The Storm Alliance arc wasn't just to give Lu Ke moments to show his amazing comedic talent and help Feng Suige.…
I'm finishing an MDL review for this drama, which will incorporate a link for that commentary.
As to dramas, "The Guardians" is still my frontrunner for C-drama of 2025, which I have not yet finished. Adore the opening theme. 17 episodes flew by, without me realising.
Still trying to formulate an opinion about Time Raiders (watched 17 episodes). The author has a huge say over this drama and the second season, whereby three of the same actors will be used. Waiting for Whispers of Fate airing near end-October, which should live up to the hype. None of these are romance-centric, if any romance is present.
Currently preparing to watch 花季少女杀人事件 ie Girl On The Edge as per the MDL title, which stars Zhang Zi Feng. She's my favourite actress under the age of 35, and always turns in outstanding performances.
Sa Dingding lends her voice as part of the BGM at various points of the episodes. Here are ten moments with the lines from our leads, across episodes 2 to 14: https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV16uHPzEEQz
The Storm Alliance arc wasn't just to give Lu Ke moments to show his amazing comedic talent and help Feng Suige.…
The fact that Feng Suige has chosen to allow his sister to be temporarily in charge of state affairs while he is the Regent indicates he is either 1) bonkers for being overly sentimental, or 2) knows what he is doing
This drama has repeatedly emphasised how much the Feng battalion respects and values Feng Suige for treating them as brothers and vice versa, with rousing examples such as Lao Cao talking to Feng Suige who asks after a deceased Hong Shan. After so much bloodshed and understanding the Storm Alliance, Feng Suige no longer wants bloodshed and he is clearly in charge of the decisions pertaining to Susha, regardless of his position as Regent. When Yixiao first talks to Feng Suige in the final minutes of episode 38, she first raises the issue of him brokering peace between Susha and Jinxiu.
The fact that Xiyang is protecting the throne with him indicates he wants to change certain traditions (there's also a theme here that a lot of people might not see, pertaining to not repeating the mistakes of the previous generation and rectifying what parents never got right). It doesn't mean Feng Suige will not be Emperor. He has indicated that Xiyang must want the position and must be capable, before a succession is decided at the end of three years.
In the novel, Feng Suige already had concubines before meeting Fu Yixiao, which this drama removes completely. At the end of the novel in the epilogue, Fu Yixiao becomes the first commoner-queen of Susha.
Right now, all three of them have different learning curves. Drama-Yixiao never indicated she was against Feng Suige being Emperor or not. She only asked him about that subject, and finishes with hoping she will never have to use that new bow in war, only wanting peace and prosperity. In other words, she is also indicating that her final choice will depend on circumstances.
This open ending is actually the best possible option, for this drama. It is about empowering individuality and working as a team, yet bearing in mind the bigger picture of duty and country.
That said, your speculation about them eloping, Yixiao being pregnant and Feng Suige secretly marrying her doesn't make sense to me, because it would indicate they have ignored the most basic sense of propriety, behaved in a completely irresponsible manner ill-fitting of the regard that people who know them hold for them as responsible leaders, and it would be shocking for them in their positions to disregard the most fundamental tradition of adhering to the mourning period (whether it is 100 days or up to three years). To do all this would be completely unacceptable and out of character for both of them. Some traditions hold more weight than others, and the mourning period is one of the most important traditions. The Directors and Screenwriters clearly understand traditions well enough, and the domestic audience would be shocked if the ending is what you claim about Fu Yixiao and Feng Suige. I would definitely disapprove of such disrespect.
As to the rest of what you are referring to, the moment Yixiao could be the first Commoner-Queen of Susha in the novel, that meant a lot of traditions were thrown out the window and will be further thrown out the window. In this drama, making Xiyang temporarily in charge of the state affairs is the example indicating Feng Suige intends to change certain traditions.
The way they crossed cups doesn't indicate anything special to me. It is however, an indication of their closeness and intentions to honour each other as spouses during this time. Hope this helps.
The Storm Alliance arc wasn't just to give Lu Ke moments to show his amazing comedic talent and help Feng Suige.…
Thank you! The observations are too long to be in a review for this drama, which I will finish and post at some point.
Speaking of reviews, I advised at least one MDL user to read your review of TJOL in their comment to my TJOL review, since you went into the nitty-gritty more than I did while we each covered very different angles and aspects.
What I like about the fights of this drama (although the chopping at times instead of showing an entire fight sequence did get a bit annoying at times) are Feng Suige and Fu Yixiao going at it in very believable realistic moves, especially Feng Suige's style of fighting with fists or sword.
Reminds me to a certain extent of movies I used to watch, such as a 1993 movie with decent English subtitles known as "The Legend of Fong Sai Yuk" (before Jet Li became famous in the West). HK martial arts action film when stars did their own stunts was very enjoyable, because stars such as Jet Li and Vincent Zhao Wenzhuo could actually fight. At least one actress in there can fight too. The Red Lotus Flower Society wants to overthrow an evil Manchu Emperor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GupLe8A2xM8
Hence looking forward to a not-yet-aired drama involving Peking Opera and Kungfu reminding me of those days, which is "Gladiator In the Theatre" starring the likes of Zhang Yishan amongst a strong ensemble cast: https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5067022944178847
Spoilery synopsis: In the early 1990s, battlefield hero Feng He returned home to Qingping Town. A cultural relic…
Based on what I saw in SOKP and OaO before dropping both dramas, I am certain Wang Xingyue has a wider acting range that he has not brought out. I found his role in The Double to be boring but that is due to the writing, although he did Duke Su well and he was charismatic. I watched The Double mainly for the actresses such as Wu Jinyan, Joe Chen, Li Meng and Ai Mi, as well as Liang Yongqi because their performances range from riveting to superb for me.
This drama is interesting to me also because for the first time, I will be able to gauge his full abilities for myself. With this Director and the cast, it's going to be at the least, a fairly good drama. That said, I wonder what the OST will be like.
The Storm Alliance arc wasn't just to give Lu Ke moments to show his amazing comedic talent and help Feng Suige.…
The screenwriters did well for many characters. But drama-Xia Jingshi was too hard for them to reconcile in their writing, given he was the most noble character in the novel only to become one of the worst villains in the drama. So sadly, he had to die. I believe Zhang Yunlong would excel in the role, but he is usually ML in a drama which is why he is now filming "Lai Zhan" as Xiao Yihan, and the Reuters coming from there is also beautiful.
The writers put a lot of thought into how Feng Suige at the end should embody the potential of a future emperor. That is why the Storm Alliance arc was interesting to me, for comedy but also demonstrating lessons that Feng Suige took away to finally believe again in the possibility of a ruler being good when previously, he learned his father manipulated him to want him to become a ruler and that is what a ruler should be. Feng Suige needed to believe he can create a different viable path, if he becomes an Emperor. He obviously didn't just give this temporary position to Xiyang on a whim, because he remembers all the men who died due to treachery from Murong Yao. The deaths of his men are deeply engraved in him, which has been shown time and again. Xiyang definitely would decide and agree to consult with him on all matters, because of how much she has changed.
Even if temporary, a female empress is good because of the many changes that can be instituted to improve the lives of females. Feng Suige and Xiyang must surpass their parents who each made serious mistakes. And they do it together for the sake of the people, while respecting their individuality. If Yixiao is going to be Empress, she also needs time to learn. So it's a good ending.
In the novel, Princess Xiyang wants to marry Xia Jingshi as a marriage alliance for long-lasting peace, after…
It's going to be hard to top Li Qin's general. I like complex female characters and as long as they are well-written and convincing, I will watch. Hope you enjoy the final 6 episodes of this drama!
I decided to make one more comment which you can read if it interests you, about the necessity of the Storm Alliance arc and the character growths of Feng Suige and Xiyang being natural by the end of episode 38:
# Physician Ling and Auntie An need to stop being exes and just get back together again. Their bonding over the…
What is Imperial Coroner 2 about, as in what in this drama is a draw to watch?
I decided to give my thoughts on the necessity of the Storm Alliance arc, plus what I think of the growths of Feng Suige and Xiyang to become naturally intended by the writers by episode 38: https://kisskh.at/768987-wan-xin-ji#comment-23851132
Some thoughts on the necessity of the Storm Alliance arc, and the character growths of Xiyang and Feng Suige to…
The Storm Alliance arc wasn't just to give Lu Ke moments to show his amazing comedic talent and help Feng Suige. It was critical for Feng Suige to understand how normal people in leadership positions can make mistakes as leaders, how he can prevent bloodshed by acting as a leader who understands reconciliation and brokering a solution and ordinary people who are not nobles, and it is possible that nobody is evil in such a complicated tension-fraught situation ready to go very wrong. He learns that no communication alongside unfair suppression creates woe and rifts and can lead to bloodshed. He learns to really hear what someone else is saying, which improves on this skill he already had but needs to sharpen as the future Emperor.
This is all necessary for Feng Suige to believe it is possible to be a ruler in the ways that he wants to protect everyone, but a new way of ruling with patient understandable direct communication must be instituted. This is what he does with Xiyang on that sickbed. Xiyang wants to understand what Feng Suige is thinking, she values her brother more than herself, and she cherishes what is in front of her. In the first interaction showed to us about them more than 30 episodes back, Xiyang was all about herself and not about what her brother was thinking or wanting to understand him. I found it heartening that they work as a team in the end of episode 38, and she is not the permanent Empress.
Feng Suige cannot fully embrace his father, because he understands the need to forge his own path. He wants to be able to choose the path as per what his mother wanted for him, but at the same time he rejects her method of telling him what he should not do, by finding a path whereby he and Xiyang can both choose while working together. It is a sensible ending. He and Xiyang are each learning how to rule Susha at the same time.
Xiyang's character is written on the basis of her being the Susha princess who has never been rejected, never had to fully face reality outside a cocooned nest, never actually had a defined moral compass and code that she was pushed to stand by unlike Feng Suige who will stand by his code that his men can see and respect, and she never truly considered anyone else before herself. That is why she could lie to her father and steal the imperial token, breaking his heart.
Xia Jingyan has no excuse for taking officials' wives as playthings. He has no excuse to have palace servants beaten to death on his whims. He has no excuse to grab Xiyang's hands and force them into a bed of thorns (and this is the moment I could see Xiyang believe Xia Jingyan as a monstrous lunatic whom she had to be on guard against and find a way to deal with). He has no excuse for trying to hit on his brother's wife, and sow discord between them. If Xiyang had given in to his advances while married, Xia Jingyan would definitely find a way to humiliate Xia Jingshi without caring what happens to Xiyang. Xia Jingyan has been a pampered prince, and then became the Jinxiu Emperor without merit. Based on how he behaved, I was relieved he wasn't in charge of the military because he would easily send a lot of soldiers to their deaths based on his moods and whims. Jinxiu Kingdom would be a gone case.
Why Xiyang couldn't understand Xia Jingyan finally loved her was simple: After mocking and taunting her, he made everything a cruel game that was transactional, and he also made it clear to her that she was a plaything of no value he could torment like all the other women he had used and thrown aside before, and her title as Princess of Susha meant nothing to him. Believing in survival mode while wanting to avenge her brother and father and aware of what she considered to be a heartless transactional lunatic, she went by his rules at first and then decided to put her own take on it so she would not lose herself, and he paid the price for his victim finally being willing to assert herself and stand firm against his games while playing by his terms.
Xiyang would have spared herself a blade from Xia Jingshi if she had not openly caused the good eunuch of character helping his plans to be killed, taunted Xia Jingshi, portrayed herself to be publicly superior to Xia Jingshi due to being allied to Xia Jingyan while sleeping with Xia Jingyan which she viewed as necessary transactions (she got pregnant without being married to Xia Jingyan)... While having once called Yixiao a slut despite being dressed as Yixiao, to try to trick Xia Jingshi into sleeping with her. Fu Yixiao has survived a death camp and bled on battlefields and suffered wounds, constantly putting herself in danger for the sake of Jinxiu Kingdom. In contrast, Xiyang's biggest exposure to danger relative to combat was because she got lost in the desert while pretending to be a male soldier, and that pretence didn't last long once she was captured.
To an outsider, Xiyang looks like a childish selfish princess who has primarily wanted her own way and finally revealed herself to be an evil hypocritical slut with no respectable standards, after trying to kill a guy with a sword for consistently being truthful with her about being unable to love her or give her what she wants. The scene where Xia Jingshi tells her "Never" is where Xia Jingshi is the epitome of dignity and unwavering consistency who has always been blunt and never lied to Xiyang about being unable to love her or give her more than the status of Princess of Zhennan as his wife, in comparison to his younger brother's bullying or Xiyang's haughty smugness while watching Xia Jingyan humiliate Xia Jingshi. Xia Jingshi never made a request of Xiyang (using the Imperial token to escape Susha is her idea), never mocked Xiyang, and never laid a finger on Xiyang unlike Xia Jingyan's abominable cruelty and words to her, until Xiyang went too far by disregarding Xia Jingshi's one request about not talking about Fu Yixiao. But because Xiyang was so over-entitled and selfish, certain hard truths from Xia Jingyan were necessary.
Xia Jingshi who should have been the rightful Emperor of Jinxiu ramming that blade through her stomach was inevitable because any progeny of Xia Jingyan must die. Whatever you can say about the vileness of Xia Jingshi, he has been consistently clear in his communication with Xiyang and spent years defending the borders of Jinxiu despite being poisoned for years. He once wanted to give the military command of the Zhennan army to Yixiao when he believed he was going to die, because he wanted to protect Yixiao and Weiran and Ning Fei from Xia Jingyan. But many years of abuse and humiliation and poison by his own step-brother and step-mother broke something in him especially having to beg like a dog for the antidote every month, and he also pays an unfair price for not being able to heal from those wounds.
Feng Suige and Fu Yixiao went through a lot as children and growing up. However, they didn't spend a significant number of their years being poisoned and forced to throw aside dignity and endure being humiliated monthly in front of others, unlike Xia Jingshi. Feng Suige has siblings who love him. His mother was the first Empress of Susha, and he is legally recognised as the First Son of the Emperor. In contrast, Xia Jingshi's mother was a palace maid and he grew up with a brother whose stepmother already turned Xia Jingyan against an elder brother when they were children, whereby both characters bullied him as a child and constantly labelled him a bastard behind his back (Empress Dowager) or to his face (Xia Jingyan). In the Jinxiu Kingdom, Xia Jingyan's mother is the biggest villain. Xia Jingyan is so nice that every year for his birthday, he'll ensure Xia Jingshi is brought to him for humiliation (Yixiao tells Feng Suige about what Xia Jingyan does on his birthday). At every opportunity he can find, he humiliates Xia Jingshi in front of others, as seen in the drama.
The actor playing Xia Jingyan is very good, so much so that I find Xia Jingyan to be even worse than Xia Jingshi because Xia Jingyan consistently demonstrates that the lives of others are cheap or for his amusement, with no regard for consequences. Xia Jingyan and the Empress Dowager deserved to die at Xia Jingshi's hands via his intended methods of finally repaying them for their "kindnesses", after putting him through many years of abuse and humiliation and enjoying the luxury of lazing in palaces while he had to slog his ass off to guard the borders of Jinxiu and command the army.
Xiyang doesn't seem to be aware that when the woman you love and honour is slandered beyond acceptability- Men have killed other men, destroyed families, or beaten other men into disability for such insults. Xiyang's over-entitlement and basic disrespect for Xia Jingshi's request for her to stop badmouthing Fu Yixiao before she got slapped is unsurprising. It is amazing she is still alive despite her choices, although Xiyang is beautiful. Xia Meng did a fantastic job in this role.
I am sad that Xiyang couldn't wake up to see the bigger picture, until Xia Jingshi stabbed her. We all grow in our journeys at different paces, and it can depend on where one is in life and the circumstances we go through.
Between a weak prince in Jinxiu for 10 years and a princess for 3 years in Susha, I believe that this will be fine because Feng Suige is not abandoning his duties. But he deserves a break. The first issue mentioned by Yixiao when we get to the final few minutes of episode 38 is to mention how Feng Suige was responsible in the details for organising and finalising this truce. This indicates he is in control, regardless of his current position.
There is nowhere in the conversation between Suige and Yixiao that he is abandoning the throne, which is much better than when he had that conversation with his father and kept rejecting the throne. Rejecting the throne back then was insensible and irresponsible, but understandable because he was emotionally rejecting his father as a father and also not wanting to do anything his father wanted, after just learning the truth.
The biggest damage to Feng Suige in that conversation was the realisation that his father believed he should rule in a certain manner, and what a ruler should be. After learning what happened to his mother, this resulted in complete rejection of his father. He also lost confidence in being a ruler, because his father ruled well and he believed his father deeply trusted him even if they had issues to resolve, but to learn the true thinking behind what a ruler should be? Learning about being manipulated for years by someone you believe had your best interests at heart, destroying any good in whatever you believed about your father? Murong Yao stabbed him in the back after feigning to be best buddies for years. His father had been twisting a dagger in his heart for years. Which one is worse? To have suffered these betrayals is terrible. Being a future ruler is to be surrounded by people who betray you- That's not the lesson you want to take away. It's the reality he endured. He needs something to believe again.
A very good script keeps all this in mind, which is why I say the writers have been very mindful about the characters and did an excellent job, especially wrt Feng Suige as a person and future Emperor.
Xiyang's growth is tremendous, possibly the biggest in the drama. She went from being very selfish and naive ie only being all about herself and wanting what she wanted (including "I am going to give birth and I will henceforth not communicate with the child's father who happens to be the emperor of another kingdom"), to not wanting to put her brother in danger after realising what her brother went through. She would have been raped and/or dead from her previous monumentally-stupid decisions (from being lost in the desert to helping XJS flee Susha Kingdom), but the final encounter with Xia Jingshi opened her eyes to complex reality. She didn't fall in love with Xia Jingyan, but she realised he fell in love with her.
The fact that she can be humble and clear-minded, and speak evenly and clearly despite being wounded and weak after her near-death encounter to disclose what she did, is deeply transformational.
As temporary empress, she will learn a lot about how to fairly extend this compassion of hers and judge accurately. And when the three years are up and the succession is to be decided, I believe she will know her place because she will learn to fully care for the people and consider necessary responsibilities, and relinquish the throne to Feng Suige. What we are seeing in episode 38 is a Xiyang who has realised the importance and need to take into account others' perspectives especially the need to judge fairly and accurately plus take full responsibility for her choices to become accountable, all of which she never did before. This is despite Feng Suige's bad habit of absolving Xiyang from any responsibility for her plight.
The fact that Fu Yixiao speaks of wanting peace and prosperity for former enemy kingdom Susha Kingdom as her home and finishing statement also indicates that she is open to doing what it takes, which includes being trained to be the future Empress of Susha Kingdom if Feng Suige takes the throne. In the beginning and throughout the episodes until we get to the Storm Alliance Arc, Yixiao prioritised self. But at the end of episode 38, she focuses on the country.
Is it a nonsensical bullshit ending? Feng Suige is allowing his previously-foolish sister Xiyang to temporarily take the reins, but he didn't say he would never be Emperor and he never said he is giving away all his authority. He mentioned two criteria: Xiyang must be capable and Xiyang must like the role. This indicates he trusts his sister's abilities more so than her feelings. And his sister has indicated wanting to know how Feng Suige thinks. We never get to see how Feng Suige and Xiyang interact when they return to Susha Kingdom. But I can trust that the two siblings know they must protect their country and shared their knowledge with clear communication. Feng Suige lost men in his battalion when Murong Yao took over the battalion. He isn't going to throw them away just for a woman, and he will protect his sister. He knows very well he cannot protect her if she screws up as Empress in governance.
If he were to live in isolation with Fu Yixiao away from his duties, and then return three years later to throw a grand wedding, that would be irresponsible. He deserves a rest, before he returns to duties.
Feng Suige is such an endearing character. He can be vicious with fists, but he can be fair in judgment. He learns the importance of communication in good governance and understanding the hearts of people he must protect, and where he came across as a prince uncomfortable with his position in the first few episodes? Because of the arcs including the Storm Alliance arc, he has grown into contentment, giving the air of a potential deserving emperor, and ready for whatever the future brings.
Some thoughts on the necessity of the Storm Alliance arc, and the character growths of Xiyang and Feng Suige to become the people they do in episode 38, and why Fu Yixiao also made important changes for her words at the end of episode 38:
# Physician Ling and Auntie An need to stop being exes and just get back together again. Their bonding over the…
There's a discussion thread up above of novel versus drama, including novel-Xia Jinghi versus drama-Xia Jingshi.
In episode 38, Xiyang demonstrates to Feng Suige an ability to see clearly and judge correctly about the two Xia brothers she became entangled with and the circumstances. She may be grieving and weak, but she shows concern for Feng Suige. She also wants to protect Susha.
She does not appear to be thinking like a sheltered child anymore, but lucidly and maturely. No bitterness. No excessive emotions. Before that, she was basically reacting, hotheaded, always ruled by emotions.
A ruler needs to be able to compartmentalise and have compassion but above all, have sound judgment and know when to stand firm. I am sure she would have told Feng Suige about how she behaved with Xia Jingyan ie wishing him future happiness after she leaves. And I believe that type of behaviour showing her ability to grow and reflect and have remorse, along with other examples she might have showed Feng Suige after returning to Susha, made him decide to let her be Regent. Xiyang and Feng Suige must be able to judge well, hence to judge each other and others with enough accuracy and maturity is crucial. Their parents made wrong judgments about each other and other people, and their children will break the cycle.
Whether she remains in her role after 3 years? I believe she will relinquish it. Xiyang has grown up, but at great irreversible cost.
# Physician Ling and Auntie An need to stop being exes and just get back together again. Their bonding over the…
Frankly, if a selfish mother had allowed Xia Jingshi to rightfully become emperor instead of her son, and had taught her son to love and get along with his step-brother... What happened to Xiyang would have been prevented. And Xia Jingshi would have been open to love in a more healthy manner. Then it might have been possible for the two to be a couple.
Similarly, if a certain father had given his attention to his children fairly instead of all that plotting and scheming to toughen up Feng Suige, Xiyang and Suige would have had better lives and be more self-aware in better ways.
How parents screw up their children seems to be one of the running themes of this drama, and how certain children overcome those mistakes is another theme.
# Physician Ling and Auntie An need to stop being exes and just get back together again. Their bonding over the…
Hope you also had a blast enjoying this drama! I will rewatch Coroner's Diary. CSI was one of my favourite TV series. I also want to see which main couple I prefer XD Both couples give me the feels. Episode 38 ended so beautifully and maturely~
# Physician Ling and Auntie An need to stop being exes and just get back together again. Their bonding over the…
Xia Jingshi needed expressive love backed up by loyal action. Yixiao, for all her capable action, might have been too stoic and not verbal enough. Weiran? That guy is sincerely spewing his guts more than once, in such a humbling devoted manner. I was transfixed by his emoting in the final episode. Heck, if anyone gave me what he gave, I would be at a loss of words and automatically respond with... "Are you in love with me?"
Qin Tianyu as the Jinxiu Emperor gave a very good performance. But I found the actors for Feng Pingcheng, Prime Minister Zhuang and Murong Zhuang masterful. Also, give the actor for Chengyang a bigger role! He has range. But this role doesn't allow for more.
Episodes 33 to 38: From sidekicks to mainstays (spoilers below)->
# Physician Ling and Auntie An need to stop being exes and just get back together again. Their bonding over the green brew was hilarious. Any BTS of their scenes?
# Yun Fang, Yun Qing and Lu Ke rock. Their camaraderie near the end of episode 38 was adorable. And Ning Fei is part of it too! He's finally having something with Xueying (just like the novel, only much later).
# Lu Ke's role is awesome. When he was trying to jolt Feng Suige's memory, I must have laughed the most at this portion of Fated Hearts. Ok, that's not episode 33. But he is awesome in another way when at the beginning of episode 35, he repeatedly stabs Murong Jie to avenge Gu Yu, Hound and every other comrade who died at the hands of this scumbag.
# Feng Battalion going all the way for their prince was beautiful.
# Murong Zhong died in the most suitable way possible. He didn't have to see what Feng Suige did to his son. BTW, I have yet to understand the extent of damage inflicted on Murong Yao by Feng Suige. Did I miss something in an episode?
# Xiao Weiran, if only you were female! Perhaps Xia Jingshi would not have been so fixated on Yixiao. Who else could listen to someone proclaiming they'll kill anyone they want and being willing to sacrifice 300,000 of their own citizens, and still fall at their feet in steadfast devotion while dismissing all the red flags? The love story that never was, alas.
# Xiyang was doing well in her I-will-do-anything-to-avenge-my-brother-and-father arc because she had to resort to the only weapons she had to do so, until she tripped up at the end of episode 34 with that irrational spewing of Xia Jingshi should die while swinging a blade at him. Xia Jingshi has been steadfast in rejecting her, and is the only person who has ever rejected her. Drama Xia-Jingshi deserves to die for a whole bunch of other reasons, but not for rejecting Xiyang. Not a fan of her behaviour here. That said, I still pity her and don't want her to die.
# Chen Heyi may have all the emoting chutzpa of a constipated squirrel when it comes to micro-expressions, but he bloomed wonderfully in episodes 36 to 38 as the victim come to collect on debts as a filial stepson. After enduring many years of abuse and humiliation from his stepmother and brother, he repays them in kind and relishes the undignified ends of his abusers. Xiyang should not have called Yixiao a slut while specifically dressed up with a specific hairdo as Fu Yixiao, after Xia Jingshi told her to stop. The one who repeatedly had sex with another man and got pregnant while not married while claiming their exchanges are a transaction isn't Yixiao. I believe that was the lesson he intended for her to have, in the fact that he showed no regret in what he did to her with one sword-thrust. (I'd like to see him as a villain again, but he needs to take some lessons from Wang Duo and Luo Jin first).
# Yixiao, steadfast and protective. That final battle was a bit too short. Enjoyed the savagery though. Li Qin, slaying this role magnificently. Can we get her and Liu Shishi in a drama together, where they are both badass fighters of some sort?
# Feng Suige may have had it bad, but at least Feng Suige had loving siblings and a mother who was kind to him while she was alive. Xia Jingshi was always labelled a bastard and received unacceptable torment from his stepmother and stepbrother. Humiliated in multiple ways, including begging like a dog for the antidote every month, for many years- There's a limit to how abuse much one can take. That said, he's not justified in killing anyone he wants.
# Xiyang and Feng Suige's love and concern for each other is beautiful. Feng Suige is totally the big brother I would like to have. Xiyang didn't totally lose herself. Feng Suige didn't judge her. She finally understood her brother. And for her to rule in his place as Regent for three years, potential future Empress- What a guy. To see Feng Suige and Fu Yixiao together at the end, firing an arrow at the sky with that new bow... Awww... What a couple. Possibly my favourite C-Drama couple of the year, because I cannot decide between this couple and the mains of Coroner's Diary starring Li Landi and Ao Ruipeng.
# Chen Zheyuan was really impressive . He turned in a very good performance, more so than Qin Tianyu for me because he had to emote in a very wide range of scenarios. I went from not caring for any dramas he was in, to now making a note to watch his now-filming drama with Wu Jinyan. That sword going through his chest in episode 28 had me realising I was more impressed with him than I realised. And his ADR was enjoyable. What a voice! I hope he will use his own voice in his drama with Wu Jinyan.
# The screenwriters really understood their material. Enjoyed the emotional connective quieter episodes that allowed the characters to breath and emote and develop, and the cinematography! The Storm Alliance helped Feng Suige understand certain lessons, influencing his future decisions. That said, the wind machine really needs to be retired from working OT.
# No matter what Xiyang has done, I believe she does not deserve to die, whether it is the novel or the drama. The novel isn't making excuses for a dying Xiyang, who earns a promise from novel Xia-Jingshi of the most directly sentimental kind even though he cannot love her and only loves Yixiao. It's beautiful to read. He acknowledges her sacrifices for him, and how he cannot return equally in kind. He will not deceive her, so he will not promise himself to her in the next life. He promises he could die for her in a next life, but he will only live for Fu Yixiao. This is yet another example of why I say the screenwriters understood the source material, because they retained that part of novel-Xia Jingshi who was actually very noble. And then proceeded to butcher the rest of his character for the drama with inconsistencies because I can see where they tried to retain his noble traits including wanting to give the military command to Yixiao at one point and not using Xiyang in any way for his own ends... But then threw in the 300,000 citizens and killing anyone he wants points due to the plot and subplots being crafted in a certain manner which improved many other characters and their relationships.
That said, I don't rely primarily on IQiyi's heat index, when there are other data analytics such as Yunhe to go by. As to why, here's a different comment for you to consider: https://kisskh.at/768987-wan-xin-ji#comment-23837894
Told her about the woman he admired when they first met.Told her he had no memory of their alleged meeting back…
XJS was consistent towards her. Xiyang couldn't take rejection (he is the only person who has ever rejected her in her entire life) which is why at the end of episode 34, just when she was starting to look as if she was growing up while on her I-will-do-whatever-to-avenge-my-brother-and-father-arc, she suddenly reverts to asking XJS if he ever imagined growing old with her. Despite a sword aimed at him he did not blink and told her honestly and concisely "不曾" ie "Never".
What does she do? She grabs the sword and tries to kill him. And when Xia Jingyan tries to stop her (since she did not disagree with Xia Jingyan labelling her his woman), she basically screams she will have her revenge. By her logic, XJS should die for rejecting her. There are many reasons why he should die when looked at from other viewpoints, but rejecting her is not a justifiable reason for him to die. She received a lesson from him that she will never forget.
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Wanted to add this, of JJY practising with wires and her hammer before becoming A Dai: https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5223222710632780
As to dramas, "The Guardians" is still my frontrunner for C-drama of 2025, which I have not yet finished. Adore the opening theme. 17 episodes flew by, without me realising.
22 episodes of 35 episodes are available for free viewing at the Youku channel, and here is the first of the episodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8D0-24--lBE&list=PLATwx1z00Hsdw43g51DQXqLolbUxe6EZZ&index=5
Still trying to formulate an opinion about Time Raiders (watched 17 episodes). The author has a huge say over this drama and the second season, whereby three of the same actors will be used. Waiting for Whispers of Fate airing near end-October, which should live up to the hype. None of these are romance-centric, if any romance is present.
Currently preparing to watch 花季少女杀人事件 ie Girl On The Edge as per the MDL title, which stars Zhang Zi Feng. She's my favourite actress under the age of 35, and always turns in outstanding performances.
The actors for Physician Ling, his daughter Ling Xueying and Sa Dingding have fun talking about their characters and moments: https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1DtWqzwEvZ/
This drama has repeatedly emphasised how much the Feng battalion respects and values Feng Suige for treating them as brothers and vice versa, with rousing examples such as Lao Cao talking to Feng Suige who asks after a deceased Hong Shan. After so much bloodshed and understanding the Storm Alliance, Feng Suige no longer wants bloodshed and he is clearly in charge of the decisions pertaining to Susha, regardless of his position as Regent. When Yixiao first talks to Feng Suige in the final minutes of episode 38, she first raises the issue of him brokering peace between Susha and Jinxiu.
The fact that Xiyang is protecting the throne with him indicates he wants to change certain traditions (there's also a theme here that a lot of people might not see, pertaining to not repeating the mistakes of the previous generation and rectifying what parents never got right). It doesn't mean Feng Suige will not be Emperor. He has indicated that Xiyang must want the position and must be capable, before a succession is decided at the end of three years.
In the novel, Feng Suige already had concubines before meeting Fu Yixiao, which this drama removes completely. At the end of the novel in the epilogue, Fu Yixiao becomes the first commoner-queen of Susha.
Right now, all three of them have different learning curves. Drama-Yixiao never indicated she was against Feng Suige being Emperor or not. She only asked him about that subject, and finishes with hoping she will never have to use that new bow in war, only wanting peace and prosperity. In other words, she is also indicating that her final choice will depend on circumstances.
This open ending is actually the best possible option, for this drama. It is about empowering individuality and working as a team, yet bearing in mind the bigger picture of duty and country.
That said, your speculation about them eloping, Yixiao being pregnant and Feng Suige secretly marrying her doesn't make sense to me, because it would indicate they have ignored the most basic sense of propriety, behaved in a completely irresponsible manner ill-fitting of the regard that people who know them hold for them as responsible leaders, and it would be shocking for them in their positions to disregard the most fundamental tradition of adhering to the mourning period (whether it is 100 days or up to three years). To do all this would be completely unacceptable and out of character for both of them. Some traditions hold more weight than others, and the mourning period is one of the most important traditions. The Directors and Screenwriters clearly understand traditions well enough, and the domestic audience would be shocked if the ending is what you claim about Fu Yixiao and Feng Suige. I would definitely disapprove of such disrespect.
As to the rest of what you are referring to, the moment Yixiao could be the first Commoner-Queen of Susha in the novel, that meant a lot of traditions were thrown out the window and will be further thrown out the window. In this drama, making Xiyang temporarily in charge of the state affairs is the example indicating Feng Suige intends to change certain traditions.
The way they crossed cups doesn't indicate anything special to me. It is however, an indication of their closeness and intentions to honour each other as spouses during this time. Hope this helps.
Speaking of reviews, I advised at least one MDL user to read your review of TJOL in their comment to my TJOL review, since you went into the nitty-gritty more than I did while we each covered very different angles and aspects.
What I like about the fights of this drama (although the chopping at times instead of showing an entire fight sequence did get a bit annoying at times) are Feng Suige and Fu Yixiao going at it in very believable realistic moves, especially Feng Suige's style of fighting with fists or sword.
Reminds me to a certain extent of movies I used to watch, such as a 1993 movie with decent English subtitles known as "The Legend of Fong Sai Yuk" (before Jet Li became famous in the West). HK martial arts action film when stars did their own stunts was very enjoyable, because stars such as Jet Li and Vincent Zhao Wenzhuo could actually fight. At least one actress in there can fight too. The Red Lotus Flower Society wants to overthrow an evil Manchu Emperor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GupLe8A2xM8
Hence looking forward to a not-yet-aired drama involving Peking Opera and Kungfu reminding me of those days, which is "Gladiator In the Theatre" starring the likes of Zhang Yishan amongst a strong ensemble cast: https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5067022944178847
This drama is interesting to me also because for the first time, I will be able to gauge his full abilities for myself. With this Director and the cast, it's going to be at the least, a fairly good drama. That said, I wonder what the OST will be like.
The writers put a lot of thought into how Feng Suige at the end should embody the potential of a future emperor. That is why the Storm Alliance arc was interesting to me, for comedy but also demonstrating lessons that Feng Suige took away to finally believe again in the possibility of a ruler being good when previously, he learned his father manipulated him to want him to become a ruler and that is what a ruler should be. Feng Suige needed to believe he can create a different viable path, if he becomes an Emperor. He obviously didn't just give this temporary position to Xiyang on a whim, because he remembers all the men who died due to treachery from Murong Yao. The deaths of his men are deeply engraved in him, which has been shown time and again. Xiyang definitely would decide and agree to consult with him on all matters, because of how much she has changed.
Even if temporary, a female empress is good because of the many changes that can be instituted to improve the lives of females. Feng Suige and Xiyang must surpass their parents who each made serious mistakes. And they do it together for the sake of the people, while respecting their individuality. If Yixiao is going to be Empress, she also needs time to learn. So it's a good ending.
I decided to make one more comment which you can read if it interests you, about the necessity of the Storm Alliance arc and the character growths of Feng Suige and Xiyang being natural by the end of episode 38:
https://kisskh.at/768987-wan-xin-ji#comment-23851152
I decided to give my thoughts on the necessity of the Storm Alliance arc, plus what I think of the growths of Feng Suige and Xiyang to become naturally intended by the writers by episode 38: https://kisskh.at/768987-wan-xin-ji#comment-23851132
This is all necessary for Feng Suige to believe it is possible to be a ruler in the ways that he wants to protect everyone, but a new way of ruling with patient understandable direct communication must be instituted. This is what he does with Xiyang on that sickbed. Xiyang wants to understand what Feng Suige is thinking, she values her brother more than herself, and she cherishes what is in front of her. In the first interaction showed to us about them more than 30 episodes back, Xiyang was all about herself and not about what her brother was thinking or wanting to understand him. I found it heartening that they work as a team in the end of episode 38, and she is not the permanent Empress.
Feng Suige cannot fully embrace his father, because he understands the need to forge his own path. He wants to be able to choose the path as per what his mother wanted for him, but at the same time he rejects her method of telling him what he should not do, by finding a path whereby he and Xiyang can both choose while working together. It is a sensible ending. He and Xiyang are each learning how to rule Susha at the same time.
Xiyang's character is written on the basis of her being the Susha princess who has never been rejected, never had to fully face reality outside a cocooned nest, never actually had a defined moral compass and code that she was pushed to stand by unlike Feng Suige who will stand by his code that his men can see and respect, and she never truly considered anyone else before herself. That is why she could lie to her father and steal the imperial token, breaking his heart.
Xia Jingyan has no excuse for taking officials' wives as playthings. He has no excuse to have palace servants beaten to death on his whims. He has no excuse to grab Xiyang's hands and force them into a bed of thorns (and this is the moment I could see Xiyang believe Xia Jingyan as a monstrous lunatic whom she had to be on guard against and find a way to deal with). He has no excuse for trying to hit on his brother's wife, and sow discord between them. If Xiyang had given in to his advances while married, Xia Jingyan would definitely find a way to humiliate Xia Jingshi without caring what happens to Xiyang. Xia Jingyan has been a pampered prince, and then became the Jinxiu Emperor without merit. Based on how he behaved, I was relieved he wasn't in charge of the military because he would easily send a lot of soldiers to their deaths based on his moods and whims. Jinxiu Kingdom would be a gone case.
Why Xiyang couldn't understand Xia Jingyan finally loved her was simple: After mocking and taunting her, he made everything a cruel game that was transactional, and he also made it clear to her that she was a plaything of no value he could torment like all the other women he had used and thrown aside before, and her title as Princess of Susha meant nothing to him. Believing in survival mode while wanting to avenge her brother and father and aware of what she considered to be a heartless transactional lunatic, she went by his rules at first and then decided to put her own take on it so she would not lose herself, and he paid the price for his victim finally being willing to assert herself and stand firm against his games while playing by his terms.
Xiyang would have spared herself a blade from Xia Jingshi if she had not openly caused the good eunuch of character helping his plans to be killed, taunted Xia Jingshi, portrayed herself to be publicly superior to Xia Jingshi due to being allied to Xia Jingyan while sleeping with Xia Jingyan which she viewed as necessary transactions (she got pregnant without being married to Xia Jingyan)... While having once called Yixiao a slut despite being dressed as Yixiao, to try to trick Xia Jingshi into sleeping with her. Fu Yixiao has survived a death camp and bled on battlefields and suffered wounds, constantly putting herself in danger for the sake of Jinxiu Kingdom. In contrast, Xiyang's biggest exposure to danger relative to combat was because she got lost in the desert while pretending to be a male soldier, and that pretence didn't last long once she was captured.
To an outsider, Xiyang looks like a childish selfish princess who has primarily wanted her own way and finally revealed herself to be an evil hypocritical slut with no respectable standards, after trying to kill a guy with a sword for consistently being truthful with her about being unable to love her or give her what she wants. The scene where Xia Jingshi tells her "Never" is where Xia Jingshi is the epitome of dignity and unwavering consistency who has always been blunt and never lied to Xiyang about being unable to love her or give her more than the status of Princess of Zhennan as his wife, in comparison to his younger brother's bullying or Xiyang's haughty smugness while watching Xia Jingyan humiliate Xia Jingshi. Xia Jingshi never made a request of Xiyang (using the Imperial token to escape Susha is her idea), never mocked Xiyang, and never laid a finger on Xiyang unlike Xia Jingyan's abominable cruelty and words to her, until Xiyang went too far by disregarding Xia Jingshi's one request about not talking about Fu Yixiao. But because Xiyang was so over-entitled and selfish, certain hard truths from Xia Jingyan were necessary.
Xia Jingshi who should have been the rightful Emperor of Jinxiu ramming that blade through her stomach was inevitable because any progeny of Xia Jingyan must die. Whatever you can say about the vileness of Xia Jingshi, he has been consistently clear in his communication with Xiyang and spent years defending the borders of Jinxiu despite being poisoned for years. He once wanted to give the military command of the Zhennan army to Yixiao when he believed he was going to die, because he wanted to protect Yixiao and Weiran and Ning Fei from Xia Jingyan. But many years of abuse and humiliation and poison by his own step-brother and step-mother broke something in him especially having to beg like a dog for the antidote every month, and he also pays an unfair price for not being able to heal from those wounds.
Feng Suige and Fu Yixiao went through a lot as children and growing up. However, they didn't spend a significant number of their years being poisoned and forced to throw aside dignity and endure being humiliated monthly in front of others, unlike Xia Jingshi. Feng Suige has siblings who love him. His mother was the first Empress of Susha, and he is legally recognised as the First Son of the Emperor. In contrast, Xia Jingshi's mother was a palace maid and he grew up with a brother whose stepmother already turned Xia Jingyan against an elder brother when they were children, whereby both characters bullied him as a child and constantly labelled him a bastard behind his back (Empress Dowager) or to his face (Xia Jingyan). In the Jinxiu Kingdom, Xia Jingyan's mother is the biggest villain. Xia Jingyan is so nice that every year for his birthday, he'll ensure Xia Jingshi is brought to him for humiliation (Yixiao tells Feng Suige about what Xia Jingyan does on his birthday). At every opportunity he can find, he humiliates Xia Jingshi in front of others, as seen in the drama.
The actor playing Xia Jingyan is very good, so much so that I find Xia Jingyan to be even worse than Xia Jingshi because Xia Jingyan consistently demonstrates that the lives of others are cheap or for his amusement, with no regard for consequences. Xia Jingyan and the Empress Dowager deserved to die at Xia Jingshi's hands via his intended methods of finally repaying them for their "kindnesses", after putting him through many years of abuse and humiliation and enjoying the luxury of lazing in palaces while he had to slog his ass off to guard the borders of Jinxiu and command the army.
Xiyang doesn't seem to be aware that when the woman you love and honour is slandered beyond acceptability- Men have killed other men, destroyed families, or beaten other men into disability for such insults. Xiyang's over-entitlement and basic disrespect for Xia Jingshi's request for her to stop badmouthing Fu Yixiao before she got slapped is unsurprising. It is amazing she is still alive despite her choices, although Xiyang is beautiful. Xia Meng did a fantastic job in this role.
I am sad that Xiyang couldn't wake up to see the bigger picture, until Xia Jingshi stabbed her. We all grow in our journeys at different paces, and it can depend on where one is in life and the circumstances we go through.
Between a weak prince in Jinxiu for 10 years and a princess for 3 years in Susha, I believe that this will be fine because Feng Suige is not abandoning his duties. But he deserves a break. The first issue mentioned by Yixiao when we get to the final few minutes of episode 38 is to mention how Feng Suige was responsible in the details for organising and finalising this truce. This indicates he is in control, regardless of his current position.
There is nowhere in the conversation between Suige and Yixiao that he is abandoning the throne, which is much better than when he had that conversation with his father and kept rejecting the throne. Rejecting the throne back then was insensible and irresponsible, but understandable because he was emotionally rejecting his father as a father and also not wanting to do anything his father wanted, after just learning the truth.
The biggest damage to Feng Suige in that conversation was the realisation that his father believed he should rule in a certain manner, and what a ruler should be. After learning what happened to his mother, this resulted in complete rejection of his father. He also lost confidence in being a ruler, because his father ruled well and he believed his father deeply trusted him even if they had issues to resolve, but to learn the true thinking behind what a ruler should be? Learning about being manipulated for years by someone you believe had your best interests at heart, destroying any good in whatever you believed about your father? Murong Yao stabbed him in the back after feigning to be best buddies for years. His father had been twisting a dagger in his heart for years. Which one is worse? To have suffered these betrayals is terrible. Being a future ruler is to be surrounded by people who betray you- That's not the lesson you want to take away. It's the reality he endured. He needs something to believe again.
A very good script keeps all this in mind, which is why I say the writers have been very mindful about the characters and did an excellent job, especially wrt Feng Suige as a person and future Emperor.
Xiyang's growth is tremendous, possibly the biggest in the drama. She went from being very selfish and naive ie only being all about herself and wanting what she wanted (including "I am going to give birth and I will henceforth not communicate with the child's father who happens to be the emperor of another kingdom"), to not wanting to put her brother in danger after realising what her brother went through. She would have been raped and/or dead from her previous monumentally-stupid decisions (from being lost in the desert to helping XJS flee Susha Kingdom), but the final encounter with Xia Jingshi opened her eyes to complex reality. She didn't fall in love with Xia Jingyan, but she realised he fell in love with her.
The fact that she can be humble and clear-minded, and speak evenly and clearly despite being wounded and weak after her near-death encounter to disclose what she did, is deeply transformational.
As temporary empress, she will learn a lot about how to fairly extend this compassion of hers and judge accurately. And when the three years are up and the succession is to be decided, I believe she will know her place because she will learn to fully care for the people and consider necessary responsibilities, and relinquish the throne to Feng Suige. What we are seeing in episode 38 is a Xiyang who has realised the importance and need to take into account others' perspectives especially the need to judge fairly and accurately plus take full responsibility for her choices to become accountable, all of which she never did before. This is despite Feng Suige's bad habit of absolving Xiyang from any responsibility for her plight.
The fact that Fu Yixiao speaks of wanting peace and prosperity for former enemy kingdom Susha Kingdom as her home and finishing statement also indicates that she is open to doing what it takes, which includes being trained to be the future Empress of Susha Kingdom if Feng Suige takes the throne. In the beginning and throughout the episodes until we get to the Storm Alliance Arc, Yixiao prioritised self. But at the end of episode 38, she focuses on the country.
Is it a nonsensical bullshit ending? Feng Suige is allowing his previously-foolish sister Xiyang to temporarily take the reins, but he didn't say he would never be Emperor and he never said he is giving away all his authority. He mentioned two criteria: Xiyang must be capable and Xiyang must like the role. This indicates he trusts his sister's abilities more so than her feelings. And his sister has indicated wanting to know how Feng Suige thinks. We never get to see how Feng Suige and Xiyang interact when they return to Susha Kingdom. But I can trust that the two siblings know they must protect their country and shared their knowledge with clear communication. Feng Suige lost men in his battalion when Murong Yao took over the battalion. He isn't going to throw them away just for a woman, and he will protect his sister. He knows very well he cannot protect her if she screws up as Empress in governance.
If he were to live in isolation with Fu Yixiao away from his duties, and then return three years later to throw a grand wedding, that would be irresponsible. He deserves a rest, before he returns to duties.
Feng Suige is such an endearing character. He can be vicious with fists, but he can be fair in judgment. He learns the importance of communication in good governance and understanding the hearts of people he must protect, and where he came across as a prince uncomfortable with his position in the first few episodes? Because of the arcs including the Storm Alliance arc, he has grown into contentment, giving the air of a potential deserving emperor, and ready for whatever the future brings.
In episode 38, Xiyang demonstrates to Feng Suige an ability to see clearly and judge correctly about the two Xia brothers she became entangled with and the circumstances. She may be grieving and weak, but she shows concern for Feng Suige. She also wants to protect Susha.
She does not appear to be thinking like a sheltered child anymore, but lucidly and maturely. No bitterness. No excessive emotions. Before that, she was basically reacting, hotheaded, always ruled by emotions.
A ruler needs to be able to compartmentalise and have compassion but above all, have sound judgment and know when to stand firm. I am sure she would have told Feng Suige about how she behaved with Xia Jingyan ie wishing him future happiness after she leaves. And I believe that type of behaviour showing her ability to grow and reflect and have remorse, along with other examples she might have showed Feng Suige after returning to Susha, made him decide to let her be Regent. Xiyang and Feng Suige must be able to judge well, hence to judge each other and others with enough accuracy and maturity is crucial. Their parents made wrong judgments about each other and other people, and their children will break the cycle.
Whether she remains in her role after 3 years? I believe she will relinquish it. Xiyang has grown up, but at great irreversible cost.
Similarly, if a certain father had given his attention to his children fairly instead of all that plotting and scheming to toughen up Feng Suige, Xiyang and Suige would have had better lives and be more self-aware in better ways.
How parents screw up their children seems to be one of the running themes of this drama, and how certain children overcome those mistakes is another theme.
Qin Tianyu as the Jinxiu Emperor gave a very good performance. But I found the actors for Feng Pingcheng, Prime Minister Zhuang and Murong Zhuang masterful. Also, give the actor for Chengyang a bigger role! He has range. But this role doesn't allow for more.
# Yun Fang, Yun Qing and Lu Ke rock. Their camaraderie near the end of episode 38 was adorable. And Ning Fei is part of it too! He's finally having something with Xueying (just like the novel, only much later).
# Lu Ke's role is awesome. When he was trying to jolt Feng Suige's memory, I must have laughed the most at this portion of Fated Hearts. Ok, that's not episode 33. But he is awesome in another way when at the beginning of episode 35, he repeatedly stabs Murong Jie to avenge Gu Yu, Hound and every other comrade who died at the hands of this scumbag.
# Feng Battalion going all the way for their prince was beautiful.
# Murong Zhong died in the most suitable way possible. He didn't have to see what Feng Suige did to his son. BTW, I have yet to understand the extent of damage inflicted on Murong Yao by Feng Suige. Did I miss something in an episode?
# Xiao Weiran, if only you were female! Perhaps Xia Jingshi would not have been so fixated on Yixiao. Who else could listen to someone proclaiming they'll kill anyone they want and being willing to sacrifice 300,000 of their own citizens, and still fall at their feet in steadfast devotion while dismissing all the red flags? The love story that never was, alas.
# Xiyang was doing well in her I-will-do-anything-to-avenge-my-brother-and-father arc because she had to resort to the only weapons she had to do so, until she tripped up at the end of episode 34 with that irrational spewing of Xia Jingshi should die while swinging a blade at him. Xia Jingshi has been steadfast in rejecting her, and is the only person who has ever rejected her. Drama Xia-Jingshi deserves to die for a whole bunch of other reasons, but not for rejecting Xiyang. Not a fan of her behaviour here. That said, I still pity her and don't want her to die.
# Chen Heyi may have all the emoting chutzpa of a constipated squirrel when it comes to micro-expressions, but he bloomed wonderfully in episodes 36 to 38 as the victim come to collect on debts as a filial stepson. After enduring many years of abuse and humiliation from his stepmother and brother, he repays them in kind and relishes the undignified ends of his abusers. Xiyang should not have called Yixiao a slut while specifically dressed up with a specific hairdo as Fu Yixiao, after Xia Jingshi told her to stop. The one who repeatedly had sex with another man and got pregnant while not married while claiming their exchanges are a transaction isn't Yixiao. I believe that was the lesson he intended for her to have, in the fact that he showed no regret in what he did to her with one sword-thrust. (I'd like to see him as a villain again, but he needs to take some lessons from Wang Duo and Luo Jin first).
# Yixiao, steadfast and protective. That final battle was a bit too short. Enjoyed the savagery though. Li Qin, slaying this role magnificently. Can we get her and Liu Shishi in a drama together, where they are both badass fighters of some sort?
# Feng Suige may have had it bad, but at least Feng Suige had loving siblings and a mother who was kind to him while she was alive. Xia Jingshi was always labelled a bastard and received unacceptable torment from his stepmother and stepbrother. Humiliated in multiple ways, including begging like a dog for the antidote every month, for many years- There's a limit to how abuse much one can take. That said, he's not justified in killing anyone he wants.
# Xiyang and Feng Suige's love and concern for each other is beautiful. Feng Suige is totally the big brother I would like to have. Xiyang didn't totally lose herself. Feng Suige didn't judge her. She finally understood her brother. And for her to rule in his place as Regent for three years, potential future Empress- What a guy. To see Feng Suige and Fu Yixiao together at the end, firing an arrow at the sky with that new bow... Awww... What a couple. Possibly my favourite C-Drama couple of the year, because I cannot decide between this couple and the mains of Coroner's Diary starring Li Landi and Ao Ruipeng.
# Chen Zheyuan was really impressive . He turned in a very good performance, more so than Qin Tianyu for me because he had to emote in a very wide range of scenarios. I went from not caring for any dramas he was in, to now making a note to watch his now-filming drama with Wu Jinyan. That sword going through his chest in episode 28 had me realising I was more impressed with him than I realised. And his ADR was enjoyable. What a voice! I hope he will use his own voice in his drama with Wu Jinyan.
# The screenwriters really understood their material. Enjoyed the emotional connective quieter episodes that allowed the characters to breath and emote and develop, and the cinematography! The Storm Alliance helped Feng Suige understand certain lessons, influencing his future decisions. That said, the wind machine really needs to be retired from working OT.
# No matter what Xiyang has done, I believe she does not deserve to die, whether it is the novel or the drama. The novel isn't making excuses for a dying Xiyang, who earns a promise from novel Xia-Jingshi of the most directly sentimental kind even though he cannot love her and only loves Yixiao. It's beautiful to read. He acknowledges her sacrifices for him, and how he cannot return equally in kind. He will not deceive her, so he will not promise himself to her in the next life. He promises he could die for her in a next life, but he will only live for Fu Yixiao. This is yet another example of why I say the screenwriters understood the source material, because they retained that part of novel-Xia Jingshi who was actually very noble. And then proceeded to butcher the rest of his character for the drama with inconsistencies because I can see where they tried to retain his noble traits including wanting to give the military command to Yixiao at one point and not using Xiyang in any way for his own ends... But then threw in the 300,000 citizens and killing anyone he wants points due to the plot and subplots being crafted in a certain manner which improved many other characters and their relationships.
[ “第二次了”，他像在笑，又像在叹息，气息拂过她的额头，温暖的，“也许都是注定的，这一世，我有太多的身不由己，但我并没有奢求太多，只是期望她能幸福——也是我太不公平，任你付出着，却没能给你相同的回报。”
本想就这样听下去的，泪水却抑制不住的从睫下渗出，她从来没有与他那么贴近过啊，无论身心。
“你听得见吗”，还是那双手，温柔的替她拭去泪水，“我不想骗你，所以，我不会许诺来生，这条命，是我欠你的，下辈子，我可为你而死，但，我只为她一个人而生。” ]
Edited to add that I wrote a comment on why I believe Xiyang will only be a temporary regent, and why Feng Suige chose her: https://kisskh.at/768987-wan-xin-ji#comment-23843306
That said, I don't rely primarily on IQiyi's heat index, when there are other data analytics such as Yunhe to go by. As to why, here's a different comment for you to consider: https://kisskh.at/768987-wan-xin-ji#comment-23837894
What does she do? She grabs the sword and tries to kill him. And when Xia Jingyan tries to stop her (since she did not disagree with Xia Jingyan labelling her his woman), she basically screams she will have her revenge. By her logic, XJS should die for rejecting her. There are many reasons why he should die when looked at from other viewpoints, but rejecting her is not a justifiable reason for him to die. She received a lesson from him that she will never forget.