CKDramaddicts

I loved this drama, but am I the only one who found the dramatic echo sound effects kind of annoying, cheesy, and unnecessary?

I feel like I missed something, but what was in the Royal Edict by the Dowager Empress that she sent to the palace near the end?

I can't remember which episode, but it's around the early 30s I think. Unlike typical breakups this felt organic -- it was maybe for 2-3 episodes, but it didn't feel long to me because the pacing for everything else kept the story moving nicely. They get back together several episodes before the (satisfying) end.

I always love reading your spot-on reviews even if we differ on the rating! In this case, I can't help but give it a high grade despite -- or *because* of -- Hua Zhi's preposterous achievements and the absolute satisfaction (and joy) derived from witnessing them. :D

Just finished this drama and I loved it. I got so teary throughout the drama from all the joyful, uplifting, and touching moments. I've also never bawled this much during a funeral of a supporting character. The whole flawed family was wonderful, the secondary and supporting couples and characters inside and outside the family were all engaging and interesting. Definitely among my favourite dramas, despite some small production quirks and that I did not like.

Lu Yuxiao's pairing was great -- very sweet (not annoying or boring) and so were most of the other secondary pairings.

lol, greetings fellow (younger 😉) Gen Xer! I remember watching those TVB classics with my parents as a kid on VHS tape, haha. Yes, sometimes half the fun is ignoring things that defy logic. (One of my favourites is how everyone spits blood even if they suffered no internal organ injury, like they got stabbed in the shoulder or arm 😂).

From ancient China to the Republican Era, plastic surgery skills throughout Chinese history seem even more advanced than modern techniques, lol. And the speed with which they heal is pretty miraculous too. 🤣

This one started off a bit meh for me, but I ended up really enjoying it and hope it gets a much needed S2. The second third cracked me up so much, and the final third had me teary with angst and smiling like a goof. You do have to park logic at the door and not ask too many questions though, lol.

I think most Republican Era dramas - the short length ones at least -- have revenge, but not all of them are super toxic or have the love/hate dynamic. Quite a few have happy endings. I enjoyed Miss Mystery, Provoke, Stand By Me (bromance) if you like the era but don't like the bittersweet/sad endings.

It was! Where do they store them all? 😂

hahaha, I'm wheezing, that description is too good. 🤣🤣🤣 The stylist for this whole show is just...🤔👀

He gets a lot more screen time than the ML anyway if I recall, so still worth watching, imo!

So disappointing to see yet another Xu Zhengxi drama where his great, distinctive voice is dubbed over.

Anything is possible with C-dramas, lol! I think people are just surprised it dropped out of nowhere with no warning or promotion. ZME's issues were more recent though and his last drama dropped out of nowhere too.

Chasing Love is currently airing and is the sequel apparently.

For what is essentially a long-form cosmetics ad (in the guise of a cheap melodrama), this wasn't entirely terrible. (Yes, the eye cream is real, haha!) You have to park logic and expectations at the door and enjoy the ridiculous ride (although I wish they explained why the ML took the child instead of just coming forward. ) Both leads are very watchable and the kid is super cute. I was amused by the moral disclaimers (剧情需要 无不良引导) that popped up at least twice -- once when the OTP was kissing after the FL got drunk at a bar and once when she was kidnapped and tied to a chair. (The disclaimer essentially said the scene was not intended to be a bad example for viewers, with the second one containing an additional "please do not imitate." 🤣) I was also amused by the sister landing a major role in the drama because her dad is a major investor in the film's production -- that stuff really does happen in Dramaland. 😂)

A friend was speculating it probably dropped because of LYN, but no publicity or promotions because the ML and 3ML were both involved in scandals/negative publicity a few years back.

They are meant to be something people watch during commutes to school and work or lunch and coffee breaks - low commitment, quick hits that are enjoyed in short spurts. While this article is about the business side of these mini dramas, it does touch a bit on the history and context: https://jingdaily.com/posts/could-chinas-short-drama-boom-create-lucrative-ip

She is clearly suffering from really serious PTSD due to the abuse she endured as the crown prince's wife, so the sane part of my brain thinks the right way to end this story is if she leaves the palace and finds her happiness with the much more deserving 2ML. But this is Dramaland, so my bet is on either she stays and they get their unrealistic, sends-the-wrong-message happy ending, or she dies and he becomes a lonely and regretful emperor. If she stays, at the very least I hope she makes him grovel properly for many years! I'm glad she is making it somewhat clear that too much has happened and things can never be the same. Deng Kai is very good in these grey character roles though, so it's hard not to root for his second chance redemption despite everything.