Welcome to our weekly Thirsty Thursdays thread! 🎉

Spotted a gorgeous photo of your favorite CDrama celebrity? Whether it’s the elegant hanfu, modern streetwear, historical costumes or cough, little at all, we want to see it all!

How to participate:

1. Comment below: Share a photo or describe the iconic looks of your beloved Cdrama celebrities. Don’t forget to mention the show or movie they appeared in!
2. Discuss: What trends, fashion tips, or style inspirations did you get?
3. Keep it fun, civil and PG-13: No bashing actors etc. This thread is all about sharing beautiful photos and red carpet looks. No sharing of inappropriate pictures please!

Let’s turn this thread into a virtual red carpet. Ready, set, fashion! 💃🕺

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

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

Links

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

Spoiler Warning: None...have at it here

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

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

Slaps: 9

Cloak Swooshes: 3

Hugs: 12

Swept Up Off her Feet: 5

Kiss: 15

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

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

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

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

Links:

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

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

Abbreviations in case I get lazy:

CYY - Chen Yanyun

JZ - Jinzhao

YX - Ye Xian

CXQ - Chen Xuanqing

GDZ - Gu Dezhao

GDY - Gu Deyuan

GJR - Gu Jinrong

FHL - Fu Hailian

WXF - Wang Xuanfan

Commentary:

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

Understanding someone does not mean you love them

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

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

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

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

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

The Wang couple...freaking out about shenanigans

Oh look, they're going to look into CXQ

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

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

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

I love ChenYi speaking up right now.

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

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

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

I love ChenYi

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

Advisor Jiang, this is why he's an advisor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oh no...something happened to CYY

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

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

That's a lot of blood.

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

The Wang couple are screwed

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

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

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

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

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

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

Go Gu Jinzhao!

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

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

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

Tracker just went up a lot y'all lol

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

So he risked his life for this scheme...

lol they're cute

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

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

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

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

Tracker:

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

Slaps: 9

Cloak Swooshes: 3

Hugs: 12

Swept Up Off her Feet: 5

Kiss: 15

I think I finally understand why Shine On Me was never something I was obsessed with to the level of popularity it had at the height.

Everything just felt very average or even cheap, from the storyline to the acting to the costume design. Granted I'm not some connoisseur of Chinese dramas, I've watched less than 10, but this was the only drama I recall that felt more like a very long ad for why Chinese products are great and why traveling in China is great, combined with a romantic and dramatic storyline. I skipped all the PVC scenes entirely (unless the male and female lead were together). It very much felt like trying to film/write the drama had about equal importance as advertising.

Aside from that, the acting was fine. Song Weilong and Zhao Jinmai did a fine job. They were nowhere near fantastic but also nowhere near terrible. They, including the script, did not push the buttons or try something new. I know this is definitely a subjective take, but it just kind of felt like they were asked to show an emotion and they just.... did it? That probably doesn't make sense, but what I'm trying to say is it didn't really feel like they connected with the characters and more like they knew how to act their roles technically and followed simple directions.

What I said probably comes off as way more critical than how I actually feel about the drama because I actually really don't mind it. I normally am not this picky or critical and I certainly thought there were good parts, but it was bugging me for a long time why I didn't feel the way everyone else seemed to feel about the drama and I finally realized why it didn't click for me. Does anybody else feel the same way?

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

What drama on your "to watch" have you finally watched?

(These dramas that have ended their run and may have aired just last month, or years ago.)

Did it meet your expectations? Was this drama worth watching even after all this time?

Note: If you are discussing plot points or events that others may not yet have watched, please make sure to use spoiler tags. Consider also sorting the comments by "new" (instead of "best" or "top") as this thread fills up quickly.

EP 1-4 // EP 5-6 // EP 7 -8

I was interested in the lacquer soot ink amd Longxiang so I did some read up on them and added something a bit about them in this post

Episode 9

https://preview.redd.it/rwttw67rtd2h1.jpg?width=1600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c8e03e9d5aefc0d4b7de9e429f8b454d2ee13821

Li zhen is already planning her future and how she will earn money from making lamp blacks and now yeye is angry 😂

https://preview.redd.it/82bnwu0utd2h1.jpg?width=1600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9d23fa4e8b69153125cb4d942798d487294150c9

I knew he was going to get mad at some point and I'm happy it happened early so as for them to clear it up and move on. The truth is although finding your path and sticking to it is important, she needs to earn money and will need to rely on her skills for that. As long as she is able to control herself and be moderate in what she does, then there shouldn't be any problem.

I remember someone saying that Yihousheng might belong to Luo Wenqian... guess you were right about that

Luo Wenqian is smart enough to start off as a rich business man/pawn shop owner and work his way into the ink making business. He hasn't visited since he was little (although no one even recognized him whike he was younger) and no one knows what he looks like after growing up so it's easy for him to remain undercover.

Off topic but then I just remembered that this drama mostly used live recording (with a little bit of dubbing) during filming and it shows from the way han dongjun sounds

I thought he came back solely for revenge but looks like he also came back to raise military supplies... and has to leave after 6 months

How long does it take for every tribute ink competition? I doubt it is a yearly competition

From Luo Wenqian to Qi Jiu... I'm still going to stick with his old name btw because I don't like the way his new name sounds

I love how they just give us quick recaps of their lives.

The once goofy young master is gone and we are left with a man filled with anger and driven by revenge...

Can't wait for li zhen and luo wenqian to meet again at the banquet prepared for them by Yan daren

Yan daren is a man that goes straight to the point... I like that

https://preview.redd.it/3v8j7536ud2h1.jpg?width=1600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=009357237287a6b1128faa6dad6c7e7ae267f320

Luo wenqian eyes has been throwing daggers at tian benchang throughout the banquet 😭

https://preview.redd.it/xk3uc1v8ud2h1.jpg?width=1600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6fd79bd6cdf943f31245a7869c0fd743127cfdf2

The Lacquer Soot Ink became the crown jewel of the "Four Treasures of the Study." Unlike common pine or wood-based inks, it yields an ultra-dark, glossy, water-resistant finish. It was reserved for imperial courts and master painters because it captured unmatched depth and never blurred on raw paper. The phrase "紫气东来" (Zǐqì Dōnglái) originates from the 2,500-year-old legend of Laozi, the founder of Taoism. As Laozi traveled west toward the Hangu Pass, a guard spotted a massive cloud of purple mist rising in the east. This auspicious omen signaled the arrival of a great sage, who then paused to write the foundational text Tao Te Ching. In Chinese culture, "Purple Qi" has since symbolized divine wisdom, nobility, and good fortune. When the highest-grade lacquer soot ink is heavily concentrated, it looks jet black. However, when diluted with water, a master-tier batch reveals a subtle, shimmering purplish-blue undertone. Because of this, artists compared the emergence of this purple sheen on paper to Laozi’s divine purple mist.

Fun fact is Yang Zi (杨紫) and Han Dongjun's (韩东君) name characters came be found in “紫气东来”

As they expected, Yan daren extended an invitation to li jinshui for him to try to recreate the ancient lacquer soot ink

https://preview.redd.it/94fgo4cyud2h1.jpg?width=2160&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b0b4e33fe06321cdf3f7f2793ea430cefac12821

LUO WENQIAN DIDN'T KNOW IT WAS LI ZHEN ALL ALONG?? I thought he knew it was her but I guess I was wrong

I'm curious on what would have happened if li zhen wasn't present or if she didn't learn how to make ink for 3 years. Would li jinshui have been forced to make the ink? If he doesn't agree to it then he might be killed and the whole Li family would have faced another disaster. But then we all know how that li jinshui takes his oath very seriously but he also wouldn't want the Li family to face another series of troubles again because I doubt they would be able to survive it

https://preview.redd.it/b0gv2470vd2h1.jpg?width=1600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=553a47ca996abd1ef083341c81c9b7e574fd098b

Their first proper conversation together and li zhen is already calling him and his tactics out 😂

Tian family are really something else. They won't even let others have a fair chance at trying to develop the lacquer soot ink. They can only win with underhanded methods anyways so I'm not even shocked.

He's back to his own home but this time as a guest

Episode 10

https://preview.redd.it/it08pln3vd2h1.jpg?width=1600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ce649e11083728b57fba99be99f4342a1e787969

Luo Wenqian is just going after both father and son without mercy 😭 they definitely should have figured out that something was wrong at this point

“your family's grievances will be redressed, and their deaths will be avenged” Tian laoye doesn't realize he's talking about himself 😂 no wonder luo wenqian is laughing happily 😂😂

Li zhen will now be working in the Li family's ink workshop to develop the lacquer soot ink. I think it's a good thing for her because she needs a better environment to work in with tools and materials to use which cost a lot

https://preview.redd.it/kw0nima9vd2h1.jpg?width=1600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f6e79bca9a6b26d7cb01c44791a41cdc79f19d00

Longxiang Ink represents the absolute pinnacle of ancient Chinese royal luxury. Reserved strictly for emperors and court scholars, this legendary ink was prized not just for its deep black color, but for its captivating, aristocratic scent. Unlike standard inks that used plain water as a binder, the original Tang Dynasty recipe required an extraordinary botanical ingredient: fresh lotus flower juice. It was used to neutralize the harsh, burnt smell of raw carbon and also balance the heavy scents of aromatics added like musk, borneol and real gold foil. It became such a status symbol that court nobles would even shave off slivers of the ink to drink as emergency medicine.

This Uncle is looking shady with the way he's stopping their aunt from getting the lacquer and even volunteering to help them send it to her home👀

I called it that he was behaving suspiciously. He sold most of their lacquer to the tian family without permission and gave li zhen a diluted version. If she had truly used that lacquer the I double she would have been able to succeed making the ink

These old men always piss me off with how they look down on others especially women. It's like they've forgotten that if that incident didn't happen then li zhen will be one of their hea

Sun baiyi is so shameless. He couldn't recognize good lampblack but is quick to run his mouth. I'm proud of li zhen for shutting him up

The many rules they have in the Li family inkshop is giving me headaches. Poor li zhen has to do a mini exercise running back and forth to get the note correctly

Raw lacquer sap is highly toxic. The Chinese lacquer tree (Toxicodendron vernicifluum) belongs to the exact same plant genus as poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. Exposure to it triggers a severe allergic reaction, resulting in intense itching, painful red swelling, hives, and fluid-filled blisters. In worst case scenarios when inhaled, it can blister the lungs internally causing severe respiratory distress

https://preview.redd.it/tjpzv8xivd2h1.jpg?width=2160&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a624728477844f8f5d9a2d58e225e775640cb982

This scene of her working hard to get the correct recipe really reminds me of luo wensong

That is the book given to her by luo wensong that night right? I remembered him and got this scene 🥹 I see it him helping her indirectly

Luo wenqian is out visiting the Li family. He did say he was going to assess all the ink making families to know who to ally with so I'm looking forward to his interactions with them

For almost 9 years of waiting for it to released, Tencent just drop a reservation for The Monkey King 3 (好女无双) featuring Hou Minghao & Bai Lu as leads.

I wonder why they just suddenly planned to released it now in big 2026 where the cgi's and cinematography is way more different from before. Plus, we're going to see young face of HMH & BL again?!.

What are your thoughts?

Is viki no longer available on the firestick? I have 2 of firesticks, one has it downloaded on there but doesnt work and the other one doesnt bc i can't find the app. But when I looked to see what devices are compatible, firestick is still listed

It is the middle of the week and you're probably counting down the days till the weekend!

So, welcome to our mid-week chat thread where we you can talk about anything! Unwind, get to know other CDrama peeps d and discuss anything you want! Read any good webnovels lately? Visited any place fun? Tried any yummy Chinese snacks lately?

Remember to:

• Keep it PG-13, civil and free of actor bashing and fandom gatekeeping.
• And if you're talking about spoilers, please use spoiler tags.

Have fun!

Welcome

Welcome to the episodes discussion series for Zhan Zhao adventures ! I will be co-hosting with u/Rebelarkey starting today for the rest of the broadcast.

Want to learn more about the show ? Masterpost (episodes 1-3)

Previous episodes discussion : episodes 4-7 / episodes 13-14

🚨 PLEASE USE SPOILER TAGS FOR ANYTHING BEYOND EPISODE 11 🚨

They look like this:

&gt;!Spoiler Text!<

They won’t work if you put space between the exclamation mark and the text and they also only work for one paragraph at a time.

Unfortunately Viki doesn't let us take screenshots and I am very unhappy about that 😞. And Reddit has bugs when I upload pics anyway, so no images to illustrate ! 😞 😞

Recap

- Zhan Zhao infiltrates the pavilion with the help of Yue Shi.

- He Bo/Jing Yi Ming wants to become the leader of all the Jiang Hu organisations and plan to force them at his birthday banquet and poison the leaders.

- Zhan Zhao attacks him but fails to arrest him and to free Yu Lian. He escapes by the secret tunnels, helped by Ding Zhao Hui.

- Mrs Jing is against the actions of her evil husband and takes care of Yu Lian, but he brutalises them.

- Jing Yi Ming is the one who killed Zhao Hui's father. He's staying at his place in order to gather evidences of his crimes and find his sister Yue Hua.

- Ling Long goes to see her best friend, the young master of the Tang sect, a poison expert, to give him the poison Yemotian for him to find an antidote.

- Bai Yutang comes back and fight Zhan Zhao as he wants to find the corrupted Yicheng magistrate. Ling Long defends Zhan Zhoa, but they are suddenly attacked by Zhi Hua's men.

- They escape to the border of a cliff. Zhi Hua rings his bell and controls Yutang who stab Zhan Zhao and he fells off the cliff !

- Plot twist : it was a trick ! Zhan Zhao and Yutang had reconceiled and the later had only faked being poisoned. And Zhan Zhao is only slightly hurt. (Who die falling from a cliff anyway ?? XD)

- Zhan Zhao infiltrates the Jing manor with the help of Mrs Jing and Zhao Hui. They manage to let out Yu Lian.

- Yu Tang has managed to steal Zhi Hua's bell and makes the poisoned men attack him. Later Zhi Hua kills the young master Jing (good riddance !).

- Re-plot twist ! Yue Shi is actually Zhao Hui's sister, Yue Hua ! She has infiltrated the Hanshui palace to have a chance to kill Jing Yi Ming.

Personal thoughts

I'm glad Zhan Zhao and Bai Yutang have reconceiled. They are stronger when they are togheter with Ling Ling. Them fighting togheter is epic !

I feel relieved that they managed to free Yu Lian and that she wasn't killed, because so far all of their missions had failed and that was frustrating !

Discussion questions

- On 1-10 scale how annoying do you rate Jing Yi Ming ?

- Are you also happy that Zhan Zhao and Yutang are friends again ?

- Did you guessed that Yue Shi was Yue Hua ?

- What are hoping for the next episodes ?

See you in 2 days !

I've been in a bit of a haze because of The Great Revival, it really is that awesome. I wouldn't have watched this if not for u/Lotus_swimmer in her excellent post https://www.reddit.com/r/CDrama/comments/1aletfe/more_highquality_nonidol_costumed_dramas/

The turbulent Spring and Autumn period no doubt makes for an interesting backdrop but in particular the wars between Wu and Yue states piqued my interest. Like Swords into Plowshares set in the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms, I barely knew anything about this era and learned a lot.

Father-son conflict ( or rather father figure-son figure conflict) makes for intriguing dramas; this one is no different. Goujian absolutely does not see eye to eye with his father King Yunchang of Yue (another amazing actor) to the point that Yunchang >!deposes him as the crown prince and would rather pass the throne to a literal child!<, feels constrained, and occasionally lashes out. So does Fuchai with King Helu of Wu and later with prime minister Wu Zixu. These curious parallels between Goujian and Fuchai especially in the early episodes is one of the most absorbing motifs of the drama.

Goujian

The fact that the great Chen Daoming plays the male lead Goujian itself is a good reason to watch this one, that man has never disappointed me. He gets so many scenes with Venetian blind like shadows, my noir loving heart was so happy. You really feel every moment of his hardship and frustration. I also appreciated Hu Jun as Fuchai greatly. It's not easy to be the antagonist to Chen Daoming, but Hu Jun is quite responsive and a great listener here. At least two of their soliloquies have allusions to Macbeth and Hamlet. But the supporting actors?!!!! It's a treat to see this range of acting and depth of character.

Fuchai

Wen Zhong played by the wonderful Zheng Tianyong (seriously how haven't I seen him before?) is the archetype of the frail idealistic scholar who tries to do the right thing, but is full of hidden depths, a diplomat par excellence, and can exploit weaknesses eloquently. His conversation with Bo Pi in episode 18 is one of those perfect scenes in Cdrama history for me. The pauses, the dialogues, the way Wen Zhong hits Bo Pi right where it hurts, the way that characteristic beam of light falls on a small part of Wen Zhong's face leaving the rest in darkness even when he is usually not shot in such light, how he >!manipulates Bo Pi who is standing on a higher step and has theoretically more power !<... all of it is awesome.

Wen Zhong

I was also impressed by Ding Yongdai as Bo Pi (again, why did I not see him before?) and when I rewatched certain parts, his subtlety, fondness and greed for luxury, >!struggle for power and resentment towards Wu Zixu, !<and yet adherence to a certain moral code is present from the beginning. An ambiguous and complex character played by a deft actor.

Bo Pi

Then there's Fan Li and boy that's a whole can of worms there. His relationship with Goujian is ahem *ambiguous at best*. Their first interesting meeting, how Goujian instinctively understands Fan Li's plans and intentions, how furious he gets when Fan Li >!leaves Yue and he sends him the empty scabbard of his royal sword as a rebuke. !< Or the famous snow scene where Goujian literally asks him if he's been a terrible king and sinner, or how he manages to >!keep morale up while they're all enslaved in Wu!<. Dear gods, I was screaming! Fan Li again is infuriatingly complicated and I love him for it. Bless Jia Yiping.

Fan Li and Goujian

https://preview.redd.it/s2ziuk7z8a2h1.png?width=864&format=png&auto=webp&s=69f6dd69c34382a45a0d8dd363ec803c0dfeadbf

Wu Zixu and Shi Mai are, to an extent, prototypes of the loyal minister who would rather martyr themselves for the nation. But I liked how they're not exactly idealized. Power hungry, driven by revenge, condescending, frighteningly ready to commit appalling crimes to get what they want, they're deeply flawed and set in their ways. Again, absolutely wonderful acting by veteran actors.

Shi Mai

Sadly Xi Shi and Yayu were underwhelming at best. They did seem period appropriate, but Zuo Xiaoqing as Queen Yayu fell far short of my expectations. I felt she was too calm and composed and not nearly as expressive. Now, I have no problem with age gaps in relationships if done well, but she did not even register as a presence next to Chen Daoming. I wished Xi Shi had more of a role to play; historically she was one gutsy woman. Maybe The Rebirth of a King would be more focused on her.

Have you watched this drama? What did you enjoy? Did you like The Rebirth of a King better or not?

Welcome to The Ingenious One drama hosted rewatch! It will be hosted by u/Regenwanderer and I. There will be discussions every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Masterpost | All episodes | Character flashcards

----

In Episode 1, Yun Xiang, a Yun Tai disciple, leaves his mountain retreat to secretly rescue his mentor and saviour, Wen Cong, from Baiju Town’s prison. He outsmarts bandits, exposes corrupt official Yan Luowang’s schemes, and teams up with female warrior Shu Yanan after a dramatic gambling den confrontation. Their plan to infiltrate Yan’s mansion backfires (or did it?), landing Yun Xiang in the Salt Mine Dungeon.

Episode 2 reveals Yun Xiang’s tragic past: his family was massacred by Qi Tianfeng’s Cao Gang and Wen Cong saved him. In prison, Yun Xiang learns the truth from Wen Cong before his death. Shu Yanan leaks Yan’s corruption, sparking chaos that allows Yun Xiang to escape. The duo, now united against Qi Tianfeng, heads to Yangzhou, with Yun Xiang hiring swordsman Jin Biao for protection.

https://preview.redd.it/gn65r1j4f62h1.jpg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f9b7e4a4e037b53f0b1c118b01c0c8d56e66d47c

These first two episodes drop us into a world where the Qian Men sect has split into warring factions: "Ling Yuan", a fiercely martial sect that is determined to resist the imperial court to the death, while the other faction, "Yun Tai", leaves the world of politics and decides to lean into the world of business. Their power comes from their wealth and connections. Eventhough the two sects were from the same sect, they have been fighting for centuries due to their differences.

Our male lead Yun Xiang is already playing 4D chess from the very first scene.

In a genre flooded with overpowered male leads who are brilliant scholars and martial artists (Luo Shen Yan - Rise of Ning - I'm looking at you), Yun Xiang’s lack of martial arts skills is actually a breath of fresh air.

Lmao how will they explain this to their grandkids

However, I'm still puzzled. (This could be a slight spoiler) It's not as if Yun Tai has >!completely abandoned martial arts. There are obviously disciples who are highly skilled warriors.!< Why didn’t Yun Xiao learn even the basics, especially with vengeance in his mind for years?

Like, Yun Xiang, honey, you’re in a world where people can literally kill you with by looking at you; at least learn to cultivate internal power or something and be a sucky martial artist on the side?

My theory is that either he was purposely nerfed or that the sect has rules against overpowering people - you choose two routes: Brains or Brawn. Yun Xiang is obviously gifted in the brains department, so he was personally taken in by the head of the sect to be trained in the ways of manipulation.

Anyway, Yun Xiang has a nice backup plan: hiring Jin Biao, the swordsman with a moral code: “I don’t kill women, children, or people I like.”

He's all brawn and honour

PS: I adored Jin Biao from his very first scene. Writers, don't you dare touch him!

Shu Yanan: Badass martial artist with low Yun Xiang tolerance

Shu Yanan is everything. Strong, determined, and actually convincing in her fight scenes—no delicate, flowery moves here. One of the better badass female heroines I've watched.

I like that she's not just assigned the role of "love interest of Yun Xiang". She's a full blooded partner in crime and, obviously, has an agenda of her own.

However, Yanan and Yun Xiang obviously doesn't trust each other, and Yanan is not beneath using her fists on Yun Xiang to demonstrate her distrust lol.

The bad guys

The corrupt officials are quite typical, to be honest. Yan Luowang frames the Jianghu heroes, tortures Wen Cong, so by the rules wuxia, he must die, of course.

So, Yun Xiang’s intelligence is his greatest weapon, but in a world where brute force and ultimate qigong moves wins, is it enough?

Later, however, we find out that he does have a special martial arts talent.

He's the Flash of jianghu world!

Kinda.

I was extremely cool to watch, but I also find it cute and hilarious that Yun Xiang’s ability is to run away very fast. (I shall name his move as "Run fast fast").

Of all the martial arts he’s learned, it’s that? (Though from a logical perspective, it is extremely useful to have Speedy Gonzalez abilities that even the most talented martial artists can't catch up to.) This move, however, lasts only "ten breaths", and it obviously takes a toll on him. Wonder if this is because he doesn't have any internal energy? Is it too late to develop internal energy at his age?

We meet Su Mingyu, and our wuxia quartet is complete!

Their first meeting wasn't super

Su Mingyu is like those green kids in Westerns who want to be a gunslinger but don't realise he has to pay a price for that life. He's pampered and rich and must've read too many novels, and even his steward reminds him he has other responsibilities and that the xia life is not for him. But he ain't budging, obviously. I guess he'll have to learn the hard way!

Yun Xiang meets Su Mingyu and immediately insults Su's family saying that their royal connections are going to fade soon. That, of course, doesn't endear Su Mingyu to Yun Xiang. 😛

What do you think of the first two episodes so far?

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.