I “officially” finished this on Nov 19, 2021. But since then I’ve had multiple rewatches, watched as many of the interviews and behind the scenes as I can, got caught up in Zhang Zhehan’s incident, and haven’t had the time to write my final thoughts on the show.
I started this show on a whim, honestly. Someone was talking about it in another comment section (ahem Bad Buddy’s comment section, specifically. Was talking to this user about the ratings and they mentioned how Woh’s ratings seemed stuck.) Anyway, I really went into this blind with zero expectations. I didn’t expect to like this as much as I did. I do think there are flaws, but overall this was an enjoyable show. I won’t touch on the issues with Youku and Zhehan and what happened as that is another topic within itself. For now, let’s just focus on the show itself.
I really enjoyed the character dynamic between Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing. They’re both complex characters in their own style. Throughout the entire drama you can sense the back and forth between the characters, how much they care for each other, and those around them. Neither character is perfect and they acknowledge their flaws whole heartedly while opening up to each other. Each has their own struggles and in the beginning they bud heads a lot because they believed in different things but as they get to know each other more, they start to understand each other’s perspective. Zishu didn’t understand Kexing’s hate, but in the end, he was willing to stand by him and support him. Kexing didn’t understand Zishu’s willingness to let go, but in the end, he was able to let go of his hatred. These two really complement each other and bring the best out of each other.
Storytelling wise, I thought it was pretty good. The story itself doesn’t really have much going on. The novel has less going on. The drama actually amped it up a bit. It’s literally just about two dudes trying to gay it out and the world happening in the background. The pacing did speed up a bit toward the end and it became sort of an exposition mess, which can be a little off-putting if you’re very picky about how the story unfolds, but hey, they had budget issues so that was the best they could do. Something to note is that Kexing’s identity reveal was pretty good. The story feeds you little nibbles of information that makes you assume he is someone, then finally reveals he’s someone else. We see as viewers through Zishu a slow realization that ah, we were wrong, and he was actually this, and not what we thought. I thought that bit was good.
The most important thing about this is the subtle-acting. Both Zhehan and Gongjun did a great job. I’ve rewatched multiple times so I’ve been able to catch small details on their acting and wow, subtlety is really key. I mean yes, there were very obvious, like VERY obvious acting that shows exactly what each character thought, but behind all of that was also the subtle expressions that really is the cherry on top.
I think Zhehan and Gongjun’s chemistry is also the reason why this came out so well. They’re super comfortable with each other and you can tell they value the bond that’s formed between them.
Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys BL. Prefers a simple storyline, enjoys complex characters, and just wanna have a fun time.
Note: This has been taken off platforms in China. But internationally, it’s still available on their YouTube Channel with Eng subs. I don’t know if you should watch it on their channel or go through thirdparty illegal websites, but do what you wanna do. If Zhehan hasn’t decided to sue them already, then he should consider.
Ah, if you're a new fan like myself and wasn't around during the airing to get to the concert or paid bts stuff, message me and I'll send you the link to Shan He Ling's Archive stuff compiled by fans.
Please do not post this content as we saw this from the two toxic groups in facebook spreading hate on CPF's and…
Pardon me, but I disagree that international fans should not get involved. These days international media are the ones spreading facts about Zhehan's case. (Be it reuploading info from Chinese fans, fan-translating posts, etc). Although I do agree that when it gets political, international folks should not input their opinion, but regarding spreading information about his case in general, that is something we can do and will do. Spreading information does not interfere with authorities handling the case. If it does, would Li Xuezheng have been so openly posting on his weibo and making a tag blow up to the millions? The point is to make sure more people are aware of the situation and how messed up it is. International fans are just spreading and parroting those posts.
MDL is another platform that houses many visitors who will have seen his dramas but don't follow him personally, and when they come onto his MDL page to look at his other drama and/or leave a comment, they can see what is going on with him. Whether they choose to support or move along is up to them, but making sure the facts of the matter regarding his situation is spread is key to clearing his name on a smaller scale. To this day anti's continue to slander him and anyone who stood up with him. International fans spreading the word is just a minor part of the effort.
Since this is an older show there won't be english sub available (at least I haven't been able to find them), but if you still wanna watch it regardless, then Ch3thailand did a rerun of the show on their YouTube channel. The link is provided above right underneath the tags says 'Where to Watch Rai Rissaya'
Hey, so the recent person that just finished watching this and started basically bullying anyone who enjoyed this show. Yeah don't let that person do that to you. Block them. Having civil discussions about the show and having differing opinions is absolutely alright, but do not let them belittle you for simply enjoying a good show. They are free to dislike the show, so you should be free to like the show as well.
Reposting…“Zhang Zhehan‘s Instagram account is back. What we know is:1. we have confirmation from the teashop…
i get that people are excited for his return on ig but please refrain from saying things like "mommy" or laopo". yes zhehan gave permission to call him however fans like, but the circumstances of his situation is different now. eyes are watching. we really dont want them to use fans against zhehan again.
So you think it's realistic to portray a mature gay couple as barely touching, let alone having sex? What planet…
No, when I say normal, I say they are regular, basic, ordinary. Nothing about them is special to anyone else. Intimacy or not, they are just a normal “just trying to live life” older couple that happen to be gay.
Again, if you read and stop seeing what you want to see, I said that this didn't SELL physicals to make a story. I'll agree that sexuality/intimacy is part of life. But that is besides the point I was trying to make. Integrating intimacy into the story vs only using it to sell the gayness, are quite frankly two different things. Furthermore, if you want to point its validility, please keep in mind this is a show about food as well. It is only valid within its suitable environment.
And really? You have no idea what the last question means? You asked me the question and you have no idea. Interesting. It means the exact same thing you meant when you asked me. Now that I've seen your perspective fully, you must be from planet pornhub. Gay sex is free there you know. Granted you'd get less substance plot-wise.
So you think it's realistic to portray a mature gay couple as barely touching, let alone having sex? What planet…
No, never said this is realistic, just said it's nice they didn't use intimacy to sell the story, like other typical BL. Granted I haven't seen a lot but the ones I've seen at least, use intimacy to sell. Even without the physicals, this story still had substance. And yes, I would say the same thing to a straight themed-story. Having physical moments is a plus (when done right - i.e., not use it excessively to drive plot) but when shows can be outstanding even without, that's when I think it's a good show. Note here that this is what "I" think. You may think differently and I genuinely don't care if you do.
This person who is still shamelessly and hypocritically commercially benefitting from ZZH/WOH merchandise and…
She has a large following of c-ent fans. And yet she used her platform to slander and has refused to correct or apologize. She even attempted to gaslight people by talking about family trauma. Condolence to her family but that still doesn't constitute putting out false information. She has zero integrity. Until she issues an apology for her slander, I encourage everyone to disassociate from her. If need be, use her own content to spread the truth about her slander. This video is living proof she doesn't know what she is saying and is lying through her teeth.
I never noticed. Has that been there this whole time? I just submitted a few changes, sourcing the recent articles…
----On August 13, 2021, Zhang was dropped by all his 27 business endorsements as well as a film and a variety show after being framed of visiting Yasukuni Shrine, which enshrines WWII war criminals, in 2018. He only toured the cherry blossom area which was a public and recommended tourist hotspot, stating he never entered nor worshipped at the shrine. His social media accounts were also banned without lawful procedures nor investigation, along with the streaming websites removing his name from the cast list of shows or entirely removing the series he starred in such as "Word of Honor".----
This is how I decided to edit it. I added that he's been framed, that he never entered or worshiped, that he was just touring the cherry blossoms, and that there was no procedure to his ban at all. I think those are the main facts we know.
Btw anyone can edit the information, just as long as you have a source to back up your edits. And as long as the edits are relevant.
It's interesting that international media is at least correcting and updating on his story with facts. While local media in China seems silent or when they do write something, they're still parroting false information from months ago. Whoever has a hand in this has deep connections. We're going to have to trust the law on this one and be patient.
They're trying to turn this into a fanwar to minimize the social impact of Zzh's case and Li Xuezheng's efforts for the people. Don't be that fan and take the bait. Speak facts on the situation when possible, otherwise don't engage at all.
when they said she lost 6 of her senses I legit thought they meant she was blind, deaf, and had no sense of touch (in other words, wouldn't be able to sense her own body motion/coordination). The taste, smell, and lack of emotion was understandable. but i feel like for the other three i've been scammed lol
she's not blind but looks like she cant see color since she mentions she can't enjoy a sunset?, she can hear but seems to be tone deaf since she mentions she can't enjoy music?, and she can touch, just that she can't feel pain. idk i think it would have been better if they just called it how it is, that she has limited senses, not that she lost (or doesn't have) them, since she hasn't lost them, they still function, just not at 100%. being color blind doesn't mean lost of sight. not hearing the musical notes doesn't mean loss of hearing. not feeling pain doesnt mean loss of touch.
It's not as simple as "y/n" answer. There are many layers to this answer.
This was adapted from a BL novel, however, with censorship, this was reduced to brotherhood. Technically it is not a BL as it cannot be a BL by Chinese media standard. BL content is banned in China. However, even then, many viewers will agree that the actions taken within the show aren't simple brotherhood behavior either and resembles a BL much more. It's a guise, basically, to pass censorship.
Rule of thumb.
If you're not a BL fan and are adamant about not watching anything BL related, then don't watch this.
But if you are a BL fan or can watch anything, then dig right in because this is so gay but also pretty fun to watch.
Edit: ah just noticed pfp is Adachi from CM. Definitely give this a watch then because the gay is strong in this one. Many of us still wonder to this day how this wuxia even managed to get released to the public. You'll notice the gay the very moment the main characters meet ☺
What infuriated me the most about this drama was the FACT that Fu Rong experienced being framed first hand AND saw others be framed and she is still the one to misunderstand Prince Su the most from OTHER PEOPLE framing him. Like bruhhhhhhhhh you've been through this, you know the struggle that there is more than meets the eye and yet you still believe some BULLLSHITTTT. What did we learn when Fu Rong's master was accused of making jewelry that is triggering to the Emperor's wife and got imprisoned in the earlier episodes? FALSE. What did we learn when Fu Rong was imprisoned and accused of killing her master? FALSE. What did we learn when she thought Prince Su killed her master? FALSE. What did we learn when Fu Rong was accused of material embezzlement during the jewelry competition? FALSE. What did we learn when Prince Cheng framed Prince Su? FALSE. Do we see a pattern? Yes, exactly! There is more than meets the eye so don't bullshit me with some "I thought I knew you better" cuz bitch you clearly never knew each other if at this point you still don't understand there is someone behind everything! Y'all literally spent the ENTIRE show debunking false rumors and yet y'all still don't understand each other! Christ!
(I didnt read comments on MDL nor other comments on drama sites so I was not influenced by anyone else's opinion to think this way about her ordeal. It's literally the built up of every false framing debunked both by herself and Prince Su that makes the final misunderstanding soooooo infuriating to sit through. As I mentioned, she been through it first hand, how is it that nothing seemed suspicious to her when everything oh so conveniently aligned and pointed at Prince Su? Even if she didn't trust him, at least trust herself and her own experience! Girl done forget both she and Prince Su have been framed multiple times! Did it not occur to her this time is also something to be suspicious about???? Also the fact that it took Gu Yuan confessing for her to finally find out Prince An was behind everything! I personally thought that was too easy! I wanted Fu Rong to investigate and find out herself how wrong she is!)
Rant over.
Anyway, overall the show was alright. Despite the rant earlier, at the very least they don't actually stay mad at each other long so their misunderstandings don't actually drag the plot. And Fu rong isn't dumb, she's actually pretty smart. But the plot really did her dirty. They attempt to communicate and understand each other. Cute moments here and there. The backstory with the corruption was pretty nice, however, at times it did feel like two separate plots. One with the romance and one with the action. It gets better mixed in the later episodes when Fu Rong starts getting involved. There were a lot of characters that I thought didn't really deserve screentime or sometimes I forget they matter in the drama but hey, I guess each have their own little purpose plotwise so they just exist for that (then they disappear. i.e., Qi Zhu). The editing needs work though. Scene transitions felt awkward sometimes.
The ending was kind of anti-climatic, in my opinion. The Prince An reveal, the fight, the sad "oh no she's gonna die but miraculous non-death" reveal, Princee An and his mom, the Ruyi Pavilion handover. Just everything combined.
As mentioned. Overall, it's alright. I'll give a 7.5/10.
3 prominent anti's that have harassed Zhehan and incited disgusting comments toward him have just recently given up and pulled back on their effort, stating they will let the authorities handle the situation. A couple things we can lean on this. Not definite answers but something to think about. 1. The masses are starting to see the truth, leaving these anti's to fool no one except gullible ignorant folks. So seeing that no one is being fooled, there's no point. 2. After Li Xuezheng's efforts, authorities are getting involved. Perhaps these anti's have been served with papers that is why they are quick to run. 3. Their employers pulled out of the deal, no longer going to pay them the promised amount. There's nothing for them to continue harassing Zhehan anymore because a.) Not only will they potentially face consequences with authorities, they also don't get paid. b.) They've very much been put on blast via Li Xuezheng so everyone knows what kind of work they do. It's a lose-lose situation for antis.
Also, there's an Anti-Organized Crime Act that will be put in place starting May 1 2022 that will serve as a method to catch people who do organized crimes. This Act covers "soft violence" which basically covers things such as causing disputes and conflicts/disturbances. In individuals, cause them to have restrictive freedom, psychological effects, ability to work, and impact on their social life. (So basically what anti's have done to Zhehan).
In summary, authorities are closing in on whoever is behind the framing of Zhang Zhehan. New policies/acts are being put in place to clean up the mess.
To think that in August these people thought they would just make one actor disappear but in reality, what they got in return is a much more stricter online environment. You reap what you sow.
1 
1 
I started this show on a whim, honestly. Someone was talking about it in another comment section (ahem Bad Buddy’s comment section, specifically. Was talking to this user about the ratings and they mentioned how Woh’s ratings seemed stuck.) Anyway, I really went into this blind with zero expectations. I didn’t expect to like this as much as I did. I do think there are flaws, but overall this was an enjoyable show. I won’t touch on the issues with Youku and Zhehan and what happened as that is another topic within itself. For now, let’s just focus on the show itself.
I really enjoyed the character dynamic between Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing. They’re both complex characters in their own style. Throughout the entire drama you can sense the back and forth between the characters, how much they care for each other, and those around them. Neither character is perfect and they acknowledge their flaws whole heartedly while opening up to each other. Each has their own struggles and in the beginning they bud heads a lot because they believed in different things but as they get to know each other more, they start to understand each other’s perspective. Zishu didn’t understand Kexing’s hate, but in the end, he was willing to stand by him and support him. Kexing didn’t understand Zishu’s willingness to let go, but in the end, he was able to let go of his hatred. These two really complement each other and bring the best out of each other.
Storytelling wise, I thought it was pretty good. The story itself doesn’t really have much going on. The novel has less going on. The drama actually amped it up a bit. It’s literally just about two dudes trying to gay it out and the world happening in the background. The pacing did speed up a bit toward the end and it became sort of an exposition mess, which can be a little off-putting if you’re very picky about how the story unfolds, but hey, they had budget issues so that was the best they could do. Something to note is that Kexing’s identity reveal was pretty good. The story feeds you little nibbles of information that makes you assume he is someone, then finally reveals he’s someone else. We see as viewers through Zishu a slow realization that ah, we were wrong, and he was actually this, and not what we thought. I thought that bit was good.
The most important thing about this is the subtle-acting. Both Zhehan and Gongjun did a great job. I’ve rewatched multiple times so I’ve been able to catch small details on their acting and wow, subtlety is really key. I mean yes, there were very obvious, like VERY obvious acting that shows exactly what each character thought, but behind all of that was also the subtle expressions that really is the cherry on top.
I think Zhehan and Gongjun’s chemistry is also the reason why this came out so well. They’re super comfortable with each other and you can tell they value the bond that’s formed between them.
Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys BL. Prefers a simple storyline, enjoys complex characters, and just wanna have a fun time.
Note: This has been taken off platforms in China. But internationally, it’s still available on their YouTube Channel with Eng subs. I don’t know if you should watch it on their channel or go through thirdparty illegal websites, but do what you wanna do. If Zhehan hasn’t decided to sue them already, then he should consider.
Ah, if you're a new fan like myself and wasn't around during the airing to get to the concert or paid bts stuff, message me and I'll send you the link to Shan He Ling's Archive stuff compiled by fans.
MDL is another platform that houses many visitors who will have seen his dramas but don't follow him personally, and when they come onto his MDL page to look at his other drama and/or leave a comment, they can see what is going on with him. Whether they choose to support or move along is up to them, but making sure the facts of the matter regarding his situation is spread is key to clearing his name on a smaller scale. To this day anti's continue to slander him and anyone who stood up with him. International fans spreading the word is just a minor part of the effort.
Imo even if they aren't being deleted, still remain rational and don't post comments that easily incite fanwars.
Again, if you read and stop seeing what you want to see, I said that this didn't SELL physicals to make a story. I'll agree that sexuality/intimacy is part of life. But that is besides the point I was trying to make. Integrating intimacy into the story vs only using it to sell the gayness, are quite frankly two different things. Furthermore, if you want to point its validility, please keep in mind this is a show about food as well. It is only valid within its suitable environment.
And really? You have no idea what the last question means? You asked me the question and you have no idea. Interesting. It means the exact same thing you meant when you asked me. Now that I've seen your perspective fully, you must be from planet pornhub. Gay sex is free there you know. Granted you'd get less substance plot-wise.
I'm on planet Earth. What planet are you on?
This is how I decided to edit it. I added that he's been framed, that he never entered or worshiped, that he was just touring the cherry blossoms, and that there was no procedure to his ban at all. I think those are the main facts we know.
Btw anyone can edit the information, just as long as you have a source to back up your edits. And as long as the edits are relevant.
I just submitted a few changes, sourcing the recent articles that's been coming out. I hope mdl mods read it and approve the edit.
she's not blind but looks like she cant see color since she mentions she can't enjoy a sunset?, she can hear but seems to be tone deaf since she mentions she can't enjoy music?, and she can touch, just that she can't feel pain. idk i think it would have been better if they just called it how it is, that she has limited senses, not that she lost (or doesn't have) them, since she hasn't lost them, they still function, just not at 100%. being color blind doesn't mean lost of sight. not hearing the musical notes doesn't mean loss of hearing. not feeling pain doesnt mean loss of touch.
im only on ep 3 tho so we'll see how this goes.
This was adapted from a BL novel, however, with censorship, this was reduced to brotherhood. Technically it is not a BL as it cannot be a BL by Chinese media standard. BL content is banned in China. However, even then, many viewers will agree that the actions taken within the show aren't simple brotherhood behavior either and resembles a BL much more. It's a guise, basically, to pass censorship.
Rule of thumb.
If you're not a BL fan and are adamant about not watching anything BL related, then don't watch this.
But if you are a BL fan or can watch anything, then dig right in because this is so gay but also pretty fun to watch.
Edit: ah just noticed pfp is Adachi from CM. Definitely give this a watch then because the gay is strong in this one. Many of us still wonder to this day how this wuxia even managed to get released to the public. You'll notice the gay the very moment the main characters meet ☺
What infuriated me the most about this drama was the FACT that Fu Rong experienced being framed first hand AND saw others be framed and she is still the one to misunderstand Prince Su the most from OTHER PEOPLE framing him. Like bruhhhhhhhhh you've been through this, you know the struggle that there is more than meets the eye and yet you still believe some BULLLSHITTTT. What did we learn when Fu Rong's master was accused of making jewelry that is triggering to the Emperor's wife and got imprisoned in the earlier episodes? FALSE. What did we learn when Fu Rong was imprisoned and accused of killing her master? FALSE. What did we learn when she thought Prince Su killed her master? FALSE. What did we learn when Fu Rong was accused of material embezzlement during the jewelry competition? FALSE. What did we learn when Prince Cheng framed Prince Su? FALSE. Do we see a pattern? Yes, exactly! There is more than meets the eye so don't bullshit me with some "I thought I knew you better" cuz bitch you clearly never knew each other if at this point you still don't understand there is someone behind everything! Y'all literally spent the ENTIRE show debunking false rumors and yet y'all still don't understand each other! Christ!
(I didnt read comments on MDL nor other comments on drama sites so I was not influenced by anyone else's opinion to think this way about her ordeal. It's literally the built up of every false framing debunked both by herself and Prince Su that makes the final misunderstanding soooooo infuriating to sit through. As I mentioned, she been through it first hand, how is it that nothing seemed suspicious to her when everything oh so conveniently aligned and pointed at Prince Su? Even if she didn't trust him, at least trust herself and her own experience! Girl done forget both she and Prince Su have been framed multiple times! Did it not occur to her this time is also something to be suspicious about???? Also the fact that it took Gu Yuan confessing for her to finally find out Prince An was behind everything! I personally thought that was too easy! I wanted Fu Rong to investigate and find out herself how wrong she is!)
Rant over.
Anyway, overall the show was alright. Despite the rant earlier, at the very least they don't actually stay mad at each other long so their misunderstandings don't actually drag the plot. And Fu rong isn't dumb, she's actually pretty smart. But the plot really did her dirty. They attempt to communicate and understand each other. Cute moments here and there. The backstory with the corruption was pretty nice, however, at times it did feel like two separate plots. One with the romance and one with the action. It gets better mixed in the later episodes when Fu Rong starts getting involved. There were a lot of characters that I thought didn't really deserve screentime or sometimes I forget they matter in the drama but hey, I guess each have their own little purpose plotwise so they just exist for that (then they disappear. i.e., Qi Zhu). The editing needs work though. Scene transitions felt awkward sometimes.
The ending was kind of anti-climatic, in my opinion. The Prince An reveal, the fight, the sad "oh no she's gonna die but miraculous non-death" reveal, Princee An and his mom, the Ruyi Pavilion handover. Just everything combined.
As mentioned. Overall, it's alright. I'll give a 7.5/10.
1. The masses are starting to see the truth, leaving these anti's to fool no one except gullible ignorant folks. So seeing that no one is being fooled, there's no point.
2. After Li Xuezheng's efforts, authorities are getting involved. Perhaps these anti's have been served with papers that is why they are quick to run.
3. Their employers pulled out of the deal, no longer going to pay them the promised amount. There's nothing for them to continue harassing Zhehan anymore because
a.) Not only will they potentially face consequences with authorities, they also don't get paid.
b.) They've very much been put on blast via Li Xuezheng so everyone knows what kind of work they do.
It's a lose-lose situation for antis.
Also, there's an Anti-Organized Crime Act that will be put in place starting May 1 2022 that will serve as a method to catch people who do organized crimes. This Act covers "soft violence" which basically covers things such as causing disputes and conflicts/disturbances. In individuals, cause them to have restrictive freedom, psychological effects, ability to work, and impact on their social life. (So basically what anti's have done to Zhehan).
In summary, authorities are closing in on whoever is behind the framing of Zhang Zhehan. New policies/acts are being put in place to clean up the mess.
To think that in August these people thought they would just make one actor disappear but in reality, what they got in return is a much more stricter online environment. You reap what you sow.