From my personal view, the final episode ending was meant to tie up with the first 2 episodes- human, especially female, oppression in the beginning vs. liberation, being “unchained” in the end. I consider this one the drama’s theme ending, which takes priority, whereas the 2 extended parts are the CP’s ending. I do believe the production team had planned to release the 3 endings in such way from the beginning. I mean the 2 extended ones were not cut and then released to please/pacify fans of the drama/CP. The 1st extension had the CP happily hugged e/o in the blessed sunrise - their new life. Here XD expressed his wish that they be together life after life; one life with her was not long enough for him. And so we all see his wish was undoubtedly granted 🙂 All in all, I personally am very very content with this whole closure
I actually choose the modern ending since Xiao duo did make a reference in episode 32 saying there’s no royalties…
I second you in that the modern ending is the CP’s ultimate ending. Oh and one detail worth noted is XD’s nickname “Fang Jiang”, which he made up just for only her to call him by. The words “Fang Jiang”had connection with hers “Zhuo Ying”, meaning “into the future”, and in YL’s words sounded like there was endless hope and infinite future. Such an auspicious name for both of them 😌
Writing I can do 🙂 I’m gonna rewatch from ep01 soon (been engrossed in bts & the likes the past few days), and I’ll just let my emotions guide me along the way.
The scene compiling idea sounds tempting. This could help me not miss the drama so much since it ended. How would you suggest to do this ? I can only type to be honest 😅, don’t know how to make video clips like some of you guys here
I’m sure that different people have different expectations. Tbh, I did feel upset at first, say every time I heard there was a cut, especially about the confusing cuts and editing in ep20. But this feeling didn’t last long; I could still wholeheartedly enjoy the show, for I share your view that the cp’s love story was already very sweet, romantic & compelling even without those removed kisses. For instance, some scenes that I found so endearing & heart-warming in an understated way: the whole sunset scene when they first arrived at the Dream Cloud pavilion/ or at Bu Yin Ge’s wedding when he surreptitiously showed off the boots to her and they stole a loving glance at e/o./ or the way they hugged e/o to sleep with a tightly holding hand, and a happy smile on their face in ep16 (even if the show had given us a passionate bed scene in later episodes, this scene with such simple gestures, thanks to the leads’ amazing chemistry, would have still been my Top 1)… There’re many more. So yes, in terms of romance, the show indeed exceeded my expectations.
There is an extended ending AND alternative ending in parallel world. It will satisfy you 😆
- Novel’s emperor was still in full power and healthy in the end. Whereas the drama’s emperor was breaking down both physically and mentally. Also in the drama, the officials and the people had an inkling that he murdered his nephew to ascend the throne; they witnessed more than enough his immorality, his total negligence and incompetence in the country affairs. The fact that he couldn’t bear children could soon come to light (as XD had saved those physicians earlier). Even his Chief of guards didn’t fully support him. With all of these reasons, we can expect drama emperor would be brought down very soon, so he would not be able to harm people anymore. - Novel’s XD & YL successfully escaped but they were on their own in their new life. CCA, TY, QL stayed in the capital. In the drama, as we can see, XD & YL had full support from almost everyone, even the Chief of guards helped them. They had CCA, TY, QL and the loyal Zhaoding men as company wherever they would go.
There is an extended ending AND alternative ending in parallel world. It will satisfy you 😆
The drama ending is pretty much the same as the novel one: YL faked being crazy, got locked up in the tower, XD sneaked her away and they burned the tower, leaving in the fire the corpse of a female prisoner with death penalty, so everyone would think that YL had been burned to death. Then they settled down in a far away land, had twins. The drama did make some changes that, I believe, ensured a much more secure life and freedom for the CP (this is a great relief to me)
The ending is so dumb!!! Remember how powerful XD was at the beginning? At the end it feels like he’s a commoner…
Imo, the theme of love between eunuch & imperial concubine is already scandalous enough for the censor board to cut all intimate scenes. If the drama had made the eunuch as the mastermind to overthrow the emperor, that would have been much more unacceptable for the drama to pass censorship. Just my thinking.
It was a wonderful and satisfying journey to me. I’m sad UL is over, and no more episodes to look forward to. UL has become one of my top favorite dramas. And words fail me how much I love and admire XD & YL as individuals and as a couple. Knowing that they got liberated in the end was good enough for me. The emperor looked like he wouldn’t last long or would be overthrown very soon. With him in complete breakdown, no power, no support, our CP would be able to enjoy their freedom openly and proudly. Though it might seem rush, I like the original ending. The scene of the burning tower, the collapsing emperor, and our lovebirds holding hands running out of the imperial city, such blissful smiles on their faces were more symbolic and striking than a thousand words imo. Once again, what a beautiful and meaningful show ❤️❤️❤️ My enjoyment of the show was enhanced by reading all the insightful comments and shared contents from all of you here. Thank you so much 🙏
What is Bu Yinlou thinking? Wearing that ring so openly? That is just asking for it.
The ring was accidentally exposed when she struggled to stop the emperor from hitting the performer. Before that it was hidden inside her clothes (if we rewatch the scene from when she entered the theater pavilion in the end of episode 32to when the emperor started hitting the performer, the ring was not seen on her chest)
Indeed, I find the way XD’s revenge was resolved very sensible and commendable too. It must taken XD a strong…
And he did shed a tear for her. So he must have had some affection for her in the beginning, but this feeling he had completely put aside as he had been engrossed in his ambition
Indeed, I find the way XD’s revenge was resolved very sensible and commendable too. It must taken XD a strong…
I was hoping that too. And it’s utterly heart warming when at the end he said that he hoped from then on with her he could be free of sins, that he could start afresh.
This drama has many good things going for it - the story, cast, acting, cinematography, soundtrack, etc.But I…
Indeed, I find the way XD’s revenge was resolved very sensible and commendable too. It must taken XD a strong heart and mentality to reach that resolution. The same could be said for YL through her attitude towards her father. I was deeply moved by their last conversation in the prison, especially when she gave him the knee pads.
The 1st extension had the CP happily hugged e/o in the blessed sunrise - their new life. Here XD expressed his wish that they be together life after life; one life with her was not long enough for him. And so we all see his wish was undoubtedly granted 🙂
All in all, I personally am very very content with this whole closure
Oh and one detail worth noted is XD’s nickname “Fang Jiang”, which he made up just for only her to call him by. The words “Fang Jiang”had connection with hers “Zhuo Ying”, meaning “into the future”, and in YL’s words sounded like there was endless hope and infinite future. Such an auspicious name for both of them 😌
- Novel’s XD & YL successfully escaped but they were on their own in their new life. CCA, TY, QL stayed in the capital. In the drama, as we can see, XD & YL had full support from almost everyone, even the Chief of guards helped them. They had CCA, TY, QL and the loyal Zhaoding men as company wherever they would go.
The drama did make some changes that, I believe, ensured a much more secure life and freedom for the CP (this is a great relief to me)
My enjoyment of the show was enhanced by reading all the insightful comments and shared contents from all of you here. Thank you so much 🙏