AtsukoM

I also think budget is the culprit here as well. Dramas just have too many restraints compared to other medium. So, I tend to watch the adaptations as standalone as much as I can, because it'll never be a 1:1 of the source materials. It is what it is haha, I'll watch whatever we get.

They needed to impersonate, because as a military general, Xiao Jue cannot freely move between places as he please without the court's order and they are going for a covert mission as well. Also, Jiyang city wouldn't necessarily warmly welcome them either if they go in with their true identity just like that.

As for the reason, they are looking for Xiao Jue's father's subordinate, and the last clue indicated he is at Jiyang.

Ep 25 trailer: After being disappointed a bit by the defense of Jiyang battle, Rundu arc looks like they are sticking to the events of Rundu battle and I'm looking forward to it.

Honestly, the drama by itself did somewhat fine with Jiyang battle. Just that it felt like a missed opportunity compared to the source material. Also, in this battle, none of the qualities of what make He Yan were carried over to the script, like how adapt she is at warfare strategy, her martial prowess, quick thinking, leadership, etc.

And also the uniquness of the battlefield of Jiyang battle itself. Transforming it into standard city seige battle is... just ugh

One of the reasons I'm anticipating Zhu Yu. I love the novel, and to top it off, the drama is helmed by Blossom director.

It goes even deeper in the novel.

By 'Moon', He Yan was also referring to the moment they shared at the temple while she was blind. It was the lowest moment of her life and she was contemplating to suicide at that moment. (Drama only depicted it as Xiao Jue misunderstanding her about the suicide part)

Xiao Jue's encouragement gave her the strength to continue living which carried over to her 2nd life, and it meant a lot to her. She didn't ask his name, and couldn't see his face either. So, she associated and remembered that person as 'Moon' because they talked about moon that night.

One of the reasons why I like to read the source materials, be it before or after watching the drama. These kinds of details often got lost during the adaptation process. Drama just has more restraints compared to other medium.

Today's episodes, we are on Jiyang city arc. Then, there will be Rundu city arc. Their marriage comes after that.

His father is just some rich wastrel, not significant to the story, just a minor character.

My take is, He Yan was actually referring to the moment they shared at the temple while she was blind. It was the lowest moment of her life, and Xiao Jue's encouragement meant a lot to her. She didn't ask his name, and couldn't see his face either. So, she associated and remembered that person as 'Moon' because they talked about moon that night.

Since you are going to read the novel, I won't spoil further. It went more details into why that moment is so significant in He Yan's life.

And this arc got everything with significant story developments in all areas. My favorite arc in the novel as well.

Jiang City arc, my favorite arc in the story coming soon. I'm pumped! 💪😁

In Ep 13 where He Yan bullshitting Cheng Lisu about why she joined the army (some bully attracted to her beauty so she had to flee home), that's actually the real backstory of He Yan in the novel lol, basically the part that got cut in the drama in the first arc.

So even today we are stuck with 35 mins/episode?? Sincerely hope it gets back to normal length in coming episodes...

Rebirth, transmigration, time travel plots, etc. will not make it to screen. Better set our expectations right for the adaptations.

Her master is actually one of the most memorable side characters in the novel with an entire side plot dedicated to him. Though, his side plot may or may not make it to the screen given 36 episodes total length of the drama.

The earlier episodes were pretty rushed in terms of story progression. Novel has 272 chapters including extra stories, and by episode 5, we covered until around chapter 85-90.

There were some changes compared to the novel, but mostly to fit the censorship requirements. The general plotline remains the same. Also, all the characters we have seen so far in the drama are from the source material, just rearranged here and there. Especially her master, he appears later into the story in the novel with proper introduction and backstory.

Talking about rushed, we covered 1/3 of the original story in just 5 episodes. lol

For now, I take it as a positive sign for later arcs as we now have more rooms for them. 36 episodes length is such an injustice for this type of story imo.

In the novel, there's none. 2ML likes FL, but that's one sided and an insignificant portion of the story.

But, for the drama, we'll have to see. Can't say they won't make changes to this part for the sake of being dramatic.

Drama's He Yan is exactly like the one from the novel, both in terms of physical build and character traits. They are staying true to the source material with this one.

Drama removed the fantasy element actually. Instead of transmigration, it became FL master saving her, and she retains her original body in the drama.

Yes, she's their biological daughter. Human greed has no bound and they stoop at nothing for their greed.