Seems like CPP will be the emperor's target later on as he is too powerful of an ally for FX like the PM. Curious,…
Very very late in the story so we will see CPP again many times even if FX will leave the capital to take over the revenue. Not sure how screenwriter will cut this. In novel it took many chapters. FJ will remain at his position while FX gone But he will be targeted by the CP (and fail).
I am a little lostWhy did the emperor kill Lai Ming Cheng's.?
In the drama, he criticized the emperor and stated that even an emperor should be investigated. Killing him sent a strong message that certain limits cannot be overruled and served as a warning to prevent anyone from going too far.
They completely twisted the Black Knight's story. And what the heck? They even ridiculed Jing Ge? I am not happy about this. It's not funny; it's just stupid. It served no purpose. I am reconsidering my opinion about liking Season 2... At this point, it makes up 20% of the novel's arc. they are turning this drama into a comedy. meh
ETA (expressing my emotions right after watching episode 23 🤣)
That's true, time flies when you're having fun. I'm also happy with the fact that they've maintained the soul…
The only thing I regret is that FX personality does translate well. He is a genius mastermind. In the novel, he doesn't beg, cry, kneel, hesitate. He plans beforehand. He manipulates people and situations. He uses people weaknesses.
In the drama, they made him ordinary. Plus I miss some martial fights where he shined.
The emperor wanted him to retire before he asked. In the novel, he wanted FX to hold the most important position…
Divide and rule. The emperor was too narcissistic to allow anyone, past and present, to be more successful, more powerful than himself. However, he needed mastermind ds he could control.
To start off I felt the comedy side was a bit too much in the first few episodes and the change in editing style…
I regret the dynamics of the brainstorming battles. FX was extremely manipulative and seemed to understand everyone's personalities, even the emperor's. FX never kneeled, never begged ,never cried, never doubted. He was even a bit arrogant because the emperor favored him.
As soon as he arrived in the capital, his fate and future were already decided by the emperor and ChengPP. He had the full support of the four most powerful men in the world: the emperor, ChengPP, his father-in-law, and his adoptive father. Everyone else was either a casualty or a foe.
FX's character seems to have lost his control and strategic planning, appearing more reactionary instead of the calculated mastermind he was in the novel. Additionally, the show seems to have omitted many Wuxia elements, resulting in a slower pace in Season 2.
"the most exciting thing for an official is to go against the emperor"... now I understand where Lai Ming Cheng's…
The emperor wanted him to retire before he asked. In the novel, he wanted FX to hold the most important position without any support. He got exactly what he wanted and made sure that FX was left alone so that no rebellion was possible and he could manipulate him without interferences. His father-in-law was also a mastermind.
In the novel, the prime minister could not remain in power at the same time as FX was rising. The emperor wanted FX isolated, so he made sure that all of FX's allies departed.
The emperor wanted to maintain control over FX and manipulate him. In truth, FX became extremely independent and even more powerful.
anyone know if ye linger would be in love or help second prince? im on ep 16 rn
yes. but not the big romance. both second prince and her will get married and she will support him 100% (as well as her family). But both will respect each other.
Hei according to the novel, will ML be the emperor at the end? How was others reaction to his real identity as…
After the FX returned to the capital, the emperor showed a lot of favoritism towards FX, who decided to take over his mother's business. This led to rumors spreading quickly that FX was the illegitimate son of the emperor. As time passed and the emperor never denied the rumors, everyone believed that FX was indeed his son. Despite this widespread belief, FX was never officially recognized as the emperor's son or prince. However, all of his brothers, the empress, concubines, and everyone in Qin and North knew that he was the emperor's son. It does not reflect much, but FX was very powerful, and once he took over the revenue, he was definitely the #2 under the emperor. But we have to see him taking over the revenue and his marriage.
i think it is a major spoiler so if you really want to know, message me :)
-The meeting between Buo and his father while Buo's father was in jail never happened. - The memorial for FX's brother with his mother never took place. - The young eunuch (described in the novel as full of acne) is the eunuch that will play an important role in the future. he decided to follow FX, but at one point, he betrayed FX. Keep an eye on him ;)
I don't recall all the details about the spring examination, but it seemed very similar overall, except for the parts involving the emperor, the crown prince, and the second prince. The screenwriter paid a lot more attention to the princes (and none to the eldest princess).
I'm curious to see how this will unfold. So, apart from a few changes here and there, the differences were generally minor.
Novel versus drama - episodes 17 and 18Please use the spoiler button :)
Episode 17
- The Shijia village was never set on fire, and people were not killed. The survivor did not exist. CP or SP were not involved.
- FX established his "office" in front of the first bureau building on top of an inn. He enjoyed being outside and go to local inns. this is how he met the 4 scholars.
- Xe Zongwei was indeed a leecher and later became an official, posing a threat to FX. He never asked to be FX's disciple. Note that it was a common practice; production was just dramatized.
FX met the four scholars when he visited a restaurant. He immediately took a liking to three of them. They became his loyal officials, performing good deeds for the people. The third one (a survivor role in the drama) became a trusted aide, primarily handling two brothels. LOL
- The spring examination was marred by widespread bribery and corruption, which was well depicted. High-ranking ministers and princes handpicked young scholars from families known for their loyalty, before the spring examination. Poor scholars never had a chance. (FX became a supreme "god" after that)
- FX asked the emperor permission to denounce the corruption in the spring examination. so it was with his full support that he stepped in
Episode 18
- lot of humor in S2, which I like. Not in the novel
- In the drama, the second prince gets much screen time, while the eldest princess is more present in the novel. However, FX aimed to discredit the second prince and waged a war of wits. FX sought to undermine all forms of power, dismissed the corrupt minister, and ultimately left the second prince isolated without allies. FX never intended to kill the second prince but ensured that he would never be able to threaten FX and his loved ones. It was a battle of intellect and strategy.
- I believe the casting of the second prince is perfect. All the casting is excellent. I don't see any actors or actresses who do not represent the characters in the novel well. They did a great job of casting the right people.
- FX truly hates corrupt systems, which are well represented in drama.
- Niang is also very well represented. He was indeed his closest aide/friend/confidant. but he was left in the north to replace Yan Buying (spies). FX was genuinely isolated. He had trusted aides but had no real confident when he returned to the capital. His sister was more present until the saint DuoDuo replaced her (long-distance correspondence after his return to the capital). FX started to send letters to her, and she became his confidante/friend (no romance). This is important because we will see her in S2.
- It's important to note that FX was greatly appreciated by all eunuchs. Eunuchs were not well-regarded and respected, but FX had modern ideas and memories where everyone was equal. The drama doesn't explain this, but in the novel, FX has his memories from the modern era and the new ones from his current life. This explains why, at 5 years old, he thought like an adult. In the latest Season 1 recap, you will see FX dying on a hospital bed and being reincarnated. This is the true story. There is no library. FX was conflicted until he decided that his goal to survive in this new world was to become wealthy and powerful. Only in this way would he be able to protect himself and his loved ones, which includes family and friends (growing each day)
- The gunpowder incident with the emperor never happened, and the late meeting with him was also fictional. However, it was a cleverly written scene demonstrating the emperor's leniency towards FX. (Side note: I enjoy the emperor's multiple personalities!!) It's worth noting that, both in the drama and the novel, what the emperor values most in FX is his straightforwardness, which is precisely the same as FX's mother. In S1, the emperor mentioned it to FX and in the novel, it is also mentioned. However FX was always suspicious about the emperor real motives so he was never relaxed with him.
- Episode 18 best reflects the relationship between FX, the emperor, and the eunuch. In the novel, the eunuch is different—he is young, has acne, and is a strong ally of FX. He also plays a crucial role later in the story.
- Comparing the novel characters and the actors, such as FX's father-in-law, his adopted father, and Cheng Ping Ping, they are identical in both the drama and the novel. They have the same cunning, intelligent personalities and indulge FX and support him.
- Special kudos to the OST choice, which was perfect. The sad, longing music played right after FX explained to his father-in-law how it was unfair and he wanted to change it to fairness, even just once. We see all the scholars reading, and we can feel the hope behind the lack of hope. We can feel how much they long to be finally recognized, the old scholars, the young scholars, the poors, the forgotten.
- FX's brother indeed returned to the capital incognito, but Buo, who was long forgotten in the novel, did not accompany him. However, his brother briefly stayed in the capital and remained hidden in the family mansion.
** episode 18 is one of my favorite in S2 so far :)
can some one recommand be some best chinese show to watch like,Nirvana in Fire Joy of Life RESET like these super…
It depends on whether you want Wuxia (martial arts) or not. It depends on whether you like a fast pace or not. It depends on whether you enjoy palace intrigues or not. It also depends on whether you prefer mature actors/actresses or more young adults; if you prefer period or modern era. It depends on whether you want long dramas with multiple seasons or not. There are so many factors to consider. :0
If you have an open mind and enjoy good acting, art production, and a strong plot, here is my list. Some may disagree that they are good dramas, but it all depends on your taste.
Love like the Galaxy Faith (The Great Doctor) - Korean The Untamed (Danmei) The Story of Ming Lan New Life Begins Love and Destiny Under the microscope (same actor as JOL and Tenz) Love between Fairy and Devil Word of honor (Danmei) Who rules the world Eternal Love Hidden love Snow Stride Sword (same actor as JOL and Second prince) Chef Hua My dearest (Korean) Love a thousand years Princess agents (except epilogue mainly due because S2 never aired) Sungkyunkwan Scandal
BEWARE *** LOT OF MAJOR SPOILERS UNDER ***... and very long post !! 🫣🤪I believe the screenwriter and art…
That is okay. Everyone have different views and feel differently. Per se, some said he is a womanizer. I think he was the opposite even if he took a concubine, it was not his initial choice. So all is good that you see it differently 👌
1 
They completely twisted the Black Knight's story. And what the heck? They even ridiculed Jing Ge? I am not happy about this. It's not funny; it's just stupid. It served no purpose. I am reconsidering my opinion about liking Season 2... At this point, it makes up 20% of the novel's arc. they are turning this drama into a comedy. meh
ETA (expressing my emotions right after watching episode 23 🤣)
In the drama, they made him ordinary. Plus I miss some martial fights where he shined.
Everything else is good
The emperor was too narcissistic to allow anyone, past and present, to be more successful, more powerful than himself. However, he needed mastermind ds he could control.
As soon as he arrived in the capital, his fate and future were already decided by the emperor and ChengPP. He had the full support of the four most powerful men in the world: the emperor, ChengPP, his father-in-law, and his adoptive father. Everyone else was either a casualty or a foe.
FX's character seems to have lost his control and strategic planning, appearing more reactionary instead of the calculated mastermind he was in the novel. Additionally, the show seems to have omitted many Wuxia elements, resulting in a slower pace in Season 2.
In the novel, the prime minister could not remain in power at the same time as FX was rising. The emperor wanted FX isolated, so he made sure that all of FX's allies departed.
The emperor wanted to maintain control over FX and manipulate him. In truth, FX became extremely independent and even more powerful.
i think it is a major spoiler so if you really want to know, message me :)
-The meeting between Buo and his father while Buo's father was in jail never happened.
- The memorial for FX's brother with his mother never took place.
- The young eunuch (described in the novel as full of acne) is the eunuch that will play an important role in the future. he decided to follow FX, but at one point, he betrayed FX. Keep an eye on him ;)
I don't recall all the details about the spring examination, but it seemed very similar overall, except for the parts involving the emperor, the crown prince, and the second prince. The screenwriter paid a lot more attention to the princes (and none to the eldest princess).
I'm curious to see how this will unfold. So, apart from a few changes here and there, the differences were generally minor.
- The Shijia village was never set on fire, and people were not killed. The survivor did not exist. CP or SP were not involved.
- FX established his "office" in front of the first bureau building on top of an inn. He enjoyed being outside and go to local inns. this is how he met the 4 scholars.
- Xe Zongwei was indeed a leecher and later became an official, posing a threat to FX. He never asked to be FX's disciple. Note that it was a common practice; production was just dramatized.
FX met the four scholars when he visited a restaurant. He immediately took a liking to three of them. They became his loyal officials, performing good deeds for the people. The third one (a survivor role in the drama) became a trusted aide, primarily handling two brothels. LOL
- The spring examination was marred by widespread bribery and corruption, which was well depicted. High-ranking ministers and princes handpicked young scholars from families known for their loyalty, before the spring examination. Poor scholars never had a chance. (FX became a supreme "god" after that)
- FX asked the emperor permission to denounce the corruption in the spring examination. so it was with his full support that he stepped in
Episode 18
- lot of humor in S2, which I like. Not in the novel
- In the drama, the second prince gets much screen time, while the eldest princess is more present in the novel. However, FX aimed to discredit the second prince and waged a war of wits. FX sought to undermine all forms of power, dismissed the corrupt minister, and ultimately left the second prince isolated without allies. FX never intended to kill the second prince but ensured that he would never be able to threaten FX and his loved ones. It was a battle of intellect and strategy.
- I believe the casting of the second prince is perfect. All the casting is excellent. I don't see any actors or actresses who do not represent the characters in the novel well. They did a great job of casting the right people.
- FX truly hates corrupt systems, which are well represented in drama.
- Niang is also very well represented. He was indeed his closest aide/friend/confidant. but he was left in the north to replace Yan Buying (spies). FX was genuinely isolated. He had trusted aides but had no real confident when he returned to the capital. His sister was more present until the saint DuoDuo replaced her (long-distance correspondence after his return to the capital). FX started to send letters to her, and she became his confidante/friend (no romance). This is important because we will see her in S2.
- It's important to note that FX was greatly appreciated by all eunuchs. Eunuchs were not well-regarded and respected, but FX had modern ideas and memories where everyone was equal. The drama doesn't explain this, but in the novel, FX has his memories from the modern era and the new ones from his current life. This explains why, at 5 years old, he thought like an adult. In the latest Season 1 recap, you will see FX dying on a hospital bed and being reincarnated. This is the true story. There is no library. FX was conflicted until he decided that his goal to survive in this new world was to become wealthy and powerful. Only in this way would he be able to protect himself and his loved ones, which includes family and friends (growing each day)
- The gunpowder incident with the emperor never happened, and the late meeting with him was also fictional. However, it was a cleverly written scene demonstrating the emperor's leniency towards FX. (Side note: I enjoy the emperor's multiple personalities!!) It's worth noting that, both in the drama and the novel, what the emperor values most in FX is his straightforwardness, which is precisely the same as FX's mother. In S1, the emperor mentioned it to FX and in the novel, it is also mentioned. However FX was always suspicious about the emperor real motives so he was never relaxed with him.
- Episode 18 best reflects the relationship between FX, the emperor, and the eunuch. In the novel, the eunuch is different—he is young, has acne, and is a strong ally of FX. He also plays a crucial role later in the story.
- Comparing the novel characters and the actors, such as FX's father-in-law, his adopted father, and Cheng Ping Ping, they are identical in both the drama and the novel. They have the same cunning, intelligent personalities and indulge FX and support him.
- Special kudos to the OST choice, which was perfect. The sad, longing music played right after FX explained to his father-in-law how it was unfair and he wanted to change it to fairness, even just once. We see all the scholars reading, and we can feel the hope behind the lack of hope. We can feel how much they long to be finally recognized, the old scholars, the young scholars, the poors, the forgotten.
- FX's brother indeed returned to the capital incognito, but Buo, who was long forgotten in the novel, did not accompany him. However, his brother briefly stayed in the capital and remained hidden in the family mansion.
**
episode 18 is one of my favorite in S2 so far :)
Please use the spoiler button :)
If you have an open mind and enjoy good acting, art production, and a strong plot, here is my list. Some may disagree that they are good dramas, but it all depends on your taste.
Love like the Galaxy
Faith (The Great Doctor) - Korean
The Untamed (Danmei)
The Story of Ming Lan
New Life Begins
Love and Destiny
Under the microscope (same actor as JOL and Tenz)
Love between Fairy and Devil
Word of honor (Danmei)
Who rules the world
Eternal Love
Hidden love
Snow Stride Sword (same actor as JOL and Second prince)
Chef Hua
My dearest (Korean)
Love a thousand years
Princess agents (except epilogue mainly due because S2 never aired)
Sungkyunkwan Scandal
You can also go with kisskh top rating: https://kisskh.at/shows/top
So many choices. Good, bad and ugly! loll