I LOVE TO READ EVERYONE POST HERE, i have only seen up to episode 37. I hate sad endings and figure i wait til…
Awww! I recommend keeping with the show, if for nothing else other than to see XQ, who is amazing.
I also think it's pretty cool this thread has been so active with many differing point of views; it really speaks to spicy characters and stories that are resonating. Regardless of what frustrations I might have with some characters, this has been one of the better produced historical dramas and I will definitely rewatch :)
The ending will be next week; it's said that it will be different than the novel so who knows what will happen.
Some big moments in general-ish order:-Awu finds Pang Gui and the two children alive; they were captured by HZ’s…
It's a long conversation but the general gist is Awu is confronting Su Jin. By this point, Awu already knows it was Su Jin that drugged her and handed her over to HZ.
Awu says that Su Jin has changed a lot and asks her why she betrayed her. Su Jin tries to deny it, but Awu says that HZ already told her that they were collaborating; Awu just wants to hear it directly from Su Jin why.
Su Jin explains: You were lucky from birth, born into the Wang family as their princess. Our so-called sister relationship was just something meaningless. From when I was a child, my life revolved around you/I always lived in your shadows. You're heaven, you're earth (aka you were the most important). If you want it, it's yours. If you didn't, you just tossed it away. Things that I can't even dream of - you treated just like trash/it's not even worth anything in your eyes. If you really thought of and treated me as your sister, you should've already known/figured out what was in my heart (which I assume Su Jin means her love for Zitan).
From there, Awu expresses her disappointment and sadness. She tells Su Jin that from now on, they are no longer friends/have no more relationship with each other. Awu warns Su Jin don't try to do any funny business again, otherwise Awu will not turn a blind eye/not be so nice next time.
The key revelation of the conversation is that Su Jin didn't just love Zitan, but that she was actually bitter about her status and was jealous/envious of Awu.
...Which is a direct contrast to Yu Xiu (the other maid that married Song General), who is ever grateful for all that Awu has done for her and truly is appreciative of Awu.
... when you hand a sword to your captive so that they can turn the tables on you. Slaps forehead.
For the sake of XQ, I'm choosing to believe Awu doesn't have feelings for HZ or Zitan or anyone else.
At some point, her self-preservation and love for XQ needs to overcome her pity for other people. Because right now, it just feels she's putting other people ahead of XQ vs. XQ always putting her first.
So Huai En and Zi Tan are out for Xiao Qi's blood so they can basically have his wife (among other things)?
Zitan is definitely still in love with Awu. He told her that he did all of this for her.
I'm not so sure about General Song. He might still have a crush on /soft spot for Awu but I think in these later eps, he's much more intoxicated with the idea of power and to replace XQ as a folklore hero icon.
... when you hand a sword to your captive so that they can turn the tables on you. Slaps forehead.
I can see why she chose HZ, but I wished she did it without the soft eyes. She could've easily kept her fire eyes and said something along the lines of, "Releasing you now not because I want to help you, but because we have unfinished business. I will kill you to avenge XQ" - just something similar to what she said to him during the first kidnapping (and right before XQ came to save her). Instead, I just got the feeling she felt bad for HZ (even though HZ framed her husband for the exact same thing - killing the Emperor)...
And to everyone else's point, if she were gonna die anyways (like, at this point she believe XQ was dead and she told Wang Qian she can kill her one day later after Awu finishes some personal business)...why not just kill HZ to get your revenge?
Can anyone recap WangLin's plans? (or at least what he and Su are saying)? Thankyou
Hahaha, I'll give a partial answer because while I love Daddy Wang, I tend to fast forward his scenes because I want to see XQ.
In general, he wants to take the throne and in some recent promo pics, we see him wearing an Emperor robe. Based on some conversations, they're waiting out Zitan at this point because his actions are revealing he's a weak leader (he's too lovesick, has no army, and even Su Jin's baby is not his, so no heir).
Daddy Wang also knows that he himself has no army, so he needs to turn General Song into one of his pawns. He knows General Song is insecure about his humble background, so Daddy Wang bribed him with the idea that once they seize power, Daddy Wang will adopt him as a son and he can become a great General to replace and even surpass XQ as a folk hero that rose from lowly Han status to being a power player. General Song seems to buy this hook, line and sinker.
While Daddy Wang is all like, "I never said I trusted General Song. Trusting a person vs using a person are two different things."
I understand that given the situation many are disappointed with Awu but I found it consistent with her character…
My frustration with Awu is that she doesn't seem to learn from her lessons, so there's no growth or further development. She's also inconsistent in her actions, so her character doesn't even feel anchored. At least with her mom, while she was torn between her brother and her husband, you felt her devotion to her two children. With Awu, there isn't a particularly defining "guiding light" or "north star" for her beliefs. Sure, she's kind but it's kindness for kindness' sake, which gets to be a bit boring. XQ is kind too, but there's a bottom line - who is he kind to and when and why. So in pitting her against XQ (which is inevitable as he's her other half), her lack of depth is further amplified.
Even if I were to defend her and argue that this whole journey has been about her learning how to become the "mother of all nations" - because I'll give it to her that she's always been shown to defend the people - and keep stability so commoners don't suffer...through all that she experienced, she should've learned by now the solution to that is not by maintaining the throne or any single Emperor figure but rather giving people a leader worth trusting in. She saw what happened to her uncle, her father, Zilong, Zilu - people who are power hungry in maintaining the seat of power but ultimately lead to more instability. Defending the decision to keep Zitan (a person who framed his own General as revenge for stealing Awu!) as Emperor doesn't show greater understanding of what it takes to lead a country.
There's still 5 eps. Perhaps she will surprise us all.
Some big moments in general-ish order:-Awu finds Pang Gui and the two children alive; they were captured by HZ’s…
You mean her monologue/voice over near the end?
This is after her confrontation with Zitan and she gets confirmation it was him who framed her husband.
The general gist of what she says: I should tell XQ the truth, which he has been chasing so hard after. But between Zitan and XQ, one is the Emperor and one is the General. Zitan did something wrong and should be punished, but if XQ really (kills him), this will definitely cause a disruption and lead to country instability. What should I do?
Please don't click if you don't want to be spoiled for eps 58-63...
Some big moments in general-ish order:
-Awu finds Pang Gui and the two children alive; they were captured by HZ’s people to be slaves -The children tell Awu it was HZ that captured them and used them as hostages against Awu; while the children didn’t see XQ actually die (as HZ took them and left), they described in detail how XQ was outnumbered and gravely hurt and because of this, Awu lost hope and believed XQ died -Awu agrees to marry HZ if he releases all the slaves and let them return to Cheng; HZ agrees -In this time, Zitan gets news that Awu is alive and he wanted to lead an army to get her; but his court subjects disagreed and basically grounded him (and he is just locked in a room, being a useless lump of a waste of a person….) -On day of wedding, we see a flashback to when XQ gave Awu his favored/lucky knife; we get the sense that she was gonna kill him to avenge XQ’s death but… -Awu was tricked to go see Wang Qian; Awu told Wang Qian to give her 1 more day to finish some personal business (presumably to kill HZ) and after that Wang Qian can kill Awu. Wang Qian makes Awu beg and Awu gets on her knees, begs and bows. I really liked this moment because it showed Awu was willing to put aside her pride in her quest to kill HZ and avenge XQ. -HZ was framed for killing his father (!!!!!! KARMA BETCH!!! You framed XQ for killing the Emperor and now you’re framed by HT for killing your father, the King) -HT captured Awu and told her if she killed HZ publicly, she can live. Despite my best efforts, I felt little sad for HZ because he really does love Awu – even as he is about to die, he begs for her life. -Awu instead releases HZ (I guess because she knows that even if she killed HZ, HT likely will kill her anyways – but I really really really hated how she hesitated killing him because gurl, this man PLOTTED TO KILL your husband) -HZ tries to fight their way out but dies protecting Awu -Just when we thought Awu was gonna be killed, DUM DUM DUM XQ arrives and saves the day by holding HT hostage ---- hahahaha, amazing! -XQ, Awu and the freed slaves head back to Ningshou -XQ regains control of the Ningshou army -Sweet cuddle moment between Awu and XQ and she tells him he’s the most important person to her, no matter where he goes, she will always be by his side -XQ heads towards Cheng (the capital) and it takes them about half a year (!!!!!!) because along the way, they get into some minor fights to settle the country (which has been in chaos since XQ’s been gone) -Once XQ heads into Cheng, he is confronted by General Song – they don’t outright engage in a fight, but it’s clear they are on opposite sides. XQ is on a quest for truth and justice; General Song is here to “protect” the capital -Given XQ’s army power, his court subjects pressure Zitan to “forgive” XQ as a traitor – basically Zitan’s message was that it was horrible what happened, we must investigate the incidence but while XQ is not a traitor, he is not yet proven innocent. He can stay in Cheng but stripped of his titles, cannot attend court, etc. -XQ said nah, I’m not gonna listen to that edict -Zitan was forced to retract this and let XQ comes back into Cheng as Lord (his rightful title) and live in his manor and investigate who tried to frame him -Another sweet moment between XQ and Awu where she says everyone changes, will you? XQ said, my feelings towards you will never change. -Awu confronts Su Jin and asked why she betrayed her. Su Jin reveals an insecurity here: as a maid, she always lived in the shadows of Awu’s glamour (I guess Su Jin was bitter about her humble background). But now, she’s a favored concubine while Awu is married to a Lord that was once accused of being a traitor. Also, Su Jin is pregnant. -Hu Yao finds out XQ is alive and rides back to the manor to see him; she tells him what happened that day (that her brother told her to switch their identities so people would think XQ was dead) and that once Hu Yao got XQ on the horse, she fainted and was subsequently picked up by Zitan’s people as they rode into Cheng. She didn’t know what happened to XQ (who we know was picked up by a friendly farmer couple) -XQ and Awu have a nice moment out by a river to play with the two children; XQ asks if they want a new mother? They said yes and XQ and Awu adopted them right then and there. Pretty sweet moment. -Then Awu RUINED it by asking XQ to give up his quest for justice and instead just live a peaceful life. Of course, XQ responded that once he gets justice for his dead soldiers, they can leave everything behind and live a normal life. -Empress Dowager still has a few tricks up her sleeve! She revealed to Awu it was Zitan who plotted and framed XQ -Awu confronts Zitan and she gets the truth -Awu doesn’t tell XQ because she’s afraid that if the General killed the Emperor, then it would further disrupt the country’s stability… This is SUCH A WEAK ARGUMENT! My god, Zitan is a meh Emperor as is and he PLOTTED TO KILL your husband, yet you waver on revealing this truth to XQ (even knowing how much he wants to get justice for his dead soldiers) -Daddy Wang figures out that Su Jin’s child is NOT Zitan’s because the timing isn’t right (she’s 9 months pregnant but has only been in the palace for 7 months) – this was the last big reveal in ep 63
Throughout, some other stuff happens, but in general those were the bigger plot points.
I have to say… DADDY WANG -You’re soooooo evil but I really like you! You’re a genius mastermind and figured out everyone’s plots and connected all the dots. You kinda deserve to be king. -You knew Zitan would never be able lead an army to save Awu; you knew his court subjects would stop him and this would only make him appear as a lovesick weakling in front of his subjects -You knew something was fishy with Su Jin. I loved the line when you remarked, “Concubine Su Jin? Ha, no matter what she will always just be one of Awu’s maid” -You spotted General Song’s weakness – General Song is insecure about his humble beginnings so that makes him overcompensate, which makes General Song easier to corrupt. That’s how you’re able to manipulate General Song to do your bidding. I love your comment about how while XQ and General Song might appear the same, they are not. XQ is incorruptible because he’s smart and is secure in himself, plus there’s not much he desires. On the other hand, General Song needs someone to lead him (as XQ has always led him as a brother); he’s not as sure of himself and therefore easily led astray. -You are sooo soooo sooooo ambitious but you also love your daughter and you’re proud of her – what a complex character
AWU -I don’t like you much. Compared to XQ’s conviction and devotion, you seem like such a weak character.
ZITAN -I liked you for 1 second because in one of the episodes, you told Su Jin “‘Awu?’ Someone like you doesn’t have the right to say her birth name. No matter what happens, you should always address her as Shang Yang Princess.” Which really hits Su Jin right in her weakness. Even if she has the title of being the Emperor’s Concubine, Su Jin will never measure up to Awu in Zitan’s eyes.
a longer cut:https://twitter.com/ByunBaekoned/status/1361621622470238208?s=20
i assume so. it's his army, after all. plus, all of his men have been very loyal to him so i would be surprised if he came back and they had a new leader.
during XQ's absence, i think it was Tang Jing (the other general under XQ) commanding Ningshou army.
a longer cut:https://twitter.com/ByunBaekoned/status/1361621622470238208?s=20
in the spoiler, i dont think it's HZ. HZ's left hand is cut off, but the guy shown in the teaser still has his left hand (based on posture, you can tell he's resting his left hand over his knee). maybe HZ is in another cart? there seems to be more than 1 prison cart...
A thought occurred in my mind that XiaoXi is the best ML in C-drama :)!!Ahem, Yehua who???! lol
Yup! Before XQ, some of my fave MLs were Yehua, Jiu Chen (Love & Destiny), Dong Hua Di Jun (Eternal Love of Dream). They're all so similar - very protective, have eyes only for their women, harsh to everyone else but soft with their love, etc.
Someone mentioned this before, but I think the main difference with XQ is that he treats Awu as an equal when it comes to making big decisions or just sharing his "work" thoughts. He's pretty much always honest with her (except when he thinks she might not be PHYSICALLY able to handle more stress/negative news - like, she might die from the news). Otherwise, he's consistent with telling her/discussing with her big decisions.
Whereas with the other MLs, they didn't have that same regard for their FL. The nature of their deception worked like a plot device to drive more angst. I credit the writers for flushing out the nuances of XQ's character in terms of how he treats Awu.
In general order:-Wang Xuan escapes the palace with the baby; she handed the baby to Aunt Zu to take to Wang Su…
Zitan gave Su Jin the title of concubine.
He told her that Awu has always cared about her (he thinks Awu is dead since Su Jin told him that she killed herself after finding out XQ died), so he will take care of her to make sure that she won't get bullied in the future. By giving Su Jin the title of concubine, Zitan ensures she has a good life.
What a deserving insult. Basically, Su Jin gets her wish (to be Zitan's concubine but probably in name only as Zitan is still hung up on Awu) but is only because Zitan pities her.
You know, that's a valid theory. PM never really struck me as being evil or calculating. I came to the watch party…
your points are very valid.
i dont think the PM wanted XQ to be emperor, i think the PM wanted to be emperor himself and just secure XQ as son in law so he would have a strong army alliance.
esp with the more recent eps, i can understand how PM just doesnt like to be at the mercy of others in power. and PM being so smart, he probably didnt want to coordinate behind the scenes for Zilong The Crown Idiot.
1.Why did Hu Yao suddenly become a princess ?2.What was Asu talking about with Huai En ?3.What did Xiaoqi hear…
1.Why did Hu Yao suddenly become a princess ? Hu Yao didn't become a princess, but she was supposedly saved by Zitan and brought into the palace. He lets her leave and return to Ningshou. I think some scenes must've been cut or maybe it will be revealed later - but not sure how Hu Yao and XQ got separated as we last saw she was the one that saved him.
2.What was Asu talking about with Huai En ? I think you're talking about their long conversation at ep 55 - the general gist is that Wang Su tells Huai'en that the Empress Dowager wanted Wang Su to kill Huai'en but that Wang Su will not do so. Instead, Wang Su recruits Huai'en to help him get the throne. Huai'en accepts and pledges allegience to Wang Su - he finally realizes that ultimate power = ultimate protection; even as a general, he was just other power player's chess piece.
3.What did Xiaoqi hear about Awu from the locals talking ? I think you're talking about the scene where a group of soldiers came looking for Wang Xuan with her portrait; then they went into the roadside restaurant to eat and chat and XQ was waiting outside. Basically, they were saying "oh, did you hear the rumors that Wang Xuan jumped off a cliff", "no, other rumors said she went to Ningshou" and "no, another rumor is that she was kidnapped to Hulan." They also spoke a bit about how Zitan is being super lovesick - that he told his soldiers they must find Wang Xuan because back in the day, they were childhood sweethearts.
Please don't click if you don't want to be spoiled for 52-57
In general order:
-Wang Xuan escapes the palace with the baby; she handed the baby to Aunt Zu to take to Wang Su to ensure baby's survival -Wang Xuan and Su Jin head off to Ningshou to look for XQ, but along the way Su Jin gives Wang Xuan a tranquilizer and hands her off to HZ - that's how she ends up in Hulan -HZ tells Wang Xuan that Su Jin was working for him, so she knows Su Jin betrayed her -Su Jin gets raped by Forehead Tattoo man -Daddy Wang is alive and met up with his son, Wang Su; we get to see some character growth and development from Wang Su -Hu Yao ends up in the palace; not sure how that happened but she thanked Zitan for saving her and she wants to prove the innocence of XQ and the Ningshou army -Su Jin ends up back in the palace; she lies to Zitan that Wang Xuan committed suicide upon hearing of XQ's death. Zitan becomes depressed, doesn't hold court and basically wallows away in pain. Su Jin tells him to get over it. At this point, not sure who is more pathetic - the lovesick Zitan or the obsessive Su Jin. -Wang Qian makes an appearance; she tries to kill Wang Xuan but gets thwarted by HZ -HZ treats Wang Xuan sweetly (less rough than when he kidnapped her in earlier episodes); he wants to marry her and Wang Xuan refuses -Wang Xuan doesn't believe XQ is dead; she doesn't suspect that it was HZ that set him up -Pang Gui is alive and was captured to Hulan; the last scene in 57 is Wang Xuan seeing him being held captive
No sweet scenes between XQ and Wang Xuan; it'll likely be in the next week's updates!
XQ isn't on screen a lot, he only has a handful of scenes and other than the first scene where he wakes up, he doesn't speak for the rest of the episodes. Zhou Yiwei is a phenomenal actor - without saying anything, you can still see how his character is transforming and feel his "going rogue" vibe. He's a man on a mission - to find his wife, but also to get justice for his dead comrades that are now being accused of having been traitors.
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I also think it's pretty cool this thread has been so active with many differing point of views; it really speaks to spicy characters and stories that are resonating. Regardless of what frustrations I might have with some characters, this has been one of the better produced historical dramas and I will definitely rewatch :)
The ending will be next week; it's said that it will be different than the novel so who knows what will happen.
Awu says that Su Jin has changed a lot and asks her why she betrayed her. Su Jin tries to deny it, but Awu says that HZ already told her that they were collaborating; Awu just wants to hear it directly from Su Jin why.
Su Jin explains: You were lucky from birth, born into the Wang family as their princess. Our so-called sister relationship was just something meaningless. From when I was a child, my life revolved around you/I always lived in your shadows. You're heaven, you're earth (aka you were the most important). If you want it, it's yours. If you didn't, you just tossed it away. Things that I can't even dream of - you treated just like trash/it's not even worth anything in your eyes. If you really thought of and treated me as your sister, you should've already known/figured out what was in my heart (which I assume Su Jin means her love for Zitan).
From there, Awu expresses her disappointment and sadness. She tells Su Jin that from now on, they are no longer friends/have no more relationship with each other. Awu warns Su Jin don't try to do any funny business again, otherwise Awu will not turn a blind eye/not be so nice next time.
The key revelation of the conversation is that Su Jin didn't just love Zitan, but that she was actually bitter about her status and was jealous/envious of Awu.
...Which is a direct contrast to Yu Xiu (the other maid that married Song General), who is ever grateful for all that Awu has done for her and truly is appreciative of Awu.
At some point, her self-preservation and love for XQ needs to overcome her pity for other people. Because right now, it just feels she's putting other people ahead of XQ vs. XQ always putting her first.
I'm not so sure about General Song. He might still have a crush on /soft spot for Awu but I think in these later eps, he's much more intoxicated with the idea of power and to replace XQ as a folklore hero icon.
And to everyone else's point, if she were gonna die anyways (like, at this point she believe XQ was dead and she told Wang Qian she can kill her one day later after Awu finishes some personal business)...why not just kill HZ to get your revenge?
She's so inconsistent!
In general, he wants to take the throne and in some recent promo pics, we see him wearing an Emperor robe. Based on some conversations, they're waiting out Zitan at this point because his actions are revealing he's a weak leader (he's too lovesick, has no army, and even Su Jin's baby is not his, so no heir).
Daddy Wang also knows that he himself has no army, so he needs to turn General Song into one of his pawns. He knows General Song is insecure about his humble background, so Daddy Wang bribed him with the idea that once they seize power, Daddy Wang will adopt him as a son and he can become a great General to replace and even surpass XQ as a folk hero that rose from lowly Han status to being a power player. General Song seems to buy this hook, line and sinker.
While Daddy Wang is all like, "I never said I trusted General Song. Trusting a person vs using a person are two different things."
Daddy Wang is amazing.
Even if I were to defend her and argue that this whole journey has been about her learning how to become the "mother of all nations" - because I'll give it to her that she's always been shown to defend the people - and keep stability so commoners don't suffer...through all that she experienced, she should've learned by now the solution to that is not by maintaining the throne or any single Emperor figure but rather giving people a leader worth trusting in. She saw what happened to her uncle, her father, Zilong, Zilu - people who are power hungry in maintaining the seat of power but ultimately lead to more instability. Defending the decision to keep Zitan (a person who framed his own General as revenge for stealing Awu!) as Emperor doesn't show greater understanding of what it takes to lead a country.
There's still 5 eps. Perhaps she will surprise us all.
This is after her confrontation with Zitan and she gets confirmation it was him who framed her husband.
The general gist of what she says: I should tell XQ the truth, which he has been chasing so hard after. But between Zitan and XQ, one is the Emperor and one is the General. Zitan did something wrong and should be punished, but if XQ really (kills him), this will definitely cause a disruption and lead to country instability. What should I do?
-Awu finds Pang Gui and the two children alive; they were captured by HZ’s people to be slaves
-The children tell Awu it was HZ that captured them and used them as hostages against Awu; while the children didn’t see XQ actually die (as HZ took them and left), they described in detail how XQ was outnumbered and gravely hurt and because of this, Awu lost hope and believed XQ died
-Awu agrees to marry HZ if he releases all the slaves and let them return to Cheng; HZ agrees
-In this time, Zitan gets news that Awu is alive and he wanted to lead an army to get her; but his court subjects disagreed and basically grounded him (and he is just locked in a room, being a useless lump of a waste of a person….)
-On day of wedding, we see a flashback to when XQ gave Awu his favored/lucky knife; we get the sense that she was gonna kill him to avenge XQ’s death but…
-Awu was tricked to go see Wang Qian; Awu told Wang Qian to give her 1 more day to finish some personal business (presumably to kill HZ) and after that Wang Qian can kill Awu. Wang Qian makes Awu beg and Awu gets on her knees, begs and bows. I really liked this moment because it showed Awu was willing to put aside her pride in her quest to kill HZ and avenge XQ.
-HZ was framed for killing his father (!!!!!! KARMA BETCH!!! You framed XQ for killing the Emperor and now you’re framed by HT for killing your father, the King)
-HT captured Awu and told her if she killed HZ publicly, she can live. Despite my best efforts, I felt little sad for HZ because he really does love Awu – even as he is about to die, he begs for her life.
-Awu instead releases HZ (I guess because she knows that even if she killed HZ, HT likely will kill her anyways – but I really really really hated how she hesitated killing him because gurl, this man PLOTTED TO KILL your husband)
-HZ tries to fight their way out but dies protecting Awu
-Just when we thought Awu was gonna be killed, DUM DUM DUM XQ arrives and saves the day by holding HT hostage ---- hahahaha, amazing!
-XQ, Awu and the freed slaves head back to Ningshou
-XQ regains control of the Ningshou army
-Sweet cuddle moment between Awu and XQ and she tells him he’s the most important person to her, no matter where he goes, she will always be by his side
-XQ heads towards Cheng (the capital) and it takes them about half a year (!!!!!!) because along the way, they get into some minor fights to settle the country (which has been in chaos since XQ’s been gone)
-Once XQ heads into Cheng, he is confronted by General Song – they don’t outright engage in a fight, but it’s clear they are on opposite sides. XQ is on a quest for truth and justice; General Song is here to “protect” the capital
-Given XQ’s army power, his court subjects pressure Zitan to “forgive” XQ as a traitor – basically Zitan’s message was that it was horrible what happened, we must investigate the incidence but while XQ is not a traitor, he is not yet proven innocent. He can stay in Cheng but stripped of his titles, cannot attend court, etc.
-XQ said nah, I’m not gonna listen to that edict
-Zitan was forced to retract this and let XQ comes back into Cheng as Lord (his rightful title) and live in his manor and investigate who tried to frame him
-Another sweet moment between XQ and Awu where she says everyone changes, will you? XQ said, my feelings towards you will never change.
-Awu confronts Su Jin and asked why she betrayed her. Su Jin reveals an insecurity here: as a maid, she always lived in the shadows of Awu’s glamour (I guess Su Jin was bitter about her humble background). But now, she’s a favored concubine while Awu is married to a Lord that was once accused of being a traitor. Also, Su Jin is pregnant.
-Hu Yao finds out XQ is alive and rides back to the manor to see him; she tells him what happened that day (that her brother told her to switch their identities so people would think XQ was dead) and that once Hu Yao got XQ on the horse, she fainted and was subsequently picked up by Zitan’s people as they rode into Cheng. She didn’t know what happened to XQ (who we know was picked up by a friendly farmer couple)
-XQ and Awu have a nice moment out by a river to play with the two children; XQ asks if they want a new mother? They said yes and XQ and Awu adopted them right then and there. Pretty sweet moment.
-Then Awu RUINED it by asking XQ to give up his quest for justice and instead just live a peaceful life. Of course, XQ responded that once he gets justice for his dead soldiers, they can leave everything behind and live a normal life.
-Empress Dowager still has a few tricks up her sleeve! She revealed to Awu it was Zitan who plotted and framed XQ
-Awu confronts Zitan and she gets the truth
-Awu doesn’t tell XQ because she’s afraid that if the General killed the Emperor, then it would further disrupt the country’s stability… This is SUCH A WEAK ARGUMENT! My god, Zitan is a meh Emperor as is and he PLOTTED TO KILL your husband, yet you waver on revealing this truth to XQ (even knowing how much he wants to get justice for his dead soldiers)
-Daddy Wang figures out that Su Jin’s child is NOT Zitan’s because the timing isn’t right (she’s 9 months pregnant but has only been in the palace for 7 months) – this was the last big reveal in ep 63
Throughout, some other stuff happens, but in general those were the bigger plot points.
I have to say…
DADDY WANG
-You’re soooooo evil but I really like you! You’re a genius mastermind and figured out everyone’s plots and connected all the dots. You kinda deserve to be king.
-You knew Zitan would never be able lead an army to save Awu; you knew his court subjects would stop him and this would only make him appear as a lovesick weakling in front of his subjects
-You knew something was fishy with Su Jin. I loved the line when you remarked, “Concubine Su Jin? Ha, no matter what she will always just be one of Awu’s maid”
-You spotted General Song’s weakness – General Song is insecure about his humble beginnings so that makes him overcompensate, which makes General Song easier to corrupt. That’s how you’re able to manipulate General Song to do your bidding. I love your comment about how while XQ and General Song might appear the same, they are not. XQ is incorruptible because he’s smart and is secure in himself, plus there’s not much he desires. On the other hand, General Song needs someone to lead him (as XQ has always led him as a brother); he’s not as sure of himself and therefore easily led astray.
-You are sooo soooo sooooo ambitious but you also love your daughter and you’re proud of her – what a complex character
AWU
-I don’t like you much. Compared to XQ’s conviction and devotion, you seem like such a weak character.
ZITAN
-I liked you for 1 second because in one of the episodes, you told Su Jin “‘Awu?’ Someone like you doesn’t have the right to say her birth name. No matter what happens, you should always address her as Shang Yang Princess.” Which really hits Su Jin right in her weakness. Even if she has the title of being the Emperor’s Concubine, Su Jin will never measure up to Awu in Zitan’s eyes.
during XQ's absence, i think it was Tang Jing (the other general under XQ) commanding Ningshou army.
Someone mentioned this before, but I think the main difference with XQ is that he treats Awu as an equal when it comes to making big decisions or just sharing his "work" thoughts. He's pretty much always honest with her (except when he thinks she might not be PHYSICALLY able to handle more stress/negative news - like, she might die from the news). Otherwise, he's consistent with telling her/discussing with her big decisions.
Whereas with the other MLs, they didn't have that same regard for their FL. The nature of their deception worked like a plot device to drive more angst. I credit the writers for flushing out the nuances of XQ's character in terms of how he treats Awu.
https://twitter.com/ByunBaekoned/status/1361621622470238208?s=20
Zitan's voice: As a country, we can't even protect one woman! In that case, what use do I have for this country! If you don't go, I will go myself.
Xiao Qi's voice: I, Xiao Qi, will defend you all (or something to that meaning as the phrase he used was rather old-school).
He told her that Awu has always cared about her (he thinks Awu is dead since Su Jin told him that she killed herself after finding out XQ died), so he will take care of her to make sure that she won't get bullied in the future. By giving Su Jin the title of concubine, Zitan ensures she has a good life.
What a deserving insult. Basically, Su Jin gets her wish (to be Zitan's concubine but probably in name only as Zitan is still hung up on Awu) but is only because Zitan pities her.
PM has plans but i dont think theyre for XQ...
i dont think the PM wanted XQ to be emperor, i think the PM wanted to be emperor himself and just secure XQ as son in law so he would have a strong army alliance.
esp with the more recent eps, i can understand how PM just doesnt like to be at the mercy of others in power. and PM being so smart, he probably didnt want to coordinate behind the scenes for Zilong The Crown Idiot.
Hu Yao didn't become a princess, but she was supposedly saved by Zitan and brought into the palace. He lets her leave and return to Ningshou. I think some scenes must've been cut or maybe it will be revealed later - but not sure how Hu Yao and XQ got separated as we last saw she was the one that saved him.
2.What was Asu talking about with Huai En ?
I think you're talking about their long conversation at ep 55 - the general gist is that Wang Su tells Huai'en that the Empress Dowager wanted Wang Su to kill Huai'en but that Wang Su will not do so. Instead, Wang Su recruits Huai'en to help him get the throne. Huai'en accepts and pledges allegience to Wang Su - he finally realizes that ultimate power = ultimate protection; even as a general, he was just other power player's chess piece.
3.What did Xiaoqi hear about Awu from the locals talking ?
I think you're talking about the scene where a group of soldiers came looking for Wang Xuan with her portrait; then they went into the roadside restaurant to eat and chat and XQ was waiting outside. Basically, they were saying "oh, did you hear the rumors that Wang Xuan jumped off a cliff", "no, other rumors said she went to Ningshou" and "no, another rumor is that she was kidnapped to Hulan." They also spoke a bit about how Zitan is being super lovesick - that he told his soldiers they must find Wang Xuan because back in the day, they were childhood sweethearts.
-Wang Xuan escapes the palace with the baby; she handed the baby to Aunt Zu to take to Wang Su to ensure baby's survival
-Wang Xuan and Su Jin head off to Ningshou to look for XQ, but along the way Su Jin gives Wang Xuan a tranquilizer and hands her off to HZ - that's how she ends up in Hulan
-HZ tells Wang Xuan that Su Jin was working for him, so she knows Su Jin betrayed her
-Su Jin gets raped by Forehead Tattoo man
-Daddy Wang is alive and met up with his son, Wang Su; we get to see some character growth and development from Wang Su
-Hu Yao ends up in the palace; not sure how that happened but she thanked Zitan for saving her and she wants to prove the innocence of XQ and the Ningshou army
-Su Jin ends up back in the palace; she lies to Zitan that Wang Xuan committed suicide upon hearing of XQ's death. Zitan becomes depressed, doesn't hold court and basically wallows away in pain. Su Jin tells him to get over it. At this point, not sure who is more pathetic - the lovesick Zitan or the obsessive Su Jin.
-Wang Qian makes an appearance; she tries to kill Wang Xuan but gets thwarted by HZ
-HZ treats Wang Xuan sweetly (less rough than when he kidnapped her in earlier episodes); he wants to marry her and Wang Xuan refuses
-Wang Xuan doesn't believe XQ is dead; she doesn't suspect that it was HZ that set him up
-Pang Gui is alive and was captured to Hulan; the last scene in 57 is Wang Xuan seeing him being held captive
No sweet scenes between XQ and Wang Xuan; it'll likely be in the next week's updates!
XQ isn't on screen a lot, he only has a handful of scenes and other than the first scene where he wakes up, he doesn't speak for the rest of the episodes. Zhou Yiwei is a phenomenal actor - without saying anything, you can still see how his character is transforming and feel his "going rogue" vibe. He's a man on a mission - to find his wife, but also to get justice for his dead comrades that are now being accused of having been traitors.