There were parts that differ from the novel, but mostly for the better.
There are two things I'm not satisfied as the novel reader. First is the Luo Jitong arc. In the novel, Shaoshang literally outsmarted her with her arson craft. In the drama, Zisheng saved her (again!). The other is that we didn't get the begging scene. But as a drama watcher, I'm proud of how mature Shaoshang and Zisheng in their process of reconciliation. There's no screaming and attacking each other, only respectful talks like two adults would do. It showed how much they've grown as characters.
I love the ending with the Cheng family watching the night sky together! And the ending dialogue from the novel is intact.
Finally, I have to say that this is the best cdrama I watched this year. ZLS, WL, other actors, director Fei and all the production team did bring out the most amazing things of a show that is very enjoyable to watch.
What about this scene? Can you put it under spoiler?
This is after the separation but yes there's a scene before the separation that CSS tended LBY like dressing the wound, washing feet and body... Well yeah we're robbed for sure
If CSS is a rabbit (15) then LBY is a rooster (21). Wonder if the novelist took a dig in chicken vs duck? Interestingly…
While there was never a duck vs chicken debate, in the novel there's this part that CSS comparing them with piccolo and guqin, saying these two instruments aren't compatible, just like thim. I think it's one of my fav scene.
CSS: You know, piccolo and guqin don't match LBY: I Know
CSS: actually, we don't really match LBY: I know
CSS: I'm very happy when I'm with you, you know it?
Thoughts on ep 45-46 and its difference with the source material
This is the first major plot that changes from the novel. Although it strayed away from the material source (in the novel it is uncle Wan instead of CSS's father), I have to say it's a very effective way to advance the plot and shows us growth of CSS and Cheng family. In the novel, the Cheng family never has their own major arc other than CSS's marriage problems and I think this kind of storyline makes the story whole, since it's the main character's family which went through all of this. For show-only viewers, this is an excellent arc. The novel reader may be a little disappointed, but then again, this is a drama adaptation.
I also think we won't see much of the case after the 5 years separation considering the amount of the episodes left. Which is a shame tbh because I want to see Shaoshang and Zisheng mend their relationship throughout their investigation of the cases.
The fight scene was amazing from the CGI, music, choreography. Holy shit what a quality! Also CSS and LBY investigating together! Also THE MANDARIN DUCK sent me rolling. Every time CSS cried my heart break for her :(. And I enjoyed when uncle Wan broke that Zuo guy arm and the Emperor just, eh, well done.
I think this drama has much more amazing woman characters then man! Empress, Consort Yue, Third Aunty, SS's mom,…
Ikrrr. Even though I also think the men are pretty diverse but they're overshadowed by those amazing women. Honestly didn't think I would love HZJ but girl really got that character development.
Stumbled upon comments that said lltg is a misogynistic show and their representation of women is terrible because it is same old stereotypes bitchy girls. Interesting take because I thought this drama did a pretty good job portraying many sides of women. Yes we got jealous women, but also smart woman (in both kind and sinsiter manner), docile women, powerful women, benevolent women, and even a soldier ones. In fact, I really fascinated with the level of intelligence and power the women hold in this show. Take example the madams of the noble families (Xiao Yuanyi, YS's mom). And we also get to know an icon that is Consort Yue. Then to balance all these strong women we have the Empress who's so full of love.
There are two things I'm not satisfied as the novel reader. First is the Luo Jitong arc. In the novel, Shaoshang literally outsmarted her with her arson craft. In the drama, Zisheng saved her (again!). The other is that we didn't get the begging scene. But as a drama watcher, I'm proud of how mature Shaoshang and Zisheng in their process of reconciliation. There's no screaming and attacking each other, only respectful talks like two adults would do. It showed how much they've grown as characters.
I love the ending with the Cheng family watching the night sky together! And the ending dialogue from the novel is intact.
Finally, I have to say that this is the best cdrama I watched this year. ZLS, WL, other actors, director Fei and all the production team did bring out the most amazing things of a show that is very enjoyable to watch.
CSS: You know, piccolo and guqin don't match
LBY: I Know
CSS: actually, we don't really match
LBY: I know
CSS: I'm very happy when I'm with you, you know it?
LBY: I know
I also think we won't see much of the case after the 5 years separation considering the amount of the episodes left. Which is a shame tbh because I want to see Shaoshang and Zisheng mend their relationship throughout their investigation of the cases.
And of course there's CSS ❤️