Bowties are cool

You know, that's a valid theory. PM never really struck me as being evil or calculating. I came to the watch party late (started watching the show after it had been airing for 3 weeks) but even though I had tried to avoid spoilers I had gleamed that Awu's dad was less than good and calculating and evil. Its only when I was watching the show that I realised that the PM started playing defense because he believed the emperor was playing offense. You know, that whole ok if the emperor wants to play I will show him kind of thing. While I did not agree with the way he went about it, I believe that he chose XQ as a husband for his daughter who he favors over his son because he wanted a strong husband who would protect her not those wimpy sons of the emperor.
I do think the PM would have been comfortable being emperor, more like not wanting to be at the mercy of people in power.

episodes are available now

the pandemic happening was a matter of when, not if.

I stand corrected.

How is this not out yet?

ML is a chauvinistic ass, there is no way to sugarcoat it but I cant argue with the reasons for the firings.
With the exception of the FL(her mistake was caused by him but also very dangerous), all the other female chefs made fire-able offenses.

Edit- I would have fired them too and more of the locals- They are so unprofessional with huge egos.

Thank you. Ahh, now I can wait in peace. lol.

My mum would say something like - "see, that's how you were made" which would embarrass me, and my father and she would just be cackling away having gotten her intended reaction.

Where in the new episode? Its been an hour already.
Don't these people know I cant sleep because I am waiting for that episode to air!!!

I expected that reaction and was disappointed preview last week didn't have it. Its such a Mr Queen thing to do

I think those are from previous episodes- the one of HZ around Awu is from ep 42 when she did the dance. The only scene I didn't recognise was the last one with the 2 sides fighting but other that all the other scenes are from the first 51 eps.

I couldn't agree more - that fight scene was kinda cringy. The transitions were a shade off. CGI on the spider is really good so I don't know what happened on that fight scene. maybe its the edit of the scene.

1st Ep is free both on the website and the app. Am in the midwest.

I don't think she will hate XQ, she is ride or die with him too. She knows he was set up and I think if she had to make a similar choice she would probably sacrifice herself for XQ just like her brother did. I teared up when the horse fell so that it would be easier to get him onto it - like WOW. or his horses joining the fight. I was so sad that they didn't make it.
I will miss that general thou- he was my fave of all the crew with his expressions that could say so much even though he was brash.

ahha, you are disappointed in her level of badassness. Ok, cool beans. Yeah, I've got to be honest that I am a little disappointed too.

Zitan is just plain stupid - the dumbest, most stupid SML I have ever come across.

Edit- ok, that may be a little harsh but I can't find any logically reason to understand his motives.

Yes, to add to what @C-K drama 11 said - definitely watch Story of Ming Lan. While Yingluo is my fave CDrama heroine, Minglan is a close second.

I have got to agree about the loving family dynamic playing a role in how Awu chooses to interact and deal with people. She is never playing offense or defense moves unless pushed. While Minglan and even Yingluo were on the defensive because the people were out to get them for varying reasons.

It takes a certain kind of strength to be kind to people who have not been kind to you and others.
I find Minglan and Awu so different, each with their strengths and weakness.

Awu was an indulged child who seemingly had everything going for her and then when push came to shove she was betrayed but her family, from her father, her aunt, her favorite uncle, even her first love. Awu's intellect was celebrated, its a big reason why her father favored her over her brother.

Minglan on the other hand was a neglected child who had to hide her intellect so that she would not be picked up upon in the family because she has no strong backer until her grandmother took her up. To another extent she may have chosen to hide her talents because that's what her mother asked her to do. Don't stand out or you will get in trouble - that kind of thing.

Frankly speaking I have got to ask you why you think they are similar.

Yes, I had forgotten that ridiculous aspect of it. Its all gone to waste for the empress now though.
HZ will get his. And I am totally there for justice to be served. I can't wait for him to find out who actually killed his mother so that he realize how long he has spent hating the wrong person.

Awu agreed to help her cousin get out of the arrangement. She had to do everything in her power to save her cousin.
The other details are irrelevant. Yes, HZ is a terrible human and her cousin is not much better but the facts remain that Awu would still try to save her cousin. Its just who she is.

HZ chose her cousin simply because she is related to Awu, he knew that that would bring Awu to him which he wants very badly. He is looking for a way to possess her and own her.