Superb drama
Lots of cultural details hinted at but not sufficiently explained in the first several episodes–which dump a lot of information on the viewer. I read recaps and rewatched the first two episodes several times and still had trouble understanding the plot.
Outstanding composition, cinematography and costuming–the best I’ve seen this year.
Here’s what you should know: In imperial China salt was immensely valuable. The state’s economy and national security depended on it, and it was heavily taxed. In some periods, these taxes provided 80% to 90% of the entire state's operating budget. There was a huge black market for "private salt" (si yan) smuggled by underground networks.
Chastity arches – Historically, these were grand, elaborately carved archways erected by imperial decree to publicly honor women who showed extreme devotion to their deceased husbands, either by refusing to remarry or by committing suicide upon their husband's death.
If an unmarried virgin's fiancé died before they married, she was expected to "marry" his tablet or memory and live out her life in celibacy—or kill herself to secure honor for her family. For the family, arches were the ultimate status symbol–providing glory and wealth to a clan. Young widows were therefore often pushed into suicide against their will.
Lapis Lazuli – this was a stone that was extremely valuable and restricted to high nobility in ancient China. "Does that lapis lazuli bracelet feel smooth in your hand?" asks Grand Secretary Yu reminding Zhao Ling of the dual nature of his new life--full of ease and comfort, but surrounded by treachery.
To be continued...
Outstanding composition, cinematography and costuming–the best I’ve seen this year.
Here’s what you should know: In imperial China salt was immensely valuable. The state’s economy and national security depended on it, and it was heavily taxed. In some periods, these taxes provided 80% to 90% of the entire state's operating budget. There was a huge black market for "private salt" (si yan) smuggled by underground networks.
Chastity arches – Historically, these were grand, elaborately carved archways erected by imperial decree to publicly honor women who showed extreme devotion to their deceased husbands, either by refusing to remarry or by committing suicide upon their husband's death.
If an unmarried virgin's fiancé died before they married, she was expected to "marry" his tablet or memory and live out her life in celibacy—or kill herself to secure honor for her family. For the family, arches were the ultimate status symbol–providing glory and wealth to a clan. Young widows were therefore often pushed into suicide against their will.
Lapis Lazuli – this was a stone that was extremely valuable and restricted to high nobility in ancient China. "Does that lapis lazuli bracelet feel smooth in your hand?" asks Grand Secretary Yu reminding Zhao Ling of the dual nature of his new life--full of ease and comfort, but surrounded by treachery.
To be continued...
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