weezles

It does seem to be an "open" ending and viewer interpretation may be intended. If you want to believe in the happy ending, we have that given to us as viewers if we want to accept that. The "Elegy" title suggests that this story is a sad/bittersweet one though.

Not sure how you arrived at the FL getting an antidote as there is nothing about that explained at all. The most likely scenario is that the FL died and the ending is our ML imagining what life would be like if she had not died--her memory is so vivid and powerful for him because that's how much he loves(d) her. It's very clumsy and confusing, but if you want to accept that she somehow survived, you can accept that as the ending regardless. As a mini drama, this one started out with a great opening and decent premise, but ended up muddled and the circumstances for the FL's "death" and the emperor's sudden abdication at the very end felt tacked on the way it was executed.

Excellent show! They could do a season 2 or spin off/short drama with the other characters if they wanted to. I really enjoyed it. The twists and turns and relentless pacing kept me coming back for more. Nazha was fantastic--her best role yet--nailing the poise, composure and microexpressions. Everyone involved did great work and I appreciate that they cast Short Drama actors and gave them a chance to shine. I am a little sad its over, but I will revisit it again I'm sure.

Yep I agree. And their interactions are very cute, no matter how much she teases tests and keeps him at arms length, it’s clear she only has feelings for him.

She originally picked LJL to be her partner and HE was the one to stand her up. This second one was set up by Madam Rong and she is obliged to comply to maintain the family order. She only has feelings for LJL. They do like each other, but their relationship is only a part of this story. It’s mentioned multiple times that LJL is a brilliant official who should be promoted to the main government, not constrained to Linji. From the start, these two probably shouldn’t be together.

It's not really me lol. I don't like her haha. But Bao Bao and most of the Rong girls still show filial piety and they do love her despite her flaws.

Madam Rong isn't necessarily bad, but she is extremely/overly strict. The outsiders have proven that most of them just want to harm the family or exploit them for their wealth and status. Even Shanbao understands (and says so in the latest episode) that the Rong head of house has to make tough choices to ensure safety and prosperity.

LJL kissing Bao Bao but Bao Bao still ends up in a marriage ceremony with Tea Buddha but LJL steps in and says Tea Buddha is not who he says he is. It's gonna be wild.

She doesn't have feelings for "Yan Bailuo" or whoever he is...Bao Bao wants Jianglai. Unfortunately, Madam Rong is still head of house and despite being a tyrant, the Rong family women (except maybe Yunshu) still defer to her, so if Madam Rong wants Bao Bao to marry fake Tea Buddha, then she gotta. It's the one and only thing Bao Bao seems to have little control over in this show lol.

she re-married 3 times iirc. She got tired of not finding the right person lol.

Yep I am thinking the same as well. unfortunately that ep 29 trailer revealed a bit too much lol. I knew Tea Buddha was too good to be true!

Yup I knew there was smth up, but I had NO IDEA. This is the twistiest show I've watched in recent memory. The only thing I know now is to Trust the Process with Shanbao and that nothing can be taken at face value....

Neo has a lot of recognition and works hard, but I also hope that Nazha and the short drama actors' stocks have also risen and that they all have continued success!

He is not foolish. He is talented, morally upright, and more than capable. It's just that Rong Shanbao is that much more than his match. He even admits that he cannot even fathom doing the things she has to do, mainly by herself, to keep the Tea plantation business so successful.

She is introducing the next case for Jianglai to solve. And based on the episode 29 trailer, I have a feeling it is directly related to Yan Bailou.

I know he means well, but forcing Yunshu to do something she doesn't want to do (even if it's for her own good) isn't the right way. He gives her an ultimatum, which won't work for someone who has been harboring that much hatred and resentment for as long as Yunshu did...

She's not cold though! Madam Rong constantly rags her for being a softie (which she is). I guess those people hating don't understand that the outsiders' behavior are why the Rong women are the way they are. We have literally witnessed that most men in the show are either trying to hurt the Rongs due to a grievance or to exploit their wealth and status. They definitely have plenty of good reasons to be cut throat and unforgiving. The outside world is equally if not more ruthless...

Right?? He is obviously pissed off, but still has to admire how masterfully she handled things. She paid him back tenfold for going behind her back with Madam Yang and leaving her hanging at the altar lol...

The only thing Bao Bao doesn't seem to have much control over is her wedding lol :p

Justice for Scholar Bai lol! But seriously, I feel so bad for that guy. He really is a softie after all is said and done. I wonder what Shanbao told him and how that will fix (?) things...