.redd.it/yoivkfmnm8jh1.gif

YaKe (or yuck if we prefer)...is really going to try to throw her weight around in front of Madam Yu? Oh boy...I can't wait for her to be taken down a notch.

Fun Fact: I feel like I should go a little bit into salt during the Ming Dynasty. Let's go with where you could get salt, it could come from various water sources like the sea, lakes, and wells. A few came from the land like saline rock and salty earth. Salt during the Ming Dynasty was a real headache...mainly because the government monopolized the salt industry. They prioritized salt merchants that were able to deliver salt to the armies by giving them the sole rights to buy these salt permits. A lot of salt merchants were able to buy the salt from the government for cheap but then sell them for a much higher price for retail. Many merchants then started selling their salt permits to others, this led to insane salt prices and increase in salt smugglers (like our ML). Soon smugglers were selling "contraband" salt at much cheaper prices taking away from the tax revenue salt sales provided. Salt officials would then have to raise prices even more in order to meet their tax threshold...causing salt merchants to start doing business with smugglers since no one could really afford to buy "legal" salt.

Discussion Links:

Airing Schedule | Masterpost | Flashcards | All Discussions | Episodes 1-3 | Episodes 4-5 |

Spoiler Warning: We (myself and my co-host u/katleap13) are following the VIP schedule on WeTV. Remember, nothing past episode 7, if you're on SVIP schedule put it under a spoiler or wait till the next discussion comes out.

Abbreviations I use if I get tired of typing out their names...

ZL - Zhao Ling

FTY - Fu TingYun

FYK - Fan YaKe

YJX - Yu JingXiu

Discussion Questions:

1. Sound off...who fell first...him or her?

Commentary:

Episode 6:

lol Zhao Ling pretending to have the plague just to get rid of the envoy...

He really tied her up and left her tied up lol

https://preview.redd.it/dh1mxm2bltih1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=915ae7e33d85c316d295d9669844398fa49cd4c5

Aw poor Sen getting knocked out...that's going to leave a lump

What is her plan here...is she going to try to help him? Or is she going to leave him out to dry? She's obviously going to take the badge to the envoy, but I'm curious how this will go. I want to say she's not cruel to not help him after he saved her...but also she's now realized everyone is out for themselves so maybe she does?

Oh...she's going to meet Madam Yu again...I also kind of hope she ruins Fan YaKe's wedding lol

https://preview.redd.it/qjxyodhdltih1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=de4b23bb2ea377306a3791028a4ee95d0dc817f8

No way you can trust Madam Yu...I hope TingYun won't get tricked. Madam Yu has years of scheming, hopefully TingYun has something in mind and in her back pocket.

What exactly was Zhao Ling trying to do busting in to a heavily guarded area?

https://preview.redd.it/wfelodgfltih1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4fc54b8a491ece30c438705dbd67640483cde216

It's still wild to see guns in a costume drama...I know it's the right time period.

https://preview.redd.it/63ulphzgltih1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6746c91e4291fa149363b154f641f4963b470429

lol ok Zhao Ling is pretty smart trying to use the envoy's men to get rid of his enemies

No way I trust Madam Yu...she's totally not going to let her see the Prince.

Wait, so she's trying to get TingYun to marry as a concubine? or is she trying to get her as the main wife and get rid of Fan YaKe?

Fan YaKe's maid is kind of awful...why is it always the maids of the antagonist that are actually the worse? Like they are always 10x worse than the person they're serving.

Fan YaKe really thinks that if they were actually married to the same guy she'd have a good life? Surely she knows that Madam Yu prefers TingYun over YaKe...it'll probably be hell for her. She's over here trying to be very smug about it.

https://i.redd.it/92c7mp0kltih1.gif

Aw...I have all the feels right now that she's trying to help out Zhao Ling and of course herself...

https://preview.redd.it/d35no5onltih1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=686b1326c34e92076603915e88a2d1ca97f0edb2

hahaha Madam Yu got played! I absolutely LOVE IT

https://i.redd.it/b80obk3qltih1.gif

lol who is she playing right now? Can she lift that blade? That is such a long sword

https://preview.redd.it/8kwf63ssltih1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=34cb5b84c79e1e19a5b9dbdc6bbac030cf4f25b1

😂Not our Zhao Ling immediately giving up the act that he's still tied up when he realizes he's going to be dealing with the Crown Prince...and just going NOPE nope nope I'm out

https://i.redd.it/cci7vmcvltih1.gif

Aw look at her being honest saying she needs a man to help her.

https://preview.redd.it/6a65i21yltih1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f43ee7259c263f9ba34a3332a39ce4d0e6299eb0

Episode 7

One thing I love about Zhao Ling, no matter what he's been through, he's still a kind person and you can tell that just by how he reacted to her saying "I need a man"

https://preview.redd.it/4wwnqnf2ntih1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5c929ff50bbb59d7ea0d4b47bcc5095d8ba41c06

LOL I love this guy and this scene so much

https://i.redd.it/umce00w1mtih1.gif

Fan YaKe really knows how to manipulate Yu JingXiu...I hope Fan YaKe realizes this marriage is going to end up being terrible in the end. She has to live with her mother in law. I don't understand Yu JingXiu saying he hates TingYun...his mom is right though when she asks her question...

https://i.redd.it/jvn1cj88ntih1.gif

Y'all...Ding YuXi and his eyes...bro is halfway in love with her already.

Yes! I am ALL for TingYun coming out with claws. I love the turn of events. "If you want a seat at my table..." what a great line

https://i.redd.it/tvej0ovcmtih1.gif

I feel like Madam Yu is scheming something and it's going to bite them in the butt...on the one hand she might not dare given that it's the Crown Prince doing all of this but it does seem like she's thinking of ways to come out on top.

Female relationships amongst the nobles seem like way too much work, if I lived in this time period, I'd just stay home and a recluse...keep in mind...I'm in general a homebody who just likes to hang out with my husband...but still her little speech about "every look, every word missed" could be important...that is just too much work y'all lol

I like that Zhao Ling isn't even getting his hands dirty with this fight scene lol

I wonder why he's freaking out about this plaque. I wonder if there's a secret in it but no way Zhao Ling actually burns it.

Yep...was right

https://i.redd.it/7j2ln20qfuih1.gif

I wonder if they'll be friends later...

So that's kind of sweet, he's willing to serve Zhao Ling because he helped find his mom...what a good mama's boy...Also what the heck is with the editing...how'd you find his mom so quickly? Did I miss that they already knew what he wanted? I will say this...the editing of this drama at times is disjointed.

This look she gives him...she respects him and admires him.

https://preview.redd.it/wy4d347jmtih1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ab8474e1d937c47da5dae97361c9533a110feda5

What kind of random reputation is this?? Whatever she dreams, they have to try to give her just for salt permits? Those who hold the permits...hold the power...

https://preview.redd.it/up6d4s2ymtih1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b59de755b6539fe83ace8d9c63e643deebd06fb9

Oh...I like this reverse trope where the female is touching the male to teach him how to do something...it's almost always the opposite

https://preview.redd.it/2jt9atjsmtih1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d8fe815290a7e0cf2b62a3ffa6225d5ee96615c9

lol did she really tell him to go study the Crown Prince?

Wait...did he? lol Seems pretty close

Dang...big spender...

Side note: YaKe's name is elegant guest?

...YaKe trying to sell her dowry...her own father's writings. She really will do anything won't she?

YaKe really trying to make herself seem like she's better than TingYun now...but I'm loving TingYun's plan.

Fresh Crabs...YaKe really trying to be smug af buuuut TingYun knows these noble ladies way better than YaKe does and can't one up her lol

Oh stop...swoon...please swoon...

https://i.redd.it/ewh61q7omtih1.gif

Breaking his heart here...he wanted to do all that for her lol

https://preview.redd.it/jkp3kspfntih1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0acf20aee6711e7a0f2445803245792d016c09b7

Let's kick this off the only way I know how...Fun Fact: The Traditional Chinese character for salt 鹽 (yan) actually has a fun background. Like many Chinese characters, when you break it down, it makes sense and gives you a bit of history. Breaking this out into parts, the left part of this character 臣 (chen) means minister/official, the right part of this character 鹵 (lu) can mean salt and the bottom part of this character 皿 (min) means a shallow container. Pictorially this character is made up of an official 臣(chen) looking into a container 皿 (min) of salt 鹵 (lu). Technically one step further is the 鹵 (lu) part of the character comes from a container with salt in it...so given how this character was put together you can imagine how strict salt trade use to be. 😊

Anyway...Hello hello!! It has been a few months, I've been itching to get back into hosting and what better one than a Ding YuXi drama? This time I'm co-hosting with the wonderful u/katleap13. We'll be your hosts for this show and will be following the VIP schedule. So those who have splurged for the SVIP...put it under a spoiler or wait till that episode's discussion please and thank you!! Please don't get offended if I ask you to put anything under a spoiler tag, I want to make it fair to everyone. I meant to get this out first thing in the morning but well...life lol

Housekeeping...if you haven't been to one of my discussions before, welcome! My style is a little different than most. I host Mystery Science Theater 3000 Style...basically I type my reactions as I watch the episodes. You won't really get a recap from me, you'll just get random reactions. Here's my usual format...I start with a Fun Fact, provide you with discussion links...spoiler warning...some discussion questions and then the commentary starts. If you want to skip and go straight to making your own comments, go for it, my favorite part of hosting is reading and engaging in the comments. So without further ado...

Discussion Links:

Airing Schedule | Masterpost | Flashcards | All Discussions |

Spoiler Warning: Remember, everything up until episode 3 is fair game, but anything after that, please please put it under a spoiler tag.

Abbreviations I use if I get tired of typing out their names...

ZL - Zhao Ling

FTY - Fu TingYun

FYK - Fan YaKe

YJX - Yu JingXiu

Discussion Questions:

1. So, what do you think so far?
2. What would you do in Grandma's shoes?

Episode 1 Commentary

Right off the bat...beautiful cinematography

https://preview.redd.it/ed09dgi8xeih1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6bcd5afa5318e7cda2bb4887758fef9c2df740ca

Interesting starting with ML not yielding to a funeral procession

I see we're already setting up this Madam Zuo to be a bit evil with all her black and checking out Erotic books, guess we'll keep an eye on her.

Oh hello Cui JinBai I mean...Yu JingXiu

https://preview.redd.it/1p4g4c51xeih1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cbf7e1d3a69182b35ba9b9e826d1d33f7eab463f

So...what is Madam Zuo's play here? Ruin Fu TingYun's reputation and she then has to marry her little brother instead? But seriously how was she going to explain...hey I knew EXACTLY where to look for my "missing" scriptures? She knew to look in Fu TingYun's ceremony clothing chest? How anyone could believe her would be insanity right?

This Madam Yu definitely just flipped the script on everyone...I feel a little bad for Fan YaKe, she didn't ask for that attention.

LOL I'm not sure that's a real story, props to grandma for explaining a story about hedging your bets and don't put all your eggs in one basket

https://i.redd.it/tl1i7apbxeih1.gif

Wait, so Madam Yu does like her? How scheming

Why is Madam Zuo so bitter...her husband died early, seems like she could have left...they said she chose to remain a widow.

We have another younger teen sidekick...are there more teenagers as supporting roles lately?

LOL smart...very smart.

https://i.redd.it/6fv4xjghxeih1.gif

My main question is, how long do you think he can keep this act up given the fact it can probably be easily debunked lol

https://preview.redd.it/c219j0kkxeih1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b07bcff9069be15df015b5a7f1c9b5b55ee2fb84

Apparently...not long lol

He is just digging himself into a huge hole and Madam Yu is going to call him out on it...I'm sure of it, I mean, look at this face...

https://preview.redd.it/zw360hsmxeih1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bcfe532f0ae697eb9f7483af344f2ce77060c0d7

Seems like Fan YaKe might like her cousin...

Well, pretty sure the plan to have her cousin or actual brother? Help test out Zhao Ling is going to backfire

Episode 2

Yep backfired lol

Interesting that Madam Yu would help her...she's very snobby isn't she?

Yikes...I get testing him out but setting him up to possibly get killed is kind of the wrong direction don't you think?

So is this an enemy to lovers story? I'm going to be 100% honest, I did not look into this show, I just went in thinking oh Ding YuXi and Deng EnXi back together again...should be good.

She's smart, but again...she's kind of setting him up to get killed by changing that wording.

Yep...someone within his own group tried to poison him, good thing he noticed and realized. Don't think I could have dealt with some random poison plotline again

Oh...Madam Zuo has to stay in the Fu family and stay chaste...I guess I missed that earlier. Ming Dynasty made a big deal out of Widow Chastity.

https://preview.redd.it/sr4t58qdyeih1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=84ed4ddc982eadf39a1c8c1e4f6001778162ac4f

Madam Zuo really won't let this go...why is she so set on it?

Wait, didn't Madam Yu say the Fu family is on a decline and she didn't want this marriage? But now she's for it?

https://i.redd.it/um99p33lyeih1.gif

Yikes...Madam Zuo is a bit psycho but you can tell she got to Fan YaKe

Ah...so we're setting up Fan YaKe and Yu JingXiu

https://preview.redd.it/djuwuripyeih1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=180c3062244a8d02dbb0f91eae775b5ff2036c83

I also see they're setting us up to get some sort of resentment and rivalry between FYK and FTY

Madam Yu seems to have eyes and ears everywhere...how did she already find the flowers and knew who they would have came from?

Oh...this is going to be interesting. Look...could this be love at first sight?

https://preview.redd.it/chjfnxatyeih1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=33578edc9cd720780b31f18b8868e9c289255277

Episode 3

The truth hurts doesn't it? FTY really should look at her grandmother's true colors by now...

https://preview.redd.it/7ebt1yjvyeih1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5d35f0565152168efda2747cbf7458cd2da9de11

lol I actually really like Zhao Ling's attitude. He's still pretty nonchalant about this whole thing

https://i.redd.it/s1q4ekixyeih1.gif

This actress is good at playing a bad guy...I mean, look how scary she looks here

https://preview.redd.it/hh254aw0zeih1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e13bad9f3706a6f24809982634a605d7477b7b25

I do feel bad for him...he doesn't know FTY though, she probably won't end up like her grandmother...right?

Oh no...does he really need to scheme against her?

https://preview.redd.it/jka4rah9zeih1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e9bf5d795ede684adbc394c3fe587840db976788

OMG this is awful ok, Yu JingXiu is on my shitlist and honestly whoever else helped him

The grandmother is awful

I bet you Fan YaKe is part of this plot...because how does she already know it was MoXiang

Ok...maybe she wasn't part of the plot. Let's hope not...

Oh no, she's going to lie

Has no one ever heard of chicks before ... you know the rest... but not only is she betraying her friend she's ruining her friend's future too AND her friend's reputation...ugh I really hate this part

What awful people...honestly, I hope she takes revenge on her so called friend, the Zuo brother, Madam Zuo, and Yu JingXiu too

Um...excuse me, why does she have to think about Yu JingXiu? He's still a son of a rich noble, if they don't marry...he's still fine. "Betray his feelings" they met once. I hope they fail so freakin' hard and she has an awful life for doing this to her friend.

https://i.redd.it/iltjx2c5zeih1.gif

No way Madam Yu will still take her

https://preview.redd.it/seg8txgczeih1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5be6c72dcdd79d3f7951ca48ea3bcb8bcb929ddc

Honestly, I was expecting his mom to say no and I think that would have been kind of a nice comeuppance for both Fan YaKe and Yu JingXiu...ok I know, I'm bloodthirsty

https://preview.redd.it/jhy48i4fzeih1.jpg?width=864&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0763b1cfd0924fd4781e239b06cb6be32a7d7a8d

Wait...is her grandmother actually killing her?

We're ending it there?? REALLY?

Y'all notice the past few new shows, WeTV/Tencent has done the "next time on..." previews separate from the preview trailers? How interesting lol

I am curious how much this show will go into the salt trade...I remember a show from when I was younger on TVB called the Sweetness of Salt and it was a whole thing, it was the first time I really learned the craziness of salt back in ancient China.

Also, I haven't posted a post on reddit in a while versus a comment...or one from my desktop but things changed a little bit and it seems to be a little more annoying to get pictures into the body of your post...is that just me? Is there a trick? lol Someone help

Just FYI WeTV has their promo going on for their 7th anniversary if anyone is interested in getting it...I haven't figured out if it's like iQiyi where it prorates and extends your membership or not...maybe I'll give it a try later and report back.

Edit: Just finished this show this morning, back with my final thoughts below and a new counter update.

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: 8

Slaps: 9

Cloak Swooshes: 4

Hugs: 19 (I lost count here lol but it's around this if not one or two more)

Swept Up Off her Feet: 7

Kiss: 17

Overall thoughts:

I think we almost had a perfect show, they just didn't quite stick the landing. I understand the ending a little bit, they wanted us to know this wasn't "the end" for our couple. They had A LOT of work to do for the country but they were going to do it together. It kind of seemed liked they were burning the ways that were forged by the corrupt FHL and would be rebuilding it from his ashes to his original intent...phoenix like...but in doing it together they wouldn't end up the same fate as FHL and his wife. Do I wish we had like an extra 5 minutes or something random to wrap up all the other characters? Yes, 100% OR at least give us a baby. COME ON something.

Some random thoughts in NO particular order because I actually didn't take notes as I was watching the last five episodes so this is based on just my random thoughts now that I'm reflecting back on the show.

CXQ - Really going off the deep end doing the whole opera/clown thing like how did that even make sense? I guess they were trying to say he was finally so desperate he was ready to subject himself to this clown like figure in the opera being used by FHL. The character he plays in the opera is literally the clown in a Chinese opera. I guess this is just the show giving us that CXQ's delusions and desperation had finally reached it's peaked. Plus all the blackmail FHL had on him...but he even came back after presenting his grievances in front of the Emperor deluding himself he was right and he sure showed his uncle up! In the end though, on his death bed he seems to have reverted back to the "good CXQ". I do feel bad for CYY in that scene, he did care about him so much, he didn't have the heart to actually kill him. Also I really hate the "let me run my head into a pillar or wall" thing that ends up killing characters in a cdrama so it was weirdly refreshing they used this trope AND combined it with poison to REALLY sell us that CXQ was going to die.

Ye Xian - There is such a love hate relationship with this character. On the one hand, he did FINALLY mature to an extent at the end there. Before he didn't mature he was just ruthless but even his goodbye letters showed a level of growth...he thought of someone other than himself. He understood how Jinzhao and his sister would react. He knew how to try to put their minds at ease knowing full well that wouldn't really work but he still tried to console them. I'm a bit confused by his death in a way, like they just stabbed him and left him there like that? Or did he stab himself like that to take his last stand? Of course on the other side of this...I never really thought he belonged with Gu Jinzhao with how abusive his actions were...but I think between him and CXQ he at least behaved in an expected manner and then he actually "let it go". I say that in quotes because he stilled cared so much about her to run of to protect her but he knew to step back and he knew she wasn't his. I also appreciate his respect and weird friendship with Chen Yanyun...especially at the end there, collaborating together for the sake of the country. Overall, I don't hate his character

Ji Yao - Still love this guy...speaking of which, I didn't watch every bonus from Mango but the very last bonus on there looked like some sort of AI drawn alternative ending coming up on 6/8? Did anyone else catch that? It said "If I would have chosen him back then" So are they doing an alternative ending with Ji Yao? Look I'm going to watch it but could they have at least given us a bonus of the Jinzhao and Chen Yanyun??

FHL delaying the troops really made no sense, he wanted to kill CYY and save his reputation more than he wanted to save the country...yet he still in the end there sent troops eventually "to save the country" You don't make any sense. I also don't get how all the officials in his faction were like YEP!!! Let's just wait this one out even though the North has already taken TWO CITIES. WHY ARE Y'ALL JUST STANDING THERE IDIOTS!!

I feel bad for Xue Qinglan, so I loved her character at first then she got annoying but in the end there Ye Xian still didn't care about her enough to write more than like a sentence LOL but good on Ye Xian for telling her dad so that she wouldn't go running off with him

ChenYi's death was a bit unnecessary but I feel like I knew it would be coming. ANYTIME a show makes us like a minor character like a guard or servant YOU KNOW they're going to die. Like with ChenYi's antics and being overdone by QingPu and Jinzhao...we all fell for his comedic relief throughout the show, I kind of figured he'd meet his end, I was hoping I was wrong, but nope...wasn't wrong

I'm a bit mad Gu Lian didn't get any type of comeuppance other than her dad getting arrested...she got a marriage and a baby still

Guess it's good Lady Chen randomly realized she's been mistreating her son HIS ENTIRE LIFE what kind of crap is that? Guess good on her she gets a chance to be a better mom now

2nd SIL also random sowing discord at the beginning only to random stop doing as well...ok show...be weird

Ci Sha's fight scenes and sword work and choreography...freakin chef's kiss

Jinzhao being still strong and badass from the start to the end there? Perfect, I do think her character was just written the best....makes sense...I know. But the scene when she faces off with FHL at the gates of the city, freakin' great. Ren Min was perfect for this. I actually might be a rare one but I don't mind her actual voice, I actually kind of wish they would have used it. The Voice Actress did fine but I really think the really emotional parts were just off, I also hated the crying from the VA, I think the scenes would have been even more impactful if she dubbed herself in those times of anguish

I'm sure I have more thoughts, if I think of them I'll update in the comments. I do want to say a HUGE thank you to ALL of you. This was THE most fun discussion I've hosted in a while. You guys really came and made this a big happy drama watching family. It's always a bit sad when a show ends as a host or even as a participant. I feel like it's the end of the school year (which is appropriate given that my son's last day of school was yesterday), you say goodbye to all the friends that you made during the school year (the show) and you head off to do your own thing...next year you might end up seeing them again in your class or you might not but it's rarely all the same people again. So I guess until the next show y'all...hope we meet again.

What's everyone's next show? I actually need to go back and catch up on The Heir and then I should really start Zhan Zhao...but I know rumors of MoLi are coming up and I'm all for that and will be excited to take a backseat to hosting.

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