lenje

Erudite, is there statements or sayings from the director/producer why they decided to make the drama an open ending? I know the original novella was never finished -- surely that would give them opportunity to make a satisfying one? Did the original author refuse to give them the consent to do so?

Isn't it Yue Qing Ya?

It's hard to tell with Gongzi. His feelings for Wan Mei, for example. I think aside from Wan Mei, Yue Ying, Chang An, and perhaps Cha Luo, nobody else knows he likes Wan Mei. As for his feelings for Yue Ying, I'm not sure if it is love. He's probably more dependent emotionally to her than he realizes it -- after all, they grew up together. But there's no way he considers her his equal.

Nope, no news. Hence my curiosity. I'm one of those planning to rewatch it on Viki this coming October! :) I'm not sure about the engagement thing either. Ruan Niang doesn't seem to be jealous of Wan Mei, only concerned that Wan Mei will hinder their plan. I tend to agree that Chang An was not engaged to her, but made to vow to protect her.

The drama focuses on Wan Mei's growth and her romance with Chang An is the major factor that shapes her to become what she becomes. I like it that there's no kiss in this PERIOD drama, it feels more fitting, and it feels more romantic because their love is clearly shown in their conversations, their acts, their gazing into each other's eyes... and the HUGS! :)

It's been a couple of weeks and I'm still in withdrawal mode, despite having started to watch a few other dramas... Anyone knows if it's already broadcast in the 13 countries?

It's in epi 34. Actually the answer for no 11 is in ep 34 too (I just rewatch to ensure hahahaha...). Some correction: the King asks Gongzi to exchange Gui Hua city w/ the position of commanding the army.

10. Yes, in fact it was Cha Luo who receives the emblem. The king orders Gongzi to hand over the emblem to Cha Luo, knowing precisely how Gongzi despises Cha Luo.

11. IIRC, Gongzi has been promoted to lead an army -- hence his pact with Chang An. I think his official role requires him to move to the capital?

Me too. Let's hope that the series will be (relatively) successful in the 13 countries it's sold to. Or else fans can start considering about crowdfunding :D

That's actually what I had in mind. There will be a Chang An arc, showing how he is recovering, how he plans his next steps, etc. As for Gongzi, as there's an actual emperor by the name of Li Siyuan, it will be interesting to see how he ascends to throne.

Thank you! :-*

I think there's still a plothole for the ending. While Wan Mei is convinced that Chang An is dead, nothing implies Gongzi's reaction. His character won't allow him to be fooled by Xing Feng. Once he sees Wan Mei's fan, I'm sure he'll quickly figure out the hidden message.

So I imagine he solves the puzzle & search for Chang An. Chang An, understanding Gongzi, should be wary and careful. Most likely he'll try to find another safer place to recover. Once healed, he'll try to find Wan Mei again. And Wan Mei, after she realizes about XingFeng's message, will look for Chang An in the Liang (?) city (or prefecture?). Of course she won't find him there. But maybe Chang An will leave some traces for her. Then starts the race between Wan Mei and Gongzi to find Chang An -- that will be a battle of wits.

There goes my fan fiction :)))

Danggg!! I knew it sounded too good to be true, LOL. Oh well, I will still hope for it.

Interview with the author of the original novella, who's also one of the scriptwriters https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/BnJjOk4ZClSxs0hEbTYY-A (in Mandarin of course, but Google Chrome/Translate is your best friend :)))). Quite an interesting read on the thought process, like how she intentionally made the background setting brutal and chaotic -- to emphasize that even under hardpressed situation, one should stay true to themselves. In one epi, Fang Ge advises Wan Mei to "hold your ground, keep your principles". (I really like Fang Ge character. If he were not married, I would've probably shipped him with Wan Mei! :D). She also says she's thinking of inserting a kissing scene next time. (What? Sheesh... personally I really like that there is no kissing at all! But if it means the second season is in the work, well, I will have to compromise *sobs*).

Thank you!

Thanks Erudite. Do you know if it's going to be aired on TV station or website? Personally I'd prefer a website, since it will be more likely to come earlier than on TV.

The premise sounds interesting. But I'm not sure I'll be comfortable to watch if Yang Zi is paired with Mark here, due to their age gap. I know it's just a show, but still... Is it already confirmed that they will lead?

Practically just re-started watching the drama. What is this DVD version and TV version that everyone's talking about? If I watch it from one of those streaming sites, is it the DVD or the TV version?

Well, I'd say the leads do stay together no matter what, despite all the shortcomings.

Not sure if anyone is still looking at this thread but this drama is highly recommendable. This is one of the few Wallace Huo's dramas where his acting is very good. Production value is high (great cinematography), engaging story, rather excellent fighting choreography (certainly above most C-dramas these days) and great acting all around.