PeachBlossomGoddess

Yes, it was almost a foregone conclusion he was a fake bc otherwise, he would have a legit claim to the throne. That would make it very difficult to end the drama in a good way without changing history. It is also why he asked the eunuchs to murder the imperial doctor, because the doctor knows the real Duke Chang's medical history and would be able to expose him as a fake. Taking down the princess and Prince An is just icing on the cake, exposing her adoption was never the true objective.

I had no problem with Hao Chen, his was IMO the best acted role in L&R. He is such a good actor he can play villain or hero.

It's a fantastic read, if you get the print version there are good pix of him in it. Enjoy! :)

He is very flatteringly portrayed in Ezra Vogel’s book on Deng Xiaopeng and Kissinger admired him the most among all the Chinese leaders. But yes, in recent more daring books it is said he was probably gay. He was very handsome.

I noticed the accents but unlike my friends who speak elite Beijing mandarin (which I am utterly incapable of), it didn't bother me. BUT Tang Dynasty court language was probably quite closer to Fujian dialect today, which is a southern dialect! People forget that in the past, everything is not like today.

Its like Dilraba got all this hate in the Long Ballad for not looking "Han Chinese" and who the hell knows what Han Chinese looked like 4000-5000 years ago??? They probably looked more like her - Changan was a huge melting pot!!!

Anyway glad you loved the show, its an all time favorite for a Tang Dynasty buff like me.

Its a true extravaganza, movie quality for the small screen!
That said, I couldn't agree more on the sound. While I loved the live recording, it was not done well and the post-production overdub was clumsy. My mainland friends were also disturbed that Jackson Yi speaks mandarin with a strong southern accent when he is supposed to be among the noble elite while Lei Jiayin speaks pure Beijing mandarin. I just loved the fact they used their own voices regardless of all the small stuff.

More interestingly, how will they portray rumours that he was gay?

Tyvm, I think if you have low expectations, it is quite entertaining. Esp the second couple. Gardening is great but when its too hot outside, this is not bad. Its a slump until end July due to CCP 100 year unfortunately. :(

To me it is a happy ending.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzCXuS46y_0

They are really making fun of this in China. Hilarious review but not translated.

I think what is odd is that if you click on the stats icon next to the rating, the breakdown of votes by score is missing. Its there for other dramas. So there is no way to tell how the votes are breaking down.

the villains were more compelling
That is spot on and it says it all!

LOL I can totally see that happening!!! Dastardly!

Geez I really hope things die down there soon. In the meantime stay safe and subscribe away!

Yes I have heard it is a cliffhanger but since the girls are making me read the books with them as well I can live with it. The books are pretty good reads too.

It is a happy ending for both couples. ML and FL primordial spirits got swept away but Xue Qianxun's artefact before the lightning could eviscerate them and sent to guard over and repair any tears in the heavens web - this is what they needed either Liu Ying (or her mistress, I forget which) primordial spirit for in the first arc. If you recall the legend of Nuwa patching the sky you will understand the analogy for this story and the constant references to her. So that is where they end up and it is a perfect solution for them because otherwise, she is ultimately a mortal with a finite life it is realistically difficult for them to be together for an infinite amount of time. Xue Qianxun is delighted because it is one less responsibility for him. I don't believe they are actually in his "mirror", that is just the artefact he uses to monitor the heavens to make sure it is all good.

Tyvm that is a good idea though I will probably wait till its all out and jump around and just watch episodes with actors I like. I am also kinda watching Shadow and Bone on Netflix bc my nieces are making me. Its pretty good.

Yeah I have never watched him before so I don't want to bash him too much it could have been the director and to some extent the script as well. Like there is no humor between the couple, just for that I would dump his ass, not let him stalk me over 4 lifetimes.

Thank you my friend but this time all due credit must go to the scriptwriter, I just lifted it from him! This is one of those odd dramas that is so bad that it is good. And tbh there are slim pickings out there and work has been busy I am too brain dead for most of the more intense or complex shows.
I am also sad Zhu Xudan (and other FLs) don't get good roles. Tbh The Long Ballad and maybe the first half of TRoP are the only two recent ones I can think of sadly. Its so sad bc actually Jin Yong wrote awesome female roles but alas, the world regressed!