WindBlows

As I am rewatching older episodes, I have noticed something interesting in ep. 16. Third Aunt and SS were talking about Master Huangfu Yi and what happened between them. And Shunhua cautioned SS, whatever would happen in the future, not to lose her identity because of a man. And Niaoniao promised not to forget what Third Aunt taught her.

Then I realised exactly why SS brought up so often and fought for her identity and autonomy after being engaged to LBY and looking into the future as his wife. Such issues do not tend to be on a young girl's mind, even one as intelligent and unconventional as SS. After all, she has limited experience in love and relationships.

My main point is that two women influenced Niaoniao's outlook on life and her choices - present and future. Third Aunt who, in my opinion, acted more like a wiser older sister and confidante for SS. And of course the Empress, who is the mother she never had and for whom Niaoniao has taken a lot of risks and will sacrifice even more in the future.

Edit: Let's not forget how cohesive the script is. Something discussed early on in part one is beautifully reflected in the FL's development much later.

I had a feeling there was more to that pressure point, but did not have time to research it. Thank you! I still think it was 70% flirting and 30% self defence...

I don't think it's about the tally either. The Emperor may use the flogging as shock therapy to force SS to fully trust LBY. An extreme approach, but he is determined to ensure LBY's happiness. And in the drama he has warmed more quickly to SS as well, compared to novel. So the Emperor may justify this to himself that it is for both of their good.

Thank you for these insights. Yes, such a reason would be in line with the CP's character.

Even while reading the novel, his reasons were not clear to me. CP was unsure who to choose among the two ladies, despite LBY advising him not to marry the future Crown Princess. Meanwhile, I think the other lady was married off by her family.

The Long Ballad is on my to watch list.

He certainly did. I will keep an eye on his next projects!

This is the first time I have seen him as an actor and I am incredibly impressed with his skills, considering his young age. I know that he has been acting since childhood, so theoretically he has a lot of experience. But there are many examples of talented child actors who cannot make a successful transition to adult roles.

I think CSS also did that for herself and the banquet success. The CP couple created such awkwardness and indirect embarrassement that CSS as a hostess and the one in charge of the festivities felt obligated to intervene and lighten the atmosphere.

Superb episodes! They took me through a myriad of emotions, but at the end I was happy. Side note - a small part of me felt sorry for Luo Jitong. Just as she was hoping to have a toast and drink wine with LBY, here comes her maid to completely ruin the moment.

YS is certainly a complicated man. It's nice to glimpse at other sides of his personality, not only the desperate behaviour to catch SS's attention.

I believe this is the first time she felt comfortable expressing her true thoughts. She is a gentle soul. Honestly, I don't think she could have survived being raised by her mother.

You've written your thoughts very nicely! There is no need to worry about English skills. Sometimes I feel that we can go overboard with analyzing characters' actions and motivations. And we come up with ideas that even the author had not thought about.

Thank you very much for a thought provoking piece, as always! Niaoniao being comfortable in the victim narrative is an argument I had not thought of. About leading an ''ordinary'' life, it is part of human nature to idealize what we do not have.

I understand how you feel! The obssession is real for me as well and it is the first time happening with a drama. I am more of a book person, but here the drama made me read the novel. Unfortunately, I could only read the google translated version. I hope they will release a professional translation in English, so I can truly appreciate the author's writing will all its nuances.

You've drawn a great comparison between the novel and drama! And yes, I agree that in the last few episodes they were not consistent with SS characterization, which has disappointed me a bit. But next week's trailers make me hopeful they will not continue this trend.

Yes, I would have loved to see more of QQ and Song! My impression is they are also working on something with YangYang. When the 3 girls were talking about love and marriage, she said that it would be better for Aunt to decide, especially since the person she likes may not like her back. And that to me is a reference to YS. This is different from the novel, where she just grew to like Marquis Ban.

So true! 😂 I am glad he spoke up for her to those gossipers.

Exactly! He was probably hoping the Old Consort would do the dirty work for him.

You are welcome! Yes, next week's episodes seem very promising. It looks to me that YS will redeem himself a bit 😉