Aya

I actually wonder how things would have worked out had she confessed everything at that moment. Would it have worked out for the better?

YQY is actually very pure hearted. Especially in terms of romance. He doesn't ask for much. Just whatever PR is willing to give. He has no thought of holding her back in any way or restrain her, which is probably what's attracting the free spirited PR to him so much.

That was a gorgeous scene. Not only visually, but emotionally. LSS is indeed reminded that he's the DG, but she doesn't shrink away from him this time. She takes his hand and looks at him. Really, looks at him. TTJ. Not any other version of him, but the present him. The man that has changed so much that he's no longer anyone else.

Among my all time favourite confessions

It's a testament to LYX and BL's talent and chemistry, that shines not only in the passionate and dramatic moments, but in tender and fragile ones as well.

You're asking some difficult questions 😂

This episode started out with some beautiful romantic scenes between TTJ and LSS and PR and YQY and ended with the elegant fight between TTJ and XL. This is definitely among my favourite episodes (I feel like I keep repeating this over and over).

LSS is finally seeing TTJ as more than a mission and more than the future DG, but as a separate entity. As just TTJ. The man she loves. It's unfortunate that every time they take a step toward each other, the circumstances and some evil people (aka YBC) force them to take two steps back.

YBC remains shameless and fake, fake, fake. I can't stand looking at her. I can't wait for the next episode where she gets some of what she deserves.

And what a journey it is 😁

You're right 🙂

I've been considering changing my profile pic, but I'm afraid I'm going to miss it 😂

PR and YQY have a completely different dynamic to our main couple. Both are actually very straightforward, but in a different way. I would have liked to see more of them. Maybe they should get a drama of their own.

This may sound repetitive by now, but this episode also has some of my favourite moments.

One of them is the conversation between LSS and TTJ at the tomb. It's such a tender moment. For the first time TTJ opens up completely and we get to see clearly just how emotionally fragile he actually is. There's a lot of hesitation and fear of rejection and abandonment, but he still chooses to dare to ask for her affection, because his fear of losing her is much greater. He has finally put a name to his feelings and found the warmth that he's been seeking all his life. For LSS, this also seems to be the first time that she's just enjoying the moment without her mission hanging over her head. It's an indulgence that she'll come to regret later, leading to some extreme choices, but for now it's actually heartwarming to see both of them happy.

I was looking for a darker drama and this one definitely delivered. This drama is moody and melancholic with a few lighter moments sprinkled here and there. It's beautifully shot and the story moves at an even pace. I enjoyed it very much.

I completely agree. The experiences in the Bo're dream alone were not enough. Now they have their own things to learn. At this point in the story they are both still learning how to deal with their feelings and emotions and in a safe environment that would be ok. Unfortunately, there's a lot at stake for both of them. LSS carries a heavy responsibility and the weight can be crushing and any mistake can be devastating, so it's understandable that she's being cautious. TTJ on the other hand also has a lot at stake as he's making LSS the most important person in his life and the only one (he thinks) he truly cares about.

I think that's what makes this drama so great. Their actions and reactions are all understandable from their point of view. They make sense for them. Each and every experience has made them who they are.

I automatically click on the next episode. It's only possible because it's a rewatch. I would not be able to do it on the first watch.

Just a side note, I'm finding it very difficult watching just one episode a day. I've really gotten used to watching as many episodes as I like/can.

It is fun watching at the same pace with others and discussing each episode though 😄

His reaction to the couple outfit was adorable.

Quite a lot has happened in this episode.

Everyone is still calling TTJ a monster, when they are the ones doing horrible things and he is just not letting them walk all over him anymore. The horrible king of Sheng has no morals whatsoever and had the audacity to demand gratitude from TTJ. YBC only cares about herself and has no problem walking over corpses as long as she herself survives. Who's the real monster here?

Once again LSS is lashing out at TTJ without knowing all the facts, because her trauma is making her see the DG version whenever TTJ shows any trace of cruelty. Is it fair? No. Is it understandable? Absolutely. Especially given the fact that she now has feelings for him and she knows that at the very least he has some feelings for her. She has seen the traces of goodness. While she hopes that he can be changed for good and not become the DG, any sign that she might be mistaken is terrifying.

TTJ himself isn't really helping either. His retaliations are immediate. He is hurt by her betrayal, so right away he tries to hurt her back by saying all those cruel things and using YBC to make her jealous.

The two of them were supposed to have learned from MY and SJ's story, but they both seem to be making similar mistakes, instead of just being honest and talking.

I can't really blame them for not having control over their emotions though, given that both are fairly new to romantic feelings and keeping that in check can be hard.

TTJ is genuinely trying to be a good ruler and it's really interesting to see his subordinates argue with him.

YBC is inherently selfish and unworthy of anyone's sincere feelings, especially the selfless and kind XL. Poor XL thinks she loves him and worries about him, while she only cares about herself and worries what would happen to her if he's gone.