AtsukoM

Zhao Ling thought Emperor would be constantly 'good'. It's not entirely wrong for him to feel that way either, since he and the Emperor has a decent relationship up to this point.

But, he's still inexperienced in navigating these muddy waters and it cost him a fair bit. Emperor is Emperor, he's gonna play politics with everyone, even to his own flesh and blood.

A tough experience and a wake up call for Zhao Ling indeed.

Though, I would replace 'greater good' with 'his interest' lol

Their own fate and fortune lie with the rise and fall of their masters. It's not like they can choose who they want to serve. So, it's ride or die for them.

I also like to watch/read those sisterly bonds between master and maid in these stories.

Exactly my thoughts. So far, the drama let the characters own up to the consequences of their actions without glossing over them. I'm all for it.

Imo, one of the major contributing factors is Zhao Ling being still new to these deadly politics.

Emperor needed a blade, and he all-in into that role without a plan B, FTY had to remind him about it. Later, he got impatient and landed a non-lethal strike to Minister Yu which totally back fired on him when the other side retaliated.

It's truly sad about the state he's in right now, this road ain't an easy one.

Took me a while to recall who it is lol

It's one of my wishes with all these adaptation dramas, but it rarely happens as they are not that integral to the plot 🫠

Ep 31

I'm actually loving the angst in this drama, and how it doesn't shy away from showing the lead characters' shortcomings, and that 'Road to Splendor' is a trial by fire, not just butterflies and flowers.

Zhao Ling is street smart, but still trying to adapt into this high stake court battles, and it's bitting his ass so hard. FTY is more adapt in the social maneuverings, but she still doesn't have strong roots like Madam Yu does to have an all seeing eyes like characters from other type of stories.

So, set backs are bound to happen, and there are difficult pills to swallow even if they don't want to.

Anyhow, I'm still enjoying this drama up until this point. Looking forward to the express tmr.

Oh no.. I caught up within a day. 😱

I'm echoing other comments, but Zhen Ni is so adorable in this drama. 😍

And I somehow ended up shipping crossplaying Ao Yi with his admirers, what the hell! He really did a good job with that role lol.

To add a bit more, the mourning period length differs from one's relation with the deceased. The closer one is, the longer the period.

For example, if FTY's mom dies before they got married, she'll have to observe mourning for 1-3 years and can't get married during that time. Hence the mention about her mom holding out until she got married.

While reading the novel, I imagined Ju Jingyi, Kong Xue Er, etc. as Lu Tong since Lu Tong's description fits them quite well. But, TXW would be great as well, since she got more ranges.

Yup, for an idol drama that's pretty high. I conservatively expected low to mid 6 at best given it's Douban. But, 7.1 was a surprise. Seems people over there loves it.

Wow, Douban opening score 7.1

Zhao Ling was eager to make a move. Papa Yu read the move and did a preemptive strike by throwing YJX under the bus. That move completely nulified Zhao Ling's move.

Later, Mama Yu did a scheme to threw off all the northwestern generals, to cover up Yu family's embezzlements.

Now everyone is in deep shit. haha

Totally didn't expect the events in ep30. It was a treat to watch.

I loved the PoJ novel and waited for the drama. I enjoyed the drama too despite some of its shortcomings.

But, if I have to objectively compare, TRTS pulls ahead in writing (as far as it has aired). Better world building and character building in general.

Also, with every recent drama being so angsty, this is what I need at the moment lol 😂

I just started this. Love the dynamic between Ao Ruipeng and Ai Mi so much. Their energy match and play off of each other so well.

This drama is a nice surprise for me, so fun haha

One wants to stay in his fantasy bubble, and the other is willing to indulge it because she got no love for him and just wants a better life. It's indeed weird but works out for them lol.

It's going strong. Their marriage really felt earned as well.

Tian Wanyi would skin her alive before she could even step into the house lol, especially with how much control she has over her husband.

Zhao Ling is the best option because both Zhao Ling and FTY are inherently good people and won't likely mistreat her if she happen to enter Zhao family, but that is not happening. So, Yu family it is.