BEWARE *** MAJOR SPOILER UNDER ***(when I say major, it is MAJOR. Some may like mild spoilers but not the big…
I always start short and I am carried away 🫣 (thanks to spoiler button and block option if it is too much for certain 😜 Thank you for your indulgence I wasn't sure if I deleted or not the major spoiler but since I did not share all the other major spoilers. I kept it. Plus many already guessed it I think
BEWARE *** MAJOR SPOILER UNDER ***(when I say major, it is MAJOR. Some may like mild spoilers but not the big…
The Emperor wanted FX to be his successor at the end. FX was his favorite son. He never like prince,first prince was toothird young and he did not want to name a crown prince. Plus FX was a FAN not an official LI although it was just a detail the emperor could easily change as everyone knew FX was his real son. Well see how it ends. I am also curious.
BEWARE *** MAJOR SPOILER UNDER ***(when I say major, it is MAJOR. Some may like mild spoilers but not the big…
1 wife wandr, 1 concubine Sisi (not his initial choice), 2 kids, first daughter born with sisi and son with waner few years after. Sisi became more a many. He also had a first daughter with Si Lili (and northern emperor) but he was drugged. This was the main break with Saint Duoduo who was an accomplice.
Will someone tell me maybe I missed it but they did ever show the fourth person in the group of new proteges that…
In the novel, there were four characters, but only three were significant. Two of them who passed the exam obtained important positions, receiving help from FX. The third character, who did not pass the exam, became a valuable aide. The fourth character was essentially forgotten. In reality, only two out of the four characters were noteworthy.
The cast and acting reflect the same personalities.
Novel versus drama (general thoughts and major spoilers)Keep spoiler button.
BEWARE *** MAJOR SPOILER UNDER ***
(when I say major, it is MAJOR. Some may like mild spoilers but not the big ones. So this is a kind warning)
Here are my thoughts up to episode 23 and the conflict/comparison between the novel and the drama.
No wonder the screenwriter took several years to write S2. He changed, mixed, compiled, rewritten and removed many arcs, gave more spotlight to characters, and added humor where there was none. The general idea was kept, but he definitely made tons of changes.
This is to be expected, of course. The novel is very long and packed with events, details, and character arcs that are justified by the events. However, I feel lost when the screenwriter makes important characters seem ridiculous, changes events drastically, or alters the personalities of main characters such as the second prince, crown prince, and the emperor (for example, revealing the emperor's late-in-the-story martial arts practice, which is a major hidden secret).
I really wanted to see FX portrayed as a genius mastermind, but I feel like it wasn't shown that way. FX never kneeled, cried, begged, or justified himself in the novel, and he practiced his tyrannical zhenqi daily. I wished FX was more like he was in Season 1. It seems to me that they made him more insecure in the drama. In the novel, he is 18 with the brain of a 35+ year old, as he retained all his memories from his past life and the new ones in the present. S1 was way more closer to the novel, imo. So, he is way more mature, understands each personality around him perfectly, knows how to plan long-term, and is a perfect manipulator. In my opinion, this is not well reflected in S2.
I do see good parts, don't get me wrong. I love the 3 fathers (CPP, FJ and Emperor) and prime minister. I liked all the actors and actresses. I appreciate the humor, even if at times it is a bit too comedic.
I understand that characters in dramas need dialogue, but both the crown prince and the second prince are portrayed differently in the novel. First, FX didn't have many in-person meetings with them. It was more about a battle of wits and assassination attempts. The second prince is described many times as having a very similar personality to FX. The crown prince is described as kind. Both of them are portrayed as totally manipulated puppets of the eldest princess. The second prince always wanted FX to be closer and forgive him (assassination attempts when he arrived at the capital - Tenz never died; it was all drama). The crown prince didn't have the same level of intelligence.
FX didn't want to follow his mother's stepfoot. He thought it was a utopia. However, he has a strong sense of equality and justice. He valued family and wanted to live peacefully. The emperor and CPP had different plans, so he was compelled to become a cunning and manipulative person. This aspect is not well explained in the drama. FX possessed a photographic memory, making him a mastermind at planning, organizing, and manipulating. After surviving numerous assassination attempts, he realized that as the leader of his family and aides, he couldn't run away, but rather had to gain power and wealth.
This is why he planned to take over the smuggling of illegal goods from Qin sold in the north. To return the millions taken by the royal family, mostly the eldest princess who was in charge. He intended (and did) to officially give the millions back to the emperor, but unofficially became rich with the support of the northern emperor. FX was extremely cunning and kept everything undercover. He planned his exit to the north and sent his brother and sister there. He knew that his glory was only temporary and depended on the unstable whims of the emperor.
The emperor was aware of the cunning plans involving his sister, the second prince, and the crown prince. The emperor was a puppeteer, pushing people against each other.FX succeeded to gain the emperor trust. He knew that removing himself from the royal family, therefore fighting for the crown prince position, was his safety.
I never understood why FX was not replaced early on as the crown prince by the emperor. It was very late when the royal family lost 4 major members that he changed his mind. FX never wanted to be CP or emperor. Ever.
The emperor never wanted another son to be in the current crown prince's position. because the crown prince was perceived as being too soft, the emperor manipulated the ambition of the second prince, hoping to incite conflict with the crown prince to toughen him up. However, this plan failed as the second prince and the crown prince eventually allied with the eldest princess and other rebels. Their rebellion ultimately failed.
FX's mother was not his father's concubine; however, he was supposed to be a prince and crown prince if he married Ye. But the emperor’s mother hated her and Ye was a free spirit. She never wanted a child, and FX was an accident. She left a letter explaining that he considered children to be a burden, and if she could, she would have aborted FX. The emperor's mother hated her and influenced the emperor, pushing him to assassinate her. The paranoid emperor trusted his mother, but Ye was the only person he loved in this twisted mind and admired, considering her as his equal. He was very indulgent with FX, as he found many traits of her personality in him, knowing FX's intelligence and where his mother came from. In the end, the emperor couldn't tolerate anyone else being more influential than him.
The emperor is one of the most intriguing characters. He seems to have a multiple personality, but in fact, it can be summed up as narcissistic, egocentric, paranoid, jealous, unable to love, lacking empathy, cruel, and manipulative. Sometimes, he displayed brief moments of emotion with FX but quickly concealed them when his ambition took over. His desire to be remembered as the greatest emperor of all time led him to make decisions that were highly questionable.
FX is not a romantic person but his love and loyalty for his wife, kids, family, friends are real. He is selfish and therefore tend to forget that he needs to make efforts in this area. FX per se will write long letters to DuoDuo but none to his wife when he was away.
I am looking forward to some character development for characters such as his sister Ruoruo, his brother, Yan (who will be one #2 in the council), Sisi (his concubine), the saint Duoduo, shi (scholar), the young eunuch Hou and Niang. In the drama, Niang is FX's shadow. In the novel, FX asks him to take over Yan's spymaster position in the north. Duoduo should be seen during his journey to take over the revenue. Sisi also plays a significant role, although she may be removed from the story and replaced by his wife to give her more screen time. Ruoruo and his brother are important characters, but their screen time could be reduced. The eunuch's role has already been changed. In the novel, it was FX who sought him out and gained his favor by helping him seek revenge (killing the person who killed his family). In the drama, the eunuch pledged his loyalty and FX was suspicious. I am looking forward to the conflict with the eldest princess because everything happened because of her.
Many differences exist among the characters, some subtle and others blatantly obvious, enough to change the storyline.
I'm really curious about where the screenwriter will take us in the remaining 13 episodes. Will it be about the takeover of the revenue position and the appearance of the Saint DuoDuo, as seen in the teaser? I also know we'll see his marriage and the return of the evil eldest princess (her mother). The main villain is the eldest princess, but even after 23 episodes, she hasn't appeared yet. Yuan returning to the princess's fief, where she was exiled, indicates that we might see her soon. Perhaps the screenwriter will stick closer to the novel in the upcoming episodes.
S1 is the closest to the novel S2 is the farthest to the novel S3… what will it be? Different or close?
I have a strong feeling that Season 3 will be action-packed, with martial fights, epic battles, fires, blood, deaths, and destruction. If the screenwriter does a good job, it will be epic. I wonder what the big, explosive final scene will be in episode 36, S2. Considering that events are not chronological as the novel, I am intrigued. So far, I am slightly upset with S2 but mostly because FX is not the same character as S1 and in the novel. Everything else, I can accept/tolerate the changes. I truly loved S1 but I fear S2 will be different.
I miss some martial fights though…
** do not claim to be 100% exact. This is my interpretation. Everyone sees a movie or reads a novel with his/her own background, feelings, tastes, culture etc. It makes this more interesting. So am completely okay if you think differently 😉
Hmm I laughed happily at this scene, rather leavened a rather depressing set of events, and not entirely inconsistent…
Jing Ge had no name and FX gave him one much later when FX took over the black knights (who were 500, not allowed to step in the capital as per the emperor edict). Jing Ge killed the son of General Qin and CPP saved him. (CPP had a plan). The black knights are assassins, soldiers thatwere at the entire FX disposal (and CPP) Once FX knew the BK better FX promised to Jing Ge that he will get his revenge with the general Qin. Jing Ge had no humor. Jing Ge was the equivalent of a general. So not sure which part of the novel you are referring? I didn't read much humor in the novel too.
Seems like CPP will be the emperor's target later on as he is too powerful of an ally for FX like the PM. Curious,…
Very very late in the story so we will see CPP again many times even if FX will leave the capital to take over the revenue. Not sure how screenwriter will cut this. In novel it took many chapters. FJ will remain at his position while FX gone But he will be targeted by the CP (and fail).
I am a little lostWhy did the emperor kill Lai Ming Cheng's.?
In the drama, he criticized the emperor and stated that even an emperor should be investigated. Killing him sent a strong message that certain limits cannot be overruled and served as a warning to prevent anyone from going too far.
They completely twisted the Black Knight's story. And what the heck? They even ridiculed Jing Ge? I am not happy about this. It's not funny; it's just stupid. It served no purpose. I am reconsidering my opinion about liking Season 2... At this point, it makes up 20% of the novel's arc. they are turning this drama into a comedy. meh
ETA (expressing my emotions right after watching episode 23 🤣)
That's true, time flies when you're having fun. I'm also happy with the fact that they've maintained the soul…
The only thing I regret is that FX personality does translate well. He is a genius mastermind. In the novel, he doesn't beg, cry, kneel, hesitate. He plans beforehand. He manipulates people and situations. He uses people weaknesses.
In the drama, they made him ordinary. Plus I miss some martial fights where he shined.
The emperor wanted him to retire before he asked. In the novel, he wanted FX to hold the most important position…
Divide and rule. The emperor was too narcissistic to allow anyone, past and present, to be more successful, more powerful than himself. However, he needed mastermind ds he could control.
To start off I felt the comedy side was a bit too much in the first few episodes and the change in editing style…
I regret the dynamics of the brainstorming battles. FX was extremely manipulative and seemed to understand everyone's personalities, even the emperor's. FX never kneeled, never begged ,never cried, never doubted. He was even a bit arrogant because the emperor favored him.
As soon as he arrived in the capital, his fate and future were already decided by the emperor and ChengPP. He had the full support of the four most powerful men in the world: the emperor, ChengPP, his father-in-law, and his adoptive father. Everyone else was either a casualty or a foe.
FX's character seems to have lost his control and strategic planning, appearing more reactionary instead of the calculated mastermind he was in the novel. Additionally, the show seems to have omitted many Wuxia elements, resulting in a slower pace in Season 2.
"the most exciting thing for an official is to go against the emperor"... now I understand where Lai Ming Cheng's…
The emperor wanted him to retire before he asked. In the novel, he wanted FX to hold the most important position without any support. He got exactly what he wanted and made sure that FX was left alone so that no rebellion was possible and he could manipulate him without interferences. His father-in-law was also a mastermind.
In the novel, the prime minister could not remain in power at the same time as FX was rising. The emperor wanted FX isolated, so he made sure that all of FX's allies departed.
The emperor wanted to maintain control over FX and manipulate him. In truth, FX became extremely independent and even more powerful.
anyone know if ye linger would be in love or help second prince? im on ep 16 rn
yes. but not the big romance. both second prince and her will get married and she will support him 100% (as well as her family). But both will respect each other.
1 
Thank you for your indulgence
I wasn't sure if I deleted or not the major spoiler but since I did not share all the other major spoilers. I kept it. Plus many already guessed it I think
Well see how it ends. I am also curious.
He also had a first daughter with Si Lili (and northern emperor) but he was drugged. This was the main break with Saint Duoduo who was an accomplice.
The cast and acting reflect the same personalities.
(when I say major, it is MAJOR. Some may like mild spoilers but not the big ones. So this is a kind warning)
Here are my thoughts up to episode 23 and the conflict/comparison between the novel and the drama.
No wonder the screenwriter took several years to write S2. He changed, mixed, compiled, rewritten and removed many arcs, gave more spotlight to characters, and added humor where there was none. The general idea was kept, but he definitely made tons of changes.
This is to be expected, of course. The novel is very long and packed with events, details, and character arcs that are justified by the events. However, I feel lost when the screenwriter makes important characters seem ridiculous, changes events drastically, or alters the personalities of main characters such as the second prince, crown prince, and the emperor (for example, revealing the emperor's late-in-the-story martial arts practice, which is a major hidden secret).
I really wanted to see FX portrayed as a genius mastermind, but I feel like it wasn't shown that way. FX never kneeled, cried, begged, or justified himself in the novel, and he practiced his tyrannical zhenqi daily. I wished FX was more like he was in Season 1. It seems to me that they made him more insecure in the drama. In the novel, he is 18 with the brain of a 35+ year old, as he retained all his memories from his past life and the new ones in the present. S1 was way more closer to the novel, imo. So, he is way more mature, understands each personality around him perfectly, knows how to plan long-term, and is a perfect manipulator. In my opinion, this is not well reflected in S2.
I do see good parts, don't get me wrong. I love the 3 fathers (CPP, FJ and Emperor) and prime minister. I liked all the actors and actresses. I appreciate the humor, even if at times it is a bit too comedic.
I understand that characters in dramas need dialogue, but both the crown prince and the second prince are portrayed differently in the novel. First, FX didn't have many in-person meetings with them. It was more about a battle of wits and assassination attempts. The second prince is described many times as having a very similar personality to FX. The crown prince is described as kind. Both of them are portrayed as totally manipulated puppets of the eldest princess. The second prince always wanted FX to be closer and forgive him (assassination attempts when he arrived at the capital - Tenz never died; it was all drama). The crown prince didn't have the same level of intelligence.
FX didn't want to follow his mother's stepfoot. He thought it was a utopia. However, he has a strong sense of equality and justice. He valued family and wanted to live peacefully. The emperor and CPP had different plans, so he was compelled to become a cunning and manipulative person. This aspect is not well explained in the drama. FX possessed a photographic memory, making him a mastermind at planning, organizing, and manipulating. After surviving numerous assassination attempts, he realized that as the leader of his family and aides, he couldn't run away, but rather had to gain power and wealth.
This is why he planned to take over the smuggling of illegal goods from Qin sold in the north. To return the millions taken by the royal family, mostly the eldest princess who was in charge. He intended (and did) to officially give the millions back to the emperor, but unofficially became rich with the support of the northern emperor. FX was extremely cunning and kept everything undercover. He planned his exit to the north and sent his brother and sister there. He knew that his glory was only temporary and depended on the unstable whims of the emperor.
The emperor was aware of the cunning plans involving his sister, the second prince, and the crown prince. The emperor was a puppeteer, pushing people against each other.FX succeeded to gain the emperor trust. He knew that removing himself from the royal family, therefore fighting for the crown prince position, was his safety.
I never understood why FX was not replaced early on as the crown prince by the emperor. It was very late when the royal family lost 4 major members that he changed his mind. FX never wanted to be CP or emperor. Ever.
The emperor never wanted another son to be in the current crown prince's position. because the crown prince was perceived as being too soft, the emperor manipulated the ambition of the second prince, hoping to incite conflict with the crown prince to toughen him up. However, this plan failed as the second prince and the crown prince eventually allied with the eldest princess and other rebels. Their rebellion ultimately failed.
FX's mother was not his father's concubine; however, he was supposed to be a prince and crown prince if he married Ye. But the emperor’s mother hated her and Ye was a free spirit. She never wanted a child, and FX was an accident. She left a letter explaining that he considered children to be a burden, and if she could, she would have aborted FX. The emperor's mother hated her and influenced the emperor, pushing him to assassinate her. The paranoid emperor trusted his mother, but Ye was the only person he loved in this twisted mind and admired, considering her as his equal. He was very indulgent with FX, as he found many traits of her personality in him, knowing FX's intelligence and where his mother came from. In the end, the emperor couldn't tolerate anyone else being more influential than him.
The emperor is one of the most intriguing characters. He seems to have a multiple personality, but in fact, it can be summed up as narcissistic, egocentric, paranoid, jealous, unable to love, lacking empathy, cruel, and manipulative. Sometimes, he displayed brief moments of emotion with FX but quickly concealed them when his ambition took over. His desire to be remembered as the greatest emperor of all time led him to make decisions that were highly questionable.
FX is not a romantic person but his love and loyalty for his wife, kids, family, friends are real. He is selfish and therefore tend to forget that he needs to make efforts in this area. FX per se will write long letters to DuoDuo but none to his wife when he was away.
I am looking forward to some character development for characters such as his sister Ruoruo, his brother, Yan (who will be one #2 in the council), Sisi (his concubine), the saint Duoduo, shi (scholar), the young eunuch Hou and Niang. In the drama, Niang is FX's shadow. In the novel, FX asks him to take over Yan's spymaster position in the north. Duoduo should be seen during his journey to take over the revenue. Sisi also plays a significant role, although she may be removed from the story and replaced by his wife to give her more screen time. Ruoruo and his brother are important characters, but their screen time could be reduced. The eunuch's role has already been changed. In the novel, it was FX who sought him out and gained his favor by helping him seek revenge (killing the person who killed his family). In the drama, the eunuch pledged his loyalty and FX was suspicious. I am looking forward to the conflict with the eldest princess because everything happened because of her.
Many differences exist among the characters, some subtle and others blatantly obvious, enough to change the storyline.
I'm really curious about where the screenwriter will take us in the remaining 13 episodes. Will it be about the takeover of the revenue position and the appearance of the Saint DuoDuo, as seen in the teaser? I also know we'll see his marriage and the return of the evil eldest princess (her mother). The main villain is the eldest princess, but even after 23 episodes, she hasn't appeared yet. Yuan returning to the princess's fief, where she was exiled, indicates that we might see her soon. Perhaps the screenwriter will stick closer to the novel in the upcoming episodes.
S1 is the closest to the novel
S2 is the farthest to the novel
S3… what will it be? Different or close?
I have a strong feeling that Season 3 will be action-packed, with martial fights, epic battles, fires, blood, deaths, and destruction. If the screenwriter does a good job, it will be epic. I wonder what the big, explosive final scene will be in episode 36, S2. Considering that events are not chronological as the novel, I am intrigued. So far, I am slightly upset with S2 but mostly because FX is not the same character as S1 and in the novel. Everything else, I can accept/tolerate the changes. I truly loved S1 but I fear S2 will be different.
I miss some martial fights though…
**
do not claim to be 100% exact. This is my interpretation. Everyone sees a movie or reads a novel with his/her own background, feelings, tastes, culture etc. It makes this more interesting. So am completely okay if you think differently 😉
Keep spoiler button.
The black knights are assassins, soldiers thatwere at the entire FX disposal (and CPP)
Once FX knew the BK better FX promised to Jing Ge that he will get his revenge with the general Qin. Jing Ge had no humor. Jing Ge was the equivalent of a general.
So not sure which part of the novel you are referring? I didn't read much humor in the novel too.
They completely twisted the Black Knight's story. And what the heck? They even ridiculed Jing Ge? I am not happy about this. It's not funny; it's just stupid. It served no purpose. I am reconsidering my opinion about liking Season 2... At this point, it makes up 20% of the novel's arc. they are turning this drama into a comedy. meh
ETA (expressing my emotions right after watching episode 23 🤣)
In the drama, they made him ordinary. Plus I miss some martial fights where he shined.
Everything else is good
The emperor was too narcissistic to allow anyone, past and present, to be more successful, more powerful than himself. However, he needed mastermind ds he could control.
As soon as he arrived in the capital, his fate and future were already decided by the emperor and ChengPP. He had the full support of the four most powerful men in the world: the emperor, ChengPP, his father-in-law, and his adoptive father. Everyone else was either a casualty or a foe.
FX's character seems to have lost his control and strategic planning, appearing more reactionary instead of the calculated mastermind he was in the novel. Additionally, the show seems to have omitted many Wuxia elements, resulting in a slower pace in Season 2.
In the novel, the prime minister could not remain in power at the same time as FX was rising. The emperor wanted FX isolated, so he made sure that all of FX's allies departed.
The emperor wanted to maintain control over FX and manipulate him. In truth, FX became extremely independent and even more powerful.