Sssnoopyyy

Lol they did well up to this point with telling the story and tying lose ends, I just hope they don’t rush the ending and make it underwhelming and illogical

Well then, that was some child's play by Ji Chang, tbh kinda disappointed because he wasn't that great of a mastermind. there is definitely a bigger villain since the previews show a bigger showdown. I assume that the box that FJM gave DX to use in case FJM dies contains the secrets about Ji Chang plotting a coup?

I hope they will explain how they brought Lang Huan to Tianqi, I'm assuming she wasn't in the carriage that fell down the cliff. I'm impressed that they were able to bring her back without fail. Plus FJM somehow made it to save HS just in time (realistically they would've been hundreds of miles apart at that point)?

Really loved how HS finally found out about FJM's condition and his love for her during the chat between FJM and DX. LOL FJM was about to take his bff down when he found out HS went to find Lang Huan.

Also, Shaozi looked so cool! LOVE HIM. We talk a lot about the main leads but love the supporting characters. I miss ZY and ZL, am I the only one who isn't crazy about TL's character (who was literally abused by DX the first half of the series and then pregnant throughout the rest)? She is sweet but just doesn't play much of a role. Kinda wish ZY and ZL got more scenes than her.

Not looking forward to saying goodbye to this series. It was entertaining especially through the long month of Nov. Mu De Qing’s words in ep 48 preview is so touching 😢

I mean it can only be him right hahaha always looking out for wifey

That makes sense thanks

I like romance but enjoy more complex and suspenseful schemes vs what has happened so far. But of course still appreciate how all the events are interconnected between different parties

Wow we are nearing the finish line...my thoughts on ep 41-42:
- ZL and ZY's scene was so tragically beautiful, no words were said but you can feel the yearning and love
- DX and TL - interesting to see how they went from having the most toxic to a healthy relationship (where they share everything from thoughts and feelings with one another) --> you don't see this shift everyday, I still don't by the romance though because it was initially so toxic and TL's character doesn't seem to serve a lot in the plot
- TL and HS's convo really foreshadows HS's role in TL's baby's life...the bond was destined and how HS says ''your baby is my baby''
- FJM and HS - gotta give it to them for holding up despite the angst, I'm exhausted just watching them and wish they can just drop everything and not think of anything else but each other, sweet moments soon, but will that just lead to a BE?
- Anyone find it odd that DX doesn't have a harem? I thought he had a bunch of other concubines whom he obviously doesn't care for but as much as I sympathized with TL when she heard DX took in another consort, she shouldn't be surprised to see other women in the palace. I find it funny how Bizi expects the Emperor to only be around TL (I know she's loyal but back then having a harem was a norm)
- Did mermaid always have a name? They mentioned it in these episodes so I was surprised
- I'm ready for the big showdown! TBH the last couple of episodes were a bit slow, but I know it's the calm before the storm

Agreed! Love the plot

Yuran is awesome! Whoever hired her to serve HS is amazing

It would be nice if FJM survives, then HS won’t have to shoulder all this on her own, including a child that isn’t hers to begin with. Since that part of the story is already changed, we can only hope right? Perhaps like others have mentioned, maybe this will have a princess if weiyoung kinda ending?

Omgosh I saw a spoiler fanpic on IG showing HS and a little prince. I’m guessing this means she will be left to raise Tilan’s child. The colours of her robe look like they belong to an Empress Dowager 😭 tragic Whyyyyyyyyyy. Even though that sort of follows the original story, I don’t want HS to be lonely

If DX isn’t fatally injured he should do his best to live on especially considering what lengths FJM did to protect him all this time. It would be unfair to FJM and HS if he left the responsibility on them.

Gosh the trailers for ep 48 are nerve wrecking. Will DX and FJM die? Anything can happen at this point. I’m even seeing random theories that DX will choose to die with Tilan and hand the baby off to FJM to take care of (think I saw a pic of FJM holding a baby in some youtube thumbnail, not sure if it’s photoshop). Eeeek, not ready for this drama to end!

Just caught up with ep 39-40 and wanna give a shoutout to all the characters (including the supporting ones) for being competent and awesome! I am impressed that in a short time, ZheLiu (someone who looked very innocent and not experienced in politics) was able to take over and work for FJM, she's doing well. I also admire Mu De Qing, Aunt Su and Yuran. Where did they get all these loyal and competent people from? Princess Tara seems so carefree and open minded, it's almost unbelievable, glad we won't have a crazy love triangle for Zhuoying. Actually, it's great that they don't go crazy with the love triangles in this drama.

DX and FJM's bromance is so endearing, cannot get enough! DX knows how it feels to be left behind after losing a loved one. Love how he doesn't give up, as both he and HS would only be heartbroken if he dies. Zhuoying's letter to Shifu was sad - I miss the times when Zhuoying and HS were carefree and living with FJM in Jifeng place.

Those are valid points, which is probably why they aren’t the male leads but normally catalysts or plot devices in the romantic department to stir things for the OTP. Unrealistic characters in real life but I do acknowledge Youdu’s tiny role here. He may not have anything else going except his love for the female lead, but he is a wise character (cultured and someone who has explored the world). He is basically just one of the catalysts in FJM opening up to the idea of accepting the love.

It would be interesting if they had shown FJM’s character like he was described in the novel

He was like a cameo in the series so we don’t get to see much of him. Maybe a cookie cutter good guy but I personally like the simple nice guys. May not have edge/spunk/charisma but would lead a healthy and simple relationship. Ofc the more complex characters with depth are best for the plot.

It seems like they made FJM a more likeable tragic hero in the drama. More romantic? 😂 Ah Sun is my ideal. Actually Youdu and Zhuoying are great guys in this series

The Long Ballad was one of my faves this year. Production not as great as Pearl Eclipse but the acting, storyline were great. Loved the main OTP and OSTs

The political aspect with strategies and schemes is what makes the plot interesting. Overall, the characters all stand on their own and are intelligent (including the emperor - which is great because I feel like many crown princes or emperors in palace dramas tend to be not that smart lol)