all_the_tangerines

interpretation of Zichu not letting Haolan see him before his death by Cindy Lu

Let's be honest, Zichu and Haolan are both very intelligent and cunning people with the ability to set aside their emotions, be cold-blooded, and even manipulate others when the situation calls for it. This is what Zichu loved about her. He knew she was the only woman who could match his level of intelligence and cunningness. First in Zhao when he was a hostage, he knew he needed a smart wife who could help him survive in a foreign country and then in Qin he knew his queen needed to be someone smart enough to help him defeat his enemies and protect his homebase. Like he tells Lubuwei before his death, he isn't averse to using Haolan to achieve his goals. However, there's a bit of insecurity in Zichu. He's aware that Haolan can do better than him, that other men would be willing to give her his entire heart while Zichu isn't and part of him is worried that seeing how smart Haolan is, what if one day she realizes what a jack*ss he is and finds a new lover. This combines with the his narcissistic side to emotionally manipulate Haolan into never finding closure and thus never being able to get over him. He wants his existence to transcend death and pervade her life even after he is gone. (quick note this is also evident in his desire to leave the legacy of being the emperor who paves the way for the Qin to invade the rest of China). Therefore, Zichu never fully loved Haolan. He only loved himself and the benefits being with Haolan would bring. Haolan on the other hand is different. She has a heart. You can see throughout the show that there's this narrative of females in powerful positions yet still being used and trampled on by men. While one may see this as a sexist portrayal of women, I have mixed feelings about that. Haolan can do everything Zichu and Lubuwei do. She could pursue power and she could use it to abuse other people, but she doesn't. She doesn't want to and I think that makes her stronger and more powerful than all the strong male characters we see. She's not imprisoned by the thrall of power and the fact that she still ends up extremely powerful is the ultimate flex. Although I do have to say, it is rather disappointing that EVERY single male fell into the gender stereotype of "ambitions over women" and ALL the women were controlled by men to some extent (even Haolan), so this is why I can see there being moments where the show is trying to break gender tropes and also moments when they fall back into it. Coodles to you if you read this whole thing, dang this is long.

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