Sssnoopyyy

Gosh the trailers for ep 48 are nerve wrecking. Will DX and FJM die? Anything can happen at this point. I’m even seeing random theories that DX will choose to die with Tilan and hand the baby off to FJM to take care of (think I saw a pic of FJM holding a baby in some youtube thumbnail, not sure if it’s photoshop). Eeeek, not ready for this drama to end!

Just caught up with ep 39-40 and wanna give a shoutout to all the characters (including the supporting ones) for being competent and awesome! I am impressed that in a short time, ZheLiu (someone who looked very innocent and not experienced in politics) was able to take over and work for FJM, she's doing well. I also admire Mu De Qing, Aunt Su and Yuran. Where did they get all these loyal and competent people from? Princess Tara seems so carefree and open minded, it's almost unbelievable, glad we won't have a crazy love triangle for Zhuoying. Actually, it's great that they don't go crazy with the love triangles in this drama.

DX and FJM's bromance is so endearing, cannot get enough! DX knows how it feels to be left behind after losing a loved one. Love how he doesn't give up, as both he and HS would only be heartbroken if he dies. Zhuoying's letter to Shifu was sad - I miss the times when Zhuoying and HS were carefree and living with FJM in Jifeng place.

Those are valid points, which is probably why they aren’t the male leads but normally catalysts or plot devices in the romantic department to stir things for the OTP. Unrealistic characters in real life but I do acknowledge Youdu’s tiny role here. He may not have anything else going except his love for the female lead, but he is a wise character (cultured and someone who has explored the world). He is basically just one of the catalysts in FJM opening up to the idea of accepting the love.

It would be interesting if they had shown FJM’s character like he was described in the novel

He was like a cameo in the series so we don’t get to see much of him. Maybe a cookie cutter good guy but I personally like the simple nice guys. May not have edge/spunk/charisma but would lead a healthy and simple relationship. Ofc the more complex characters with depth are best for the plot.

It seems like they made FJM a more likeable tragic hero in the drama. More romantic? 😂 Ah Sun is my ideal. Actually Youdu and Zhuoying are great guys in this series

The Long Ballad was one of my faves this year. Production not as great as Pearl Eclipse but the acting, storyline were great. Loved the main OTP and OSTs

The political aspect with strategies and schemes is what makes the plot interesting. Overall, the characters all stand on their own and are intelligent (including the emperor - which is great because I feel like many crown princes or emperors in palace dramas tend to be not that smart lol)

His expressions are always so hilarious. I can see some of his real life persona translated into his portrayal of DX. He is so dorky irl

Omg ah Sun is the best! I loved him and Chang Ge in The Long Ballad. The definition of an emotionally available man lol

omgosh, this was part of the novel? HS dreamt about her and FJM leading a normal life together?

Not crazy about her scenes with the Emperor either lol. I initially thought she had a bigger role in the story. I don't think she will do anything fishy at this point though.

Sorry can someone explain to me if FJM knew about QiQi revealing HS's identity as a woman before QiQi was killed? It was confirmed that SuMing killed Qiqi and all the ppl in Fabric office right? or was there more to that story?

Also, I don't recall if Zhuoying knew that his shifu ''killed'' Zheliu lol, probably not?

^very unimportant details but still wanted to know

Not everyday they show strong friendships in dramas like this :)

Nah not bl, whether it was or not implied in the novel as some commenters say, the brotherhood is beautiful. Just like HS and Zhuoying. Kindred spirits

I want a proper ending with closure, I think I’m more against an open ending though. Unless they meet in the next life to continue their love just like what FJM said in his vows

Why does it feel like FJM is one of his consorts hahahaha, bro over consort

I think FJM deserves to live after all that hahahah. If DX dies I’ll miss his quirkiness and expressions lmao

That would be nice lmao

So from the previews where HS is riding with a carriage (which may be carrying FJM?) towards the edge of the cliff - am I sensing that she and FJM will end up somewhere in the woods where they will spend some sweet moments as a couple, then return to the palace for the big showdown to save DX?

The two men die in battle while Tilan dies in labour, leaving HS to carry on with the empire with Tilan’s child? —> obviously hoping for a better outcome than this but just my guess if it’s a sad one