AtsukoM

There are a couple admirers for both Xiao Qiao and Wei Shao. But, none came in between FL and ML. So, no 2ML and 2FL technically.

Their biggest obstacle is themselves, the clash of their ego, obligations, and romantic affections.

In the beginning: All Qiao must die!!!

And now we are at the point of "All Qiao must die!!! (except you baby)"

Wei Yan's characterization is a bit different from the novel iirc. So, a bit hard to tell for now.

But, so far, the drama is following all the key moments of the novel. If that is so, Wei Yan is more like a grey character with his own complex circumstances. I won't label him as 2ML.

From what I've read before, ancient people harvest the ice during winter, and store them in the underground ice cellars for a year's use. Hence, ice is precious and only royalty and wealthy families can afford them.

Don't worry. There's mountains of them waiting for us. Keep your seat belt tight.

DM or put this on spoiler tag please.

The ice bath scene was not supposed to be romantic in the novel as well. It was a mixed of pity and obligation for her at that stage of their relationship.

This story is very predictable even in the novel with lots of common tropes. The bread and butter of this story is the gradual developments between the leads. Drama has been deliverying that well with good execution imo.

No. Da Qiao and Bi Zhi stay loyal to FL.

As we have seen in the drama, Bi Zhi regards FL as his benefactor for life with great reverence because FL helped them eloped.

Novel is HE

This is like romance focused with politics and military sprinkled throughout.

Marriage takes place early but no love at all. Instead, there's irreconcilable blood feud between the two families. Hence, there will be harsh treatments especially in the earlier parts of the story. So, basically enemies to lovers trope.

Good chance you might like this drama based on the examples you provided (because I love those dramas as well hehe xD). Give it a try until ep 5 I would say.

It is indeed quite fast. Already covered like 1/5th of the story in 7 episodes partly due to the added pre-marriage intrigues. But, better they rush the prelude than the later parts of the story.

I also love how they turned the Wei generals into such lively characters. Those guys are like stones in the novel. lol

Ikr. Tang costumes are the rave in recent years' dramas, so it's also kinda refreshing to see costumes from other eras.

Hence the title. xD

But I ended up not minding about it that much as the push/pull and tension along the way was entertaining.

That was a good one as well. Really looking forward to the drama.

Feels like it's Zhu Yu (Chasing Jade)?

Now that you reminded... hehehe

I also agree drama Xiao Qiao is more cunning and proactive with her agenda. It's more fitting for the screen that way.

Aside from the story and leads, I'm absolutely appreciating the costumes and styling in this drama. Especially SZE's costumes are so elegant and easy to the eye.

Agreed! So far I'm quite satisfied with the adaptation. The drama additions and changes fit very well to the main story as well, not annoying like some other adaptations out there.

And the wedding scene and wedding night as well. Perfectly portrayed each character's state of mind. So much tension, and so much context at the same time.