Verliebt

You gotta give it a try and have your own opinion on that. Imho this drama is good from start to end, it is a very slow and lots of entangled bits and pieces it either make you get bored or excited, it all depends on how you dive into the story. For me first half was good in building up the characters, and the last half is about how those characters find their right places in the story. It's a gripping story of friendship imho with their complex story and characters. You'll never know your own opinion on this if you depend on other people's comment. There are dramas that I also drop at the very early episodes or halway, because it just turn bad, but for other people the drama is just great first to end, and there are aldo drama that I continue to the end despite many comments day it's bad. I think I'd rather find it myself and have my own opinion and judgment than depending on comments.

When you drop a good drama because of the FL character is so unlikeable. Idk why many Cdrama writers like to write FL character in such horrible way that really ruin the drama with a good story.

She's beyond redemption character and after watching so many Cdramas with similar character, even I dropped it at 2nd episode I knew FL will not having a character development at all to the very end.

She's not sassy but a nepo baby. Using the fact her father helped SML with the position at police station, she treated it like she could just enter it whenever she wanted and demanded SML to give her access to interrogation, and investigation information, just by making that faces that looks so stupid and irritating instead of the supposed "cute" vibe for viewers. And even after the ML stated oh how come a journalist come into interogation room? And SML as a police just brushed it off like oh she has right to be there even it is against the law. And the way she threw stuff on ML just because he made deduction that she's working for a tabloid instead of real newspaper? Her being hardworking is by stalking ML and using her father influencr to make SML provide investigation information that supposed to be not revealed before investigation is concluded and handed over to the court? And like she's the only journalist enjoy this special right to his investigative work? And they made the supposed smart intelligent ML who studied law apparently like a fool when SML said he
still a suspect, despite the fact he has alibi and it was proven and demanding him to solve the case for them or else he'll be the suspect? How on earth ML gets tricked that easily by the two. And how FL literally caused ML to lose his job, because FL is writing a very subjective narrative about ML (like literally interviewed just one guy who happened to only have bad thinga to say about ML) and she called herselg a journalist when she's writing like a gossip tabloid writer. And she just said sorry like it is nothing for a man losing his job, forced to solve a case, and she acted like ML should be grateful and kind to her allowing her to live and do all her stupid antics. And she supposed to be smart journalist as well, but dam she just stepped on crime scenes that ML was checking on is serious insult to every intelligent mind. And again she's the only journalist there in the crime scene, where the hell other journalists? And the way her information gathering is really a cheat. And how on earth SML said ok she's a journalist and she has right to interview? And only her appeared there very involved in police investigation, like there are no other good police officers can do good job, only this one particular irritating spoiled rich baby brain good at gathering information and useful?

I mean even in 1920s China pretty much still socually conservative people, even with a western influence, you will not see unmarried woman especially from a influential family, will let their unmaried daugther to live with another man stranger to them. And no gentleman will let that happen, because it just so againat social norm at the time and could really tarnished the woman's image and destroy her family reputation, so to make this FL live with ML and seriously made a title out of it for the drama where she contribute nothing great or special into the drama except irritating the viewers.
Don't take it wrong, I don't.mind irritating characters in dramas, as long as they make sense and we can understand why the character is behaving in certain way, something discernable. But FL character here is just totally make no sense for her character as a journalist. And not just that so misplaced during a time when really women even from a very influential family could come and go into police station and involved in investigation like they go to mall nowadays, even now that's almost impossible thing to happen
in China.


Whenever she plays cute and you find it very irritating instead of smiling or giggling, you know you'll not enjou the drama at all even when you think the story might be good.. It is my first time droppimg a drama because it is so unbearable to watch the FL just at 10 mins into 2nd episode. Nauseating to watch her. No hard feeling to the actress though, she's just doing her work, but her character here is a total meh.

She's really a star. Not just she's beautiful, but also impressive in her acting, like you see she has not just pretty face for the drama but she's a complete package . The aura of smart and good persona. Watched some of her works and just wow, she's doing great and her acting is not just believeable but relatable. Tbh when watching many dramas, you know it's just people acting, but rarelly we can relate to the characters in the dramas as if that drama is alive. Very view dramas that really captivating where the actors that bring life to the characters they are playing. Like they are real life characters. And she's one of these young great talents. I wish all the best for her and hopefully she can shine bright in her every project.

Excellent drama imho, both leads are equally strong in their characterisation, there are some minors absurdities still this is really well done as a whole.

The only absurd character that really not necessary and just being sore (time filler) is ML's sister. Her presence is just so unnecessary and idk what's her purpose at all with all her screen time. Being young is not an excuse for her character. Selfish agressive with her pursue of love? I mean really when people are in danger at shooting event she just popping up like it is a party. After getting saved instead of being sensitive with situation she demanded to be treated kindly and her happy cheerful expresson is so misplaced. Never think about her brother situation at all, despite his concern of her security like everything will just go well for her and the way she just popped up again in the end just to jumpt on his brother's wounded body all cherrful, like seriously? Didn't even show her crying for the brother's aide that always be there for her. I mean we supposed to feel some kind of cheerful moments with her presence but it is not, but we only got severe annoyance whenever she appeared and her love story is just really unnecessary and unmoving at all. And the other one is that SML's friend. Really another unecessary character male version, but at least he has some change in the last few episodes, character development.

They broke up because of the emperor use shen family to make them at odd with each other. ML actually delayed to report to emperor about Shen family's involvement with CP, first because he knew both brothers of Shen family actually good persons, and the grandfather and the father of the Shen are just people who will suck uo to anyone with power in court to maintain their position, but they never get involved in any rebellion act. When emperor got angry he explained so to him and pleaded to let them go, which enraged the emperor because emperor thought ML pleaded for the shen because of FL. While ML pleaded because he didn't want the same injustice FL's family experienced happened to Shen family again, moreover older Shen brother is FL's friend and he knew him to be an upright man. And the second brother is his sister beloved friend. He was torn between duty and his own moral compass. While emperor threathened FL, and told her just like her family, Shen family is insignificant for emperor, the emperor basically a coward who fear everyone and will abuse his power just to show off, and always felt threathened thus see everyone who stood theit ground as his enemies, he even made his children his enemies, suspicious of his own mother. FL went to ML basically to tell ML that he is not a tool, he is not emperor's weapon, he is human being, while the whole Shen family were imprisoned and their wealth confiscated by emperor. FL just wanted ML to make a right choice, to stand true to his principles of justice. And it was ML also who confiscated and drove her and her family out of their home, it was ML also who sent her male family members to exile. And he knew it was unjust, even he just carrying out his duty. Now he did the same thing again with Shen family, in the name of duty and loyalty to emperor, in front of his own sister he took away her best friend to jail. So yes they broke up to save Shen family basically. So only the grandfather and the father were jailed and the rest of the family were sent back home. If they didn't break up, the emperor would exectute the male members of Shen family and sold the female as slaves the next day after they broke up.

Lol ok then, Jian is the son of Jiang family, his sister supposed to marry the younger brother of SML, but he managed to break off the arrangement because he loved ML's sister. He then exolained to Jiang the son why he didn't want that marriage, he was beaten up by his father like his older brother, Jiang helped him to Huo residence to meet up and treated by ML's sister. Jiang then met with FL sister and fell in love with her, his family was from another city (where later FL traveled to with SML for business, and meet up with ML who also go there to investigate a case). Jiang married FL's sister. But his family actually just another corrupt family like CP that Shen family seek to suck up with but failed because SML brother is bold enought to make a scene to break up the marriage arrangement.

Though Jiang is bad guy, he genuinely love FL's sister. It wad quite bad end for them though as FL's sister ended up committing suicide while pregnant because her husband died while trying to kill ML and she thought her sister also died.

I won't spoil more then lest you won't enjoy it as much as you should. I finished it and really loving it, so enjoy watching it to the last ep 😉

Ikr it is warmest scene the family reunion. So heartwarming and so beaitiful watching them all running toward each other.

Yes, they break up for real, but with understanding and still trusting each other. They broke up because FL.stood up to the emperor for SML family that emperor put at the same situation as her family and even worse to say that their lives are insignificant to him. He was about to execute the male.members of the family and sell the female.members in servitude (as slaves). And the executioner was none other than ML. ML had tried to plead for SML family initially by delaying the report and tried to plead for them that it was unjust thing to do to the entire family when the grandfather and the father of SML just sucking up to CP and any other powerful people on court to just safeguarding their positions in court without ever getting involved in any rebellion acts. But the muddleheaded emperor insisting and using ML and FL.against each other in this manner, to break them off. As he use the duty to nation to force ML to.excecute his decree. They both know, the emperor use every situation to show he has the final say in everything. He use Shen family because he knew ML will not be able to refuse to execute the decree even when he pleaded to him as his nephew. And he knew FL would do the same as someone who had experienced it. He never meant to eliminate the Shen family from.the get go. He just confisticated their wealth and jailed the grandfather and the fathet, but use the Shen family to put ML and FL at odd with each other. So they broke up with that understanding. FL knew ML is not heartless and cold man like his emperor uncle and an upright man, but she had to draw the line with him, telling him she knew he has a heart and pleaded for Shen family, but he's not the sword of the emperor, he is human being not a tool to be used by emperor at his will. That ML duty is toward the nation not toward emperor personal use against people he disdain. ML understood his position, so he said nothing when she broke up with him. He thoughy breaking up with her would make emperor keep opressing her and her family. So they both sad and heartbroken, but their breaking up saves the Shen family (SML family). They didn't try to contact each other at all too.

FL hired SML.as a teacher in her family academy so he could help his family at their downfall. She did that as a friend and kind gesture, as SML was also helping her and her family when they were driven out of their home. And he was punished by his father and had to run away also from home because of his clear consciousness about standing up for injustice. An upright man. FL and SML pleaded to be friends and remain friends though SML did developed feelinga for FL, he didn't pursue it, because felt so guilty about the engagrment cancelation, being an upright man he knew he has no right to pursue any relationship with FL but friendship. They spent more time togethet because SML.is the in-house teacher, and he was just accompamying FL as male representative of her house (since he worked for her).

And ML knew FL and SML are.good friends so he's not jealous of him at all. He was only jealous seeing they were.together in their journey but he just watched from afar, it was more like sad and longing to be with her than jealousy toward SML though imho..

So yes both are very mature too in their breaking up, no all those emotional anguish and ourburst or overexagerrating super annoying and depressive moments. It feels like normal adults breaking up amicably and not bothering each other.

After finishing this, this is a wholesome, heartwarming and beatiful drama. Sure like every drams it has its own shortcoming, but in all, this drama is so relatable with family dynamics that feel so real, not exagerrating and overdramatic. Everything built up so well, you don't just have love between ML and FL, and other characters, but also family love that do heartwarming, and also broken family, alienated and cold love in the palace, and I really love FL character how she's young, intelligent and wise and kind hearted. She never blame circumstances and seek revenge, instead she rise herself up and her entire family, bring them back together,.never whinny and complaining, she know when and where to be bold and not backing down, and when and where she should be gentle and kind, she never intefere too much or throwing herself into ML's affair/work and vice versa, yet they always be there for each other support and source of comfort and encouragement. They work together with understanding, not pushy, know their boundaries, welcoming each otber....and so many more nice thing to see. FL indeed like a thread that binding her family together with all their differences and characters. And this is the kind of woman empowering drama that very relatable and encouraging positive take on women circumstances in life.

I love the haply ending, especially when all the women and children running into the gate toward ther men, and how they are reunited as one big family there. So satisfying and warm.

Great casts, excellent acting and just lovely. It is 9/10 drama for me. Family friendly and very positive message in it.

I think that's what's wrong with idolising certain actor/actress and undermining the ability of others just because they are not big names. The actress that playe FL character here is excellent in her delivering the character. I think many people just critisize her because she's not as big name as ML is. She's young and it is amazing that she can deliver her act at par with FL acting ability. That alone proves she's a good actress. People complaing her character being childish and annoying and so on and on, but that's her character in the story. She's teenager with stubborn, reckless and mischivieous characteristics (yes she even got her hand inked with those lines). Her character development are overlooked by many, she actually smart person who's knows her mistake and how to say sorry and willing to fix her mistakes. She also know how to thank you and appreciating others good intention towards her. She learn to see beyon her misunderstanding. She misundersood ML early on, but then as the story progress she's willing to see the real intent behind some actions that she took at face value (being young, judgmental and easy to jump into conclusion).

And even acting as teenager she deliver it naturally, and tbh i have watched so many dramas even with big names that really annoying and unrully, unrestrained that really unrealistic. But FL here, I find it understandable, and even reminded of how my teenage years are, you can relate to that time when you are teenager. It made me laugh instead. But she grew up into young woman, and it is a process of growing up, it takes time and sometimes the traits just still there with you never really left.

Kudos to the actress, and she's just perfect in this.

Well I didn't say that he coudl just break off his oath, because an oath is an oath, as an educated man, he has to fulfill his promise. It only takes his consciousness and integrity as a man, which yes he wasn't. Initially he had no intention of breaking off his relationship with her, but he was pushed into a situation he has no contol over. Being someone from a poor backgournd, not having connection, and not even began his career, even when he passed the exam on third place is not a guarantee for him to kick off his career in imperial court that heaviliy filled with power play and connections. He has a weak personality to begin with and FL should have known that by the fact she willingly supported him matetially when he was busy with his study. He couldn't even supported himself, FL knew that. If you watched carefully early on right after he forced him to make written pledge to fulgill his promises within three days (which she admitted he coudln't fulfill those promises within a shory time and she used that to stage those act in front of his home). He said she forced him so much that he had to think had to think for a way out for himself. She got what she wanted to destroy his political career even before it started. He chose the most unfavorable and hated position, he did that to make even with her but she took it as he ran away from her. He was indeed tried to get her out of the capital, but he did that to protect her from that vile lady who will do anythjng because she has powerful family to hurt and harm every woman that got close to him. He initially did everything he could think of to make it up for her and to keep her safe. But she instead of trying to communicate and settle their personal problems like mature person, she came in with hostility and very judgmental of him. She didn't even care of his situation nor she was willing to listen him to explain himself, he was apologetic towards her but she keep coming with one aftet another pressure and became a threat for him. He basically theathening to ruin his life and she plotted and schemed against him over and over, it is only natural for a person to take measure to defend himself. She pushed him to the edge of his sanity that's how he came to realise she's not a good person and he lost all his initial feelings and respect for her. She plotted against him, he could too. That his only means of survival, though he made all the wronh choice all because he was pushed into a corner so bad.

And even she could asked for such a lettet from him, which again he initially agreed to, but she didn't ask it because of his oath only, but she intended to use that letter to destroy his marriage opportunity. She's really sleazy in that. Like really so bitter and petty. And no matter what it is still an absurd thing to ask. One verbal oath really has no bearing except the trust, integrity of chatacter, and one's consciousness to fulfill it. It can be broken at anytime with shaddy character. But y
The man wasn't that kind of man initially. He still wishef to fulfill his oath even when his friend and maidservant said bad things abouy her he still defend her and tried every way, until she really became a theat to him. Both them are victims of ill-situations they had no power over. But she made it even worse for for him. She actually listened to ML changed her mind about him in just shortwhile but unwilling to give a man she said she love and in relationship for 3 years? She initially treated ML badly too, intentionally wanted to harm him, but then she kept on almost dependant on him in every way. It is a very bad bad representation of women and wrong message to viewers. Giving young viewers idea it is okay to take revenge of a broken relationship and play victim card every time to get back at others. She said something abojut pay good with good, pay evil with evil, and let bygone be bygone. She willingly let her initial bad interaction witj ML as a bygone, getting so too physically close with him, and even dared to het her hands into ML's inside pocket to see his personal belonging when he's asleep. Like seriously so wrong. Yet she and her friends keep mocking poor women who sell their bodies in brothels as if they are lower than them because they didn't sell theor bodies. Seriously she was sold to brothel and she knew those prositutes also were sold to work there, it is not their will to have such a job, but why she keep emphasizing as if she and her friend are on different level of morality than those women.
This is really not a journey to splendor at all. It is a journey of arrogancy. And sorry if the comment offended some people here but really this is very bad storyline, very bad characterisation of FL role.

Again I compare this to Blossoms in adversity as I was watching the drama, and on that drama I really find such a healty women/girl empowerment, as the young lady is not just independent thinker, not just she's smart but she's also wise and even mature, know how to communicate her thoughts, know how to listend and give herself time to think things through and understand them things before coming to conclusion and making judgment. She had het flaws too but all very natural. Very empowering. But this drama is the reverse of it we got a bittet adult women who only knows how to take revenge on others. Left very bad taste in my mouth.

Still it is verbal oath with no legal bearing even for ancient standard. One can only divorce when there is marriage certificate and witneesses. Even if he has to provide a letter it shouldn't be a divorce letter but breaking off relationship letter. There is no divorce when there is no marriage in the first place.

And though she has every right to demand explanation (which she didn't do at all, she didn't even care to know his situation at all, she knew the man was forced to a marriage he couldn't reject as it means he will be severely punished, being poor has no footing in imperial court yet, no connections. She had chance to conftont him and asking him to explain himself and his situation, and reject his his proposal to make her a concubine, and she herself said early on when the maidservant came to offer her gold taels, if he wanted to pay with money she demanded like 500 gold taels? She already at that point already not wanting to be with him. So why she kepy pressuring him to do things he couldn't do? He already break his promise and willing to do anything in his power to at least compensate her loss. And he also heartbroken by his situation. But she had to push him so hard more than all those other people. That is cruel. If she ever loved him, she wouldn't take such an extreme way of humiliating and pushing the man to an edge. She can be angry at him, can channel her anger to him personally why the need to destroy that man's life anf future? She demanded something the man couldn't possibly do. He has no position granted yet to fulfill any of her demands. She kept saying he is unfaithful without even think of his desperate situation, and she just suddenly have so much trust on a man she barely knew and hated at first encounter (even tried to harm the man/ML just because he came from a government body related to het family demise). Like she listened to other man whp intentionally not goving her the best advoce related to her relationship, like o the man betrayed you so you have everu rigjt to destroy his life? And she did that. That's petty, that's low and that's absurd.

She could just ask the man to come before her parents tombs and apologize. And as a virtuous and upright woman, she should take a high road instead, good riddance. The man doesn't deserve him, and move on, find the right man for het and be happy. That's the best revenge. It is absurd to ask for a divorce paper just because a verbal promise of a marriage, it would make sense if he married her in frony of her parents tombs, but no, he just promised her verbally and "as son in law" does not make him a son in law. It would make sense if he made a written promise. But he didn't. Verbal promoise only require that man's conscience to fulfil it. She could not force him to make divorce paper, but he initally agree to write the divorce paper. And she use that tactic not for the sake of his promise to her parents, but every intention to use it against him later on to destroy his image and defame him. That is why his friend and his maidservany advise against it. They called her despicable for her action, and he even defended her. And she is despicable in that way.

Idk how this drama get 8/10, when the story is this crap. Well the casts are good yes, and Dylan Wang and Peter Ho really carry this drama, and for a for a first time since Ashes of Love, Chen Yu Qi actually getting better in her acting (because tbh in her other projects looks she's just recite the script most of the time without actually deliver the character she played).

The thing is with the story, I mean this supposed to deliver a strong message about lowly concubines life in the palace and how they are treated, and also about power play in the palace at the time when eunuchs have greater power than emperor. FL character here not just have no strong foundation, like she has no ltber purpose in the story but a mere reason for ML and SML to do things. And even as a mere reason she has no merit on her own to be enough a reason for emperor to have such a deep affection for her. Like seriously even when it is true that there are people who could develop such an affection toward someone at first but meaningful encounter that left them with deep impact, to build a story solely on that is kind of weak. Not deep enough and not impactful enough.

And the way FL character is written is so poor. She has nothing on herself, not even a purpose but presented as someone woth typical sob story we all familiar with in ancient China society setting. She doesn't have a purpose to set herself free from the her chain, she herself decided to take despite her sick mother insistence on her not to take. She was being filial to her mother take that decision so her father and step mother will provide proper medecare for her mother? When she knew they wouldn't and they did that to exchange her with favors. Even when she made that decision herself she couldn't tread her way to survive in the palace in an intelligent manner. She wanted to be free and not wanting to play by the rules, to be unrestrained and free to do whatever she wants because again not based on her merit or intelligence, but because of the men in power favor her, but she's not doing anything at meaningful for herself as a woman fighting with her wits for freedom. She wants to be free but she also wants to live leisurely and enjoying all the benefits being a woman in the palace without making any meaningful efforts at all, excepy freeing her friend lady Li, nothing worth notice of things she did.

All she wanted to do is playing cards and enjoying things in the palace, misunderstoo and accuse ML of things he didn't do, then as usual trope ML and SML have to feel sorry for her and bend their ways to get her what she wishes. I like princess Hede instead as she actually said some good realistic things to her Empror brother with her wild flowers and fancy flowers analogy and to ML when she said, since FL now in imperial palace, and it is not the most safe place but actually a very dangerous place, she ahould tread and trim her way carefully if she wants to survive and live. She had to compromise some things to gain some other things. But all we saw is FL keep doing unecessary things and even her over flattery she knew a ruthless and intelligent ML wouldn't buy. She kept emphasizing to Ml how he's so good looking that he must be a good man, then telling him too bad he's a eunuch, of not, every lady will fall for him? So cheap a flattery and insulting at the same time, so unrealistic for this ancient setting when you say the wrong things you could lose your life. And ML is portrayed as such a ruthless image, but she could just said things like that feels so unrealistic.

She said some good things, but all then felt so pretentious as she presented them. All she care is about her beinh do-nothing person that enjoyed the fabor of others. Like she has no character at all. Just a plot device for ML and SML. We do not see much about how things aboit tributary women at all, or them being sent to guard Emperor's musoleum to be freed from their ill-fate. Something this drama narrated in intro-script on episode 1. And not to mention the chemistry between FL and ML is more like brother sister or friends than romance. And actually have a better chemistry for romance with SML. Though Dylan really deliver a good play here as a romantic interest, and FL also really deliver, but the vibe I get is not romantic vibe at all. Lkke a good friends trying hard to play romance, no sparks, no nothing between them despite their good performance.

Indeed, they keep pittying themselves being victim of others and situations yet at the same time thinking they are on higher moral ground than those poor women who work in brothel and sell themselves as means of surviving.

I really hope to see good story since the actors are stellar, but get to see very first few episodes, felt disgusted instead with the way the story unfold. There is nothing about women empowerement or about women trying to survive on their own we got instead a trio of bitter women who use a man's power and influence to be strong? Shallow minded and all in their head is about taking revenge over a broken promise. Entitled because someone has their back every single time. As you rightly put their entitlement, unrestraint hysterical bullying others really make me felt insulted as a woman. Idk what this drama is trying to tell women, like hey, if you broke up with your partner, since you are victim then you can bully the man to death as you wish by all means?! That means you are strong woman?

FL and co are just petty bullies, and as a woman I can't even watch this drama, can't even make me symphatise at all with FL and her story, istead felt insulted and sick to the stomach.

I never been so angry watch a drama, and I really feel sorry for the actress and actor (I really like Chen Xiao and Crystal Liu) why they accepted to act in this drama with such a crap story about women.

This is a serious problem with most younger Asian viewers that really shallow and tasteless imho. Viewers have become very superficial in judgment. What makes a drama great is now all about pretty looks, kissing scenes and no matter how bad the writing and acting is dramas will get high rate voting. That is disappointing and can't even imagine how deep Asian dramas can sink.

The actors here are doing great in their roles, and idk pretty look is very relative, ML has such a great vibe in him, his gaze, his facial expression, the way he carry himself in the role, and that's for me captivating. The same goes for FL, she's a seasoned independent woman in martial world, that have been here and there supposedly, exposed to many weathers and experiences, you can't expect a pretty little beauty to do that which will look super weird.

We should appreciate actors and actresses by their talent and skill, theit creativity. Not by their looks. What I really don't get it nowadays people wanted pretty faces, idols doing the dramas even when they lack skill and talent, lack vigor, and all what make the drama somehow great is those romantic kissing scenes and so on which is actually making theose actors/actresses unable to explore their ability or to sharp their skills. Pretty faces don't make a drama great. It is the whole aspect from writing, directing, acting, etc.

It is really disturbing sometimes when you see a very good drama don't get good rating because the lack of prety faces in it. This makes Asian drama/movie industries can never compete with western movie industry if it keeps going this way. And really consumers are being made fool can't appreciate art in its true sense.

Well thank you for shedding the ligbt into the novel story line. And as to why the drama play out the way it is.

What I meant excessive crying is, she was portrayed as crying every time at first made GJS felt guilty about her and he actually a kind person who wouldn't want to see her crying. And I do not mean it in a bad way, it just first impression, but she grew out of it and getting better and better later on. As she managed to not let anyone made her cry out of self pity of her situation but stand up. Nothing wrong with crying, but the way the drama portray it she cried of self pity that her entire life effort to prepare herself into marriage ended up badly. But GJS managed to make her think, that she should not look for marriage as a way out of her situation. Instead she should really think what she wanted to do with her own life, what's her dream and achieve it. GJS pretty liberal minded in that sense, he persuade her into realising her own dream and independency. Sincre they are married anyway, somehow she should make the best out of the marriage to realise her dream, not just being legal housrwife and managing household that she had been prepared herself for along time. GJS opened her mind to that. And started to respect each other and she no longer crying over things. Maybe the word excessive is too much indeed but that's the impression at her wedding night.

I love their dynamics and how her character developed. She still herself beinh feminine and all, yet she earned the trust and respect herself with her own wit and intelligence and that kind of really nice and heartwarming. As you see the contrast from someone who only cry when things or situations or people fail her to someone who turn the tide with her own way. Someone who self pity of her sutuation to someone with determination. That crying stuffs should be regarded as so, provide context to her character development.

I watched this while waiting for upcoming episodes of blossoms in adversity, as I was so captivated by the idea of even in ancient times, though there are not many women with upstanding and outstanding characters, and there was no such thing called women's movement, and though this is just an inserted concept of modern feminism into ancient framework, this is drama on its premises really dissapoint me, upsetting even.

FL here supposedly being a very independent, smart and strong woman who knows what she's saying and doing, rigtheous and know how to stand for herself around her, but alas so disappointing.

The backdrop of how she rise up from being a victim to someone stand up for justice for herself is so not sympathetic.

She was in 3 years relationship with a man with a promise for a marriage on basis of mutual feelings for each other, she knew his personality and character. She supported him in every way morally and materially yes. But she should have known that the man is weak personality-wise. He couldn't even supported himself, what she expected him to suddebly have power once he passed that imperial exam? Coming from a poor background, no one backing him up in connection in the capital. The man is easy target for being used and manipulated by powerhouses in the capital for sure.

He promised her a marriage verbally, though promise is a promise, but legally speaking she couldn't force him to make a divorce letter when they are not even married yet, no marriage certificate, no nothing. Just a verbal promise that only requires his conscousness to uphold the promise. She had already known from ML that she could use her wit against common people, but against people with power she would definitely loose. She's a strong woman even always need ML's show of power to help her out of situations, but Ouyang had no one but himself, weak and dependent person facing with the most powerful nobility in the capital, he had no chance of survive but to completely accepted whatever being thrown at him.

She didn't even try to ask his situation, but straighforward condemned him for being unfaithful and not wanting to be a concubine. She didn't even care about his dilema, his struggle, and the pressures he's having. Showing no sympathy at all, that that man is also a victim of powerplay. He just finished the exam, not even presented themselves before the emperor to get appointed, no connection at all and she already demanded him and pressuring him to fulfill her demands in just three days?

1. Her demands of him to make a divorce paper when they are not married, I thought it was wrong english translation of breaking of engagement, but then several times the translation said divorces letter. It is really make no sense. How can she demanded a divorce letter? For what purpose. He apoligized and even when it is really unbecoming of him to even suggest make her a cobcubine, she could just reject it and demand his apology before her parents tombs.

2. She demanded him to fulfill his promise to make Yin Zhang a cerfified musician in 3 days? He's not even apponted any position yet, how on earth he could do that? He tried to ask his friend but even his friend said it couldn't be done. And she even acknowledge the fact it is not east to make a certification in short time.

3. She demanded the painting back, yes she has every right to demand it back as it is her belonging and she already pledge to give it to ML as a payback. But she said she wanted nothing to do with him anymore but unwilling to return his jade pendant back to him early on too. Like why should she kept a love token when she demanded a breaking off with him?

Both of them are victims, she herself had that experience with her family, in the face of power, they can only be victimised. Being branded pariah and gping through all hell in life, yet she failed miserably to see Ouyang is in the similar situation. He didn't ask for the marriage with that woman, he said early on to his friend and his servant, he loved her genuinely and wanted to make her his legal wife, but he couldn't do anything with the marriage proposal to that lady of prominent family, a marriage granted by the favorite concubine of the emperor, he couldn't reject it because if he reject it he could kiss goodby to his career when it hasn't even begun yet. He spent years of study believing he could by his own effort gaining a his dream working in the palace, but it wasn't as simple as passing the exam and get position. He needed connecrion, needed people to back him up. If he rejected that marriage too, the woman she married to is just another bully too, as he said the lady use her parents power to do harm to girls he talked to, and he didn't want her to harm FL, and wanted to drive her out of capital to save her actually. He meant her no harm but failed to explain it to her and she failed to give him that chance to explain and to listen to him. She just came with that demands and accusation of him being unfaithful man.

As a woman, I even feel pity for Ouyang, like everyone around him only pressuring him and gave him bad advices, but early on he still really stick to his love for her, feel apologetic towards her, and even it is really inapropriate thing to do, the only way he knew us to give her money, whatever he thinks could at least compensate her even he couldn't ever payback her kindness and her support and love with anything. He knew that. And she just spat on his face. That's terrible without really giving the poor man a chance any chance. But she would listen to ML readily. Which is so strange.

She practically bullied and manipulate others to bully him that his servant had to bribe officials to drag them out of the city. Like seriously this premomise of her being victim, and then standing up for justice is just so wrong.

She's no different from all those powerful people pressuring Ouyang, she is his biggest bully because he tormented him emotionally. Being a victim doesn't give you right to oppress others. The man himself is a powerless victim with no chance of survival. And she had to torment him that way really upsetting.

And even more upsetting, she supposed to be independent and know how to deal with her own problems, mature enough to stand up for herself and her friends, yet ML has to get involved in rescuing her and supporting her every single time she's in troublesome situation. She started off kicking ass on first episode but then just downright dependent on ML power and influence.

And talk about love, if she love Ouyang, and know Ouyang well, she would have trusted him, trying to understand his sitaution communicate it with him in reasonable manner, and figuring it out why he tried to drive her out the capital. Instead she threathened him over and over will go to that Gao family to expose him. She didn't even try to figure out what kind of Gao family and Gao's daughter are. That his life is at risk, if he ever tried to reject the marriage, not just his life but also hers. But dang, she's just so blinded with anger and go full blown hostile against him. This is all the premise of her being the victim being driven out of the capital to be saved by ML, and brought back to capital, and to say all tjose grandeour things about I can do it all myself, do not need ML help then next thing we know she needed his support to have a headstart in Capital. I mean yes she did great with the teahouse but she didn't start it by her own self supporting, she keep needing ML supporting her. Not so very independent imho.

So couldn't help but contrasting this with Blossoms in adversity as I watching it. The FL in that drama is just so way way better written, the premises and how she with her own intelligence and her own with and determination brought her whole family out of their calamity. She's very young, very kind but also very strong and determined young lady. She has her down moments when things just getting to complicated but she managed to try to understand her family members she previously disliked and not really care about. And ML just be there for her as a friend who would give her support and help, but he didn't get himself to involved in her family affairs, he knew her to be strong and knowledgable, and cpuld stand up for herself in her own way. He just be there being protective of her so no one can harm her.

And this drama just made me feel like, man this not just toxic feminism (in some aspects), this is actually insulting premises that women only know how to scream and being hostile just because of broken promises. And will do everything to ruin someone's life, driving the person to the very edge of sanity. Pushing a man to a point where he had to turn bad to survive. And made FL the heroine out of it is very insulting.

I said this because as a woman, I kind of had similar experience as FL initial story. Being betrayed and backstabbed is unbearably painful emotionally and physocally (it indeed affect your health physically). But to pay evil with evil? Do the same hurt and revenge? I won't stoop myself to that level. Instead held my head high, chin up and move on live the best way I can, live my life to the fullest and be content with myself. It is hard at times too, there were times when I feel low in spirits but then again, I won't give in to the pain and not give in to anger. As hard and difficult it is to go through things at first, days and nights of sore eyes...I crawl my way out if the situation then try to stand up, start all ovet with baby steps and without realisation as time goes by I got more steadier and just walk out of it all feeling liberated even. Allow myself to be single and to heal, to mend my brokeness, then picked up my steps again. Im not trying to brag about personal experience but what Im trying to say here is in real life, women actually more stronger than what the drama is presented. Though yes there are women who chose this kind of way as a mean of getting back at people who betray and hurt them, but the majority of women are way way way more stronger than men when it comes to endurance and perseverence in difficult situations. Even the most fragile and gentle women will always endure and persevere, not ignoring the fact that this is also exactly why many use this to exploit and abuse women, but for a drama to give such message that to stand up for yourself is to embark on revenge journey is just so wrong. In reality it is always end up witj bitterness and endless cycle of hatred and vengeance.

And tbh FL instead of like taking time to lile be on her pwn, like yes feel every pain and hurt, and allow herself to heal and to pick up her life again on her own. She is so ready to jump into anothet man's hold. Like seriously I couldn't see any sense in that. You just being betrayed, losing your trust in someone is something really hard to mend, it just not takes time but alot of courage and determination to be able to even give a chance for trusting another man. And it is imho a recipe of disaster and endless cycle of so many women fell into the same hell over and over, because wr don't even heal yet from our pain, and we just jump right in into another relationsip or prospect of relationship just to be dependable emotionally at men. And this drama really presenting FL in this light. This is what i found very insulting in this drama. In reality not many women found good man after so fast jumping into another relationship before even healed from previous broken relationship. Many many of us get dragged down into muddy water instead, and suffer even worse mentally and physically.


So as much as I appreciate the great casting and acting, I really couldn't give a star for the storyline. I just don't know what's on SW head, I saw she's a woman but dang this is really bad message despite whatever good the outcome of this fiction, I can't stomach what FL did for the long time before she let go and she had big role for turning SML into bad character he ended up became.

Agree, as much as I did think that even it is a verbal promise, it is still a promise. As a gentleman, Ouyang should hold true to his words, but the way Pan'er forced him to make a divorce letter is super absurd. They aren't married yet legally on paper, how on earth someone can produce a divorce letter?

She had been in a relationship with him for 3 years, supported him morally and materially, knew his background, his personality, she should have given him a chance to explain himself. She it wasn't his will to marry another woman, it was forced upon him. And as he just began to start his career, has no footing and no connection, he has no other choice but to accept the marriage proposal. Instead of trying to understand his dilemma (the man genuinely wanted to marry her as he promised but being weak and couldn't even stand for himself in front of powerful people, it is not that he couldn't make choice, but there no choice for him but to accept whatever it is presented to him, there is no point of him to study very hard to pass the examination then to just drop it all which will make him even more dangerous situation, because the marriage is granted by concubine of the emperor. Instead of trying to understand him, and talking about it, she only care about her own feelings, make her very selfish and bitter person. She didn't give him a chance at all. They are not even engaged, it just a promise, a broken one.

Instead of making her character of strong woman, the writer make her a bully who drive this man to the edge of sanity. The man clearly a victim of unwarranted situation, everyone put huge pressure on him, and she as her girlfriend also has to bully him emotionally really a disgrace. That is not love or broken heart she felt, she's just a petty avenger.

There's a limit to how far someone can be cornered by every single one, and even more painful if it comes from someone who claimed to love you but not even show any care of your situation nor compassion to his sorry situation. Instead he got threats from her, really upsetting.

As a woman made me really don't symphatise with her at all with all her broken heart and her feeling betrayed because of what she did to him when she came to the capital to just tell him she doesn't want to be a concubine. Yes there is a broken trust, yes she is betrayed, yes her heart is broken, but so does him initially. It is not just her. They both victims of situation that out of their control as they don't have a say having no power, no backing. She had been in that kind of circumstance before, being brnaded pariah as a child, and couldn't defend herself against the powerful people, being a sinner because of her parents. She should at the very least understand the poor man's situation.

It is really disapointing and unbearable to watch. She wanted to be undertood but she wouldn't be understanding at all. Unberable to watch her dealing with Ouyang as a vengeanceful one.

Idk what this drama is trying to do with all this girl power thing that supposed to make audience can relate to her situation. We don't get any empowerement message at all, insftead we got a bully.

I think it is in ep 25, FL found out her mom is still alived and was saved by Ye Shi An (this is the problem with the drama, we are not told how Ye Shi An saved her mom on that cliff). But the concubine was arrested once FL brought her mom back. We are not told what happened to her (being jailed or sent to exile?). After that one of the concubine's daugther was married off (she felt guilty for not saving FL's mom), the other daughter and the boy stayed under FL's mom care.