Answer to Million Dollar Question: " Why Dilraba as Li Changge?"

@Kim MC Very true. Why do comparisons even arise, I don't get really.

I think as well it's very easy to relate to the tragedy of Sun and his emotions because there are so prominently displayed (well done Wu Le) [even Le Yan with her constant crying is easier to empathise with], but in contrast the trauma and emotional struggles of Changge are less obvious partly cause of the way she has bottled up all her emotions and is cold towards others (Dilraba has done really well, it's just her character has reacted to trauma and tragedy differently). She undoubtable has PTSD and survivors guilt as shown by her nightmares, but her waking moments are just as equally fuelled by the constant traumatic changes (I think she's borderline suicidal). My understanding is that considered the losses (her family, A Du, Gongsun Heng's suicide, etc) and betrayals of those closest to her (her uncle was like a father figure for her compared to her own father; who by the way considering the last conversation she had with him was a fight over her being too close to her uncle is both ironic and tragic and another reasons to fuel her hatred and revenge), her response to all this trauma is to dedicate her life towards revenge. In a way her revenge is the only thing fuelling her will to continue to live. You could even say she's cannot fathom and is afraid of stopping her revenge as what then is the point of her being alive. Yes she has done some pretty stupid, reckless, and inconsiderate things, but in the midst of all her internalised pain, I think it's understandable that she's not making the most rational and nicest  decisions currently. She's not a normal emotionally healthy individual. It's like she's throwing herself headlong towards her demise as she has such a blinkered hatred-revenge driven conviction and view of the world. She hasn't really had a break or been willing to give herself a break to kinda reflect and actually accept her losses and fully grieve. The lack of reflective dialogue on what's going on inside her mind in the show is unfortunate, but I suppose that's the hardship of translating a character like Changge into a show. The manhua did this much better. She's the emotionally stoic and restrained female that has strong convictions that are not necessarily the right ones. She is willing to go through with what she thinks is right for the Tang Dynasty even knowing the consequence, which is an admirable trait it's just unfortunately applied to the wrong situation (I wish the scriptwriter had done better with this whole rescuing the general plot line). She's not perfect, but I feel considered what she is going through kindness, understanding and patience should be applied when evaluating her perspectives and hardships, not the immediate response of anger and dissatisfaction so many people seem to have.

My goodness. You guys have dissected her character so eloquently! I'm pleasantly surprised! I agree with most of the points you all have mentioned. I think she's been holding on to her fire for revenge because it's so personal and, without it, she suddenly doesn't have a greater purpose to life now that she's entered the real world(from her former cossetted and luxurious life).  

Side note: Wu Lei's performance in episode 25 knocked me senseless. I didn't know he had it in him to bring out such intense emotions, it was so intense I got anxious for him, seeing how visibly broken and fuming he looked(did you see just how red his ears became??). Heartbreaker looks aside(did you see his jewelry promotion? guy is dashing to the T), this guy's got real acting potential. Reba also has space to grow as an actress, I thought she had better acting in Love Designer. She had these small expressions that surprised me in that drama, her drunk scene was one of the more convincing ones I've seen on TV.  Idk what it was that brought out that improvement, I didn't see enough of tat in The Long Ballad(there was one small part where she was kneeling, tears spilling down, over Alier's body that was well done). Maybe the stoic trait of Changge contributes to it. 

We're getting more of the 2nd CP in the next few eps(26 to 30, I think) and I'm getting a bit bored by their storyline. It doesnt feel as well written as the main plotline. I'm a bit surprised and disappointed cuz I really liked LS & HD's first scene together, when I didnt know HAO DU was gonna be LS' love interest. But now it's just...meh. I'm anticipating the main CP's story, so looking forward to that! Hopefully the 2nd CP will pick up, too.

@Dragnelia 

Yes! I agree, I just wish they wove the other characters' storylines more seamlessly. I think that because GeSun is more of a slow-burn, that's why my interest has been maintained for so long. Slow-burns seem more realistic and make the viewer more invested in the long-term, imo. Just one of the reasons for watching this show.

@Dragnelia 

Uhuh! I know this show has its drawbacks but its strengths and the GeSun power couple shines brighter for me, so I'm really enjoying it. Cdramas don't usually do that for me!

I came back to read this thread and honestly miss it.