Nepeta 22

Yes, I like to think so far that this is to throw us off, but not convincing as the writing has been very clear that PinJing's character is a lonely paranoid soul that has a quest for power and control.

We have seen so many that have lost their lives for less betrayal. So far, ML character has been found to act on his own without consulting him twice in a short space of time, yet those excuses he makes are so paper-thin, the Duke is just not likely to accept or buy them if they were his previous colleagues or even close allies. The characters are not consistent. ML is acting almost too relaxed and assured with his plans suddenly. But this is after so many near misses and scares he is getting more emboldened rather than retreat to be more cautious.

GM's character is also inconsistent. He's larking about, loud and addresses him unprofessionally around servants and even in the middle of a street. Yet, at times in the book shop he talks of being more cautious, not to do certain things, but I'm thinking, your disguise in front of the duke as a blind man is not very disguised and now you're putting yourself in charge of the ML's residence? I feel like when I see his character, we're watching 2 different dramas. He is comical and wise but also careless. I cannot take ML seriously when he listens intently at this man's plans 😉.

Well, I think the director wants us to question GM now, since he is showing reservations on ZH's relationship with XAT. Mentors with no background. Seen that before...and the main character has instilled all their trust in them. BUT, like a lot of lazy writers, it's that same mentor or trusting character that the main character will suddenly turn on in the last episode and we will just have to watch those flashbacks from the ML. Let's see.

As for the marquis, we'll see if he has been so relaxed with ZH. He wife whispering in his ear so far has backfired for her? If he ignores her concerns, it's a character flaw here. We're told so far, she has a fair bit of influence in his decisions.

Remember that scene where Pinjing pulls a knife to Shifu's eyes to test if he's really blind. That kind of un flinching reaction is what you'd expect people who know and trust each other do. Definitely he knows too much about everyone and everything and is more than a classic handler.

The fact that no one even follows ZH's movements to the book store or check his visits to Zhen Tower tells me there is no paranoia with him even though Pinjing is portrayed as a paranoid and untrustworthy person. It seems apart from the eunuch's level of scrutiny, ML here almost has free reign. GM's character has been an odd one. He's in too many places and I'm amazed no one's noticed his presence. He's practically larking with the ML in ear shot of servants etc. Whenever he's in the scene, it's like two parallel dramas happening. He's like a loose cannon.

I'm on episode 15 and urge you to watch at least to 14 and see what you think. The story is definitely there but the characters, especially the main character is unstable yet a genius, that is quite hard to balance. Not sure they got it right.

I stand by my comments that the plots are rushed through and not enough building of the characters can make the drama feel unrealistic. We all know MLs will go through hoops and get out the other side, but his near death experience keeps happening to a point that you become desensitised after the fourth time as you look at the episode count, you know not to worry too much until there's about 4 episodes to go. Surely this is not how the viewing experience should feel.

Inexperience I understand. But the flashes of genius here and there does not fit with the mistakes. When you see how many people have died for his cause you can't help thinking this is not about him at all, but either his "handlers" (mask man and second master) are pulling the strings and he's at the sharp end risking his life.

I'm confused how Duke PinJin has not sent anyone to follow his every steps like how the Eunuch did. His constant entry to that book shop should have aroused suspicion by now. His visits to Zhen Tower prior to episode 13 also goes unchecked.

By episode 13 he looks like he's got a secret army bigger than the powerful Eunuch. You could say he's already recruited 4 players on his side, even though on paper thin grounds. He's on a knife edge and yet he does not act at all cautious around the Duke. Quite bizarre.

Yes, the supernatural elements will be the interesting bits if there will be some. He was definitely born under a lucky star!

I think the issue is too much is happening in such a short space of time. It might be more believable had this happened more slowly allowing the audience to follow the development. But because so much is packed inside 10 episodes, it's almost comical how he's managed to get where he is.

The editing has also made it look like he will get out of anything even how ridiculous. Gaining Pinjing's trust even though he had at least twice did things without notifying him is pushing the limits of believability. If this had happened 2/3 of the way where he had gone behind his back to do things, it's more natural, but by episode 15 he's done that twice and got a promotion? That's almost illogical.

Those opening scenes are a bit scant and it's possible, what the ML saw were only a fragment of the true events. He may have been forced to kill his family. Why keep those things inside his home? That must mean something more than his everyday killings.

Maybe this storyline will be picked up later. Usually we get the classic flash-back on their plans. this one I note, nothing so far. It is definitely suspect. Him asking Zhi Xing not to save him tells me he is testing the Duke in more ways than one. Let's see if they go back to this arc. It's not plotting with the predictions and the general's death. If it goes without any further questions, this is sloppy and unresolved.

I like how the first 2 lines have been modified 😉

She fancies him more and the one to initiate all the outcome so far. No doubt there will be a possible reason and part of her grand plan of utilising him.

If not, she's a sucker for looks, albeit a plastic one apparently!

You get desensitised after that many get out clauses. You look at how many episodes left and just watch it with less worry until the last 4 episodes. The director could have spaced out these arcs to make them more realistic. He lands on his feet in the most unrealistic way it's almost comical at times.

Yes, it got me thinking of the value of life and how nobles or those with a bigger cause are worth more than 10 human souls dead I guess. That is sacrifice. That certainly was the message at the background.

It also means, this drama has broadened to a wider cause that is more than just the ML's revenge. It's very likely involving a wider network that probably affects their nation.

Nothing wrong with admitting to having an idea of what a drama is about and expressing that 😉!

Where have I heard it's "very" male centred drama! Reuters fraud from director here in Legend of Zang Hai. It's quite clear to me that there is some kind of light tension deliberately added in there between XZ & ZJY which I feel was not needed and now he's made the drama fall into classic territory of one or the other possibly doing something due to their bond. In this case ZJY is showing a soft spot for him and he will obviously utilise that later down the line. I wished they didn't do that to the plot. It's nothing like what I had in mind.

I think I'll duck out of this one myself. I like Song Zuer myself and her role in Demon Hunter's Romance and The Bond are her stand out roles. Zhou Yiran is over-rated. Her lackluster performances in both To The Wonder & Regeneration have left me wondering why she keeps getting roles. Zhou Yutong is only useful for bossy roles. She cannot seem to put away that sour look and is not convincing playing someone vulnerable or meek. That's enough from me about actresses since this is about Xiao Zhan!

Might be just an accident. A Love Never Lost was originally filmed in 2020 & released in 2022 but held back up until now. Yang Xu Wen's latest drama is set late 1940s in Singapore about the original gangs that doubled as protectors to Chinese people who lived out there. Xiao Zhan's next drama will be republican, but not sure what to expect. I personally prefer watching republican dramas with no politics myself.

Yes, I saw that, but I was thinking even further forward. He mentions police drama, which would be good.

If he's paired with Zhou Yiran or Zhou Yutong I will not be watching as both are not actresses I can stomach as their acting are not very good.

I think Li Xian doesn't have the pressure or baggage Xiao Zhan has, but yes, how Li Xian is moving forward has been very measured. His recent role with Yang Zi has been good for him. This recent historic republican drama A Love Never Lost is a very high standard and clearly a quality production. It will also show he is willing to learn Japanese language and shave his hair. I am also interested in his next project "A Prophet" which is also a very interesting drama with Li Yi Tong and looks like it's going to be a mystery drama.

I think Xiao Zhan is going the same way but a portion of his fandom do not seem to mature with him rather prefer to peg him to a time that will hold him back.