JulesL

I don't think she has no other choice. Just like how she was making progress, uncovering the answers as she went along and making sure for the most part that the ones who deserve to be punished, are punished. This most recent stunt is her most selfish, reckless, most narrow-minded decision where she only wanted to kill instead of clearing her father's reputation or caring about other people's feelings.

LOL - yes, she's basically doomed herself to no parties in the future.
You're right - the Emperor has shown repeatedly that he does not want to rock the boat but surely, there are better ways to get revenge without sacrificing herself in the end. Where was that character growth that I saw in the past episodes :(

I am disappointed with Pei Yi's plan in ep 29. She was not being smart at all....blinded by rage and thirst for revenge. Even though the current outcome is painful (but hopefully temporary), I applaud Huai Jin's stance.
And the Emperor....seriously...

I have not watched ep 29 so I don't know if more was revealed. But I don't think Consort Shu is oblivious - I think she knows of her brother's actions in the end but is protecting him and the Cui Family. She's probabl y like the Emperor - keeping PeiYi close out of guilt. I know she asked him to investigate but all that is just lip service because she knows how the Emperor feels.

We know he's the brother of Consort Shu, and is the Right Chancellor so pretty powerful. But you're right about the Emperor - so many dramas featured emperors who have to balance the power of the court, and keep it stable. In many cases, it does mean sacrificing one for the greater good. However, in Prince Duan's case - it really seemed that the antagonist was just up to no good...

He's actually not the worst but he's pretty detestable and such a hypocrite!

He’s come a long way since his earlier dramas. Such a talented actor!

The thing is that she’s always been obvious about wanting to investigate but he’s like an ostrich burying his head in the sand. Unwilling to admit that he may have been part of the massacre even if he did it unknowingly.

Yes! Good reminder

So the MDL rating went up after something happened. Coincidence? Maybe but if not, I hope we get many more similar scenes :D This show is still underrated because of haters.

I don't know how the real eunuchs looked like but his face easily comes to mind when I do think of eunuchs...lol

Yes - Pei Yi may be gruff with her words but she truly cares for Wuren and Wuren is utterly devoted to her.

I have that on my list to watch...maybe after this one ends, I'll start that one.
I agree - we need more of this type of slow burn romance. One that feels natural and grounded as it unfolds. No dramatic gestures or grand confessions, just lovely, consistent moments of care and understanding that slowly build trust.

Agree - the pacing is good, including the unveiling of the overall case. We may know who one villain is but there's still mystery around who is really involved, and who is just trying to protect Pei Yi...enough to keep things interesting until the end.

One recurring theme is how everyone keeps reminding Pei Yi that she is not alone. I love how the relationship developed between Pei Yi and Huai Jin.

His patience is honestly the emotional anchor of the whole dynamic. He doesn’t rush her, doesn’t demand vulnerability, and never tries to “fix” her recklessness outright. He just… adjusts around her pace.

And you can see her internal change and growth. Before, her instinct was sacrifice first, consequences later. Now, there’s hesitation. Awareness. A pause where she actually considers him and the others.

Their slow burn romance was so good to watch. Subtly romantic without forcing romance to the front - like Pei Yi’s learning that relying on someone isn’t weakness, and Huai Jin showing her that loyalty doesn’t have to be loud to be steady and unwavering.

Just change the clock!

So easy to frame someone and get the whole family killed?!

Hit me harder after realizing that her master was probably the only one who watched Li Pei Yi grow up. Lovely scene of them in ep 25.

These last two episodes were mostly about relationship building- those two were cute with their little smiles

Exactly - some people want to believe in something so badly that they lose all reason.

I am glad that I ignored the negative comments since I ended up enjoying this show. Just the father should have suffered more - he was a big part of the problem!