Reviews

Cruel Fate

A sweet morning, eating breakfast, but found a Wutuo man on the next table, now tailing him together. Oh I remember this little girl was saved by her Master in the novel, and here too, Just as He Yan and Xiao Jue thought that the Kid and Grandmother looked sus, her Master came to protect the little girl, This little girl is Princess Mengji's heir. He Yan was astonished to see her Master here, and her master was faster than her and saved the little girl. The big issue that Cui Yuezhi was worried about was this little girl's abduction. Her Master saw that she cares for XJ, and she's protective of him, but he also encourages her that if she truly likes XJ then don't about other factors, the Divination's result was Kan (water), water is adaptable, Navigate through Hazards and find passage in peril. She will overcome all hazards together with him. Her Master has always told her, Human conquers fate, don't bow to Destiny. Her master was a really important person to HY, who knew about her well [IN THE NOVEL, He was even more important in the Novel than in the Drama, since they removed the rebirth arc, so this was cut, but he was the only person who knew about her Past last and her new life after she was reborn, don't compare it to XJ, her master was like a father to her, and he recognised her at first glance after reborn like "A'He is it you", for me he was one of the best characters, his story was good, but he couldn't live for long.] In the Palace, Liu Buwang, XJ, HY were all in the hall, Princess Mengji was already aware that it was Xiaojue, The Right Army Commander, while she outrightly roasted Cui that his family was never known for handsomeness 🤣 so how could ge resemble your older brother. Now back to serious shit, Although Jiyang is impenetrable, but Jiyang has been infiltrated by Wutuo spies, and the Princess was unaware, but she still refused their help, while Military Inspector Chu Zhao was summoned in the Hall. Now that even CZ has stated that he spotted a Wutuo Spy, XJ asked her to reconsider cause if she didn't, it'll lead to chaos and many lives could be lost. But she stood her ground "Thank you for your warning, but we'll manage our own affairs, You may leave", it's true though, she manages a whole City she can't just let outsiders handle things for her (it'll be troublesome, favours, reputation, etc). When CZ asked XJ that it was unexpected that he will come to Jiyang with new identity (Mr Qiao), Xiaojue was so funny when he replied CZ "I'VE EVEN GOTTEN MARRIED" (bro really told CZ that see, I even got married while you're stealing glances). XJ's sarcastic remark to CZ was hilarious like "THEN YOU MUST BE VERY BUSY, MR CHU. EVEN CROSSING A STREET WOULD MAKE YOU REUNITE WITH MANY 'DESTINED ONES' " 🤣, XJ roasted him right tere when HY and CZ talked about like they were fated to meet, cause of their coincidental meetings (not so coincidental). The Princess is not unreasonable, she asked Cui to help XJ in finding the person he mentioned, and increasing the patrols in city. He Yan told the Princess about her Master Liu Buwang also playing the same song "Slow Passing Years", yeah they shared a history, Then the Princess told her story to He Yan, she was trying to escape her marriage and he saved her from rogues, the Princess fell in love at first sight (atleast found him attractive) , he found it really hard to decline a pretty lady's request, and took care of her for for a month. (It was the reason why her Master encouraged her to pursue her heart's desire, cause he had regrets). Outside soldiers were searching for someone, just then Liu Buwang asked her to go up the mountain with him to meet his master (isn't this a proposal guys), but when she heard about the soldiers she knew she couldn't conceal it forever and sweet days will end soon, she admitted the truth that she's the Prince's daughter and she fled because her marriage was arranged by her father to some court official's son, she didn't want to marry him, then she met LBW and the days with him were truly joyous, but some things are not meant to be. He promised her that he would inform his Master and return in two days and asked her to wait at the inn then they'll resolve this problem of her marriage. She waited and waited but he never came back. The Princess hoped she could meet him again atleast to resolve the past thing and end things on a good note, Fate is Cruel.

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You may call her Mrs Qiao

The ‘uncle’ met with them and they now discuss war plans. Chu runs into He Yan and presents her a tassel for her weapon. She should have kept her first instinct to reject but opted to accept the gift and return one. Xiao Jue runs into them and notes the tassel and suggests he be careful or will be left with dust, referring to more than just the candy.😝When he asked how to address Ms He, Xiao Jue spoke right up and said he could address her as Mrs Qiao. 😂 Chu’s guard is in agreement about the candy. I think it will get an ‘oops’ on the way back. The commander accepts leadership of the troops even tho it could cause him trouble. He pushes that aside and says his duty is to protect all the people. Wutuo insurgents are burning the granaries taking the offensive. Xiao Jue puts He Yan in charge of the troops. When she is mocked, he told ten of them to attack her at once. She kicks their rookie behinds and even gives a hand up to the biggest mocker. They are now in agreement she knows what she’s doing. She even has the women inspired to help raise funds and make medicine. She has another encounter with Chu who she saves from a collapsing food stand damaged by fire. She sends him fire resistant clothing to help him with his fear. The people that can are fleeing the city, but Chu refuses to leave. He is determined to find Chai Anxi and determine the extent his mentor is involved in treason. He still is intrigued by He Yan and his gray character sets her aside from the norm. I don’t know that he will assist her, but I don’t think he will cause her harm either. I think she may make him imagine what could have been under different circumstances. I don’t even know that he sees her in a romantic light so much as wanting her friendship and respect. He sees her as someone worth knowing. There is just ambiguity of what type of knowing he has in mind. Xiao Jue would prefer no interaction of any kind. They now have a war room and are strategizing for best course of action. There is a flashback where we see what happened and why Liu Bu Wang did not return to his princess. He was pleading his case and his master said there would be too much discord without a marriage alliance. He even refused to let him return by knocking him out and keeping him under house arrest til the arranged marriage was a done deal. He plays the same melancholy song outside her window, but she refuses to see him. If he couldn’t see her then, she doesn’t need him now. There is no way for him to plead his case with her. Even tho she figures it wasn’t his fault she doesn’t want to hear it. She can’t open her heart to trust him again. The Wutuo army looks pretty formidable and they are getting ready to burst through the gate. He Yan asks commander to lead the elite troops to generate distractions for their elite officers. He doesn’t hesitate to agree to her request, but tells her to come back alive, and the episode ends😭 with a long time to wait.

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Identities revealed

He Yan wakes up and she wants things to be back to business as usual. She does not look forward to gossip of them sleeping on the boat. Xiao Jue doesn’t seem the least bit worried and says to go greet them openly. She orders flatbread for breakfast and they note wutuo soldier using winter survival techniques with ingredients added to tea. They follow him and see a small group with a child in tow. There is something off and it’s obvious the child is being abducted. Just when they go to intervene, Liu Bu Wang shows up and rescues the child. She turns out to be the princess’ daughter. He is surprised He Yan has discarded her male disguise and is assured it is to help her keep it. The uncle is happy that child is rescued and says he will take care of the spies. He offers Liu Bu Wang an invite to go see the princess and he declines. He offers to use fortune sticks to predict their future and it is danger upon danger. The child hears him playing zither and says it’s a song her mother plays for her. When the child is recovered they take her back. The princess is all business and asks the general why he is pretending disguise to get a meeting. The uncle is chastised for being duped and she isn’t happy they are there. She was a bit surprised at the news of wutuo spies in number and starts investigating. She lets her visitors know their assistance is not needed or wanted. Chu shows up also confirming wutuo spies. He has figured out he was spared because of his mentor’s talisman. So he knows they are collaborating. As they all exit he and Xiao Jue exchange barbs. I liked his ‘I got married’ dart. 😂He is letting Chu know who is number one and who is number two. 😂 He Yan finds herself in a private meeting with Princess who is very interested in how Liu Bu Wang is doing. She then changes her mind saying he was too cowardly to show up. He Yan assures her that her master would never be delayed unless something very important happened. The rest of the episode tells the story of a runaway princess that was captured and rescued by a handsome young man. He takes her home and says he must meet his master and will be back in two days. She waited much longer and eventually gave up. There is definitely a backstory here, but no more info from this episode.

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Uniquely Thai and Grounded in the Culture

It’s a great start, kicking off with Khem’s protective amulet losing its potency in a dark alley, forcing him to recite a spell he hasn’t heard since he was a child, and first gained the protection of the amulet. From there it’s all on, with the ghostly plane Khem’s seen all along suddenly presenting a threat when this protection ends. The acting is naturalistic, so far, which helps immersion immensely. There’s a lot of lore and background in the novel that is implied in the first episode, but isn’t explicit. The ghost that’s always at Khem’s back, for example. It’s been done well, with his demeanour changing with context in a smart way. They’re really looking after fans of the source material.The core cast is nice. They seem to have nailed everything. I’m optimistic, so long as they only change things to serve the story and characters, rather than out of caprice. So far they’ve done that. I recommend people watch the episode 0 BTS. It gives an idea of how invested in doing this right the cast and crew have been. A few of them even misted up talking about how important the project was to them.

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One Stars

i find Han Tuo's jealously off putting, cause the way he reacts is kinda scary - i hate how he manhandles Jun Xi telling him to keep his distance from girls, like WTF. i don't care if ur dating, married or whatever... there lines u don't cross, even when ur jealous or worried, u need to have faith in ur partner to be able to care enough not to cheat or flirt. being this obsessive is toxic & can lead to an abusive relationship - in a blink. the fact Jun Xi doesn't stop Han Tuo's controlling behavior, but accepts it as endearing or idk what.... is worrisome. ***********************************************************************************************wish Xiao Yang (as their mutual friend) would tell them both to stop being this crazy, for one to take a step back & not try controlling the one he loves & to the other to step-up & stand his ground, not let the person he loves, manhandle him let alone dictate sh*t. *******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************for me the plus point in this ep r the girls - ironically - i really love You Mei, she is quirky & funny... ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************btw ironic that it took so long for the 3 friends to figure out what Han Tuo was up too, regarding all the girls that had crushes on Jun Xi, but given Jun Xi personality i doubt he will be angry at this fact. Han Tuo has been subtlety gaslighting him from the start of this BL - or throughout their childhood.... & i feel bad for Jun Xi cause he is really depicted as this overly innocent & trusting pushover, that's being taken advantage off.... 7 more ep's to go & i genuinely don't know if them ending up together will be a happily ever after Han Tuo deserves.

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