Alejandro

Incredible observations from all of you. I agree with the idea that Duke Su always knew that XF/JL was using him from the first time they met. I think he was bemused at first, and just wanted to see what she would do. But as he began to understand what she suffered and went through, and what she is trying to do now to correct everything, he sympathises more with her. Of course, there is also the element of mutual attraction between them that plays a role as well. I was a little turned off by the Emperor constantly referring to her as Duke Su's 'pawn' as well. But I think Duke Su allowed that because it was the only way to protect her. If the Emperor sees her as useful to his purpose of cleaning out the court, then she's safe. Otherwise, maybe her actions might have been viewed a bit more critically.

She was only messing with him, as brothers and sisters will do. She had already accepted him as her 'brother' in the same sense as the real Jiang Li probably would have done. Remember, that when he first arrived, she called him (for the first time) by the nickname the actual Jiang Li called him (Xiao RuiRui). She was demonstrating a rare playful nature on her part that she only demonstrates with him. I think she feels a certain level of comfortable with him that she doesn't feel with anyone else. That's just my sense anyway.

I'm not your brother, sweetie...show a little respect for your elder. I'm a 56 year old man. You don't have to like what I say. But be respectful. I'm not your bro.

I never said it had an awful name. I said the English translation of the name sounds pretentious. Please do not ascribe sentiments to my words that do not exist and are inaccurate. Thank you in advance.

I'll admit that. I am terrible with poetry. I don't do well with intangibles. I'm an historian. I only like facts. Things you can put your hands on. So maybe there is something poetic to the song title that I don't get. I can accept that.

Interesting how you defend them, ignore Tiananmen Square, and then say 'dont discuss politics'. You are an obvious shill for the Chinese government. You really should try to hide yourself better.

But his words at least make sense. When Fragrance Falls Pear Blossoms Turn White'...what does that mean? Fragrance is not something that falls. You smell it. Pear blossoms turn white? Seriously? It makes no sense. You can't compare Keats to that kind of crazy nonsense. Keats didn't live in a fantasy world. He used allusions and symbolism. But that's different from what I am asking about. Unless it isn't. Perhaps you can explain to me the symbolism behind such a song title. Then I will feel a bit better about it.I do not know why I am so upset about this. It doesn't really matter. Except that my brother in law is in China right now trying to talk to those crazy people about things that I am not allowed to know about. And I know the Chinese. The moment they decide he no longer serves their purpose, they will lock him up as a spy. Because that is the kind of nasty people they are. So I just wonder. When I watch these dramas, am I just watching propaganda? Are they going to kill my brother in law?

芳菲落尽梨花白 Is the translation correct? When Fragrance Falls, Pear Blossoms Turn To White. Is that correct? Because if it isn't, then I apologise. But if it is, then, I'm sorry, but isn't that the most pretentious crap ever? It doesn't mean a damned thing!

I attended an event memorializing the slaughter of unarmed citizens at Tiananmen Square this week. How did the Chinese government memorialise their killing of unarmed civilians, I wonder? Pretty successful, indeed. I mention politics, only because the dramas are so pretentious that they are obviously propaganda to show how supposedly intelligent the Chinese people are. When in reality, they are just sheep following their Great Leader wherever he takes them. They were that way in Imperial times, and they remain the same today. Why do they pretend to be so smart...when they obviously aren't?

No...she meant it. She truly thinks that she can provide him with the life he wants. She doesn't love him, and she knows he doesn't love her. But she thinks that if she can provide him with the 'stable life' that she mentioned, that he will at least accept her. And now that she is pregnant, she is more convinced that she is the only person who can provide that 'stable life' for him. She truly believes this.As any survivors of abusive relationships will tell you. The victims always think there is a way to win their abusers over. They never understand that the abuser is abusing them because that is who he (or she) is. It has nothing to do with the victim or anything she (or he) does to try to change it.

I'm listening to a song from the OST called 'When Fragrance Falls, Pear Blossoms Turn White', and I have to ask...is this a bad translation? Because I watch a great many of these dramas, and there are always people talking about the most insane things like, 'This is only obtained in such and such province and it has a distinct flavour/smell/other characteristic, etc.' I am inclined to think that there is something pretentious about Chinese dramas. Are the Chinese people really so deep? And if so, then why do they allow themselves to be ruled by authoritarian dictators? Shouldn't they be smarter than that? Or is all of that crap we see and hear in their dramas pure nonsense, and they really aren't as smart as they pretend to be? Because seriously, the name of that song is SO F@#&ING PRETENTIOUS! I'm just saying, that's all...

I had no idea it was on YouTube...great for you! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. 😊 I try to avoid watching programmes on YouTube only because, for copyright reasons, they often tend to mute the soundtracks of some dramas, and I find that particularly annoying. It doesn't happen every time. But it has happened enough times for me to be wary of watching anything on YouTube. But that's just me! 😏

https://myasiantv.ac/show/-empresses-in-the-palace

I just watched the first episode and couldn't stop laughing...very cute and funny!

Why is he not credited in The Double? He plays Zhou Yanbang, but it isn't listed anywhere in MDL for some reason. Strange...🤔

Li Yun Rui: That child might look like a normal person on the surface, but only I know that he's as crazy as me on the inside 😂 My absolute favourite line of the series so far!

I couldn't stop laughing every time someone would ask where he was...must have been some inside joke for the people working on the series, I imagine. I thought it was quite amusing, really. Anyway, I'm up to the episode where they're trying to convince Fan Xian to try on clothes for the wedding. He is too funny 😂 This season is even funnier than the last season. Fan Sizhe's get rich quick scheme for Fan Xian's wedding (and divorce, and remarriage, etc...) was just too much! 🤣

Okay...very important question... Does this guy Cheng Jia Lin even exist or what? 😂

I finished it at last! Definitely has to be one of the best drama series I have ever watched. I was never bored once. The tendency not to age anyone was a bit off putting, but could be ignored. I loved the storytelling, the portrayals and particularly the music. Everything was truly top notch. very glad I watched this, and might even rewatch it one day in the future. 😊

I've just started episode 31 where they've made the discovery of the musk... everyone in this series, from the Emperor and his mother (who apparently was referencing this in the conversation prior, although it wasn't made clear then), to practically every member of the harem is certifiably insane! Who does something like that to someone they supposedly love? This Emperor really is something else!