Yerisina

I agree with you, Zi Ang’s greatest failure (I’ve said that before, but it’s buried in many comments) is putting himself and his desires above Shu He’s. In a healthy relationship he should have accepted Shu He’s decisions, his status, his agency—but he did not. Their relationship however is not a healthy one. I’m not a psychologist, but this reads like an extremely unhealthy trauma attachment to me (and exaggerated times 100 because it’s a drama). 😅

Also, you said that Zi Ang is not like that from the beginning, to which... I kind of disagree? He certainly changed, but that is to me more because he was super hurt and couldn't understand Shu He's decisions.

However, I'd say there were warning signs before:
They hadn't even confirmed if their feelings for each other were mutual and still:
* Zi Ang got himself drunk over an arranged (!) marriage to the point of passing out.
*Zi Ang joined the wedding banquet, to which Shu He was very pissed because it could have cost him his life if things went wrong.
* Zi Ang drank what was supposed to be poisoned wine, essentially a death sentence, for a man who he didn't know loved him the same way he did.

Sure, on paper this looks fine, but this might just be because in this case, he is somewhat aligned with what the audience wants: grand romantic gestures. But things switch when Zi Ang does "great romantic gestures" which all of a sudden only support him, and not Shu He anymore.

Well, Zi Ang went off the deep end in episode 9, there's no denying that. XD

But his life is also a tragedy, at least to me. (This is *not* an excuse for his behavior, but) Zi Ang suffered a lot, even if we don't get to see it explored much. His family murdered, separated from his brother/family/friend(s)?, raised as weapon, his real mother executed,...

These were all things he didn't choose, that his life just thrust upon him. So he clings fiercely to the one thing that feels chosen: his love for Shu He.
To Zi Ang, love is salvation. Losing it feels like his personal annihilation.

Therefore loves possessively, but he is not intentionally cruel. His devotion is absolute, and it centers on his understanding of what is best.
He protects by removing what he sees as obstacles, as threats. Even if the “threat” is Shu He's brother, his agency or his values. Zi Ang just cannot comprehend that Shu He would choose an abstract concept (kingdom, duty, people) or death over him.

It's (after all that Zi'ang has done) really the only ending they could have had... But it's such a strong story, and the characters and their dialogues really stay with you (or at least with me XD). And I do like the ending, it made me a waterfall of tears, but that's fine.

Yes, REAL historical BL with actual kisses (and such a good story, multilayered characters...), it just hits differently. Somehing that compares? Hard (or rather (at least for me) impossible) to find... It's like they opened Pandora's box...

It's a loophole to circumvent censorship. It's actually a Chinese production, but with some sponsoring from Singapore and officially registered there.

Haha, sorry to butt in on your reply to Jasprin. I’m just wording for myself why I still defend ZiAng even though he wronged ShuHe so much. I think for me is a) that ShuHe cannot fully hate him, and therefore I can’t either, b) he never forced himself on ShuHe, even though he could (and honestly, such a low bar, but still I think I have to mention this) c) when ZiAng is vulnerable and nice (like during the lantern festival), he makes you forget about everything else. I can see why ShuHe was hesitant…

Happy new year to everyone in the comments, especially the regulars (you know who you are). <3

Thank you for all the interesting thoughts and insights! Kill to Love has had me in a chokehold since it aired, it made me stop lurking and start to interact with other fans. Let’s continue to show our love and support for the drama, actors and producers in 2026!

Here are my thoughts:
Firstly, Shu He loves his brother and clings to the hope that his brother will not harm him, even to the bitter end. Turns out he is wrong, and is even prepared to give his life for it.
It also shows how much he does not want to sit on the throne, to be the emperor.
Would Shu Qian be a tyrant? Likely. Would he be a better emperor than Shu He? --> That's the real question.
In the history books, Shu Qian would have likely been a great leader. Probably kill a few opposing ministers when he ascended, ruling with an iron fist. Strong military presence, maybe invasions and even annexation of neighboring, weaker countries. Ideally brings a lot of gold to the treasury. (Much like Zi Ang later). Would the people of South Hui suffer? Also yes, maybe. It's war after all...

What happened under Shu He? History books: Not a good word about him.
What about the people? At least according to Zi Ang (our unreliable source) they wanted to overthrow him. But most of the times this also shows that the emperor has already lost the support of his ministers and his military, because otherwise they would suppress uprisings (poor, suppressed and starving peasants -- like they would have been under Shu Qian -- are not good revolutionaries).
In the end, Shu He (and I will defend him that he was not as incompetent as he and Zi Ang claim) was a weak enough leader that North Ji could easily invade South Hui.

So perhaps it's not such a bad choice after all to let his tyrannical brother take the throne and be killed by him? People were suffering regardless.

In ep 4 Zi Ang said: "When the dynasty prospers, people suffer. When the dynasty falls, people suffer."

Regarding Zi Ang:
Yes, he put his own desires above what Shu He wanted, Couldn't accept "no" for an answer (when he should have).
This is not an excuse, but my answer to this is that for Zi Ang, Shu He was a trauma bond. With the death of his family, he lost everything and was starved for affection. And then he found that -- love, affection -- in Shu He. So all of a sudden he needs him, because Shu He fills that void in him, like he needs air to breathe. Ultimately Zi Ang is not a bad person, he just thinks too much with his heart (*cough* nether regions) than with his brain...

Hope you’re well too— my love for AngHe is as strong as ever. Whenever you want to talk, I’m checking the comments regularly, so we can always have nice conversations. I think I still owe you a reply too 😅

Why? What are you referring to? 😇😅

Oh Jasprin, thank you for your comment. <3 I could go on and on…
I couldn't have written it better.
I was contemplating answering, but I feel I defend Shu He so much - he has such a soft spot in my heart.
I love both Zi Ang and ShuHe, Yet Zi Ang wronged Shu He a lot in my eyes. So much so that the fact that Shu He took him back just goes to show how much he must have felt for Zi Ang. Especially after he was taken prisoner. But even before that.

Ultimately there is no one reason - it's the sum of everything. But there is a common probl: Zi Ang disrespects Shuhe’s wishes again and again. If you really love someone , you accept their opinion - even if that means no.

Also, I don't think that Shu He "betrayed" Zi Ang. He deceived him (and himself too I suppose) out of self-preservation rather than maliciousness. Never with the intent to hurt Zi Ang. His feelings never once anything but the truth.

I hope my ramblings make sense...

Better late than never. Glad you enjoyed <3
I would also like to see it get more recognition, it’s just soooo good…

Can't argue with your no. 1❣️

If Zhang ZheXu and Mi Jin were to act together in another drama, would you prefer modern or ancient setting?

To answer my own question:
In addition to all the great suggestions already mentioned, I would have liked to see (in no particular order)

- more about the Duan massacre. Why were they killed? Did the fact that they hid Zi Ang play a part? (I mean, they were accused of treason / conspiracy with the enemy? Were they really just framed? But by hiding Zi Ang they actually committed something I would call treason? It is either a really big coincidence or something that could add another interesting twist to the plot.

- Zi Ang as a young boy and how the massacre impacted him. Show him as a boy crying in the Red Shadow Guard's training camp. His uncle being strict / nice to him, instilling the values of North Ji into a boy who grew up in South Hui.

- females, in general. I know this is BL and many BL fans / dramas don't treat women nicely. But it is also kind of sad that there are only 3 females who speak lines, all of them maids, and the longest dialogue is from the maid preparing tea for Shu He. What about their mothers for instance? ...which brings me to my last two points

- Shu He and his mother (and maybe even Shu Qian (bc imo they have the same mother)) in childhood. The contrast in upbringing from their father and their mother. What happened to her? What was she accused of to kill her? I think even Mi Jin would have profited from seeing an actress that was Shu He's mother. (He said he had trouble finding the right feelings for the scene)

- Zi Ang's mother and why she was killed. Shu He said in the poem the emperor of North Ji blames her for his misrule. What did she do? So many questions...

I think in episode 9 the lack of budget is the most apparent, since you can see they want to show war, but just don't have extras who play soldiers; they lack horses, carriages, war equipment, whatnot. All is AI. Not bad, actually, and they used it effectively, but real people would’ve created a much bigger impact. Show a town being raided, civilians suffering - even if Zi Ang wants to be merciful. Also there are no scenes of Shu He in court during his reign. We only see his ascension and then whenever he is in his bed chamber looking miserable. What happened? Why is he distraught? What did Gu and the other ministers suggest he should / shouldn't do?

I think your third point is reflected quite well in some viewers' confusion. Some are completely on Zi Ang's side, not understanding why Shu He was so opposed to Zi Ang.
I read comments that they didn't understand the "sudden" switch from "love to hate to love to hate" again. But then again, I think Shu He himself takes a long time to come to terms with what wants and what he feels. He is put in an impossibly difficult situation - so it's difficult to convey.

1) Yes, Minister Gu! I want to know what his motive was, and what happened to him! It seems like he achieved nothing in the end...

2) Huai Yi - Was he Zi Ang's real foster brother? An imposter set up by North Ji? So many questions.

3) Yes. The explanation in canon doesn't make sense. I talked a lot about that with @Jasprin.
I think he was either poisoned by someone in North Ji's court (HY or someone else) - or it was some kind of poison that made him stronger (like steroids x100), but with devastating side effects.

4) Could have been explored more, but I agree with some other opinions: Only if it doesn't distract from the main narrative.

You can add as much as you want; if it had a proper budget, I imagine there could have been plenty more episodes. Reading all of your great comments makes me want to at least double the amount of episodes. :D

I agree with all points!
Plus: I have to add I would have wished for real flowers - if only for the close-ups.

For those of you still reading the comments: if the drama would have had more budget, what should they have invested in? What would you like to see/add? Where is the most potential?

It’s so interesting that Jasprin said 20% was kept, because it really feels different, especially the character dynamics (I didn’t get far, but from what I read I don’t like Zi Ang in the novel). It‘s like they kept the bones (poetry loving Sixth Prince and assassin, power-hungry brother etc.) and created something new based off that.