budoboo

Do we know which mother she is? If I go back in the episodes can I find it? Safe to assume she is the 4th's mother?

Comparatively easier. Would rather be a man in the times vs a woman.

No idea. Assume there is deep state everywhere including US leaving the ruler as a puppet. Here in Switzerland the king makers are a small concentrated group with more power than just about anywhere else in the world. A central world bank exists here that no law anywhere in the world can touch.

30% reasonable criticism. 70% made up BS.

The master mastermind squared here is the emperor. Think both his character and the actors acting is underated. This emperor is playing out in real time the balance between right/wrong, the power of wealth, and political power in the court, etc.. Instead of explaining it like typical dramas do. Its good writing.

Good observations.

Some one said it out loud recently in another drama (POB) - there families treat them like an outsider while growing up knowing they are going to be a political tool and their married families treat them like an outsider/criminal. In this instance w/ML there is not physical warmth. Whats to love about that?

I thought the Kings woman was going along with him during the hunting mishap. They read each other well and knew it was part of a Shen Zaiye plot. The consort left it to play out lightly including the punishing of the heir. I like the consort for now - I even liked it when she pointed out Nan's strength (bravery). She must have some idea what Shen Zaiye is up to.

Seems to be still the case in China now. Front line power change is on the way. Background power remains the same.

Gonna need therapy after this drama. Lost my mind. Liu Xue Yi was previously at the bottom of my dramaman list (yes, the thumbs and 4th dimension personality threw me off) and now I find myself falling in ML luv. Was it when his face compeletly changed as the FL woke up from the arrow wound sleep? I f_ck with him now biggy big. Help me plz.

Everyone has a right to their opinion - usless someone is paying you to have a nonsensical one.

Central theme - does the end justify the means? And, how mean is mean. Or, your a prisoner in your own mind until you are a prisoner is someone elses? 🙃

Well done.

Controversy with the FL. 30% parts are founded. 70% parts are unfounded. Why does it seem like the Cdrama world is getting even more treacherous? Malicious fandom is out of control. As someone here on MDL pointed out - why do they not understand that they are ultimately harming their own stans?

Very good point. Would have been tit for tat with the victor TBD.

Hmmmmm. Scumbag throws you under the bus. A theme that is still alive today in the 'modern' world. Or, throws you out the window.

Truth.

Did not enjoy the fluff village arc though I can see it was a useful tool to set up the future actions taken. The point for me was demonstrating that the fourth prince is learning how to be a ruler.

Comment previously in the drama though it still holds true for me - the Meng daughter (ML's wife) is as intriquing if not more so than the FL. Her depth of intelligence, savy, sophistication, and capabilities are no less than the FL. In some instances she is more polished and cunning. The difference is that she is a true political prisoner with no escape (and no reason to escape) whos only value is doing what her family expects of her. Makes me wonder if the ML would have moved to romance with her over time if she stood on his side. Though I suppose he would have never believed her.

Having the same thoughts. Its a BL vibe between cousins though appears to be one sided.