AtsukoM

Well, Wu Zetian did exactly that in Chinese history and became the only female Empeor of a dynasty. I assume this Empress Dowager was inspired from Wu Zetian.

Hard agree. Just these production and directing choices alone stand out so much already. I was also feeling fatigued by all the bright colors and noisy elements in recent dramas. This really is a nice change of pace for me, taking me down the nostalgic lane of earlier cdramas.

Compared to other bastards of its time, MJL looks like a gem. The bar is indeed low lmfao

It's excellent so far.

For this drama, recommend to watch till ep 4-5 to fully grasp the stories and characters.

I kinda feel the same. Let him just be an unscrupulous egomanic that he is, so that we can dislike him without reservation. haha

But, let's see how it'll develop further.

I get where you are coming from. It was indeed awesome to read a MXY who commands immense power that shakes the entire realm. I also low key hope the drama will develop to that scale later down the line even if the chances are low. haha

Like someone said, Ye Li is a hair's breadth away from being a villain—and an incredibly tough one at that.

She's smart, cunning, decisive, difficult to read... and knows how to use her feminity to get to the opponent, the textbook definition of a 'wolf in sheep’s clothing'.

If her alignment were flipped, she would very well be a beauty that topples countries, who watches the chaos while sipping tea.

To be fair, the novel would not have worked in today's drama formats. Consider the episode limits, the massive character ensemble, the budget, and the market demands.

Not to mention, the pre-marriage arcs are incredibly generic, and most of the subplots won't even have room for them in the drama.

Don't get me wrong, I love the novel and recommend it to others whenever I get a chance. But an exact adaptation is just not happening in today's drama market. That's the reality.

I beg to differ with your comment regarding Mo Xiuyao, though. Imo, he's largely the same as his counterpart from the novel in terms of characterization.

We usually recommend ppl to watch until ep4-5 because that's where everything starts to make sense. Since you were looking forward to the drama, why not give it a few more episodes?

Yes, it seems to be so. How much of what she says are truth or lie, we don't know yet. They'll be revealed later down the line.

That's the consensus so far, and likely the case as well.

Also, the fact that this director holds enough weight to negotiate this with the producers and investors speaks volumes. Given her track record, she definitely has the leverage to protect the storytelling.

I know that's not the case normally... it always breaks my heart whenever a very good source material is turned into a sloppy mess.

Your opinion is fine. Chemistry is a very subjective thing to begin with.

For me, this couple is doing absolute wonders. They show their care towards each other through subtle actions and the intent behind them. There is a very good comment down below explaining the current state of Ye Li's mind, and why she might not actually be in a romantic love stage yet.

Which is why I'm appreciative of the director and writer of this drama for pushing for this type of story, especially in idol drama space where visuals and instant gratifications are the dominant trends these days.

Exactly. Also, based on the current writer's portfolio, I can at least be convinced she knows what she's doing.

Plus, we don't even know the first writer's version to even make comparison or assume that's the better one.

Totally agreed. She seems to be very clear and in control of the politics around Linshan Academy. Her actions are too purposeful and calculated to be labeled delusional.

But, on the other hand, her being not able to cope well is a separate matter.

I much prefer the story telling in The First Jasmine better, and the characters here are much better written as well. I may finish AtC later, but for now this drama is my obsession.

Insane behavior because she's on the verge of insanity to begin with. Gotta deep dive to comprehend her state of mind at any given moment. Really can't judge her with the regular ruler we use for simpler and more straight forward characters.

Mo Xiuyao nagging and scolding Ye Li, and Ye Li nonchalantly coaxing him back... those are one of my favorite parts of the drama. I can watch them do it all day. ❤️😍

That's the first thing that came to my mind as well lol

2nd Master Ye got it tough. He broke off with his first wife, so his eldest daughter is estranged from him. Now he's likely wearing a green hat as well.

The novel is not. Don't know for drama, but drama likely won't either.