Sssnoopyyy

Such an unnecessary change. And for CX to say “I don’t dare”?! What kinda Emperor says that lmao. They even watered down the supporting characters like Xinyue which is so sad

Both XY and CX displayed deeply rooted issues due to their childhood traumas. Just like how XY was carrying the pain of abandonment, CX was carrying the resentment of his mother taking her own life. I think it would have made sense if they followed the novel for the latter half of the storyline (ahem by not changing that major plot to a dream!). At the time when he said he didn’t want a woman who would die for him, I think he didn’t realize the complexities and depth of love and what one can do in that situation until much later. There was a scene where XY attempts to shoot CX after finding out the truth and he didn’t avoid it. It was at that moment when he finally understood his mother’s feelings.

Novel ch 47 (note his name was ZX in the novel)
“Xiao Yao!” Zhuan Xu’s scream was willed with endless desolation and utter pleading, trying to convey that he would do anything to protect her and give her happiness, but Xiao Yao could hear none of it. Her grip released and a silver arrow landed in the winged ride killing it instantly. Xiao Xiao pulled Zhuan Xu onto her winged ride with her quick reflexes.
Another arrow flew forward and landed in Zhuan Xu’s hair top knot, freaking everyone out as screams pierced the air. Zhuan Xu’s hair fanned around him as his stared in shock at Xiao Yao, his power was strong enough to avoid the hit but he had done nothing to evade her arrow. Zhuan Xu suddenly saw the image of his mother when she committed suicide, after she stabbed herself with the sword, her body was in grave pain and could barely stand, but she was smiling as she jumped into his father’s grave. So when love was just that deep, one really would rather die than losing it, and now Zhuan Xu finally understood his mother’s choice.
Zhuan Xu tried to shake Xiao Xiao off and faced Xiao Yao’s arrow straight on – if they couldn’t live together then he would rather they died together!

It is sad because you can see how he was willing to sacrifice his own happiness as long as XY was well, but his love turned obsessive and toxic as his desires grew. He was chained by his own demons and the past. Very tragic because being with XY made him feel like he was that young boy again - that safety net, that comfort, like home. But his actions pushed her away. The tragedy of him and their relationship is what captivated me when I read the novel in the first place, but they decided to make him the “good guy” in the show. Lol sorry I am such a CX bias

The actors carried the show, ZWY was absolutely amazing. He was my favourite! I want to watch one of his upcoming series called Rise of Ning - it sounds similar to this one, where I think he plays a layered character

Beautiful and captivating review!!! 👏 👏 👏

I loved that part - both are such honorable and loyal men. Wish we got to see more of Ru Shou in this story

I've heard so much about Rise of the Phoenixes, looks like a long drama. Is it worth it?

The whiplash of emotions and confusion this drama has given me

I don’t think I can ever get over this part. Like give me back the real CX! I think the other slap in my face was the confession scene - which I disliked just as much as the dream sequence. Throne > XY? What kinda script writing is that? Makes no sense!

I loved their chemistry, and so did Yang Zi lmao as mentioned in her recent Live with Dai Lu Wa. Would’ve been a happier ending for AN if she didn’t love CX and her and RS fell in love. They should collaborate in another series

Thank you, I am glad someone feels the same. Sometimes I wish I didn’t read the novel, but even if I didn’t, the choppiness and lack of consistencies in plot and character development were quite obvious

They are the reason I pulled through lol. I already have his upcoming dramas on my to watch list

She will not need to deal with the other women in the palace. Her father arranged it so that she says on Wushen Mountain where she has always lived, while CX and the others are at Zijin Palace. In the novel, it’s said that CX has to go to Wushen Mountain every yr to slowly merge the countries together, so that is when AN gets to spend time with him all to herself. But yes, it is a loveless marriage on his part, but he promised her dad to ensure her a peaceful and safe life just like how her dad cared for Consort Jingan

I really don’t like the change either, and I only found out about it a week before the drama aired per leaked script! Still mourning the loss of his character, and all the other leads who were watered down

Yeah his name is supposed to be Zhuan Xu per the original story. One of the five emperors in Chinese mythology. I am not sure of the historical details but that was prob why. But they changed the name to Cang Xuan so honestly wouldn’t impact anything

Can someone please ask production/the scriptwriter? Looool. Is it because CX was loosely based on a historical figure? Ikr and Goodbye my princess wasn’t even that long ago.

Same! Even tho I knew it was coming, it was still hard to see it come true. They were pushing for a good Emperor with good morals - even to have him say he chose the throne over her - he never said that in the novel. And would never let her go (because he was that possessive/obsessive)

Okay so I appreciated some of the details and scenes we didn’t get in the novel (i.e XL sending Chubby away -cry-) but I honestly don’t know how I feel about the rest.

As I’ve said before, the actors made the drama. They couldn’t have done it without them. They have a good grasp of their characters and executed the array of emotions beautifully.

But I feel like they all got the short end of the stick despite their efforts.

XY - seemed like the once complex girl was pretty checked out and one dimensional in the end, just ready for her happily ever after exit

CX - As a CX bias, I can only say my goodness…did they really have to do a 180 with a redemption arc at the end with him “choosing power over love”. I mean it was love that motivated him to want power to protect from the start, they emphasized that several times since S1. In the end, all that buildup resulted in an illusion and an oversimplified acceptance on his part. For those who didn’t read the novel, I mean I can see how this was the best ending for him, but then why include the illusion? You cannot try to have it all with these changes (morally good guy and then appeasing fans with an episode that was an illusion)

TSJ - Not sure what was the point of having him in S2. He was literally there as a wallpaper, with whatever role he had pretty much taken away. I know some ppl aren’t a fan of him but he definitely was supposed to have more of a role and presence in the story. I am not pleased with how he turned out with the changes, could’ve omitted his character if that’s how they wanted it.

XL - Despite the omission of some ICONIC scenes, the script changes did highlight his love and sacrifice in their own way. He is probably the one character that was most consistent and logically written throughout the drama series (altho that cop out with the big bellied doll being diminished to just an afterthought with AN asking XY to take it was not cool).

FL - felt for him, I mean good job for being a good bro til the end? I would’ve loved seeing him and Xinyue work together in that assassination attempt (like they were supposed to). I also wasn’t pleased with how bitter they made Xinyue from the get go (she was literally crying and screaming the whole time - the development was not natural), feel bad she was made to be a one dimensional antagonist tbh

Sorry if this sounds rant-y, perhaps I need time to first watch the eps in full and really digest it as a drama separate from the book.

For my YaoXuan fans, found a very cute photo of him holding her like a baby:
https://weibo.com/6292255560/5059047290834510

Lol XL would not leave anything behind to XY that would show that he actually cared and loved her. He eliminated anything that could potentially interfere with her living her life freely

Guess he just sent him away. I am glad they included this part because I don’t think it was mentioned in the novel.