The hard works during scroching summer of 2024. It's such a pity this drama turned out like this. The storyline got so much potential with WZQ & LYX acting abilities.
When I read the whole novel I did imagine their faces and made me too excited while waiting for the drama broadcast. Keep reassure myself by saying "It's going to be better" for each episodes lol. This is the most exhausting cdrama I ever watched because I slightly have high hope they would follow the novel's storyline or make it more better.
And when I discovered a lot of main CP scenes that I looking forward to watch got EDITED OUT really had me too much heartbroken. I am okay if they filled it with nessesary plot but what they did was just ughhhh ( truly speechless )!🙄 We could have fluffy fun flirting between main CP tho!
But yeah, it's finally over! That's all matter 🥲But main leads had tough time during the airing period which made me infuriated !!! Both of them really deserve better!
"One thing Wang ziqi had opportunity to just show that he can actually do all the calligraphy by himself which is a RARE thing for period drama, only a few actors can do that, he is one" - AvenueX
So true~ Thanks to Serendipity we got to see him showing off his calligraphy skill 😌
▪️Umbrella sceneMingshu quietly glanced at Lu Chang's profile, with mixed feelings. At this time, a carriage…
Lu Chang endured for a moment, then reached out to pull her under the covers: "Miss Jian, aren't you truly afraid?" Ming Shu turned to face the wall, feeling the warmth of his chest against her back, and closed her eyes: "I'm tired, let's sleep." After a long while, though neither knew if the other was asleep, Lu Chang whispered in her ear: "The poor scholar Lu Chang from Jiangning loves Miss Jian from the Jian family, sincerely asks to marry her, promising one life, one world, one couple, never parting in life or death. Shu, are you still willing to be my wife?" Ming Shu's answer also came after a long time: "One year, Lu Chang, can you wait?" He would use his best years to wait for her year of mourning to pass. "I can wait," Lu Chang held her tight. A lifetime, he could wait.
Original script
Lu Chang: Miss Jian, aren't you afraid? (Ming Shu doesn't show any fear. Her face turns red, but her heart races in anticipation.) Ming Shu: If you keep acting like this... I won't be able to hold back! *(Lu Chang smiles faintly, then suddenly grabs her hand tightly. His eyes shine with warmth as he looks at her and says seriously:) Lu Chang: A poor scholar from Jiangnan, Lu Jin, sincerely proposes to Miss Jian Ming Shu-heartfelt and devoted, wishing to spend a lifetime, forever and ever, as a pair. I vow never to leave nor forsake you. Ming Shu, are you willing to marry me and be my wife? (Ming Shu's eyes sting with emotion, her heart overflowing with joy and sweetness. She was stunned for a moment before she spoke softly:) Ming Shu: Lu Chang, then... will you wait for me? (Lu Chang is briefly stunned.) Lu Chang: I will.
Mingshu quietly glanced at Lu Chang's profile, with mixed feelings. At this time, a carriage sped past, splashing water. Seeing this, Lu Chang pulled Mingshu over and protected her in his arms. Lu Chang: Be careful!
Ming Shu leaned in Lu Chang's arms, and when she raised her eyes, they met Lu Chang's eyes. Being so close, they could hear each other's breathing, and their heartbeats became disordered.
• Lu Chang looked at Ming Shu, knowing that this was a bit over the line compared to the past, but he did not let go.
▪️Cosplay scene 😤 (Their sweet flirting got deleted) - This just a part of them flirts but there's more!!!
Mingshu looked at Lu Chang and suddenly got an idea to tease him. He walked to Lu Chang and pressed him against the wall, pretending to do a wall-dong. Lu Chang:(stunned) Madam... Madam, what are you going to do? Mingshu: (teasing) It's late at night, shouldn't you serve your wife and rest, husband? After saying this, Mingshu smiled evilly and went straight to take off Lu Chang's clothes. Lu Chang was stunned and froze in place when he saw this, but after seeing the evil smile on Mingshu's mouth, he immediately realized that Mingshu was teasing him, and went straight to grab Mingshu's hand. Mingshu didn't expect Lu Chang to take action, and looked at Lu Chang in astonishment. Unexpectedly, Lu Chang directly hugged Mingshu into his arms. The two looked into each other's eyes, and Lu Chang looked at Mingshu and smiled and whispered teasingly in her ear. Lu Chang:Madam, you are really skilled in changing clothes. Mingshu blushed upon hearing this, lowered her head and whispered. Mingshu: Don't talk nonsense, (timidly quibbling) I, I was just joking with you. Lu Chang thought Mingshu with red cheeks was very cute, the more he looked at her, the more he liked her, and couldn't help but kiss her.
▪️Ep 40 ; Wedding scene
•The two looked at each other affectionately. Mingshu: (affectionate and solemn) "Lu Chang from now on, you will benefit the people, and I..." (This is original line from novel) •Mingshu approached gently and stared at Lu Chang gently. Lu Chang was shocked and he hugged Ming Shu tightly. Ming Shu took the opportunity to lean into his arms and put her hands around his waist.
▪️Granny had a longer death scene which bonded Mom and Wei more ✂️
▪️ Lu Chang and Ming Shu discussed mom's romance more. LC is much more thoughtful about it.
Lu Chang: Over the years, my mother has suffered a lot for me, and I also want someone to be with her. Uncle Wei is a good man, but he has been in the army for many years. Even if he wants to take care of my mother, I am afraid it is just a show and it is difficult to win her heart.
Mingshu: Uncle Wei may look like a military commander, but when it comes to A Niang, he is extremely meticulous. He always takes over the work from A Niang quietly, and even speaks to A Niang quietly. I am very optimistic about them. △ Lu Chang hesitated for a moment, thinking silently.
Lu Chang: If Uncle Wei can really make my mother happy, I will not stop him. I just hope my mother is happy every day. As for the rest, as long as my mother is willing, I respect all her decisions.
Mingshu: (smiling) I knew you thought the same as I did!
△Mingshu said this and happily held Lu Chang's hand. Lu Chang smiled and held Mingshu's hand in return.
▪️Flirting in Ep 33
Mingshu: Look at you, you are so tired that your eyes are dark. You control me all day long, but you don't know how to take care of yourself!
Lu Chang: Got it. I’ll do as you say.
Mingshu: (pouting) You just fool people with your words! (soft but serious voice)…………………Have I ever told you that I don’t like ugly, disfigured men?
△ Lu Chang’s heart skipped a beat, and he looked at Mingshu with a dark smile.
Lu Chang: Are you blackmailing me?
Mingshu: (winks playfully) Brother, did you remember it?
▪️Mom & Uncle Wei ending
△ Lu Chang and Ming Shu on horseback waved goodbye to Zeng reluctantly. Zeng watched the carriage go away and still looked around reluctantly. △ Wei Zhuo silently put a cloak on Zeng. Wei Zhuo: It's a good thing that the children have their own things to do. You and I have been busy for most of our lives, and we can travel and enjoy leisure in the future. Zeng: You are right, in the coming years, we should live for ourselves. △ Wei Zhuo took out a stack of things from his body, except for a red engagement letter, the rest were house deeds and land deeds. Wei Zhuo: Yuqing, I know you don't want to get married again, but Wei still wants to say it. I have already prepared the engagement letter and betrothal gifts. As long as you are willing, Wei will welcome you at any time. △ Zeng smiled and waved her hand. Zeng: If I can't accompany you well, what's the problem even if we get married; but if we can warm each other up, what's the problem if we don't get married. You said so, right? △As she spoke, Zeng took Wei Zhuo’s arm, and the two hugged each other and turned away.
I don't understand why Wang Zi Qi accepted this script. It feels like he's just an extra, while third wheel Wang…
I could see why because Lu Chang is a character he never tried before. Excel in both literature and martial arts which is different from Xiao Jinyu (the character in The Imperial Coronor) who is a prince with an imposing and dignified demeanor. Lu Chang comes from a humble background, frequents the streets, and possesses a hint of both good and bad in his nature. Also there's a lot of elements highlighted about women's struggles that make Lu Chang wrote poem about that.
And what can you do if production team decided to cut a lot of his scenes to favour SML? Actors can't do anything about that~
And one of WZQ's acting strength is his detailed expressions but this director's style of shot mostly wide angle shot 😩
Rants about the deleted scenes ;(All the scenes from original scripts)
Ep 40 ; Proposal scene
Lu Chang smiles faintly, then suddenly grabs her hand tightly. His eyes shine with warmth as he looks at her and says seriously:) Lu Chang: A poor scholar from Jiangnan, Lu Chang, sincerely proposes to Miss Jian Ming Shu—heartfelt and devoted, wishing to spend a lifetime, forever and ever, as a pair. I vow never to leave nor forsake you. Ming Shu, are you willing to marry me and be my wife?
Ep 32 ; Back hug scene
Mingshu wanted to leave, but Lu Chang held her tighter and kissed her lightly on the cheek with a smile. ..... The two of them embraced each other~
Ep 40 ; The groom snatching
Mingshu running toward Lu Chang "You are the one I am looking for" This scene got cut and featured in paid contents for express package~
Prison scene
Mingshu is holding back her tears seeing the condition of Lu Chang in the prison and Lu Chang comfort her but we don't get that scene instead suddenly we got a shot of empty bowl 🥲
Cosplay episode (Act as wife & husband)
Mingshu fell on top of him and both of them blushing that's why they having wild thoughts.
Calligraphy scene & Bathtub scene
Behind the scene more sweeter than main film.
Ep 33
There's more flirting when Mingshu served Lu Chang with tea~
For anyone who curious about the comparison character & plot change in the novel vs drama ; (this just for earlier…
Character Setup Differences in novel vs in drama~ 1. The scene where the second male lead saves the female lead at the inn — in the novel, this was done by Young Master Tao, who had feelings for the female lead and helped her a lot. He was the first guy in the novel to like her. The second male lead stole his setup. 2. The academy — it was the male lead who brought the female lead in and persuaded the headmaster to let her stay. In the drama, they changed it so the second male lead brought her in. 3. The female lead opening a shop — the male lead helped her throughout. At that time, the second male lead wasn’t even involved. (The shop was funded by the female lead herself, and the male lead helped manage it. But even in the novel, he was busy with his exams, so his help wasn’t excessive.) 4. The scene where the female lead loses consciousness (originally due to a high fever in the novel) — the male lead cared for her the whole night without taking his clothes off to rest. In the drama, this was given to the second male lead. What? Her mother and best friend were right there — why is he the one doing massages? 5. The male lead’s admission into the academy — in the novel, he got in based on merit (anyone with good grades could get in). It had nothing to do with the second male lead, yet they added credits to him again. 6. The falling plaque incident — it was the male lead who got injured. The second male lead was completely fine. (Yes, and the female lead helping the male lead apply medicine was also changed to her helping the second male lead.) 7. The second male lead begging for medicine and being beaten by his father — someone should sue this drama for tarnishing the image of noble families. In the novel, the second male lead’s father just said a few words, telling Qing Zhao to maintain her status and focus on her career instead of love, and then he gave the medicine. And the medicine was only for treating a minor injury — the novel didn’t have a storyline where the female lead was seriously hurt. 8. In the original, the female lead became a reading companion, entered the academy, and opened a shop all through her own connections (the son of the security bureau owner, her older brother, Yin Shujun). The second male lead didn’t help at all. But now, to add moral weight to Ming Shu’s character, all the credit has been shifted to him!! Not only did they steal the male lead’s contributions, they even stole the female lead’s. Truly hateful!! 9. The reason why the male lead calls the female lead “Young Miss” wasn’t shown, and none of the sweet childhood scenes made it in. They were really sweet as kids, okay?
As someone who read the novel, WZQ really did portray the character Lu Chang so well!
What can you do if the production team did so dirty like this? Not to mention a lot of his scenes got cut a lot to favour SML ~ And where else can you see a drama where people keep begging to show main CP scenes together? 🤣
I am so glad it finally over ✌️ But for what WZQ did go through for this drama since day 1 of filming to this day, I am so fcking mad! Not worth at all for this stupid drama 😤
https://weibo.com/6603889325/5172667512259252
And Xiao Jinyu & ChuChu CP poster!
https://weibo.com/6603889325/5172666253182089
https://weibo.com/7837682614/5171952966436248
https://video.weibo.com/show?fid=1034:5169521041014868
The hard works during scroching summer of 2024. It's such a pity this drama turned out like this. The storyline got so much potential with WZQ & LYX acting abilities.
When I read the whole novel I did imagine their faces and made me too excited while waiting for the drama broadcast. Keep reassure myself by saying "It's going to be better" for each episodes lol. This is the most exhausting cdrama I ever watched because I slightly have high hope they would follow the novel's storyline or make it more better.
And when I discovered a lot of main CP scenes that I looking forward to watch got EDITED OUT really had me too much heartbroken. I am okay if they filled it with nessesary plot but what they did was just ughhhh ( truly speechless )!🙄 We could have fluffy fun flirting between main CP tho!
But yeah, it's finally over! That's all matter 🥲But main leads had tough time during the airing period which made me infuriated !!! Both of them really deserve better!
- AvenueX
So true~ Thanks to Serendipity we got to see him showing off his calligraphy skill 😌
Ming Shu turned to face the wall, feeling the warmth of his chest against her back, and closed her eyes: "I'm tired, let's sleep."
After a long while, though neither knew if the other was asleep, Lu Chang whispered in her ear:
"The poor scholar Lu Chang from Jiangning loves
Miss Jian from the Jian family, sincerely asks to marry her, promising one life, one world, one couple, never parting in life or death. Shu, are you still willing to be my wife?"
Ming Shu's answer also came after a long time:
"One year, Lu Chang, can you wait?"
He would use his best years to wait for her year of mourning to pass.
"I can wait," Lu Chang held her tight.
A lifetime, he could wait.
Original script
Lu Chang: Miss Jian, aren't you afraid?
(Ming Shu doesn't show any fear. Her face turns red, but her heart races in anticipation.)
Ming Shu: If you keep acting like this... I won't be able to hold back!
*(Lu Chang smiles faintly, then suddenly grabs her hand tightly. His eyes shine with warmth as he looks at her and says seriously:)
Lu Chang: A poor scholar from Jiangnan, Lu Jin, sincerely proposes to Miss Jian Ming Shu-heartfelt and devoted, wishing to spend a lifetime, forever and ever, as a pair. I vow never to leave nor forsake you. Ming Shu, are you willing to marry me and be my wife?
(Ming Shu's eyes sting with emotion, her heart overflowing with joy and sweetness. She was stunned for a moment before she spoke softly:)
Ming Shu: Lu Chang, then... will you wait for me?
(Lu Chang is briefly stunned.)
Lu Chang: I will.
Mingshu quietly glanced at Lu Chang's profile, with mixed feelings. At this time, a carriage sped past, splashing water. Seeing this, Lu Chang pulled Mingshu over and protected her in his arms. Lu Chang: Be careful!
Ming Shu leaned in Lu Chang's arms, and when she raised her eyes, they met Lu Chang's eyes. Being so close, they could hear each other's breathing, and their heartbeats became disordered.
• Lu Chang looked at Ming Shu, knowing that this was a bit over the line compared to the past, but he did not let go.
▪️Cosplay scene 😤 (Their sweet flirting got deleted) - This just a part of them flirts but there's more!!!
Mingshu looked at Lu Chang and suddenly got an idea to tease him. He walked to Lu Chang and pressed him against the wall, pretending to do a wall-dong.
Lu Chang:(stunned) Madam... Madam, what are you going to do?
Mingshu: (teasing) It's late at night, shouldn't you serve your wife and rest, husband? After saying this, Mingshu smiled evilly and went straight to take off Lu Chang's clothes. Lu Chang was stunned and froze in place when he saw this, but after seeing the evil smile on Mingshu's mouth, he immediately realized that Mingshu was teasing him, and went straight to grab Mingshu's hand. Mingshu didn't expect Lu Chang to take action, and looked at Lu Chang in astonishment. Unexpectedly, Lu Chang directly hugged Mingshu into his arms. The two looked into each other's eyes, and Lu Chang looked at Mingshu and smiled and whispered teasingly in her ear.
Lu Chang:Madam, you are really skilled in changing clothes.
Mingshu blushed upon hearing this, lowered her head and whispered.
Mingshu: Don't talk nonsense, (timidly quibbling) I, I was just joking with you.
Lu Chang thought Mingshu with red cheeks was very cute, the more he looked at her, the more he liked her, and couldn't help but kiss her.
▪️Ep 40 ; Wedding scene
•The two looked at each other affectionately.
Mingshu: (affectionate and solemn) "Lu Chang from now on, you will benefit the people, and I..."
(This is original line from novel)
•Mingshu approached gently and stared at
Lu Chang gently.
Lu Chang was shocked and he hugged Ming Shu tightly. Ming Shu took the opportunity to lean into his arms and put her hands around his waist.
▪️Granny had a longer death scene which bonded Mom and Wei more ✂️
▪️ Lu Chang and Ming Shu discussed mom's romance more. LC is much more thoughtful about it.
Lu Chang: Over the years, my mother has suffered a lot for me, and I also want someone to be with her. Uncle Wei is a good man, but he has been in the army for many years. Even if he wants to take care of my mother, I am afraid it is just a show and it is difficult to win her heart.
Mingshu: Uncle Wei may look like a military commander, but when it comes to A Niang, he is extremely meticulous. He always takes over the work from A Niang quietly, and even speaks to A Niang quietly. I am very optimistic about them. △ Lu Chang hesitated for a moment, thinking silently.
Lu Chang: If Uncle Wei can really make my mother happy, I will not stop him. I just hope my mother is happy every day. As for the rest, as long as my mother is willing, I respect all her decisions.
Mingshu: (smiling) I knew you thought the same as I did!
△Mingshu said this and happily held Lu Chang's hand. Lu Chang smiled and held Mingshu's hand in return.
▪️Flirting in Ep 33
Mingshu: Look at you, you are so tired that your eyes are dark. You control me all day long, but you don't know how to take care of yourself!
Lu Chang: Got it. I’ll do as you say.
Mingshu: (pouting) You just fool people with your words! (soft but serious voice)…………………Have I ever told you that I don’t like ugly, disfigured men?
△ Lu Chang’s heart skipped a beat, and he looked at Mingshu with a dark smile.
Lu Chang: Are you blackmailing me?
Mingshu: (winks playfully) Brother, did you remember it?
▪️Mom & Uncle Wei ending
△ Lu Chang and Ming Shu on horseback waved goodbye to Zeng reluctantly. Zeng watched the carriage go away and still looked around reluctantly.
△ Wei Zhuo silently put a cloak on Zeng. Wei Zhuo: It's a good thing that the children have their own things to do. You and I have been busy for most of our lives, and we can travel and enjoy leisure in the future. Zeng: You are right, in the coming years, we should live for ourselves. △ Wei Zhuo took out a stack of things from his body, except for a red engagement letter, the rest were house deeds and land deeds. Wei Zhuo: Yuqing, I know you don't want to get married again, but Wei still wants to say it. I have already prepared the engagement letter and betrothal gifts. As long as you are willing, Wei will welcome you at any time.
△ Zeng smiled and waved her hand. Zeng: If I can't accompany you well, what's the problem even if we get married; but if we can warm each other up, what's the problem if we don't get married. You said so, right?
△As she spoke, Zeng took Wei Zhuo’s arm, and the two hugged each other and turned away.
And what can you do if production team decided to cut a lot of his scenes to favour SML? Actors can't do anything about that~
And one of WZQ's acting strength is his detailed expressions but this director's style of shot mostly wide angle shot 😩
Lu Chang smiles faintly, then suddenly grabs her hand tightly. His eyes shine with warmth as he looks at her and says seriously:)
Lu Chang: A poor scholar from Jiangnan, Lu Chang, sincerely proposes to Miss Jian Ming Shu—heartfelt and devoted, wishing to spend a lifetime, forever and ever, as a pair. I vow never to leave nor forsake you. Ming Shu, are you willing to marry me and be my wife?
Ep 32 ; Back hug scene
Mingshu wanted to leave, but Lu Chang held her tighter and kissed her lightly on the cheek with a smile. ..... The two of them embraced each other~
Ep 40 ; The groom snatching
Mingshu running toward Lu Chang "You are the one I am looking for" This scene got cut and featured in paid contents for express package~
Prison scene
Mingshu is holding back her tears seeing the condition of Lu Chang in the prison and Lu Chang comfort her but we don't get that scene instead suddenly we got a shot of empty bowl 🥲
Cosplay episode (Act as wife & husband)
Mingshu fell on top of him and both of them blushing that's why they having wild thoughts.
Calligraphy scene & Bathtub scene
Behind the scene more sweeter than main film.
Ep 33
There's more flirting when Mingshu served Lu Chang with tea~
(All the scenes from original scripts)
WE SHOULD GET LU CHANG'S PROPOSAL 😤
"you are the one i am looking for" and decided to put it for side story in express package~
The reuters were better tho!
1. The scene where the second male lead saves the female lead at the inn — in the novel, this was done by Young Master Tao, who had feelings for the female lead and helped her a lot. He was the first guy in the novel to like her. The second male lead stole his setup.
2. The academy — it was the male lead who brought the female lead in and persuaded the headmaster to let her stay. In the drama, they changed it so the second male lead brought her in.
3. The female lead opening a shop — the male lead helped her throughout. At that time, the second male lead wasn’t even involved. (The shop was funded by the female lead herself, and the male lead helped manage it. But even in the novel, he was busy with his exams, so his help wasn’t excessive.)
4. The scene where the female lead loses consciousness (originally due to a high fever in the novel) — the male lead cared for her the whole night without taking his clothes off to rest. In the drama, this was given to the second male lead. What? Her mother and best friend were right there — why is he the one doing massages?
5. The male lead’s admission into the academy — in the novel, he got in based on merit (anyone with good grades could get in). It had nothing to do with the second male lead, yet they added credits to him again.
6. The falling plaque incident — it was the male lead who got injured. The second male lead was completely fine. (Yes, and the female lead helping the male lead apply medicine was also changed to her helping the second male lead.)
7. The second male lead begging for medicine and being beaten by his father — someone should sue this drama for tarnishing the image of noble families. In the novel, the second male lead’s father just said a few words, telling Qing Zhao to maintain her status and focus on her career instead of love, and then he gave the medicine. And the medicine was only for treating a minor injury — the novel didn’t have a storyline where the female lead was seriously hurt.
8. In the original, the female lead became a reading companion, entered the academy, and opened a shop all through her own connections (the son of the security bureau owner, her older brother, Yin Shujun). The second male lead didn’t help at all. But now, to add moral weight to Ming Shu’s character, all the credit has been shifted to him!! Not only did they steal the male lead’s contributions, they even stole the female lead’s. Truly hateful!!
9. The reason why the male lead calls the female lead “Young Miss” wasn’t shown, and none of the sweet childhood scenes made it in. They were really sweet as kids, okay?
What can you do if the production team did so dirty like this? Not to mention a lot of his scenes got cut a lot to favour SML ~ And where else can you see a drama where people keep begging to show main CP scenes together? 🤣
I am so glad it finally over ✌️ But for what WZQ did go through for this drama since day 1 of filming to this day, I am so fcking mad! Not worth at all for this stupid drama 😤