It’s so important to have a good advisor. Wei Shao has Gongsun which I’m sure everyone agrees is the best ever! Compared to Liu Yan’s uncle or guy who advised Manman’s uncle to find beauties
the romance is a key here bc the imugi learns love, compassion, care, loyalty, etc through human contact with…
:) True - Gang Cheol chose Yeori because of her pureness and therefore able to ascend eventually by being her spirit guardian. I am still not sure if we really need a romantic relationship or just a relationship between them in the story for him to get to that ultimate goal.
Still, this drama is written to be a love story so we shall see what choice he makes in the end - ascend or stay.
I am not someone to gush over romance but I did find them convincing as a couple. I think they both conveyed well…
Well said! Even now, it’s hard to expect unconditional love from someone who carries significant obligations, and I appreciate that the drama allowed Wei Shao and Manman to reach that mutual understanding.
The scene you highlighted was powerful—it had Manman voice out her guilt and the doubts she believed others had about her: that she didn’t love Wei Shao enough and was willing to risk his life.
Luckily, Wei Shao wasn’t surrounded by influential voices clinging to the blood feud. I think we would need 10 more episodes if he had to convince his own family as well.
Truly tearing from joy for them when they reconciled, seeing how they both are honest and open to each other.…
This is definitely a drama that will be high on my rewatch list. I completely agree—SZE was outstanding, and together with LYN, they brought this story to life so beautifully.
I love that almost every episode includes a pivotal moment—each one marking a step forward in this enemies-to-lovers journey. And in episode 31, that journey finally completed successfully.
What a wonderfully honest conversation between Manman and Wei Shao. She reaffirmed her unwavering love for him while also expressing her sense of duty to her family and people. In turn, Wei Shao came to understand the imbalance in their relationship. Unlike Manman, he and the Wei family are not dependent on the Qiao family for survival. She, however, exists in a far more precarious position—dependent on him, vulnerable to the shifts in his moods. He realized that previously he had never offered her the kind of reassurance needed to earn her complete trust and unconditional love.
At this point, it was up to Wei Shao to let go of the past—especially when Manman had already given up a lot to be with him. And he did not disappoint.
What I loved most was how both characters stayed true to their natures. Wei Shao was his usual rough, gruff self, unable to express affection in a softer tone—everyone’s reaction at the inn was priceless. And Manman? She’s the perfect velvet glove: graceful and gentle on the surface, yet steely and unyielding in spirit.
Today’s episode was truly heartwarming, with just the right touch of humor.
He won't He didn't protect his so called beloved wife He only loved himself
As he told Zang Hai, seeing ZhiXing was a painful reminder of his first wife and it was easier to ignore his presence in the beginning and now, he realized that his neglect may have led Zhixing to be useless. That 's why he was open to Zang Hai's advice to start shaping Zhixing up again and pay attention to him.
He won't He didn't protect his so called beloved wife He only loved himself
Perhaps - I was describing the Marquis in the present state. Like Gao Ming described, not protecting his wife was a regret he never got over so that experience may have changed him.
For me, the only ML i felt being a simp that made me dropped the drama is the ML in the princess royal.
I remember trying to defend the ML in the princess royal but I agree that compared to this show, the FL in that show can be too much and she hardly ever apologized which did piss me off.
Ngl, I'm annoyed that the word simp ever got created because since it became a thing people use it anytime a man,…
Same here. Yes, there are some cdramas where the ML can be a pushover and the FL just does whatever she wants without any apologies. I cannot stand those but surely people can tell the difference in this show.
Agree! I so wanted to smack Daqiao - she has no foresight, selfish and ungrateful. Who was the one to help Bizhi…
Exactly - Da Qiao has a very selfish and narrow view of her world. BiZhi would have told her that they needed to fight to protect Boya in the end. That’s exactly why he chose to be the Commander, to make sure that she has a safe home!
Of course, Xiao Zhan is the star, but I have to say—I’m really impressed by Huang Jue as the Marquis. He masterfully portrays the character’s sinister and ruthless side while conveying a genuine sense of sincerity, especially toward Zang Hai and Zhi Xing. Yes, they earned his support and are useful to him, but he still comes across as someone who will fiercely protect those he truly cares about.
Ya..this seems more of a Love story than a political drama..Also the leads are actually having normal conversations…
Yeah, I don't think they can do a love story in a political drama well unless we get many more episodes.
You're right about the leads having candid conversations, and they truly act like a married couple, sometimes yelling at each other, which is good since it's so cathartic to get it all out.
That's what I like about this adaptation: Wei Shao from the novel was rather angry. He didn't necessarily listen…
You're right - I have not finished the novel but read enough to understand what you mean by the two characters being merged into this new Wei Shao. I also prefer drama Manman because in the novel, she was smart but often in a passive role, on the receiving end of Wei Shao's moods.
I enjoyed the parts where everyone was plotting and trying to gain land-wise and politically but if the show were to properly develop those themes, then I think we would end up with a show with between 50 - 80 episodes like the Story of Minglan or Princess Weiyoung...lol
10 
17 
1 
1 
In this show, they at least look good together and the ML does make it worthwhile!
Still, this drama is written to be a love story so we shall see what choice he makes in the end - ascend or stay.
The scene you highlighted was powerful—it had Manman voice out her guilt and the doubts she believed others had about her: that she didn’t love Wei Shao enough and was willing to risk his life.
Luckily, Wei Shao wasn’t surrounded by influential voices clinging to the blood feud. I think we would need 10 more episodes if he had to convince his own family as well.
I feel the same way - seeing how much they have grown together and truly earned each other's love.
What a wonderfully honest conversation between Manman and Wei Shao. She reaffirmed her unwavering love for him while also expressing her sense of duty to her family and people. In turn, Wei Shao came to understand the imbalance in their relationship. Unlike Manman, he and the Wei family are not dependent on the Qiao family for survival. She, however, exists in a far more precarious position—dependent on him, vulnerable to the shifts in his moods. He realized that previously he had never offered her the kind of reassurance needed to earn her complete trust and unconditional love.
At this point, it was up to Wei Shao to let go of the past—especially when Manman had already given up a lot to be with him. And he did not disappoint.
What I loved most was how both characters stayed true to their natures. Wei Shao was his usual rough, gruff self, unable to express affection in a softer tone—everyone’s reaction at the inn was priceless. And Manman? She’s the perfect velvet glove: graceful and gentle on the surface, yet steely and unyielding in spirit.
Today’s episode was truly heartwarming, with just the right touch of humor.
's why he was open to Zang Hai's advice to start shaping Zhixing up again and pay attention to him.
You're right about the leads having candid conversations, and they truly act like a married couple, sometimes yelling at each other, which is good since it's so cathartic to get it all out.
I enjoyed the parts where everyone was plotting and trying to gain land-wise and politically but if the show were to properly develop those themes, then I think we would end up with a show with between 50 - 80 episodes like the Story of Minglan or Princess Weiyoung...lol