HOP2020

I would say gay, since he’s so into the friend more than the wife, even right from the first time he watched him perform in his brother’s house. He slept with the friend in Ep.16 or so (where they got drunk playing chess). I’m sure he’s just fulfilling his duty with the wife which was why it was even easy for him to promise her not to touch another woman. Be doesn’t really fancy women.

I would say gay, since he’s so into the friend more than the wife, even right from the first time he watched him perform in his brother’s house. He slept with the friend in Ep.16 or so (where they got drunk playing chess). I’m sure he’s just fulfilling his duty with the wife which was why it was even easy for him to promise her not to touch another woman. Be doesn’t really fancy women.

Finally finished this. A 6 for me. It fell flat at climax.

Argh! Why can’t C-dramas do something different and stick with it to the end. Why ruin it! I will keep my fingers crossed and hope it’s just them releasing snippets to keep us guessing and watching.

You’re missing out. It’s a good watch so far.

That’s what I’m saying. Set in that Dynasty era with different events that didn’t occur (fiction)

True. But I guess is Diliraba is mainly cast in roles where she often plays the pretty damsel/young girl, so, she's not been able to master acting out of this. Li Yitong, however, has played a broad range of characters in her dramas. I believe Li Yitong will easily transition to more serious and awarding winning roles as she gets older. Diliraba, could get stuck in pretty damsel if care is not taken.
PS: They made her 19 years old, I think in this drama. Avoiding the excessively teenage childishness that most C-dramas have in relation to their Female leads.

@Wes Laraby, I couldn't reply to you directly (I don't know why), but yes, her mum is a Concubine hence the way she is called。 However, the family is united and devoid of the usual maltreatment we see by the main wife to the concubines in C-dramas and there is no rivalry among the children.
I also agree with other observations in the drama. I find it enjoyable so far and the comedic scenes make me genuinely laugh.
On your last paragraph, I think the drama is fictionalised just set in Tang Dynasty.

@Wes Laraby, I couldn't reply to you directly (I don't know why), but yes, her mum is a Concubine hence the way she is called。 However, the family is united and devoid of the usual maltreatment we see by the main wife to the concubines in C-dramas and there is no rivalry among the children.
I also agree with other observations in the drama. I find it enjoyable so far and the comedic scenes make me genuinely laugh.

I have binged up to Ep. 11 and I must say, I find it enjoyable so far. Reminds me of Joy of Life, a mix of humour in between seriousness. I hope they don't ruin it by mid-drama or even ending. Fingers croseed.

Yeah, I know. That’s why I didn’t finish it. I stopped in the first generation ????. But, I will give it another go.

I need to re-watch/finish the EMpress of CHina. Your comment reminded me I am yet to finish it.

True! When he was first shown, I said to myself, this should have been the Male Lead. He has the looks, more age appropriate and stronger built. Alas! He doesn't have the popularity or connection.

I know they have great quality dramas from C-dramaland. However, they are far and in between. I loved like a Flowing River, it made me cry a lot. I loved Minning Town, I also loved Nothing but 30. Longest Day in Chang’an too. But, these are just a few dramas.

I understand your second paragraph. I, myself like to consume entertainment from all over, just so I can get a glimpse into different societies.

Hahahah, you will probably be able to pick up the basic of the language. Chinese is such a beautiful language, but of course it could just be my bias.

Exactly! You get it ?????

Hey, this is me just venting. It is something that happens in most Chinese dramas, even contemporary ones. I just decided to vent under this one, which doesn't mean it is the only one with the fault I am pointing out.
I will keep watching, after all, I need to maintain my Chinese language skill ☺️. But, seriously, C-dramas need to up quality so they can compete better globally. Whether it be a Wuxia, Xianxia, Republican era or a contemporary drama.

Thank you for saying this. I just mentioned in my earlier comment that they do this mainly to actresses, meaning it is an unrealistic and unhealthy obsession with beauty. It's like actresses can't appear with even a little fault. SMH! That's an unhealthy standard to set for women.

@funnypeopleswim I have seen Harry Porter myself, and I can tell you that when the actors were supposed to be in disguise, it appeared real, when Hermione was supposed to look disheveled, she indeed looked so. When she's crying hysterically, it showed. and so on.. so also the avengers.
But, yes it could be the over-smoothing effect. But is that over smoothing that also stopped the lead actress from actually looking like a boy in disguise, with the strands of hair left out to beautify her ??.
I will keep watching though.
I was just ranting my frustration with C-dramas obsession with beauty and lack of attention to details. Unfortunately, this drama was what made me to actually type out my vent. Maybe because the drama had an actual big budget production and could have done better.

But it’s reality that when you cry, you look messy and when you run, you be sweaty. These things are how it is. So, why neglect it and act like it’s a crime to be human and appear messy in certain situations. It’s because of the over emphasis on beauty. It’s even worse because it’s mostly targeted to the female characters.
Do you watch film/drama productions from other countries? If you do, does it mean you are turned off by their realistic portrayal of life?
I mean C-dramas can only achieve world recognition when they actually pay attention to details and create quality.

You miss my point. Flying martial arts, falls under Wuxia, which is a drama genre. I’m not complaining about the genre of this drama, instead I am pointing out the prevalent occurrence in most Chinese dramas, the overly focus on prettiness and disregard for attention to details. It ruins the story telling.
When an actress is supposed to appear pretty and stunning, by all means go for it. But, this should not be the sole aim. If an actress encounters suffering, dirt or trauma, let her truly appear so. I, the viewer, I’m supposed to believe she actually went through the ordeal. That’s why acting/film is called Make-Believe. The lead actress here is clearly a pretty lady naturally and for the quality of her craft, don’t need to appear all dolled up when she’s not meant to be looking so. Even when she’s supposed to look masculine, they still costume her to be feminine, geez!