Minoucha

I’m not black and white in how I see things. You seem to underestimate the shock and period of denial someone would go through in her situation. Even if given facts someone wouldn’t suddenly change their perception of a person they lived with for many years and saw as a close confidant. Plus, as the ML himself pointed out, they don’t suspect that the SML also reincarnated so she sees him as someone innocent in this life (he killed her because his family was killed and he was castrated ). If you’re frustrated by the whole plot why watch the drama?

That’s the whole purpose of the drama. It’s not a romcom so they need to include some angst.

Guilt. His whole family was killed and he was castrated by her father!! Even the ML sort of understand why he would want revenge. She is still in shock as she only him as the man who stood by her and cared for her when she was alone. She’s also probably still in denial about her naivety.

The thing with the FL …she does frustrate me at times but I then remember that she grew up in the palace and had zero experience with men and domestic life so she just didn’t build empathy or communication skills. Her love language is definitely act of service - she doesn’t express her feelings but it’s super obvious through her actions that she deeply cares and feels that her role is to protect him. I think the difference in status between them definitely showed.

Yes it is special because it doesn’t feel rehearsed. I think acting must come naturally to him. Mark Chao is similar.

I’m more of a Story of Kunning Palace type of person when it comes to romance. I like it a bit more mature but I will give it a go. Thanks a lot!!!

Thank you :). When you say sweet, do you mean innocent with not much passion or do they showcase their love?

Yes! I always feel like he gives 100% to each role and I really love that. I can't stand actors taking on romantic roles but not committing to showcase the level of passion needed.

Hey folks - I haven't started yet. How is the romance (if any) to this date? Thanks :)

My understanding is that she didn't feel sorry because she thought he had killed her and also cheated on her by loving another woman while using her. It was clear that once they decided to leave apart their agreement was to live their lives however they wanted (meaning also love other people) like a divorced couple. To be fair to her though - she was shown to be an affectionate, kind and loving wife to him at first. She turned cold once she saw how deeply he cared about another woman and how aloof he was with her.

I get what you're saying but they made the choice not to focus too much on their back story at the start (which I'm grateful for as I'd rather focus on their new life) so it makes sense that you won't have that much angst at this stage. Interestingly, they decided to make the plot more "light" by revealing super early the truth behind their tragedies (if they didnt, the plot would be much darker). I suspect that the angst will come later as the SML seems to actually be reincarnated too (I love how they are implying it without revealing it yet) and seems to regret his past actions. So I can guarantee that the angst and love triangle will come. I adore their chemistry as you can tell they both love each other but are in denial.

REALLY GOOD! The ML is slowly becoming my favourite C-drama actor. I'm honestly impressed (especially when benchmarked against much more senior actors) by the nuances of his acting! I've watched several of his historical dramas back to back and he really bring the character to life in a compelling way that pulls you in. He emotes perfectly and adds a lot of subtlety. Such a delight to watch. And the bonus is his looks - he is a "classic" type of handsome, not the babyface/idol type, which suits more mature roles. The FL is super good too and chemisty is strong. I just hope the direction doesn't disappoint. So far I've rated it 9.

I want to take a moment to appreciate the emperor. One of the best emperors - smart, not manipulated by women and lust, loyal. You could tell he genuinely cares about the Duke the most.

Feel so sad that it’s over. The end was magnificent.

Yes and I love the writer for writing such a nuanced villain. He is the worst of them all because what really drives him is his greed actually, not fear. The princess is evil too but her backstory sort of explain how she ended up losing the plot and lackinh empathy.

There are similar things happening right now in the world. You are most likely lucky to live a safe life but just look at what's going on in war torned countries right now: women/kids being starved, tortured, r***. All try hard to survive because I guess your survival instinct is stronger than anything else. I think most humans are programmed to have a strong will to live.

Because women back then were seen as useless - they were only valued for alliances. It is cruel but the reality is that men inherited thrones and perpetuated the lineage bloodline (women can't once they get married). It is cruel from a modern perspective but in this era a king would be crazy to send off a son rather than a daughter.

C-netiz are TOXIC so they are projecting. They are definitely not normal, all their reactions and emotions are unhinged.

Interesting...

I'm honestly not sure about that. They take good care of their looks for sure (skincare, etc.) but a lot of celebrities go through extreme diets to look as thin, and smoke/drink to cope with the stress. I know some normal korean people and the amount of alcohol they drink is unbelievable. A lot of singers have eating disorders. It's honestly not normal to feel "old" at his age unless you have underlying health issues or have a bad lifestyle.