JoJe

You're welcome. I could sense it only because I read the novel. Drama indeed doesn't spelled it 😂

True... This is indeed a very slow burn type that test our patience
Novel is like that and drama the same
However, it will pay off very well

If I'm not mistaken. It's episode 28

It's actually merging soul case. Gu Qingzhi and old Shen Xihe merge into new Shen Xihe. It's like blue and red make new color purple. Without either blue or red, there will be no purple. Just like new Shen Xihe consist of two memories blend together. It seems Gu Qingzhi character dominant but I believe it also what old Shen Xihe want to protect her Northwest family or in other words Gu Qingzhi life experience help Shen Xihe could navigate the dangerous life in capital better.

Sounds illogical, but at least that is what novel writer means (the reborn protagonist is neither Gu Qingzhi nor Shen Xihe, but someone entirely new). In my opinion, drama intended the same.

I don't know if this could motivate you and there is a bit background from novel because drama not explain it in detail, but since overall plot between drama and novel is the same I think it's still okay I combine it

As Gu Qingzhi, she grew up see her mother love her father deeply but her father only respects her mother and couldn’t give the same single-minded devotion. When GQZ 9 years old, at her mother deathbed, she told her that one can do anything except let their heart fall for a man, only by utterly detached can women live freely and happily. And just like that her mother die from melancholy because of emotional attachment. Then, GQZ was betrothed to Xie Yunhuai but XYH sever ties with Xie family because his mother also died from hatred (his father choose concubines), so the engagement broke. What happened to her family and Xie family make her heart grow even colder

5th Prince Xin knew engagement broke then ask Emperor to bestow marriage between him and GQZ. Prince Xin tried so much in their newlywed days. He present her with all the best things in the world and pampered her to the heavens. Yet GQZ always remained cold and composed. This making Prince Xin feel that his offerings and even his very existence were worthless to her. The more GQZ indifferent the more Prince Xin obsessed. Later Prince Xin displayed intimacy with other women before her, or even allowed concubines to disrespect her. In short, he love her but in very wrong way. Three years marriage, and finally when Gu family fall, Prince Xin agreed to supervised execution of Gu family. He thought with that, at least GQZ could hate him. But no, she still very calm

GQZ said from the day the Emperor’s marriage decree come, she knew this day would come. Gu family would fall (Gu family had been too strong). So, she not blame Prince Xin. Then she choose commit suicide to bring down Fan family and also because her pride won’t allow her to live on at others’ mercy

Then we have old Shen Xihe. SXH born prematurely very weak. This because some political intrigue make his father when he attend banquet at palace, given aphrodisiac and made him sleep with Lady Xiao. Her mother in northwest shock, give birth premature then die. In short old SXH often sick, she cannot often go out because she would catch cold, simple cold could turn worse. She doesn’t make friend and socialize because a bit argues or betrayal from friend could make her heart hurt and simple emotional turmoil could cost her life. So, despite her father and brother shelter and love her dearly, she used to be alone, detach from emotional up and down

Next is come the soul merging things. Yes, it's feels like magic. She with 2 sets memories make her new Shen Xihe. In my opinion, her life as GQZ is actually already finish, no regrets. She not that close with whole Gu family, she always think rational, she even predict Gu family will fall one day because her father wrong move at court. All what she get from Gu family she pay it with her commit suicide to bring down Fan family. Nothing more she want to do even with her husband who from beginning she never wish to marry.

On the other hand, as Shen Xihe, she still has many things to do. She want to protect her family in Northwest. Northwest, very strong in military but make Emperor worry. The marriage alliance also because of this. She want more power to secure Northwest safety. She is smart but weak because old SXH grew up in that condition. That's why GQZ experience in life, GQZ decisiveness is very useful for her to be able to face intrigue in capital. So, this merge things seems reasonable in my opinion. And she become new Shen Xihe, not GQZ and not old SXH

This is spoilers from drama episodes near the end
Prince Xin - GQZ husband indeed become increasingly obsessed. He ask to her why not him. This is SXH answer : "Your so called love is in the name of protection, but in reality, it's just possession. But Crown Prince (ML), he risked his life to help me become the master of my own fate."

The way Crown Prince love her, what he do for her, his shameless is worth to see
How she finally love him back is also worth to see
However you should be prepare and be patient, because this will be a very very slow burn type until we get mutual love between ML & FL. After all, she is very cold, very detached, aloof to begin with

Actually he can. In drama when he come to capital to meet Shen Xihe, in one of their conversation he told SXH that he sad for this marriage alliance SXH already in danger since on the way to capital (pushes by her maid to river). Arrived in capital danger still lurking. He told her sister if you don't want to marry just go back to Northwest and he will marry Princess instead and stay in capital.

It's either he or Shen Xihe had to marry Princess or Prince case, because Northwest with military power is too strong. Marriage alliance with one of them stay in capital (kind of be hostage) is to ensure Emperor they won't rebel. More to it, drama state that whoever get to marry Princess Zhaoning means get half of the world. This show Duke Wei military power is really powerful. This make Emperor/ Imperial family - like it or not, act or real- have to respect them leading to they could choose Prince & Princess. Besides, drama make Emperor kind enough to regard mutual love more than forced marriage. So, he want Shen Xihe and whoever Prince together agreed for their marriage

Back to brother & sister conversation. Shen Xihe reject his brother suggestion because if brother marry Princess, it means he had to surrender his military command. He born to be great general and Northwest citizens still depends on him. SXH didn't want her brother waste his talent to stay in capital (kind of hostage)

In drama, he step aside to guard imperial mausoleum

Yes, one of the best extra
You're welcome 😊

You didn't miss anything. Drama indeed lack in explaining. Me myself only could do guessing game. Maybe she knew he fake his death, because she supposed to be smart and that's why she let Xie Yunhuai go

What happened in novel is she knew he fake his death. He told her himself that he will leave to western region (to Ale place) for treatment. However the treatment has a very low chance of success, it is an untried harsh method. He didn't want her to wait in vain so he didn't let her know at first, but finally he told her. She said she will wait for him

At the day, she knew it. However his regrets over he brag to her life only to leave her is true and she said marrying you no regrets for eternity is true. She knew Xie Yunhuai rush him to west and he arrived there alive. But she didn't knew how the treatment process and whether it success. It might be he never return. So, her tears is very true. After all, he is indeed very sick. West is very remote, XHY ask XYH return to capital to help SXH. No way for him to sent letter.

SXH also knew the one inside the coffin is XHY body double (who they already prepare it with some methods to look very similar with him). Besides, in novel XYH not accompany XHY treatment until look that old. He soon back to capital after send XHY to west. XYH claim his rightful noble status as Xie legitimate descendant and be SXH supporter at court and later be one of SXH son's tutor.

😄 yeah often some Chinese actors looks similar to the other

I take a look at cast list from drama wiki
Dong Zi Fan as Cui Jinbai : Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review
Lu Mi Le as Zhao Zhenghao : Embroidered Envoy
Ran Xu as Hua Fuhai : son of Jiangnan's richest man

I don't think Yan Yu Chen is in BoP cast list, but I might be wrong

In novel, XHY only came back after 8 years. It is longer than drama 4 years. But this also mean that Xiao Junshu is 8 years old. He is older so he already could reason with many things and be a more steady Emperor himself. Drama is the same with novel about XJS angry their parents not pay attention to him and deliberately hurt his hand. The one who give idea is Cui Zhu (one of Cui Jinbai & Bu Shulin’s twins) who grow up together with XJS and be XJS’s close peer. It is the same with XHY think very good indeed his son. However, he still punishes Cui Zhu.

At night XJS angry that XHY punish Cui Zhu
XJS : “By what right do you assign my officials? I am the Emperor!”
XHY : “I am your father.”
XJS : “Hmph!”
XHY : “I punished them for your sake. Your body and skin were given by your parents – how could you harm yourself? Know that when children are hurt, parents feel the pain.”
XJS : “Do you even feel pain?”
XHY : “I do. You are the only child of your mother and me, the continuation of our bloodline, proof of our mutual love. Your joys and sorrows, your every move, can stir both your mother’s heart and mine.”
XJS : “I am your only child?”
XHY : “You’re right, you are the Emperor. The Emperor cannot have any blemishes. Even the misconceptions in unofficial histories cannot start with your mother and me.”

With those words XJS (and us) know XHY had no intention of claiming his rightful status – be Emperor. XHY planned to let others continue their speculations while remaining nameless and untitled beside his mother. Previously novel also explain, in these 8 years many thought SXH is too young to be widow. So, they present her men. Some are similar with XHY to attract SXH. If succeed their clan may get Empress Dowager favors. But all kicked out of Eastern Palace. This time, people on court know Prince Xin bring handsome man to Eastern Palace. They wonder will this person also kicked out as soon as SXH know. But day passed and this man stay! They gossiping who is this man could finally captivate SXH

Then their conversation continues
XJS : “I… I don’t care about others’ baseless talk either!”
XHY : “But your mother and I care.”
XJS : “You and Mother… you could flee far away.”
XJS thought to let his parents live freely in the world
XHY : “Do you want to be Emperor?”
XJS : “Of course I want to be Emperor!”
XHY : “Your mother and I may leave you one day, but not now.”
XJS : “I can, I can be a good ruler. I have Uncle, Duke Xie, Fifth Uncle, Minister Cui, Twelfth Uncle, Fourteenth Uncle…”
XHY : “I neither doubt your ability nor worry that without your mother and me, your throne would be unstable. Rather, no one else can give you the protection of a father and mother. And you, right now, need our companionship.”
XJS : “Father!”
“The young emperor finally threw himself into his father’s warm, broad embrace, clutching his robes tightly as held-back tears fell silently one by one. XHY’s face bloomed with a gentle smile like spring rain as he held his son, letting him cry to his heart’s content.”

This is what XHY point of view, to travel the world hand in hand with one’s beloved and see all the world’s wonders – wasn’t this what SXH and XHY yearned for? Indeed, they did, but compared to those things, XJS was more important in their hearts and that is how parents love their children. That night, XHY accompanied XJS to rest. Receiving the news, SXH couldn’t help but smile. Next day, they have breakfast together and XHY ask their maids to prepare luggage.

Years ago, XHY promised to take SXH to the Black Water tribe to see the eagles he raised. In the novel XHY’s gyrfalcon is one of important and interesting animal. His gyrfalcon could fly & send letter very fast and also could help XHY fighting with wilds or help him when he takes snow Lingzhi for SXH. One time before they married, XHY ever give SXH a bone whistle. A whistle could call his gyrfalcon to provide her a thousand miles protection. Beside his gyrfalcon, XHY actually raise some more eagles in grassland (Black Water Tribe) and SXH want to see it. But before he could fulfil his promise his poison already attacks and he need to fake his death. So, now is the time to fulfil it

With that, despite opposition on court but no one could prevent Empress Dowager taking Emperor to Imperial Tour. These years had brought peace and prosperity. As the imperial procession headed north, citizens lined the roads to welcome them, with colored silks, flowers, and ribbons flying everywhere. Local officials along the route mobilized entirely, leaving their offices empty just to control the crowds. However, neither the Emperor nor the Empress Dowager was actually in the imperial procession. After leaving the capital, XHY took his wife and child slip away from the main group. They traversed wild grasslands, crossed flowing streams, climbed towering mountains, saw the true lives of impoverished commoners, and ate the coarsest wild vegetables.

The three of them arriving at the same day with Imperial procession at Black Water Tribe. Soon, heard eagles circling overhead, led by XHY’s gyrfalcon. XHY was teaching XJS to train eagles, and the boy clearly showed great interest.

The ending statement is this, I found it lovely
“Life’s three fulfillments – holding power, finding love, and family joy – even one was a luxury, yet SXH had achieved them all. On the vast grasslands, father and son chased each other joyfully. In this magnificent land, their golden age would continue, writing new chapters belonging to their family of three.”

For anyone who want to know novel’s extra. It’s almost the same with drama extra after episode 36. This including some quotes indicate whether XHY will choose to be Emperor or not. Of course quotes credit to novel’s writer : Jin Huang. A bit long post below

No, Hua Fu Hai has real body and real identity as rich merchant. Crown Prince use his identity to disguise himself. Same case with Cui Jin Bai and Zhao Zheng Hao. However, Tian Yuan is Crown Prince's assistant, always by his side and Crown Prince never disguise himself as Tian Yuan

The two techniques not specifically mention in drama are ‘Bone Manipulation Art’ and ‘Soul Controlling Sorcery’. Maybe it’s too unrealistic for drama

First : Bone Manipulation Art. It is a technique to change someone bone structure, so that person could be very identical with the other. Of course, it would be easier if that person has the same build (height) with the other. The one who mastering this art is A Xi – previously 6th Prince Xiao Changyu subordinate who later be Shen Xihe loyal subordinate after SXH let 6th Prince run to live secluded with Bian Xianyi. This art is the reason why Bu Shulin can have a very identical body double and also later (not explain in drama) Xiao Huayong could have very identical dead body inside coffin when he fakes his death

Second : Soul Controlling Sorcery. With this technique, someone could cast a spell and make the other one like a puppet, do whatever he wants that person do. After finish, that person wouldn’t remember what he did. The one who mastering this is 8th Prince subordinate (8th Prince not in drama and his villainous character might be combined with drama 4th Prince). With this 8th Prince cast the sorcery to A le and make XHY poison got worse – from 3 years to below 1 years. This anger SXH very much. As counter attack XHY and SXH capture that subordinate and make him cast sorcery to 8th Prince so 8th Prince confess all his treasonous act including palace coup, leading to his downfall.

Unexpected one is Empress Dowager could do this sorcery too. This is what I mean, somehow drama better without this sorcery things. What happened in novel is Empress Dowager cast spell to Prince Xin, make him do Palace coup and successful hold SXH force (BSL’s troops & others) stuck & delayed enter Palace. Empress Dowager do have ambition not merely revenge over Prince Qian death. She wants a puppet Emperor under her control. Another earth-shattering truth is Empress Dowager cast spell to Emperor years ago make him kill his brother Prince Qian (in novel Emperor kill Prince Qian to ascend throne, not Prince Qian let him stay and not send help). I kindly prefer drama plot with Empress Dowager do that out of mother love, misunderstanding Prince Qian meaning, secretly hate Emperor leading to poison XHY without knowing he is actually the real heir.

Then, what happen to Prince Xin is he almost kill SXH under spell. Prince Lie who notice his brother unusual action choose to beheading himself and let his wife bring it to Prince Xin. Only after seeing his brother lifeless head, Prince Xin consciousness returned. So, in novel, Prince Xin alive and Prince Lie dead. After everything finish, Prince Xin gather himself back and ask SXH to be one of her son’s tutors. Note : in novel, Prince Xin really not a crazy obsessive third wheel. He knows his place already after SXH present her exchange letter with Gu Qingzhi and burn it. After that he only act as XHY & SXH ally.

What happen to Empress Dowager is, soon after Prince Xin regain his consciousness, BSL’s troops and others could enter palace and be SXH supporter. Empress Dowager lost and SXH not kill her easily. After all, Empress Dowager with her own ambition is the real mastermind behind all including poison XHY though she know XHY real identity. She do it for one day Emperor and XHY could fight against each other. SXH use ‘dream’ incense. This makes Empress Dowager lock in crazy state day after day.

For anyone who want to know novel’s tidbits. There are two techniques not specifically mention in drama, especially the second one not mentions at all. With this, more or less changes the plot. However as novel reader, despite drama lacks explanation here and there but without that second technique is somehow better

Zhao Zheng Hao - the Embroidery guard

No, drama barely explain any. And my understanding is drama choose to make GQZ commit suicide alone when she is not pregnant

Gu Qingzhi and 5th Prince Xin life : cold, tragic

Gu Qingzhi - daughter of noble family. When she was 9 years old, at her mother deathbed, she told her one can do anything except let their heart fall for a man, only by being utterly detached can women live freely. That's why she grew as a cold, indifferent woman. GQZ was betrothed to Xie Yunhuai since childhood but since XYH sever ties with Xie family because his mother died from hatred (his father choose concubines), the engagement broke. What happened to her family and Xie family make her heart grow even colder

5th Prince Xin knew engagement broke then ask Emperor to bestow marriage between him and GQZ. After all, GQZ is first among the capital’s nine perfections, excelled in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, women’s work, and cooking—considered the model of noble ladies.

Prince Xin tried so much in their newlywed days. He present her with all the best things in the world and pampered her to the heavens. Yet GQZ always remained cold and composed, decisive and rational about everything. This making Prince Xin feel that his offerings and even his very existence were worthless to her.

The more GQZ indifferent the more Prince Xin obsessed. Later Prince Xin displayed intimacy with other women before her, or even allowed concubines to disrespect her, but GQZ maintained this same ethereal detachment. Three years, and finally when Gu family fall, Prince Xin agreed to supervised execution of Gu family. He thought with that, at least GQZ could hate him. But no, she still very calm

GQZ said from the day the Emperor’s marriage decree come, she knew this day would come. Gu family would fall (Gu family had been too strong). So, she not blame Prince Xin. Then she choose commit suicide with the incense she made. She died along with their unborn child. The reason is to bring down Fan family and she couldn't let her child born in such gloomy imperial family, better die with her.

At her last moment, GQZ could still give Prince Xin a brilliantly serene smile and wishing him to ascend the throne, that frozen smile deeply pierced Prince Xin. She didn’t want to live, no one could stop her and no one could save her.

You might want to read this. A slightly different from drama though
https://kisskh.at/769787-dong-feng-xin/discussions/139978-spoilers-characters-intro-based-on-novel?page=2#:~:text=Based%20on%20novel%2C%20simply,of%20Bu%20Shulin%20twins)

Then in extra, one of the twins who grew up with them become SXH & XHY son's (Emperor) confidant & close friend. They grow up together in capital