What gets me is that they hurl blood all over the floor, and minutes later someone comes in and it's like: a)…
Get mildly annoyed, spit blood. Yeah. Either that stuff tastes amazing or the actors need hazard pay. I think Till the End of the Moon was the worst I've seen. Seemed like someone was hurling up melted organs every episode.
Imagine JBZ and MY are in love. JBZ is poisoned and constantly lying to MY to get the golden millet dream from…
I thought it was a bit cruel for her to do that, but she clearly planned for force him to a) hate her, and b) destroy the GMD temptation. Both purposes of which protects him in her eyes: if he stops loving her, he won't be upset when she dies, and won't feel it through the heartbond, and nobody can come for the medicine now it doe's exist. I don't blame either. Outside the story however, I blame the angst-fetish writer(s).
What gets me is that they hurl blood all over the floor, and minutes later someone comes in and it's like: a) "you okay?", "yeah, fine", or b) the blood-hurler is missing and the visitor thinks "oh, missed them". And yet in either scenario the person visiting never notices the pool of blood vomit which should be clearly visible on the floor. It seems like magical self-cleaning blood (which honestly would be great in real life).
I agree with everything you've written. Also, MY being the crown prince is a huge secret and if it gets out it…
That's definitely part of it, agreed. It's another condition too. She's crown prince because she's useful. She's there because she's a better choice than her brother. Her people literally turned on her the moment she lost, despite her actually caring for them. Her good intentions still don't net her any permanent respect let alone affection. She has to be the perfect heir, warrior, or else literally one wants her. And in Jixing Abyss, that still stands because if they find out who she is, she's screwed whatever good she's done (as far as she knows). (And yes, even 27 and her master have a certain transactional relationship with her in her eyes. 27 has been conditioned for loyalty given what he is, and as far as she's aware, her master is more or less employed to be there, at least at first.) As much as JBZ was traumatised by his life, he saw love without reason in the mother in the pit, and even in his master, BY. That's why he can break down his barriers better than MY.
I am also irritated with MY, but that's largely due to angst backfiring and hitting a bugbear I have over this cliche (it got me in The Blue Whisper too). I do however understand why she keeps lying at those stages. This relationship with JBZ isn’t just built on lies, it's built on her worst fear and trauma: usefulness.
As they worked together, JBZ literally only continued to keep her around at first because she was useful to him. Even when he does start getting feelings, they are still connected to the fact she's being useful - helping his revenge, saving him, etc, it's all a transaction in her eyes. The more she helps, the more he likes her. When she shows a hint of her own plan, or a lie, he gets cold, upset, withdraws affection. Just like her mother.
Even if she can feel sincerity over time, and the bridege, stone, array, all prove that, something tends to remind her of the undercurrent of conditionality. JBZ literally tells her to her face he trusts her because she isn’t after the GMD: that's a condition. I love you as long as you don't do this thing. She's damned if she tries in some way to get him to agree, she's damned if she doesn't, and damned if she does go for the medicine. There is no scenario in her mind where he likes her afterwards, whatever 27 says. And her mother kicked her out once she wasn't useful, withdrew any love she had. A threat JBZ already fulfilled once.
So from her POV, I get exactly why she's terrified, and tongue tied. Her mother was her only source of love, and that screwed her up immensely, since it was such a transactional relationship. Whenever she tried for truth with her mother, she got punished with the threat of no love. Deliberately or unintentionally, JBZ isn’t different in MY's eyes at the end of the day. We know he's sincere (or very much trying), but their interactions can definitely be seen as conditional from her POV.
I definitely can't wait for him to figure it out, and for them to actually talk. It is extremely frustrating. But, I do definitely get why MY isn't truthful.
As much as SML going bad with obsession is cliche, I kinda wanna see what SL does with it. I mean, I'm kinda all for him slaughtering his way up his family tree since they seen super wonderful and all.
👏👏👏👏 I love how clever Fu Yixiao is, not just critically but emotionally. She got Feng Suige through it so well. I love a woman with actual wits.
Whilst I do find the growth of FCY and FXY a bit quick, particularly the former, FXY has always been stubborn and at the very least knew her family dynamic. Whatever her selfishness and idealism, and I really do think she is still a spoiled brat, she still understands a court and its politics, she just never needed to use it before. She is very much still out of her depth since it's a foreign place and she's alone, but force of will and trauma can do wonders for a brain boost (particularly in drama land).
But, definite props, however belated, to the new little emperor for quickly recognising something up with what happened. He too knew his family - he knows his big bro, he knows his dad, and he cottoned onto his mum, no doubt because of that odd convo with grandpa about being emperor out of the blue. It's like everyone didn't realise just exactly WHO this kid's father is/was - Feng Pingchang wasn't an idiot. Emotionally stunted, sure, but not exactly stupid. The Zhuangs really failed to recognise their limits of intelligence. Funny how FPC's traits suddenly became glaringly apparent in FXY and FCY at the moment they lost his love and protection, and that of FSG.
I agree with others; the Storm Alliance has rather failed to live up to any hype I felt. WQY had such hopes, and yet it's filled with stubborn old bastards who can't see the light, and only want more death. If they're so against the "not leaving" rule, then, remove it. Stop listening to the SINGLE guy saying it - there's more of you than him! Also, vendetta lady: 1)WQY won't like you killing the son she died for, and 2) you control the guards of the alliance... JUST LEAVE! Let everyone leave! How hard is that?
Can't wait for the death and revenge coming in the next eps! Bring on the cathartic carnage!
*Edit* I also fully loved how Lu Ke had to practically *date* Feng Suige in an attempt to jog his memories. Seems appropriate for the couple's main shipper/interrupter.
That must have felt good after such a long rant 😂😂🤣🤣😂🤣
Oh my yes 😆 🤣 I dunno, I work in retail and I can only take so much... I'm going to say stupidity... before I snap. Don't get me wrong, love the story, and humans are flawed so I'm not faulting the writing (maybe a smidge), but... So many punchable faces! 😆
Rage has made me get an account solely to post on eps 27 and 28. Emperor of Susha - Seriously? You're a Machiavellian marvel all your life and you still have a sound mind, and yet you: a) let your bitch wife near you when you know she wishes you ill, particularly after you allowed her dad to be killed? WHERE ARE YOUR SPECIAL GUARDS?!, b) you didn't immediately make sure that the Zhuang famiy were announced as traitors to EVERYONE, and c) tell those ministers outside exactly what happened and shout the damn edict from the rooftops that FSG is the heir to your throne and nobody else? Seriously? I get you're tired, but c'mon. Also, communicate to Marquis Murong when he's in front of you that you're sparing his son, or you'll make sure FSG will. Prime Minister Zhuang - just, ugh. I wish you died in a fire. Don't lie, you failed your family as a parent and that's what's gonna get 'em killed. Someone on Reddit compared you to Tywin F*cking Lannister, and you know what - yup. You raised a cadre of moronic children: your older son was a good warrior, but poor in sense or blinded by something; your daughter had delusions, your adopted son was... dumb (-_-), your nephew barely better, and your grandson is as useless as Tommen Baratheon was. Empress of Susha - Dear Mother of God... I can't tell whether you lack sense, insight, foresight or all of the above. You literally knew your husband loved his first wife, that your dad killed said wife, and your husband made no move to name your son heir. Also, FSG never, ever harmed your son, or hated him and always treated him like a kid brother. HOW BLIND ARE YOU? You're aware FSG hates you, but you really make no plans beyond relying on daddy, and being ignorant of what he's actually doing? Then you keep lying to your baby of an adult son (this *really* pissed me off so much I woke my puppy up shouting at the PC screen "HOW DARE YOU!"). FCY is not going to magically become ruthless. You've raised a weakling and you've all but signed his death warrant barring FSG's mercy for the brother you say he hates. Feng Changyang - You poor, poor ignorant baby... STOP BELIEVING WHAT THEY TELL YOU AND USE YOUR OWN BRAIN. You don't deserve to die, honestly, and I don't think FSG will kill you, but you need a XJS slap like Xiyang, plus someone force-feeding you reality and logic. You can't tell your grandpa you'll be emperor like he wants, then say you didn't want it days later. Marquis Murong - Dear lord, actually ask sensible questions instead of crying and making a show of sacrifice. If you'd bothered to do so, you'd have learned of the pardon from the Emperor. Then none of this sh*t would have happened. Whilst I commend your paternal protectiveness, it's come far too late, and your amends... I now wish you also to die in a fire, preferably started by FYX's arrow in your chest. MRY - You almost, almost made me feel sorry for you. Almost. However, your father's right. You had choices, choices have consequences, often unforeseen. You could have stopped this years ago by telling FSG what really happened; he'd have hated his dad more on your behalf and helped you, dude. Go go die on your dad's body bonfire, although *maybe* with a sliver of redemption...?
But, here's my main gripe: FENG SUIGE! - WTF? You're brilliant, you think of angles, you plot... and... you know the Empress would come for you if left alive, you didn't say anything to Marquis Murong about how you could punish his son without killing him... what the hell kind of thinking is that? You go to the palace, a place you've had to literally force you way into several times, a place you know has spies, and not even armed? As painful as this was to watch, I really hope you learn a lesson about letting your guard down.
MVP - Ruyan. Go you little overlooked dancer you. If you can sprint after a buggy the way you did, miles out of town and catch them in the act of clear body-dumping, you deserve to bring down your ex!
Based on preview, for the first time, Xiyang hasn't pissed me off. She's actually smarter than FCY and realised *instantly* that her father and brother were murdered, and that FSG didn't kill their dad. Belated character growth there princess, but you've risen in esteem somewhat.
Also, what's the bet MY can walk right into that shield around the Bo clan home? Dragon guard will likely be "hey, I know you".
I think Till the End of the Moon was the worst I've seen. Seemed like someone was hurling up melted organs every episode.
I don't blame either.
Outside the story however, I blame the angst-fetish writer(s).
(And yes, even 27 and her master have a certain transactional relationship with her in her eyes. 27 has been conditioned for loyalty given what he is, and as far as she's aware, her master is more or less employed to be there, at least at first.)
As much as JBZ was traumatised by his life, he saw love without reason in the mother in the pit, and even in his master, BY. That's why he can break down his barriers better than MY.
As they worked together, JBZ literally only continued to keep her around at first because she was useful to him. Even when he does start getting feelings, they are still connected to the fact she's being useful - helping his revenge, saving him, etc, it's all a transaction in her eyes. The more she helps, the more he likes her. When she shows a hint of her own plan, or a lie, he gets cold, upset, withdraws affection. Just like her mother.
Even if she can feel sincerity over time, and the bridege, stone, array, all prove that, something tends to remind her of the undercurrent of conditionality. JBZ literally tells her to her face he trusts her because she isn’t after the GMD: that's a condition. I love you as long as you don't do this thing. She's damned if she tries in some way to get him to agree, she's damned if she doesn't, and damned if she does go for the medicine. There is no scenario in her mind where he likes her afterwards, whatever 27 says. And her mother kicked her out once she wasn't useful, withdrew any love she had. A threat JBZ already fulfilled once.
So from her POV, I get exactly why she's terrified, and tongue tied. Her mother was her only source of love, and that screwed her up immensely, since it was such a transactional relationship. Whenever she tried for truth with her mother, she got punished with the threat of no love. Deliberately or unintentionally, JBZ isn’t different in MY's eyes at the end of the day. We know he's sincere (or very much trying), but their interactions can definitely be seen as conditional from her POV.
I definitely can't wait for him to figure it out, and for them to actually talk. It is extremely frustrating. But, I do definitely get why MY isn't truthful.
I love how clever Fu Yixiao is, not just critically but emotionally. She got Feng Suige through it so well. I love a woman with actual wits.
Whilst I do find the growth of FCY and FXY a bit quick, particularly the former, FXY has always been stubborn and at the very least knew her family dynamic. Whatever her selfishness and idealism, and I really do think she is still a spoiled brat, she still understands a court and its politics, she just never needed to use it before. She is very much still out of her depth since it's a foreign place and she's alone, but force of will and trauma can do wonders for a brain boost (particularly in drama land).
But, definite props, however belated, to the new little emperor for quickly recognising something up with what happened. He too knew his family - he knows his big bro, he knows his dad, and he cottoned onto his mum, no doubt because of that odd convo with grandpa about being emperor out of the blue. It's like everyone didn't realise just exactly WHO this kid's father is/was - Feng Pingchang wasn't an idiot. Emotionally stunted, sure, but not exactly stupid. The Zhuangs really failed to recognise their limits of intelligence. Funny how FPC's traits suddenly became glaringly apparent in FXY and FCY at the moment they lost his love and protection, and that of FSG.
I agree with others; the Storm Alliance has rather failed to live up to any hype I felt. WQY had such hopes, and yet it's filled with stubborn old bastards who can't see the light, and only want more death. If they're so against the "not leaving" rule, then, remove it. Stop listening to the SINGLE guy saying it - there's more of you than him! Also, vendetta lady: 1)WQY won't like you killing the son she died for, and 2) you control the guards of the alliance... JUST LEAVE! Let everyone leave! How hard is that?
Can't wait for the death and revenge coming in the next eps! Bring on the cathartic carnage!
*Edit*
I also fully loved how Lu Ke had to practically *date* Feng Suige in an attempt to jog his memories. Seems appropriate for the couple's main shipper/interrupter.
Don't get me wrong, love the story, and humans are flawed so I'm not faulting the writing (maybe a smidge), but...
So many punchable faces! 😆
Emperor of Susha - Seriously? You're a Machiavellian marvel all your life and you still have a sound mind, and yet you: a) let your bitch wife near you when you know she wishes you ill, particularly after you allowed her dad to be killed? WHERE ARE YOUR SPECIAL GUARDS?!, b) you didn't immediately make sure that the Zhuang famiy were announced as traitors to EVERYONE, and c) tell those ministers outside exactly what happened and shout the damn edict from the rooftops that FSG is the heir to your throne and nobody else? Seriously? I get you're tired, but c'mon. Also, communicate to Marquis Murong when he's in front of you that you're sparing his son, or you'll make sure FSG will.
Prime Minister Zhuang - just, ugh. I wish you died in a fire. Don't lie, you failed your family as a parent and that's what's gonna get 'em killed. Someone on Reddit compared you to Tywin F*cking Lannister, and you know what - yup. You raised a cadre of moronic children: your older son was a good warrior, but poor in sense or blinded by something; your daughter had delusions, your adopted son was... dumb (-_-), your nephew barely better, and your grandson is as useless as Tommen Baratheon was.
Empress of Susha - Dear Mother of God... I can't tell whether you lack sense, insight, foresight or all of the above. You literally knew your husband loved his first wife, that your dad killed said wife, and your husband made no move to name your son heir. Also, FSG never, ever harmed your son, or hated him and always treated him like a kid brother. HOW BLIND ARE YOU? You're aware FSG hates you, but you really make no plans beyond relying on daddy, and being ignorant of what he's actually doing? Then you keep lying to your baby of an adult son (this *really* pissed me off so much I woke my puppy up shouting at the PC screen "HOW DARE YOU!"). FCY is not going to magically become ruthless. You've raised a weakling and you've all but signed his death warrant barring FSG's mercy for the brother you say he hates.
Feng Changyang - You poor, poor ignorant baby... STOP BELIEVING WHAT THEY TELL YOU AND USE YOUR OWN BRAIN. You don't deserve to die, honestly, and I don't think FSG will kill you, but you need a XJS slap like Xiyang, plus someone force-feeding you reality and logic. You can't tell your grandpa you'll be emperor like he wants, then say you didn't want it days later.
Marquis Murong - Dear lord, actually ask sensible questions instead of crying and making a show of sacrifice. If you'd bothered to do so, you'd have learned of the pardon from the Emperor. Then none of this sh*t would have happened. Whilst I commend your paternal protectiveness, it's come far too late, and your amends... I now wish you also to die in a fire, preferably started by FYX's arrow in your chest.
MRY - You almost, almost made me feel sorry for you. Almost. However, your father's right. You had choices, choices have consequences, often unforeseen. You could have stopped this years ago by telling FSG what really happened; he'd have hated his dad more on your behalf and helped you, dude. Go go die on your dad's body bonfire, although *maybe* with a sliver of redemption...?
But, here's my main gripe:
FENG SUIGE! - WTF? You're brilliant, you think of angles, you plot... and... you know the Empress would come for you if left alive, you didn't say anything to Marquis Murong about how you could punish his son without killing him... what the hell kind of thinking is that? You go to the palace, a place you've had to literally force you way into several times, a place you know has spies, and not even armed? As painful as this was to watch, I really hope you learn a lesson about letting your guard down.
MVP - Ruyan. Go you little overlooked dancer you. If you can sprint after a buggy the way you did, miles out of town and catch them in the act of clear body-dumping, you deserve to bring down your ex!
Based on preview, for the first time, Xiyang hasn't pissed me off. She's actually smarter than FCY and realised *instantly* that her father and brother were murdered, and that FSG didn't kill their dad. Belated character growth there princess, but you've risen in esteem somewhat.