Tell me about it. I've been searching for a new or old drama to watch and I can't seem to get pass 10 or 20 mins…
Iāve tried starting a new drama but quickly lose interest. So I feel ya. My ācontinue watchingā watchlist keeps growing.. i hope there is something similar in quality to be released after this one.
Counting down the hours till the last batch for the wk is uploaded.
Letās try to dissect our ML characters this time. Shall we? Just LBY and LS for now as LY is an exception as he is too innocent and adorable.
To start off, the author/ scriptwriter did not stray far from the formula. Both are handsome, influential, powerful, rich, intelligent and rigid.
YS is a classic narcissist. Full of himself being highly educated and with a hoard of ladies adoring his feather fanning a**. Despite this and I usually detest types like these, something is pulling at my heartstrings. He seems very lonely and knows that he wonāt be content with superficial admiration. While he gives off that āIām too good for you allā vibe, he is putting up a front as he longs for someone he can relax and be fully himself with. I seem to think that he accepted he will never meet this partner and along came our straightforward, clumsy heroine. Who despite lacking book knowledge is still smart and does not care for wordly or pretentious things. His reaction was what I would call ādumbfoundedā but acted on instinct and throws a ball to signify his interest, not knowing our FL didnāt understand or care to know what it means. Initially, she posed as a challenge, he wondered why she didnāt like him back. So he decided to test her with the errand, but got taken aback again by her indifference. It made him mad being a narcissist and strikes back by hurling insults/threats. And when he saw it at least caught her attention, he decided to keep doing it. At first, he was undecided if he wanted her. His reputation was too good to be tainted with her type. But love is something you canāt control and when his feelings grew, he disregarded the impact, yet she got engaged twice before he can pursue her. I canāt shake the feeling that he wanted to treat her better but with her being engaged, he felt helpless but wants to remain connected. So the teaching job, showing up randomly, ointment for her injury and explaining the whys to the LY engagement mishap was his way of remaining in touch with the first female who captured his heart. He recognized that LBY was a worthy adversary and was testing the depth of his feeling when he questioned him at LYās wedding banquet. So I honestly think this lonely boy can change and willing to do a 360 pivot for CSS.
However, being a long term planner he didnāt actually plan out her future with him. He acted on impulse as he canāt take her possibly being involved with another man. I sense that when he talks to her about settling down, it was more of like a dream reference. He doesnāt realize he has been changing to cater to her and that everyone can sense his devotion. I think there are days when he wants to forego his revenge plans and I donāt know what the catalyst will be in the future when he pursues it. Despite that, all those cheesy lines were truly from his heart and he is totally into her. Itās like a man living in a dark cave, finally seeing the light for the first time. He is drawn to it but he doesnāt know yet if he wants to bask in the sun or go back to the dark.
Enough of my thoughts for the moment. Excited to watch the next 2 eps in a few hours and to check back in here for the reactionsā¦ chat with you all later!
Seeing a lot of discourse about CSSās character and Iām loving it.
Well, for me she is not your typical female lead. Compared to previous dramas Iāve seen, the FL is almost a stereotype. Plain, poor, naive , hardworking, meek and independent. Seldom have I seen a character like CSS where the drama spent time on the backstory, how she came to be this way. So I feel I understand why. Doesnāt mean she is right in how she is behaving right now, but for me again totally relatable. Her reckless behavior is leading to paths that truly dangerous and makes you question why she is protected by people around her.
I see it a tad differently, she is a fighter first and foremost. She stands up to bullying and very protective of her loved ones. Her recklessness is expected. She doesnāt care if it affects her even puts her life in danger as long as she can protect people she is fond of. She doesnāt mind putting herself at risk because she thinks that nobody (like her mom) would care if something happens. Does it make her action right? No, it does not, as all of these are stemming from her weak points, her main insecurity. She does not believe she is valuable enough to be considered a waste if sheās gone.
Lack of education and youth are other factors why she is not thinking things through. Her objective is simple: instant gratification. If I can get what I want, the course of action and the consequences do not matter.
I remember decisions I made in the past that didnāt seem logical and now that I look back, I am mortified at how reckless I was. She lived a pretty sheltered life and didnāt have much exposure/experience, thus very limited point of views. No confidante or advisers to guide her. Always told she is not good enough and just called out for mistakes/behavior. But did anyone truly told her what the right path is? Would you expect her to act differently given all that?
She is just stepping out of her ācomfort zoneā and mistakes are essential to building character. Isnāt that still true now in modern days?
I cannot just say if it it were me, I wouldnāt do that, simply because I wasnāt exposed to the same circumstances BUT I can understand why she did it.
LBY is shaping to be that person. The one she can lean on, count on and believe in her no matter what. Accepts her for the way she is and if he didnāt have all that revenge and hatred in his heart. it would have been a perfect match. His methods are cruel, his strategies more complex and well thought of, discreet and yet the results are terrifying! He is very toxic in the sense that he is controlling and can kill if you get in his way. But CSS is changing that, she makes him look at the positive and motivates him to want a normal life.
So isnāt this drama amazing? It brings you along the journey. While set in ancient times, the plots, twists are relatable, with no nonsensical non value adding characters. Each have a vital role and contributes to the complexity. With some light comedy and romance in between. Teaches you about life, love and family. A perfect mix!
1. Donāt be afraid, Iām here 2. You can do whatever you want, I will protect you 3. Shaoshang is the worldās best lady, I will marry no one else but her 4. She is the only one deserving to walk alongside me 5. I used to wonder if there is a bright light out there for me 6. See the brightest star in my eyes, thatās you 7. What if I miss you and want to see you a little more 8. I want you and your family to know that I am an ordinary person 9. Rest in chianqui palace, let me take care of it, is that all right? 10. You donāt have to say anything to me, I did it willingly 11. I was wrong in trying to restrict and restrain you, when I clearly love how reckless you are 12. You donāt have to lower yourself for me 13. Its the same for me towards you 14. I want you to focus on me 15. I want to marry you soon, why is the day passing by so slowly 16. In the future, if you still say something that I do not like to hear, I will use this method to block your mouth š
CSS, idk how you can resist. I would have done unspeakable things to him every time. Lol. Omg!
Yup, I agree. Great analysis of CSS character! I'm also rooting for her growth but not really looking forward…
I know! If only we have more lovey dovey scenes to make up for this. The angst is what encourages the debate about the characters and gets me more attached . Itās real life set in ancient times š
Twiddling my thumbs till the next ep, so I canāt help but share more thoughts about the characters.
Iām finding comments/ discussions in this thread to be enlightening and very interesting as we share some common thoughts or completely opposite opinions.
Fact: CSS was neglected by her parents and family in general. She grew up relying on her instincts and plotting schemes to survive. The foundation of her character is not normal and while she could have turned out worst. Iām glad she was able to overcome it and still be a relatively good person.
Imagine not being loved for most of her young life, abandoned at birth, starved to the point of being sick, almost dying and never shown any affection. Wouldnāt you expect most people to turn out to be bad after going thru that? But yet she chose to better and hopeful that her mother will love her, give her the attention and care she has been craving all these years. I am not saying she has no fault at all. She is cunning - yes, reckless - yes, rebellious, crass, rude, inconsiderate - yes. But that is defense mechanism that founded her character and lack of education. Just because someone showed her some care now, doesnāt mean she will change like magic. It has to be consistent to convince her that that person is genuine and allow her to let go of her distrust. Thatās why it took time for her to realize LBY likes her and looks out for her with no hidden agenda. Being young there is still time to reshape her personality if her environment changes.
Now compare that to the princess, nobles she encountered, its not the same. The upbringing of the royal family at least didnāt have abandonment issues, properly educated and cared for by parents/ servants. Some of them ended up as rotten tomatoes even with favorable circumstances. Isnāt that a stark contrast to how CSS turned out? Some of them grew up - simple living before the emperor ascended or gain wealth, but again not apples to apples compared to CSS.
So thatās why I look at her so fondly. She is striving to be independent which is why she resists LBYās protection. Others might see it as a selfish act, but her limited exposure to the real world prevents her from seeing that. Coupled with trust issues and her innate desire to resist bullying. Will she improve? YES. Will it be overnight? NO. But definitely rooting for her.
Lol. Thinking out loud and posted my thoughts here.
At least we can all look forward to the sweetness tomorrow... š and the kiss.. So we are in a roller-coaster…
A breather from the drama of life and sweet moments to make us happy! A blossoming romance with passion is what I want to see extended a bit before all that pain.
This is more excruciating of a wait than the weekend for me. Tomorrow please come sooner
All good points today in the comments! Shoutout to the director, Scriptwriters and author because its been a long…
Same here.
Since I am an outsider trying to analyze their relationship, I see where the gaps and opportunities are. Our perspective is based on a whole picture view while the characters are making a lot of assumptions. Thatās why they end up hurting each other as they think they are trying to understand the other without ātrulyā understanding where the other person is coming from.
Both of them have valid reasons for their actions/words and at the same time weaknesses where they should improve. I can argue both sides of the fence so I understand why you feel that way. I actually want to be a 3rd party and pry into their relationship matters like an auntie where I want to get them both in a room and mediate. Thatās how real their sentiments are and bringing the viewers to this state of relating to the struggles they have.
And its rare that a fiction piece gets me acting this way and what more itās a costume period piece. The writers are pulling from real emotions and scenarios that it made me totally engaged!
I giggle at the thought of me being fully invested in their story when I know its fiction. Itās getting blurry now, reality vs fiction. LOL
1 
My girl started flirting back woohoo! The Indirect kiss, tighter hugs and hot stare at the dribbling wine over his lips.
LBY asked is it sweet? Because of the š· or because of me? CSS replied: Both. Uhmm, I was squealing at my seat and rooting for moreā¦.
LBY why did you have to have self control when you were in her room? LOL. That was a big missed opportunity!
I hope we get more sweet (ergo HOT skinship) scenes before he leaves. Did not expect the sweetness today and I want more!!!!
Letās try to dissect our ML characters this time. Shall we? Just LBY and LS for now as LY is an exception as he is too innocent and adorable.
To start off, the author/ scriptwriter did not stray far from the formula. Both are handsome, influential, powerful, rich, intelligent and rigid.
YS is a classic narcissist. Full of himself being highly educated and with a hoard of ladies adoring his feather fanning a**. Despite this and I usually detest types like these, something is pulling at my heartstrings. He seems very lonely and knows that he wonāt be content with superficial admiration. While he gives off that āIām too good for you allā vibe, he is putting up a front as he longs for someone he can relax and be fully himself with. I seem to think that he accepted he will never meet this partner and along came our straightforward, clumsy heroine. Who despite lacking book knowledge is still smart and does not care for wordly or pretentious things. His reaction was what I would call ādumbfoundedā but acted on instinct and throws a ball to signify his interest, not knowing our FL didnāt understand or care to know what it means. Initially, she posed as a challenge, he wondered why she didnāt like him back. So he decided to test her with the errand, but got taken aback again by her indifference. It made him mad being a narcissist and strikes back by hurling insults/threats. And when he saw it at least caught her attention, he decided to keep doing it. At first, he was undecided if he wanted her. His reputation was too good to be tainted with her type. But love is something you canāt control and when his feelings grew, he disregarded the impact, yet she got engaged twice before he can pursue her. I canāt shake the feeling that he wanted to treat her better but with her being engaged, he felt helpless but wants to remain connected. So the teaching job, showing up randomly, ointment for her injury and explaining the whys to the LY engagement mishap was his way of remaining in touch with the first female who captured his heart. He recognized that LBY was a worthy adversary and was testing the depth of his feeling when he questioned him at LYās wedding banquet. So I honestly think this lonely boy can change and willing to do a 360 pivot for CSS.
Now our main man, LBY. He has a wide gaping hole where his heart should be. Since he was small, the most intense feeling he can recall is hatred. His āmomā fueling the fire with her grief and him witnessing the tragedy, the impact to his moms mental health only left him with the desire for revenge. Who wouldnāt feel this way? He reminded me of the kdrama lead Eve, who after losing family to a tragedy caused by greed, swore to avenge her family. So he surrounded himself with people who can help execute this plan, powerful members of royalty and officials. He strived to be stronger and cunningly an asset to the current empire. Resolute in this quest, he also stumbled into our heroine. Her innocence, joy of simple things and streetsmart started his interest and eventually it was her schemes that got him hooked. Why? It was because she reminded him a bit of himself when she stood up for herself. He liked that she didnāt accept bullying and gets back at her detractors. It was what he had in his heart, get back at those people but he was more meticulous at planning. While CSS was content in little incidents, embarrassing her bullies - he takes it a notch higher, either the enemies get physically hurt or killed. He tried to ignore his growing feelings for our FL as he sees this as a hindrance to his quest for revenge, but it grew to a point he was imagining a life with her. He only had hatred and revenge since he was small, though it didnāt stop him from wondering what a normal family would feel like. Hence the bright lights, stargazing activities, eating with maids/servants and longing to have a normal life. So he was also bewildered when he couldnāt help himself from getting involved with CSS as his protective instincts as a general naturally comes out. This military life also had him as decisive (unlike YS who was dilly dallying in his feelings) and strategic. Like a cat waiting by a mouse hole, once he saw that opportunity (CSS breaking off the engagement), he made sure he was her next fiancĆ©e.
However, being a long term planner he didnāt actually plan out her future with him. He acted on impulse as he canāt take her possibly being involved with another man. I sense that when he talks to her about settling down, it was more of like a dream reference. He doesnāt realize he has been changing to cater to her and that everyone can sense his devotion. I think there are days when he wants to forego his revenge plans and I donāt know what the catalyst will be in the future when he pursues it. Despite that, all those cheesy lines were truly from his heart and he is totally into her. Itās like a man living in a dark cave, finally seeing the light for the first time. He is drawn to it but he doesnāt know yet if he wants to bask in the sun or go back to the dark.
Enough of my thoughts for the moment.
Excited to watch the next 2 eps in a few hours and to check back in here for the reactionsā¦ chat with you all later!
Well, for me she is not your typical female lead. Compared to previous dramas Iāve seen, the FL is almost a stereotype. Plain, poor, naive , hardworking, meek and independent. Seldom have I seen a character like CSS where the drama spent time on the backstory, how she came to be this way. So I feel I understand why. Doesnāt mean she is right in how she is behaving right now, but for me again totally relatable. Her reckless behavior is leading to paths that truly dangerous and makes you question why she is protected by people around her.
I see it a tad differently, she is a fighter first and foremost. She stands up to bullying and very protective of her loved ones. Her recklessness is expected. She doesnāt care if it affects her even puts her life in danger as long as she can protect people she is fond of. She doesnāt mind putting herself at risk because she thinks that nobody (like her mom) would care if something happens. Does it make her action right? No, it does not, as all of these are stemming from her weak points, her main insecurity. She does not believe she is valuable enough to be considered a waste if sheās gone.
Lack of education and youth are other factors why she is not thinking things through. Her objective is simple: instant gratification. If I can get what I want, the course of action and the consequences do not matter.
I remember decisions I made in the past that didnāt seem logical and now that I look back, I am mortified at how reckless I was. She lived a pretty sheltered life and didnāt have much exposure/experience, thus very limited point of views. No confidante or advisers to guide her. Always told she is not good enough and just called out for mistakes/behavior. But did anyone truly told her what the right path is? Would you expect her to act differently given all that?
She is just stepping out of her ācomfort zoneā and mistakes are essential to building character. Isnāt that still true now in modern days?
I cannot just say if it it were me, I wouldnāt do that, simply because I wasnāt exposed to the same circumstances BUT I can understand why she did it.
LBY is shaping to be that person. The one she can lean on, count on and believe in her no matter what. Accepts her for the way she is and if he didnāt have all that revenge and hatred in his heart. it would have been a perfect match. His methods are cruel, his strategies more complex and well thought of, discreet and yet the results are terrifying! He is very toxic in the sense that he is controlling and can kill if you get in his way. But CSS is changing that, she makes him look at the positive and motivates him to want a normal life.
So isnāt this drama amazing? It brings you along the journey. While set in ancient times, the plots, twists are relatable, with no nonsensical non value adding characters. Each have a vital role and contributes to the complexity. With some light comedy and romance in between. Teaches you about life, love and family. A perfect mix!
1. Donāt be afraid, Iām here
2. You can do whatever you want, I will protect you
3. Shaoshang is the worldās best lady, I will marry no one else but her
4. She is the only one deserving to walk alongside me
5. I used to wonder if there is a bright light out there for me
6. See the brightest star in my eyes, thatās you
7. What if I miss you and want to see you a little more
8. I want you and your family to know that I am an ordinary person
9. Rest in chianqui palace, let me take care of it, is that all right?
10. You donāt have to say anything to me, I did it willingly
11. I was wrong in trying to restrict and restrain you, when I clearly love how reckless you are
12. You donāt have to lower yourself for me
13. Its the same for me towards you
14. I want you to focus on me
15. I want to marry you soon, why is the day passing by so slowly
16. In the future, if you still say something that I do not like to hear, I will use this method to block your mouth š
CSS, idk how you can resist. I would have done unspeakable things to him every time. Lol. Omg!
Iām finding comments/ discussions in this thread to be enlightening and very interesting as we share some common thoughts or completely opposite opinions.
Fact: CSS was neglected by her parents and family in general. She grew up relying on her instincts and plotting schemes to survive. The foundation of her character is not normal and while she could have turned out worst. Iām glad she was able to overcome it and still be a relatively good person.
Imagine not being loved for most of her young life, abandoned at birth, starved to the point of being sick, almost dying and never shown any affection. Wouldnāt you expect most people to turn out to be bad after going thru that? But yet she chose to better and hopeful that her mother will love her, give her the attention and care she has been craving all these years. I am not saying she has no fault at all. She is cunning - yes, reckless - yes, rebellious, crass, rude, inconsiderate - yes. But that is defense mechanism that founded her character and lack of education. Just because someone showed her some care now, doesnāt mean she will change like magic. It has to be consistent to convince her that that person is genuine and allow her to let go of her distrust. Thatās why it took time for her to realize LBY likes her and looks out for her with no hidden agenda. Being young there is still time to reshape her personality if her environment changes.
Now compare that to the princess, nobles she encountered, its not the same. The upbringing of the royal family at least didnāt have abandonment issues, properly educated and cared for by parents/ servants. Some of them ended up as rotten tomatoes even with favorable circumstances. Isnāt that a stark contrast to how CSS turned out?
Some of them grew up - simple living before the emperor ascended or gain wealth, but again not apples to apples compared to CSS.
So thatās why I look at her so fondly. She is striving to be independent which is why she resists LBYās protection. Others might see it as a selfish act, but her limited exposure to the real world prevents her from seeing that. Coupled with trust issues and her innate desire to resist bullying. Will she improve? YES. Will it be overnight? NO. But definitely rooting for her.
Lol. Thinking out loud and posted my thoughts here.
This is more excruciating of a wait than the weekend for me. Tomorrow please come sooner
Since I am an outsider trying to analyze their relationship, I see where the gaps and opportunities are. Our perspective is based on a whole picture view while the characters are making a lot of assumptions. Thatās why they end up hurting each other as they think they are trying to understand the other without ātrulyā understanding where the other person is coming from.
Both of them have valid reasons for their actions/words and at the same time weaknesses where they should improve. I can argue both sides of the fence so I understand why you feel that way. I actually want to be a 3rd party and pry into their relationship matters like an auntie where I want to get them both in a room and mediate. Thatās how real their sentiments are and bringing the viewers to this state of relating to the struggles they have.
And its rare that a fiction piece gets me acting this way and what more itās a costume period piece. The writers are pulling from real emotions and scenarios that it made me totally engaged!
I giggle at the thought of me being fully invested in their story when I know its fiction. Itās getting blurry now, reality vs fiction. LOL