Buried Alive but Not Broken: Zang Hai Challenges Death and Tradition

Zang Hai is forced into a horrific ritual — to be buried alive with the Dowager Empress. But even entombed, he refuses to surrender. Rallying the doomed volunteers, he sparks rebellion underground, pushing to end the barbaric tradition once and for all.Despite Chu Huai Ming’s deadly trap, Zang Hai outwits the tomb’s death mechanism. His calculated gamble with the “birth-date rule” grants him escape — but not without blood, breathless suspense, and near-death brilliance.Verdict:This episode is a masterpiece of survival, strategy, and silent defiance. Zang Hai is no longer just a player in the game — he’s rewriting its rules.

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Zag Hai loses another loved one, goes for his first kill

This episode is as heartbreaking as it is satisfying. Zang Hai wasn't able to save his Uncle Ji, but not before letting him know that he is Zhinu. Appearing as a man who's not afraid to die, he challenges one of the Marquis' loyal aids to take his place in the guise of the aid being the "suitable" sacrifice. The side eye Zang Hai gives is iconic, and of course, all goes according to their plans. The stone falls down, making the aid panic, threatening to reveal the Marquis' secret. Of course, he was killed before completing his sentence. All in all, it's bittersweet for our Zang Hai. He loses yet another loved one, but manages to go for his first kill.

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ABSOLUTELY AMAZING

Episode 7 left me emotionally drained and in awe of Zanghai's resilience. The episode begins with Zanghai trapped in a deadly dungeon, a test of both physical endurance and mental fortitude. The claustrophobic atmosphere, combined with the ever-present danger, kept me on edge. When Zanghai's comrades fell one by one, his grief was palpable. The moment he cried out for them, tears streaming down his face, was heart-wrenching. Xiao Zhan's portrayal of Zanghai's anguish was so raw and authentic that I couldn't help but feel his pain. The most touching scene was when Zanghai's uncle risked everything to save him. Their reunion amidst the chaos was brief but deeply emotional. The desperation in his uncle's eyes and Zanghai's mix of relief and sorrow added layers to their relationship. This scene showcased the depth of familial bonds and the sacrifices made out of love. Upon escaping the dungeon, Zanghai confronts the officials responsible for his ordeal. His transformation from a grieving survivor to a determined avenger was striking. The intensity in his eyes, the controlled anger in his voice, and the calculated manner in which he addressed the officials demonstrated his strategic mind. The climax of the episode was Zanghai's ingenious plan to bring down Yang Zhen. By swapping places and orchestrating events behind the scenes, he turned the tables on his enemies. The satisfaction of seeing his meticulous planning come to fruition was immense. The dialogue with the marquis was particularly compelling. Zanghai's words were laced with double meanings. This subtle confrontation set the stage for the power plays to come. Xiao Zhan's performance throughout the episode was nothing short of stellar. His ability to convey a range of emotions—from despair to determination—through nuanced expressions and body language was masterful. Episode 7 was a rollercoaster of emotions, blending intense action with deep character development. It highlighted Zanghai's growth from a victim to a formidable strategist, setting the tone for the battles ahead. This episode solidified my admiration for the series and left me eagerly anticipating what's next.

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Revenge on Yang

This was a powerful episode. Poisoned food was somewhat merciful but that trap they set was heinous. They all bravely took the stakes so that any of them could get to the trip wire.I was hoping the uncle could get out. I was surprised and glad that he revealed himself to his uncle. It was a very bittersweet moment but at least the uncle got one bit of joy. The only thing I am sorry about with Yang is that they shut him up too early by killing him. He should have had to last a few miserable days first with no poison assist. He sure sang like a canary and Zang Hai almost got to hear what the cause was for his family’s death. He died too quickly but I think it was justice and vengeance. The revenge part is the uneasiness the rest of them are starting to feel. It is a foreshadowing of something grisly for them. This was very well played. No idea how he stopped the stone. I am hoping he and mentor discuss the mechanics of it later. Chu ain’t gonna be as smiley about things now cause he is the low guy on totem pole. It didn’t bother him before because he thought they were all untouchable. Times has changed.😝 The Marquis knows he signed off on all this so wondering how they are going to reward or hide Zang Hai now. They will want to monitor him but he will have the people’s favor now so they can’t just kill him outright. Using his uncle’s blood as war paint set a tone of defiance and victory.

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Five Stars

Xiao Zhan’s performance is absolutely phenomenal. He captures Zang Hai’s emotions with such depth and detail. Right now, we get to see him deliver a thousand expressions and a whirlwind of emotions — it’s incredible.The emotional rollercoaster is real — it feels like riding a high-speed train through grief and fury. The script gradually builds up layers of vengeance, starting with the brutal slaughter of his entire family right before his eyes. As if that weren’t enough, he’s forced to watch his only remaining relative and close companions die, all because of the greed and cover-ups of corrupt officials. Zang Hai’s rage is simmering to the point of explosion.

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Masterpiece! One of the best episodes in any c-drama ever!

Episode 7 is a brutal emotional ride that shows just how far Zang Hai will go for revenge. After completing the mausoleum repairs, he and Ji Qun’s team walk straight into a deadly trap set by Chu Huaiming and Yang Zhen, meant to bury them alive with the Empress Dowager. Zang Hai knows what's coming but walks in anyway, ready to turn the tables.
Once inside the tomb, they’re met with a feast of poisoned food. Realizing the danger, Zang Hai convinces the group to resist and escape instead. What follows is pure chaos: the artisans shield him with their bodies, buying time as he works to open the sealed door. Ji Qun’s final act on holding up the stone gate with his body is devastating. His death hits even harder when Zang Hai finally reveals his identity as Kuai Duo’s son, bringing Ji Qun peace in his final moment.
Xiao Zhan delivers a powerhouse performance, controlled fury, quiet pain, and chilling resolve. His line, “It’s not my time to die” lands like a thunderclap. And the way he traps Yang Zhen, turning Chu Huaiming’s arrogance against him, is cold-blooded brilliance. Watching Yang panic as arrows seal his fate is pure poetic justice.
The pacing is relentless, balancing violence with clever turns. By the end, with Yang Zhen gone and Zhuang Luyin growing suspicious, Zang Hai steps out bloodied but unbroken like a phoenix rising from the tomb.
If Episode 6 was about survival, Episode 7 is Zang Hai claiming control. Bring tissues and popcorn. The revenge saga’s heating up, and I’m obsessed for it!

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