PeachBlossomGoddess

That was a masterclass in restraint and cold fury behind a smile. I could literally see her mentally strangling the pesticide Cuique.

She is adorable but I don't have high hopes for her survival. Smh.

Ep 11 - I shared above in a Discussion post the significance of the blue flower/delphinium ornament and the word play on Cuique's name:
https://mydramalist.com/754367-the-story-of-xiang-lan/discussions/155236-ep-11-what-s-in-a-name-cuique-word-play

He played Zhou Ye's lover in Word of Honor.

Yes I would point both fingers at the person who stirred the pot.

Btw the emperor is Zhu Di formerly Prince Yan and this is the historical background to the succession struggle during his ascent:
https://mydramalist.com/691821-brotherhood-of-blades-shadow-of-mountain-and-river/discussions/92341-historical-background

This drama claims to not be based on any historical figure or dynasty most likely because Zhu Di did purge his court of officials loyal to his nephew early in his ascent but not many years later as described in this drama so this drama's plot setting distorts history.

All the Shen men already had to endure death by slow slicing.

Sigh! Still has terrible taste in men!😅🤡🤷🏻‍♀️

No worries - yes I am native Chinese but even then, sometimes I miss the word plays but happy to share when I get them.😅

She reincarnated here.

I like that the FL survives on her own wits and so far, has not needed to be rescued so far.

Lots of good learning apps nowadays make it a lot easier. But you still have to clear up enough time to intense deep dive memorizing the first 2000-3000 characters...

Its well hinted - her name Cuique 翠雀 or delphinium is a poisonous flower. Not to mention no sane person would ever name their daughter after a poisonous flower! No wonder she ain't married omg!

Well, the ML's father has a harem.

Actually if it is really a massive hit, they tend to speed up the episodes. They only slow down when they have unsold ad and product placement inventory in the hope that if they drag it out, they can sell all the slots.

She is arrogant, stupid and greedy. No good will come from her or of her.

I am just commenting on what she articulated as her game plan. Whether its realistic or not we don't know bc she never did it and I personally don't think she had any real intention of doing so. She was enjoying the best of both worlds.

Baogai apologized bc she went to report on Ji-er for serving tea to the master to Xingtang's maid Qingxiang (the one that got married off). This led to Xingtang targeting Ji'er and ultimately Qingxiang's removal as well. Ji'er was Jinqi's spy - she took money (and tea) from him. When Lanxiang was offered tea, she didn't drink it indicating she does not mean to be the next Ji'er. Of course Baogai didn't know what would happen to Ji'er - she was just in charge of Ji'er and Lanxiang and when one of them breached household rules, she had to report her. But Lanxiang was the one who told Baogai that Ji'er went to serve tea to the master at his servant's request. So in some ways they are both equally contributed to Ji'er's exposure for the tea incident.

It had its moments but for me anyway, I will never ever rewatch it. The screeching... omg I still have PTSD.

I believe the ultimate villain should be Old Master Zhao in the capital. Who whispered in the emperor's ear to reopen old grievances, thus leading to the Shen downfall. They can go after him - by divorcing his grand daughter the Lins have also offended the Zhaos. So the ML and FL should now be aligned.

Oh no! Hope she has a speedy recovery. My dad had 2 strokes in close succession a few years back. Acupuncture really helped him recover more fully after he got out of hospital. Something to keep in mind if you can find a good one near you. Take care.