QAS

Another contest joins the Delulu Contest. Duke Qi is as deranged as Zuang Shi Yang.

😆😆😆

Some dramas have utilized patterns and many colors on the costumes that can detract from the character's performance and/or the scene. The use of one color with contrasting overcoat doesn't distract the viewer.

The screenwriter is thirty-one, with many screenwriting credits. He may finetune his writing skills as time goes by.

Did Zhuang stab Ruan so many times?

The women's wardrobes are very flattering. They seem simple but elegant. The broaches on the collars are nice.

She went from Zhuang mad house to Fu mad house. 😆😆😆

Mrs Fu needs to send the Aunty to the countryside. Is the woman, Mrs Fu's sister, or a poor relation who took advantage of the Madam, and managed the house for years?

I agree. The writers are injecting modern day opinions in the writing. I am not saying that costume drama writers have to be scholars of history, but they should write within the scope of the timeline.

I am guessing that Yanhan's goal is to emancipate the women from their subservient roles.

I have seen her before in a costume drama. She looks like a good Empress.

When she was stiff toward little Ling Zhi, I was confused and surprised. She used to like Ling Zhi, but suddenly acted like the little girl was a prop. The girl is about five years' old.

He tripped, trying to kill Hanyan, and spun around and fell on the sharp object on the wall. Genius Writer! LOL I applauded. I wasn't sad for him.

Did he throw the sharp object on the wall, btw? I guess I should rewatch the scene.

Episode 21: At first, I thought the Deng subplot was going to be boring, but I was pleasantly surprised. This is the most interesting storyline in the drama. I did not anticipate that Mrs Deng was in love with the Scholar. Well done, Writer.

The lunatic, deranged old men are coming out of the woodwork. First, it was Zhuang Shi Yang. Now, it is Mr Deng. The arrogant, belligerent old women are coming out of the woodwork. First it was Zhou Ru Yin. Now it is Aunty Fu (...I don't know her name).

Other comments;
Is it possible that Ruan Xi Wen is alive? Many times, characters are poisoned and near death, and survive. I know she would be heartbroken that her lover, Yuwen Chang An died.

Zhuang Yu Chi was a fool and an imbecile to the end. He "fell on his own sword" figuratively. I didn't feel sorry for him and the mother. Mr Zhuang is losing family members,, left and right.

I am surprised that Concubine didn't try to kill Ruan Xiwen, to become the official wife.

I had the same impression in the beginning, but I began to like her as the story progressed. Keep going with the flow. 😁😁😁

I think the presentation of the story is much better than Si Jin, which I liked, by the way. There is no choppy flashbacking to disrupt the attention, and no overt BGM.

I have seen Chen Du Ling in at least six dramas, and she stands out in this role. I finally appreciate her acting skills. She will be on my Top 10 Chinese Actresses list.

She might be pretending, to gain Zhuang's trust.

I went searching for ep 18, after I finished 17. LOL They know how to keep the viewers hooked.