Pursuit of Jade

When Returning Is the Real Ending ⚠️Spoiler⚠️

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Between the Lines
igiam’s reflections on drama, character and hidden meaning
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Some stories end with victory. Others end with peace.
But this one… ends with a choice.

What moved me the most wasn’t the justice, nor the resolution of truths.
It was the moment she returned.

Not because she had to… but because she remembered.

She remembered the people who raised her, who loved her, who would have been left alone if she never came back.

And that, to me, was the most powerful act in the entire story.

Because love is not always about staying.
Every so often, it is about going back.

The drama gives us everything we expect — closure, consequences, and emotional resolution.

However then it does something more subtle, something deeper.

● It shows us a different life.
● A quieter one.
● A life untouched by pain, where no one was lost, and everything remained in its place.

Not to confuse us — but to make us feel what was sacrificed along the way.

And maybe that’s why this story stays with you.

Not because of what happened… but because of what could have been.

In the end, they didn’t choose the easiest life. They decided the one where no one would be left behind.

And without even thinking…

I knew I would have done the same.

— igiam
Observing Stories Between the Lines

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I’m in love

This drama got me on a chokehold. It was honestly THE BEST DRAMA EVER! I thought I wouldn’t be able to find another badass female lead like Ming Yi from Love in the Clouds, but here we are. Just finished it today, 03/30/2026. I am so sad. My heart is broken now that this was over. How do I move on, fam? *Sobs* I felt this way when I watched Love in the Clouds because I had to wait for new episodes to air on Netflix. Anyway, this is a story about a young girl named Fan Changyu from Lin’an who comes from a family of pig butchers. She lives with her little sister Fan Changning, who is so cute and just as smart as her. I love how she quotes “In this life, be a good pig; in the next life, be a good person” before she slaughters the pig. One day, she discovers an injured man buried in the snow. Her parents just passed away so she becomes the breadwinner. A lot of her neighbors talk sh-t behind her back, but she doesn’t back down. She’ll fight for it as long as she is right. The man she saved was obviously a high ranking nobleman. He tells Changyu his name: Yan Zheng. It’s really funny how in most of these stories they try to hide behind a new identity, but still keep a part of their name. Brilliant idea, if you ask me. His real name is Xie Zheng, and he’s the Marquis of Wu’an. He lies low in Lin’an but secretly communicates with his men via a gyrfalcon. Yan Zheng was really nice when he offered to marry her as a matrilocal husband in order to help Changyu save her house, or else her greedy uncle and aunt will get it. I love how they talk to each other. You know they were slowly falling for each other every day that they were together. Changyu always tells him, “I’ll slaughter pigs to support you”, because she’s the head of the household and she thinks that Yan Zheng is a weak man. Then we see how Changyu fights when there were assassins that raided their home. How did she learn how to fight like that? Turns out, her father taught her martial arts since he ran an escort service. But along the way, there were so many things that didn’t add up. Some people who watched this were confused and didn’t like the ending. I refused to watch the leaked episodes because those have trashy translations. Everything was cleared up in episodes 38-39. Everything was clear to me. I did not skip the scenes, especially the political ones, and that helped me understand what was going on. I love how the second male lead, Li Huai An, the grandson of was such a gentleman. He knew his boundaries very well. Even up until the end, he made a smart choice. I love the scene where she’s in her armor on the horse and they’re on the street, and he just watches her from the window. I thought that was pretty sweet. When Xie Zheng was on his horse, she had a scene where she was looking out the window, too. I love it! At the palace, the way that puppet emperor wanted her when he asked if she was married. Na-uh. You wanna lose your head? If Marquis was there, oh boy, he’d be pissed. Your eunuch already lost his ear. Maybe you’ll end up losing your head. And when they met in secret in one of the alleys. The way he opened his arms and ran to him. Sweet kisses!! I’m melting!! The kisses were great, too. That bath tub scene that looked like they were Yin and Yang from above? Perfect. Anyways I just love everything about this drama. It holds a special place in my heart. The music, the cinematography, the costumes, the fight scenes, the characters… believe it or not, I even cried for the villains. To be honest, I cried at Qi Min’s demise. But he deserved it because he slaughtered a lot of people. He couldn’t even love his child, Bao’er. *chef’s kiss* The director and the whole crew were amazing. Thank you for bringing Zhu Yu to life. I swear, this drama had so many funny reels. I love how netizens were making videos and comments online saying they wanted to find their own Marquis one day in the snow. If not snow, maybe in the mud. Especially when he came through the gate in his armor and his lingzi headpiece (2 pheasant feathers that military commanders wear in ancient China to show glory and courage). Videos of cats and dogs wearing lingzi headpieces littered my timeline, which was really cute. There was also a video of a squid in a hotpot where they cut off most of the tentacles and left two, then the second clip was Marquis Wu’an, saying it was a glow up. I laughed so hard at that. We don’t get to see another wedding and their two kids, but it’s okay. As long as one of them didn’t end up dying, I’m all good. There was a “What if” special scene at the end of episode 40.

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still on cloud nine

As I always say, you shouldn't mess with a female butcher. I always say that. Always.

Warning : I've got nothing constructive to say. (as usual) I finished this series a few days ago, and I'm still on cloud nine.

How BEAUTIFUL ! The production is simply epic. Everything is so magnificent, the costumes, the sets, the direction, the lighting, the fight scenes, the music, the wig budget... hmm. A success across the board. A wonderful world where it snows all the time and no one ever feels cold. It's just too beautiful. The homes (even the most modest ones) are adorned with sumptuous wooden furniture and delicate fabrics fluttering everywhere. Teapots and incense blend their delicate scents with the wax of the carved woodwork. I can smell it.

Fan is incredible. Truly phenomenal ! Both the character and the actress, Tian Xiwei. Protect this woman at all costs. That charisma, that presence, that otherworldly beauty when she makes those tender expressions. She masterfully plays on the cliché of the seemingly fragile woman who becomes menacing and a deadly enemy in the blink of an eye. Her character is meant to be a tribute to a real-life female general, as in about half of all Chinese series. (Legend of a Female General, a very good C-drama)
You can feel all the despair that overtakes her midway through the series, during the turning point, when her village is ravaged and all her loved ones are massacred... those scenes… such sadness. We've been made to love these characters. We enjoyed life in that village, but now we must bury them and abandon it. And then we move on to war. Then to palace intrigues. What a journey.

As a result, the Marquis of Wu'an, the male lead, becomes first and foremost a supporting character ; he's the knight in shining armour. He's supposed to be the hero, but the story constantly reminds us that he takes a back seat. I love it.
They're so lovely, the two of them. They're completely devoted to one another. Their love is pure. I feel silly writing such nonsense ! I want them to be happy together. True love is killing your enemies together with the same weapon and checking if your wife's wrists are sore. And taking a bath… my goodness, the bath scene. It was daring. I didn't see anything, I swear I looked away.

They love each other so much that they get married twice, under two different identities. [stands up, banging both hands on the table] Now that's what I call Love ! He knows her secret, he supports her, and he doesn't tell her until she's ready to reveal it to him. [points at an imaginary listener] And he takes a hundred lashes rather than betray her !

Pardon. Je me suis emporté.

The attention to detail, my goodness ! There's so much going on, all the time. Like the characters who've been struck by an arrow and who, at last ! don't pull the arrow out. A whole gallery of characters unfolds before us, and they're all believable and interesting.
There are so many endearing ones. The little sister, the villagers, the Pig Butcher Squad, the old man carrying stones, Marquis Wu'an's generals, the Emperor's sister and her maid. We care about every single one of them. That's rare in productions like this.

The only downside : why this "what if" ending ?!? What if nothing at all. It's over. We can't imagine things from 17 years ago now.
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Episode 17, TW : forced kissing.
It's portrayed for what it is, without any romanticisation. The woman cuts ties with the man. But to be perfectly honest, she, in turn, drugs him without his knowledge to take his place on the battlefield. It's all square, back to square one. (No idea what that means. I'm learning new expressions : to be on cloud nine, success across the board and this square thing)

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Stayed to watch the capital palace intrigue towards the end (epi 34-40)

The chemistry between the leads was incredible and they made you believe they were truly in love with each other early on. And while I loved the acting of the FL which was solid and consistently showing her growth throughout, I was let down by the acting of the ML as I had expected the ML to be edgier and colder from the start (like Murong Jinghe from KMLM), and for there to be more of a change in his personality as he softened and fell in love with Chang Yu. I just didn't see it as he was such a loveable guy from the start!

I especially loved the actors who played the puppet emperor and Xie Zheng's cunning uncle, Wei Yan. They stole the show in the last 10 episodes and I couldn't keep my eyes off their riveting, sympathetic performances of characters we should be despising for the acts they have committed. They all deserve acting awards.

The capital arc and court palace intrigue felt more grounded in reality and was told from multiple perspectives, Rashomon style. (The story was apparently based on a real historical female general in China, although I don't know how much of the palace intrigues were real). I won't spoil it but the last 10 episodes are like a murder mystery with the leads trying to figure out what happened to their parents and why and holding the culprits to account,

Storywise, while it was better than you're typical historical period piece, I felt there were certain plot points that were missed or not elaborated upon (e.g., when he finds out the FL is the daughter of his family's sworn enemy, Wei QiLin) that I wish he struggled more with before deciding to get together with the FL. Instead of giving him pause, he told her he was aware of her connection and would help her clear her father's name. No self-respecting general (simp or no simp) would go this far!

Also a major plothole was why he would drop a 17 year old family blood feud with Wei Qinlin if, after opening up a whole investigation into the Jinzhou massacre and finding his family's sworn enemy, Wei Qinlin's family, was still alive and even going to the Northwest to further investigate? Also, what's with all the parental suicides? That was unbelievable too and come on, let the bad guys get away with murder sometimes (as they often do IRL).

Otherwise, 9/10 story. It noticed a lot of similarities between Pursuit of Jade and Kill Me Love Me (e.g., live in husband, the general who was wronged, the stay in a village where the couple develops feelings for each other, the final stand off with the relative to vye for court control (in KMLM it was the crown prince and in POJ it was the emperor and his main ministers/advisors).

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There Went My One Point - and Yet I’d Watch It Again

It’s delightful. No other word fits. °~ ( / ^ ~ ^ \ ) ~°

I loved it; but not quite a 10/10. Here’s why. It’s an adaptation of a novel (which I’m just starting), and I wanted to get my thoughts down first. I almost always prefer the original material, so I didn’t want that bias creeping into this review.

Story & Screenplay

A freakishly strong yet petite girl stumbles upon a stranger on the brink of death and saves him. To repay the debt, he marries her in her hour of need. Little does she know, the “commoner” she’s wed is actually the most formidable warlord in the realm. War and decades-old mysteries pull them out of their quiet life, revealing that their pasts are strangely intertwined. Secrets unravel, the kingdom is saved, and they earn their HEA.

It’s a solid plot - if not the most original. The mystery does pull you in, and early on, the screenplay has a firm grip on the narrative. Somewhere in the middle and toward the end, though, that grip loosens. Plot holes get conveniently brushed aside, and characters occasionally act out of character. The ending isn’t rushed, but it feels heavy-handed - almost overly determined to tie up every loose end. And there went my half a point.

Characters
Xie Zheng, the Marquis of Wu’an, is our ML: formidable, ruthless, and not to be crossed, yet completely gone for his butcher wife. We’re told repeatedly how terrifying he is: the realm’s greatest warrior, capable of wiping out an entire town for vengeance. We do get glimpses like ordering the mutilation of bandits who nearly killed his wife, slicing off a eunuch’s ear, openly threatening the emperor, but it never quite feels like enough. I wanted more moments that showed this brutality. His arc also feels underdeveloped: he begins as a near-perfect lord and ends much the same. He learns to love, yes, but beyond that, there’s little growth.

In contrast, Changyu (FL) gets plenty of moments that showcase her strength - sometimes to the point of implausibility. Still, it doesn’t hurt her character. Her journey is compelling, even if it’s rushed: from an impulsive, bluntly honest woman who’s secure in herself and unfazed by criticism, to a strategic, formidable general. Her development is thoughtfully fleshed out. But the changes are a bit abrupt, which detracts another half a point.

The supporting characters, including the antagonists, are equally rich. Qi Min, in particular, is fascinating -a chilling mix of cruelty and vulnerability, twisted into what he calls love. You pity him, even as you condemn him. Most villains here are products of someone else’s wrongdoing - not an excuse, but enough to make them human. Not so for the late Emperor and Prince Changxin, though. They can have a special place in hell. And Mrs. Song. ( ͡° ʖ̯ ͡°)

Performances

Every single actor delivers. Truly. But two stand out - like the feathers on the Marquis’ headgear (which, by the way, made him look a bit like a ram… unintentionally funny, perhaps?).

Zhang Ling He is once again excellent. I know what to expect from his dramas, and he hasn’t let me down yet. He understands his character deeply and always adds something extra. Here, he brings Xie Zheng to life with nuance. The script may not give him equal footing (it feels more 60/40 in favor of Tian Xi Wei), but he still shines. His portrayal of PTSD, vulnerability, and restrained cruelty is effortless.

Tian Xi Wei matches him beat for beat. Changyu is a delightful blend of strength, honesty, innocence, and street smarts, and she embodies it all perfectly. Her fight scenes are fun (even when logic protests), and her bluntness brings natural humor. She never overplays it. Just gets it right.

The rest of the cast - from the Zhaos to Yu Qianqian, gossiping Mrs. Kang, and pompous Song Yan - are all excellent. Special mention to Deng Kai as Qi Min: chillingly precise. He captures the obsession, cunning, and eerie possessiveness so well that, despite the striking looks and that gorgeous grey-white hair, you’d still want him locked up.

Production

Superb - and it shows. The budget is clearly there. Cinematography is gorgeous, with lighting used cleverly: a lethal edge for Xie Zheng, openness for Changyu, and an unsettling aura for Qi Min. Dialogues land well even in translation, and the OST is melodious - even when you don’t fully understand the lyrics.

But one question: why do C-dramas skimp on extras? Epic battles look like 20 people clashing - maybe 30 for a political coup. How exactly are you overthrowing an emperor with that? It always ends up unintentionally funny.

And also, how come nobody dies in the first attempt, even when they fall off of the sheer cliff with arrows sticking out of their chests? Except maids and servants, everybody has at least nine lives - cat people. (¬⤙¬ )

Overall

It could have been a perfect 10, but somewhere along the way, that one point slipped. Even so, what it does right, it does exceptionally well. The characters stay with you, the performances elevate everything, and despite a few stumbles, it never loses its charm. It’s a shining example of what happens when a team knows exactly what they’re doing - and does it well. Definitely worth the watch

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A Chemistry Driven Romance With Heart, Humor, and Loyalty

First off, he chemistry between Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei was amazing. You can really see how their relationship shifts from guarded to deeply trusting, and it makes their connection feel lived in rather than just written. Us as viewers, we can clearly see their dynamic changing in real time, and it never feels abrupt, it feels earned through every interaction, conflict, and small moment in between.

I really liked how this drama kinda flipped expectations with Fan Chang Yu and Xie Zheng. The roles feel a bit reversed at times, almost like he’s the “trophy husband” in their relationship, which makes their bond more refreshing and fun to watch. That line, “I’ll slaughter pigs to take care of you,” was simple but surprisingly powerful, it shows her devotion in a grounded way and fits her character really well. Although she doesn’t have much in terms of status or resources compared to him, she never holds back, she’s giving everything she can to build a life for him and stand beside him, and that effort makes their relationship feel even more sincere.

What really sold their chemistry is how consistent it is across every stage of their relationship. Even when they’re not openly affectionate, there’s always this pull between them, like they’re constantly aware of each other in every scene. The way Xie Zheng looks at Fan Chang Yu feels full of restraint and admiration, while she matches that energy with quiet strength and emotional control. It never feels one sided, it’s more like they keep choosing each other over and over again in subtle ways. Even when circumstances push them apart or force them to act distant, you can still feel how deeply connected they are underneath it all, like they’re always emotionally tuned in to each other no matter what is happening around them. The longing they had for each other was intense in the best way. You could really feel the love building between them, even in the quieter moments. When they were separated or holding back, it added so much weight to their connection, and it made their romance feel earned and emotional.

What also made Fan Chang Yu and Xie Zheng so compelling was their unwavering loyalty to each other. They never felt like a couple competing for attention or status, but instead like two people completely secure in each other. Even when Fan Chang Yu was being celebrated or standing in the spotlight, Xie Zheng was more than happy to stay on the sidelines, quietly proud of her and genuinely content watching her shine. That kind of quiet devotion made their relationship feel even deeper, because his pride in her never came with jealousy, only admiration and respect. In the same way, Fan Chang Yu always treated him as her equal and constant, never wavering in her trust or commitment to him no matter the circumstances.

Another thing that really made Pursuit of Jade stand out was how funny it actually was, especially the comedic parts involving the “Northwest Pig Butcher Squad.” Those scenes added a lot of personality and charm to the drama, and they gave the story a lighter, more playful rhythm without breaking the emotional flow. It was the kind of humor that felt natural to the world and characters, not forced, and it made the serious romance moments hit even harder by contrast.

The action scenes were also great, they had solid energy and kept things exciting without feeling messy or hard to follow.

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This is my first ever C-Drama and, honestly? it set the bar really high for whatever might come next.
I think the story is great, with the growth of both Changyu and Xie Zheng flawlessly combining with the court affairs and multiple battles. The setpieces are incredible, with great action and superb prop design. Everything, from the flow of the capes to the look of the armor is amazing, especially when the stellar soundtrack is blessing your ears.
I would give it a 9/10, but the last two episodes do drag it down a bit for me: the main antagonist for most of the story, Qi Min, is defeated rather quickly and the spotlight he had is given to Zheng's uncle Wei Yan, the evolution of his story being in my opinion a bit cliche. Basically Wei Yan is somewhat excused of what he's done, framing him as a victim of the previous emperor. Honestly, the last two episodes pretty much shift the blame to the previous Emperor himself, making everyone seem like a lesser evil that originated from his deeds.
While I did not enjoy the ending, the story overall is amazing and the drama is great.

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The Quiet Beauty of a Poetic and Soulful Drama

Pursuit of Jade is not just a drama — it is an emotional storm that quietly breaks your heart piece by piece. From the very first episode, the story pulls you into a world filled with longing, pain, sacrifice, and a love. The drama balances romance and heartbreak so naturally that every episode leaves a lasting impression.

What stood out the most was the chemistry between the leads. The storytelling is slow but meaningful, allowing viewers to truly connect with the characters and their struggles.

The cinematography and soundtrack added even more beauty to the experience, creating scenes that felt poetic and emotional at the same time. If you enjoy dramas that are heartfelt, emotional, and deeply character-driven, Pursuit of Jade is definitely worth watching.

A touching drama that stays with you long after the final episode.

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An Elegant Tale of Hidden Identities!

Pursuit of Jade is an engaging historical romance that successfully blends political intrigue, hidden identities, family loyalties, and emotional character development into a highly enjoyable drama. While it doesn't reach a masterpiece status due to some of the problems in the Drama, it remains one of the more memorable costume dramas of the year. The rating for this Drama is higher than it should be , in my opinion!

One of the drama's greatest strengths is its two main leads. Both deliver convincing and heartfelt performances, creating a relationship that feels natural and emotionally rewarding. However, the true standout is the female lead. She brings intelligence, resilience, warmth, and vulnerability to her character, making her incredibly easy to root for from beginning to end. Rather than being a passive heroine, she actively drives the story forward and consistently proves herself capable in difficult situations. Her growth throughout the series is one of the highlights of the drama.

The male lead complements her perfectly. His performance balances strength, mystery, and emotional depth, and the chemistry between the two leads develops naturally over the course of the story. Their interactions provide many of the drama's most memorable moments.

The storyline revolving around false identities, hidden pasts, and political secrets keeps viewers invested for much of the series. The gradual unraveling of the truth is handled well, creating suspense while allowing the characters to develop organically. The drama avoids relying solely on romance, instead weaving together family conflicts, court politics, and personal struggles into a compelling narrative.

Visually, Pursuit of Jade is elegantly pleasing. The costumes are elegant and detailed, capturing the atmosphere of the period. From the richly designed robes to the carefully crafted hairstyles and sets, the production values help immerse viewers in the world of the drama.

The supporting cast also deserves praise. Many side characters are given meaningful storylines and distinct personalities rather than existing simply to support the main couple. Characters such as Qi Min and Sui Yuanhuai add depth to the overall narrative, while several secondary relationships and family dynamics enrich the viewing experience.

Unfortunately, the drama loses a lot of it's momentum during the middle section and the final five episodes. After spending so much time carefully building its mysteries and character arcs, the conclusion feels somewhat rushed. Several emotional moments do not land with the impact they should have, and some story threads are wrapped up too quickly. The ending itself is satisfying on a basic level, but the final scenes lack the emotional weight and payoff that the series had been building toward. With stronger execution in its closing chapters, the drama could easily have reached a higher rating.

Despite these shortcomings, Pursuit of Jade remains a highly enjoyable watch thanks to its strong lead performances, fascinating identity-driven storyline, gorgeous costumes, and memorable supporting cast. It is a drama that keeps viewers invested for most of its run and offers enough emotional and narrative rewards to make it well worth watching.

Final Rating: 8.5/10

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It's a great show about women.

It’s a very interesting story, mainly because it blends drama with a strong political backdrop set in a specific historical period. In some ways, it reminds me of Who Rules the World, but at its core, it’s really a story about women — especially mothers — and how deeply they sacrifice themselves to protect their children.
Throughout the plot, we see several families, and one striking aspect is how few female characters remain alive at a certain point. Because of that, the ones who do stand out even more: they are resilient, determined, and incredibly strong. They do everything for their families and assert themselves in a world dominated by men, where decisions are made by men and women are, in theory, just ornamental.
Even so, female protagonism is very significant. This is reflected through several key figures, such as the Empress Dowager, the main female lead, and the mothers of the main characters. At its heart, the story is about these women.
The main couple is also a highlight. I fell in love with the female lead in the first episode, and with the male lead around episode four. Together, they have a very compelling dynamic — they are strong as a couple, but also very human. They argue, hurt each other at times (sometimes intentionally), and make mistakes, but it never feels forced or overly dramatic. It’s not based on ridiculous misunderstandings; you can clearly see they care about each other, even as they struggle and try to protect one another.
The villain is another standout: incredibly well-written. At times, you even feel sympathy for him, but he remains a terrible person. This duality is portrayed very effectively.
The children are adorable, and the story also emphasizes the importance of community. From the beginning, we are introduced to this collective environment, where people are not purely good or bad. Of course, there are clearly good and clearly bad characters, but most exist in shades of gray, which makes the story more realistic and engaging.
It’s a story I consumed very quickly — in about three days — which says a lot about how gripping it is. It has 40 episodes, each around 50 to 60 minutes long, so it’s quite extensive, but very well constructed.
The cinematography is beautiful, and the storytelling is tightly woven: there are no loose ends or forgotten characters. Even minor characters have their outcomes addressed.
Overall, it’s a story that moved me a lot. I laughed quite a bit — there are genuinely funny scenes. It didn’t make me particularly tense, probably because I’m already familiar with this type of narrative and could anticipate some developments, but it still brings a fresh and well-executed perspective.
It’s definitely a great story.

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Beautiful show with interesting characters - if only it was more balanced!

Very interesting plot, nice acting, excellent cinematography, nice soundtrack, great recommendation for people who enjoy action scenes, female leads with strong personalities, and power couples. The dubbing quality is excellent and the child actors were adorable! Yet, a lot of the show's potential was left unfinished and some plot choices were questionable.

Changyu is a great protagonist and a lovable character. Although I had my doubts about the actress, not due to her acting abilities but due to the baby face, her appearance fits Changyu's lively spirit, playful and a bit naive personality. She looked her best during battle. Zheng is an ideal male lead - handsome, smart, compassionate, capable, and together they made an excellent power couple. Qianqian's character was intriguing and I would have loved to see more about her background and personality outside of her forced reality alongside Qi Min. Qi Shu and Yin Gongsun were adorable together, the background characters were interesting but a bit underdeveloped, and Wei Yan made a very good antagonist. The friendship between Changyu and Qianqian was one of the best dynamics of the show, combined with an overall strong female presence in the whole plot. The sociopolitical commentary was decent and the final results for certain characters were worthy of their actions, minus Qi Min who deserved worst.
The editing is superb in many scenes, the song choices are very good, and the alternative ending was a smart inclusion (although the original ages of the main leads do not add up, but I pretended they were both 27-ish anyway)

On the negative side, the political aspect of the plot was underutilized in favor of the romance, which is truly a shame. The show starts great, but slugs during the middle part exactly because one can not rely on the chemistry of the main characters alone in order to push the narrative - the show gains momentum once again when both Changyu and Zheng enter the Capital and the scenario starts moving. The makeup artists really did not hold back (not everyone has to look beautiful all the damn time) and the show had multiple unrealistic moments, like people surviving from injuries that would have normally end up in disability or death, and Zheng coughing blood multiple times without it harming him at all. Qi Min was unworthy of redemption, although I don't blame Qianqian for having confused emotions due to her apparent supernatural origins (?) and her traumatic life. Gongsun and Shu deserved more screen time, and we got no proper showcase of Beijue as a foreign power. The occasional fatphobic stereotypes were not absent.

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