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...

When are people going to accept that criticising an acting performance, a plot point, a character, or a drama in general does not mean you hate everything about it or wish misfortune upon everyone involved?

It seems perfectly natural that in a discussion post about a drama, people are going to bash a character, dislike an actor's performance, complain about a writing decision, or have some personal pet peeve about the production. These are all normal parts of discussing media because dramas evoke emotions, performances invite interpretation, and some creative decisions are going to work for one person and completely miss the mark for another.

Yet somehow, when someone makes a separate post specifically to criticise a character, actor, plot point, scene, or whatever else, people will respond as though they have just announced a personal vendetta against the entire production. Suddenly, the conversation becomes a defence of the actor's career, the drama's ratings, how hard everyone worked, how successful the production was, or how many other things the actor has done well.

Why?

I have always treated everyone who reads what I write like an adult. I assume people are capable of understanding that two, three, or seven things can be true at the same time. I can love a drama and still be irritated by one character. I can like an actor and think they gave a poor performance in a particular scene. I can enjoy a drama overall and still think a plot decision was ridiculous.

I genuinely do not have the inclination to preface, nor will I ever preface, every criticism with a disclaimer that says, “I promise I don't hate anyone, I love C-dramas, I respect the actors, I know how hard everyone worked, and I acknowledge that the drama was successful.” I should be able to say what I disliked without first proving that I am not secretly wishing for the downfall of the entire team/drama.

Media is not supposed to please everyone.

I don't hate the actor/production. I don't want their career to fail. I am not campaigning for the actor to be unemployed. I simply did not like the way they portrayed anger in episode 14 and I am allowed to discuss that without presenting a five-point defence of the actor's entire career first.

What happened to the art of constructive criticism? What happened to being able to passionately rant about a piece of media without immediately being labelled a hater, or being spoken to as though you are too stupid to understand how successful, talented, hardworking, or beloved the people involved are?

93% of the time I have a detailed critique comment or post to write it means I'm deeply invested in the drama. You know the walk about the house when villain no2 just made you mad? Sometimes I express that on a relevant sub in written form. After I hit 'post' I'm going back to losing sleep trying to finish an episode, and yes, even thoroughly ENJOYING the rest of the drama.

If you don't wanna read a critique of your favourite drama or actor then don't read it. Why would you respond to this with "x actually has 18 million followers on Douyin and they have 5 more dramas coming up this year." Yes? And they still didn't nail that crying scene in episode 14!💁‍♀️

That is all I wanted to say.

It was such a good watch. I was complaining about getting bored of all green flag ML dramas with no personality, I was a bit hesitant to start Lighter and Princess cuz looking at some shorts, it just felt like typ bad boy/good girl trope. I am so glad I watched it. I really liked ML and FL progression of story, ML has a personality and character growth, went to jail, knew what he wanted and came back to reclaim it and loved how FL supported him throughout. I liked none of the leads became dumber after falling in love but were struggling inside, but still fought against injustice cleverly putting all their emotions aside. Loved a 2ML who didnt become toxic or come between ML and FL but genuinely took care of FL and lied to FLs mom for her. I almost skipped Gao videos at end, I could not see him being treated as pitiful and getting his happy ending with his love recovering at the end just because he was dying. He was indirectly responsible for ML actions that lead him to jail and then backstabbing because of his own insecurity and jealousy.

It was really a fun watch. And I like Arthur chen. I want to see him in modern dramas. Arrogant, genius guy Personality really suited him. Loved the ending where they get married even if FL’s family didnt support her.

WELCOME BACK to the FINAL TWO EPISODES Genius Girlfriend, i am your co-host Rebelarkey, you may call me Shale or Larkey if you want. ( u/akiceman has so generously let me host with them).

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🪴A few housekeeping rules!

• We bash characters and not actors! If a character does something stupid, it's not the actors fault. this is not the place to complain about actors or ages, or acting choices
• Spoilers need to be under the cut OR put in it's proper post. Remember this is ONLY EPISODE 25
• Have fun! Dramas are supposed to be entertaining and enjoyable. If you're not enjoying it, it's okay to duck out and drop.

Masterpost - Table of Contents - Airing Schedule

26 || 27 || 28

Buckle up boys and girls this one is another looooong one- episode wise

EPISODE 27

Class Break has dinner together! (Minus one Shen Fuxuan. Someone did NOT want to be a 7th?? wheel to the triple date) Zeqiu is treating them all to dinner because he has something he would like to share with the group. He and Baihui are dating Getting Married!! They skipped the dating portions.

https://i.redd.it/des4ki07lekh1.gif

Afterwards, Jiang Yubai takes Zhixia, his girlfriend, home. He plans to stay the night, on the floor mind you!!! since it's so late. Zhixia tells him he's being silly and invites him to her bed. TO SLEEP BUDDY BOY you went too far in that brain of yours. she's just offering her bed to fall asleep. Kisses do ensue, but Zhixia is not ready for more and promptly goes to sleep, to the utter dismay of her boyfriend.

https://i.redd.it/8vdl4hb0kekh1.gif

Baihui and Zeqiu have dinner with her parents. ugh. y'all I don't care what they say i'm skipping this scene. Oh wait! Turns out they GOT MARRIED SPONTANEOUSLY. dang that was fast. They really did skip the dating part. Her parents are FURIOUS. Baihui finally puts her foot down and goes no contact. Please? Sigh she does not. She tells them that she's always done what they've told her to do but it's never enough. She can''t make them happy by following their instructions and not happy by rebeling. Like why should she try anymore. They realize they've been terrible parents and uh... *check notes* try to do better in the future. LAME.

https://preview.redd.it/0h5o3vnvlekh1.png?width=1420&format=png&auto=webp&s=123fb78efd4962e383f953362dc86b263f1cb4a8

Jiang Yubai is DEBT FREEEEEEE. He pays his last payment and promptly deletes the debtor's phone contact. Don't blame the dude.

Lin Zhixia meets with the department head. Her project got selected for important awards or something. Yay! Downside is that they want to replace Zhixia as group leader with glasses man. Dept head has a reason but he won't say why. Even glasses douchey tries to argue in her favor. This is Zhixia's project that she's been spearheading from inception, why are they replacing her?

Darling looks so sad :( :(

She's really sad after and Jiang Yubai tries to cheer her up over the phone. He makes an analogy: if she plants a tree, and then someone takes over, she still owns the roots. It's a bad analogy. But it was her project and she will get the credit for the initial stages.

Duan Qiyan returns to his company a changed man. He's nice, pleasant, and willing to work with everybodly since their company will now sign the lead tech engineer he's been trying to get them to hire for the last 10ish episodes. Hooray!

https://preview.redd.it/t7v5ntvdlekh1.png?width=1420&format=png&auto=webp&s=b334b5cbc9c95eac2baa4a1a83e48805d701362b

He takes Tingting out to dinner. He asks her questions about a hypothical friend who's in love with his childhood best friend. Does she have any advice for his friend? Would the girl this friend likes be okay with dating the friend and 'ruining the friendship'? Tingting is a little dismissive and basically tells him that she wouldn't be into it.

After dinner they're walking, and Qiyan goes for it anyways, hugging Tang Tingting and confessing that he likes likes her. She threatens that if he doesn't let go, she's stop liking him

Gasp! She DOES like him! I've been on the fence on if TTT actually does like DQY or just thinks of him as friends and we have CONFIRMATION that she's down bad for him.

He turns her around and kisses her. They makeout for an entire song! Kidding, there's a little break in the middle before they dive back in.

https://i.redd.it/6iv2k6rioekh1.gif

Jiang Yubai invites Lin Zhixia to dinner. He informs her that he's debt free! That he never wants to be apart from her because he loves her and they're binary star systems.

She wonders what he will do now that he's debt free. He doesn't love/have passion for what he does, it doesn't light up his world the way mathematics does for her. She wants to support him. He confesses taht he wants to apply for grad school in physics NGL i thought he'd go for mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering.

https://preview.redd.it/3ojmarwilekh1.png?width=1420&format=png&auto=webp&s=f5308c5b059a2b3985a6f80128bd27d7e9c87733

Shen Fuxuan is hanging out with our sick patient Xiao Shui. She is scared that people won't remember her if she dies. That if she's entirely forgotten, will it be as if she's never existed? And if we lose our memeories are we no longer us? Asking philosophical questions now. This drama is getting too deep. Fuxuan promises her that if anything happens, he will remember her. When she's better and grown up and moved away, he'll remember her. They talk about what she wants to do when she's treated and is no longer confined to the hospital.

Shui is leaving. She comes to say goodbye to Dr Shen. He produces a picture for her, one that they took together, and told her to place it on the back of his nametag. That way, he has a picture to remember her by so that she's always remembered. She bravely walks out the door. He tries to say goodbye, but she just lifts up her hand and waves.

https://i.redd.it/kevl0ks6pekh1.gif

Lin Zhixia is given a new assignment. It's a top secret classified government project. She is not allowed to tell anyone about it. She'd have to move to a controlled facility and not see her friends and family until done. She needs to think about it.

Jiang Yubai, the smart man, questions her about it, and when she cannot tell him anymore, uses deductive reasoning to figure out that she has important™ work assigned to her. Yubai promises her that he will support her, if this is what she wants to do.

They kiss. And kiss some more. and move to the couch to do MORE KISSING PLUS Clothes removal. Ummm guys why the couch. This is a studio apartment the BED was right there! It was even closer than the couch!! I question their placement to have adult relations for the first time.

https://i.redd.it/n87zf7jtpekh1.gif

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NO THOUGHTS - my brain is fried from alllllll the kisses we got this episode. What did you think about the couch vs bed debate?

-Also, are we going to see Shui again? I HAVE HOPE!

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!

I put Blossom on hold a long while ago at episode 26 T-T But I want to go back to it now. The problem is I tried watching episode 27 and had no clue what was happening. I seriously forgot everything. I don't remember any of the characters and the plot involved. I am going to be so honest the only reason I wanted to go back and finish it is because I am hoping Li Yunrui's Song Mo grey/white hair comes back. (I don't want him to dye it like in the beginning of ep27)

Anyway my questions is how do I go back to the drama without having to watch the whole thing from the beginning?

Side note:
Also, when Song Mo's grey hair comes in a little bit and FL gets worried for him because that means he is poisoned, the worrying makes me feel good a little bit. I am in my early 20s right now but I have been traumatised a lot since the age of 4-5. And, everytime in my life I go through a new trauma or just in general difficult time I am not kidding I get a new lock of white hair. And it's not genetic premature grey hair lol. So when Song Mo was described in ep1 as someone young but with white hair. I related to it a lot because I have so much white hair atp lol.

This is The Road to Splendor discussions. I am hosting with the totally terrific u/sequesteredself.

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 | Episodes 18 | Episode 19 | Episode 20 |

Houekeeping: We will be following the VIP schedule, so episode 19 is the discussion.

Just one more day of one episode and on Thursday we will be back to two! I will also admit that I might have taken advantgae and put in way to many screenshots. And gifs, plus I have extras in the comments. Sorrynotsorry.

Spoilers: Please use the spoiler tags if you are going to talk about anything beyond episode 19. Thank you!!

- - -
Episode 19

Military Advisor Li Mao has been poisoned. Zhao Ling is furious and slumps against the table holding his side. He got stabbed, has he even done anything to it? Advisor Li gloats that Zhao Ling has overstepped his place and will be in trouble for his death. Zhao Ling tells him that Advisor Li’s death will make it easier for him. We know that the one who poisoned Li Mao is the guy in charge of the prison. He’s probably one of those guys standing in front of Zhao Ling.

https://preview.redd.it/4ayn0nhor9kh1.jpg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=01aef8aef2a0c083990ad2983723f8ed06112bf8

Fu Xie Tingyun has purchased the house she wanted next to the academy and is throwing a house warming. The house seller came to congratulate her and tell her it was a good thing she didn’t buy the other house, because the man was arrested. 

https://preview.redd.it/kfx12yypr9kh1.jpg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e5fa7df2932a87eace8e6d44083960bb84ac49ea

Zhao Ling heads to search Li Mao’s house, now that he’s dead. This entrance deserves all the slow motion. Did I make too many gifs of this yes. Did I actually make one that is way too long? Yes I did. 

https://i.redd.it/bkjz2z7sr9kh1.gif

Xie Tingyun sees the soldiers march by and goes to see if it is Zhao Ling. She drops her handkerchief and just misses him. The soldiers set up barriers to keep the crowd out. Sannaing reminds her that they have guests and she needs to go back. 

https://preview.redd.it/h8x4ulizr9kh1.jpg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=99d6865b56acbe99bbe885c303f05587077261c8

After all the guests have left, Xie Tingyun goes back to the crime scene Li Mao’s house. Zhao Ling is arresting people and is alerted to her presence coming to the cloth barrier. He sees and recognizes her shadow.  Zhao Ling has Tingyun senses. 

https://preview.redd.it/tuh4qie1s9kh1.png?width=1488&format=png&auto=webp&s=dac648b3a9dc9015f7c97f07d0c9a1f2d9c512ac

Their shadows touch hands. Is this practical in the middle of an arrest and with the woman you are not currently claiming is your betrothed because people are trying to kill you? No. Is this devastatingly romantic? You betcha. This is such a lovely moment. 

https://i.redd.it/6torm6j3s9kh1.gif

One of the arrested men breaks free and tries to stab Zhao Ling. He kills him and covers the body to save Tingyun’s eyes. Zhao Ling orders his men to take the long way back to not make a spectacle of the body. He is gone by the time his men have removed the white barrier. Tingyun is sad. 

https://i.redd.it/w5aip195s9kh1.gif

Fan Yake has a baby boy. He is almost 1 years old. I worry about that kid. She is unhappy that Tingyun has purchased the house she wanted.

https://preview.redd.it/l317gw1ds9kh1.jpg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a8c9beb4323313f8b6aba2ea9b4886071997b421

She goes to greet Madam Wu, a merchant from Madam Yu’s home town.  She has come with presents, and her niece, Miss Wu. Fan Yake can smell the orchid perfume on Miss Wu and demands she remove her veil. The girl is young and pretty. 

https://preview.redd.it/rfg9xgles9kh1.jpg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=86ce9fa8035ac3bde83a538190c1d409bf12d3b7

Instantly Fan Yake feels threatened. She decides that she will throw the biggest birthday party for her child and no one will think that her husband is available for another wife. Especially not one who could be a special trained courtesan from Anzhou. 

Sen brings Tingyun the invitation to Madam Yu’s grandchild’s birthday party. He warns Tingyun that this must be a trap. Tingyun agrees but says that in order to see how dangerous the social scene is, she must go.

https://preview.redd.it/pxqjfexqs9kh1.png?width=1488&format=png&auto=webp&s=5b39fb72a4955aa248ba854f13c25934368c24c1

Madam Wu receives an invitation to the birthday party. She tells Miss Wu no dinner until she loses weight and then orders her two nice outfits. Madam Wu wants something and is using her niece to get it. The treatment the niece gets is not nice. 

Fan Yake is immediately put out when Xie Tingyun arrives. She puts Tingyun at the farthest table. Yu Jingxiu is very happy to see Tingyun and has the kitchen add sesame flatbread to the menu. When it is served, Fan Yake announces that this is a gift from her husband because she likes it so much. 

I am not happy to see you

Fan Yake asks Tingyun if commander Zhao has forgotten her already because she’s not married yet and getting old. Tingyun tells her that she sounds like someone they both know, Madam Zuo. Tingyun asks if she’s truly happy, because the narcissus has become an orchid. Ah the symbolism.  

 

https://preview.redd.it/29eotxrzs9kh1.png?width=1488&format=png&auto=webp&s=c05f26112b9bcbabb2e344ca9d8f085a6bbb7ab7

Miss Wu has painted the scene but not included XieTingyun. Fan Yake makes a whole scene about not including her. This is just insulting in the biggest back handed way. Tingyun asks why the hospitality of the Yu family is so bad. The whole exchange just makes Yake look incompetent and her jiejie is really just stirring the pot. 

https://preview.redd.it/kgc367y1t9kh1.png?width=1488&format=png&auto=webp&s=e218eaf54cfc167ee1a697f6da559c518147fd26

In court Zhao Ling is being accused of overstepping his authority. The emperor summons him and he brings in his official robe and hat on a tray. Zhao Ling admits he used excess means but on his death bed Li Mao repented and confessed his co-conspirators. It’s blank. That book is totally blank. What a way to draw out the enemy. 

https://preview.redd.it/5ze10ve4t9kh1.jpg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c3b4bf78afab67e116c74d27c53b67b27c483d1b

Zhao Ling gives the confession to the emperor. It is blank. The emperor tells his officials that Zhao Ling is investigating under his command and has not overstepped his authority. The emperor gives his the authority to investigate and make arrests. He tells Zhao Ling to not get killed. 

https://preview.redd.it/lvehujf6t9kh1.png?width=1488&format=png&auto=webp&s=685d38368da778d2e32a2288b42f83965ad71316

The emperor is having a banquet. He promotes Zhao Ling to Senior Fourth Rank Assistant Commander of the Capitol Guard and gives him a courtesy name, Hucheng. The emperor asks when will he get to celebrate Zhao Ling’s marriage to Tingyun. Zhao Ling tells him that she is at a banquet at the Yu’s house.. The emperor tells him to go with Minister Yu and pick up his girl. 

https://preview.redd.it/edied63at9kh1.png?width=1488&format=png&auto=webp&s=c592c3e226e9c1638873b15747b888afed068d57

The baby gets to pick what he wants to be when he grows up and then everyone has dinner. Tingyun is once again at the farthest table. Madam Yu is upset and has her come sit at the main table with her. 

https://preview.redd.it/zy6ez52ct9kh1.png?width=1488&format=png&auto=webp&s=d8cd74f2656f2647b7742933767fae6fc3cd3998

Because the emperor ordered, Zhao Ling and Yu Jingxiu must leave together and snipe at each other.  Zhao Ling asks if he has risen high enough yet and Yu Jingxiu asks if they have set a wedding date yet. 

After dinner Madam Yu apologizes about the seating arrangement and asks Tingyun if they could just be friends.  Tingyun rebuffs her, saying that she grew up with her daughter-in-law. When Madam Yu protests, Tingyun points out that she hurt her too and the 4 confession matters are resolved. Smelling blood in the water Madam Yu pounces on that statement that Tingyun has destroyed her leverage over Madam Yu and Fan Yake. This conversation was full of double meanings. Insults and warnings were exchanged. 

https://preview.redd.it/el0hdd9et9kh1.jpg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e8bbcb858a03c3b840721f41f4944f0e2a6ccc9b

As the festivities at the Yu mansion are ending, it is raining. As umbrellas are opening and everyone is descending the steps, an unknown carriage pulls up. It is Zhao Ling, with another fabulous entrance. 

https://i.redd.it/em1a6lwmr9kh1.gif

Tingyun drops her handkerchief, again. It looks like the same one from before. Time to retire it cause it won’t stay in her sleeve. Zhao Ling picks it up. 

https://preview.redd.it/21dz1pw9s9kh1.jpg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=63a142b675f6fdbc5a9f2f823bc6cb26e74bf4aa

Thoughts:

Are we all surviving the sad romance right now? The distance is killing us. 

I think that it is interesting that the emperor revealed Zhao Ling as his agent this early. I know he said it was to save Zhao Ling but I think that he is actually making Zhao Ling the target. Technically Zhao Ling is expendable. Commoner background, no family support.  If everyone goes after him then the emperor will live. I think Zhao Ling knew this was a possibility and it is why he has been keeping his distance to Tingyun. However there is a flip side. The emperor promoted Zhao Ling, gave him a courtesy name and practically betrothed him and Tingyun. It was everything except an imperial decree. The emperor could be saying these are my people paws off. 

How much trouble do you think Miss Wu is going to be? Is she a possible ally or mischief waiting to happen? 

This was a positioning episode. We are assembling all our characters and getting ready for the next arc. Any speculation on what is going to happen next?

Zhao Ling has all the amazing entrances in this episode. Which one is your favorite?

Note: Yumcha threads are not the place to start/continue fandom fights from other social media. Read our guide about how to properly discuss fandom stuff in our sub.

If you have breaking news, gossip, or rumours have you heard recently about cdrama celebrities, idols, and stars this weekly post is a space for you to do this! Discuss Chinese celebrity culture, anything relating to the production or development of shows, and paratextual materials (i.e. comments about webnovel/IP authors and developers, etc.)

Just a reminder, however, to take the discussion in this thread with a pinch of salt. Rumours, are rumours after all, and not facts. And let's remember to be kind - people don't like to be gossiped about, including celebrities ;)

If you are discussing plot points or events that others may not yet have watched, please make sure to use spoiler tags.

Looking for good Cdrama review sites that have good reviews and recaps. I'm one of those people that need to manage expectations so I do like to have a flip through of what is coming next. So yeah, spoilers are ok. Everyone heads to My Drama List but their content is crap. Any recommendations?

GREETINGS!!! I am your host, AKiceman, and I have returned to host for a third time! I am joined by the very lovely u/Rebelarkey as co-host and together we shall tickle your mind!

Masterpost - Episode Discussions - Airing Schedule - Express Discussion

NO BLOODY SPOILERS YALL!!!! Use spoiler tags if you do talk about episodes beyond this post. Gotta keep the surprises as surprises! Keep the plot twists like a pretzel. 

Also, kindly remember to please keep any negativity directed at the characters instead of the actors portraying them. They are just doing their job with whatever was script handed to them.

Episode 26

Let's open this post with some cuddles!

Me every night.

The flustered and frustrated lady is remembering the heat of the wet encounter with Yubai. Or should I say the moist encounter? Anyone here hate the word moist?

Also me in bed every night.

DIABOLICAL!!!! Zhixia is unable to sleep easily as her mind keeps bringing her back to the intimate moments they shared. Sooooo what's a lady to do? Well, I have an idea... No not that! This is a innocent CDrama! How dare you think I would go there!!! (I'll go there later... In November. IYKYK).

Anyways! Back to diabolical! She texts Yubai the kind of text no man wants to get. "I'm a bit upset". She's gonna scare the shit outta him. Or not. She backspaces. Yubai is saved from a heart attack.

So, the astronomical statue thingy that Yubai gave her is actually his human observation diary so we get to learn that Yubai was stalking showing up everywhere Zhixia was. What in the Sang Yan is this? He was lurking in the background for so many of her big events while he was hiding away? What in the Lion King 1.5 is this?

Press X and Y to get a love message.

Well, she finally knows what to text him now! 'I want to see you right now". She then shows off how much of a winter girly she is by running out in a light snowfall wearing very little other than a long coat and  skimpiest scarf ever.  We applaud her badassery. It'll be snowing hard in december and I'll still be wearing shorts as I work outdoors. 

Classic CDrama trope right here.

They see each other! The snow freezes! They slowly walk to each other! 

THE LIPS HAVE LANDED!!! WE HAVE A KISS!!!! 

A kiss that Zhixia initiates by pulling Yubai towards her.

LET'S FUCKING GO!!!!!!

Gosh darn I love it when the lady initiates!

Close your eyes and savor the moment.

I love how immediately after she confesses that she likes him, he asks exactly what kind of like she means. There will be no miscommunication here. They each confess and then HE pulls HER right back into a kiss! LET'S GOOOOO!!!!

What do you do after you solidify your relationship status? Tell your friends!

"This is way too sudden" says the members of the Class Break group chat... Are yall blind??? Dr. Shen Fuxuan, The Handsome Man whose actor has redeemed himself for his past characters, responds in the chat "You deserve this". THANK YOU, GOOD SIR!!! 

Yubai modifies fishing rods to get an old man to listen to Zhixia's presentation? Is there anything this man won't do for his lady? I'm blanking so hard on who this old man is.... LIU!!! THAT HERMIT PROFESSOR!!!!!!! Okay. Now I am tracking. 

Qiyan is outvoted at the Board Of Directors meeting and keeps his word, just a wee bit irritated, and signs to bring on the famous guy to be a brand ambassador. It seems fuckface business partner is looking to sell out the company for a quick buck. 

Family dinner time! Zhixia notices her daddy is having some back problems! Not just any back problems... A HERNIATION??? Yoooooooo that's not good! A nice little herniated disk took me out for months! Well, that and the 4 broken pieces of the disk that were compressing my nerves... Which are still healing! Ow...

Zhixia puts in some practice to become a nagging wife by browbeating her dad into staying in town for treatment. 

I'm waiting.

Zhixia is on the case! She smells juicy gossip. Begin the brotherly interrogation!

Another TXW Classic. The stare!

It seems Baihui isn't the only lady finding things on his desk. Zhixia must have seen the wedding brochures too. Hehe. Zeqiu doesn't let any deets slip which mildly annoys his little sister.

She's so adorable.

With the looming financial pressure of medical bills for daddy, Zhixia reconsiders the job offer from that lady named Ling. Ahhhh another person falling victim to the curse of adulthood and bills. This is tragic. 

In other news... Yubai is being the worlds best friend to Triple T Tang Tingting by recording a video of a very drunk Qiyan as he rants about being a loser who can't do anything right for Tingting.

Well, Tingting tracks his butt down and comes in as he is ranting about the issues he's facing at his company. Like an overworked mother of a man child, Tingting kicks his ass into gear about going and talking things out.

She then drags his dunk butt for some food and spoons several of her wontons into his bowl. Hehe.. Wontons....  IYKYK. I swear my posts are turning into a lore test to see what yall know and remember about me.

Qiyan may be an idiot, but he's not stupid. He apologizes to Tingting for making her upset saying "I don't know why you are mad, but I must have offended you". Semi smart boy. 

Bitch, what? Okay... So after TIngting reminds Qiyan the Dunderhead about Yuanyuan being the calm and supportive type of woman that he has said he wants... The moron says "I've only dined there a couple of times and made small talk. When did I ever look for her?" 

I repeat... BITCH, WHAT????? Dude. DUDE!!!! WE ALL SAW YOU!!!! Maybe you didn't realize you were looking for her... But you sure did.

See, this is my thing. After this whole drama I really don't know if I support him and TIngting together. He has put her on a merry chase for years even if he didn't fully realize it. She has to mother him far too much for my liking. It feels like a relationship that will grow into bitterness and divorce. If they are to be endgame, then he needs far more growth. 

Another family dinner! Zhixia announces she has accepted a job with high pay and will start after she finishes her doctoral degree. The family is less than thrilled. To them it is far more important that Zhixia is pursuing her education and the research she loves on her own terms instead of working for someone else just so she can contribute financially to the family. Her parents and brother have sacrificed so much and worked hard to make sure Zhixia has the freedom to fully put her mind to use on her terms. What she has seen as not being a part of the family is really their way of giving her the life she chooses. They will support her regardless, but they do not want her to sacrifice anything of her future for them. 

A very chastised Zhixia goes to Yubai for some comfort only to find out that he also disagrees with her choice of going to work. She questions why he had still said that he'd support whatever she does and why he always throws his principles out the window when it comes to her. "My principle is to make you happy".  Smooth. 

She rightly calls him out for not telling her his true feelings on the matter. 

Yubai grows some brains though. He picks her up and places her above his eye level when she accuses him of always looking down on her. Extra smooth.

Well, that is the episode!

Sound on off in the comments what you are thinking!

Shale and I each have one post left.

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

Welcome to the discussion post for Episodes 30-31 of Royal Betrothal!

‼️ Last Post

This is my last post for this drama. Whooo, it's been a rough ride, eh? While it's not the best drama I've watched, for me, the side characters have made up for the leads and plot holes. Because of the side characters, I able to keep clicking "next episode" and hosting the discussion. For the final episode, hop over to the Express post that was created a few days ago.

🚫 Use spoiler tags for anything beyond the episodes discussed. Format: >! text !<

Links: Masterpost | Character Flashcards |  Ep. 1-3 | Ep 4-5 | Ep. 6-7 | Ep. 8 | Ep. 9 | Ep. 10 | Ep. 11-12 | Ep. 13-14 | Ep. 15-16 | Ep. 17-18 | Ep. 19 | Ep. 20 | Ep. 21 | Ep. 22-23 | Ep. 24-25 | Ep 26-27 | Ep. 28-29 | Express Ep. 27-32

Episode 30

Yan Fu Zhi noticed that Meng Meng has been weird since the bath tattoo incident. But Shen Zhi Li says it's most likely just wedding jitters.

I wonder how the whole "the Emperor will have her back in court, Di Nian and Shen Zhi Shu in the protection department, the two best lady friends accompanying her, and Yin Qing as the funny guy who makes her laugh" will pan out once everybody knows who is who.

🗡️ Beijian Second Prince

We lear that the reason he wants revenge is that eight years ago, the Emperor, then Crown Prince, shot an arrow through his uncle's neck at the Battle of Humen Pass. This ruined the fortunes of his mother's clan. Since then, the Second Prince's father has only paid attention to his older brother.

I'm telling you, this whole harem and half-siblings thing is a hassle 😅

What's the plan? Lord Xu doesn't like an imported Empress, but he seems to prefer a Beijian Empress over Meng Meng. So he's open to receiving the Second Prince with offerings of warhorses, and once again, a marriage alliance.

https://preview.redd.it/0h6om2g4m4kh1.jpg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=98ddd0724bec4493a3c85c0ca7d5ffc382ea3847

With an Imperial Permit to the Capital, plus a map of where the wedding procession will pass, provided by Mr Shangguan, the Second Prince is ready to execute his revenge plan via Shangguan's ambush.

🎭 All Sorts of Reveals and Changes

The day we've all been waiting for.

The bride and groom are super grand!

The ambush failed miserably.

Beijian Second Prince is no more. He lasted just a few minutes in the whole drama.

And in the ancestral hall, it went from the bride and groom bowing to the ancestors, to Meng Meng stabbing the Emperor with her hairpin (influenced by the incense) and then passing out, to Mr Shangguan and friends flying in from above (how nobody saw them hiding up there is beyond me), and the main wedding-goers being surrounded by Zhongwan people within maybe a hot minute.

https://preview.redd.it/f9hd8jdim4kh1.jpg?width=1586&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bb10e7be4cd53c7e307b81e131106eba96c8cef5

Note: 10 years ago, over 100,000 Zhongwan people were killed.

Mr Shangguan and the Emperor fight. I must say, the fight choreography is pretty cool.

https://i.redd.it/s7fnnk52n4kh1.gif

And the mysterious Mr Shangguan is...

https://i.redd.it/jpr7gajhz4kh1.gif

We've all guessed it by now, right? Yin Qing. And because of this, the reveal feels underwhelming.

Question: In your opinion, at what point should a reveal land to make it feel more "wow"? For this show, Gu and Mr Shangguan felt underwhelming, since we'd had some good guesses two or four episodes before the big reveal.

Meng Meng woke up.

This was all a trap!!

Meng Meng and the Emperor already suspected Yin Qing. All the ministers in the ancestral hall are apparently great at fighting (or were they replaced by Di Nian's men? I can't tell), and amazingly, Lord Xu still has it in him too.

I am going to pretend that Zhi Zhi are the leads in this show. When Shen Zhi Shu barged in, that look on Yan Fu Zhi's face, yup, that was mine too 😅

Ok, THAT was a surprise to me. Who saw that trap coming?

Within another hot minute, the Zhongwan folks are surrounded.

And they all fight.

Meng Meng and Shangguan exchanged words, more or less telling Shangguan she's a Ning citizen and to let bygones be bygones. But he refused, and pulled Meng Meng's dress down just enough to show her whole tattoo.

https://i.redd.it/5qdns7xto4kh1.gif

Of course Lord Xu is furious and wants Meng Meng executed on the spot. The Emperor said nope.

To add fuel to the fire, Shangguan threw Meng Meng under the bus, saying that she and the Blood Moon Society planned all the bad things that had happened, i.e. the Eternity Pills. Shangguan also drove a wedge between the Emperor and Meng Meng by saying the Emperor's been using her.

Meng Meng, sick of the bickering, stabbed and cut through her bird tattoo and said she's just Meng Ting Hui, not the Zhongwan Princess.

I feel bad for Madam Xu, she'd be so heartbroken!

I wasn't expecting the dragon staff to be broken by Shangguan. But here we are, watching Lord Xu be the hero, and in the process, dying from the stab injury. At the end of the day, all the old man wanted was for the Ning empire to survive and continue on.

Shangguan is very pleased with his kill. Insert evil laugh.

More fighting, with many ministers (or fake ones) killed.

And WTH did you just stand there, dear Emperor, when you could have taken Shangguan down with one swing? If you weren't standing around, fewer men would have been killed.

Before Shangguan or Situ Xue could be killed, Meng Meng stepped in.

Arguments between the leads. One wants to kill Shangguan, the other doesn't. One for the safety of Ning, the other so the hatred doesn't run any deeper.

What to do?!

No more royal wedding. The necklace removed and broken, and they as a couple are no more. He told Meng Meng to leave with Shangguan and Situ Xue.

🚫 After the (Not) Wedding

The Emperor wants to make more changes. The current plan is to issue a new policy for Zhongwan: those who surrender will no longer be slaves, will be given fertile land, and will be allowed to become officials through the Imperial Exams.

The Emperor wants to go to battle himself too, and the Grand Tutor will take over the Emperoring (and maybe the Chancelloring, and whatever else, since a lot of ministers got killed the other day, unless they were fake ones).

https://preview.redd.it/bvnpxhe0x4kh1.png?width=826&format=png&auto=webp&s=2611806422590c1a0722724268a847ee550aa239

Now, isn't this a bit silly, since he's a single man with no heir?

At this point, whatever,a lot in this drama don't make sense 😅

Come to find out, letting Shangguan go was already part of the Emperor's plan. If Meng Meng hadn't got suicidal, Shangguan and Situ Xue would have been let go anyway.

I know I'm not a war expert or the writer of this drama, but I'm not one to faff around. If I were Emperor, I'd have killed Shangguan and Situ Xue. Afterwards, I'd send Di Nian and his men to sort out those who doesn't want to surrender. That's just me, maybe his way is better.

⚔️ The Leads

The Emperor and his three men are prepping for war and Meng Meng is back home. For the first time will experience the Zhongwan ritual.

Episode 31

The elder came to see Meng Meng, or birth name Murong Yao (I'll keep calling her Meng Meng though). Shangguan asks Meng Meng to offer her blood to the altar to register, then swear to the Black Bird to restore their kingdom.

Meng Meng refused. She's for the people; saving the Zhongwan people matters more to her than some memorial tablets. The old chief couldn't bear it and him and two others offered themselves to the fire.

Dude, the old man went blind from crying. Is that even a thing?

https://i.redd.it/pcxy4uxtq4kh1.gif

There's a lot of guilt-tripping from Shangguan's end, trying to get Meng Meng to agree to restore the kingdom.

I get it, but at the same time, if the current ruler is all about peace, shouldn't you be thinking of the now and the future? We often watch revenge dramas and root for the person who was wronged, but in those, the wrongdoer usually stays awful. Here, the Emperor has done a lot of good, and as Yin Qing, Shangguan was part of that whole process. Not to mention Shangguan sacrificing his own people during the flood, just for the sake of revenge.

Meng Meng didn't donate her blood, but she did change into Zhongwan clothing and pay respect to her ancestors. She promised not to let war happen in Zhongwan again. Shangguan wants her to swear to the ancestors to restore their kingdom and reclaim the realm, but Meng Meng said no. She believes letting the people live in peace matters more, and told him that restoring the kingdom is his obsession, not hers.

Oooh, Situ Xue got slapped by Shangguan when she suggested they sleep on it and think of a non-bloody solution. At this point, Shangguan's gone a bit cray too, treating Meng Meng the way he did at the altar.

She'd have had major TBI by the end of this head bashing.

Meng Meng and Shangguan argued, since they're not on the same path, and it ended with her handcuffed and under house arrest.

👭 The Best Friends

Yan Fu Zhi wants to go find Meng Meng. Shen Zhi Shu caught her as she was leaving and said he'd take her to Meng Meng, since the Emperor is leading the effort himself.

Shen Zhi Li is reminiscing about her and Meng Meng's encounters, aka flashbacks. Then it shows her with Di Nian, probably because she listened to Meng Meng's advice to let her guard down, and because Di Nian is leaving for war.

Zhi Li and Di Nian drank a farewell cup of wine, Di Nian gave her the necklace again, and she put it on him. He walked out, and before he left, Zhi Li called him back. She hugged him, then kissed him, and finally, at the end, they consummated their marriage!!

https://preview.redd.it/yx18xfrks4kh1.jpg?width=1586&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=22c03e95f5c7384b62d4d6fe35bc21fcd42f9f6f

Then he left the next morning 🥺

⛓️‍💥 In Zhongwan

It wasn't hard for the ex-thief to break out of the handcuffs. Before she left the ancestral hall though, Situ Xue stopped her. She said the guards were threatened by Shangguan, that if Meng Meng escaped, they'd be killed. Who's the cray serial killer here, eh?

Some backstory for Situ Xue: she was a slave sold to the magistrate as a household prostitute. She was abused day and night, and it was Shangguan who saved her.

Because of this relationship, Situ Xue is loyal to Shangguan, and also has feelings for him.

https://preview.redd.it/9wj73d3ts4kh1.jpg?width=1586&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=95906f2a87344e505e18eab4d829bbdbb2b72111

Meng Meng persisted and asked for her help, not just for her but so that they can save Shangguan. Meng Meng also wants to go to Wannu Camp. Situ Xue took her.

At the camp, she saw people being abused by the soldiers. Nobody could escape easily. Only Meng Meng can save these people.

Back at the ancestral hall, Shangguan proposed they get married. This way, they could draw Beijian into the battle.

Meng Meng agrees, with three conditions:

• Zhongwan will obey her orders, including him.
• The alliance with Beijian must be under her lead.
• Shangguan shall no longer threaten her with any person or matter.

Shangguan agrees. They'll marry once she's coronated as Empress of Zhongwan.

Did the camp visit convinced her to go Zhongwan all the way or is she still in plotting mode? I have no clue.

🏕️ At the Ning Campsite

Shen Zhi Shu is reporting that Beijian has blocked their grain route for over seven days.

They're also short on medicine. With the resources she has, Yan Fu Zhi promised to sort this out, no matter the consequences. Zhi Shu is to escort her.

The Emperor received a report on Meng Meng's intention to declare herself Empress. The Emperor understands her goal.

🏹 Beijian & Zhongwan

We finally see the First Prince of Beijian. Shangguan is working on persuading him to join forces.

https://preview.redd.it/7934h6uav4kh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=5e990d6142f50c285ff8ec79de786c38fbce2ccf

And they joined forces.

♟️ The War Game

I honestly don't fully understand this part, but in general, Meng Meng and the Emperor are tactic-ing and war-ing.

https://preview.redd.it/qvnver1ct4kh1.jpg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fcb63adae063429eef0398702b4db7c6871c9c03

❤️‍🩹 Zhi Zhi

Will they make it through this? Yan Fu Zhi is mad at Shen Zhi Shu because he wanted to rid of Meng Meng. Zhi Shu tried his best to explain to her that it's his obligation as a Shen and loyal subject to Ning to protect the country which also means protecting her. Fu Zhi gets it but she's still upset because Meng Meng is her bestest friend and she really believe that Meng Meng would not hurt the people of Ning or Zhongwan if at all possible.

https://preview.redd.it/h9ci40kkt4kh1.png?width=1652&format=png&auto=webp&s=1dc308f718d5ba8229541a9109bd8e11aa2c399f

What would you react if you were Fu Zhi, caught in the middle like this?

🔥 Zhongwan & Beijian Camp

The Emperor set fire to the enemy's grain.

https://preview.redd.it/jcab60dbu4kh1.jpg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6b956a19cfdf2927982954791c6852d32d9b472b

What just happened between the Emperor and Situ Xue?! And is Meng Meng really against the Emperor? I am so confused.

The Beijian Prince is unhappy with Zhongwan after a bad loss. Shangguan said losses are expected in battle.

I think Situ Xue and Meng Meng planned something, and Situ Xue intentionally sent the Beijian army east instead of west. But Situ Xue denied giving them false info, and Shangguan backed her.

Shangguan probably has no feeling left in his hand from cutting himself up monthly.

https://preview.redd.it/tksj7m5eu4kh1.jpg?width=1586&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=342d42385625616138a912f6a04b90c00d9e6b65

Situ Xue is imprisoned and questioned by Shangguan. She more or less says that Beijian aren't trustworthy people, and she doesn't want him dealing with the devil. She doesn't want to watch Shangguan fall any deeper. At this point, she's not sure if he's fighting for the people, or using them to kill the Emperor because he's jealous of the Emperor and Meng Meng's relationship.

Shangguan let Situ Xue go.

How will this all wrap up in one episode?!

Closing

Thank you all for following along! It's been fun discussing this drama with you all despite the issues we've talked about along the way. See you in other discussions in this sub!

What does this mean?

Episode 14 around 6:28, the ML (assuming), per translation, says:
“Shipping a could could get you hurt”

Then immediately introduces FL as his girlfriend.

This one really surprised me. ML isnt particularly handsome, but its very comedic! Funniest drama ive seen in a while. On episode 6 and its really entertaining!