WindBlows

About LBY crying in ep. 47 trailer, yes I think that is when his aunt dies because he seems to be dressed in mourning clothes.

Thank you for your explanation. It makes much more sense to me now.

Something was bothering me about their argument in the aftermath of 5th Princess' confession, so I rewatched it. I don't know if the translation is a bit misleading, but it did not make sense to me how both were saying Niaoniao fears/is fearful of Zisheng, hence keeping secrets from him. I think they meant resentment.

She is a mixture of contradictory feelings: wants to trust him, yet resents him for being forced to stay in the palace and deal with dangerous situations. Or rather resents him for forcing their marriage... Therefore, she punishes him by not giving him her unconditional trust/love. Then the Emperor's actions forced her to see what was stronger in her heart - love or resentment towards Zisheng.

At least in the novel, there is no one else for LBY. LJT acted more like an intendant or administrator of his household in the northwest. It is true that he did not drive her away, but that was convenient for his plans. LJT was present in his home, but LBY acted as if she were invisible.

I find it amusing that many people think the CP not being ruler material is a reflection of his mother. Clearly he takes after both parents in his indecisiveness and exaggerated leniency. The 3rd Prince is fortunate because he inherited genes from his mother, which balances his character.

Many thought-provoking insights as always! Apart from lack of trust as the reason for keeping the lake bullying secret, I believe that Niaoniao also wanted to protect or at least not to hurt Zisheng's feelings. He was saying how glad he was that she had settled into a happy palace life.

It seemed to me that Niaoniao wanted to protect this illusion. Illogical considering she could have died at the lake? Of course, but Niaoniao can go to illogical lengths to protect those she cares about.

I am glad that YS has started to redeem himself. Talking about unrequited love, that scene where SS said she may have had some regrets had she not fallen in love with LBY, YS had such a bittersweet smile. Like he wished to feel that kind of love without regrets, yet he is so afraid to reach for it.

I believe that he hoped to avoid making a choice between his revenge and SS till the very end, thus keeping the two aspects of life apart. Actually what he could not reconcile was an inner conflict. Revenge had defined his life purpose and identity for a long time. He only knows how to act like a lone wolf, so it would take time for him to change and truly open up to SS. And time was running out...

I just wish he did not have double standards and pushed so hard for SS to love and depend on him. But he has always been absolute in his determination to accomplish revenge and obtain her love.

It is also clear how his mother has influenced YS. ''A good man always avoids taking risks'', when he stepped forward as SS was in danger. After her experience with LBY, I can see why someone who is very calculated in his choices and actions might appeal to SS. Since he has accepted his feelings for SS and the fact he was late to the game, YS will become a friend and perhaps a safer option for her future.

I must say I liked Lady Yuan's (YS's mother) intervention a lot. For someone who seemed withdrawn from the world, she took charge without hesitation, treated the situation fairly and managed the family conflict in a very pragmatic manner.

Now they had a heart to heart chat with the whole Liang household listening in 😂

Very astute observation! Compared to Batman, LBY grew up with his mother/aunt regularly stoking the fire of revenge and hatred, which further deepened his survivor's guilt.

I truly like how you insert quotes before delving into a character's analysis. And you are a brave soul for discussing YS! I am in the minority since he tugs a little at my heart strings. Of course his actions are deplorable, some more than others with regards to CSS, but I also feel compassion towards him because I understand where his emotional and psychological wounds are coming from.

I hope YS will redeem himself in the drama. Even if he is not the best partner for CSS, opening up to friendship and falling in love with her will help him on his healing journey.

Thank you for sending me the friend invite! I have gratefully accepted it. I am sure we will have many more discussions about LLTG and other dramas as well. You've again given me food for thought so allow me to elaborate on a few points.

When you mentioned CSS and LY's talk at the little girl's gravesite, it reminded me that I always thought LBY misunderstood her words due to his own insecurity. She was referring to those who shed blood mindlessly or for personal gain, like the rebels did. But at that moment LBY felt a bit insecure about his choices and actions, because he had been killing people for revenge and would continue to do so.

I have read Dramaahjumma's articles and I enjoy them a lot. What does an ordinary life actually mean? CSS seems to want freedom the most and I agree that an ''ordinary" household and husband would have severely restricted her.

About the partner who could enable CSS to grow into her full potential, LBY is my first choice as well, but I also want to add YS here. Once he overcomes his fear of love, YS will step up to be a good suitor for CSS. In my opinion, as a couple YS and CSS would have schemed until they become a political force to be reckoned with.

The difference between YS and LBY is that the latter loves CSS deeply, but a part of him is always aware of his self preservation. That is simply his nature. But LBY loves her to the point of self sacrifice and beyond.

I enjoyed us sharing these thoughts and ideas so much! And look forward to many more! Just bear with me since I think we are in very different timezones, so it might take me some time to reply.

Don't get me wrong, I love Niaoniao now, but I feel she will be a great woman after those 5 years.

For all the reasons you've already mentioned, I think the 5 year separation was necessary and ultimately a good thing for both of them. Zisheng lived with the consequences of his choices and realized that revenge would not grant him peace let alone happiness.

And Niaoniao needed those years to mature, become confident and see whether she could truly love Zisheng despite his choices. Now she seems to me a bit overwhelmed with so much going on around her and her feelings for him are a mixture of gratitude, growing attraction and blooming love.

I miss Shunhua a lot. Third uncle is cute but I can do without him.

To continue your arguments about Zisheng proposing to Niaoniao, it was a very complicated situation with pressure from too many sides. Not only the gossip and mean comments, but the Emperor also asked Niaoniao to present herself in the palace. That was the clearest signal to Zisheng that the Emperor has become impatient and will push for this marriage to happen at all costs.

Like a doting father whose only aim is to help his godson achieve happiness, the Emperor did not consider that Shaoshang might be bullied in the palace or that she may not be so keen on a new engagement especially with Zisheng. With an eager imperial matchmaker, their marriage was inevitable.

So Zisheng took the initiative to propose, perhaps slightly earlier than planned. I say slightly because I don't think he was willing to risk the past repeating itself and Niaoniao getting engaged to another man, while he waits for the right moment to propose.

I love your detailed analysis and how you described their journey towards falling in love! If I may add, I think for LBY there were two moments which transformed his feelings from crush/attraction to love.

First, the rebel attack and its aftermath - realizing how easily CSS could have died there, how resourceful she was in holding the fort as much as possible, her helping to treat the injured etc. LBY saw that she may be physically frail, but she is also made of sterner stuff, unlike any other young woman of his acquaintance. Even more importantly, CSS witnessed how LBY killed those rebels and afterwards did not look at him with judgement or disgust. LBY regretted her seeing him do such an act, yet I believe in his heart hope sparked that CSS could accept all sides of him, especially the dark ones.

Let's not forget that, while we love LBY, the way he behaves with CSS is an exception. He is a quite dark character, even scaring someone like He Zhaojun who witnessed the atrocities inflicted on her family. And it was CSS who defended him and explained about his spirit as a general and sense of justice. Of course we understand where LBY's dark side is coming from - he has been shaped by so many painful experiences and probably only received affection from the Emperor - who was very busy stabilizing the land and had little time for LBY during his childhood. But CSS is not aware of his background and did not ever flinch away from him.

The second moment which cemented LBY's love for CSS and that he cannot let her go, despite his revenge, was her engagement to LY. It was bad timing - LBY was injured and had to recover and by the time he went back CSS had become close to LY. Even so, LBY did everything he could to impress CSS and her family, hoping to make her change her mind. I am reasonably sure that LBY would have ruthlessly dissolved the engagement had CSS given him any encouragement.

As for our heroine, I just wish CSS could have realized a bit sooner that the only person in front of whom she showed her innermost vulnerability was LBY. Even when they were only acquaintances, talking in his carriage after He Zhaojun executed her family's killer, she instinctively trusted him and felt safe to break down emotionally in his presence.

So true, it's lovely to watch our leads grow as individuals while also together as a couple.