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Omg its really good.
When I first started this show I was a little wary because of the low rating. A 9.3 on Viki usually means a lack of quality, but this show really surpassed my low expectations.This story is a historical costume drama that has a sci-fi based time travel gimmick, and it SLAPS. It's really entertaining.
I watched this right after finishing The Double and a lot of the smarter writing I was craving in The Double was present here. This was a show about politics before anything else. Everyone has a faction and it fighting to get a leg up over every other faction. The constant conflicts and mental battles always make this drama feel fresh. If you liked Cheng Shaoshang's big brain in LLTG then you'll love Li Rong. Zhao Jinmai does an exceptional job (as always) communicating that she's a jaded and cold woman who is just trying to survive and do what she thinks will make everything better.
I also love the ML Pei Wenxuan. Dude has got the sauce. Zhang Linghe has been in the corner on the shelf since I first saw him in Maiden Holmes… but my guy made himself a true heartthrob with this show. His understanding of the FL and being able to anticipate her plans made for some of the most satisfying scenes.
Love all the side characters! The regular villains can be a little hard to take seriously, but the main villian was a total boss who actually felt like a true threat.
My ONLY valid complaint is the fact that this show looks AWFUL. The costumes aren't too bad but the cinematography lacks substance and personality. In rare and heavy moments some scenes are filmed intentionally but that just makes the rest of the drama look even worse. It looks like a cheap morning drama sometimes it's so bland.
It's a complicated story where there isn't an easy path or answer. Great story, acting and music. Will definitely watch again.
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This review may contain spoilers
This show is not for the people who like fluffy romance or romantic stuff.
I started watching this show because this is one of the dramas where FL was more powerful than ML. This show has a very political base and less romance and the romance is integrated so well with the plot that you get the sense of genuine love from both ML and FL. I thought the time travel plot was overrated but how they realized the past mistakes and worked for it. The consistency of Pei Wenxuan is remarkable though Li Rong's character was a bit stupid as she will move her opinion to whoever is in front of her. And the SML character is so stupid like he was given a second chance to turn around and make things better but what did he do go and make it worse in this life. Watching Su Rongqing make his life and people around his life more and more miserable was frustrating to watch. but I liked how things turned around and the emperor got the result of his trust and Li Chuan's way of protecting his love and family. The acting of all the actors is fabulous.Was this review helpful to you?
Some Palace Dramas Are More Compelling Than Others
For some time now, I’ve become a fan of Zhang Ling He. I think it was his Second Male Lead role in Love Between a Fairy and a Devil that sealed the deal for me. In The Princess Royale, he does not disappoint and neither does Zhao Jin Mai (Angel Zhao).Story:
While I am not a big palace drama fan, The Princess Royale starts out with a bang. Both main characters die. Any Chinese show where the main characters, who are married, die in the first episode is typically a good one. They die and are reborn to before they met.
Li Rong (Played by Angel Zhao) is the daughter of the emperor who decides her former life was so bleak that she does not want to marry her husband again…. She believes he killed her. Pei Wen Xuan (played by Zhang Ling He) is in the same boat. Through various hijinks, they both realize they were “reborn” and their deaths were more ambiguous than first imagined.
Here in lies the story. Who caused their deaths? Who is the bad guy?
That said, there’s a secondary arc weaved throughout the forty episodes that had me engaged as soon it popped up in about episode 10. This story was more important to me than the romance of the main couple or any other couple for that matter. The group of seemingly powerless females begin to band together to change their predestined futures.
One reason I hate palace dramas is females have little to no real power, so they scheme and manipulate from behind the scenes. While The Princess Royale is no different, these women do not do it from a “harem” but use their brains and brawn to control their outcomes and the outcomes of the kingdom from a place of power.
I loved it. By far, women working together productively to gain power is a storyline I can get behind.
Characters:
A shout out to the women who ruled the world: Shangguan Ya (played by Cheng Guo), Qin Zhen Zhen (played by He Qiu) and Li Rong. All kicked butt as captivating characters who did not fall victim to their circumstances.
The men also intrigued me. Pei Wen Xuan, Su Rong Qing (played by Chen He Yi), and Li Chuan (played by Liu Xu Wei) really had me confused the entire 40 episodes with who was the bad guy and who wasn’t. Truthfully, it was the bitter end before I figured it out.
No spoiler: There is no easy answer to who is the good guy and who is not for this ENTIRE show. The Princess Royale did a fantastic job showing moral ambiguity brought about by everyone’s selfish motivations.
Music:
The music was lovely but nothing I would download and replay over and over and over. It was well-done just the same.
Overall:
If you like palace dramas, The Princess Royale is perfect for you. If you like great female characters, this is the show to watch. If you want fluff, you might want to try something that requires a little less brain power.
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Zhao Jinmai & Zhang Linghe - 20 Years of Marriage Vibes! (in a cute way LOL)
Late to the party but here's my take on this DramaOkay, so i actually finished watching this last year but never got around to reviewing it. Better late than never, right?
First off, i really enjoyed this one. It’s got that perfect mix of heavy political scheming and young adult romance vibes. Yeah, i know—sounds like an odd combo, but hear me out. The main couple might technically have the souls of 40-year-olds (thanks to the whole rebirth thing), but since they’re physically back to being teenagers (Li Rong’s 18, and I think Pei Wenxuan is around the same age?), their love story still feels fresh and youthful. So even with all the court politics, it never gets too heavy for younger viewers.
Visually, the drama’s a treat, and the cinematography was Solid. Great camera work, nice lighting—though i’ve gotta say, the editing could’ve been smoother. Some of those scene transitions were kinda jarring, and the episode endings way too abrupt. But let’s talk about the real MVP here: the costumes, makeup, and hairstyling—chef’s kiss. Zhao Jinmai looks absolutely radiant—like, how does her makeup stay so flawless in every scene? and Zhang Linghe’s wig is a 10/10. Dude’s never looked better.
Plot-wise, like i said, it's definitely geared toward a younger audience. The political schemes are engaging, with problems stacking up and getting resolved one after another. But man, Li Rong's decision-making sometimes had me frustrated. Girl, why are you trusting the second male lead over your own husband half the time? It got old real quick.
All in all, despite its flaws, this drama's a fun watch. Zhao Jinmai and Zhang Linghe's chemistry was off the charts. and side note: i wasn't totally sold on Zhang Linghe's acting before, but he really stepped up his game here. You can tell he put in the work, and it shows.
So yeah, worth checking out—just don’t expect perfection◝(ᵔᗜᵔ)◜
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It's worth the commitment.
This is the epitome of a slow-burn plot. While it's no "Nirvana in Fire," it does the job, and the narrative holds together quite well from beginning to end.Zhao Jin Mai did a fantastic job as Li Rong, to the extent that I was puzzled why "The Princess Royal" was my first introduction to her in the role of a female lead. Zhang Ling He did a good job as her partner and romantic counterpart, Pei Wen Xuan. This is the fifth series I've watched that featured him as the main male lead, and his performance has been consistent throughout them all (though it seems to improve dramatically whenever he's paired with a strong, versatile female lead).
I absolutely loved Chen He Yi's performance as Su Rong Qing. In fact, after observing He Yi's acting rather closely (including his facial expressions, mannerisms, and overall aura) I can't help but see Luo Yun Xi. I digress to have even joked to myself that they could do a switcheroo with no quality lost whatsoever. He Yi could have easily played the part of Tantai Jin in "Till the End of the Moon" or Run Yu (night deity) in "Ashes of Love" and had the same impact.
Back to "The Princess Royal," I honestly can sympathize with all the people who were put off by the slow plot progression. I am an avid c-drama watcher, and it took me the span of two months to fully complete the series (I had to take breaks because it felt like more of a commitment). I don't expect there to be many people who would binge-watch "The Princess Royal" over the weekend.
Despite that, it really is a good watch. I loved how Pei Wen Xuan didn't mince words when it came to Li Rong. He was 100% devoted and even hilariously possessive at times. Li Rong seemed to demonstrate the most character development (hence the title of the show), and we get to see her soften from being overly cynical and guarded to feeling a genuine connection with others, specifically her love interest.
Would I rewatch "The Princess Royal" again someday for old times' sake? I doubt it. But that doesn't mean it isn't worth your time. One thing to note, though, is that the ending (while giving closure) is a bit cliché. Still, it gets an 8/10 in my book.
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WORTH WATCHING
THOUGH IT IS A FANTASY, STORY IS GOOD, LOVES WATCHING ZHANG LING HE ACTING. WILL TRY TO WATCH ALL HIS DRAMAS. ALL THE OTHER ACTORS IS JUST A PROP FOR THE MAIN LEADS STORY.TOO BAD SU RONG QIN PREFER TO WALK THE WRONG PATH EVEN WHEN HE IS GIVEN A 2ND LIFE. THE CONCUBINE SMILE IS SO EVIL. ALL ABOUT SEEKING FOR POWER IN THE PALACE. THOUGH IT IS JUST A FICTION.
WONDER HOW AFTER BEING STAB HE STILL CAN PLAY THE QIN. STORY OF 2 MEN FALLING FOR A PRINCESS.
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✒ ☸ Rong is Right ⛩️ Pei is the Way ☸ °8.3° °excellent°
As TPR opens, the kingdom is in shambles and our Princess is very ill. She /knows/ her husband, Pei Wen Xuan, has poisoned her. She orders her minions to kill him as everything fades to black. When she wakes, she has time-slipped 20 years back to age 18. She's alive once again, and no one in the palace has ever heard of Pei Wen Xuan.Another chance? How will she handle things and avoid disaster this time around?
TPR is a 2024 release that is rated 8.2 on MDL. It is 1 season consisting of 40 fantastic 45-minute episodes. One thing about Chinese historical dramas is that they will make a person happy to be a commoner. Nobody wants to hang with these noxious royals. Soon, Rong will learn that Pei did not kill her. She will never guess who the real murderer is.
TPR is not in the later episodes what it seems like in the earlier ones. Towards the end, the cesspool of the human heart is uncovered and the stench permeates. The show leads up to Rong's pained and impassioned soliloquy: “All of you were really disgusting. How evil. Father and son weren't real father and son, siblings weren't real siblings, couples weren't real couples, and friends weren't real friends. Everything in the past was just a rotting swamp filled with disgusting pus… The ruler showed no mercy to his family. The successor neglected ethical values. The officials plotted rebellion. People's lives were just pawns.” It really is heartbreaking.
Zhao Jin Mai (A Little Thing Called First Love-8.6, Amidst a Snowstorm of Love) is Li “Rong”., Her acting is stellar. She's a woman who's lived over 40 years but is now back in her 18 year old body. Her demeanor says mature. She actually has a tired air about her. She's measured, she's never in a rush, she's always composed, and she's pensive. Zhang Ling He (Love Between Fairy and Devil-8.9, Story of Kunning Palace) is “Pei” Wen Xuan, Rong's husband. She wants to marry “Su” Rong Qing, who was her BFF in her prior life. They loved e/o, but he had been castrated, so they just stayed friends. When Rong’s father holds a banquet to get a look at potential suitors, Su will not engage with her. She ends up being stuck with Pei again! She quickly learns that he traveled back just like she did. He insists that he didn't kill her. He's certain that Su did. Ouch. That hurts. Chen He Yi (Till the End of the Moon, Summer Again) portrays Su, who is a Minister of Justice. His Long pensive stares make us wonder what's on his mind. The wheels are clearly turning and churning.
He Qiu (Xiangbei Regret) is Qin Zhen Zhen, the girl-warrior who has captured the heart of the crown prince. Rong's mother is simply hateful - she's the most wrong character of the show. Zhao Pei Lin (Go Ahead, Hi Venus) is the Empress and Shangguan family devotee. Cheng Guo (Married, The Lord of Losers) is the spritely Rebel Shangguan Ya. She's always donning peasant clothes and sneaking off to gamble. When important work needs to be done, she's a go-to resource. In the first go-around, she married the crown prince. When we meet her she's awesome. She's in a pleasure house, disguised as a man, and slapping down cards while yelling out drink orders. Her personality shifts rather quickly though. She's one of the oldest members of one of the most powerful families, and ambition takes over. The way her character goes is a little bit disappointing. Will she make a comeback?
The tensions between the noble families and the common folk is what's driving politics. At one point, the emperor, who truly wants to help the people, can't even look at his wife. Her elaborate jewelry would feed so many poor if they sold it. “Do you know what's the scariest thing about wielding power? It's when it corrodes one's heart. The person whose heart is almost corroded to the core cannot feel anything at all,” Rong will point out. That describes the privileged families and it's no different from what we see today.
“If an emperor thinks he's incompetent, the sense of shame will drive him mad.” Part of the problem with the past is that Rong's brother ended up being a terrible ruler. He's a tenderhearted boy who wants to do the right thing, and he doesn't even want to be king. “Do you know what the hardest thing about being a ruler is? Everyone around you may be deceiving you. While anyone else can obtain the truth easily. As the emperor, I have to search for the truth in the middle of a trove of lies. What's more, the truth often consists of the half lies they tell me…. I was born with free will, yet I couldn't live freely,” laments the king. Yet, for his son, Chuan, it's much worse. All the above turns into bitterness when he gets no assistance and feels completely isolated during the course of his reign. He becomes spiteful and cruel. Liu Xu Wei (The Glory) plays crown prince Li Chuan.
This time around, Pei & Rong know that power won't satisfy. They know a simple life of love is what makes it all worth it. But, wielding it for good, will be very satisfying. “Only the incompetent ones need to use the weakness of their wives to prove themselves. What I desire is for my wife to achieve her aspirations… My love for my wife is not about trapping her in a gilded cage but about being able to offer her opportunities to do whatever she desires without restraints.” Pei wants a partner, not property he can push around.
I don't have many nitpicks. The cadence is relaxing but it flirts with dragging at times. It's a slow paced show. It is methodical and elegant, but I suspect some won't like the pace. Pei’s lipstick is too much in many scenes; positively Maybelline Plum #3. At the very end, they go ahead 3 years but don't show us any kids. In the context, they should have. None of the needs-improvements stack up against the filming, which is beautiful. Cinematography and costume designs are exquisite. The wardrobe is wearable art. The sets are opulent but not overdone, with the rich colors serving as a balm to the eyes. The music is lovely. There's several fights and skirmishes. Fight scenes are largely typical but also graceful and exciting. The sword fight in ep 40 is riveting.
The acting is top tier. There's a stunning love confession in the rain. No kiss, though. Since the confession comes earlier than expected, I guess they can't jump into things too quickly. They eventually generate some lovely, well-above-average, romantic moments. It is even funny at times. The blemishes are few; this show is magnificent.
TPR gives the viewer plenty to consider. We see people chasing after power and privilege with nary a whim about what they'll do with it. Helping the poor and disadvantaged never occurs to them! The “Rong” will “Pei” for their wrongs! Most fall on their own swords, in the end. There's no better last words than this: “I also went through so much to finally understand that my whole life should be dedicated to my righteousness.” We shouldn't save those thoughts for last, though. The sooner we work on acting and thinking “right” the better for us, and everyone else.
Things split and go in unexpected directions In the last 7, or so, episodes. We hear more about the past from 2 or 3 different perspectives, and it's shocking. It's sad, all around. Rong is confronted with a huge dilemma. But, Rong is going to Pei. He will figure it out. Pei is the way.
QUOTES📢
The worst thing women can do is pin their hopes on men.
The essence of power is understanding people.
People only have the right to choose when they are strong enough.
〰🖍 IMHO
📣7.9 📝8.5 🎭8.5 💓7 🦋6.7 🎨9 🔚8 ▪ 🌞4.5 ⚡4.9 😅2 😭4.2 😱3 😯2.8 🤢3 🤔4.8 💤1.5 🤗5
🎵/🔊7 Shazams: 藏心 (电视剧《度华年》情感插曲) by Ye Xuanqing & 执爱 (电视剧《度华年》情感插曲) No English title is available.
📝Original Creator Mo Shu Bai (Destined)
📝Screenwriter: Rao Jun (The Journey of Flower, Ancient Love Poetry-8.6)
📣Director: Go Yik Chun (The Empress of China)
Age 13+ mild sexual content, moderate violence
Re-📺? Would
In order of ~lite & trite~ to ~heavy & serious~ you may also like:
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K🇰🇷 :
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🔮🐉-
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⚡/😱 -
C🇨🇳: Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Saber 9-Kung-fu!;
K🇰🇷:
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Japanese🇯🇵 lite romcoms: Maid Sama-10, Mischievous Kiss Love in Tokyo-7.8, Love, Chunibyo And Other Delusions-8.4, Toradora-8.5
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This review may contain spoilers
Another drama to the list
I have never seen a lot of historical dramas but it's actually my first time seeing such a story of time traveling. If you like such a badass woman in court then I could recommend this to you. It's not the typical badass but a person who can rule the country, not leading to the war. Also it's my first time getting angry to a character, how they cast Heyi as the villain, how he had this calm, scholar demeanor but with a evil intensions. How i also got angry and annoyed to a female character, when it shows Li Chuan's side of a story. Now understand why he killed her.It's not focus on romance, but a descent amount of romance. Love how Jinmai acts, it suits her well. it suits to the character.
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Under power, relations are bound to be broken
So, first of all i agree by the people who are saying Zhang ling he doesn't get much screen time is true. He is such a great actor in this drama his acting was very good his visuals was very pretty and sexy. The married couples bickering, cute moments, and the steamy scenes were so so much good but my complain here is they were very short lived and left us craving for more.I even noticed that the male lead often got ignored or invalidate in so many scenes. And us as audience was not ready. He even got stabbed in fields and the princess just asked him to go after bickering. Its like he was the original victim. He helped everyone in so many matters but he always become sidelined in so many situations.
And what was wrong with writers and producers? They tried so hard to convince us that SML is innocent. But he was not innocent.
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A Regal Masterpiece with Unresolved Intrigues: A Love-Hate Affair with The Princess Royal
The Princess Royal is a breathtaking drama that captivates with its stunning cinematography, expressive acting, and a beautifully composed musical score that enhances every scene. From the mesmerizing costumes to the intricate set designs, the production value is nothing short of exquisite, creating a world that feels both grand and intimate. The story itself flows smoothly, making it easy to get hooked on the political intrigue, romance, and character dynamics.However, what starts as a tale of love and power soon shifts focus in an unexpected way. While the chemistry between Zhang LingHe’s Pei Weixuan and Zhao Jin Mei’s Li Rong is evident and enjoyable, the narrative increasingly revolves around Su Rongqin, the second male lead. He is, without a doubt, the best-developed character in the entire drama, with a compelling backstory, internal struggles, and a clear trajectory that overshadows even the main couple. His layered personality—torn between his loyalty, ambitions, and personal desires—makes him fascinating to watch, but it also raises the frustrating question: was he the true protagonist all along?
This imbalance in character development extends beyond the leads. Many key figures lacked the necessary background to fully understand their motivations, particularly in the noble families’ struggle for power. While the aristocrats feared Consort Rou, her actual influence was never properly explored, making their anxieties seem contradictory. The Empress, in particular, was a wasted character—perpetually sidelined despite being caught in a heart-wrenching struggle between her children and her Shagguan family. Her sacrifices and isolation could have added depth to the narrative, but she remained an enigma with little resolution.
On the other hand, the drama does shine in its portrayal of individuals breaking free from the expectations of their noble lineages. Shagguan Ya and Su Ronghua’s defiance of their families to stand with Li Rong was one of the most interesting aspects of the series, proving that loyalty and love could transcend societal constraints. These moments provided some of the most emotionally rewarding payoffs.
Then there’s the Emperor—perhaps the biggest missed opportunity. His decisions, particularly his poisoning of Consort Rou and his son Li Cheng, hi knowledge of ongoing conspiracies, remained vague and frustratingly unexplored. His character had so much potential for depth without taking away from the Princess or Pei Weixuan, both of whom also deserved more focus. Pei Weixuan, in particular, had all the makings of a complex and brilliant strategist, yet his character arc was left underdeveloped, making his moments of genius feel underwhelming in contrast to Su Rongqin’s prominence.
Despite these frustrations, The Princess Royal remains an unforgettable drama. Its artistry, emotionally charged performances, and moments of brilliance make it worth watching, even if the uneven storytelling leaves lingering what-ifs. A solid 8.5/10—an experience that I loved, hated, and will undoubtedly keep thinking about.
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SPOILERS!!! THOUGHTS!!!
Overall, this drama was good. It was interesting at times, but also a little hard to follow. I loved the characters and the growth in them, but it just didn’t captivate me. I wanted more action scenes and emotional scenes. I don’t think there was enough. But, it was really good at the end. I loved the ending the most.Zhao Jinmai is really really naturally pretty. When she was wearing the Persian outfits, GORGEOUS. Her acting is always very stable and she can convey emotions so well. Zhang Linghe’s acting was also really really good in this drama. But, this wasn’t my favorite characters for either of them. I think their characters in other dramas fit them more.
I like the plot of this cdrama. It’s unique to everything else that I’ve watched before. The enemies to lovers start and then the rediscovering was really well done. Especially since both of them have the chance to rewrite their fate and story.
From episode 2, u can tell that Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan have love and care in their hearts for each other. It may be buried very deep down but they are constantly and instinctively protecting each other. They are able to tell from the style of gameplay that they both lived 20 extra years. I think Li Rong was just hurt because of Pei Wenxuan’s childhood best friend and she assumed that meant he loved her so she shut down her emotions. Once that happened, Pei Wenxuan was hurt as well, so they both built emotional walls. But, still, they both always care about each other, so I don’t know what was going on in end of their future lives. My prediction is that it is a big misunderstanding though. (I was right)
I love their bickering with each other very early on. It shows their familiarity but also that like married couple type of fighting that occurs. They’re both so sarcastic with each other and try to hide their love, so it’s very interesting to watch.
Why am I distressed in the beginning and confused? I know that Su Rongqing is probably a bad guy in the end, but their chemistry with each other in the beginning was strong too. Especially in that closet scene. But I also love Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan, their chemistry just comes naturally. It flows like a married couple.
Nevermind, I’m on team Pei Wenxuan and Li Rong. His confession in the rain was so emotionally moving. “When she was sad, I became nervous. When she smiled, it felt like every day was a good day. If she fancied a hairpin, I’d make sure to remember what it was like. If the weather changed, I’d be worried if she was soaked in the rain. If she left home for a few days, I would pine for her. I wanted to write her a letter daily to tell her how much I missed her. I’d wonder how many kids we would have. I’d also wonder if we would grow old together. If I do have regrets, they’ll only be about you. The one I loved and lost was only you, Li Rong.”😢😢
I love Li Chuan and Li Rong’s relationship at the beginning especially. They have so much care for each other and are always trying to get the other out of trouble. Li Rong is such a strong FL, who isn’t afraid to go against their own mother for Li Chuan’s good and wishes. It’s sad to see the flashbacks of how their relationship deteriorates, but I hope it changes this time around.
“Let’s live in the present and not give up important things for fear of future uncertainties.” That is one of the best quotes I’ve ever heard from any drama ever. This is what one should live by to live their life to its fullest. Courage, honesty, and passion is what stems from this piece of advice.
“As your husband, no one can do anything to you unless they step over my dead body. As your ally, I’ll stand in front of you even if everyone wants to kill you. So whether we are a couple or allies, our fates have been long tied together. Just choose a path you like.” The words of affirmation from Pei Wenxuan is actually super sweet. Especially for Li Rong, when she’s contemplating a big decision. “I would always die for you without hesitation.” Whether they admit it or not, Pei Wenxuan and Li Rong would give up their own lives for the other. No questions asked.
Episode 20 and Li Rong still needs to figure out how to be vulnerable with her emotions. Pei Wenxuan’s attempt at romance with the buttercup flowers, Li Rong’s favorite outfit, and his favorite guqin. Everything was thought out so carefully for Li Rong but at the end, she didn’t catch on to the hint. Ugh the misunderstanding happening between them. Pei Wenxuan openly expresses his love while Li Rong has to figure out how to openly express her love for him. She does it through protecting and defending him against enemies, but still needs to work on admitting it.
Pei Wenxuan willing to wait for Li Rong to figure out her feelings really struck me at the heart. He said “10 years, 20 years or even longer if you need I will always be here. Because I like you and I will always wait for you.” He’s so understanding even when emotionally hurt and dejected. He still tries to put in his best effort emotionally to help Li Rong and give her space and freedom to figure out her own feelings.
Pei Wenxuan is able to read Li Rong so well and her actions/emotions. He always knows when she needs help or what help she needs. He’s always there for her and knows how to make Li Rong the most comfortable and live her best life. Their deep bond is just different in an unexplainable way.
Who would’ve thought that Su Rongqing also came back from 20 years in the future? My question is how, because he didn’t die right? Only Pei Wenxuan and Li Rong did. I can lowk feel for Su Rongqing though. After his family met their horrible demise in every way, he’s filled with revenge and a want to protect his family in this 2nd chance at life.
Episode 25 with Pei Wenxuan brought me through so many emotions. When he forcefully pushed himself onto her, I was conflicted. I didn’t know whether to be mad at Pei Wenxuan or feel for him because I understand his feelings at the time. He cares so much for her and just wants a little bit of reciprocity back from Li Rong. But, I also get Li Rong as she was trying to make Pei Wenxuan’s life the best it could be, even if it means leaving her. She’s had to hide her vulnerable side and everybody misunderstands her “cold” temper.
Awww they’re so cute when they have to hide their relationship to convince everyone else they divorced. Their secret yearning and meet ups were so cute. Pei Wenxuan really becomes the baby in the relationship and Li Rong is like his guardian, keeping him in check.
I feel so bad for Su Ronghua. Him and Shangguan should be able to be together. I hope they figure it out. Politics are one thing, but the gentle love they have is another. Su Ronghua doesn’t care about power or the throne, he just wants to live comfortably. And I think it’s the same for Shangguan, she just has it harder cus she’s their only daughter.
Omg the plot twist in episode 33. So literally everyone Li Rong trusted besides Pei Wenxuan decided to tag team her and kill her. Who would’ve thought? Everything was just a big misunderstanding though. I really hope their fate can change in this life because that is such a depressing way to die, at the hands of a misunderstanding. Everyone was plotting against Li Rong, the betrayal runs deep let me tell you.
Ok episode 36 really confused me. The time jumping and recollection of events was a little hard to follow, so at the end, I didn’t even know what was happening at one time. But, when Su Ronghua and Shangguan Ya said goodbye, I was so maddd. The only reason they can’t be together is politics. The politics screwed them over bro.
Li Chuan I think truly loves Li Rong. When he gave her the sword to kill him before the future becomes like how it was in the past, his eyes held that little brother look in them. He looked so pitiful, you can’t help but feel bad. I truly truly don’t think he has any ill intentions. I really want Li Chuan to have a happy ending. Everyone should just have a happy ending….please.
Episode 40 with Su Rongqing’s end was so sadd. I know he’s supposed to be the enemy, but his motivation for everything came down to his love, either for Li Rong or his family. And when he gave the dragonfly and said congratulations for her being pregnant and having a child, I felt so sorry for him. The only he wanted was for Li Rong to be happy, and at the end, u can really see that.
But of course, I’m glad Pei Wenxuan and Li Rong ended up together. Now, their love is just undeniable from both sides. They are willing to die for each other time and time again.
I’m so glad everyone got a redo at life. Chuan ended up as a good person with time spent together with Qin Zhenzhen. Shangguan Ya and Su Ronghua were able to be happy. And ofc our main couple. Only Su Rongqing had a sad ending😔. “A happy farewell” is the last song he ever played for Li Rong and then ended up burning himself to death cus he has nothing to live for anymore. But he was still smiling at the end of it😭😭 This is like the first time I’ve wanted the villain to have a better ending.
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