Reviews

Family matters

Is whoever behind Qingshu the one who poisoned Crown Prince? She thought she had the master plan to catch Bu Shulin. They even used his elite guards to restrain her. By the time Cui got there, she had already taken care of them. She was determined to go through a fake wedding with a friend that would keep her secret. She even figured the decoy was so she could be replaced and they would have her army. XiHe paints Joan d’arc pictures of her leading troops in battle as a female and being recorded in history. Her gift was the white silk Shulin wanted and was discouraged from ever wearing. She was so beautiful on the dock waiting for the boat. The crown prince tells Cui she is leaving and gives him a token that will allow him to travel. He did at least show up in time to treat her wounds. 😝🤣 He convinces her he really loves her, with no clue she carries his child. She questions him thoroughly about his career ambitions and he is content to stay with her no mafter what is required to keep her secret. She is finally convinced and asks him to name the baby since he is the scholarly one. 😂😁 Prince Ning is a drunken mess feeling defeated. Shulin completely annihilated his guard by herself. He acts out in anger when his wife and dancer are bickering and Gu Qingshu lost the baby. The crown prince is asked if he wanted to give up such a promising official. He confessed that he wouldn’t have earlier but that he now prefers to help the young lovers find happiness. Second Prince sees no happiness in his future. He grudgingly accepts that his consort is more ruthless and capable than he would ever be. He knowingly takes the poison and wishes her well taking his place. For half a second she considered stopping him from taking it. But then her ambition and his determination to end it all took over to let the chips fall as they may. He reads aloud one last time as the poison takes effect. There is no telling what ghastly thing Qingshu will come up with next…maybe blaming her miscarriage on stress from his death. She will always land on her feet. That is the only given with her. I’m curious about what names Cui will choose and if ShuLin’s betrothed will marry the decoy since ShuLin was broadcasting about it. That would be an interesting twist.

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Great wedding, great antics

This included episode 20 and 21.+ The wedding is grand, gorgeous, layered and heart-warming.+ Finally, progress of the main leads and main couple. There are, for sure, hints of jealousy in the air among the lovefool princes and around the, now, Crown Princess FL. + The Crown Prince is truly THE son-in-law of the Duke/General. They are both hilarious. I couldn't help myself rewinding and LOL-ing at his smug-looking court-entering cat-scar-showing scene after the wedding and his grandfather's and brothers' reactions. For the n-th time: He Yu fits this role to a tee. + I started seeing more emotions from FL. First, she is getting more comfortable with her current life. Second, she is getting more used with the ML and being around him. I think, this is not only part of her knowing his soon-to-be-doomed fate, but them seeing more eyes-to-eyes and getting together. It's undeniable that she cares about him, even without romantic feelings--and I'm all for it. I look forward to more of their individual and collective development. + I like how ML walks the talk when it comes to being an equal partner.Example one: He wants to take care of everything for her before he dies, which will only make him like Xin Wang. But he doesn't plan to back down from his stance of stern disciplinary for the official exam cheaters, which include FL's cousin. Together, they actually address the issue head on and reach a satisfactory conclusion. Example two: From my C-drama experience, the groom usually ride the horse in front of the carriage. But, here, ML rides next to FL. Quite the showing of equality and companionship, befitting FL's desire while expressing his care, respect and love (to certain extents) for her. + The main couple has reached their second milestone/highlight for me (first was the threatening-in-bed medicine-drinking bowl-throwing scene). They are getting more amusing, entertaining and interesting that I begin to pay more attention to them, instead of the second couple hahaha. As I should.

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Perfect ending👏🏻

This is the first time in a very long while the ending did not disappoint. Wuyi survived but due to the extent of his injuries and the harshness of the cure, there was no telling if he would survive or gain his memories. Since JiaYu was also in bad shape, they let her heal without revealing anything. She would have found WuYi much sooner had she been less stubborn to visit. Yao survived on the trusty steed and YuanJi is teaching and has her own bookshop. The restaurant was returned to original owner and Miraculous Craft still crafting with outlets in all three major cities. Li Mao actually became a decent emperor and it was fitting that he discovered their childhood wishes hidden in the jade crown JiaYu bought for him. He is a sworn brother to WuYi, but since the cure prevented WuYi from practicing martial arts, there was no longer a reason to fear him. It was also fitting that she was drawn back to JianKang and found his sketch of the black sword, that he heard her prayers and her hair ribbon reminded him of who he was and who they were. Only JiaYu would come at Mao with a dagger demanding info on WuYi. He is more than willing to tell her once again about his sworn brother. He doesn’t want his palace blown up by any of her grenades.😂🤣 The hug on the bridge by the drum.🥰❤️ Whether or not WuYi is remembered for what he did, through Mao their combined efforts have begun true change in Ye. And after cursing Tutor for having such a son…turns out….Mao was truly a royal. 😝😂They are all living a simple happy life and leaving the politics to Emperor Mao. The cast did a magnificent job of telling and portraying this story. The leads shined brightly in their roles and the young actress playing JiaYu rose to the occasion and presented herself well in the role. She is doing a phenomenal job transitioning from child to adult roles. They deserve accolades for outstanding performances. Highly recommended.🌹👏🏻😁

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Reasons for revenge

So, Wan's mother approached Mr Lu to avenge the fall of the factory, but failed? Well, the intention perhaps gives her some plus points, but otherwise, she's the most despicable character in this drama. However, now I consider XiXiao's father even worse. Wan's mother at least had some conscience, even if it was twisted, but he doesn't have any at all. 😤😩It was so bittersweet to watch Wan and XiXiao kissing and embracing when he was drunk. He thought he was hallucinating again, and she at first pushed him away, but then gave in and allowed it, knowing he might think it was only a dream... and she wanted a piece of that impossible dream for herself, too. 🥺❤️‍🩹But my question now is — why can't they be together, really?... They are both adults now. Is it because of her revenge against his father? I think XiXiao would gladly help her if he knew her reasons and intentions, because he has his own grudges against him... 😔🫣

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Hellfire

Wuyi let the third arrow fly going thru LeJun just as Mao was reaching her. He made himself appear the traitor and headed north with Eagle King. His two guards were presented to him and he played the traitor masterfully. They left in disdain to complete the facade for the Eagle King. As things played out, he knew there was no way WuYi would join the north, but, he did not anticipate how willingly WuYi would give his life for his people. JiaYu showed a demonstration of the caltrop fire and it was a shower of hellfire to earth. It then continues to seize on mineral deposits to continue burning and water would not put it out. They plotted an area where the army could be blocked in and prepared for the last battle. LeJun left her wishes behind so her brother would know. She even hid the battle location to blockade them in on the bottom of her shoe. WhenWuYi fired that last arrow he successfully pierced the heart of Mao and the Eagle King. Even staying for three years spying on him, their peoples’ history could not let her love or hate him. This was the hardest thing for the northern general to hear. He was stunned that she willingly drank the poison over considering even for a moment to beg for her life. JiaYu leaves Mao on good terms. Their friendship has been severed due to circumstances but they can respect each other because of the positions they hold. They candidly talk about how her friendship was cut when her dear mother was murdered and that is what LeJun planned when WuYi killed her with that last arrow. Even knowing it was truthfully a mercy because of the poison it was still an action that cut thru their friendship tie as well. Before he left for the north he impressed upon Mao the importance of shifting the army’s loyalty from a single person to the people of Ye. Once no single person controlled them, the balance of powers could be balanced for the wellbeing and security of the people and not an individual’s power to rule. It was a powerful entrance when father and brother Xiao rode in to the battlefield. They fought bravely. Once the father was struck down by two halberds, he died knowing he had protected his sons as best he could. The oldest brother needed to pour out his grief later and continue fighting. When he would not leave their dad’s body, Wuyi whistled for his steed, knocked his brother out and returned the favor his dad had done for him by sending his brother to safety. JiaYu had visited and given him the life saving pill from the doc, but he sneakily returned it to her. While she was working in the prison camp, she helped instill Ye spirit back into them to fight to go back home. The people finally stopped being cowed and realized they had the means to defend themselves. Wuyi and Eagle King have locked swords in battle and WuYi is holding him there. The Northern Emperor showed up at last and he was the real target. Caltrop fire was taking care of them. Wuyi pointed out that they both were pawns of their emperors no matter how loyal and bravely they fought for them. Wuyi is content to hold them both there until fire strikes. But at the same time he is hearing JiaYu entreat him to value himself and live.

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I am very excited to see their adult romance

I don't know why, but I am actually more excited to see their adult romance than I was about their teenage one. Maybe it's because now I know they can stand against the Lu family way better than they could back then — she's not poor, and he's also independent and doesn't have to rely on his family's money. ☺️Them almost meeting so many times drove me crazy... I kind of knew their first meeting would involve their dog, but they still got me with that pool scene... 😅I am so looking forward to seeing how XiXiao will pursue her, how they will reconcile, and how they will make everyone who wronged them pay for making them break up those 10 years ago. 😌Also, I guess Huo Le will probably be released from prison and will cause some trouble. But I hope I won't see Wan's mother ever again. 🫣

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