Potatocheeps

https://twitter.com/wangyibo_bar/status/1472427249794121734?s=20

just came across this, hopefully it's useful.

I see your fondness for Lord Rug with Rodent. I am getting less suspicious of him. He looks really sick and helpless.

I can accept Baili getting into danger because he needs to get to the bottom of his dad's death and the larger conspiracy. Liuran is well Liuran. I don't fault her for getting duped by Taitong but it's her reactions to Erlang even when she's in danger. Oh well, I have come round to it.

Drama wants us to suspect Baili undead bro but I'll assume there's a twist to it. Hopefully, it's satisfying.

I'll take your word about Chang'an. Everyone raved about how good it was. I was impressed by the quality but got distracted. Not a easy drama to watch so I was dreading this would be the same. Thankfully, Luoyang is easier to follow, faster paced and ignoring some side plots which I have no interest in, I am gunning for a good finale.

you are at the segment where it dragged but this week's eps are a blast.

I like the actress who plays WZT in this drama. There's no need to look evil or do crazy eyes. It could also be that the drama seems to depict her as feared but just. Strict but reasonable with love for her subjects. The only hint at what belies that serene demeanor is how powerful men cower and tremble in her presence.

I don't mind romance at all. I just want it to be done right. I think the drama went too heavy on selling GBZ and WSY in the beginning. If they had slowly build it up, I'd care more for them. Thankfully, in recently episodes, they are sweet.

For LR and Erlang, I thought the drama was doing so well in making it light because WYB is absolutely great at deadpan humor. We have the intelligent but doofus Erlang oblivious or deadened to LR's heart eyes and ardent endeavors. They ruined the set up when they made LR overly clingy and annoying once she saw that Erlang was beginning to care for her. I thought it's very difficult for this romance to be salvaged. Props again to WYB for not deviating from his character. His portrayal of the cold, insensitive Baili Erlang who is slowly thawing and changing is convincing.

speculation-
I forgot his name but I'll just call him Dalang aka Erlang's bro. An intellectual who grew disenchanted, who dared criticize the powers that be? Got into serious trouble and dad faked his death. Swung to the dark side.

Big Wolf

I didn't complete Changan. I was afraid I might lose interest in this one too. I think it's not as complicated and easier to follow.

Eh, I know it's not creative but that's basically like the plot of every conspiracy to bring down the govt and also present day terrorism.

The plot can be set in modern era. A cult like anti-government group whose aim is to bring chaos in the heart of the capital, kill the leader at a important ceremony watched by all and seize control. I don't envy Wu Youjie whose duty is to safeguard the Empress, the capital and the security of the important ceremony.

It's recorded that experimenting with life-lengthening elixirs around A.D. 850, Chinese alchemists instead discovered gunpowder.

Pace is picking up, more things come to light. It is not as confusing or hurtling at breakneck speed like in the first week. Hopefully, it says strong to the finale! 11 more episodes!

Pei Pei is probably assassin for Divine just like 16th Night. I got a mission for her. Can she kill Liu Feng first?

I am quite sure this lady is a villain

After a slow start this week, the past 2 days have been a good ride!

I actually enjoyed GBZ and WSY's interactions once GBZ stopped being emotionally wrought and WSY looking lovelorn. I enjoy their bantering and low key flirting. Qiniang and Erlang are also making progress! Erlang is still Erlang but he catches himself and knows how to be considerate of Qiniang. She is also exercising self control as much as she can.

Meanwhile, the plot is progressing nicely. Looking at ep 28 preview, I am reminded of Luoyang Q&A answer, so this is what they meant!

In the scene where Baili didn't want to get dressed for his wedding and dad explained why he arranged for Baili to get married to Liuran. It wasn't because of business connections or trying to move up the society as Baili had accused dad of. Baili family are professionals in building/ construction industry but not as illustrious as Liu Family.
After losing his firstborn(details not given), dad couldn't take the risk with Erlang who is of the same mold as elder bro i.e. people who won't survive in the real world. According to dad's plan, Erlang can cruise in life under the protection of Liu Family. He can indulge in his gourmet pleasures and pursue his scholarly interests.

Dad did say that elder Bro got into serious trouble(possibly even died) because he offended someone. Sounded like elder Bro was a man who didn't mince his words, was as brutally honest and didn't/want to play politically correct.

The Luoyang character in question is a dancer, I'd imagine she has killer thighs. He's annoying so maybe this is too kind. Okay, death by peppery soup is it!

I have this impression that the brother is dead. Father and Baili didn't talk about his death but dad said something like he came to "this end" I will assume he's dead until he resurfaces

I am glad they aren't dubbed.