Won

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.

LOL

Luv GJC, grandma Ji and Ji Yao's bond. Happy that the Ji's family successor or 1 of the key successors, Ji Yao is such a capable, reliable, trustworthy and good guy. This is what a blessing in disguise is like, GJC being unfairly abandoned with grandma Ji her whole life, but grew up strong, intelligent, strategic, kind, and fearless under her grandma Ji's care and guidance.

Yep, Ji Yao's remarks seemed to indicate he's wondering how GJZ would know, understand what is in love.

#2 - CYY's 5th brother died very young about 5-6 years old [death contributed by 4th brother who was around 8 years old], hence, he naturally left without any heir. Later, CYY & family adopted Chen Xuanqing [CXQ] as 5th's brother's son as a way to continue his brother's lineage i.e., the 5th branch in the family. CXQ's biological parents are not related to the Chen's family. Is explained in epi 9-10. CXQ's biological father died a criminal but he saved CYY before, hence CYY & family adopted CXQ.

Ending of ep 18 was great. Jin Zhao, please never back down, show your paternal hypocritical relatives what a smart powerhouse you are!

Think CYY is in his 20s, could be mid or late 20s in the drama. In ancient China, people marry, fight, go to war, can be a bureaucratic elite if smart (esp from noble powerful families) very young, also seen in other Cdramas.

Nanny was concubine's wet nurse, who has taken care of the concubine her whole life. She stayed and supported the concubine when the latter defied her parents (she came from a rather noble family, broke ties with them, which is a very serious offense in ancient China) and marry the good for nothing husband. Hence, the nanny is a mother-figure and a pillar to the concubine.

And the rest of the cohort as well. Their looks speak volume.

Think so, is usually a no no, for unmarried noble young ladies to attend to men, especially not family member.

Yep, but he did ask CXQ to decide and choose whether to go ahead with his suggestion for his wife. If he did not accept it, then he has to prepare for the potential consequences after he became an officer of the court.

Yes, CYY, brought CXQ to his biological father's cenotaph, and explained to CXQ who was his biological father and why is advisable that he marries the daughter of a particular family (sorry can't remember that family's surname) as the head of that family is the only other person who is aware of CXQ's past at the moment. But once CXQ rise in officialdom after he passed the imperial exam (as he's expected to do well in the imperial exam), people will tend to dig up his past, so with a father-in-law who's already aware of his past, may help him weather the potential storm.

Per the drama, CYY's 5th brother died very young, around 5-6 years old, hence, he naturally left without any heir. Later, CYY & family adopted Chen Xuanqing as 5th's brother's son as a way to continue his brother's lineage i.e., the 5th branch in the family. Chen Xuanqing's biological parents are not related to the Chen's family. Is explained in epi 9-10. I didn't read the novel but I understand there are differences between drama and novel and it may seem that Chen Xuanqing is ML's son in the novel but definitely not in the drama.

FL’’s character 🙄 too naive despite managing on her own & family’s household/estate for years, brainless at times, tedious. So skipped many episodes. Like the Emperor & ML’s, ML & his 3 friends relationships.

Is so funny & entertaining. Entire cast acted well, IU with her exaggerated actions & looks, too funny. ML perfectly cast as the fairytale handsome prince. No need to think too hard & compare with other actors or dramas, just enjoy the ride. 🙌🏻🔥