Won

FL's backstory is very good in supporting her now very strong, fearless, compassionate character with unyielding integrity. What she had gone thru when young was beyond horrendous before she was rescued.

What is the fate of Yuan Hong in the end? is it open-ended?

Agreed with many that they should have a flashback to better explain XHY's return at the end. If I'm not wrong, SXH is aware that XHY is not dead but has left to seek medical help in a faraway land. They were not sure if it was feasible, how long it would take and he'll survive and return. To declare him dead was to clear the path for their son to become the next crown prince/emperor instead of XHY being potentially replaced as the crown prince because he was in critical deteriorating health if he remained indefinitely. That's what I gathered from browsing ending of novel. Based on the novel, even after XHY's return, he was not formally recognised as the former crown prince (because it would create mayhem or headache to the line of succession as their son is already the Emperor and a very smart one at 6 or 8 years old), but a companion to the Empress Dowager SXH.

Grand Tutor deserved to die. Not satisfied and sufficiently deserving that Li Mao became the emperor although XWY clarified that Li Mao is of real royal blood, the real Prince Qi, and not Grand Tutor's son at the very end.

Todate, 5th prince is still the one trying very hard to come between ML & FL even after the two's marriage. Other princes dropped out by now. 5th prince reckoned ML will die in no time and intends to pursue FL. 5th prince is also referred to as Prince Xin/Prince Changqing. (9th Prince, his brother is Prince Changying/Prince Lie - note the close name, different in 1 letter between "q" and "y"). 5th Prince is just obsessed with FL, like he was with his deceased wife, Gu Qingzhi. You can refer to the tab on Cast to see the cast list.

In 1 episode, ML told FL he was Xiao Sheng when young (he assumed the identity of Xiao Yao's younger brother) but he later go by the name of Xiao Wuyi.

My favourite anime!

Thanks for the headsup but I won't. 9th prince is all about him and what he wants and thinks what is best for FL to the extent of, 1st time, he threatened her with the lost of the North-western map thingy and then 2nd time, forced himself on her but luckily she managed to extricate herself out of it and slapped him. Comparatively, ML may be conniving yet understandable due to his past incident & present sick condition, but he has good EQ. His belief in egalitarian partnerships and champion open-mindedness towards all female, and not just the FL are positive and progressive qualities, fostering mutual respect, emotional well-being in relationships.

Luv ZJY's acting and the dramas I've watched with her in it. SWL is good in this, expressive and funny although not meaning to.

9th prince is such a red flag, forcing himself on FL when he couldn’t coerce her to his way. He’s disgusting & disrespectful & had no regards for her esp in those rigid social etiquettes during the historical time. Undeserving of any consideration after this stunt.

Hope drama keeps the same momentum & smart decisions-making story line & not dive into some weird, incomprehensible arc.

Yep

FL acquired the memories of the wife (Gu Qingzhi) of Fifth Prince who died by drinking poison in front of her husband after her entire family was massacred. It was about 3 years ago per the drama. The 2nd Prince’s wife also died & she’s Lady Yu, not Gu Qingzhi.

Ya man, really dislike 6 & 9 prince from their 2ML roles previously, truly obnoxious. Here, can’t help feeling irked by their characters too.

Personally, this drama is so frustrating because conversations and obvious clarifications which should be had didn't happen and situations went round and round. They also took safety for granted often when every clue and evidence is so important to their search for the truth. I was so eagerly waiting and wanting to like this drama a lot. M saddened and vastly disappointed.

Agreed. I don't bother to explain further.

You are talking about FL and ML right? I knew they would makeup and it shouldn't take long as both are mature and sensible and understand each other well.. Is CQX that I'm concerned about. Right from the start, he has this psychopathic aura.

It was so good until .... I stopped at ep 32, saw selected parts of last epi. Normally, FL was bold, unafraid, honest and speak her mind, thus, wished she had communicated with CYY and CXQ when the latter was clearly and relentlessly trying to create trouble. She should have clarified and acknowledged with the latter that she admired his talent, wanted to become friends but nothing came of it and she has no regrets and he shouldn't. By avoiding and not communicating early created the disaster thereafter. CXQ may not accept it but at least get ahead of the narrative and not let CXQ go round emphasizing their relationship which was hardly there. Be clear that CYY was the one FL chose willingly as she fell for him. As for CYY's mentor ....... thought CYY is often several steps ahead and understood power and greed has changed his mentor already. But yet ... *sigh*

CYY did ask him to decide what he wish to do and be prepared for the consequences. An imperial official life is rather a tumultuous one. By the way, he didn't choose to agree to marry the other family's daughter to have some sort of revenge, but is to protect his own future. The truth about his biological father being a rebel, a criminal may be uncovered when he became an imperial official, thus, he need a strong backing and what's more, the suggested potential father-in-law is aware of his dad's background,

Actually CXQ made it rather clear he doesn't want to befriend or further his acquaintance with GJZ because he returned to her all the commentaries she wrote of the book she borrowed from him, indicating he does not wish to continue to communicate/deal with her. He even asked a classmate to return the documents on his behalf, the incident which caused GJZ to be hit by YX and his poor classmate bullied and humiliated by YX. Somebody has to knock his head and remind him of his own actions. Quite definitely he's not right in his head from all the studying.