DramaFan739

I don't have a problem with people disagreeing with my opinion. That's what discussions about dramas are for. My issue was never with disagreement. It was with assumptions about my motives.

If my comment about watching this drama while waiting for Blossoms of Power came across as dismissive, I can understand why some people may have interpreted it that way. But it was also the truth. At that point in the story, I didn't think this drama was as strong as Blossoms of Power. That's my opinion as a viewer, and I'm entitled to it just as you're entitled to yours.

My criticism has always been about the way the FL is written and the overall storytelling. I understand that she's young and has experienced trauma. My criticism wasn't that her actions had no explanation. It was that, by Episode 16, I personally hadn't seen enough growth in her judgment to find her character progression satisfying. That's simply where we see the character differently.

I think we've both explained our viewpoints, and that's okay. We don't have to agree.

So let me be perfectly clear.

I'm not here to promote fan wars. I'm here because I enjoy watching dramas. When I like something, I say so. When I have issues with something, I say that too. Comparing one drama to another is my opinion and entirely my choice as a viewer.

My criticism has never been about the actress. It's about the character as written. By Episode 16, I personally had not seen the level of character growth I was hoping for. That's a critique of the writing, not the performer. Disliking a character's decisions at a particular point in the story isn't the same as being against the character. In fact, I wanted to see her succeed. That's why I was frustrated by the choices she was making.

I also never told anyone to watch one drama over another. I simply explained what separates the two for me. Mentioning Blossoms of Power wasn't an attempt to promote it. It was simply an example of what I personally find engaging. You're the one bringing up actors' names. I didn't mention a single actor. My comment was about the characters and the storytelling.

If later episodes change my opinion, I'll gladly say so. In fact, another commenter mentioned that Episode 17 provided more context, and it did. I'm now on Episode 22, and my opinion is still evolving. But my initial comment was based on what I had watched through Episode 16. It was simply a summary of where I was at that point in the story.

Different viewers connect with the same story in different ways. We don't have to agree, and that's okay. That doesn't make either opinion invalid.

I just finished Episode 16. I'm mostly confused and very disappointed right now.

This show is becoming very predictable, with a female lead who can't tell her enemies from her friends. Instead of keeping stuff to herself until she can figure out who to trust, she tells Prince Qi her childhood sweetheart that she doesn't trust the husband who has saved her time and time again. The man who saved her mother twice, is the man who killed her mother. WTFFF. We knew the best friend was going to kill her mother. We knew the mother was going to die. We been knew that the Dad was either switched or is under some mind altering medicine or spell. We KNOW her childhood crush is going to betray her... and the list goes on.

Seventeen episodes in, and the FL still hasn't wised up.

I can also tell a lot of scenes were cut because some of the transitions were so abrupt, with only minor flashback explanations, some of which made no sense. How did you get from A to D, sir?

There is no way I would watch more than 28 episodes of this drama. Just no.

I'm only watching this while I wait for Blossoms of Flower to air new episodes. Now that is a show that keeps you interested, with smart characters.

Correction: I accidentally wrote Blossoms of Flower in my original post. I meant Blossoms of Power. Never said I was perfect. 😂

You are absolutely correct, the show should have ended at episode 35. Very disappointing and lazy ending. It didn't disappoint me too much because I dropped it for a couple of weeks and went on to other new dramas. I got tired of being spoon fed episodes every two days at the end. I am going to stop watching dramas in real time and wait till all episodes have aired to binge. With these long breaks between new episodes, I get frustrated and move on to other dramas.

She deserved a better exit than what she received. It was disrespectful dying at the hand of that B. Her love didn't even get to see her as a woman. I hope she is still alive and they faked her death.

I think what I said can apply to any country, regardless of its political system. At the end of the day, if you want to create successful programming, especially dramas, you have to understand what draws audiences in.

Why penalize actors for being visually appealing when that has clearly been part of what attracts viewers in the first place? Visual appeal has always been part of entertainment across every industry, and that doesn’t take away from the importance of talent.

They may operate within a different system, but their audience is global. If you take away what made these dramas popular, you risk losing the very audience that helped build that success. Viewers have choices, especially international ones, and they are not obligated to watch if the content no longer appeals to them.

The country has openly framed its dramas as a form of “soft power,” and idol dramas have arguably been the most effective vehicle for that over the past few years. They are the entry point for many international viewers and have played a huge role in expanding global interest in C-dramas.

Now that they are reaching even greater heights, it feels counterproductive to suddenly push back against what made them successful in the first place. Wanting stronger storytelling and better acting is completely fair, but that should not come at the expense of casting visually appealing actors.

You can have talent and visual appeal at the same time. In fact, that combination is part of why these dramas resonate so widely. Saying there should be “no more pretty people” in dramas feels like throwing the baby out with the bathwater. The goal should be balance, not removal.

His talent is far from mediocre. Being considered attractive does not automatically mean someone lacks ability. Those two things are not mutually exclusive.

Zhang Linghe has talent. Say what you want about his public missteps, but he is a capable actor. He is not just a pretty face. If there was no acting behind “the face,” C-drama fans would not stick around. There are too many dramas being released right now for audiences to invest their time in someone who brings nothing to the table.

The idea that platforms like Tencent Video or iQIYI would build an entire push around someone with no ability just because of visuals does not hold up. Visual appeal might draw initial attention, but it does not sustain long-term interest. Audiences will drop a drama quickly if the acting or the story is not there.

Also, throwing around accusations about “unscrupulous methods” without any proof is irresponsible. Serious claims like that should be backed by evidence, not speculation. It is fine to have opinions about an actor’s performance or behavior, but making unverified accusations crosses a line and only fuels unnecessary negativity.

You can critique him where you feel it is deserved, but reducing his success to looks alone and attaching baseless claims ignores the actual work he has put into his roles and the performances that have clearly resonated with viewers.

@Mimi. I agree with your take. Pursuit of Jade is easily in my top 5 C-dramas of all time, and I don’t see the last few episodes changing that. I’m 35 episodes in and I’ve been fully invested the whole time.

Zhang Linghe has been outstanding in this role. Since the story is really about a female general and her rise, I don’t see him as sidelined at all. He complements the female lead perfectly and they feel equal in presence and impact. You don’t need the most screen time to stand out, and he definitely makes every scene count.

I also agree that no 40 episode drama is perfect. There are always moments where the pacing slows, but what matters is whether the drama still holds up. Here, the writing and acting stayed strong even in those slower parts. Strong enough that I’ve been rewatching episodes daily because they are that good.

I’ve been looking forward to new episodes every day, and honestly nothing else is hitting the same right now. Everything else just feels like 垃圾 (lájī) in comparison.

The only thing that really bothers me is the piracy and the leaks. I’ve had to actively dodge clips and spoilers because of those leaked episodes. If you choose to watch it ahead of the official broadcast, that’s your decision, but keep it to yourself. Why ruin the experience for everyone else. Then people come online bragging that they’ve already seen the ending like it’s some kind of achievement. What do you want, a cookie. It just takes away from the excitement for the rest of us and disrespects the work that went into the drama.

Also, please don’t support these illegal sites. When people go there to watch, it gives the thieves the incentive to keep doing this again in the future because they know there’s an audience for it.

Continue to stay by yourself. That is obviously where you belong.

Why would you like this. This is like crapping on the actors and everyone who worked on this drama to bring it to us to enjoy. Don't like this.

Yes she did. It wasn't a stunt double. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/3TkNjdmDbzY - https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lWAG2Uz0nVk

Don't forget that they are still a little "Green" when it comes to the Army.

How many of you will be late for work this week after getting up early to watch new episodes?🤣

How about when the Marquis finally got Changning back and they are around the campfire and he gives her one of his precious candies, when she was still in shock. Even the little subtleties in this drama are so meaningful they take your breath away.

Totally agree about Kong Xueer. I really began to notice her in Serendipity. After her performance in this drama, I am really going to support her more. Even the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th level storylines in this drama are worth watching. I skip nothing! The casting director for this drama deserves and award. There is no weak link.

I assumed they were there when the flood came and drowned. Her anger was misplaced anyways.

Regarding this non celebrated reunion, I beg to differ. He is on a battlefield men dying all around. He has to keep his wits and emotions in check. He made sure little sis was protected. That little girl was in shock as reported. He showed the affection needed when they were sitting around the campfire and he gave her the candy from her sister. She let him feed her and give comfort to her in that one single act. That moment connected all three family members and cemented their family ties for all to to see.

Fast forward, honey I go back to watch scenes over and over again because they are so good. How many of you all rewatched the scene when the falcon finally caught up with Fan Changyu and it landed on her arm with the note from hubby? OMG...all the feelings.

Both brothers are raving psychopaths. I mean little bro brough a little girl on the battle field. I can just imagine the house of horrors they grew up in to warp their Psyches like that. And can I just say Kudos to the amazing little actress Cao Yanning who portrays Fan Changning. This little angel is a better than some seasoned actors. Another scene stealer. Both child actors have been knocking it out of the park. There is really no weak link in this cast of actors. Can someone let MDL know that she is not listed with the the cast at all. She deserves her flowers for doing such a phenomenal job.