Ana

I love your article and agree with everything you wrote. This drama had become my obsession for the last several weeks and is my all time favorite show. I love the well written part of each character both the antagonists and protagonists that have so many layers and depths. I also like how well written with the leads how their relationship were nothing in the beginning then they became admirer and friend towards their late teens then finally as a couple. I love the fact that the writer didn’t follow the childhood first love trope like in every other dramas or how perfect or prince like the male lead should be. I especially love the relationship between ML and GTY and their subtle romance scenes that look so natural and also the relationship between them and their friends, families and the servants. Their friendship and the support of each other are heart warming to see.

I can understand your point, however I still believe not knowing is the best and also GTY may have been told to not tell anyone including his wife. Like in spy movies. Do these spies tell their family their plan and mission? No because they wouldn't allow too and it's too dangerous if it gets out.

To me I think this had come in full circle back to when she was a maiden when she told GTY that the 3 people whom she can give up her life for are her mother, grandma, and him. We saw how she went to the extreme to carefully scheme and calculate every moves for her revenge. She did that for her mom and grandma, but we didn't see her doing anything spectacular for her husband. We saw how GTY go to extreme for ML but not ML for him. He saved her life 4 times.

I think the writer wanted to showcase on the final grand scheme and stay true to her character of sacrificing everything for her love ones. Like in episode 70, the jail cell scene, even GTY was shocked to hear that his wife go to the extreme to plead for his innocent. In the past he had always questioned if she really loves him the person or because it is her role as his wife who have a duty to love him. One of the reasons why he didn't tell her because it is a covert operation and if the plan went wrong at least it allows ML for not being part of the plot. Also, like ML said to her father in the end of epi 73 that " this is a matter of the royal court are matter of the worlds". If something went awry she will go down with him that is why he asked for amicable separation and not divorce and I am all for him not telling her the truth.

ML is the master of a schemer but at the final arc, it was the king and GTY who scheme her, lol. Like GTY said, "ML is the fox, but he is the ancestor of the fox," LOL.

If you're in earlier episodes, I can understand why you can't connect but that is just the introduction of the characters. Once you have passed episode 20, it will pick up and you'll understand the characters more. The leads didn't get married until episode 40 and everything after that is exciting and intriguing.

The uncut version that we watched from Viki ends at 73. The TV cut version have 78 episodes because of the lesser running time.

She is prositute Wei. She gave her money to buy herself freedom.

After 10:00 or 10:30 pm

Tonight after 10:00 pm raw and the subs will be out the same time today.

So it looks like it ends at 73 the original ending, not 76.

Thank you for the incite from the novel. I love love drama GTY, I don't think I would like the novel GTY and probably will despise his character just because Manniang is still in the picture after ML and him got married and also I heard he married a first wife but she died. I'm glad the drama took a different approach to the story. I love how witty and smart GTY is in the drama. I can relate with him more and can feel his pain and sadness in life.

The one that was posted on YouTube is up to date. They post as it air in China.

GTY said he has a plan to Chiangmai Bai in epi 69. Let’s see how his plan will play out for this mess against him.

This is spoiler for the ending. Please don't open if you do not want to know the ending.
http://p.weibo.com/show/channerWbH5/1034:4338633252259828

I think you are right but I also think Ming Lan has no idea about this plan if there is one. I saw the previews for the next few episodes and it looks like all the wicked people ( The Wang-Kang family, Big Madam Gu, Bai uncle of GTY, Manniang) are coming at full force to plead their cases against GTY. They are supporting the ED. So my thought is that the plan of GTY may be to bring out all the supporters of ED out in the open because it looks like she and her supporters may start a second rebellion if the Emperor is left with no power officials in court to support him. What do you think?

You are right, GTY appears to know that there will be a huge battle for the imperial court. I think he is confident because this could be a part of a big plan by him, Prince Huon and the Emperor. There is this scene when he asked Shituo that he knows it is going to be a messy road up ahead and if Shituo are afraid to walk along and Shituo said no because it is cold and the ground is hard and it is easy for the killing. I’m anxious to see what’s up.

No the last episode will be airing on Wednesday. Hunan TV have extended the episodes to 79 for tv version and 76 for uncut version which Viki received. So Viki will have 76.

It’s a happy ending. The answer is in the painting, the last picture of the ending theme song. According to the novel it’s also a happy ending.

Episode 67 for the uncut version

Minglan accepted one concubine send by GTY’s great aunt. He brushed her off like a nuisance, didnt even speak to her or give her any attention. He was actually mad with Minglan for accepting her. Also both GTY and ML know she is one of the spy send by his stepmom so she is no importance. GTY is a one woman man and he’s 100% faithful to Minglan and very devoted to her.

This drama is slow but so darn good and addicting. I love the last few episodes and the sadness, my gosh I need to buy myself more tissues.