bianbian16141

The death of Consort Shu was the trigger, which led to Wei Yan’s rebellion and the subsequent change in imperial power. The self-immolation of the crown princess was the outcome—an inevitable part of the political purge against the bloodline of the former regime after the new imperial authority was established.

Tonight at 6:00 Beijing time, the remaining 5 episodes will all be released. Tencent Video has already displayed the finale release time.

You didn’t catch the hints from today. When he was recommended to teach etiquette, that suggestive background music started playing, and his tone shifted noticeably. He said he wouldn’t look down on a fourth-rank female general and would do his humble part to assist—implying he’s preparing to climb the social ladder once again by attaching himself to a woman. After studying for so many years, even if removed from his post, he could still take on other work. Educated individuals were highly valued in ancient times. Of course, if he lets this setback crush his spirit and spends his days complaining, blaming fate for its unfairness—well, there’s just no helping him.

However, the cowardly emperor resorted to despicable and underhanded means to protect himself. He first promised his sister in marriage to the Li family, then to Marquis Wu'an. In Episode 37, he plotted against Marquis Wu'an by lacing his wine with a potent aphrodisiac, luring him to the abandoned palace, and then exposing him to incense containing a paralysis-inducing drug—all to render the Marquis utterly defenseless. A righteous person would never engage in such vile tactics.

I can’t wait to read your comments and party with you all on the 26th.

Actually, that's not entirely accurate. A letter of betrothal is only recognized by the two families involved in the marriage arrangement. The formal marriage process involves first exchanging the betrothal letter, then holding the wedding ceremony, and finally reporting to the local authorities for official registration. Only after these steps are completed is the couple considered formally married in the eyes of society. If he doesn’t retrieve the betrothal letter, he cannot marry another woman.

Wei Yan certainly knows; he just doesn't argue for the sake of winning a verbal battle at the moment. He even knows that Yu Bao'er is temporarily under Xie Zhen's protection. He thinks that Xie Zhen will create a second puppet emperor. If he doesn't know the relationship between FL and ML, how did the plot in the preview of Episode 36 happen?

A letter of betrothal is like an unofficial marriage certificate.

There is nothing left to grant him—he is already a powerful regional overlord, commanding an army loyal only to him and enjoying high prestige among the common people. The only possible reward left would be to make him a king.

Once you finish these four episodes, you'll get what I mean. The quality of this stretch truly feels like it's been taken to the next level.

Finally made it through episode 34. Honestly, the recent eight episodes since episode 26 have really lacked that exciting spark, but I have to tell you in advance—starting from episode 35, it’s heart-racing and thrilling again, with every single episode packed with intense moments. The upcoming episodes—35, 36, 37, and 38—are absolutely phenomenal. These four episodes will totally live up to your expectations and exceed your wildest imaginations. Don’t you dare give up; keep going. Each one is filled with high-stakes, highlight scenes—so unbelievably cool that it’ll make your scalp tingle and your heart race like crazy.

Yes, for a marquis of a different surname—a powerful warlord and ruler with immense influence and a loyal army that answers only to him—entering the imperial capital without the emperor's decree would be equivalent to rebellion.Indeed, this is common knowledge in historical dramas, not a spoiler.

Consort Shu (Qi Rongyin) died in Qingyuan Palace: In order to frame Wei Yan, the old emperor ordered people to douse Qingyuan Palace with tung oil and set it on fire, burning Consort Shu alive.

Crown Prince Chengde's consort died in the Eastern Palace: After the Jinzhou tragedy (in which Crown Prince Chengde died in battle), the crown princess devised a fire to protect her son, Qi Min (the imperial eldest grandson). She invited Princess Changxin and her son to a banquet, then set the Eastern Palace ablaze, perishing in the fire together with the real son of Prince Changxin, Sui Yuanhuai. This allowed Qi Min to assume Sui Yuanhuai's identity and survive.

Consort Shu and the crown princess are two different individuals. Consort Shu's death occurred earlier in the timeline. The old emperor used Consort Shu's death to lure Wei Yan, who was dispatching troops to support the crown prince, back to the capital—indirectly causing the crown prince's death. The death of Consort Shu was the trigger, which led to Wei Yan’s rebellion and the subsequent change in imperial power. The self-immolation of the crown princess was the outcome—an inevitable part of the political purge against the bloodline of the former regime after the new imperial authority was established.

I've finished watching the series. Non-native Chinese speakers are not recommended to watch it—your subtitles are terrible. I also follow the updates daily on legitimate platforms, where the image quality is much better. The pirated version's poor resolution diminishes the beauty of the male and female leads. Currently, my favorite part is the whipping scene of Xie Zhen in Episode 36. Both Xie Zhen and Wei Yan's characters showed great tension in that scene, and Xie Zhen’s sincere proposal was super touching.

The Crown Prince Chengde and his consort (Qi Min's parents), Xie Zheng's father Xie Lingshan, and Wei Yan's childhood sweetheart Consort Shu（QiRongYin）—all of these individuals were ultimately killed by the schemes of the previous emperor (the old emperor).

The old emperor's ultimate goal with this elaborate, interlocking plot was to exterminate Wei Yan and his entire clan. However, the plan backfired when Wei Yan turned the tables on him. Wei Yan killed the old emperor, forced him to abdicate in favor of a child emperor,Also I believe he remained unmarried for life for Qi Rongyin, so he took a wife who is respectful but without affection and placed her in the prime minister's residence, to avoid a lot of marital troubles.

The Direct Cause of Wei Yan's Bloody Purge of the Palace and Forced Seizure of Power:

The Stimulus of Consort Shu's Death: Upon rushing back to the capital, Wei Yan discovered that Consort Shu, Qi Rongyin, his childhood sweetheart, had been burned alive in the Qingyuan Palace on the old emperor's orders—her body doused with tung oil. The old emperor then turned the tables, falsely accusing Wei Yan of setting the fire and murdering her, thereby "proving" the crime of Wei Yan's illicit affair with the consort.

The Old Emperor's Elaborate Trap: The old emperor had devised an intricate scheme to eliminate Wei Yan. He used Consort Shu as bait, spreading false news of her critical illness to lure Wei Yan back from the frontline in Jinzhou. When Wei Yan secretly visited the Qingyuan Palace at night, the old emperor had already laid an ambush, planning to capture him red-handed and execute his entire clan, the Wei family, under the charge of "defiling the imperial harem."

Imminent Annihilation for Himself and His Clan: Wei Yan knew full well that if the old emperor's plot succeeded, not only would he be executed, but his entire Jinyang Wei clan would be exterminated to the ninth degree. He was pushed to the brink with no way out.

Deeper Political Background:

The Old Emperor's Fear and Scheming: The old emperor had long held a grudge against Wei Yan for reckless words spoken in his youth at the Eastern Palace about the emperor "abdicating." Furthermore, the Crown Prince Chengde enjoyed excessively high prestige, backed by three powerful families—the Qi, Xie, and Wei clans—making the old emperor deeply insecure about his throne.

Framing for the Jinzhou Tragedy: The old emperor intentionally engineered the fall of Jinzhou City, leading to the deaths of the Crown Prince and Xie Linshan. He then shifted all blame onto Wei Yan for "abandoning his post." Even if Wei Yan did not rebel, he would be executed for the capital offense of delaying military affairs and causing the Crown Prince's death.

Wei Yan's Specific Actions of "Striking First":

Bloody Purge of the Palace: Wei Yan led his remaining forces back to the palace, slaughtered its inhabitants, and forced the old emperor to his death. This was not an act of usurpation for ambition, but a desperate act of counterattack and revenge when cornered with no alternatives.

Installing a Child Emperor: He placed the young Nineteenth Prince on the throne, consolidating all power for himself and becoming the supremely powerful Chancellor who overshadowed the emperor.

Wei Yan's Complex Psychology:

Protecting Consort Shu's Posthumous Reputation: Wei Yan could not reveal the truth because explaining his reason for returning to the capital would implicate Consort Shu, confirming the rumors of their "illicit affair" and forever branding her with the disgrace of "adulteress" after death. He preferred to bear all the infamy himself to preserve the清白 (purity/reputation) of the woman he loved.

Twisted Atonement: Wei Yan harbored complex feelings towards Xie Zheng. He was responsible for the extermination of the Xie clan and felt guilt towards his deceased sister (Xie Zheng's mother?). Therefore, he decided to raise Xie Zheng, teaching him civil and military strategies. But when Xie Zheng truly began investigating the truth of the Jinzhou case, Wei Yan did not hesitate to ruthlessly attempt to eliminate him.In essence, Wei Yan's bloody purge of the palace was the desperate rebellion of a man pushed to the absolute limit by imperial power. He was both a pawn in the old emperor's game of thrones and a tragic figure doomed to bear eternal condemnation.

I honestly can’t wait to read all your reactions and comments when you see Episode 36. While Episodes 37 and 38 are undoubtedly intense, I personally prefer Episode 36—the scene of Xie Zhen being whipped, Wei Yan’s gaze and expressions, and the role he played in that moment are all worth savoring every detail.

I like to participate in any discussion about the character Wei Yan. The Direct Cause of Wei Yan's Bloody Purge of the Palace and Forced Seizure of Power:

The Stimulus of Consort Shu's Death: Upon rushing back to the capital, Wei Yan discovered that Consort Shu, Qi Rongyin, his childhood sweetheart, had been burned alive in the Qingyuan Palace on the old emperor's orders—her body doused with tung oil. The old emperor then turned the tables, falsely accusing Wei Yan of setting the fire and murdering her, thereby "proving" the crime of Wei Yan's illicit affair with the consort.

The Old Emperor's Elaborate Trap: The old emperor had devised an intricate scheme to eliminate Wei Yan. He used Consort Shu as bait, spreading false news of her critical illness to lure Wei Yan back from the frontline in Jinzhou. When Wei Yan secretly visited the Qingyuan Palace at night, the old emperor had already laid an ambush, planning to capture him red-handed and execute his entire clan, the Wei family, under the charge of "defiling the imperial harem."

Imminent Annihilation for Himself and His Clan: Wei Yan knew full well that if the old emperor's plot succeeded, not only would he be executed, but his entire Jinyang Wei clan would be exterminated to the ninth degree. He was pushed to the brink with no way out.

Deeper Political Background:

The Old Emperor's Fear and Scheming: The old emperor had long held a grudge against Wei Yan for reckless words spoken in his youth at the Eastern Palace about the emperor "abdicating." Furthermore, the Crown Prince Chengde enjoyed excessively high prestige, backed by three powerful families—the Qi, Xie, and Wei clans—making the old emperor deeply insecure about his throne.

Framing for the Jinzhou Tragedy: The old emperor intentionally engineered the fall of Jinzhou City, leading to the deaths of the Crown Prince and Xie Linshan. He then shifted all blame onto Wei Yan for "abandoning his post." Even if Wei Yan did not rebel, he would be executed for the capital offense of delaying military affairs and causing the Crown Prince's death.

Wei Yan's Specific Actions of "Striking First":

Bloody Purge of the Palace: Wei Yan led his remaining forces back to the palace, slaughtered its inhabitants, and forced the old emperor to his death. This was not an act of usurpation for ambition, but a desperate act of counterattack and revenge when cornered with no alternatives.

Installing a Child Emperor: He placed the young Nineteenth Prince on the throne, consolidating all power for himself and becoming the supremely powerful Chancellor who overshadowed the emperor.

Wei Yan's Complex Psychology:

Protecting Consort Shu's Posthumous Reputation: Wei Yan could not reveal the truth because explaining his reason for returning to the capital would implicate Consort Shu, confirming the rumors of their "illicit affair" and forever branding her with the disgrace of "adulteress" after death. He preferred to bear all the infamy himself to preserve the清白 (purity/reputation) of the woman he loved.

Twisted Atonement: Wei Yan harbored complex feelings towards Xie Zheng. He was responsible for the extermination of the Xie clan and felt guilt towards his deceased sister (Xie Zheng's mother?). Therefore, he decided to raise Xie Zheng, teaching him civil and military strategies. But when Xie Zheng truly began investigating the truth of the Jinzhou case, Wei Yan did not hesitate to ruthlessly attempt to eliminate him. In essence, Wei Yan's bloody purge of the palace was the desperate rebellion of a man pushed to the absolute limit by imperial power. He was both a pawn in the old emperor's game of thrones and a tragic figure doomed to bear eternal condemnation..Also I believe he remained unmarried for life for Qi Rongyin, so he took a wife who is respectful but without affection and placed her in the prime minister's residence, to avoid a lot of marital troubles.

Wei Xuan is indeed not his child; he is the child of a subordinate who died in battle. I don't think Wei Yan acted out of pity to care for the orphan and widow. I believe he remained unmarried for life for Qi Rongyin, so he took a wife who is respectful but without affection and placed her in the prime minister's residence, to avoid a lot of marital troubles.

Her real name was Qi Rongyin. In ancient times, when a woman was bestowed as an imperial consort, titles such as Virtuous (Shu), Benevolent (Hui), Moral (De), and Worthy (Xian) were commonly used—qualities most desired in women under patriarchal rule.