DramaAjumma

The pathos in Episodes 11 and 12 was pitch perfect. The feels. The humour. The set-up, the pay-off. Everything feels earned. Even the anti-war theme isn't sledgehammered simplistically over the head but beautifully woven into Yang Ying's growth arc. And there's a fascinating critique of the abuse of power running right through.

The writing and directing are a delight to behold.

Liu Shishi's experience really shines in these romantic moments. Liu Yuning is not bad too. ;) They give off a lovely mature vibe.

I'm not sure how much of that I will be able to do as I'm off travelling soon.

When there's a new person in an already established group, there's bound to be a conflict. This was going to happen sooner or later.

But I don't think we really understand the level of animosity between Liu Dao Tang and Zhu Yi Wei. Especially when they lost so many of their brothers to that stupid senseless war due in part to poor intelligence. On top of that those that died were accused of treason.

And yes, they think his judgment has been clouded. They've been observing Ning Yuanzhou for some time now. They know him best. They know that he has feelings for Ruyi. They weren't against it at first. In fact they were egging him on.

My first impressions post of Episodes 1-9
https://40somethingahjumma.substack.com/p/a-journey-to-love-2023-first-impressions
Thanks for reading.

I think we all heard you loud and clear the first time. No need to repeat yourself.

There's perhaps an unspoken rule that anything's allowable on the battlefield. There's a saying "All's fair in love and war."
In this case they are fighting their own countrymen and they're showing some small mercy.

He is a singer, dancer and musician so yes, he's probably something of a showman.

I was seriously considering watching it but there are just too many shows. Can't keep up with all of them.

I started this for him and Liu Shishi and he exceeded even my expectations.

Lots of fighting and martial arts but only a bit of sect rivalry. Some palace politics in the background.

I've seen the trailer for that one. Looks goofy.

I think it gives the show a certain degree of unpredictability. I certainly don't have a problem with that. I've watched US tv shows that do that so I supposed I am accustomed to that kind of thing.

He's definitely showing another side to his performance.

It was probably somewhat mitigated by the fact that Shishan showed up in busybody fashion.

Watching Alen Fang alternating between a giddy schoolboy and a shameless flirt is fast becoming my daily dose of sunshine. I can't get enough of it.

She gets better.

Nice Avengers-style moments in the big battle.
"The most handsome man is always in the habit of being late". Yu Shishan: The quote generator. :D

Is Fang Yilun not singing for this drama?

Do you understand Chinese?

I'm killing myself laughing.