After 21 episodes I still think that the actors are well fit for this drama and I love the characters.ChuYu is…
I just recently started and episode 1 also hooked me. I, unfortunately, read through the comments before watching. And the HATE for the FL character AND actress is ridiculous. Even before the show aired, so many hateful comments already. It's either the age or the acting, or both, they hate on but now that I am watching this, those comments seem so unjustified and just plain hateful.
Finally started watching this. And the way they built up the siblings' relationship, especially Wei Jun and Wei Yun to endear then to the audience, just so they can rip it out of our hearts a few episodes later... so cruel.
Very interesting so far. Loving this different character or DYX. This will be my first Song Qian drama and I don't see any problems with her acting. I think she's doing a great job.
Is it just me or FL characterization doesn't makes sense at all she is portrayed as this fearless warrior who…
I think her character (any character) is allowed to have different facets to it and that includes moments of weakness, fear, regret, caution, hesitation, cowardice (?). She may be a brave warrior but it doesn't mean that she has to approach all the other aspects of her life the way she does in a battle.
Hmmm... It's very slow burn so there's really not much physical/skinship in the first half of the series. Very little kissing scenes, which was no issue for me personally, just because it felt refreshing to see the romance side not being carried heavily by the physical aspect of the relationship. But it all boils down to preference. So if you prefer a more intimacy-heavy kind of series, this is not it.
But, again a very personal take, I think they did well in creating a feel of intimacy (non-physical) with the two leads. The long stares, the gradual feeling of closeness, the little gestures. I think that kind of intimacy was nice.
I have recovered from that last episode. And I have to say that this was a great series. Great acting from all the cast (except in the last episode, the acting for the new characters were ...). Great script, although it felt like a lot was cut from the last episode (?), would still give this a 9/10. Even though there was virtually no promotion for this, I am so glad that I picked this up.
Yes! I didn't expect to be sucked in this world when I started watching. It's a very pleasant surprise. But iQiyi…
That's great! You can still watch even without the Eng subs. I am a binge-as-much-as-possible when I watch series that gets me hooked. So, it's frustrating that the subs are suddenly not available for those 2 episodes (but they have them for 15 and 16).
7 episodes in and it's quite immersive. I like it.
Yes! I didn't expect to be sucked in this world when I started watching. It's a very pleasant surprise. But iQiyi is glitching... suddenly there aren't any English subs for episodes 13 and 14. T_T
Just finished episode 3 and first impression: very interesting, good storytelling. This is probably not for everyone. It has a very raw feel to it, like you can almost smell the sweat, and the stink if the fish market, and feel the gritty dust kind of raw. Nothing glamorous or fancy about the characters or the story. It feels like a human nature kind of story. So far not many action scenes, and I don't thinkt there will be much based on the story flow. I always have this a low-level feeling that something ominous is going to happen. Definitely gonna keep watching.
Happy one year anniversary to MOGA! To commemorate that, I will actually give a proper comment months and months…
Storyline/plot: I think I said somewhere that it has a somewhat simple (?) plotline. But, this simplicity comes from the fact that the story uses a lot of similar elements that you would see in other dramas, which is nothing new. There is predictability in many of these plot elements, but what got me hooked was that I wanted to see them happen. This series is largely character-relationship driven and it really worked because the two main leadsâ chemistry was fire (I stand by this until my last breath). And although there is predictability and familiarity with the plot elements, you still need to concentrate to follow the story.
But beware, the investigation aspect of this series is largely dialogue-based and I think this is what puts people off about the investigation story line. They donât use a lot of visuals, crime re-enactments and what not. IT IS VERY DIALOGUE HEAVY. So, if you will watch this, I beg you, DO NOT SKIP THE SO-CALLED "BORING" DIALOGUE SCENES. They are there for a reason. Even better, DONâT SKIP ANY SCENE. These dialogues add a lot into the story and into the characters, especially when you try to piece together the overall story towards the end.
And another thing. The romantic story line is SLOW BURN. So, if you want a CP doing kissing and doing bed scenes and all that skinship by episode 10 to 15, this is not for you. Having said that, the slow burn works for the two main characters. I actually loved the way they built the relationship because their married life started out really ugly and messy with no trust at all. The key episodes, or at least I think they are, to watch out for where you see some major changes in their dynamics are: episodes 15-16 â mostly on Yan Xingâs part, you just have to endure episode 15; episode 19 â mostly on Shen Duâs part ; episode 25 â for both of them, like super major change in their relationship; and episode 37 (T_T). What I liked how the writers went about their romantic line is that one, both Yan Xing and Shen Du fell twice for each other. I especially loved that Shen Du has already fallen for her before finding out who she was. And Yan Xing, fell for the young, bright Shen Du and had to learn to love and accept this older, darker, different version of Shen Du. The second thing is that they made them take their time to fall. Nothing rushed so that it felt very natural when it actually happened.
Pacing and editing. I have some issues with the pacing of the story in the latter half of the series. I felt that the Gannandao arc could have been shortened overall. And some interrogation scenes felt too dragged out. There were also times when the transitions felt abrupt and confusing. But overall, these were not deal breakers.
Acting. DYX was great in this. His best acting that I have seen so far. They really did well in creating a complex character where he could show his acting range. DEX is a wonderful actress. I love her acting style, very natural, not exaggerated. I love the little shifts in her expressions.
The main characters: Shen Du, the Grand Commander of the Imperial Guards, the White Ghost. Powerful, skilled martial artist, authoritative, highly-favored by the Grand Empress Dowager. One of the highest ranked officials, he only really lowers his head to the members of the royal family. But, on the personal side, as Yun Que perfectly summed up his character, âkeeps everything, good or bad, bottled up insideâ. But I liked the balance of his character. On one hand, a fearsome commander, and on the other hand, a most loyal (episode 30) and loving husband. And even though he started out critical of Yan Xingâs ability, when he saw what she was capable of, he recognized her skills for what they were and supported her. AND I LOVE THAT HE RESPECTS BOUNDARIES AND CONSENT. Episode 17. I know that many would have wanted Shen Du to kiss her then and there, but thank goodness he didnât. Because Yan Xing said that heâs ânot allowedâ to act strange (the poor, confused, flirting-inexperienced girl). And really. all throughout the series, there were times when he could have pushed her, but he didnât, even when he couldâve and no one wouldâve batted an eye if he did, he didnât, and I love him for that.
Yan Xing, the sixth daughter, child of a concubine, started out as an unranked female scribe for the Ministry of justice. And oh, so hated by so many commenters. The Yan family may be considered noble and her father works under the Prime Minister as a scholar, but otherwise, they have no power and no strong connections. In the relationship dynamics between her and Shen Du, she was basically powerless. But she faced Shen Du head on, didnât back out even when he threatened to kill her, and did her best to survive in a household whose master hates her and whose servants (at least at first) didnât see her as their mistress. She is smart but naĂŻve, headstrong and can be impulsive. I like that she is fast to apologize and that she knows that there is more for her to learn.
NO, SHE IS NOT A DAMSEL IN DISTRESS. Yes, she is physically weaker compared to the villains, criminals really, who will do anything to hurt her, and so requiring to be saved by Shen Du. But there are also times when I felt that she held up on her own. When Princess Yongâan âscoldedâ her about them discovering her secret business, yes Shen Du arrived to take her home. But that defiance in her eyes when she looked at the Princess. It was like, âyes, I am kneeling in front of you but that doesnât give you the right to treat me like this and you will not break meâ. And I loved that she saved herself from the fire, got herself out instead of panicking and waiting for someone to save her. There were two instances when I think she took calculated risks for the sake of finding out the truth, which endangered her, a bit reckless yes, but she did them anyway because Shen Du was there and she trusted him enough to know that she will not be harmed. First, when she âgropedâ Chen Huoe. And second, when she made Lai Luofu reveal that she was the 2nd generation (??) Chen Huoe. The rest of the times, she needed to be saved because bad guys intended, really plotted, to hurt her.
NO, SHE IS NOT PLAYING A HERO. The times when she pushed to investigate where mostly times when no one else wanted to â the scholar who committed suicide, the Ximing temple/Buddha case when Shen Du didnât want to push for it because imperial orders. The other times, she got involved simply because she was Mrs. Shen, the wife of the Grand Commander. And when she tried to save her sister (twice), how could she not want to do everything to save her, even though it led to some impulsive behavior (aka puppy Yan Xing).
And I loved her loyalty to Shen Du, even when he was so horrible to her. Even in that first episode, when she defended him against Lai Luozhiâs accusations. There were so many times when she could really have acted as a spy to bring Shen Du down and escape from her situation, but she didnât. She played along when he wanted to put up an affectionate-couple act to maintain his reputation. She could have used his night blindness as leverage but chose to find a cure for him instead. She always chose his side even when she knew the impermanence of their marriage. And all these were her love language.
Lai Luozhi. Unhinged. Delusional. Cruel. And a smart villain. I liked the way he was manipulating the events around Prince Xian and Princess Yongâan like they were chess pieces. The idea of creating a cult and an immortal deity to get people to follow you is kind of smart. The thing about Lai Luozhi is that he is really cruel. Not evil but cruel. When he was hiding his identity, he mostly manipulative. But out in the open, he had a killing spree.
Lu Chui Chui. Ooohh. Another widely hated character. Only child of a rich merchant. Spoiled, even more naĂŻve than Yan Xing, and has no filter, whatsoever. But she is the friend youâd like to have on your side. She will tell you things as they are and will take your side no matter what. You want to investigate? Here is my gold to help you sneak in that brothel. You want to divorce your husband? Iâll help you make plans for after the divorce so that no one can look down on you as a divorced woman.
Pan Chi. There were so many times I wanted to punch his face. But other than coveting someone elseâs wife and really messing with Shen Du all the time, he was genuinely concerned about Yan Xing. He helped in their investigations many times and he somewhat saved Shen Duâs life in Gannandao.
The divorce and the ending: Ah, that was a brutal scene, really. The most brutal sequence in the entire series. In those few minutes, you watch Shen Du break apart everything that they built together in their relationship. He broke Yan Xing by throwing at her all the things that made her proud and turned them into something ugly. It was the most heartbreaking scene with the most wonderful acting in the entire series. Damn. I mean Yan Xing knew. She understood what he was doing and why he was doing it and she tells him (a cut scene in later episodes) that she knew. But still, it was horrible really. And the actual divorce scene? âI stab you with this gift you have given me and I take your blood and divorce you with it.â
Could it have been written differently? Yes. Did the divorce add any value as to how their relationship eventually progressed? Maybe. I liked that they got a chance at a better wedding, one where they were both happy to be married. Really, the contrast between the first and second was so stark. I liked that Shen Du made an effort to win her back, put himself out there as if to say, yes, I am willing to do this much and go this far. But could they have done it better? Definitely, yes. I feel that a lot was edited out from the scenes that lead to that second wedding. Like how did they even plan for it? How did Shen Du got everyone on board with it? How? And this may be just selfishness as an audience, but I wanted to see them rebuild the relationship because despite the good intention behind the divorce, it created too many gaps between them as well. Thatâs why the end felt so rushed.
Happy one year anniversary to MOGA! To commemorate that, I will actually give a proper comment months and months after watching this series so many times. First off, if anyone reading this is still debating âshould I watch this, should I not?â, âso many conflicting comments and reviews what to do what to do??â, I say just give it a try. If itâs not your thing, then itâs not. If it is, then, great! Will put the rest under the spoiler tag below.
Very interesting so far. Loving this different character or DYX. This will be my first Song Qian drama and I don't see any problems with her acting. I think she's doing a great job.
But, again a very personal take, I think they did well in creating a feel of intimacy (non-physical) with the two leads. The long stares, the gradual feeling of closeness, the little gestures. I think that kind of intimacy was nice.
But beware, the investigation aspect of this series is largely dialogue-based and I think this is what puts people off about the investigation story line. They donât use a lot of visuals, crime re-enactments and what not. IT IS VERY DIALOGUE HEAVY. So, if you will watch this, I beg you, DO NOT SKIP THE SO-CALLED "BORING" DIALOGUE SCENES. They are there for a reason. Even better, DONâT SKIP ANY SCENE. These dialogues add a lot into the story and into the characters, especially when you try to piece together the overall story towards the end.
And another thing. The romantic story line is SLOW BURN. So, if you want a CP doing kissing and doing bed scenes and all that skinship by episode 10 to 15, this is not for you. Having said that, the slow burn works for the two main characters. I actually loved the way they built the relationship because their married life started out really ugly and messy with no trust at all. The key episodes, or at least I think they are, to watch out for where you see some major changes in their dynamics are: episodes 15-16 â mostly on Yan Xingâs part, you just have to endure episode 15; episode 19 â mostly on Shen Duâs part ; episode 25 â for both of them, like super major change in their relationship; and episode 37 (T_T). What I liked how the writers went about their romantic line is that one, both Yan Xing and Shen Du fell twice for each other. I especially loved that Shen Du has already fallen for her before finding out who she was. And Yan Xing, fell for the young, bright Shen Du and had to learn to love and accept this older, darker, different version of Shen Du. The second thing is that they made them take their time to fall. Nothing rushed so that it felt very natural when it actually happened.
Pacing and editing. I have some issues with the pacing of the story in the latter half of the series. I felt that the Gannandao arc could have been shortened overall. And some interrogation scenes felt too dragged out. There were also times when the transitions felt abrupt and confusing. But overall, these were not deal breakers.
Acting. DYX was great in this. His best acting that I have seen so far. They really did well in creating a complex character where he could show his acting range. DEX is a wonderful actress. I love her acting style, very natural, not exaggerated. I love the little shifts in her expressions.
The main characters:
Shen Du, the Grand Commander of the Imperial Guards, the White Ghost. Powerful, skilled martial artist, authoritative, highly-favored by the Grand Empress Dowager. One of the highest ranked officials, he only really lowers his head to the members of the royal family. But, on the personal side, as Yun Que perfectly summed up his character, âkeeps everything, good or bad, bottled up insideâ. But I liked the balance of his character. On one hand, a fearsome commander, and on the other hand, a most loyal (episode 30) and loving husband. And even though he started out critical of Yan Xingâs ability, when he saw what she was capable of, he recognized her skills for what they were and supported her. AND I LOVE THAT HE RESPECTS BOUNDARIES AND CONSENT. Episode 17. I know that many would have wanted Shen Du to kiss her then and there, but thank goodness he didnât. Because Yan Xing said that heâs ânot allowedâ to act strange (the poor, confused, flirting-inexperienced girl). And really. all throughout the series, there were times when he could have pushed her, but he didnât, even when he couldâve and no one wouldâve batted an eye if he did, he didnât, and I love him for that.
Yan Xing, the sixth daughter, child of a concubine, started out as an unranked female scribe for the Ministry of justice. And oh, so hated by so many commenters. The Yan family may be considered noble and her father works under the Prime Minister as a scholar, but otherwise, they have no power and no strong connections. In the relationship dynamics between her and Shen Du, she was basically powerless. But she faced Shen Du head on, didnât back out even when he threatened to kill her, and did her best to survive in a household whose master hates her and whose servants (at least at first) didnât see her as their mistress. She is smart but naĂŻve, headstrong and can be impulsive. I like that she is fast to apologize and that she knows that there is more for her to learn.
NO, SHE IS NOT A DAMSEL IN DISTRESS. Yes, she is physically weaker compared to the villains, criminals really, who will do anything to hurt her, and so requiring to be saved by Shen Du. But there are also times when I felt that she held up on her own. When Princess Yongâan âscoldedâ her about them discovering her secret business, yes Shen Du arrived to take her home. But that defiance in her eyes when she looked at the Princess. It was like, âyes, I am kneeling in front of you but that doesnât give you the right to treat me like this and you will not break meâ. And I loved that she saved herself from the fire, got herself out instead of panicking and waiting for someone to save her. There were two instances when I think she took calculated risks for the sake of finding out the truth, which endangered her, a bit reckless yes, but she did them anyway because Shen Du was there and she trusted him enough to know that she will not be harmed. First, when she âgropedâ Chen Huoe. And second, when she made Lai Luofu reveal that she was the 2nd generation (??) Chen Huoe. The rest of the times, she needed to be saved because bad guys intended, really plotted, to hurt her.
NO, SHE IS NOT PLAYING A HERO. The times when she pushed to investigate where mostly times when no one else wanted to â the scholar who committed suicide, the Ximing temple/Buddha case when Shen Du didnât want to push for it because imperial orders. The other times, she got involved simply because she was Mrs. Shen, the wife of the Grand Commander. And when she tried to save her sister (twice), how could she not want to do everything to save her, even though it led to some impulsive behavior (aka puppy Yan Xing).
And I loved her loyalty to Shen Du, even when he was so horrible to her. Even in that first episode, when she defended him against Lai Luozhiâs accusations. There were so many times when she could really have acted as a spy to bring Shen Du down and escape from her situation, but she didnât. She played along when he wanted to put up an affectionate-couple act to maintain his reputation. She could have used his night blindness as leverage but chose to find a cure for him instead. She always chose his side even when she knew the impermanence of their marriage. And all these were her love language.
Lai Luozhi. Unhinged. Delusional. Cruel. And a smart villain. I liked the way he was manipulating the events around Prince Xian and Princess Yongâan like they were chess pieces. The idea of creating a cult and an immortal deity to get people to follow you is kind of smart. The thing about Lai Luozhi is that he is really cruel. Not evil but cruel. When he was hiding his identity, he mostly manipulative. But out in the open, he had a killing spree.
Lu Chui Chui. Ooohh. Another widely hated character. Only child of a rich merchant. Spoiled, even more naĂŻve than Yan Xing, and has no filter, whatsoever. But she is the friend youâd like to have on your side. She will tell you things as they are and will take your side no matter what. You want to investigate? Here is my gold to help you sneak in that brothel. You want to divorce your husband? Iâll help you make plans for after the divorce so that no one can look down on you as a divorced woman.
Pan Chi. There were so many times I wanted to punch his face. But other than coveting someone elseâs wife and really messing with Shen Du all the time, he was genuinely concerned about Yan Xing. He helped in their investigations many times and he somewhat saved Shen Duâs life in Gannandao.
The divorce and the ending:
Ah, that was a brutal scene, really. The most brutal sequence in the entire series. In those few minutes, you watch Shen Du break apart everything that they built together in their relationship. He broke Yan Xing by throwing at her all the things that made her proud and turned them into something ugly. It was the most heartbreaking scene with the most wonderful acting in the entire series. Damn. I mean Yan Xing knew. She understood what he was doing and why he was doing it and she tells him (a cut scene in later episodes) that she knew. But still, it was horrible really. And the actual divorce scene? âI stab you with this gift you have given me and I take your blood and divorce you with it.â
Could it have been written differently? Yes.
Did the divorce add any value as to how their relationship eventually progressed? Maybe. I liked that they got a chance at a better wedding, one where they were both happy to be married. Really, the contrast between the first and second was so stark. I liked that Shen Du made an effort to win her back, put himself out there as if to say, yes, I am willing to do this much and go this far.
But could they have done it better? Definitely, yes. I feel that a lot was edited out from the scenes that lead to that second wedding. Like how did they even plan for it? How did Shen Du got everyone on board with it? How?
And this may be just selfishness as an audience, but I wanted to see them rebuild the relationship because despite the good intention behind the divorce, it created too many gaps between them as well. Thatâs why the end felt so rushed.
Still, overall rating: 9/10