Five Stars

Episode 3 kept the momentum going and raised the stakes even more. What really stood out to me was how Zanghai’s intelligence and instincts continued to shine—especially as he led the others through the dungeon filled with life-threatening traps. It wasn’t just about physical escape, but mental agility, and I loved how Xiao Zhan portrayed that mix of pressure and precision with so much restraint. His expressions—especially during those quiet, tense moments—say more than words ever could. I also appreciated the character development in this episode. We’re starting to see not just Zanghai’s strategic side, but glimpses of his humanity—his empathy toward the innocent, his quiet sense of responsibility. There’s a subtle tension building too, with certain characters showing hidden agendas and possible betrayals. Visually, the episode remains cinematic; the lighting inside the dungeon, the framing of close-up shots, and the pacing of the action scenes were all handled well. Episode 4 didn’t rely on big spectacle, but rather on atmosphere, intelligence, and emotion—which made it feel even more gripping. It’s clear now: Zanghai isn’t just surviving anymore. He’s starting to test the system.

Read More

On the job training as Mr 8 and Feng shui master

Zang Hai gets introduced to swindling city ways. He still needs training because he shared his observations with girl hustler and finds himself turned into Mr 8. 😝 He did get the scoop on the Emperor by her explaining the play to him. I enjoyed the politicians being shown as jumpy toads.😂 Here is where I wonder if his mentor set him up for further training because he is right there to rescue him and it’s a bit too convenient. Our revenge seeker shows he still has kindness because he rescues the little boy as well as getting into the party of Feng shui experts. His nonchalant attitude and nap taking on the way is funny. But he is right that to get worked up isn’t going to keep mind clear. When they get to the tomb area the group is split up and he finds himself on the side that has a long hallway. Everybody knows this is creepy but nobody knows what to do. One guy suggests to stay by the wall and finds himself pinned with a spear. Everybody starts freaking out and Zang Hai tells them to stay put and shut up so they can live. He has figured out the stars and pattern from their lores and manages to traverse the hall. He and two others reach the end. He has been spot on but his last suggestion took out the other two leaving him the only one past the traps. It does not make sense to him and he is trying to figure out what was wrong. As Zang Hai is reciting Star poem so is Marquis on archery field. He is annoyed that he can’t find one capable to get the Emperor out of his troubles. He is not a patient man as a chatty servant found himself getting his tongue removed. We also see the Marquis’ son and his father warning him to be careful. There are machinations everywhere and nobody can be trusted.

Read More

Diving into the heavy plot head on

Episode 3 cranks up the political chaos and mind games as Zang Hai (Xiao Zhan) dives headfirst into the capital’s vipers’ nest. First stop is at Zhen Lou, the town's fancy brothel where even ordering a drink comes with a side of royal drama. Our boy tries to flex by sitting in the VIP seat, only to get schooled on the lamp rule (apparently, you need Prince Yongrong-level cash for that). Bro’s got seven measly taels in his pouch lol, so he’s downgraded to the peasant section where things get wild.
Turns out, the shadow play downstairs isn’t just for laughs. The story’s a thinly veiled roast of the Emperor’s court.
Dragons = dead Empress Dowager, toads = annoying officials, and a white tiger = the shady Marquis of Pingjin.
Zang Hai’s like “this is gonna end badly,” and just like that, eunuch Cao’s goons storm in as our cunning FL throws Zang Hai under the bus by yelling “HE’S THE EIGHTH YOUNG MASTER!”, and suddenly our guy’s sprinting for his life through alleyways.
Zang Hai volunteers as tribute to save a coffin-maker’s son and we get to the real highlight of the episode. Zang Hai and several few other feng shui masters gets trapped in a chamber rigged with Nine Stars ancient traps. He out to guide everyone to leave the chamber safe, but after some horror moves, all the other guys get knocked out, Zang Hai is the only one to get out alive from the maze of hell.
Xiao Zhan’s acting is top notch. He nails Zang Hai’s quiet fury, like when he coldly calculates trap patterns while low-key seething about his murdered fam. The episode balances his brainy strategist side with glimpses of humanity. Also, must to acknowledge the awesomeness of the eerie OST (RIP to those mournful erhu solos) and the claustrophobic dungeon sets that make you feel every brick of tension.
This episode proves Zang Hai’s the ultimate chessmaster, and leaves you side-eyeing every character except maybe Gao Ming. But even him, not sure...

Read More

Escape the Tombs

Personally I love tomb raiding and trying to figure ways out of all the traps that are laid in those said tombs. This episode did a great job but sadly only 1 person survived. I did wish a few did survive especially the man with the son but they had to die so cruelly. Just goes to show how evil PingJing really is - putting people in a situation that he knew they would never be able to come out of just to say he is doing something. This episode also shows how smart Zang Hai is. He doesn't try to completely outsmart his enemies because it is obvious that PingJing doesn't trust anyone (hence the reason why he always wears a gold chain armor). He made it so his plans could be seen so PingJing could put his guard down that he isn't some mysterious person but just a orphan that wants to gain fame and power by being by his side.

Read More