Hei according to the novel, will ML be the emperor at the end? How was others reaction to his real identity as…
After the FX returned to the capital, the emperor showed a lot of favoritism towards FX, who decided to take over his mother's business. This led to rumors spreading quickly that FX was the illegitimate son of the emperor. As time passed and the emperor never denied the rumors, everyone believed that FX was indeed his son. Despite this widespread belief, FX was never officially recognized as the emperor's son or prince. However, all of his brothers, the empress, concubines, and everyone in Qin and North knew that he was the emperor's son. It does not reflect much, but FX was very powerful, and once he took over the revenue, he was definitely the #2 under the emperor. But we have to see him taking over the revenue and his marriage.
i think it is a major spoiler so if you really want to know, message me :)
-The meeting between Buo and his father while Buo's father was in jail never happened. - The memorial for FX's brother with his mother never took place. - The young eunuch (described in the novel as full of acne) is the eunuch that will play an important role in the future. he decided to follow FX, but at one point, he betrayed FX. Keep an eye on him ;)
I don't recall all the details about the spring examination, but it seemed very similar overall, except for the parts involving the emperor, the crown prince, and the second prince. The screenwriter paid a lot more attention to the princes (and none to the eldest princess).
I'm curious to see how this will unfold. So, apart from a few changes here and there, the differences were generally minor.
Novel versus drama - episodes 17 and 18Please use the spoiler button :)
Episode 17
- The Shijia village was never set on fire, and people were not killed. The survivor did not exist. CP or SP were not involved.
- FX established his "office" in front of the first bureau building on top of an inn. He enjoyed being outside and go to local inns. this is how he met the 4 scholars.
- Xe Zongwei was indeed a leecher and later became an official, posing a threat to FX. He never asked to be FX's disciple. Note that it was a common practice; production was just dramatized.
FX met the four scholars when he visited a restaurant. He immediately took a liking to three of them. They became his loyal officials, performing good deeds for the people. The third one (a survivor role in the drama) became a trusted aide, primarily handling two brothels. LOL
- The spring examination was marred by widespread bribery and corruption, which was well depicted. High-ranking ministers and princes handpicked young scholars from families known for their loyalty, before the spring examination. Poor scholars never had a chance. (FX became a supreme "god" after that)
- FX asked the emperor permission to denounce the corruption in the spring examination. so it was with his full support that he stepped in
Episode 18
- lot of humor in S2, which I like. Not in the novel
- In the drama, the second prince gets much screen time, while the eldest princess is more present in the novel. However, FX aimed to discredit the second prince and waged a war of wits. FX sought to undermine all forms of power, dismissed the corrupt minister, and ultimately left the second prince isolated without allies. FX never intended to kill the second prince but ensured that he would never be able to threaten FX and his loved ones. It was a battle of intellect and strategy.
- I believe the casting of the second prince is perfect. All the casting is excellent. I don't see any actors or actresses who do not represent the characters in the novel well. They did a great job of casting the right people.
- FX truly hates corrupt systems, which are well represented in drama.
- Niang is also very well represented. He was indeed his closest aide/friend/confidant. but he was left in the north to replace Yan Buying (spies). FX was genuinely isolated. He had trusted aides but had no real confident when he returned to the capital. His sister was more present until the saint DuoDuo replaced her (long-distance correspondence after his return to the capital). FX started to send letters to her, and she became his confidante/friend (no romance). This is important because we will see her in S2.
- It's important to note that FX was greatly appreciated by all eunuchs. Eunuchs were not well-regarded and respected, but FX had modern ideas and memories where everyone was equal. The drama doesn't explain this, but in the novel, FX has his memories from the modern era and the new ones from his current life. This explains why, at 5 years old, he thought like an adult. In the latest Season 1 recap, you will see FX dying on a hospital bed and being reincarnated. This is the true story. There is no library. FX was conflicted until he decided that his goal to survive in this new world was to become wealthy and powerful. Only in this way would he be able to protect himself and his loved ones, which includes family and friends (growing each day)
- The gunpowder incident with the emperor never happened, and the late meeting with him was also fictional. However, it was a cleverly written scene demonstrating the emperor's leniency towards FX. (Side note: I enjoy the emperor's multiple personalities!!) It's worth noting that, both in the drama and the novel, what the emperor values most in FX is his straightforwardness, which is precisely the same as FX's mother. In S1, the emperor mentioned it to FX and in the novel, it is also mentioned. However FX was always suspicious about the emperor real motives so he was never relaxed with him.
- Episode 18 best reflects the relationship between FX, the emperor, and the eunuch. In the novel, the eunuch is different—he is young, has acne, and is a strong ally of FX. He also plays a crucial role later in the story.
- Comparing the novel characters and the actors, such as FX's father-in-law, his adopted father, and Cheng Ping Ping, they are identical in both the drama and the novel. They have the same cunning, intelligent personalities and indulge FX and support him.
- Special kudos to the OST choice, which was perfect. The sad, longing music played right after FX explained to his father-in-law how it was unfair and he wanted to change it to fairness, even just once. We see all the scholars reading, and we can feel the hope behind the lack of hope. We can feel how much they long to be finally recognized, the old scholars, the young scholars, the poors, the forgotten.
- FX's brother indeed returned to the capital incognito, but Buo, who was long forgotten in the novel, did not accompany him. However, his brother briefly stayed in the capital and remained hidden in the family mansion.
** episode 18 is one of my favorite in S2 so far :)
can some one recommand be some best chinese show to watch like,Nirvana in Fire Joy of Life RESET like these super…
It depends on whether you want Wuxia (martial arts) or not. It depends on whether you like a fast pace or not. It depends on whether you enjoy palace intrigues or not. It also depends on whether you prefer mature actors/actresses or more young adults; if you prefer period or modern era. It depends on whether you want long dramas with multiple seasons or not. There are so many factors to consider. :0
If you have an open mind and enjoy good acting, art production, and a strong plot, here is my list. Some may disagree that they are good dramas, but it all depends on your taste.
Love like the Galaxy Faith (The Great Doctor) - Korean The Untamed (Danmei) The Story of Ming Lan New Life Begins Love and Destiny Under the microscope (same actor as JOL and Tenz) Love between Fairy and Devil Word of honor (Danmei) Who rules the world Eternal Love Hidden love Snow Stride Sword (same actor as JOL and Second prince) Chef Hua My dearest (Korean) Love a thousand years Princess agents (except epilogue mainly due because S2 never aired) Sungkyunkwan Scandal
BEWARE *** LOT OF MAJOR SPOILERS UNDER ***... and very long post !! 🫣🤪I believe the screenwriter and art…
That is okay. Everyone have different views and feel differently. Per se, some said he is a womanizer. I think he was the opposite even if he took a concubine, it was not his initial choice. So all is good that you see it differently 👌
I believe the screenwriter and art director decided to compile a few story arcs together and removed many details, which were sometimes crucial for understanding the storyline. It was unavoidable with 746 chapters but knowing the full picture, I think they missed few important details. But maybe the story line will go to another direction and I am intrigued to see it. Her are my thoughts in general up to episode 16
The young dukes who attacked him are indeed the sons of the generals who returned from the frontier with the first prince. When the first prince returned with his army, many generals returned with their wives, concubines, and children. Some of the children became wild and killed people for fun. They were between 9 and 15. During FX's absence in the north which was many months, his brother knew those bullies/killers (FX’s brother was 12 when this happened, the third prince only 9), and when something happened in the brothel, they were involved. The main culpit was an ex prostitite the second prince knew intimately. She stole teens girls and forced them to prostitution. FX brother and third prince knew it was a brothel but not the dirty deeds. In the novel, FX decides to punish and beat his brother because they murdered several girls and he was stupid and naive and could destroy the FAN family, father and him and everyone. Chinese always mention “face”. This is extremely important. If anyone in the family did something wrong, kill, steal, anything, the family was ruined entirely. Everyone was disgraced, sometimes killed. So FX was extremely angry considering he and their father were in the front line of political struggles with ministers and palace internal affairs.
This was a common practice where the eldest or father disciplined anyone in the household, including children, concubines, and maids. FX chose to do so because he believed it was the only way to save his brother and because he was extremely angry with him. He rushed his brother north to save him and avoided being used against him. During a meeting in the street, FX confronted and defeated many opponents, even killing their leader. These opponents were part of the extensive FAN family, which was organized hierarchically. For example, FX's father was the head of the family, and FX was under his authority. The FAN family consisted of hundreds of people who did not all live in the same place.
The incident occurred with the censorate (Lai) did not occur in the emperor's private rooms. In the end, a dozen people were beaten, but no one died. FX did not supervise the incident. Another incident occurred later in the story while FX was away to take charge of the revenue. This time, a few ministry officials were investigated. Initially, it seemed like the FX father was being targeted and indirectly FX, but in the end, it was revealed that the Crown Prince was involved, and FX was safe. As a result, a few ministers were kicked out.
Note that every major decision executed by Cheng Ping Ping was pre-approved or ordered by the emperor. The emperor knew everything used people like pawns. His ambition was endless and even though he liked FX, FX remained expandable if need be. Cheng bypassed some decisions because he put FX before the Emperor. The drama does not reflect this very well. Cheng seems to have other plans and using FX. Cheng sent him to the north to test him. If he came back successful ,he would take his position. Cheng trusted FX to succeed.
The fake death never happened. The mourning never happened.. The emperor never beat FX. FX never beg. He never revealed the temple place. He never accused second prince and eldest princess collusion to the emperor or CP. FX never cried. FX practiced QI every day. There is a young eunuch (in novel full of acne) who played a big role but we saw him only briefly. Drama did a good job with first division (bribes and playing games) but Yan never accompanied FX. Yan was recovering his severeinjuries when he was tortured in the north. He will be his right hand handling the 6 divisions later.
Guo Bao never went to the north. FX's brother was sent there to avoid jail, retaliation, and being used against FX. FX gave him 1 year to prove he could be successful, which he was, and his brother took over the smuggling business, approved by the emperor of the north. They mostly imported goods from the south Qin. Quing Nian was left behind 2 years to replace Yan to handle the spys. So FX lost his most trusted aid, but later, he was replaced with another aid. FX did a lot of smuggling himself, but he also helped the people, such as building a defence against the floods that killed thousands each year. So, he was a good, cunning baddie.
The story of the Saint DuoDuo and FX begins with a lack of romantic feelings between them. However, FX's feelings change upon hearing about an impending marriage, as he fears losing DuoDuo to the constraints of married life. He realizes that his uneasiness is love and asks her to marry him. Despite opposition due to their differing backgrounds, DuoDuo agrees. In the novel, when FX is unable to fight, DuoDuo came from north to share the secret martial art and discovered FX lost his QI. She decides to stay and help him to regain his strength using a unique method taught by her grandmaster (his mother gave him a book, remember?). FX then gains exceptional martial abilities. The novel is ambiguous about whether they become lovers, but it seems that they did not. They started to exchange letters after his return to the capital and she became his confident. He trusted her. However, she betrayed him at one point. Expect a big bad a boom between si lili, the north emperor and FX.
His romantic relationship was much less romantic and developed than portrayed. While he did fall in love at first sight and had a deep mutual love with his wife, during his journey to take over the revenue position, he became involved with Sisi, a maid who was older than him by 4-5 years (knew her since childhood and both played under the covers without the big act) and she became his official concubine. She also became pregnant, and his wife accepted her without any fuss. It was a normal practice to have concubines at that time. In the novel, the romantic relationship was not developed. It seems to me that he slept with Sisi because she complained she was still a virgin, but he had no real interest. He cared for her and welcomed her as his concubine because it was expected. In the drama, Wan'er is played by a well-known Chinese actress. I believe her screen time was part of her contract because honestly, the story is not a romance but a palace political one and she is not a main role whatsoever. FX in the novel is not a womanizer.
Wu Zhu was very present until he arrived at t(e capital. Then he had a big fight and was injured. FX didn't know that. Wu Zhu went to a secret place to recuperateand it took months before FX saw him. We have a good idea who he is in the novel and the drama gives many clues such FX saying that he will still look young when he will be an old guy, the fact he has no QI. In the drama you see him making a funny head movement like a robot. His main goal is to protect FX. So yes, he is an AI and very close to human. But he was injured. His loss memory is also a clue. In S3 you will know more about him, his eyes, etc. The emperor (because FX mother shared it with the emperor) know how to use him. He tried to destroy him but he recovered partially loosing his memory but not his prime directive to protect FX.
You need to understand that the main antagonist is the eldest princess. She is behind every assassination, plot, and scheme, whether from the palace or from her exile. The second prince and the Crown Prince are under her control as her puppets. She has numerous generals, officials, grandmasters, and families under her influence.
The relationship between FX and the eldest princess was filled with hate. In the novel, she is portrayed as extremely beautiful and a genius mastermind. She decided to stop supporting her brother, the emperor, when she realized how much he despised intelligent women. She wanted to prove that she could be smarter than him. As FX gained power, popularity, and the emperor's support, her hatred for him grew, and she plotted traps, assassinations, and more to eliminate him. SHE is the true villain. She has no conscious, no values, no remorse. She is using everyone. For her, incest does not exist. She loved her brother like a woman until she hated him like a woman, never a sister.
The emperor had complex feelings towards FX - he both loved and hated and feared him. He never fully trusted FX, but he couldn't deny that he admired him. He recognized FX's genius, similar to that of his mother. In the drama, it seems like the emperor doesn't like FX much in public, but in the novel, he is more indulgent towards him in public. The main reason for this is that FX understands the emperor and knows how to manipulate him. FX is aware that the emperor is narcissistic, egocentric, selfish, and abusive, unable to tolerate anyone more popular than himself. The emperor's ultimate goal is to be remembered in the annals of history as the most remarkable emperor of all time, and he is unwilling to tolerate anyone more popular than himself. FX grasps this and always operates discreetly. There is a lot of mutual manipulation. The emperor indulged FX because FX made it clear he didn't want to replace the CP and later support the third prince. At one point, FX decided to officially renounce any chance to become an emperor by officially being an heir of the fan family, which his adopted father delighted in, as he sincerely loved FX as his son.
In general, I do notice many similar scenes here and there, but they are all mixed and combined to create a different storyline. Some characters have a lot more prominence in the drama compared to the novel. For example, Tenz, a friend who died early in Season 1, never died and was never a close friend in the novel. During the assassination attempt, tenz broke his leg and was sent to his wife/kid to recover. He never had a big part in the novel. However, the first assassination when he first arrived in the capital was indeed carried out by the eldest princess and second princes.
I am not sure if they will include the part where everyone knew that FX was the emperor's son. It was no longer a secret to the palace and the whole world.
The second prince is portrayed as much more villainous than in the novel. His future wife, YE, never interacted with him before their marriage, and she was never against it. YE and her family later proved to be full allies with the second prince. When FX left to take over the revenue (days away from the capital), the second prince and YE got married, and they both became close and confident. There were no verbal fights between FX and SP. Everything was done in hypocritical ways. In fact, the second prince admired FX and always wanted him to join him. The second prince regretted dearly the assassination attempt, which FX never forgave. Oh, and the poisoning with the 3 girls, 3 boys, never happened to the novel, the meal too.
FX considered the crown prince to be a puppet, albeit a kind one. He neither truly liked nor disliked him, and in fact, he thought the crown prince was not unkind. He never killed the few dozen guards because FX appeared toa him nd guards couldn't stop FX. The meeting never happened .FX didn't care about the CP. He cared when he became a treat later but mostly used him to fulfill his purpose. FX viewed the crown prince as weak and easily manipulated by the eldest princess. The crown prince was depicted as very lonely and unloved. The eldest princess was the only one showing interest, and he fell in love with her when he was a teenager, becoming obsessed with her. She slept with him when he was an adult.
In the novel, the first prince married the princess of the north while FX was outside the capital. The princess is portrayed as smart and authoritative, quite different from her portrayal in the drama. Although she is not a main or secondary character, there is a point in the story where the first prince had a mistress before his marriage, which made his wife jealous. However, the first prince never cheated after his marriage.
Both marriages were successful, and both couples were in love although it was more obvious with first prince. Second prince couple was more close partners.
FX always had a team of assassins to protect him, on top of the 7 tigers guards given by his adoptive father. He took over completely the role of Cheng Ping Ping.
The relationship between FX and Cheng Ping Ping in the novel is profound. Cheng considers FX as his spiritual son. They are both genius masterminds. I thought Season 1 portrayed their relationship very well. In Season 2, the screenwriter often twists their relationship to create suspense and avoid spoiling the story arc. This makes it seem like Cheng is not on FX's side, but in reality, Cheng never betrayed FX. He never cheated or did anything that was not in FX's favor. Cheng Ping Ping's ultimate goal and hope was to put FX as the next emperor, so everything he did was for this goal.
After his marriage, the emperor dispatched FX to take control of the revenue (Neiku) previously managed by the eldest princess. However, the eldest princess, along with the second prince, the crown prince, and the empress, embezzled millions from the revenue that was meant to be used for public welfare such as addressing river catastrophes, constructing buildings, and mitigating drought. In the novel, FX left and several chapters detailed his battles against a family involved in smuggling, implicating the north and its ruler, as well as his own brother and the emperor of the north. Ultimately, FX succeeded in returning millions to the emperor, but also amassed a significant fortune for himself and secured his mother's primary source of income. While it was a win for FX, it was a loss for the eldest princess, who lost her primary source of income.
The goal of the princess was to install either the second prince or the crown prince as her puppet, and rule as a regent. She was described as extremely beautiful, appearing to be 16 despite being 35, and she used her looks and body to gain loyalty, even from her nephew, the crown prince. Of course, because of china censorship, she will not the real emperor beloved sister and she will probably become adopted and not the real sister of the emperor, and not the real aunt, but in the novel she was. It also goes that at one point a scene made it clear that the love of her life was her brother, the emperor. In the novel, the emperor never crossed the line but he adored her. The emperor felt betrayed when he knew that his son and her were lovers. The emperor never wanted anybody else but the CP to be his successor. But this was for him unforgivable. Out of everything ugly she did, it was the only unforgivable action from both. He then decide a major (MAJOR) scheme (S3). In season 3, FX will use the destructive gun but in a very epic way.
I find the drama enjoyable because it offers a unique experience. However, I can't help but feel that the character FX isn't portrayed as the clever and cunning individual he is in the novel. In the book, he has an astute understanding of everyone's identities and motivations, and he excels at planning ahead. Despite this, I still find the overall viewing experience quite entertaining.
** I do not claim to be 100% exact. This is my interpretation. Everyone sees a movie or reads a novel with its own background, feelings, tastes, culture etc. It makes this more interesting. So am completely okay if you think differently 😉
First prince and FX will become besties and true brothers.
Episodes 11 and 12 have a different arc versus the novel. Many scenes didn't exist in the novel.
- foreign princess is not that naive. She doesn't have much spotlight in the novel. She married first prince and they fell in love. She was described as bossy and smart. She was indeed a spy but at one point she made the decision to support her husband. She is not a major character in the novel at all.
- the scene with 3 girls and 3 bros never happened
- the emperor favored FX and at one point FX told him he knew he was his son. The only was FX survived was because he decided to officially become a Fan. Everone, palace and public, knew he was the emperor son. It was no longer a secret at one point. The emperor favoured FX a lot and used him. FX never considered the emperor a father. Fan Jian was his true father in his mind. This is well represented in the drama. Cheng ping-ping was his mentor, 2 genius alike loving trusting and understanding each other. The drama made it look different.
- In the novel it is way more obvious FX is a true cunning genius planning beforehand everything. He became extremely powerful. He took over Cheng pinging position and the revenue which was equivalent to the palace banker. Both positions made him #2 after the emperor although FX had to fight many political systems.
- FX never wanted to take over his mother goals and ambitions. He understood that in order to protect himself and his loved ones and friends, he needed to have wealth and power.
- The painting never existed but the story behind happened late in the novel. The CP was destituted by the emperor because of it. Not sure how the drama will play it as it should be logically in S3.
- The eldest princess was the true mastermind behind all plots. Not much is seen in drama.
- in novel, the brothel takes a lot of chapters. His brother is not kidnapped, but he arrives safe in the north, and Duoduo takes care of him while he learns how to smuggle goods from the south to the North. Emperor/father doesn't know. FX is planning ahead because he knows the emperor narcissistic temper and FX cannot be too powerful.
- FX will marry. The emperor will give him many gifts to tame his guilt to not be able to announce FX as his son and a prince officially. He wanted to compensate. Soon after his marriage, the emperor sent him to take over the revenue. The official place is days away from the capital. The emperor didn't want FX to become too powerful and popular.
- The conflict with second prince was way more subtil and hypocritical. They never argued. FX never attempted to kill him. FX plans were to destroy his enemies credibility and face. Second prince is portrayed way worse in drama. Crown prince is also portrayed way worse. Peng's guy friend never died. So FX didn't want to avenge. FX needed the power to survive, therefore he wanted to dominate and destroy their power including and mainly the eldest princess. However many assassination attempts from the eldest princess who was the mastermind villain using the 2 princes.
Third prince is 9 years old in the novel and colluded with FXbrother to be the owners of the brothel. Before FX brother departure, FX bested his brother as he was implicated indirectly in some murders and bullying. Brother never took revenge. FX was his hero and loved brother.
In novel sister ruoruo put her brother on a pedestal. The line was blur about loving more than brother and sister but author never developed a love story. FX had the same selfish reaction as the saint duoduo when he didn't want them to marry. Marriage meant they would be stuck in their husband' house, so no freedom to see each other. FX is selfish in his feelings buth when e understood his feelings for his (false) sister were evoluing, he stopped them and sent her in the north learning medicine. So both brother and sister were protected from emperor and the baddies. FX anticipated that his family could be assassinated.
So far the drama is twisting some arc to give more spotlights to a couple of actors and actresses. It is well played. Even if sometimes it felt short of explanation, I like it.
At times I think the art director and screenwriter did a good job, others I think the transitions were lacking details to understand the arc. The edit cut short some scenes that needed more explanation, more depth. They jumped too quickly from one character to the next without cleararc.
I didn't share big mega spoilers because they will be I believe in S3 ;)
Thank you for this comparison between novel and drama to date, I enjoy knowing the differences, I have not read…
I agree. The translation is unofficial and has some grammar issues, but I was really enthralled by the story. I love both the drama and the story. Different perspectives, but still mainly the same vibe.
They cast Wan'er as the main character, although in the novel she only had a minor role. Duoduo should have been the main character, as she had much more interaction with FX. I suppose it is all about popularity or contract led to her being given the main role.
I am still rewatching season 1 as I forgot about the plot. I like CPP but from your spoiler is he now a villain…
In the novel CP is the princess puppet which is translated well in the drama. They added the painting and empress to explain that he is not a friend with FX. They exaggerated the animosity with SP. The brain war was more subtle
1 
i think it is a major spoiler so if you really want to know, message me :)
-The meeting between Buo and his father while Buo's father was in jail never happened.
- The memorial for FX's brother with his mother never took place.
- The young eunuch (described in the novel as full of acne) is the eunuch that will play an important role in the future. he decided to follow FX, but at one point, he betrayed FX. Keep an eye on him ;)
I don't recall all the details about the spring examination, but it seemed very similar overall, except for the parts involving the emperor, the crown prince, and the second prince. The screenwriter paid a lot more attention to the princes (and none to the eldest princess).
I'm curious to see how this will unfold. So, apart from a few changes here and there, the differences were generally minor.
- The Shijia village was never set on fire, and people were not killed. The survivor did not exist. CP or SP were not involved.
- FX established his "office" in front of the first bureau building on top of an inn. He enjoyed being outside and go to local inns. this is how he met the 4 scholars.
- Xe Zongwei was indeed a leecher and later became an official, posing a threat to FX. He never asked to be FX's disciple. Note that it was a common practice; production was just dramatized.
FX met the four scholars when he visited a restaurant. He immediately took a liking to three of them. They became his loyal officials, performing good deeds for the people. The third one (a survivor role in the drama) became a trusted aide, primarily handling two brothels. LOL
- The spring examination was marred by widespread bribery and corruption, which was well depicted. High-ranking ministers and princes handpicked young scholars from families known for their loyalty, before the spring examination. Poor scholars never had a chance. (FX became a supreme "god" after that)
- FX asked the emperor permission to denounce the corruption in the spring examination. so it was with his full support that he stepped in
Episode 18
- lot of humor in S2, which I like. Not in the novel
- In the drama, the second prince gets much screen time, while the eldest princess is more present in the novel. However, FX aimed to discredit the second prince and waged a war of wits. FX sought to undermine all forms of power, dismissed the corrupt minister, and ultimately left the second prince isolated without allies. FX never intended to kill the second prince but ensured that he would never be able to threaten FX and his loved ones. It was a battle of intellect and strategy.
- I believe the casting of the second prince is perfect. All the casting is excellent. I don't see any actors or actresses who do not represent the characters in the novel well. They did a great job of casting the right people.
- FX truly hates corrupt systems, which are well represented in drama.
- Niang is also very well represented. He was indeed his closest aide/friend/confidant. but he was left in the north to replace Yan Buying (spies). FX was genuinely isolated. He had trusted aides but had no real confident when he returned to the capital. His sister was more present until the saint DuoDuo replaced her (long-distance correspondence after his return to the capital). FX started to send letters to her, and she became his confidante/friend (no romance). This is important because we will see her in S2.
- It's important to note that FX was greatly appreciated by all eunuchs. Eunuchs were not well-regarded and respected, but FX had modern ideas and memories where everyone was equal. The drama doesn't explain this, but in the novel, FX has his memories from the modern era and the new ones from his current life. This explains why, at 5 years old, he thought like an adult. In the latest Season 1 recap, you will see FX dying on a hospital bed and being reincarnated. This is the true story. There is no library. FX was conflicted until he decided that his goal to survive in this new world was to become wealthy and powerful. Only in this way would he be able to protect himself and his loved ones, which includes family and friends (growing each day)
- The gunpowder incident with the emperor never happened, and the late meeting with him was also fictional. However, it was a cleverly written scene demonstrating the emperor's leniency towards FX. (Side note: I enjoy the emperor's multiple personalities!!) It's worth noting that, both in the drama and the novel, what the emperor values most in FX is his straightforwardness, which is precisely the same as FX's mother. In S1, the emperor mentioned it to FX and in the novel, it is also mentioned. However FX was always suspicious about the emperor real motives so he was never relaxed with him.
- Episode 18 best reflects the relationship between FX, the emperor, and the eunuch. In the novel, the eunuch is different—he is young, has acne, and is a strong ally of FX. He also plays a crucial role later in the story.
- Comparing the novel characters and the actors, such as FX's father-in-law, his adopted father, and Cheng Ping Ping, they are identical in both the drama and the novel. They have the same cunning, intelligent personalities and indulge FX and support him.
- Special kudos to the OST choice, which was perfect. The sad, longing music played right after FX explained to his father-in-law how it was unfair and he wanted to change it to fairness, even just once. We see all the scholars reading, and we can feel the hope behind the lack of hope. We can feel how much they long to be finally recognized, the old scholars, the young scholars, the poors, the forgotten.
- FX's brother indeed returned to the capital incognito, but Buo, who was long forgotten in the novel, did not accompany him. However, his brother briefly stayed in the capital and remained hidden in the family mansion.
**
episode 18 is one of my favorite in S2 so far :)
Please use the spoiler button :)
If you have an open mind and enjoy good acting, art production, and a strong plot, here is my list. Some may disagree that they are good dramas, but it all depends on your taste.
Love like the Galaxy
Faith (The Great Doctor) - Korean
The Untamed (Danmei)
The Story of Ming Lan
New Life Begins
Love and Destiny
Under the microscope (same actor as JOL and Tenz)
Love between Fairy and Devil
Word of honor (Danmei)
Who rules the world
Eternal Love
Hidden love
Snow Stride Sword (same actor as JOL and Second prince)
Chef Hua
My dearest (Korean)
Love a thousand years
Princess agents (except epilogue mainly due because S2 never aired)
Sungkyunkwan Scandal
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... and very long post !! 🫣🤪
I believe the screenwriter and art director decided to compile a few story arcs together and removed many details, which were sometimes crucial for understanding the storyline. It was unavoidable with 746 chapters but knowing the full picture, I think they missed few important details. But maybe the story line will go to another direction and I am intrigued to see it. Her are my thoughts in general up to episode 16
The young dukes who attacked him are indeed the sons of the generals who returned from the frontier with the first prince. When the first prince returned with his army, many generals returned with their wives, concubines, and children. Some of the children became wild and killed people for fun. They were between 9 and 15. During FX's absence in the north which was many months, his brother knew those bullies/killers (FX’s brother was 12 when this happened, the third prince only 9), and when something happened in the brothel, they were involved. The main culpit was an ex prostitite the second prince knew intimately. She stole teens girls and forced them to prostitution. FX brother and third prince knew it was a brothel but not the dirty deeds. In the novel, FX decides to punish and beat his brother because they murdered several girls and he was stupid and naive and could destroy the FAN family, father and him and everyone. Chinese always mention “face”. This is extremely important. If anyone in the family did something wrong, kill, steal, anything, the family was ruined entirely. Everyone was disgraced, sometimes killed. So FX was extremely angry considering he and their father were in the front line of political struggles with ministers and palace internal affairs.
This was a common practice where the eldest or father disciplined anyone in the household, including children, concubines, and maids. FX chose to do so because he believed it was the only way to save his brother and because he was extremely angry with him. He rushed his brother north to save him and avoided being used against him. During a meeting in the street, FX confronted and defeated many opponents, even killing their leader. These opponents were part of the extensive FAN family, which was organized hierarchically. For example, FX's father was the head of the family, and FX was under his authority. The FAN family consisted of hundreds of people who did not all live in the same place.
The incident occurred with the censorate (Lai) did not occur in the emperor's private rooms. In the end, a dozen people were beaten, but no one died. FX did not supervise the incident. Another incident occurred later in the story while FX was away to take charge of the revenue. This time, a few ministry officials were investigated. Initially, it seemed like the FX father was being targeted and indirectly FX, but in the end, it was revealed that the Crown Prince was involved, and FX was safe. As a result, a few ministers were kicked out.
Note that every major decision executed by Cheng Ping Ping was pre-approved or ordered by the emperor. The emperor knew everything used people like pawns. His ambition was endless and even though he liked FX, FX remained expandable if need be. Cheng bypassed some decisions because he put FX before the Emperor. The drama does not reflect this very well. Cheng seems to have other plans and using FX. Cheng sent him to the north to test him. If he came back successful ,he would take his position. Cheng trusted FX to succeed.
The fake death never happened. The mourning never happened.. The emperor never beat FX. FX never beg. He never revealed the temple place. He never accused second prince and eldest princess collusion to the emperor or CP. FX never cried. FX practiced QI every day. There is a young eunuch (in novel full of acne) who played a big role but we saw him only briefly. Drama did a good job with first division (bribes and playing games) but Yan never accompanied FX. Yan was recovering his severeinjuries when he was tortured in the north. He will be his right hand handling the 6 divisions later.
Guo Bao never went to the north. FX's brother was sent there to avoid jail, retaliation, and being used against FX. FX gave him 1 year to prove he could be successful, which he was, and his brother took over the smuggling business, approved by the emperor of the north. They mostly imported goods from the south Qin. Quing Nian was left behind 2 years to replace Yan to handle the spys. So FX lost his most trusted aid, but later, he was replaced with another aid. FX did a lot of smuggling himself, but he also helped the people, such as building a defence against the floods that killed thousands each year. So, he was a good, cunning baddie.
The story of the Saint DuoDuo and FX begins with a lack of romantic feelings between them. However, FX's feelings change upon hearing about an impending marriage, as he fears losing DuoDuo to the constraints of married life. He realizes that his uneasiness is love and asks her to marry him. Despite opposition due to their differing backgrounds, DuoDuo agrees. In the novel, when FX is unable to fight, DuoDuo came from north to share the secret martial art and discovered FX lost his QI. She decides to stay and help him to regain his strength using a unique method taught by her grandmaster (his mother gave him a book, remember?). FX then gains exceptional martial abilities. The novel is ambiguous about whether they become lovers, but it seems that they did not. They started to exchange letters after his return to the capital and she became his confident. He trusted her. However, she betrayed him at one point. Expect a big bad a boom between si lili, the north emperor and FX.
His romantic relationship was much less romantic and developed than portrayed. While he did fall in love at first sight and had a deep mutual love with his wife, during his journey to take over the revenue position, he became involved with Sisi, a maid who was older than him by 4-5 years (knew her since childhood and both played under the covers without the big act) and she became his official concubine. She also became pregnant, and his wife accepted her without any fuss. It was a normal practice to have concubines at that time. In the novel, the romantic relationship was not developed. It seems to me that he slept with Sisi because she complained she was still a virgin, but he had no real interest. He cared for her and welcomed her as his concubine because it was expected. In the drama, Wan'er is played by a well-known Chinese actress. I believe her screen time was part of her contract because honestly, the story is not a romance but a palace political one and she is not a main role whatsoever. FX in the novel is not a womanizer.
Wu Zhu was very present until he arrived at t(e capital. Then he had a big fight and was injured. FX didn't know that. Wu Zhu went to a secret place to recuperateand it took months before FX saw him. We have a good idea who he is in the novel and the drama gives many clues such FX saying that he will still look young when he will be an old guy, the fact he has no QI. In the drama you see him making a funny head movement like a robot. His main goal is to protect FX. So yes, he is an AI and very close to human. But he was injured. His loss memory is also a clue. In S3 you will know more about him, his eyes, etc. The emperor (because FX mother shared it with the emperor) know how to use him. He tried to destroy him but he recovered partially loosing his memory but not his prime directive to protect FX.
You need to understand that the main antagonist is the eldest princess. She is behind every assassination, plot, and scheme, whether from the palace or from her exile. The second prince and the Crown Prince are under her control as her puppets. She has numerous generals, officials, grandmasters, and families under her influence.
The relationship between FX and the eldest princess was filled with hate. In the novel, she is portrayed as extremely beautiful and a genius mastermind. She decided to stop supporting her brother, the emperor, when she realized how much he despised intelligent women. She wanted to prove that she could be smarter than him. As FX gained power, popularity, and the emperor's support, her hatred for him grew, and she plotted traps, assassinations, and more to eliminate him. SHE is the true villain. She has no conscious, no values, no remorse. She is using everyone. For her, incest does not exist. She loved her brother like a woman until she hated him like a woman, never a sister.
The emperor had complex feelings towards FX - he both loved and hated and feared him. He never fully trusted FX, but he couldn't deny that he admired him. He recognized FX's genius, similar to that of his mother. In the drama, it seems like the emperor doesn't like FX much in public, but in the novel, he is more indulgent towards him in public. The main reason for this is that FX understands the emperor and knows how to manipulate him. FX is aware that the emperor is narcissistic, egocentric, selfish, and abusive, unable to tolerate anyone more popular than himself. The emperor's ultimate goal is to be remembered in the annals of history as the most remarkable emperor of all time, and he is unwilling to tolerate anyone more popular than himself. FX grasps this and always operates discreetly. There is a lot of mutual manipulation. The emperor indulged FX because FX made it clear he didn't want to replace the CP and later support the third prince. At one point, FX decided to officially renounce any chance to become an emperor by officially being an heir of the fan family, which his adopted father delighted in, as he sincerely loved FX as his son.
In general, I do notice many similar scenes here and there, but they are all mixed and combined to create a different storyline. Some characters have a lot more prominence in the drama compared to the novel. For example, Tenz, a friend who died early in Season 1, never died and was never a close friend in the novel. During the assassination attempt, tenz broke his leg and was sent to his wife/kid to recover. He never had a big part in the novel. However, the first assassination when he first arrived in the capital was indeed carried out by the eldest princess and second princes.
I am not sure if they will include the part where everyone knew that FX was the emperor's son. It was no longer a secret to the palace and the whole world.
The second prince is portrayed as much more villainous than in the novel. His future wife, YE, never interacted with him before their marriage, and she was never against it. YE and her family later proved to be full allies with the second prince. When FX left to take over the revenue (days away from the capital), the second prince and YE got married, and they both became close and confident. There were no verbal fights between FX and SP. Everything was done in hypocritical ways. In fact, the second prince admired FX and always wanted him to join him. The second prince regretted dearly the assassination attempt, which FX never forgave. Oh, and the poisoning with the 3 girls, 3 boys, never happened to the novel, the meal too.
FX considered the crown prince to be a puppet, albeit a kind one. He neither truly liked nor disliked him, and in fact, he thought the crown prince was not unkind. He never killed the few dozen guards because FX appeared toa him nd guards couldn't stop FX. The meeting never happened .FX didn't care about the CP. He cared when he became a treat later but mostly used him to fulfill his purpose. FX viewed the crown prince as weak and easily manipulated by the eldest princess. The crown prince was depicted as very lonely and unloved. The eldest princess was the only one showing interest, and he fell in love with her when he was a teenager, becoming obsessed with her. She slept with him when he was an adult.
In the novel, the first prince married the princess of the north while FX was outside the capital. The princess is portrayed as smart and authoritative, quite different from her portrayal in the drama. Although she is not a main or secondary character, there is a point in the story where the first prince had a mistress before his marriage, which made his wife jealous. However, the first prince never cheated after his marriage.
Both marriages were successful, and both couples were in love although it was more obvious with first prince. Second prince couple was more close partners.
FX always had a team of assassins to protect him, on top of the 7 tigers guards given by his adoptive father. He took over completely the role of Cheng Ping Ping.
The relationship between FX and Cheng Ping Ping in the novel is profound. Cheng considers FX as his spiritual son. They are both genius masterminds. I thought Season 1 portrayed their relationship very well. In Season 2, the screenwriter often twists their relationship to create suspense and avoid spoiling the story arc. This makes it seem like Cheng is not on FX's side, but in reality, Cheng never betrayed FX. He never cheated or did anything that was not in FX's favor. Cheng Ping Ping's ultimate goal and hope was to put FX as the next emperor, so everything he did was for this goal.
After his marriage, the emperor dispatched FX to take control of the revenue (Neiku) previously managed by the eldest princess. However, the eldest princess, along with the second prince, the crown prince, and the empress, embezzled millions from the revenue that was meant to be used for public welfare such as addressing river catastrophes, constructing buildings, and mitigating drought. In the novel, FX left and several chapters detailed his battles against a family involved in smuggling, implicating the north and its ruler, as well as his own brother and the emperor of the north. Ultimately, FX succeeded in returning millions to the emperor, but also amassed a significant fortune for himself and secured his mother's primary source of income. While it was a win for FX, it was a loss for the eldest princess, who lost her primary source of income.
The goal of the princess was to install either the second prince or the crown prince as her puppet, and rule as a regent. She was described as extremely beautiful, appearing to be 16 despite being 35, and she used her looks and body to gain loyalty, even from her nephew, the crown prince. Of course, because of china censorship, she will not the real emperor beloved sister and she will probably become adopted and not the real sister of the emperor, and not the real aunt, but in the novel she was. It also goes that at one point a scene made it clear that the love of her life was her brother, the emperor. In the novel, the emperor never crossed the line but he adored her. The emperor felt betrayed when he knew that his son and her were lovers. The emperor never wanted anybody else but the CP to be his successor. But this was for him unforgivable. Out of everything ugly she did, it was the only unforgivable action from both. He then decide a major (MAJOR) scheme (S3). In season 3, FX will use the destructive gun but in a very epic way.
I find the drama enjoyable because it offers a unique experience. However, I can't help but feel that the character FX isn't portrayed as the clever and cunning individual he is in the novel. In the book, he has an astute understanding of everyone's identities and motivations, and he excels at planning ahead. Despite this, I still find the overall viewing experience quite entertaining.
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I do not claim to be 100% exact. This is my interpretation. Everyone sees a movie or reads a novel with its own background, feelings, tastes, culture etc. It makes this more interesting. So am completely okay if you think differently 😉
Keep spoiler button on
First prince and FX will become besties and true brothers.
Episodes 11 and 12 have a different arc versus the novel. Many scenes didn't exist in the novel.
- foreign princess is not that naive. She doesn't have much spotlight in the novel. She married first prince and they fell in love. She was described as bossy and smart. She was indeed a spy but at one point she made the decision to support her husband. She is not a major character in the novel at all.
- the scene with 3 girls and 3 bros never happened
- the emperor favored FX and at one point FX told him he knew he was his son. The only was FX survived was because he decided to officially become a Fan. Everone, palace and public, knew he was the emperor son. It was no longer a secret at one point. The emperor favoured FX a lot and used him. FX never considered the emperor a father. Fan Jian was his true father in his mind. This is well represented in the drama. Cheng ping-ping was his mentor, 2 genius alike loving trusting and understanding each other. The drama made it look different.
- In the novel it is way more obvious FX is a true cunning genius planning beforehand everything. He became extremely powerful. He took over Cheng pinging position and the revenue which was equivalent to the palace banker. Both positions made him #2 after the emperor although FX had to fight many political systems.
- FX never wanted to take over his mother goals and ambitions. He understood that in order to protect himself and his loved ones and friends, he needed to have wealth and power.
- The painting never existed but the story behind happened late in the novel. The CP was destituted by the emperor because of it. Not sure how the drama will play it as it should be logically in S3.
- The eldest princess was the true mastermind behind all plots. Not much is seen in drama.
- in novel, the brothel takes a lot of chapters. His brother is not kidnapped, but he arrives safe in the north, and Duoduo takes care of him while he learns how to smuggle goods from the south to the North. Emperor/father doesn't know. FX is planning ahead because he knows the emperor narcissistic temper and FX cannot be too powerful.
- FX will marry. The emperor will give him many gifts to tame his guilt to not be able to announce FX as his son and a prince officially. He wanted to compensate. Soon after his marriage, the emperor sent him to take over the revenue. The official place is days away from the capital. The emperor didn't want FX to become too powerful and popular.
- The conflict with second prince was way more subtil and hypocritical. They never argued. FX never attempted to kill him. FX plans were to destroy his enemies credibility and face. Second prince is portrayed way worse in drama. Crown prince is also portrayed way worse. Peng's guy friend never died. So FX didn't want to avenge. FX needed the power to survive, therefore he wanted to dominate and destroy their power including and mainly the eldest princess. However many assassination attempts from the eldest princess who was the mastermind villain using the 2 princes.
Third prince is 9 years old in the novel and colluded with FXbrother to be the owners of the brothel. Before FX brother departure, FX bested his brother as he was implicated indirectly in some murders and bullying. Brother never took revenge. FX was his hero and loved brother.
In novel sister ruoruo put her brother on a pedestal. The line was blur about loving more than brother and sister but author never developed a love story. FX had the same selfish reaction as the saint duoduo when he didn't want them to marry. Marriage meant they would be stuck in their husband' house, so no freedom to see each other. FX is selfish in his feelings buth when e understood his feelings for his (false) sister were evoluing, he stopped them and sent her in the north learning medicine. So both brother and sister were protected from emperor and the baddies. FX anticipated that his family could be assassinated.
So far the drama is twisting some arc to give more spotlights to a couple of actors and actresses. It is well played. Even if sometimes it felt short of explanation, I like it.
At times I think the art director and screenwriter did a good job, others I think the transitions were lacking details to understand the arc. The edit cut short some scenes that needed more explanation, more depth. They jumped too quickly from one character to the next without cleararc.
I didn't share big mega spoilers because they will be I believe in S3 ;)
They cast Wan'er as the main character, although in the novel she only had a minor role. Duoduo should have been the main character, as she had much more interaction with FX. I suppose it is all about popularity or contract led to her being given the main role.
Also, Tenz in the novel never died.