Do you guys think they will follow the Chinese version? Because I just found out a big spoiler and that really…
Did u start watching the Chinese version? or finished reading those 8 chapters in BBJX?
I am glad it changed your perspective ... if u finish the book, or see the end of SH/bbjx, you will see that all the relationships, all the dark events, are important to reach the end.
I think producers here were unfocused.... Torn between the dark story and wanting to give fan-girls a light Rom-com... so SHRyeo ends up frustrating everyone: lovers of the original and new fans who expect to see more of the romance b/w lead couple.
The two approaches led to the current mess, w/ SBS trying to fix some of the problems by re-editing episodes.
I just found out that the director is the same one who did IRIS and A Love to Kill, plus few other very good series..... So he is very very good!!!! ..... Most of this director's work involves dark stories and heroes who are far from perfect.... and most have unhappy endings for the main couple.... So I don't know how this version will end, but so far they are sticking w/ the general outline of the book.
All lot of people are hating on IU's acting and if you see the amount of upvotes on those hate comments, its like…
@Raincat -- Thank you for explaining things so thoroughly!.... I had my suspicion that she tackled the subject b/c she must have been sexually harassed.... and I knew this extreme anti-fandom had to be an organized campaign.....
Also .... It is true that those K-netizens are paid to spread rumors.
I feel bad for her, and admire her courage.... No wonder the writers of this show wrote scenes supporting her Zeze songs in a subversive yet not subtle way!
someone, remind me... does she end up with 8 or 4 or 16? ....wait...16's another historical? oh...so confused.
Yes, I agree ... I re-watched it recently and the Mongolian trip did bring both of them closer, both risking their lives. ... Probably as he spent time pretending to be her lover and re-counting their childhood escapades, helped a lot also!
God i hate ius acting! Couldnt they have picked someoone better?
That was very silly writing of HaeSoo's character , why in the world would she blurt that out!?!? o.O .... I really wish they would make her more clever like the original.
But it did lead to intense emotion from 4th, so there's some good :P
God i hate ius acting! Couldnt they have picked someoone better?
@livia ... I agree... IU's is just a typical performance, I have a seen a lot worse by a main lead...
The character is not so great, she was a lot smarter and a lot more clever in C-version.... she never showed her fear, instead treated him extra nice so as not to get on his bad side ... The writers made HaeSoo say these stupid things out of this exaggerated fear.
Still, I do wish IU could express more w/ her eyes than just that blank stare, but that won't have large effect. .... So.... IU is just Fine!!!!
Does anyone know where I can watch except for dramafever ? It doesn't work in my country... Thanks !
Gooddrama has the DF subtitles, but video is not high quality ....
Dramanice/Dramacool is like Kissasian
Example Dramafever Ep.1 @3:40:
"Suyang, I won't let you off even when I arrive in hell!"
Example KissAsian Ep.1 @4:20:
"Suyang, even demise shan't quell my vengeful wrath!"
--->> DF subs are simpler and still accurate.
DF subs also provide definitions for all the palace/government institutions named in the show.... That helps a lot for all those unfamiliar w/ historical shows and palace complexities, etc...
Try using a VPN to set ur location in U.S., then u can watch on DramaFever directly from MDL ... Google Chrome has the Hola extension, it is free ... I heard people used it without any problems.. :)
Powerful drama.... What impressed me most is the director and camera work... He knew exactly when to jarr the camera to make it seem like we are there in the action, or to show everything in slow-motion for the deep emotional impact.. the angles, the sequences ....
I rarely notice these things unless they are done very badly, or , in this case done outstandingly well!!!
Strong well-developed characters, excellent story telling, no cheap sentimentality, just powerful, realistic and hopeful!
My favorite character is the indomitable Xue Junchan, and the actor did an excellent job.
Also the "brat" Xiao Man... has a special appeal, he's very endearing...
Do you guys think they will follow the Chinese version? Because I just found out a big spoiler and that really…
I am like you, I love romance, especially last few years, I only want to watch romance.... But as u see, a good story like BBJX can grab you, even when the romance is not the focus, or only part of the story.
In the C-version, I preferred 8th... well, actually 14th ... In this version, my heart is breaking for 8th, but I think 4th is a good fit w/ her... maybe b/c he needs her more, or is more compatible w/ her personality.
I don't know what they will do to 8th here, I hope he stays virtuous like in original.... U can see that in original, 8th is the outcast, he wanted approval and worked very hard to gain others' respect and support .... This motivates him to pursue the throne and attack 4th, but he is well known as the "Kind and Virtuous Prince" ... and he remained so until the end, despite fighting for the throne.
But in this version, 8th has no motivation to pursue the throne or fight 4th... Jealousy seems to be his only motive so far.... I hope he does not turn evil...
I hope all the evil deeds will be done by 3rd....
and 4th is supposed to have a dark side, but I'm sure they won't make LJK unlikable.
--- ---
I understand how one can get very emotionally involved w/ dramas... I want to stay in a good mood, so I try to stay away from dramas w/ pessimistic or stark reality.. B/c those types make life seem ugly..
But for me, that is not the same as sad endings or sad dramas, b/c sometimes I cry throughout the show but still feel good b/c the subject is about hopeful things loyal friendship, or true love, or a loving family, etc...
Same w/ BBJX... there is tragedy, princes will die, it will get dark and intense, many don't get happy endings.... I cry and smile at the same time ...XD
But I still feel good b/c I loved the characters, their interactions, the intrigue, the life lessons, the friendships, the many broken hearts due to true love, etc....
So for me it is very much worth watching the original!! It was a joy
I hope it makes sense.. XD
Thank you for your kind words, we are only here to share our love for dramas, discuss our opinions and help each other understand. <3
The 4th prince I knew from Bu Bu Jing Xin was strong, influential and patient someone Ruoxi relied on. There was…
Well 14th is supposed to be her age .... But yes, 4th and 8th are supposed to be a lot older.
I expected the "K-treatment", just wish it was better executed!
The 4th prince I knew from Bu Bu Jing Xin was strong, influential and patient someone Ruoxi relied on. There was…
You are right... his advice helped her when she was confused and maybe showed he understood her ... I think THAT is what started her interest/attraction in him.... and they both loved each other's intelligence and cleverness.... I don't mind the ruthless type, if he had to be... But his unforgiving vindictiveness and cruelty turned me and her off...lol
I disliked 4th at the start of SHR b/c I felt he was wallowing in self-pity and vanity (about his scar) ... he still is to some extent, but he is showing character growth and is sympathetic (Typical bad-boy needing love to set him straight a cliche) .... the lecture by the astronomer in Ep 8 points out his weaknesses, I liked that they address it!
But that is typical K-drama ... I also think he won't be so cruel here, they want to keep LJK sympathetic to the fangirls... That's why both 4th and 8th are conveniently single here.
At the end, when 8th tells 4th about how deep his and Ruoxi's love is, and the extent of their relationship... 13th thought it was spiteful to hurt 4th... but Ruoxi understood that he did it to help her get out of the palace... That's why she ran back and gave him a hug before leaving.
The 4th prince I knew from Bu Bu Jing Xin was strong, influential and patient someone Ruoxi relied on. There was…
You are right... his advice helped her when she was confused and maybe showed he understood her ... I think THAT is what started her interest/attraction in him.... and they both loved each other's intelligence and cleverness.... I don't mind the ruthless type, if he had to be... But his unforgiving vindictiveness and cruelty turned me and her off...lol
I disliked 4th at the start of SHR b/c I felt he was wallowing in self-pity and vanity (about his scar) ... he still is to some extent, but he is showing character growth and is sympathetic (Typical bad-boy needing love to set him straight a cliche) .... the lecture by the astronomer in Ep 8 points out his weaknesses, I liked that they address it!
But that is typical K-drama ... I also think he won't be so cruel here, they want to keep LJK sympathetic to the fangirls... That's why both 4th and 8th are conveniently single here.
At the end, when 8th tells 4th about how deep his and Ruoxi's love is, and the extent of their relationship... 13th thought it was spiteful to hurt 4th... but Ruoxi understood that he did it to help her get out of the palace... That's why she ran back and gave him a hug before leaving.
Do you guys think they will follow the Chinese version? Because I just found out a big spoiler and that really…
@IllaGG --- I am sorry if I misunderstood your comments, or if I didn't make mine clear enough..... It's just that I was responding to the comment above mine, by saying you cannot separate politics from romance.
When I replied it is not about the romance, it is about more than that, you responded that SHR is portraying like it is about the romance.
I don't blame you for your assumptions about SHR.... You are right!!
That is why I was blaming the producers!! ... It is as if they couldn't decide whether to just go w/ the intrigue, or to focus on the love triangle and fan-service... so many comments here expressing frustration, b/c they are expecting an OTP and more time w/ 4th... the fault lies w/ how the show was marketed.
So, I corrected the MDL synopsis of SHR ... and I tried replacing the cover photo w/ one that has all the princes, but Skye felt the existing photo is more "enticing"...LOL!
I think after you started reading the novel, you can maybe see my point.... It is about much more than just the romance ...
After episode 9, I am now sure that they will follow general outline of the novel... In that case, you will soon see in the upcoming episodes, that her love for 8th and her fear of 4th will be huge catalysts in determining everybody's fate.
As u say, in the novel, so far the romance does not play a role.... There is a reason for that.... You can see how interesting her unique relationship w/ each prince is.... In the future, you will also see that her friendship w/ 13th, and her bond w/ 14th, will both play a big role in determining her fate.
I am really glad there is more romance in SHR... I am really glad 4th is more likable ... But the producers focus on the romance, yet still want to tell the same basic story of the novel w/out including the important relationships that determine the action.....
So, that is why people are now complaining about Hae Soo's exaggerated fear or say they don't want 4th to be the killer, or complain she is spending too much time w/ 8th ... SHR is not focused!!!
For sure it is not as intriguing as SH/BBJX .... but I am enjoying it, exactly for the romance... XD
The 4th prince I knew from Bu Bu Jing Xin was strong, influential and patient someone Ruoxi relied on. There was…
@mz4jun -- I have a hard time liking 4th in the C-version, but I do like his complexity ... It is only fitting that his character has a dark side. Some of his motives are subtle, but pure ambition dominates.... I understand his ruthlessness and admire his scheming ways ... Also, 4th was plotting and aiming for the throne even before 8th set him up.
13th often said 4th is kind, but I didn't see it applied, except w/ 13th and her. He was however, very understanding and supportive of her... yet he would not give up an ounce of his power for her sake.
Maybe you can give me a reason to like him, I want to understand her love for him more... w/ her
8th on the other hand, had to prove his worth... He needed to be accepted... He worked hard for everything he gained...
The only reason he set up 4th, is b/c Ruoxi warned him... So his actions are much more understandable and forgivable, imo...
Also, at the very end, what he did for Ruoxi was virtuous, 13th thought it was vindictive at first, until Ruoxi explained it ... I believe , at that moment, she even said he is virtuous.
I think they'll keep 4th's dark side in SHR, but they'll make him very sympathetic.... Yet, it looks like 8th won't be so likable here, if jealousy is going to be his only motivation... We'll wait and see.
DON'T READ THIS UNLESS YOU WANT TO GET SPOILED BY A HISTORY LESSON - It really does suck that Hae Soo does not…
I think the K-version ending will be different for HaeSoo ...
and I am sure there is no way they will make LJK be as cruel as 4th was in SH.
That's what 3rd is for.
The 4th prince I knew from Bu Bu Jing Xin was strong, influential and patient someone Ruoxi relied on. There was…
hahaha!...
I really don't want to ruin the suspense of the C-version.... It is very intense and deep.
I know everyone wants the romance, and I am a huge romance-addict .... But the romance is just another part of the puzzle, a real good story
w/ a Deep twist at the end..... real meaningful ending!
But yes, eventually, she gets back to present and realizes the importance of her trip there... ... They have a 2nd season where she meets 4th prince in modern times, and they re-start love story ...was draggy and I dropped it in the middle.
Still , 4th is very likable and sympathetic in this version, much more than in C-version .... B/c of time frame and writing, 8th is more admirable in C-version, truly the "Virtuous Prince" to the end.....
I just finished C-version, and I love it even more 2nd time.... and this time I ship her w/ 14th, not 4th or 8th!...heheheh!!
I doubt this will end like C-version... so many catalysts (like her realtionships w/ 13th and 14th) that set up her end are not here.
The 4th prince I knew from Bu Bu Jing Xin was strong, influential and patient someone Ruoxi relied on. There was…
Yes... 1st half she was in love w/ 8th.... 2nd half she fell in love w/ 4th.
The transition is tricky... But not so bad here since they included so many interactions b/w her and 4th (No rolling of the eyes allowed ...lol) ...
Also,in C-version,everything happened over years ... she starts at 16 y.o., years later gets w/ 8th... By the time she gets w/ 4th, she was in her mid-twenties... so not as abrupt as here.
In c-version, she knew from the beginning that 4th will be next emperor ...
She feared him (as I said above didn't show it) ... In fact, she went out of her way to stay on his good side (special tea only for him, etc..) ... He misunderstood from the start and thought she liked him.
What she didn't know, is that 8th also noticed, was jealous, further motivation to move against 4th.
She leaves 8th b/c she didn't want to be on the loosing side ... It broke both their hearts for quite a while.
But, b/c 4th always pursued her, and b/c 13th is best friends w/ both of them, she sympathized w/ his loneliness ... His respect for her and unconditional love also helped.
When 4th becomes emperor, he was unforgiving and cruel towards 8th and his allies.... Power got to him, even 13th feared him .... She became even more fearful of him as time went on, despite their deep love.... That fear is an important catalyst for events that determined their fate.
But the fear in C-version is a lot more meaningful, more real, more well-founded.
EDIT: Btw, no one is perfect here.... and she has a physical relationship w/ 8th which I am sure they will not include here... where heroes/heroines are idealized.
The 4th prince I knew from Bu Bu Jing Xin was strong, influential and patient someone Ruoxi relied on. There was…
NO REAL SPOILERS... NO DETAILS:
It is complicated w/ politics, personalities, her romances, and her unique relationship w/ each prince... ALL contributing to the motivations, outcomes and who gets killed and who survives.... more complex than here.
Her friendship w/ 13th, 14th's always present support and his love for her, are all very important and set certain events in motion ...
Biggest catalysts are her love for 8th and her fear of 4th .... Her fear is very well-founded, she din't show it, instead, she was extra nice to him to stay on his good side.
alliances form.... It wasn't always a "kill or be killed" scenario... ... 8th's jealousy and 4th's jealousy further motivate their mutual hatred ... 4th becomes unforgiving and a tyrant once he takes the throne... and in her view, needlessly cruel!
Ultimately, 8th remains as the virtuous prince, especially w/ her.
ALL the above are very important in determining not only her fate, but everyone else's.
Details are a huge spoiler .... But it is obvious from last episode of SHR, that it will follow general path of original....
But b/c her relationships w/ the other princes are very weak here, not sure how her fate will be, since those catalysts are now missing.
If you want a bit more details let me know.... I just don't want to spoil the suspense of the original!!
Do you guys think they will follow the Chinese version? Because I just found out a big spoiler and that really…
Yes, you are right.... they are too focused on the love triangle here.
The best thing about original is her unique relationship w/ each prince... Here it is lacking.... and that is sooo important to the story and the outcome.!!!
It is not the original intriguing story, it is not about her survival and the fight for the throne, it is not a K-drama romance w/ a perfect hero and obvious 2nd lead....what is it?
Maybe that is why this seems like a mess w/ too many complaints from all sides.
The biggest mistake producers made is filling it up w/ idols so that all those fangirls want OTP moments .... They could have made it about 4th's interesting personality and the romance, but in a more mature way, not just fan-service without character or relationship depth!
1 
I am glad it changed your perspective ... if u finish the book, or see the end of SH/bbjx, you will see that all the relationships, all the dark events, are important to reach the end.
I think producers here were unfocused.... Torn between the dark story and wanting to give fan-girls a light Rom-com... so SHRyeo ends up frustrating everyone: lovers of the original and new fans who expect to see more of the romance b/w lead couple.
The two approaches led to the current mess, w/ SBS trying to fix some of the problems by re-editing episodes.
I just found out that the director is the same one who did IRIS and A Love to Kill, plus few other very good series..... So he is very very good!!!! ..... Most of this director's work involves dark stories and heroes who are far from perfect.... and most have unhappy endings for the main couple.... So I don't know how this version will end, but so far they are sticking w/ the general outline of the book.
Also .... It is true that those K-netizens are paid to spread rumors.
I feel bad for her, and admire her courage.... No wonder the writers of this show wrote scenes supporting her Zeze songs in a subversive yet not subtle way!
I really like him a lot after the re-watch..
But it did lead to intense emotion from 4th, so there's some good :P
The character is not so great, she was a lot smarter and a lot more clever in C-version.... she never showed her fear, instead treated him extra nice so as not to get on his bad side ... The writers made HaeSoo say these stupid things out of this exaggerated fear.
Still, I do wish IU could express more w/ her eyes than just that blank stare, but that won't have large effect. .... So.... IU is just Fine!!!!
Dramanice/Dramacool is like Kissasian
Example Dramafever Ep.1 @3:40:
"Suyang, I won't let you off even when I arrive in hell!"
Example KissAsian Ep.1 @4:20:
"Suyang, even demise shan't quell my vengeful wrath!"
--->> DF subs are simpler and still accurate.
DF subs also provide definitions for all the palace/government institutions named in the show.... That helps a lot for all those unfamiliar w/ historical shows and palace complexities, etc...
Try using a VPN to set ur location in U.S., then u can watch on DramaFever directly from MDL ... Google Chrome has the Hola extension, it is free ... I heard people used it without any problems.. :)
EDIT: I recently heard Hola may have security issues... check out this thread:
http://mydramalist.com/discussions/general-asia-forum/27600--vpn-proxy-extensions-e.g-hola-be-careful-
I rarely notice these things unless they are done very badly, or , in this case done outstandingly well!!!
Strong well-developed characters, excellent story telling, no cheap sentimentality, just powerful, realistic and hopeful!
My favorite character is the indomitable Xue Junchan, and the actor did an excellent job.
Also the "brat" Xiao Man... has a special appeal, he's very endearing...
In the C-version, I preferred 8th... well, actually 14th ... In this version, my heart is breaking for 8th, but I think 4th is a good fit w/ her... maybe b/c he needs her more, or is more compatible w/ her personality.
I don't know what they will do to 8th here, I hope he stays virtuous like in original.... U can see that in original, 8th is the outcast, he wanted approval and worked very hard to gain others' respect and support .... This motivates him to pursue the throne and attack 4th, but he is well known as the "Kind and Virtuous Prince" ... and he remained so until the end, despite fighting for the throne.
But in this version, 8th has no motivation to pursue the throne or fight 4th... Jealousy seems to be his only motive so far.... I hope he does not turn evil...
I hope all the evil deeds will be done by 3rd....
and 4th is supposed to have a dark side, but I'm sure they won't make LJK unlikable.
--- ---
I understand how one can get very emotionally involved w/ dramas... I want to stay in a good mood, so I try to stay away from dramas w/ pessimistic or stark reality.. B/c those types make life seem ugly..
But for me, that is not the same as sad endings or sad dramas, b/c sometimes I cry throughout the show but still feel good b/c the subject is about hopeful things loyal friendship, or true love, or a loving family, etc...
Same w/ BBJX... there is tragedy, princes will die, it will get dark and intense, many don't get happy endings.... I cry and smile at the same time ...XD
But I still feel good b/c I loved the characters, their interactions, the intrigue, the life lessons, the friendships, the many broken hearts due to true love, etc....
So for me it is very much worth watching the original!! It was a joy
I hope it makes sense.. XD
Thank you for your kind words, we are only here to share our love for dramas, discuss our opinions and help each other understand. <3
I expected the "K-treatment", just wish it was better executed!
I disliked 4th at the start of SHR b/c I felt he was wallowing in self-pity and vanity (about his scar) ... he still is to some extent, but he is showing character growth and is sympathetic (Typical bad-boy needing love to set him straight a cliche) .... the lecture by the astronomer in Ep 8 points out his weaknesses, I liked that they address it!
But that is typical K-drama ... I also think he won't be so cruel here, they want to keep LJK sympathetic to the fangirls... That's why both 4th and 8th are conveniently single here.
At the end, when 8th tells 4th about how deep his and Ruoxi's love is, and the extent of their relationship... 13th thought it was spiteful to hurt 4th... but Ruoxi understood that he did it to help her get out of the palace... That's why she ran back and gave him a hug before leaving.
I disliked 4th at the start of SHR b/c I felt he was wallowing in self-pity and vanity (about his scar) ... he still is to some extent, but he is showing character growth and is sympathetic (Typical bad-boy needing love to set him straight a cliche) .... the lecture by the astronomer in Ep 8 points out his weaknesses, I liked that they address it!
But that is typical K-drama ... I also think he won't be so cruel here, they want to keep LJK sympathetic to the fangirls... That's why both 4th and 8th are conveniently single here.
At the end, when 8th tells 4th about how deep his and Ruoxi's love is, and the extent of their relationship... 13th thought it was spiteful to hurt 4th... but Ruoxi understood that he did it to help her get out of the palace... That's why she ran back and gave him a hug before leaving.
When I replied it is not about the romance, it is about more than that, you responded that SHR is portraying like it is about the romance.
I don't blame you for your assumptions about SHR.... You are right!!
That is why I was blaming the producers!! ... It is as if they couldn't decide whether to just go w/ the intrigue, or to focus on the love triangle and fan-service... so many comments here expressing frustration, b/c they are expecting an OTP and more time w/ 4th... the fault lies w/ how the show was marketed.
So, I corrected the MDL synopsis of SHR ... and I tried replacing the cover photo w/ one that has all the princes, but Skye felt the existing photo is more "enticing"...LOL!
I think after you started reading the novel, you can maybe see my point.... It is about much more than just the romance ...
After episode 9, I am now sure that they will follow general outline of the novel... In that case, you will soon see in the upcoming episodes, that her love for 8th and her fear of 4th will be huge catalysts in determining everybody's fate.
As u say, in the novel, so far the romance does not play a role.... There is a reason for that.... You can see how interesting her unique relationship w/ each prince is.... In the future, you will also see that her friendship w/ 13th, and her bond w/ 14th, will both play a big role in determining her fate.
I am really glad there is more romance in SHR... I am really glad 4th is more likable ... But the producers focus on the romance, yet still want to tell the same basic story of the novel w/out including the important relationships that determine the action.....
So, that is why people are now complaining about Hae Soo's exaggerated fear or say they don't want 4th to be the killer, or complain she is spending too much time w/ 8th ... SHR is not focused!!!
For sure it is not as intriguing as SH/BBJX .... but I am enjoying it, exactly for the romance... XD
13th often said 4th is kind, but I didn't see it applied, except w/ 13th and her. He was however, very understanding and supportive of her... yet he would not give up an ounce of his power for her sake.
Maybe you can give me a reason to like him, I want to understand her love for him more... w/ her
8th on the other hand, had to prove his worth... He needed to be accepted... He worked hard for everything he gained...
The only reason he set up 4th, is b/c Ruoxi warned him... So his actions are much more understandable and forgivable, imo...
Also, at the very end, what he did for Ruoxi was virtuous, 13th thought it was vindictive at first, until Ruoxi explained it ... I believe , at that moment, she even said he is virtuous.
I think they'll keep 4th's dark side in SHR, but they'll make him very sympathetic.... Yet, it looks like 8th won't be so likable here, if jealousy is going to be his only motivation... We'll wait and see.
and I am sure there is no way they will make LJK be as cruel as 4th was in SH.
That's what 3rd is for.
I really don't want to ruin the suspense of the C-version.... It is very intense and deep.
I know everyone wants the romance, and I am a huge romance-addict .... But the romance is just another part of the puzzle, a real good story
w/ a Deep twist at the end..... real meaningful ending!
But yes, eventually, she gets back to present and realizes the importance of her trip there... ... They have a 2nd season where she meets 4th prince in modern times, and they re-start love story ...was draggy and I dropped it in the middle.
Still , 4th is very likable and sympathetic in this version, much more than in C-version .... B/c of time frame and writing, 8th is more admirable in C-version, truly the "Virtuous Prince" to the end.....
I just finished C-version, and I love it even more 2nd time.... and this time I ship her w/ 14th, not 4th or 8th!...heheheh!!
I doubt this will end like C-version... so many catalysts (like her realtionships w/ 13th and 14th) that set up her end are not here.
I am saying she DID change history into what she eventually learned in the history books.... Like what came first, the chicken or the egg!
That's what happens in RL, sometimes we attract what we hate... That's why it is so deep.
The transition is tricky... But not so bad here since they included so many interactions b/w her and 4th (No rolling of the eyes allowed ...lol) ...
Also,in C-version,everything happened over years ... she starts at 16 y.o., years later gets w/ 8th... By the time she gets w/ 4th, she was in her mid-twenties... so not as abrupt as here.
In c-version, she knew from the beginning that 4th will be next emperor ...
She feared him (as I said above didn't show it) ... In fact, she went out of her way to stay on his good side (special tea only for him, etc..) ... He misunderstood from the start and thought she liked him.
What she didn't know, is that 8th also noticed, was jealous, further motivation to move against 4th.
She leaves 8th b/c she didn't want to be on the loosing side ... It broke both their hearts for quite a while.
But, b/c 4th always pursued her, and b/c 13th is best friends w/ both of them, she sympathized w/ his loneliness ... His respect for her and unconditional love also helped.
When 4th becomes emperor, he was unforgiving and cruel towards 8th and his allies.... Power got to him, even 13th feared him .... She became even more fearful of him as time went on, despite their deep love.... That fear is an important catalyst for events that determined their fate.
But the fear in C-version is a lot more meaningful, more real, more well-founded.
EDIT: Btw, no one is perfect here.... and she has a physical relationship w/ 8th which I am sure they will not include here... where heroes/heroines are idealized.
@Raincat - I disagree... In C-version, her presence, loves, motivation and action are THE catalyst that set everything in motion.!
That was the irony at the end, that's what destroyed her... She set out to save everyone but ended up being the cause of everyone's demise....
So history may not have come out this way if she wasn't there! ... So the time travel is now essential to the entire story!
It is complicated w/ politics, personalities, her romances, and her unique relationship w/ each prince... ALL contributing to the motivations, outcomes and who gets killed and who survives.... more complex than here.
Her friendship w/ 13th, 14th's always present support and his love for her, are all very important and set certain events in motion ...
Biggest catalysts are her love for 8th and her fear of 4th .... Her fear is very well-founded, she din't show it, instead, she was extra nice to him to stay on his good side.
alliances form.... It wasn't always a "kill or be killed" scenario... ... 8th's jealousy and 4th's jealousy further motivate their mutual hatred ... 4th becomes unforgiving and a tyrant once he takes the throne... and in her view, needlessly cruel!
Ultimately, 8th remains as the virtuous prince, especially w/ her.
ALL the above are very important in determining not only her fate, but everyone else's.
Details are a huge spoiler .... But it is obvious from last episode of SHR, that it will follow general path of original....
But b/c her relationships w/ the other princes are very weak here, not sure how her fate will be, since those catalysts are now missing.
If you want a bit more details let me know.... I just don't want to spoil the suspense of the original!!
The best thing about original is her unique relationship w/ each prince... Here it is lacking.... and that is sooo important to the story and the outcome.!!!
It is not the original intriguing story, it is not about her survival and the fight for the throne, it is not a K-drama romance w/ a perfect hero and obvious 2nd lead....what is it?
Maybe that is why this seems like a mess w/ too many complaints from all sides.
The biggest mistake producers made is filling it up w/ idols so that all those fangirls want OTP moments .... They could have made it about 4th's interesting personality and the romance, but in a more mature way, not just fan-service without character or relationship depth!