So many people venting about SML... don't worry folks, This is the classic setup: throw in a little competition and a dash of jealousy, the emotionally repressed ML finally opens up, the sweet and kind FL’s nurturing instincts kick in, and voilà—emotional healing arc unlocked and all is well.
Her husband has been spending a lot of time and texting with that junior sister. Told the junior about quitting…
So the emotional cheating has started, and I guess the kiss was initiated by the girl. OK, time for bestie to move on.
Even if the husband didn't physically cheat, he had no reason to hide things and chose to confide in the other girl instead. He could have been upfront why she was involved in the first place.
I have not watched episodes 16 and 17 but seeing the previews, something happened to FL's bestie (ZXR) 😭 Can someone please spoil me - did something that many of us sense will happen, actually happen?
I saw the last 6 episodes as a mini spin off about the ML's backstory and the resolution of the his issues with…
There are definitely two camps here: those who feel LJL sacrificed himself and ended up with an unbalanced outcome, and those who believe he was genuinely happy with his choice—and not interested in the so-called “bright” future of life at court especially after the ordeal with the Duke Xue's household.
But he gave up his while she never ever considered giving up hers for him. So terrible.
That's the thing - I do not see him sacrificing anything because by the the end of it all, based on what he told his father and RSB, he has no interest in that kind of future. In fact, did he ever say that he wanted that kind of life from the beginning? What's most important is that he made the choice himself, even when RSB was pushing him to that future that she thought he deserved.
Please refer to the comment by @Kaihua below - the comment addresses my thoughts perfectly!
During my middle school days, my crush accidentally touched my hands while he's trying to climb over the railings…
That sounded lovely - such a great feeling. I think I just have not met the right one yet. Didn't help that I was in an all-girls school all the way to college :D
But he gave up his while she never ever considered giving up hers for him. So terrible.
He didn't though - since he didn't know about the dukedom or wanted to be the heir. He wanted to be a good and just official serving the people. It was RSB who thought that he deserves and should be enjoying all the wealth and glory. For me, in the end - he made his own choice and stuck to his original goal. He even said it in his speech to her.
Episodes 31–36 honestly felt like a mini spin-off to me—one about the ML’s backstory and neatly wrapped up his emotional baggage, with RSB by his side as his anchor and support.
I enjoyed the ending. LJL finally slipped back into his smooth-talker mode, charming everyone around him—even the cousin—and reminding us of who he used to be. Best of all, he made his own choice and stayed true to his original goal. He never wanted to be the duke’s heir, not before and not after everything that happened. What he has always wanted is to be a good and just official, serving the people. It was RSB who believed he deserved the wealth and glory that came with that title, but thankfully, he had his own ideas.
One highlight was seeing Steward Cheng’s face 😂.
That said, this isn’t a perfect 10 for me. I’m still salty that the show swung so hard into being fully female-centric. LJL’s screentime got less, and worse, his commanding presence got dialed way down. Yes, NHM can absolutely pull off being a damsel-in-distress (and look real fine doing it), but I really wanted a balanced dynamic—a true power couple scheming and fighting in sync.
Still, major kudos where it’s due: strong acting, stunning sets and costumes, and a great OST. And I’ll admit it—I’m giving it an extra star purely for the visuals. Not just the leads, but the supporting cast too. A total visual feast. I’m especially glad the show spotlighted so many vertical/mini-drama actors—here’s hoping this gives them the boost they deserve.
Hate me as you please but the last 6 eps is satisfying , I LIKE IT ... I know there are some plot holes like the…
I saw the last 6 episodes as a mini spin off about the ML's backstory and the resolution of the his issues with the support of RSB. I am quite happy with the ending!
Watching Ep 35 made me wonder how many scenes ended up on the cutting-room floor, because suddenly we got exactly what we’ve been wanting to see: our couple actually working together and in sync like a proper power couple, using their brains and resources.
A little too late in the game - I’m feeling salty but if we get a happy ending where they both maintain their own identities, I would be satisfied.
No I think he was genuine, the poor guy has some serious abandonment issues.
That I don't disagree. Even though, in some scenes, he did gain the upperhand like in the scene we talked about, there is a definite imbalance. I blame the change in direction for the story to make it heavily female-centric in the second part of the show.
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Even if the husband didn't physically cheat, he had no reason to hide things and chose to confide in the other girl instead. He could have been upfront why she was involved in the first place.
Thank you for responding so quickly!
Thank you for responding so quickly!
Can someone please spoil me - did something that many of us sense will happen, actually happen?
Please refer to the comment by @Kaihua below - the comment addresses my thoughts perfectly!
I enjoyed the ending. LJL finally slipped back into his smooth-talker mode, charming everyone around him—even the cousin—and reminding us of who he used to be. Best of all, he made his own choice and stayed true to his original goal. He never wanted to be the duke’s heir, not before and not after everything that happened. What he has always wanted is to be a good and just official, serving the people. It was RSB who believed he deserved the wealth and glory that came with that title, but thankfully, he had his own ideas.
One highlight was seeing Steward Cheng’s face 😂.
That said, this isn’t a perfect 10 for me. I’m still salty that the show swung so hard into being fully female-centric. LJL’s screentime got less, and worse, his commanding presence got dialed way down. Yes, NHM can absolutely pull off being a damsel-in-distress (and look real fine doing it), but I really wanted a balanced dynamic—a true power couple scheming and fighting in sync.
Still, major kudos where it’s due: strong acting, stunning sets and costumes, and a great OST. And I’ll admit it—I’m giving it an extra star purely for the visuals. Not just the leads, but the supporting cast too. A total visual feast. I’m especially glad the show spotlighted so many vertical/mini-drama actors—here’s hoping this gives them the boost they deserve.
4.30 AM now - time for bed!
A little too late in the game - I’m feeling salty but if we get a happy ending where they both maintain their own identities, I would be satisfied.