eliteles1

Episode 20: The synchronicity of love is in the air

This episode 20 was beautiful. Every look, every renewed hope of finding her was beautiful to see. And Mu Wu Yin's speech (I used to admire Chancellor SZY but now it ends with this... With that look of contempt.).I also liked the confrontation of the young villain (he is very cold) and was just testing SZY and also tested JTH.SZY's investigative and intelligent ability was not impaired. And the moment when SZY and JTY looked at each other for the last time was very touching. He leaned over to pick up the prayer object (which he made for her, and was found on her body before, showing the appreciation she hid that she feels for him). That pain in her eyes and his (it was the first time I saw them in tune with the same feeling for each other), even though she had lost her memory. That pain she felt for him (and he for her), was very real and tangible. It was beautiful to watch. And the beautiful music when he is leaving and she looks with touched eyes at his back.PS: And I like that the villain Mu Wu Yin facing SZY is a rivalry that convinces me. And Mu Wu Yin mocked SZY's weakness but he himself has his own weakness.

Read More

Episode 18 (my review): Who's in control? Who commands the scene? Who fell first?

I just watched episode 18. This episode was definitely very good. Everything was tense, intense, profound, every word. "You're crueler than me," Shen Zai Yi said (at that time it even made me want to cry). He loved her first. She is colder, it may not seem like it, but she is the one who was in psychological control at that moment. When the villain who gives orders to JTH said to her, "You always think you're in control, making puppets of everybody. But you're not that smart." (this explains JTH's personality, her coldness). And when she was whipped, (I don't know if she deduced it was SZY) he ordered these lashes (but maybe she thinks that). But the pain in his heart was worse than the whippings. As for the night of love. What happened to the sedative that was on her lips? He didn't drink any of the wine, he broke all the glasses. This explains (on love's night), he may have gotten a little groggy before her. (but I thought it was enough as it was tonight), elegant, full of meaning, (and SZY's beauty shone again in the scene). But he noticed JTH even when she left. I thought the scene was well executed, charming, beautiful, with the meanings it had to convey. LXY is enough to be there with that expression, with that majestic resourcefulness to give meaning and strength to the scene. And JTH she needs to be cold (even now, the one who fell in love first, definitely, was him and not her). He is less cold than her. This sentence is coherent (You are crueler than me). His every attitude, the distrust is well explained, defined. His psychology is (he already feels inferior by what he feels for her, and SJY is always suspicious of the world around him). Everything was very coherent. Her every failure is a coherent excuse for him to suffer from mistrust. And the fact that everything went wrong for JTH's plans at the end of this episode (it was cool, it breaks her trust wall a bit). Ahhh !! Another valuable thing from this episode: the scarf, she discovers that the two are cousins (SZY and the fourth prince). That was really cool (that's one more reason for JTH to protect the fourth prince). "You overestimate yourself a lot, and you underestimate me" (this phrase from SZY explains a lot of the feelings he feels).Rating 10 for this episode.

Read More

Episode 9: Receiving punishment for one's own bad deeds.

Duan Wu falls into the trap of the accountant who pretends to be sick. Duan Wu thus goes alone on the mission to buy pearls, taking with her a small suitcase full of gold. Meanwhile, her little brother is being beaten by the evildoers who want to harm DW. Duan Wu manages to escape the trap. Instead of a suitcase of gold, she receives a suitcase of worthless street stones, but she makes a deal with the merchant to make hairpins with those pearls. When she arrives back on the ship where she lives, she finds her injured brother lying in bed. She learns what happened and is outraged. When she arrives on deck, she finds the accountant who deceived her, tied up and about to be executed by YZJ. DW argues and when Zhang arrives, he informs her that there is another jurisdiction, so YZJ cannot do that kind of act, even though he has a contract. Since Zhang said he would report him, he decides to just throw her into the sea. Zhang signals for his subordinate to go and intercept the woman after she is thrown into the sea. (Zhang considered her life, and was shocked by YZJ's inability to do the same.) DW recalled everything that happened to her that day and understood that it was all a plan devised by YZJ. He said ironically: "You are getting too smart." And DW, indignant and upset, as YZJ left, looked at him and said: We are all just pieces on your board. And he said smiling: "Yes." Meanwhile, Zhang asked DW: Is this what you call hope? And she looked at him with her eyes shining with hidden tears in her eyes. A murder has taken place, the episode shows someone with YZJ's face committing the crime. He ends up in jail, but before that, Zhang takes responsibility for the entire cargo of the ship. YZJ accepts and says that he feels at ease knowing that he will be taken care of. DW manages to make the two men who beat up for his brother go through the same humiliation. Zhang arrives at this moment and is shocked, scolding DW and wondering how she got to this point? Cui Shi Jiu has fallen into the same predicament she created herself. The pearls were pierced by the merchant who expected her to fulfill the hairpin craft. She then gives up on the deal, but has a very short time to find a solution.

Read More

Reconciliation between friends. People beyond suspicion.

Episode 11:Mr. Bai forgot that he once treated the driver's health. The team discovered the owner of the painting knife. The lizard can lead to the snow wolf. They found the trail of a ghost owl. Mr. Bai scolds his daughter for getting involved in investigating the newspaper clippings. The cause of the short circuit explained. Who was the high school teacher? Bai Hui reveals to Hong Mei the investigation she did for Dan Yang. (In this episode our main couple get angry with each other and argue heavily, because Dan Yang hid facts from her (it's because he has to save his friend, he emphasizes the problem to Hong Mei, but she is still very angry and so is he with her . Hong Mei shouts that she suspects Dan Yang and says that he and Bai Hui are in trouble. She strongly asks him to follow the order. The team investigates Secretary Lu Cheng. Captain Chen tells Hong Mei that he knows her motives are so angry with Dan Yang. Half of the magazine clippings were found by Bai Hui and Captain Chen uses them to continue the investigation. Bai Hui informs Dan Yang about a new suspect: Zhou Jun, who becomes a big key in piecing together the investigation in this episode.Dan Yang presents the painting magazine and shows a particular page to Hong Mei and Captain Chen.He asks them not to be suspicious of Bai Hui anymore. An error is discovered in the painting in the book. A fake painting competition will be set up to catch the suspect. Taiwanese commanders comment on the cooperation between the ghost owl and the snow wolf. In the cafeteria, the fighting Hong Mei and Dan Yang make up (subtly). Dan Yang tells Hong Mei that he just wanted her to see things from a different perspective. The answer to A. Shui's riddle ?? Dan Yang's fellow experts congratulate him on completing the transcription of his friend An Wen Shan's notebook. Commander Zhang is angry that 5 meeting minutes were discovered by enemy agents and makes it a priority to protect the experts, as the Taiwanese may have had access to these minutes. Bai Hui will be reinstated to the healthcare team due to her useful contribution to the investigation. Secretary Lu Cheng will be tested. Dan Yang and Hong Mei clean Hong Mei's messy room. The rutile bracelet given to Hong Mei is requested by Dan Yang, it is useful for the development of the Water Drop project. But the head of experts informs that he needs more rutile (the same one found in the bracelet). Mr Bai Hui meets the spy driver again.

Read More

Bandits hiding in the shadows plotting trouble.

In episode 5 there were bandits hiding in the shadows plotting trouble. The good guys facing danger, deciphering and disarming the traps placed by their enemies. It was much more than just damaged speakers. Ji Dan Yang shows that he has mathematical powers and cooperates with the solution. Hong Mei and the captain investigating the underground tunnels. Friendly fire revealed (A cat and mouse moment. And this enemy is difficult to defeat). Mr. Bai needs to help the enemy. Bai Hu is thrust into the spotlight of honor. An episode with a strong patriotic feeling shown by the characters. Ji Dan Yang facing his traumas. Hong Mei observing Dan Yang's personality. More secrets from Mr. Bai.

Read More

I never wore straw sandals, but I, too, gave my all to survive.

Lin Jin Qi looked so helpless when he used that trick to let the white apron covering his torso slip down. Yet, as his body was revealed—leaving him half-naked before his wife—his masculine beauty failed to achieve the effect he had hoped for. It even seemed as though a tear was lingering amidst his beautiful eyelashes. (Lan Xian looks specifically at the scar near his neck and recalls what he had told her in an earlier conversation: “I never wore reed shoes, but I, too, gave everything to survive.” In this moment of vulnerability, Lin Jin Qi sought to quickly turn the situation around. He let himself slump against her shoulders—appearing, for once, fragile before his wife. He claimed he hadn't slept well, but Lan Xian countered: "You’ve caught a cold." She quickly covered him with that sheer white apron, wrapped him in a heavy quilt, and sat him down on the sofa. She called out for ginger soup to be prepared and advised him to let himself sweat out the chill. As she left the room, he remarked—feeling a touch of happiness—that, by a stroke of luck, she was no longer angry with him.They finally arrived at the capital, accompanied by the rest of the family. Lin Jin Qi offered his hand to help Lan Xian out of the carriage, but she refused it. She stood stunned when she realized which mansion they were to live in. Lin Jin Qi mentioned that he had just received the estate as a gift from the Emperor. However, he failed to realize that it was the former Shen family mansion—the place where Lan Xian (or Jia Lam) had lived with her family before they were massacred by the previous Emperor. She was overcome with sorrow and deep thought, while he remained oblivious to her feelings. She remembered everything that had happened there; every room she passed stirred up a memory. She entered a room other than the one Lin Jin Qi had selected. A maid informed him that she had chosen this different room for herself. Lin Jin Qi simply said that since it was his wife's choice, that was the room they would use.There was a scene where Lin Jin Qi talked to Yu Chan, asking which outfit would make him look younger in Lan Xian's eyes. Yu Chan playfully replied, "You don't need to look younger; you're naturally youthful." Lin Jin Qi, in his playful manner, said, "No, I want to find a new outfit."In another scene, we see that Lin Jin Qi’s half-sister is being mistreated by her husband—a fact revealed through subtle details, such as the young girl cowering in fear of her father and hiding behind...) ...Lin Jin Qi. As she leaves, her half-sister's husband treats her rudely, frightening the little girl. He asks her to intercede with Lin Jin Qi on his behalf to secure a high-ranking position. She promptly agrees to do so. Lin Jin Qi tells them that he will grant the request when the time is right, asking only for a little patience. She nods in agreement.In another scene, Lin Jin Qi and Lan Xiang are talking. Lan Xiang suggests they would be even regarding his use of a sleeping aid on her (he counters that he used a harmless, natural plant). She retorts that they would only be even if he helped her free Jier from the clutches of her captor, Xiao Tang. He suggests she use the Empress's influence to get Xiao Tang's family to release Jier. She replies that she does not want to be like Lin Jin Qi, using power to get whatever she desires. A clash of wills ensues between them. However, he calms down and tells her: "I want to see how you manage to free Jier without the backing of power."In another scene, Lan Xiang goes to the opera to see the troupe belonging to the friend she met in Jinlin.Later, she goes to meet Xiao Tang at the estate. She finds her playing a game resembling golf; Xiao Tang hits the target. Xiao Tang and the noblewomen present mock Lan Xiang for having been a mere maid who rose in status due to an imperial decree. But Lan Xiang strikes back by touching upon their own sore spots. She speaks truths they cannot bear to hear; two of them leave, leaving only Xiao Tang behind. The episode ends there. (Let's see how Lan Xiang will save her friend in episode 31).

Read More

Unexpected twists for shocked participants.

This episode had it all. The Marquis was surrounded by enemies, and a wicked minister was gloating over the death of the King (Crown Prince)—who appeared to be dying right there on the stage. But then, amidst the clashing of soldiers' swords, a twist occurred: the King/Crown Prince, who had seemed dead on the ground, rose up and pulled out the small arrows aimed at his heart. He claimed that the thick clothing he wore underneath had saved him (though, in reality, it had been an actor who closely resembled the Prince). Meanwhile, at the gates, Lin Jin Qi (commander of the Shense Guard) declared: "Anyone who tries to stop us is to be executed."Atop the tower, the first obstacle was eliminated by Lin Jin Qi’s subordinate, Jiu Gao. Lin Jin Qi then passed through the gates with the Prince in the carriage. He had already mapped out the entire plan with the Marquis—choosing the easiest route and a path by boat, while promising a reward to the boatman. Elsewhere, inside the royal palace, a very elderly man resembling the Crown Prince lay dying, surrounded by opportunistic ministers who were already plotting who would replace the Emperor. They told the dying man that the Crown Prince had failed to arrive in time. Someone was already preparing to take the Prince's place; this person squeezed the Emperor's hand as the old man closed his eyes (thinking, presumably, that he had passed away).But at that very moment, the Crown Prince arrived, accompanied by Lin Jin Qi (dressed in the red robes of a minister) and some of Lin Jin Qi’s guards. The heir approached the Emperor, exchanged a few words—receiving the Emperor's declaration that he was the successor—and listened to his final pieces of advice. The heir promised to fulfill everything. The camera then focused on a figure who, despite kneeling, appeared imposing and resolute: Lin Jin Qi. At the heir's mansion, the sword fight rages on; meanwhile, two women—Manny and Lan Xiang—face off against each other. Manny, the wicked minister's daughter, is on the verge of killing Lan Xiang; initially, the opera house owner intervenes to save her. However, when Manny strikes a second time, the scholar Han steps in, arriving just in the nick of time. Lan Xiang huddles in a corner, relieved. Manny, now restrained by a scarf, falls into despair upon hearing that the crown prince is alive and has arrived in time to speak with the emperor—a turn of events brought about by Lin Jin Qi.Her father immediately kneels, accepting the inevitable with deep resentment and frustration. Manny looks at her father and screams, "Why did you kneel? We’ve come this far—why did you kneel?" (A memorial service for the dead is currently taking place at Lan Xiang's home. Mr. Lu pours out his heart, revealing that he is the sole survivor of the Lu family, and urges her not to make the same mistake he did. He prophesies that she will have a happy family, surrounded by many children in a home filled with life and joy. With tear-filled eyes, she promises to make this come true. At one point, when Lan Xiang explains to Mr. Lu that they are celebrating the Shen family—and not the late emperor (at the mention of whom Mr. Lu spat on the ground, declaring it a time for celebration since the emperor was responsible for the deaths of entire families)—he seems to realize that Lan Xiang is also a survivor (of the Shen family). He then joins the memorial service (honoring his own family).But then, at the end of the episode, another twist occurs: preparations are underway for a marriage between the scholar Han and Lan Xiang (though it remains unclear if she is even aware of this). Everyone is in place: Lan Xiang's parents are about to hear a marriage proposal from Scholar Han's mother, who has arrived with a gift. Suddenly, the Imperial Guard arrives, with soldiers lining up in formation—a scene playing out simultaneously at two residences: Lan Xiang's humble home and the mansion where Lin Jin Qi's entire family is gathered (though he himself is absent). Everyone is ordered to kneel before the King's decree. Scholar Han seems to sense what is coming and is reluctant to kneel, but Master Lu urges him to do so. The decree is announced: by the Emperor's order, Xu Lan Xiang is to marry the Commander of the Shense Guard, Lin Jin Qi. The messengers at both residences beam as they deliver this royal favor, yet both families are plunged into despair. Lin Jin Qi's grandfather appears dismayed. People are left wondering: "Mr. Xu's daughter?" "What aristocratic family is this...?" The surname Xu? I don't recall it. But Madam Lin quickly realized the implications and made a comparison: "My son is marrying a maid instead of a refined young lady. This ruins our reputation." A tear rolls down her cheek, and she faints. At Lan Xiang's home, her mother weeps and her father is in despair; they plan to confront the Emperor. But Lan Xiang, entering the courtyard, says, "One cannot go against the Emperor."A marriage is decided by the parents and the matchmaker, but the Emperor stands above them all. Lady Xu still stammers, "But what if the Emperor is wrong?"—only for Master Xu, now grasping the situation thanks to a warning from Master Lu, to place a hand over her mouth to alert her to the danger. Master Lu himself speaks up: "You may not care about losing your own heads on the executioner's block, but what about Lan Xiang's?" Everyone falls silent. Scholar Han also realizes there is nothing to be done. Lan Xiang embraces her parents to calm them, saying, "When I was merely a maidservant, I managed very well. But now that I am to be Lin Jin Qi's wife, I shall fare even better." (Yet her mother keeps saying, "You will have to go back there.") (What will happen when Lin Jin Qi meets his deeply disappointed family and the fiancée he secretly purchased? We shall see in Episode 26.).

Read More

Amidst palace intrigues and efforts to rescue a lady.

Lin Jin Qi continues to investigate the case of the deposed prince. In a conversation with the marquis, he mentions that he will help the prince escape by ship; after all, the man is innocent and deserves to live in peace somewhere. The deposed prince—who bears no resemblance to royalty and is dressed in rags—tears up with emotion and thanks Lin Jin Qi. (There are parts of this I didn't quite grasp. It seems there was a moment when he realized it was impossible to get the deposed prince out of there—even though the current king is gravely ill and might die (or so I understood). While the soldiers were still at the house, Lin Jin Qi—exuding his dashing charm—stepped in to speak with them. He tried every possible way to insert himself into the ongoing investigation, but the soldiers' leaders managed to shake off both him and Scholar Han, going so far as to escort them out of the estate gates. Afterward, Lin Jin Qi and the deposed prince managed to slip away from Scholar Han, leaving him looking suspicious and displeased. Later, Lin Jin Qi made a sudden appearance at Scholar Han’s home, finding him with his mother and a matchmaker who was arranging a marriage between Jia Lam and the scholar (though his arrival was ill-timed and only deepened the sorrow of Jia Lam’s father). Lin Jin Qi somewhat unnerved Scholar Han, who could see his intentions written in his eyes—after all, the two men were rivals for Jia Lam’s heart. Yet, in this moment of distress, they actually worked together to search for her, even though Lin Jin Qi kept the most crucial part of the plan to himself.Lin Jin Qi arrived dressed in black, wearing a wide-brimmed black hat that suited him perfectly; the brim cast a shadow that framed his face, highlighting his masculine beauty. He moved with a resolute, slender, and athletic bearing, walking firmly toward the goal of finding Jia Lam. He even managed to outmaneuver Scholar Han, who had nearly boarded the same small boat Lin Jin Qi was about to take.But... this time, Jia Lam had gotten herself into a real mess. She ended up in a brothel, where her clever retorts seemed ineffective against the madam, a woman who was cunning and shrewd. Jia Lam listed all her skills, noting that...) ...did not seem to convince the establishment's owner. Jia Lam (Lan Xiang) even painted flowers on the woman's fan using a smear of blood to prove her artistic skill, buying time with a clever excuse to avert the worst outcome. However, Jier—a young woman who had worked at the Lin estate and become Jia Lam's friend—made a sacrifice by taking Jia Lam's place. They swapped clothes, allowing Jia Lam to slip out the front door. She still had to face an obstacle heading her way: the brothel owner. Yet, the young woman accompanying Jia Lam covered for her silence by claiming she was simply in a foul mood. When the brothel owner discovered the deception, she did not give up the search for Jia Lam. Meanwhile, Jia Lam changed into simple attire and evaded the soldiers by releasing chickens upon them; she then joined an elderly woman to blend into the crowd unnoticed.At that very moment, a dashing young commander arrives at a swift gallop, searching for Jia Lam. It is Lin Jin Qi. It looks as though the two are about to collide. (We must wait for the next episode to find out. Let's move on to Episode 24.)

Read More

Who plays matchmaker for whom?

Scholar Han proved his worth by defending the older sister against selfish neighbors who wanted to drag her toward a cruel fate simply because she had become a widow. Her younger brother tried to dissuade the agitated mob using the law, his eloquent words, and his dignified bearing, but they lunged at him with kicks and clubs. However, Jia Lan—who had arrived with the wronged woman—used her wits; she poured a thick, sticky oil onto the ground, causing everyone to tumble over one another. At that moment, Jia Lan raised her voice to cite the punishments—specifically the number of lashes—mandated by the King’s statutes for home invasion; Scholar Han added the rest of the penalties to the list, noting the aggravating factor of assaulting a royal scholar. Terrified, the mob fled, spurred on by the threat from Jia Lan’s father to report them to the Imperial Guard.Lin Jin Qi, looking dashing and well-groomed, adjusted his hair and straightened his robes in front of Jia Lan’s door while his subordinates tried to assist him (in another humorous moment, Lin Jin Qi told one of them that he needed to study a certain book on courtship ten times over). Yet, upon arriving, he encountered Scholar Han alongside Jia Lan, who was finishing an opera song. Undeterred, Lin Jin Qi greeted the household’s elder scholar—a man who was somewhat tipsy but possessed refined knowledge. Upon receiving LJQ’s respectful bow, the old man grimaced and said, "Ah, so you are Old Man Lin’s grandson," before leaving the room with a look of disapproval. LJQ attempted to offer a respectful greeting to another elderly gentleman, who reacted the same way: he gave LJQ a reproachful look and walked away. Jia Lan accepted the gift LJQ had brought and offered a lame excuse for the two elders' behavior. A conversation then ensued between the rivals vying for Jia Lam's attention. At one point, LJQ thought he had succeeded in his plan to draw the scholar away from Jia Lam by getting him to accept an offer to study in another province under a renowned teacher. Scholar Han refused (much to LJQ's displeasure). LJQ gave Jia Lam an orchid pot as a gift, reminding her of her own words: "Orchids are more fragrant at night." That was why "some friends" had sent her this plant. Jia Lam regarded him with a knowing look (while feigning ignorance), as if she did not grasp the duel unfolding between the two men before her. Yet, she was well aware that her parents and Scholar Han’s mother had already arranged a marriage between her and the scholar. At one point, Scholar Han said to his mother, "I must act quickly regarding Jia Lam, or someone else will beat me to it." He had rejected Lin Jin Qi’s offer to study with the famous teacher, yet he accepted the letter of recommendation for that same teacher—the one Jia Lam had handed him over the garden wall. (He likely accepted it because he wished to go to that new place with her.) Meanwhile, at the Lin family estate, another marriage is being arranged—and I am not referring to Xiu Rui; she is quite happy being the subject of mature conversations between Xiu Wan and her mother, who is actually grateful for the situation. He holds onto Lin Jin Qi’s symbolic words—likening him to a ship "that will brave the open sea and triumph" (a conclusion we can logically draw from their conversation). So, which marriage am I talking about? The one being arranged for Lin Jin Qi by his mother: a match with a duchess. Madam Lin is overjoyed to have secured such an excellent match for her only son. Her personal maid even remarks, "A catch like that won't stay single for long." She believes Lin Jin Qi will be happy. (But will he? Or, beneath that mother's gaze, does she actually know what her son holds in his heart?) By the end of the episode, we are introduced to the duchess—Lin Jin Qi’s prospective new wife. She is a stunningly beautiful yet cunning young woman who, upon seeing an orchid, immediately senses Jia Lam’s presence in Lin Jin Qi’s life. The episode concludes with her staring down Jia Lam, who likewise instantly senses trouble coming from this elegant, beautiful woman. Let us move on, then, to the next episode: Episode 22.

Read More

A blue Cuíque flower drawn in an ancient book

This episode featured suspense and introduced a new female character who uses her intelligence and wit to get what she wants. However, she faced off against another woman who—working from behind the scenes—outmaneuvered her, all because of a drawing of the Cuíque flower found in an ancient book. Jialan was clever enough to bring a solution to the problem, earning a valuable gift from Lin Jin Qi’s mother. Even so, her friends were punished because a paper flower—which they had inadvertently placed in a box of ornaments delivered by Miss Du—was actually part of a setup by Miss Du Cuíque (who shares her name with that blue flower). Lin Jin Qi’s mother was very upset, noting that the incident could have caused serious trouble for Lin Jin Qi; he was wearing the blue flower on his hat (as all young men did on "Men's Day"), and such a flower could signal a romantic interest. In Lin Jin Qi's case, it might have implied he was dishonorably treating a young woman in an unacceptable manner—bypassing formal rites and effectively making her his concubine. While his father and grandfather saw no way out, Jialan intelligently solved the problem, saving Lin Jin Qi at the critical moment—a very interesting, suspenseful highlight of the episode. There was also a riddle contest based on knowledge of flowers from classic literature. Lin Jin Qi’s brother took part and managed to defeat a young man from the Xie family; Lin Jin Qi also participated, making for a fascinating sequence. The young man from the Xie family had assumed the Lins were uneducated; he was surprised to discover otherwise and was nearly defeated in the match, ultimately winning only by spotting the Cuíque flower on Lin Jin Qi’s hat and using it to craft a riddle. But that was the moment everyone exchanged meaningful glances—including Lin Jin Qi’s friend, the brother of the young woman "Cuíque," who felt slighted by Lin Jin Qi. (However, everything was resolved thanks to Jia Lan’s quick thinking.)Lin Jin Qi’s sister found a suitor—Lady Du Cuíque’s brother—in whom she showed a great deal of interest.There is one of Lin Jin Qi’s sisters who seemed quite simple-minded, yet she demonstrated in this episode that she is actually very intelligent and perceptive.We already know there are new challenges to face with these new characters, and some of them arose in this episode. (But now, I’m moving on to episode 12.)PeachBlossomGoddess wrote up an explanation! https://kisskh.at/754367-the-story-of-xiang-lan/discussions/155236-ep-11-what-s-in-a-name-cuique-word-play

Read More

A day of joy and enemies lurking in the shadows

The old scholar—guardian of the library—speaks with the two young women about riddles inscribed on the ground or on tree bark, an advanced skill mastered by accomplished literary figures. The old man realized that Jialan possessed this ability, while Lin Jin Qi listened closely to the conversation between the old teacher and the two young women—one who understood nothing, and the other who grasped the meaning hidden between the lines. Did Lin Jin Qi notice something? Jia Lan once studied calligraphy and the art of crafting clever riddles with her grandfather—why is this being highlighted here? Will it play a role later in the drama? And what does Lin Jin Qi realize about Jia Lan's true identity?It is a cozy evening; the young women are happy, having been promoted and settled into the Lin family pavilion. Everything looks promising and full of hope. Lin Jin Qi enters with an imposing air, wearing a mink coat that perfectly complements his elegant, masculine style. Dashing, young, and handsome—the very image of a young general. He walks into the soldiers' quarters only to find them mocking him over his failed marriage. A subordinate is outraged and points out the recklessness of their mockery, but Lin Jin Qi speaks calmly and deliberately, maintaining his commanding presence (though he still needs to win the soldiers' trust, doesn't he?). He was the hero of the last battle, defeating the enemy and bringing back a severed head as a trophy of victory—a feat that made his soldiers proud. Yet, what has happened here?P.S.: The treacherous lover who ran off with the money met a lonely, ignominious end—what a tragic fate. Meanwhile, Xiao Tang is confronting her father; how will this play out as the story unfolds? Her father and brother had cast aside her former maids, leaving them like abandoned ghosts, silenced and devalued. What else does the Zhao family plan to do to hold onto power? Old Man Zhao still finds satisfaction in something—but what is it? It all comes down to the pursuit of power. Young General Lin Jin Qi, what further schemes will these enemies lurking in the shadows devise against you and Jia Lan? (We shall see in the upcoming episodes.)

Read More

I will never forget what happened here.

Episode 8: I will never forget what happened here.Hidden in the shadows, they didn't know they were rats ready to be caught in the web set for them. That decision Lin Jin Qi made in the previous episode, so emphatically told to his grandfather, about something that would be resolved without delay, came to pass. That man dressed as a woman, however strange the figure, could perhaps be a frustrated love waiting for its chance to happen. But the ending of this episode was more than pathetic for this clandestine couple. Choice: A useless death without the right to be buried in the family mausoleum, or a separation with the chance for another story to be built. "Lin Jin Qi, I will never forget what happened here." This tall man, with an elegant and calm profile, simply smiled calmly... like his tranquil, slow steps, like calculated beats in the library hunting his prey, but without running, without sweating, because as the clock ticked, everything would be resolved. As for our female lead, was that a look of compassion directed at her executioner-mistress? (Will Xiaotang give her maids a chance to escape? That look seemed to convey an apology before she entered the library. But perhaps it wasn't that; maybe it was a premonition.) And how will the girls get out of this predicament? We’ll find out in the next episode. Though, for those who saw the previews, the answer has already been revealed...

Read More

"what makes someone a slave?"

leadtheprotection 5 hours agoWow only 11 mins into ep 1 and the noble woman fl genuinely asking her parents "what makes someone a slave?" with the curiosity of someone who sincerely wanted to know because she couldn't understand or accept this fact was one of the most profound things I've seen in a cdrama so far...I’ve always wondered about this myself every time I watch a historical drama (being from the 21st century lol), and despite all the reminders i give myself about how historical dramas merely reflect how things were in the past in many societies it would still leave a lingering discomfort seeing young girls being sold off to rich homes and then have to suck up to their "masters"...so to see a show acknowledge this truth from the pov of a privileged character was truly refreshing to see. Ofc, it's also foreshadowing for what happens to the fl in the future so conceptually and story-wise it was a really clever scene that was very well done and impactful.Ofc i've seen nothing at all of this show to give it a proper judgement yet but I feel like both the drama and the fl already deserves all the respect even if she does turn out to be a typical mary sue just for that bit of self awareness at her young age considering her life circumstances and privilege.xerene 14 hours agoThis has one of the best yet heartbreaking intro I've seen in my whole life. I bawled my eyes. Shen women have my respect, dying def have been better than being violated over and over again in that state-run brothel. Shame on the emperor and that eras governing system. The cinematography and ost are so good as well. It was simply so good. The acting is top-notch and ofc I love the leads. I love Jialan's newly found family with her didi and mama.mochachen 15 hours agoI'm only halfway through Ep. 1 and I already love the cinematography. The way it opens with that bird's-eye view panning across the capital is so beautiful. Even the floral arrangements in the Shen Manor are so bougie. 😂I also understand why the Shen ladies would rather take their own lives than become state-run prostitutes. I read somewhere that during the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Zhu Di massacred an entire family spanning 9–10 generations, and one of the noble women who survived was reportedly forced to service 20 men a day as a quota.So, similarly, for the Shen ladies, it's basically a choice between two kinds of despair: being violated every day or dying. If I were in their position, I'd probably choose to end my misery too and keep my dignity. Imagine a family friend coming to visit you in the brothel afterward—how humiliating and shameful that would be.

Read More