PeachBlossomGoddess

Yeah I agree that Derang didn't know the whole plot. But I think they either didn't tell us what part he didn't know or maybe the only part he didn't know was that Siwen and Mingyi already agreed to make Yanyan empress.

Yeah I am most disappointed with that too. I think this is an awesome, very complex role but Tang Yan so far has not managed to deliver a nuanced performance. She behaves pretty much the same with Derang and Mingyi - they could be interchangeable. And they only tell us but they have not yet shown us that she is necessary to the country. Her politcal observations are pedestrian and she actually so far has no role or contribution other than to deliver an heir. Sorry I don't count dressing down a concubine as particularly astute or impressive I was actually praying at that point this doesn't turn into a harem drama... Charmaine Sheh is by comparison is really killing it - her character is coming across as strong and ruthless. So is Mingyi's character - I may not like either of them that much but definitely they are both well written and well acted. How is it that the titular character is so lackingly written? I mean we are past the halfway mark at this point.

I am watching for the politics I am kind of disappointed its been light so far.

It started well and I can see why it was popular when it aired but the recent Light On Series sets a high bar now by comparison.

I also dropped Hikaru after 2 episodes and couldn't get into Insect Detectives either. I will try to finish Ruyi this weekend and then I am gonna try to watch Danger of Her next week, it was reccomended by @Skibbies. I watched one episode it looks pretty good if you are looking for a crime thriller. Xiao Chuo I am thinking about waiting till all the episodes until Mingyi kicks the bucket are out... I really want to watch Detectives but there are no subtitles yet and I said I would watch with Sony_T so hope that comes soon.

Both Tencent and iQiyi were charging CNY20 (~$2.90) per month for standard VIP; with the price rise its about $3.60. Still much less than international.

That assassination was not just a revolt by his traumatized servants it was planned by Mingyi and Siwen. What I am not clear is whether Han Derang knew about it and helped them accidentally or knowingly.?

Question re the previous emperor's death:

OMG - this thread has turned into a spoiler obstacle course!!! Not everyone wants to be spoiled so thanks for hiding your spoilers. Love to read your comments so if you indicate the episodes those of us behind watchers know what is safe to open.

That's smart - iQiyi just raised prices 25pct for domestic subscribers. Tencent hinted their earnings call they will do the same. I wouldn't be shocked if international viewers will be hit with a price rise soon so best lock it in ASAP.

Yups happens all the time. Its great - you get to decide to watch the one with the actors you like the most. Or watch them all if you have time.

Maybe she needed him to protect her and her son. But yes, ruthless and awful nonetheless...

Indeed. This is the characterization I wanted to see. But sadly I don't think I will. Its a good enough drama anyway. :)

Wow so it seems this drama follows "folk history" or unofficial history.

So far not in the drama. That is just according to folk history/internet speculation.

Both sisters but they were doomed to be enemies from the start no? Marrying them all to contenders for the throne.

Maybe jealous. But also by then she was a widow and a mother who had to protect her son. I think she asked Han Derang to return to her side to help protect her and her son. And that is what they did.

Yes indeed both her sisters. But to defeat the Song army and be regent from the time her son who was 12 at the time. She needed strong generals like Han Derang to help her hold on to pwer and I think he only returned to the capital to do so after the emperor dies. One (also not verifiable) account says she told Han Derang its his son to make him protect them. Tang Yan is not coming across as strong and as ruthless as this woman most likely really was.

Supposedly to be with /marry Han Derang. I saw this on a few netizen posts only I didn’t look very hard for more reliable sources.

LOL - sorry my friend - I try to make clear its folk history or wild history. This was so long ago official recorded history is not detailed. It leaves ample room for fictionalization of all these characters who did exist. There is enough out there to only suggest she was definitely once engaged to Han Derang and the Liao took engagements very seriously. And there is inuendo in many records they were "close", possibly remarried which was acceptable those days in Khitan culture. I think its very cool that whispers of their love story survived so many centuries. And I am sure the Han people would love to speculate that the descendents of a great Khitan queen were actually half Han... which may be where this romanticized account is going with this.

WOO-HOO!!! All 40 dropped for international VIP, no extra charge! Thank you iQiyi we already pay more than local VIP this is right and fair!!!