DramaAjumma

It's on my blog.

https://40somethingahjumma.substack.com/p/you-are-my-glory-2021-final-thoughts

My final review of the show under spoiler tags.

You'll get there soon enough. She comes up after Episode 18.

I understand your point but I also understand his dilemma. He's playing a dangerous, high stakes game and he wants to protect her. But then he can't help himself because she is the only person in the whole world who really gets him. It's very attractive to a man who's been wandering in the desert for a very long time and thirsty for affection.

The ex-flame. They were betrothed to each other years ago.

I agree. And I think the crux of the issue is also the fact that nobody except for Cheng Ruoyu undestands Qi Yan or Prince Guang. They think they know him and his agenda but ultimately their perception is entirely wrong. Which means that their strategies don't work against him either.

It's only really in the early episodes. Otherwise is a fairly serious show.

I think Qi Yan has abandonment issues. He liked her but she abandoned him in his hour of need. He hasn't forgiven her for it. I don't think he's still in love with her. Certainly not with Cheng Ruoyun in the picture.

What a great line that was...
"When faced with such a girl it's impossible not to like her"
Encapsulates their entire push-pull perfectly. It's heart-rending watching him torture himself like this.

Yup. That's what I said too. I don't have a problem if they want revenge but the plot to overthrow Qi Yan and Qiu Ziliang was pretty weak. Still the "third party" is pretty masterful. ;)

Wow... so much irony. It was Qi Yan who saved them all and they are trying to kill him. Unbelievable.
That General Han... is such an idiot. Then and now. If he didn't know Qi Yan saved him that's fine. But to stage another coup with so many loose ends. Did he read the Art of War? He's lucky that he found out who Qiu Yanzhi really is.

The reason why I say that is because the picture you paint is completely the opposite to what was shown. I don't understand why you think Qi Yan is lying to himself. He's always blaming himself and taking responsibility for what he did even though the entire Morning Dew Rebellion was much more complex than most people know. He's hardly a coward when he doesn't make excuses or rationalize his part in squashing the rebellion. When Yu'er calls him a good person, he totally rejects that label.

I don't have any issue if people don't like the show and I wouldn't be writing this post. But what you've said contradict the facts as presented in the show.

Somehow I get the impression that you didn't really watch this show.

This show only seems to get better and better. I honestly didn't expect much but it's exceeding my expectations.
I love the leads unwavering devotion to each other. Even if Yu'er is something of an anachronism, somehow it all makes sense in light of all the plotting and scheming. Their chemistry is super good. I can't wait for The South Wind Knows My Mood.

This is my first time with the actress and I like her! She's doing a decent job as far as I'm concerned. I love her interactions with Qi Yan. I particularly enjoy the knowing look that she gives when he does the obligatory grumpy emperor shtick.

Seems like Mango doesn't throw a lot of money at these sorts of project. The production values are not especially high but I'm enjoying the storyline and the show is doing some interesting things with women here. No one denies its flaws or limitations but I feel that the FL is on some palpable growth arc. Even if she's not as savvy with the political side of things she's at the very least teachable and for the young emperor who can't trust anyone she is someone he can rely on to have his back. For him, a gifted martial artist to be essentially under house arrest it is something of a lifeline. He needs her if for no other reason than to feel that in this bleak world there's something going for him .

I wouldn't say she's dumb. Impulsive yes, naive at times but she can be quick on the uptake. At least she understands that some ruthlessness is needed.

Seems to get better as the show progresses. The male leads are good. I've seen Han Dong in other shows. The female lead is fine if rather unrealistic for that sort of era. She's written more as a rom com figure than serious bodyguard material for the young emperor, who probably has better martial arts than she does.

It's not going to raise the bar on the genre or break new ground but it's very entertaining. At least I don't find myself cringing at the FL's antics.

It's quite watchable. Interestingly enough it doesn't feel like a palace drama but more like a wuxia drama. And that's fine with me.
The male lead is the standout so far -- a hapless figurehead emperor but at least he's trying to play the long game. I don't mind the female lead.