MariaB

If they pull something like this, I will avoid these screenwriters for the rest of my life :)

It would be a plot twist for the sake of a plot twist. There was absolutely no indication throughout the story that the consort was not sincere and it would break my heart for Peiyi to know she was deceived growing up.

Btw, this is the worst type of ruler -- incompetent, clueless and corrupt, but believes he is a great thinker who is never wrong. Plus he cannot keep it in his pants.

Did the emperor want his brother dead so he ordered the right chancellor to kill him in the same manner Henry II had done with Thomas Becket? The punishment was a slap on the wrist, he even gets to keep his wealth and position in the imperial court!

It's not really a break-up, more of a break, there is no miscommunication and it lasts 1/2 episodes, depending on what you count as the event that re-establishes the relationship. It is really well done, I would not skip it since it is meaningful to the plot.
It starts in episode 19

I saw a clip of them riding happily dressed in wedding attire. I really hope they get their happy ending.

As well as those who saw the scene online and were spoiled :D

The emperor's wishes are commands for everyone around him. He married his own daughters off without asking them first, why would Peiyi be any different?

He is the prime minister and brother to one of the imperial consorts. But he has followers/collaborators in high places (since he did not act alone) and uncovering the whole network would destabilise the government and country.

Because the emperor knows the person responsible, but is unwilling to take direct action.

I'm not sure autopsies were an accepted practice back then and even if they were,
I don't think that she was qualified to perform or assist them in the eyes of the leaders of the physicians hall. Without the autopsies she would not have been able to adjust the treatment so it could be safe for people with comorbidities.

It was the special blend of herbs that protected against the disease. A lowly eunuch from the palace kitchens would not be in possession of such a prized item unless he had a personal relationship with the female physician that created the blend.

Does anyone know what are the title and singer of the song that sounds like Venus Des Abribus by Patricia Kaas?

I think they are referring to a character in episodes 11-12.

Bailu looked convincing in Arsenal Military Academy to her colleagues and teachers, but not to people she met outside, which was a very nice touch. If you see a person in uniform in a time when only men served, you assume automatically that it's a man. Removing the military setting, she was perceived as a tomboy with short hair.

In general, it's mostly it's a combination of people not paying attention and seeing what they want to see.
But for the viewers, it doesn't help that the actresses in these dramas are usually very pretty and the camera focuses on their faces.

Watch Love Like The Galaxy. That emperor is the best.
I think the emperors in The Legend Of The Female General and Story Of Kunning Palace were also good. I'm sure there are other examples as well.

I love how with each case the show explores the plight of women in that age without being preachy or melodramatic. You cannot remain indifferent to their pain and sorrow, and at the same time, you know there was nothing that could be done to help them because of the oppressive system and corruption. True justice can never be achieved in these circumstances.

The romance vibes are a little more subtle, and it is less gory. The cases are intriguing and the chemistry between leads is there.

Iqiyi put out a "dynamic concept poster":
https://m.iqiyi.com/v_1ph3vhg1z2c.html

I found an unofficial playlist which has the metro scene song:
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOcH0Mm05UXriLzB2EZlknd28Gq5KjaR2&si=JP0Os9Ftc8LaUm-Y