PReid

I think so, too!! Once they get on the same page they'll be unstoppable. :-)

I'm wondering if the screenwriter is setting things up so that the ML will eventually "realize" how wrong he's been and, finally understanding her POV and loving her so much, he offers to end their marriage so she and Scholar Han can be together, believing that's what she actually wants.

He fails to realize (yet) that if you truly love someone, their freedom to make their own choices is important to you. He doesn't get that AT ALL. He's only thinking of himself so far. But the more time they spend together, I think the FL will model this behavior for him and he'll learn from her...
... is my guess.

He has been extremely consistent thus far.

Over time, I think the Lins will realize how blessed they are to have Lanxiang as their daughter-in-law. She is cool, even headed in a crisis, and it looks like there will be plenty of crises ahead.

I mean, this is a good point. They're all outraged that he bypassed them, but there's no self-reflection here (from the mom even) about their choices in wife.

I like the way you put "using her own people and the investment she did in people." Her goodness, integrity and care in others will always pay off.

💀

He might be enjoying pretty privilege, but since I'm also enjoying his pretty, I find I have no energy to complain. ;-)

"a few questionable hair ornaments"
OMG YES! I noticed that too. WHAT THE HECK?! 😂😂💀

... what kind of cake??
Also, PREACH

So, so true. It's always her burden, and that's hard to watch.
But when he gets it, when he FINALLY figures it out, I trust the writer and director to make the resolution / groveling / (his ultimate) sacrifice incredibly satisfying.

Y'all out here arguing whether the ML is good "for the time" or bad "for any time" or too handsome for rules to apply (those dimples, tho...)

Meanwhile, I'm sitting here with a giant smile on my face because this is the most entertaining show I've watched in years. The characters are all layered and flawed. The build up and background is phenomenal. The main's chemistry is off the freaking charts. The diabolical YEARNING!!!! And the direction gets better with every episode.

But, please, continue to share and discuss your POV on the characters. Half the fun of this show has been this STELLAR comment section. I seriously enjoy reading your hot, cold, and tepid takes every day <3

Just like watching the show, I'm loving every minute.

I don't have the express, so I see 30 tomorrow. CAN'T WAIT!! I loved 28 and 29

^^ I agree.
Because ultimately what he ACTUALLY wants is her to love him. He doesn't want to force her, he wants her genuine love and affection.

I love this analysis!!

He is so happy

I can't believe were 27-28 episodes in and this show is still such a banger.

Nah, bro.
Plus, it's an imperial decree, thus no divorce. Lin Jin Qi earned himself a lifetime checkmate.

I also feel like Scholar Han mislead FL about the whole thing, saying that ML "couldn't afford to confront the culprit' as though ML did nothing to save her.

Ohhh!! Good catch, "You've gone to far" is exactly what her birth mother said when the betrothal was broken. Wow.