BearFightingFanBackAgain

The original script got scrapped at the beginning of filming and instead of pausing to write and polish another script, they wrote the script as they filmed. But, the original book is just as confusing tbh, which is part of the problem. If the source is weak, the script is also often weak. Those praising the book are probably praising the stronger romantic line and the more lovestruck/obedient version of Cangcang but not the overall plot. The drama does a better job of setting up the world and motivations of the characters but is weaker on the emotional front because it shifted focus to the supporting characters when it should have been giving pay off to viewers by showing the growth of the main couple, both in their relationship and as people, during the final part of the show.
The first third is okay despite the frustration because Cangcang and Xiao Huan are essentially at odds because of her father and the Lingbi Sect. The Western Regions is supposed to be where they reconcile, free from the influence of the toxic atmosphere of the court or the troubles of the martial arts world, but the drama cut out a lot of that journey such as Cangcang getting hit by an arrow while trying to protect Xiao Huan, finding Dr. Li to save Xiao Huan, and Xiao Huan confiding in Kumor that she should stay there if she doesn’t want to come back to the capital with him. Then when they return to the court, the narrative should not only show the improvement in their relationship but how it’s strong enough to survive the court machinations and is the foundation for them to effectively rule together with one heart and mind. I think the story could have worked with a sad ending because Xiao Huan is essentially terminally ill but for it to work, there has to be a sense that things have gotten better but there isn’t really any reward for either the characters or the audience. Unfortunately, the drama chooses to focus on Du Tingxin’s descent and Xiao Qing Qian’s love story, deviating from the original story where Cangcang and XQQ held the court together while Xiao Huan dealt with the Lingbi Sect. It should of ended like the book where they’ve both dealt with their respective major problems (Cangcang was her father/acclimating to court life and Xiao Huan was his mother (Lingbi Sect)) to meet again and begin their version of happily ever after with Xiao Huan’s remaining time.

Happy weekend🎉:
https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5314829805165586#attitude

Niannian is so beautiful up close:
https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5314832054092809

Omg Niannian is so beautiful up close:
https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5314832054092809

Their modern day promo videos and magazine photoshoot were great too. It was like it didn’t matter the scenario, their chemistry was always 🔥.

No. It hasn’t finished filming yet.

I’m hoping it takes a page from Huamei and lets Xiao Ran be a true strong female lead. She was so good as no-nonsense Pang Hongmei.

Actually I just read somewhere that it didn’t have a platform yet so maybe it won’t be Youku.

Every time I see a post complaining about the FL not loving the ML enough or the ML being a simp, I have to laugh. 😂 Jiman is one of my favourite heroines because she does not give af about Ning Yuxuan when he is on BS, and she will not be a doormat for him. She respects herself too much and she will go and live her best life with or without him. And the whole charm of the couple’s dynamic in the original story is that Ning Yuxuan, who is terrible to Jiman in the beginning, has to work to earn Jiman’s love instead of things being the other way around.

Should be Youku.

Finally Live🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

Happy Dragonboat Festival!

Chao Wu Nian’s promo;
https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5311491110076961

Peng Xiao Ran’s personal promo:
https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5311660241981416

Studio Promo:
https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5311491898606182

Shrimp Farm Promo:
https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5311660907828499

XHS Promo:
https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5311663814739354

Today’s promo features a cute dancing video of the two leads:
https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5311128731123830

Word on this drama is silent at the moment but PXR is currently filming a new drama. ZYC has another drama rumored to air soon. And Dong Sicheng is filming a new drama too.

There should be another drop tomorrow. I just wish the MDL page would get approved. It’s going to be harder to archive if things stay like this for much longer.

Today’s Niannian is domineering yet a little bit cute:
https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5310712368861523

New leaks of Zhao Wu Nian fighting:
https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5310534406116318

It’s the overall plot/script that everyone says has problems but the acting is generally thought of as good. Cangcang’s role is actually several different types of heroines rolled into one and Peng Xiao Ran plays all aspects of Cangcang’s character well. Ren Jia Lun naturally has the air of an emperor. They make a very good emperor/empress couple. Their story doesn’t follow the typical romance route though. It’s not quite a political drama but I think the battle between Xiao Huan and Ling Xuefeng (Cangcang’s father) for control of the throne and how it turns Cangcang into a pawn is interesting and should have been the main focus of the story as it’s pretty coherent even though it’s got some fantastical elements. And because of this complex relationship, the romance doesn’t follow the stereotypical sweet route.

Don’t watch this if you don’t like depressing content. It has lighthearted moments but it is a really heavy show and the heaviness can take awhile to get out of.

Promo materials. The visuals are🔥
So looking forward to it🥹Zhao Wu Nian feels completely different from all her other roles!
https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5310121237548960

The costume I saw today looks like pure money. They even pulled out the fur🥹
https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5308735826169295

This clip is so charming:
https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5308742289066096#attitude