Sharlotka

That scene has not yet happened in the episodes, yet, to be fair. I could find ways to explain it, I already have a few theories especially that I know some Mandarin, but with it being cut out of context of the episode and without the possibility to analyse the scene as a whole, circumstances under which it happens, etc. that'd be nothing more than blind guessing.

When did he stab him? Has it already happened in the drama, or is it in the trailers? I haven't watched much of these, I'm only basing my thoughts and theories on the episodes.

Episode 22

The way the Empress is speaking about Feng Suige’s mother, how the Emperor “every trace of her existence”, really makes me wonder if she isn’t in that place she founded and he did all of that to make sure nobody ever tries looking for her.

Feng Suige’s disbelief when she first tells him about Murong Yao… At the same time, I like how they show parallels between the two of them. She had also lost her brothers, the people she trusted the most in her life, which only strengthens the bond between them because they understand each other’s pain perfectly.

But… The number of pieces that my heart is in right now… I saw a lot of people’s comments saying that Murong Yao’s motives are lame, that his anger is misplaced, I can’t say I fully agree. Obviously, it wasn’t Feng Suige’s fault that they were attacked that day but from what we have learnt, I can see why he would end up resenting him for what happened.

His father, who was probably the most important person in his life at that point, possibly even someone he idolised, comes to the rescue and nearly loses his life but his first priority isn’t to save him - it’s to save the prince, as if he doesn’t matter. They - though mostly his father - went through hell, nearly died, singlehandedly defeated all of these attackers and saved the prince and rather than a thank you, the blame for what happened is put on their family and they receive a punishment. A cherry on top of the cake would be if sneaking out was Feng Suige’s idea.

I also find it easy to imagine how, from his perspective, Feng Suige didn’t care about what happened. Nobody came to help them and I bet that the next time they saw each other, he probably didn’t ask a single question about how he is, and so on and so forth, just acted as if nothing happened and everything was fine. Meanwhile, his father had been treated unfairly and he basically lost the future that he was supposed to have because of what might seem like a small, silly injury.

And I agree that in a way, it was their role - to serve the country, to save the Prince, etc. but I can’t imagine any good ruler expects everyone to just blindly serve. If he doesn’t treat his people well, obviously they’re going to start to resent him. We only know one side of that obviously, but I can actually get behind these motives, even if I disagree with the ways he goes about getting what he perceives as justice.

That said… There’s a small, delusional part of me that wants to believe that somehow, they can get over that rift. I even have an idea or two. Or that Murong Yao is deliberately creating this rift between them to protect Feng Suige. Do I actually believe it? No, not really, I don’t hold high hopes for that. Still, a part of me wishes.

Also, as Zuo Ye’s fangirl, I have to say I wasn’t disappointed in the slightest. Yet another time when he really impresses me with his acting.

Episode 21

As much as I dislike her character, I have to give it to the Princess that she showed some grace when Xia Jingshi told her he cannot fulfill that particular wish of hers.

So, Murong Yao’s father opposes the plan, eh? And that’s one way to learn what your son is up to. Now, I can’t wait for the confrontation between father and son. The flashback was so telling, the father suspecting that he's doing it for him, and I can't imagine it has to be easy for him.

I really hoped Murong Yao wasn’t working with the Zhuangs but of course he is. A part of me is still hoping that he’ll eventually turn on them but I don’t really expect a good outcome either way. *sad sigh*

Zuo Ye is the reason I began to watch this drama but in the first one I have watched with him, he just stole the show for me with how well he acted, making you feel the pain of the character. So far, I'm not disappointed here, either - I'm just impressed given how young this guy is and how relatively few roles he had so far. This confrontation is something I've been waiting for like 10 episodes now and your comment makes me all the more excited to finish work and watch the episodes <3

A part of me wants to think that because I enjoy their banter and interactions, but I don't really have high hopes for it being the case.

Episode 20

Looks like for the time being, I really am going to change into this insane person gushing over a villain in almost every comment of mine. Oh well. Not the first time, and probably not the last time lol

The backstory of the dancer makes me all the more curious to see more of Murong Yao’s backstory, to find out the reasoning behind what he’s doing. Was he just using her from the beginning and saving her was just jumping at an opportunity, or somewhere deep down, he’s not such a bad guy, just circumstances had their impact on him? And that short scene with the Prince. It’s so enjoyable to watch the two of them. A part of me wishes it isn’t all fake, not that I have very high hopes here.

Feng Suige hearing about Fu Yixiao from the death camp leader, I like him learning about what things used to be for her in the past, even when she can’t really tell some of these things herself. Not that there was any doubt what she was doing, trying to anger him. Seen right through her too. Good.

Oh Princess, you are so dumb. You’ve only just arrived, are you regretting coming to Jinxiu already? And you, Minister Zhuang, you really are not wasting a second are you? You could have at least tried to pretend. And here you are, already trying to point a finger at the Prince.

And ooh, so the Emperor wasn’t poisoned recently, it’s just his illness timing being so ‘perfect’? And fine, the mysterious place is connected to Feng Suige’s mother but how is the doc connected to her? Why would he care so much to keep looking for the cure even after she’s gone? I’m currently wondering if she’s his sister or something.

And the previews, they do it every time. The confrontation is coming, can it be tomorrow afternoon already? T__T

Episode 19

This will be so much of just me gushing over Murong Yao but first, I have to get this off my chest. Goodness, doc, you’re so thick! Of course you’re not needed with just the two of them!

I’m not even surprised by the confirmation that Murong Yao is behind the mask but ooooh am I excited to watch Zuo Ye play a villain as I've only seen him in mostly positive roles so far. I just hope he will not turn out to be dumb as a villain, I have very high hopes.

Though, I’m also curious whether his words that his plan won’t harm Feng Suige was just a lie for Fu Yixiao, or if there really is more to it than that. It’s difficult to argue with his point that if he wanted to harm the Prince, he had plenty of opportunities though at the same time, I can’t imagine he could act anytime if it’s all part of a big scheme. Then again, only a few moments earlier he circles back to saying that he might not care anymore…

Eh, I enjoyed their interactions so much I wish, behind it all, he did actually care about the friendship but I’m just not sure anymore. Just please, Murong Yao, don’t disappoint me and be a proper, good, evil villain.

Episode 18

It’s amazing how, whenever it feels like the Emperor will finally be on the same page with his son, he goes on to say something to make sure that they are at odds with each other. When he said that he doesn’t want to lose his son after already losing a daughter, and then went on to speak how there’s luckily a rule that princes don’t get a say about their marriages, I felt like screaming if he can’t just shut up for once.

I don’t think he’s a bad guy and I believe that he does a lot of things, including keeping his distance and everything, for Feng Suige’s sake but he really has a skill for always saying exactly the worst thing in the moment, even if it’s true. It’s so clear that the guy is sad for what his family has become, even if he can’t outright show it just how much. He looked truly broken, realising that he can’t lose Feng Suige because that’s basically already happened long ago.

The conversation between the Empress and her father was so suspicious. I really want to see her being behind the illness, but a part of me wonders if she wouldn’t have had a better moment in the past if she wanted to do it. Then again, she could have been waiting for when the younger son is old enough, while Feng Suige is in the centre of criticism. And when he mentions that the hospital people are all theirs, I found it all the more suspicious that none of the doctors they brought can figure out what’s wrong. Then again, if that Ling doctor comes to the palace every year, it cannot be a new thing.

I’m sorry my dear Murong Yao, but you saying that the Princes can leave and everything will be fine because you are here is not convincing in the slightest. If anything, they should be all the more worried, shouldn’t they?

Damn, based on the previews, I already can’t wait for the next episodes.

Episode 17

I have to give kudos to the actress that plays the Princess. It takes a certain skill to play a character like this and make a lot of viewers hate them, and she’s certainly doing a great job with that. I obviously know little about acting but I can’t imagine it’s an easy task. That said, the character is so annoying that I actually feel sorry for Xia Jingshi, the poor guy now stuck with her.

I also couldn’t help feeling sad for Feng Suige, being betrayed by her like this. Yet another person on the list, even if her betrayal was of a different kind. When she called him out on still seeing her as his family, I was kind of hoping he would say that if those are the choices she is making, he doesn’t.

And I had a feeling Fu Yixiao had seen the words on the lantern! And I enjoy her boldness, just going for what she wants. I rarely enjoy main leads but these two are actually very enjoyable and I like watching the development of the relationship between them.

I can’t make up my mind what to think about that scene where the Emperor learns that the Princess has stolen the token, and the way Murong Yao glanced at Minister Zhuang. Did he seem surprised that the guy was kind of putting the blame for what happened on the Princess?

On to watch episode 18.

1 - In that scene where he brings Fu Yixiao to his mother’s house, Feng Suige mentions that his mother entered the palace because of his father. I think it could be that there had actually been plans for him to marry a daughter of one of the nobles, but he chose Feng Suige’s mother instead. He might even see himself in his son and kind of wants to prevent him from going through a similar experience.

2 - It would make sense for why the father wants to stay at the border but the question that arises for me in such case is why would Murong Yao be unhappy about that? It would make sense for him to express that to everyone to make them believe he doesn't want to be there, but when it’s just him and his father, there is no need for him to pretend, is there?

3 - I believe Feng Suige mentioned at one point that he joined the army in secret when he was 14. Based on the cast, which lists an actor for young Murong Yao which I assume we will see in a flashback at one point, I’d say he must have met and befriended him earlier. But I agree that Feng Suige will definitely investigate thoroughly what happened when he has a chance.

4 - Fully agreed. I do not think the Emperor is a bad guy, and I fully believe that he cares about his son and everything that he does is his very roundabout way of letting him make a name for himself, to prove his worth, maybe even hoping that he does what he himself cannot do in his position. But if he shows that Feng Suige has his approval, it might make him an even bigger target than he already is.

5 - It’s difficult to say at this point because I don’t think we’ve seen a single scene where either of the two families mention each other or have any kind of interaction but I feel like it would be more interesting if they are not working together. Messy webs of intrigue are my guilty pleasure. I even have some theories of how there might be even more to that but those are obviously nothing more than speculation at this point.

With how insistent he is about the previous empress not being so much as mentioned, I think it might have been his way of trying to make Feng Suige forget about her and move on. It appears to have worked exactly that way with the Princess.

That's a good point, I didn't think of that lol My guess is that he either "inherited" them somehow, or he just came across them at one point and rather than destroy them, he decided that it'll be more beneficial to keep them and use them to his advantage.

To be honest, I think he IS the masked man, I'm like 99% certain it's his eyes, but with the brotherhood between the characters and how fun it is to watch, I wish it's a bigger story than just him being a traitor and after all is said and done, him and Feng Suige go back to being brothers.

Every time the Princess shows up on the screen, I have a very strong urge to hit the skip button. I’d love to see less of her now that she’s finally married but with how important her husband is for the plot, it’s probably not going to happen. As much as it will probably break Feng Suige’s heart to see her suffer, I really can’t wait to see her regret her choices and be utterly miserable. At least we’re not seeing as much of the female doctor anyway, so there’s that.

It’s interesting to see that a death camp like that was apparently in Susha and nobody was any wiser. Could it be that Fu Yixiao actually came from Susha, too? That would be an interesting twist. If she had any doubts about Xia Jingshi, I think they’re all gone now though I also feel sorry for her. Everything she believed had been a lie.

And damn it! As excited as I am to watch Zuo Ye play a villain role, I enjoy Feng Suige and Murong Yao’s interactions so much that I’m almost sad for the moment when the truth is revealed. With the scene with the father, the motives seem to be offered to us as he’s clearly unsatisfied with the situation.

At the same time, I can’t help finding it a bit weird that Feng Suige seemed to have completely brushed off Fu Yixiao’s comment about being uncomfortable around his friend. And what’s with the emperor suddenly now deciding to ‘train’ Murong Yao? I still feel like there may be more to this than the obvious. I won’t complain if there isn’t and Murong Yao is truly an evil villain, but I still think he would make a good double agent. I initially thought working for Feng Suige but now I’m thinking it might actually be the Emperor. Which is probably completely incorrect but I can’t help but enjoy speculating and fangirling for Zuo Ye lol

I'm convinced too, those are totally his eyes. Though for me, it's a bit of the opposite. Zuo Ye is the main reason I'm watching this drama (though I came to enjoy it as a whole) and I'm actually excited for the idea that we might watch him in a villain role. If he does it well (and I have every faith he will), it only speaks of his acting skills that he's able to pull off both good and bad guys convincingly.

Yes, it does feel this way. My wildest, and probably most incorrect theory so far is that he might even be behind what Murong Yao is up to, using him to influence things and indirectly help ML with all that he wants him to do, and what he cannot do himself because of his position. And at the same time, all of these things will only work to show to the world that ML is the right person for a successor.

100% agreed. The few times we've seen, it's clear that he does care about his son and is simply not showing it and while sure, it could be tough love and what not, it feels like there is more to it but he has to keep up appearances. I may be of course be reading too much into things, or expecting too much, but I feel like there might be way more than meets the eye with a lot of plots, including this one, so it'll be interesting to see how this develops.

I admit I shared a similar theory a bit earlier after watching the episodes. There must be some kind of a connection between the doctor and the mother since we saw him pay respects to her, and it is one of my wilder theories that she had been taken to that place he mentioned, possibly even is still there, alive. And the emperor doesn't want anyone to talk about her because he doesn't want to take any risk that anyone will find out and Feng Suige will go looking for her.

I wonder what is a connection between Feng Suige's mother and the male doctor, how does the guy know her? Could it be that the reason why the Emperor doesn't want her mentioned is because she was actually taken to that place he mentioned and now can't leave, so he doesn't want anyone to even think of looking for her, which Feng Suige wouldn't hesitate to do for a split second if he knew? There has to be some story there and I wonder what it's going to be.

The scene in prison between Fu Yixiao, Ning Fei and Xiao Weiran was so sad, but so excellent. I think I actually felt the most sorry for Ning Fei - the guy knew nothing, and now he’s watching his family fall apart and now he will probably never see any of them again. Though he probably will know that it’s Fu Yixiao that ended up helping him out, whatever small consolation that might be.

Based on the previews, it looks like Murong Yao is going to be back in the next episodes. Now that Fu Yixiao’s web has untangled and she has her answers (mostly), are we moving on to Feng Suige starting to uncover even more betrayals of his closed ones? I already can’t wait.