Xtinew

DRAMA FOR WOMEN

Perfect wife: Liu Ming Tang, couldn't be wrong! Besides she forgot about her past, she's the perfect dream wife for any men. Demure, smart, beautiful, docile, obedience, kind, loving, devoted, and all the wifey attributes. Wang Chu Ran as Liu Ming Tang is a beautiful woman but, man, she's boring!!! There's no passion in her eyes, no ingenuity! She would like "Husband, don't worry about anything, just go have fun, I'll take care the house the business the money and everything else." and then she'd say 'why don't you take concubine?" Wtf?? A bad example. All about love....sweet love...too much for me!!! While Zhang Wan Yi was good in his character, he's great in commanding personality as man in-charge (bits like his character in Lost You Forever), his posture and costume were perfect. He has better chemistry with his cousin physician Zhang Chi (Zhao Quan) than his wife. I would see them together more than any other scenes. Not to mention character Zi Yu / Lu Wen (Chang Hua Sen: this guy took in a similar character from Journey to Love) just too bad he picked same script as an obsessed man to a woman in his past.

What I like?
** Minimal hairdo or accessories which made them more beautiful/handsome
** Nice setting
There's nothing much I like so decided to drop it. I am not into BS love story...the story is numbing me. I don't know much after ep 18....if you're into love story this drama is for you.

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RANTING REVIEW

Okey, I don't mean to rant on this drama but seriously though, at the beginning I expect to watch a good drama. I read the novel and I like it but the drama is another vibe that gives me a ughh feeling. Listen, the foundation of the story like is that FL is a former famous general who face toughness in war and kill and fight, she who has seen cruelty and experience injustices. A tough woman who came from the bottom chain up to top General, I can imagine that - I support strong independent woman like He Yan.

1ST: Too early to ship this couple He Yan & Xiao Jue. The background music gives atmosphere for them ready to kiss. Sitting arrangement is too close (for Gods sake, I complaint about sitting arrangement) by hand stroke, anytime He Yan ready to hugs or bumping into him, flutter her eyes lashes, smile coyly close to his face. Ryan Cheng's bedroom eyes is very alluring like ready to mingle (LOL) not to mention they converse things in private with soft voice like they ready get down to business (LOL). I mean as foot soldier (plus famous ex-general) as supposedly a man...this thing doesn't happen this way (unless ofcourse if they're gays interested in relationship). Flirting with a superior is damned even when she's discovered as a woman - it's still be a damned. The tip off was when He Yan pretended to be blind or got drunk, be damned they fall into the pond and he carried her up NOT typical Nephew/Uncle (pretending as Cheng LiSu) or man to man rescue (real man will walk out of the pond by himself with grumble or swearing), not like he carried her up like a girl - it's a dead away. Zhao Ye's acting is so fake I wonder I watched it to 12 ep? So, I was triggered by superficial things but nothing is realistic...all just plainly cringe.

2ND: Ryan Cheng & Zhou Ye are good looking people but they don't have chemistry, they're not suitable with their roles. Annoying little girl's voice Zhou Ye employ is nerve racking, like come on! The voice that carry confidant manly commanding as man of experience war General instead we're getting a spoil little girl voice which more suitable on mommy's lap than a young man. With that voice she's ready to be plucked especially she's surrounded by men at camp. Zhau Ye is a beautiful girl, she can't pretend (act) as a boy/man, her acting isn't good. Same goes to Ryan Cheng, they could be good pairing as a romantic lover but I don't think them as Generals (NOT even military men). They both acting are so terrible. I would blame that to the director and screen writers, the entire production I guess.

3RD. Supporting actors aren't good in acting either. The guy Cheng LiSu, Chu Zhao , Song Tao Tao are mediocre. There're no one worth mentioning. The more experience older actors are just passing...doesn't take strong hold roles. My opinion is these people are just playing dress-up, who's the most good looking in ancient costumes? I would not recommend it but if you're into empty woosy fuzzy mindless love story this maybe for you.

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CHOOSE BETWEEN DRAMA OR NOVEL

I read the novel and watch the drama, they are two separate entities, same characters but totally different story line. Drama is more ambiguous than the book. Zhang Ping was a skinny 20 something scholar, dull personality and had little words to say whose involved with 2 murder cases, which he helped to solve them. To be survived in the capital, Zhang Ping's selling noodle where Lan Jue came for a bite and had little interaction. Chen Chao was Zhang Ping's roommate and a scholar from the same hometown, he's not selling noodle or help investigation and both failed in national examination. Lan Jue was a vice minister of Rites, a youthful look (matured) man with a son (single father) very smart and collected. He's there witnessing the proceeding and process of Zhang Ping involvement in every cases. Wang Yan was assistant Minister of Justice who helped Zhang Ping investigate cases, even the young Emperor gave him so much leeway and face.

Too bad the book was translated only up to chapter 27 (150 chapters more is delayed) while the drama went wild without any similarity (little to nothing) of story line. In my opinion, you either read the novel or watch the drama, because how different creativity on the plots not for the better though. Some hallucination, illusion of water work was uncalled for, some fantasy that didn't have any place on the book. Song WeiLong was acting 'bouncy', swinging when he walk- flap his hair, blah expression. While Jing BoRan wore generous lip gloss, sensitive, romantic and dreamy. If this is BL drama, for sure BoRan will be the feminine side of character, just the way he dressed up, hairdo, act flamboyantly. Wang Yan (Hong Yao) had better acting than these 2 ML, testosterone element than 2 ML. It's weird when this drama was about solving mystery while water illusion could make someone tell the truth, may as well use that ability than digging dirt and rumbles.

Ep 18 and haven't seen Wang Duo yet, his character as Gu QingZhang hasn't appeared (none mention on the book) I am more curious about Wang Duo's character and his part in the drama. Too many characters with mental disorders (don't like it), illusion (an instance of a wrong or misinterpreted perception of a sensory experience: Oxford dictionary). Story disconnected. Main actors miscast, mischaracterized of characters, full of fillers, editorial failed. It seem this drama was intended as BL but got butchered (censor) because of new rule that rendered as failure (big time) drama.

The book author Da Feng Gua Guo disassociated herself from the drama saying that the Show Team was only borrow the characters and title but the story lines was entirely the creation of drama screenwriter(s) which made sense with the impression I am getting. As the author blasted Song WeiLong, I can understand it the way I look into his poor performance. If the originality is the best, so novel is the choice, just be patient with the waiting for continuous chapters. I am down to it, Novel it is for me.

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2 PRINCES & 1 AVERAGE GIRL

An average looking sickly girl landed 2 handsome princes from Qian and Qi tribes, how could they be? By solving mystery of crimes, 1 Prince came to be her assistant and the other Prince interested in writing a scrip by learning her technique in solving mystery, and top of that the 2 Princes wanted to take her as partner for life. It's rather unusual story taking advantage of ridiculous fantasy world, the portrayal of her getting supply of energy was like 'orgasm'. The best character was her God Father; he's loving, accommodating, funny, loyal, protective, and cute. Their relation is best as father/daughter than God Father should be but too bad he's died - here it went the 'fun' character, the only character that worth watching.

Nothing really stood out on any episodes. Nothing memorable in acting (& all female were acting annoying). Lousy costumes. Colorful palace & houses interior/exterior which no particular dynasty representation. Cheap story. None literary mentioned. Seems like a contemporary ancient C-drama.

Liu YuNing sound tract song is always beautiful. I dropped this drama...I want something else better!!

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NOTHING WITHOUT GU QIAN FAN

This drama has nothing to offer without Chen Xiao (Gu Qian Fan), seriously what so good about 3 young women who's been abandoned by their respective spouses to opened a tea house? No matter how smart, beautiful or talented these 3 women they didn't offer the excitement and intrigue to what Gu QianFan has provided interesting story line by his jobs and involvements. Tea House wouldn't poke any interest, Liu YiFei was good as she was but without a good story she's nothing but a pretty face, by adding Gu QianFan things got better. Pan'Er a serious business woman who came from lower class got involve with Gu QianFan on his failed mission, they went through bad times together and got closer. As a commander in an elite Capital squadron nicknamed "Living Devil" he lived in dangerous nefarious scheme involving the imperial court.

By their association, Pan'Er involved in many of his troubles. He's fallen in love, they both had wide gap of status, but tried to work on their relationship in secrecy to avoid rumors and public judgement. Still ep 21, there are 29 more episodes, the story might get better, rather watching unworthy costumer's ruddiness, business competitors, brawl, doing accounting book, slow business scenes. Scenes with their exes were kind of boring...so would new men in their lives....3 single women were being wooed and all that sweet love declaration and adoration...it wasn't interesting to get me hook. Cookies, cooking, serving tea, playing instrument (although beautiful music), handling tea house business....really? Why would I watch this? Of course, It's beautiful a setting and directive...I think that's all making me stay this long. QianFeng is the sole interesting character on this drama but much less action since the director was focusing the fuzzy love affairs of 3 women. I finally decided to drop it...it's not for me. There are more interesting dramas coming up....yay!!

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BECAUSE OF HIS LAST NAME 'LI'

It isn't a bad drama, bit of comedy, action, deception, apparently survival. The story is about Li Wu, a cunning smart thief, steal the identity of Li Dong Fang. Li Wu was one of survivors of 10 years ago chaotic, during the 25th-year reign of Hong Wu, the Crown Prince suddenly died of illness. His position became vacant which caused upheaval in the country. So chaotic that everyone including children, was being sent to prison even for minor offenses. In jail with a girl Shu Tang and another boy Song Zheng, Young Li Wu witnessed the dead of Song HeMing - the real father of Lu Zheng (Song Zheng) - as one of imperial guard who got betrayed by his own subordinate because of a secret letter that he hide on Juwei lock. 10 years later, 3 teenagers grew up with new identities and life experience. Ep 12, we got little reveal, but it's getting darker and each episode has connection from a decade memories and Juwei Lock is the source of what they're fighting for.

LI WU/FAKE LI DONGFANG (ZHANG YUNLONG)
He was a thief, money grabber and opportunist, smart and kind, fluent with his speech - so smart he'd tell lies after lies just to survive in every crisis that got himself into. He changed identity to Li DongFang, a visiting Brocade-clad Sargent from the north - a high ranking Colonel in Night Scouts, so he can get into wealthy household to rob. He found a unique metal ball amongest jewelries, silver, bank notes, without thinking he pocket it and run to find way out. He meet Lu Zheng, a imperial brocade officer who suspicious about his name - he tails him - not knowing that this fake Li DongFang was nothing but a thief and a liar. They meet the assassin that kill Wang GuKong the homeowner for his secret Juwei lock, she got injured and hide at the same place where thief Li Wu rob the place. They strike a deal, he help her out and she won't kill him. By using Li Dong Fang's name, as a Sargent from different branch, Li Wu became one of the brocade guard work together with Lu Zheng to solve their childhood memories without telling the other one the truth. Although Lu Zheng suspect Li Dong Fang as Li Wu, the boy that he witnessed kill his biological father, Li Wu was too eloquent to object them all. In time they'd know their identities and decided they're good in working together.

LU ZHENG (CHEN RUO XUAN)
Very straight forward Brocade-clad detective, had not many friend, adopted son of Chief Commander Brocade Imperial Guard. Lu Zheng witnessed one of the boy that his father freed from the jail pulling bloody knife from his father's chest and Lu Zheng intensively looking for that boy as now as an adult like himself, determine to put him to jail serve the justice. Lu Zheng learned from his lesson of saving someone only to literally stabbed him in the back so now, when it is criminal, he sees it only in black and white. He met Li Dong Fang, rumored he'd be promoted, curiously he approached Li Dong Fang. He didn't know it was the 'fake' Li Dong Fang (Li Wu). Although he's suspicious Li Dong Fang as Li Wu, he has no prove. He's determine to find who really is this Li Dong Fang and his wife by move himself in and doing surveillance to every move. He wasn't concerned himself with Juwei lock, his goal was to find answer the death of his biological father, and Li Wu had the answer to that.

SHU TANG (SUN YI)
She's involved in 10 years ago chaotic among 3 teens. As an adult, she's one of Night Scouts whose mission was to killed Wang KeGong and find the Juwei lock but got injured by Lu Zheng on the middle of mission. She hide in the room where Li Wu robbing the home owner, she couldn't trust Li Wu as he told many version of stories on how/why/what. Li Wu said that he used Li Dong Fang's name (Shu Tang's superior) as he couldn't personally watch in the area while he has more important things to attend, so Shu Tang attached herself as a (fake) wife of Li Wu.

When Song HeMing put young Li Wu to jail, he said 'because of his name (Li), so what? Lots of identity changing, every twist of the plots got complicated - like someone who did this before becoming different persona different time.The real Li DongFang was an ambitious man, he got critical injured few times but came back strong to life . He's the one who initiated to rebel, the agitator, came from previous dynasty to take back power. A great drama, collaboration between actors, setting and background was very realistic, no cringe no crying no begging. Writing a review on this section doesn't do the justice of the drama. Might not everyone's favorite though.

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BLINDED BY HYUN BIN

Alright, I am pretty late found this drama - seems like everyone that I tried to share my intakes to this drama has already watch it way long before me. So, at first I wasn't interested with anything about North Korea but boy...proof me wrong this one. A South Korean heiress slash business executive crash lands in North Korea after her paraglider is caught in a typhoon, end up in North Korea side of the country and meet with the Army captain patrolling the area that's been destroyed by typhoon. Although, he tried to guide her thru back to South Korea, she was lost and went circle in the woods. She happened end up in his house...it's getting funny right then when his subordinates show up at his door; 1 drama fanatic fan, 1 an innocent young soldier, 1 die-hard socialist, 1 a handsome like male model soldier, this four become close confidants and trustee guards/friends.

Not only Main Leads are good in their acting but supporting actor are brilliant too....they are enriched the characters. Balance of humor, action/suspense, romance, realistic portrayal of village's people and their life, witty dialog, great OST, friendship as well as dysfunctional family relationship - all thrown in there to become the good CLOY. Although they portrayed the drama in a good light of North Korean life because in reality it's more harsher, also too many coincidental meetings in Switzerland that basically 'nah...' but I was blinded by the charms of Hyun Bin. He's looking good in any clothing; Army uniform, drab brown NK officer uniform, simple shirt and jacket. not too mention all the fancy suits.

I am not going to write more details as many has already done it. For sure I love this drama so much...it becomes classic to me.

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WHEN NO EXPECTATION

When you don't have any expectation from this drama, you'll get what wish for, no complication - no side story lines - no other supporting actors - no other setting venues - no other choice of outfits. Its pretty simple, take a nap and miss nothing of it, the story was circling about Lu Wan'Er and Huang Fu Yan...little bit of dynamic sister/brother in law Zhao Yuan Jun/Huang Fu Mu. There wasn't a bang of chemistry between the actors...it's pretty basic Chinese love story... means the ending is happy with no heartbreak or sadden last minute life decision....it's all good if that's considered as a 'spoiler'. I think this is low budged project, with limited location, no other supporting actor - a few casts, little to nothing change of clothing I can see this is 'a first time production' for this team. Do I want to rewatch it? I don't think so, this is one of them that you've enough watch it once, too bad I can't give 0 score.

Would I recommend it? When you have plenty time in your hand like me, go for it! Otherwise, keep flipping the remote find something else better and when we think there are many other more that better out there, this drama doesn't stand a chance to stay put.

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NOT AGAIN WANG XING YUE!

Wang Xing Yue has picked another synopsis not too far from his role in Scent of Time (as Zhong Xie Wu) a character who's attracted to someone else's wife. He's good in that character, powerful and noble, reserved & upright, but not challenging enough to bring out his best talent. Hope in his future project, he won't again taking in this kind of role. Okey, the story is about the most talented well-educated girl Xue Fang Fei (Wu Jin Yan) who took the identity of second miss Prime Minister Jiang Li in abandonment of 10 years seclusion in women's sect monastery.

Xue Fang Fei was the wife of a talented poor scholar Shen Yu Rong, because of his well manner and handsome face - a cruel grand Princess attracted to him and wanted him for herself. His ambitious mother and greedy sister insisted him to get rid of the wife Xue Fang Fei with accusation of infidelity and adultery in exchange of high position in the palace as trusted official ministry. With regret he dragged his wife to the wood and killed her, he believed his wife Xue Fang Fei dead and buried 6 feet under. He didn't know that she survive the killing - dug out her own grave and happened to meet Jiang Li - the abandon Prime Minister daughter and gave her a helping hand. On the way out to help Xue Fang Fei, Jiang Li got caught by the monastery and punished till she died. Before she died though she tell her story about her background and hopes to Xue Fang Fei. With no way out in her own personal life, she decided to take in Jiang Li identity and bring her out of situation; go back to the capital, claim Jiang Li's identity as respectable second miss and fullfil Jiang Li's wish to reality, she also wanted to get her revenge. She met Xiao Heng/Duke Su (Wang Xing Yue) while he's chasing after a criminal, with her intelligent to manipulate situation to get her home. Duke Su suspicious about her, he has seen her as Xue Fang Fei not as her claim as Jiang Li.

Too much dramatization of scenes that are not necessary (wind blowing exaggerate slow motion scenes or when she played music Gu Zheng), jealous hideous women, acting is 7 the most to all of them. I mean I've seen Wang Xing Yue's same acting to similar personalities in his previous dramas (Scent of Time as Zhong Xie Wu, One & Only as Liu Zi Xing, Story of Kunning Palace as Zhang Zhe). Wu Jin Yan is ordinarily gloomy & blank eyes. The story has potential if they cast someone else other than Wang Xie Yue, he's good but he should act in different character & story line. Actually the one that acting good is the jealous step-mother and cruel princess, just too bad their characters are so despicable, I just hate them but that's make them good actors. Face beauty accessory with pearls is like Trypophobia skin disease?? Not pretty as it intended to be.

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ANOTHER REMAKE

I don't know how many times all together remaking this story. My favorite is still the Hongkong version remake in the 1970 or 1980, they are classic because they cast the perfect actors for the job. As a big fan of Jin Yong, I graded 10 for synopsis and the screenwriters do good job on dialog and pretty consistent with storyline in the book. This is the beginning of trilogy remarkable classic Jin Yong's novel. I can basically map it out what the next scenes based on the novel, although it's pretty outdated (Jin Yong wrote it in 1957) I like this one better than previous Chinese version but fighting choreography isn't good.

I think the young actors who play Guo Jing and Huang Rong are cute together. Although Guo Jing is pretty slow intellectually and average looking, he's honest innocent loyal kind-heart and hard work that makes Huang Rong loves him to no end. Huang Rong is the kind of daddy girl who has photographic memory, very intelligent, inheriting deviousness from her father, young beauty, carefree and a happy girl. Her intelligent help Guo Jin in so many level, solve many difficulties; from securing a teacher, help him in Mongolia against Ouyang Feng, up assist to defending the border while she's pregnant. Their relationship wasn't all smooth ride; from family disapproval, strain of two different up-bringing, heart broken in misunderstanding, & war.

Wanyan Kang/Yang Kang in the other hand is a malicious malignant evil man. He compared ragged poor honest patriotic biological father with his richly ambitious Jin adoptive father, he'd rather be a traitor to his Han bloodline than live in poor and disrespected. His relationship to Mu Nian Ci resulted in a baby boy name Yang Guo (Main character on next novel the Return of Condor Heroes), Wanyan Kang killed Ouyang Ke just to be Ouyang Feng apprentice. He died from Ouyang Feng residual poison when he attacks Huang Rong, a dramatic dying for the treacherous man; abandon, unloved, painful & sad death. At the end of chapter, Mu Nian Ci would handed their little boy Yang Guo to Guo Jing and Huang Rong to be adopted before she died. Which they both raise young Guo Yang in strict discipline and moral code, not to grow up like his father.

5 Grand masters; Ouyang Feng, Huang Yao Shi, Zhou Bo Tong, Hong Qi Gong, Duan Zhi Xing here are all looking young and handsome. As far the characteristic in the book they're all in their 60th or 70th with grey hair. Ouyang Feng is poisonous ruthless senile evil man who'll end-up insane because of self-teaching from fake Jiu Yin Manual Guo Jing wrote (ep 16). Huang Yao Shi will finally bless Huang Rong to marry Guo Jing and leave the island for the couple. Hong Qi Gong will travel and spend time in Palace's kitchen to steal more delicious foods. Childish carefree Zhao Bo Tong will live together blissfully happy with the woman who loved him. Kind His Royal Highness Duan Zhi Xing live secluded as a monk together with remorseful repentant Qiu Qian Ren turned-monk. Guo Jing last surviving blind teacher would live with them in Peach Blossom island to retire. I could't believe I still remember all that after many years...

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23 episodes I invested to this drama

This is a long series and I skipped, paused, jumped between episodes. Apparently I am not a big fan of Li Qin, every drama she was in I am not fond of, and this is one of them. She is a great actress, beautiful, great acting skill but I think she picked the wrong roles. I was hoping she'd better in 'the Wolf' but early episode as a young girl - she's faked childish girl in a her adult body. This drama, She's given an identity as Shen LiGe who had married into royalty. Her step sister Shen LeQing jealous because she wasn't selected, because of it she gave all hell and troubles to Shen LiGe. I think I admire her driven determination to ruin Shen LiGe, she's a tough cookie survived from all retributions even when fallen into the cliff. After alot people died at the end of drama, she still survived to send the last attack to this couple. I don't understand it, why a gentle young woman who knew nothing about martial art or strategy could survive in whole long 53 episodes just from hatred. Although this drama adapted from true story but the actors didn't deliver memorable acting. Too much go around the bushes, the queen was a very powerful woman there and people just sucked up on her. So, nothing's new...nothing interesting...nothing memorable...I gave it up after investing my time for 23 episodes (1,035 minutes of my life).

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HEAVY THICK MAKE-UP

First thing we notice on this drama is the heavy thick make-up on all actresses and actors. So heavy we can see the different color of their contour on nose line, good thing these guys are professional they still convey emotion in their acting through all that face cover. This is the second season of Flourish Peony with different title, I like the first one as it was new idea of screen-writing, the 2nd one though kind of boring. We knew the basic concept of the story-line, knew each characters, knew the villain - it's just the extension of what 1st season has already laid out. Of course, we want to know the end of drama but continuations episodes with no much differences. My best guess is this drama actually 56 ep total but made into 2 division because of China's regulation. But if they don't cut into 2 seasons, it might be just make sense because audience still be excited with it's moment, before losing interest after a year gap. At least that's what I thought.

All disaster happens to He Wei Fang (Yang Zi) and Jiang Chang Yang (Li Xian) are the result of Prince Ning's family and his minion's actions. Like they shouldn't see anywhere else, it's them Prince Ning did it (or under his order) or his daughter or son in law, they should have just prepared themselves when they bump problems - don't look anyone else. Love obsessiveness Liu Chang towards Wei Fang, Li You Zhen towards Liu Chang is tiring...I think I am over them. It isn't me, I mean when someone told him/her 'not interested' can we just move on already rather forcing it...or worse kill or intent for destruction. Ep 10 On Jiang Chang Yang begin to reveal his declaration serving the country and his allegiance to the Emperor, so of course He Wei Fang support his mission being a good wife she is. The two gradually develop a secret love. After a near-death experience, the two work together to put down a rebellion, and both retreat into the world of heaven and earth.

I think the guy Tu Song Yan (Prince Ning) is good, I meant I hate his character. He embodied greed and ambition, he think himself is more deserving as Emperor than his little brother. He uses his royal status to get away shady things, carefully loyal in front of the Emperor but instigate nuisances. Tu Song Yang is usually play the nicest guy (Go Ahead, Meet Yourself) but in this drama, his appearance totally change and dubiously malicious character. His daughter is not much different. The more episode progress the more I feel this drama is kind of preachy, beautiful perfect Saint He Wei Fang, she doesn't have flaws no mistakes no wrong no slips. Like everybody adores & love her, everybody praises, adulate her, so generous so kind. Bleh...

I think Yang Zi and Li Xian are compatible, they're close to age, so comfortable to each other. They're looking good together. Oh, I dropped this drama. Bleh.....she's a self religious...enough with her holiness He Wei Fang.

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RILEY WANG'S BEST EYEBROW

The one I catch with this drama is Riley Wang's eyebrow, it's the shape that we are girl dying for. Very pretty but don't think it's great for Riley Wang. Ok, the story was about a rich merchant girl who got married with Official Pei just to avoid an Emperor's harem, same as Pei to marry her avoiding 4th princess advances. While the Dowager Queen disagreed with their marriage union, she's tried to break them apart so she could manipulate situation to her benefits both ways. 2nd time around she decided to marry 3rd young master from Song family, a playboy merchant that had his reason to marry divorcee rich woman like her. Things happen when she got pregnant with possibility either of them, as both men claimed to be the father of the baby but surely confused with her pregnancy timing (2 or 4 months pregnancy). Was it still during her marriage to Pei 4 months ago or her recent marriage to Song 2.5 months ago. So, back and forth unknowingly....the most expert imperial gynecologist decided it was 3 months pregnancy which became more a mystery; whose baby was it? Decided she's rising the baby as Shen family where she's part of.

I like her step mother, aunt concubine, they're good to each other and very close relationship. The whole confusion of pregnancy was to understand 'don't get drunk and sleep with a guy' because after all the fuss....they still didn't know whose the father of the baby? Both men had the possibility and greatly happy to be the father.....while Shen Miao likes Pei more than Song they broke apart for safety reason. Shen Miao tried to divorce Song...and find another guy to be her 3rd. Why did so many men like to have her as a wife (including the Emperor)? Because she's an heir of rich merchant and her birth mother hide treasure that believed to be great amount and she's the only one who knew where it was....the wealth the Kingdom needed to finance war and power. Pei was a talented brilliant scholar, who's young Emperor trust to build and modernize the kingdom although he took low position just to avoid the eye from dowager Empress. I couldn't stand seeing the hairdo of little boy's hairstyle, so much ribbons for boys, don't you think?

Riley Wang was the sole businessman of Song family. He had few concubines and interested in Shen Miao for the same reason like other men'her wealth and businesses'. They tried appease dowager Empress for relationship and business licenses for they're in bed with problems in hand. Anyway, Riley Wang was act annoying, keep calling her name 'Miao Miao' sound cheesy. I want to kick his ass by every second 'Miao Miao...' sigh. Dropped it...

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GREAT DRAMA. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

"The drama tells the story of a group of individuals with different backgrounds who were unexpectedly drawn into a mysterious treasure-hunting journey during the late Qing Dynasty. Amidst the grand and tumultuous historical tide, they gradually strengthened their ideals of saving the country." 4 opposite side groups of people; Loyalist of Qing Imperial Guards lead by Irgen Gioro Mu Qing / "Men San Dao" (Qin Jun Jie), ambitious little RongTian Sword Sect lead by Zhuo Bu Fan (Liu Yu Ning), Single unnerving Dagu County Yamen constable Wang Jia Luo (Pang Han Chen), plus Japanese agents. In the beginning these people meet like domino effects: Men San Dao's people are pursuing traitor the WuZu Reformers, Wang Jia Luo is pursuing killers in his jurisdiction which're RongTian Sword Sect people, Zhuo Bu Fan's sect are pursuing treasure map helping Prince Qi the head of rebel, as wells as Japanese agents for treasury map.

They're colluded as their case are interconnected and interference in each other throats. They out smart each other, work in their group with each dilemmas and love interest, everyone has a spy around them to hijack the mission.
So far, I only watch up to ep 11 and still going on but....

What I love about this drama is the opening credit: Black and white videos of Chinese lifestyle in Shanghai, historical facts about concession of Japanese, English, France, American authorities in 19th century Shanghai. All actors acting remarkably good from the Main Leads and supporting actors, scripts is flowing flawless great, awesome action, subtle romances, setting and costumes are beautifully appropriate century, great angle cameramen, love the OST. It reminded me of movies in the 60th.

Liu Yu Ning is very good in here....I think his expression is on point.

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SUPPORTING ACTORS SHINE

Zhuang Han Yan (Chen Du Ling) was abandoned as an innocent baby and raised in the southern countryside by other family, being horribly abused and neglected by adopted family. One reason, she managed to survive to find her family in the capital to get to know her birth parent as well as step siblings. Too bad her family ignored her, her mother wanted her go - marry her off to far away land while her father was a weak mind and cowardly man. On top of that concubine Zhou were a over zealous woman with 2 other step siblings who always contradicted her in so many ways. Han Yan has to always on her toes to keep herself one step ahead. Her return catches the attention of Fu Yun Xi, a deputy minister at the Dali Temple, the brother in-law who married one of her already deceased step sister.

Behind all that there're big secret her family act the way they do. Her mother keep hatred and painful regret marrying the husband while her farther is the one who instigate crimes and treacherous in mask of cowardly and weakness behavior as he kills most of his family. Han Yan starts to understand the stigma each individual of her family as she reconciles with her mother. Fu Yun Xi who suffers from a mysterious illness. Seeking a virtuous and capable wife to entrust with his family Fu Yun Xi finds Zhuang Han Yan, with her exceptional courage and kind heart, to be the ideal candidate. One thing I say here though, relationship between Han Yan & Chai Jing isn't like sisterhood - they're too devoted to each other like 'I will lay my life just for you' kind of thing.

Also as I watch this drama I found that skinny Chen Du Ling has characteristic of calmness and wary smiles that suitable with ML Xin Yun Lai, He has handsome aloofness. Although so far their pairing doesn't have much of couple sweetness but I think their cold-warm relationship is pretty enduring. Ep 20-21 is where they joint in marriage with assumption of 'close-deal' rather than admitting they're actually like (or love) each other. They both act good but I think all the supporting actors are the one shines especially Concubine Zhao (Wang Yan) remarkable acting (she made me hate her character) I think she deserves an award, as well as Yu En Tai as Zhuang Shi Yang (I want to knock this bastard off to the cliff). Up from ep 21, Han Yan acts more a hysteric nonsensical woman like her mother, ignoring husband who shown his compassion and self sacrifices on to his end of life, I don't know if I like her character change. Only vengeance, coldness and stubbornness pasted in her face instead of her youthful beauty. It's a happy ending. Zhuang Shi Yang get what he deserve.

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