Sssnoopyyy

1. Didn't really understand the dynamics between Mulian Ying/Xiao Liu and Shao Yang. How can you expect him to not resent you for killing his clan lol! Why did Mulian Ying's family even need to be eliminated? Are they related to Northern Qin Imperial family and were just considered a threat? Is Mulian Yu / Eagle King related to him?

2. Why did they even need to swap the babies (Li Mao and Prince Qin's son)? I read the other thread on Li Mao but still a little confused. Forgive my ignorance but I don't really see the point of the swapping especially because the Grand Tutor later raises Li Mao to be an Emperor anyway (they could've just left him in the palace as the 'Emperor's son' - even though we all know Li Mao and Grand Tutor aren't actually related in the end) haha

3. Consort An was Emperor Wenxi's consort right haha? And Prince Qi is a distant relative in the same lineage?

4. The sickly Emperor who Empress Dowager placed on the throne...this was the distant relative of Emperor Wenxi. But he named Li Mao as Regent because I guess he had no sons?

5. So Xiao Wu Yi technically had the same vision as Emperor Wenxi - to reduce the power of the nobility hence the reform of Beifu?

6. ALSO I understand they wanted to make the audience guess whether Li Mao was good or evil. But given the fast-paced storyline, it's giving me a whiplash. I know he and XWY worked together in the end but it's weird how they were cordial/friendly after the scene where XWY was imprisoned with Li Mao torturing him and forcing him to write the divorce papers...wasn't that from genuine jealousy? How do you move on from that and act like nothing happened?

can a kind soul who's finished the drama please explain...

Ep 10 is so iconic - I was in awe of HMH’s wire work and choreography, the filming aesthetics, the beautiful couple and their teamwork (so in sync). The blind folding scene was just chef’s kiss and really illustrated the growth in their relationship stemming from trust and understanding.

It was a connection between soulmates!

I love their chemistry. Given HMH’s youthful baby face and Ai Mi’s experience in acting, the gap doesn’t look very obvious. They did a good job developing the onscreen couple and chemistry was really good! You feel the deep love and devotion that is built on trust and understanding

Thanks! I quite liked his wavy hair though haha

Why it went from wavy to straight?

I saw someone mention below about XWY’s hair, can someone explain?

In the last ep the short clip is shown at the end of the closing OST

The short clip is after the closing OST

When you’re only on ep 6 but have spoiled the subsequent eps just to make sure it’s worthwhile. Now I can take my time to indulge (if only I didn’t have work I would binge!)

Just here to show my appreciation for our leads who did an amazing job! Deserve all the praise for their hard work! I hope they can collaborate in the future

Sameeeee haahhaah

In your opinion, would you say it’s even better than his past dramas??

No kiss scenes, only a forehead kiss. But the chemistry is amazing. You can feel the deep love and respect the characters have for each other

Thank you for sharing all this info! I am glad there were few revisions in the script! That is rare indeed. I can tell how much HMH loves his character!

I knew it was an act from Li Mao hahaha, and I knew that embrace was the ending scene! At least I can watch the drama fully knowing it ends well

Spoiled the rest of the drama eps and…

Thanks for sharing! I actually didn't read too much into the discussions, I can imagine it was probably quite overwhelming. I can see why they casted AM in the role, she fully embodies the character! Although there are concerns from the age perspective, I think the fact she played a character around her age made things come out more naturally vs. someone older and more mature. So there was an advantage in that sense.

I'm glad that the drama is doing well - at least their hard work paid off. I just hope people do not blame the actors themselves because it was out of their control.

I totally agree with your sentiments on romance (with or without skinship). I find the slow burns and the ones that focus on character/plot development most impactful. Chemistry is definitely not defined by skinship/passionate kiss scenes. It really comes down to delivery from the actors, their professionalism, and ability to bring out the best in each other - which is what I see here. I will say this is one of the most mature relationships I've seen in many of the dramas I've watched! They both stand on their own and make a good team. Let's hope they wrap things up nicely!

Question for those who've been following this drama since the cast was announced, how are the general community/viewers responding to the drama overall especially with the whole controversy of the age gap (with one being a minor at the time of filming)?

NGL I was going to sit this one out but was pleasantly surprised by the acting and fast paced storyline. I can't help but feel guilty for enjoying it because it obviously goes against my moral compass (if I look at it from a modern lens). If it were up to me, I would've thought twice about the casting just because there's such a fine line. But curious if the audience's perspectives have changed?

I also heard HMH signed on the drama first and that he did not anticipate a younger costar (although she matches the age of her character). Just curious on the timelines and everyone's views

Regardless I feel bad for any negativity HMH / AM have faced because they were just doing their jobs and they did it so well!

Good to know! Thanks!

I saw a video somewhere saying this drama was originally 36 eps but got cut to 28, is that true? If so that’s unfortunate. I do appreciate how they cut to the chase so we don’t have fillers but this is prob one of the few dramas that would have benefitted with extra time