Sssnoopyyy

wow Wu lei and Zhang wan yi???? that would be amazing!

been hearing so much about this series - how is it compared to the sequel? which should I watch first?

Loooool I don’t think he has the capacity to open his heart after losing XY. Call me crazy but I love his undying obsessive love for her haahahaha. On this sinking YaoXuan ship!

I agree it’s not healthy, it definitely grew to an obsession but this complex relationship was what captivated me when I read the novel. Most relationships in this novel are not one I would condone in modern day. None of the characters are perfect and have their issues, but I liked the bond CX and XY had which was not taboo or considered incestuous in that era (I know many ppl find it strange since they are cousins). It was technically a trauma bond but that closeness went beyond familial love and romance. The story outlines their journey together and how their paths diverged especially when he hurt her. It was tragic but left a deep impression. Perhaps I am a CX bias but it was an intriguing plot in the novel altho the drama didn’t showcase that completely in the end

Even tho I am a bigger fan of CX and XL, I think Jing got the short end of the stick. He had more of a role and presence in the novel, but seemed more like a wallflower in the drama. It is understandable why XY ended up with him, he had the luxury/freedom to give up everything to be with her and fulfilled what her requirements were.

All the women are still there in his harem, they don’t really have much of a role besides marrying him and helping to stabilize his position. He isn’t in love with any of them (even AN) but will treat them with all the respect they deserve. AN is special because she has history with CX, so naturally they would be close, but as he had mentioned to her dad - he doesn’t love her, and she knows it herself.

That last scene wasn’t part of the novel, not that it was important. In the novel, it ends with XY and TSJ bidding the Haoling emperor and AN farewell. CX was not informed of XY leaving. Haoling Emperor narrated the end of the story.

But anyway even tho CX doesn’t love AN, he will still spend time with her like they did in the past. He has only loved XY but ends up eternally missing her in the end.

Am I impressed by the acting? Yes. Am I raging angry at the illogical changes. Yes. Am I grieving over the end? Yes. I don’t know how to feel, that was quite the ride. Despite my complaints, I want to give the actors a standing ovation - they still pulled my heartstrings and did their absolute best with whatever script they were given. I can only hope to see some of them collaborate in the near future (ahem ZWY and YZ!)

Thanks for the wonderful discussions everyone!

Literally mourning after I binged the 5 eps yesterday, but I had to do it because I literally just wanted to finish, grieve and then move on. If it weren’t for the amazing actors, I don’t think I could’ve finished it. ZWY was so good as CX, he was made for the role. I don’t know how to feel haha - the great acting tugged my heartstrings, the illogical script made me real angry, and now I feel empty.

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