The German speaking at the ball is so badly dubbed. I wonder if the actors tried to learned to say those lines and it was just too hard or if the production just didn't care. Things like that take me out of the story.

Mahjong! I want to learn, but reading directions is too confusing. But I actually recognize some of the terms they are using from what I have read.

So Miss Nefarious sticks up for FL, but FL decides to go with the wager. I think she really likes these games and danger gives her a little thrill, though she'd probably deny it. Love how everything is in what's not said instead of what is. Tension, tension, tension.

Why does 2ML look like he's about to get shot as he's holding the tile? So scared of his fiancée dancing with another man? Does he lack confidence in her or think it really reflects on him as a man if that happens? Strange.

Bwahaha! 2ML got played, 2FL is not happy, Mr. Money laughs hysterically, FL is abashed. And then it all fizzled in the end. Too funny.

AdriC93:

I totally agree. Ping Jun is into danger and certain kinky things, like biting

I'm getting such mixed signals from her that I'm not sure what to think. Just have to wait and see.

Episode 12

Could Tao Zi Yi be anymore evil? Does she really hate Ping Jun so much that she'd even risk Chang Xuan's life?

I love how Chang Xuan's words weren't just to get the soldier to let Ping Jun go. He didn't want to soldier shot. He knows the guy was right. Hope he survives.

MiMo:

Tao Ziyi is seriously something else!🐍 Her hatred for Pingjun is so deep that she doesn't even seem to care who gets hurt in the process. I was so shocked when she put both Changxuan and Pingjun in danger just because of her damn jealousy.

There is something very wrong with this girl. She like little kids who light animals on fire. She's mentally ill, but we shouldn't be surprised since her father was going to throw Ping Jun in the river.

MiMo:

I won’t spoil the aftermath…but our man was a total hero here!

This man is one of the most complex characters I've come across. He can be ruthless and tender, especially with kids. He is cunning and smart, but he's not into power for power's sake. He cares about people and their lives, not just the important ones. Yet he's also treats Ping Jun as a possession instead of caring about how she feels. And the way he's toying with Jiang Xue Ting. I'm really not sure what to think of that guy. Very intriguing.

Continuing Ep 12

After sitting on Yu Chang Xuan's lap Ping Jun escapes the room only to stop and give off "I want him but I shouldn't" vibes.

And right in the middle of Mr. Is He a Spy or Not? asking Miss I Don't Know What I Want to marry him here comes Liu Yuning singing and everyone in the comments stops talking about the drama and starts talking about the amazing Ning Ge and his amazing singing.

Chang Xuan, how is your wound almost healed? It happened two minutes ago. A couple stitches and you think you're good as new? Let's not carry plot armor too far.

Oh CX, you ask if it's that hard to keep the girl you like by your side (when that girl is not your fiancée? You've really lost the plot, dude.

Someone switched the fluids and soldier is dead (I'm really sad about this), but not before revealing the secret hiding place of the real treasure.

So many people spitting facts on Viki: Penicillin was discovered until 1928, the drama takes place in 1919 (not sure if those are the exact dates) and penicillin wasn't available to patients until 1941. Soldiers carrying cardboard boxes; China didn't have cardboard boxes until 1950s. Minor inaccuracies compared to some I've seen that make me crazy, for instance in medical dramas.

Here I thought the father was a good guy. I'm so naive.

No one is perfect, the father says, 'cause Feng Sanli achieved great military feats. So what if he stole gold, engaged in corruption, trampled on human lives. Big deal, right? Gotta pay that debt 'cause he saved you. Now Pops getting schooled by the son he cast aside.

Episode 13

I'm starting to get the impression that sister-not-related is more intent on this revenge than brother-not-related. Does Bingwen secretly love his wife? Ugh, arranged marriages. Just awful being tied to someone you don't love and yearning for the one you can't have.

OK, I'm officially team Bingwen. Maybe team Chen Wanqiao, too.

Really have mixed feelings about Ping Jun asking Chang Xuan to release Jiang Xue Ting. Shouldn't she be against someone who stole government secrets and aided the enemy? He's a traitor. Doesn't that conflict with Chinese-help-Chinese?

How does she have the nerve to lecture him on decency? She was him to let a spy go free. That's treasonous thinking. She has every right to hate ML, but how can she not hate what her fiancé has done, also? Neither one is treasuring her and treating her like an equal human being. She seems to be a thing to both of them.

And if she's going to be this bold as to ask him to free her fiancé, why can't she do it boldly? She's being a shrinking violet and I want her to stand up to him and ask fiercely.

Yeah, he has no knowledge or understanding or desire for love. Power and status. He's so messed up and it's getting hard to root for him.

OK, now I get it. It's the hairpin. Ever since he found it he's been obsessed with FL. Obviously it's a magic hairpin and a spell has been cast on it.

I'm not getting Yu Chang Xuan's sad face as he watches Ping Jun walking in the rain. (Just once couldn't we have a sad scene in the sunshine?) Anger, yes, but sad when he admitted he didn't love her, he just wanted her? His words and feelings don't seem to be on the best of terms.

Love the little lady lecturing the doctor to hurry to treat Mama. Almost didn't recognize Gu Rui Tong out of uniform. Handsome fellow. Starting to wish he could get the girl. I did watch one drama where 2ML did, but but not one where 5th ML does.

Who's Wan Zhi? Honestly I spend half the time watching an episode wondering who someone is and looking up names/faces I don't recognize.

Ha! I thought the guy they were dragging into prison was Xue Ting, but no, he looks as crisp and proper as ever in his button down and sweater vest. What happened to prison uniforms?

If it were to save her mother I'd say that's a logical reason to give into ML's demands. But fiancé is a grown man who knew what he was doing. He needs to suffer the consequences of his actions. If FL gives in she's not as smart as she started out being.

AmelieLucan:

Si ML no tiene un arco de redención

He's definitely getting a redemption arc. There's no doubt about that. Whether it'll be satisfying, though? I'm not so sure

Episode 14 Continued

New Opera lead is feeling her oats. Slapping Lan Qing'a supporter. Atta girl. You take that high road! Downfall coming soon, I hope.

And the ring reappears. Oops. Girl will you never learn. You should have hid a knife under the pillow.

I think I owe you an apology, Ping Jun. Your persistent resistance is paying off. Looks like Yu Chang Xuan is the one who will never learn. He really isn't seeing reality. Imagine thinking that bringing your captive's favorite dishes will make her love you. He is so emotionally stunted. He even gently lays the ring on the table.

Ping Jun won, Chang Xuan lost.