Mcmr

Same here! I knew from the start something was up with him and that his background wasn't that simple. So I wasn't surprised when he turned on his friend and wife as I knew he was doing this to protect them

👏 100% correct

Lots of people minimize the importance of filial piety. This is what drove DYX's revenge since, at the time, it was a moral and social obligation for anyone to honor their parents.

DYX was raised by his foster mom, but he had to live with the thought that his bio mom and foster mom lost everything due to his father's greed. As a son (a scholar at that who is well versed in Confucian teachings), it was a duty to set right this wrong and sue his dad.

Now, he couldn't share all of this with Shouhua and SYR (Andao) because, as you said, he didn't want them to suffer from the consequences of his revenge (exile/death penalty), but he also didn’t want them to try and dissuade him from his plan (as he'd then fail to honor his mothers).

Moreover, he chose to be ruthless with SH to ensure her reputation remains spotless after their divorce so can easily get married again.

Usually, we witness such stories from the POV of the person who is taking their revenge so it's easier to empathise with them, but in this instance, lots of people couldn't relate to DYX because his agenda wasn't made clear from the start.

Personally, I love both SH and DYX and enjoyed their story the most. I am happy SH finally got to choose for herself when she forgave him. She married her 1st husband to protect her family, married DYX for 3rd sister's happinness, and was almost forced to marry SYR (Andao) to please her mother. I felt so bad for her when her family was trying to force her into a 3rd marriage...

Thanks for expanding on your views! I totally get where you're coming from :)
On my end, I was thinking that I'd prefer not being involved if I were SH (wouldn't want to end up in jail or dead😂).

Now enjoying the 4th sister's story (although 1st sister's remains my fav), and let’s hope this one isn't full of moral dilemmas

But no one would inform their loved ones before committing a crime, right? That's why DYX didn’t share his plans with his wife.

Also, I am not arguing with you :) Just wanted to share my POV. It was interesting to read yours. Cheers!

DYX had no choice but to withhold the truth from SH because:

1) he didn't want her/their love to shake his resolve (filial piety was a paramount virtue at the time so he HAD TO avenge his mother)
2) he didn't want to implicate SH (as a sinner's kin, she could be executed or exiled), and also wanted to help her maintain her dignity (so she can remarry), that's why he divorced her unceremoniously.

SYR on the other hand THANKED HEAVENS for SH's divorce and was ready to marry her despite her unwillingness/firm refusal.

Regarding the 1st sister, Sang Yan Ran was no prize! The dude was eager to marry her even though he knew damn well she was unwilling to be with him. I couldn't stand him after this.

Actually, I think Chai An was a better friend to DYX than SYR.

1st sister's CP (DYX + SH) is my favorite as well!
Loved seeing their journey and hope to witness their peaceful days together.

1st sister (SH) is my favorite character overall. She's so gentle and kind (I loved that she took the maid back even though she had "betrayed" her, and how supportive she was of 4th sister's wish to marry)

4th should be next!

I am very happy with this conclusion!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

AWESOME!

Thanks a lot for the quick update!!!!

DYX will marry into the Li family? Will he be stripped of his 3rd rank position and government job?

Interesting to know!
Guess next "age gap" couple will be 4th sister and Magistrate Shen!

That would make sense... Thanks!

100%! Couldn't agree more!

Thanks! I tried to piece in those clues as well, but then I saw someone mention that DYX is 3 years younger than SH, but I didn’t remember it being mentioned in the show (based on the Netflix subs, granted) so I thought there may be a character map with the ages somewhere.

And you're right. If I remember correctly, SH was married at 15, and became a widow 2 years later (at 17). I believe it was customary to observe mourning period for 3 years, so she must have been around 20 when she was back on the marriage market. But then, how long did they stay in Luoyang after she became a widow, we don't know. And the last 2 sisters, as you pointed out, do seem significantly younger than her (was it these 2 that were cheering her on when she was on a swing the day the lecherous Yan set his eyes on her?)

Think so as well! Based on the previews, it seems there's also scope for an investigation regarding the alleged Li's son (obviously a scam), and I bet we'll get to see the Magistrate there and then.

I saw some spoilers on X and TikTok. I am pretty sure they will be getting back together today (thank God!)

I hope we'll keep seeing their cute interactions when the other sisters' stories will start (similar to 3rd sis and her hubby)

The previews are misleading at times. If you're referring to the slap, then no, he won't hit her.
But later on (episode 17?), he'll indeed hit her "accidentally". Basically, he'll be putting up an act to force her to leave him and will use a whip to threaten/punish the maid. SH will try to protect the maid and will get hit instead.
It was pretty obvious DYX didn’t intend to hurt anyone physically, but he still ended up hurting SH (both physically and emotionally).

As far as I am concerned, this couple is my favorite pairing. But I saw many viewers complaining about their story arc (which I get because they are full of angst haha). If you liked the 1st couple (3rd sister), I'd advise to keep going because you'll keep seeing them, and I bet other couples won't be as angsty as DYX and SH going forward.

Is there a character map around with the characters' ages? 🙏🏼
I would like to know how old the mom and her daughters are 😀

User soonsetra subbed the previews and shared them on X:

https://x.com/soonsetra/status/1886110069110288730?s=19