Ren Min (one arm around the neck of each man): 家家有本难念的经, 但我们家这本经不难念。对吧?…
They are all pretty hilarious during filming. If anyone is engaging in any serious disagreements, it is between fans or viewers. When Ren Min was dancing with certain supporting actors and actresses, I also laughed. Great atmosphere onset. Then when watching the episodes, I have to restrain a chuckle when thinking of how different their spontaneous reactions are, when not acting.
At one point, Zuo Ye wants to watch a kissing scene (it's the first time he's seeing one on the set), and it is a scene between Cisha and Ren Min. His anticipation and shared thoughts just cracked me up 🤣🤣:
Sometimes Youtube fan channels do subs. Here is an English-subtitled interview of Cisha and Ren Min (from MangoTV) that I'd recommend watching, posted 5 days ago:
BTS of certain scenes in episode 33, where Ren Min, Cisha and Zuo Ye share their other feelings in an impromptu…
Ren Min (one arm around the neck of each man): 家家有本难念的经, 但我们家这本经不难念。对吧? (Every family has its troubles, but our family is relatively harmonious. Right?)
Cisha: *gives a long-suffering nod* 我也想心平气和。可我- (I also want inner peace. But I- ) *walks off heart-broken*
Ren Min turns to Zuo Ye without enough vitriol: It’s all your fault, for totally ruining my family!
Zuo Ye: sweatdrop *罪魁祸首* (main cause of disaster)
But before he can react, Cisha comes back and 突然握手言和 (suddenly shake hands and make peace) with Zuo Ye?!
Cisha: 爱要勇敢的表达出来! (Love must be bravely expressed!)
Zuo Ye: 妈, 爹地都这么说了- 妈妈- (Mum, since Daddy has already said so- Mummy-)
Ren Min: Son……
Both men crack up 🤣🤣🤣, and Ren Min cannot restrain herself from also cracking up.
Ren Min: 妈都懂。别说了。 (Mum understands everything. Don’t speak further ie from an elder's POV in a friendly manner: Everything is clear, unnecessary explanations are not needed)
I believe my reaching out to editors and writers has also enabled more articles to be contributed again on MDL (so many people fell sick), the latest being this summary of upcoming lakorns under Editorials by longtime writer soju:
[These like-minded individuals pursue clues, fight for justice, apprehend criminals, and tear apart the web of…
Thank you for your reply. I can understand where you're coming from, especially when it involves a character dump full of sects. If I couldn't understand the main plot three episodes in, dropping is a natural reaction.
peachblossomgoddess and I speak mandarin, and have also watched the 1993 and 2008 series of Justice Bao. When it comes to classic wuxia (Zhan Zhao Adventures is modern wuxia), that would be the kind where I expect the wirework to be excellent or the leads must know/learn how to fight eg Shaw Brothers movies.
I'm kinder here, because I wouldn't want Zhang Ruonan to have the kind of injuries that could lead to paralysis (her action double taking over is obvious in certain scenes, but understandable to keep her safe).
That said, Yang Yang is not giving me the conviction and eye-acting that Kenny Ho conveyed as Zhan Zhao. Alen Fang as Bai Yutang and Zhang Ruonan are carrying the acting in this drama of the three leads, with Alen Fang mostly responsible for the cat-and-mouse chemistry between Bai Yutang and Zhan Zhao.
Please note that less than ten episodes in, this drama deviates from the original classic novel. The character foundations are as I mentioned of the classic, but the plot follows the reinterpretation of "The Three Heroes and Five Gallants" by the writer mini-fish.
I also put together a January MDL article about the wuxia film "Blades of The Guardians" that aired on 17 February, and my predictions about it in January have been correct. It is the highest grossing wuxia film of all time, as of 1 April:
Chen Yanyun is understandably over-reacting and the problem is that he also has a major blindspot: He cannot see…
The Chen family in general did not adore him. Episode 33 also has the Chen family matriarch telling Chen Xuanqing to think about the family, reprimanding him, and of course cementing that everything he does should be with the Chen family in mind. Wow, that's the best way of letting someone know you never cared to try to understand nor understood them at all, for all their years of efforts since being adopted into the Fifth branch of the Chen clan.
Chen Yanyun was the best to Chen Xuanqing, and kind to Chen Xuanqing, but he should not have told Chen Xuanqing to lie to Gu Jinzhao (even if I understand why he did so).
You talk about repaying love and favour, which is a very general statement. I am talking about filial piety and family honour and repaying debt, which is far more specific and central to decision-making. Chen Xuanqing rightfully adhered to all those for the first 9 episodes, where Zuo Ye superbly portrayed a man being burdened and finally crushed by filial piety and upholding family honour.
But he bravely smiled, and hoped that one day he could be as brave and free as Gu Jinzhao. He definitely felt the dishonour of being so cowardly in how he rejects her. But he did the right thing, and it was so hard.
He listened to Chen Yanyun back then. I believe Chen Xuanqing would listen to him again, if Chen Yanyun spoke to him once or twice and explained to him with the patience of an elder of why his behaviour is not right, and addressed any questions. The grievances are primarily about Chen Yanyun, and these can be addressed.
But being punched and punished, then choked, not given answers from the elder he respected the most- Nearly killed. Everything he's done for this uncle merits all this, even when he protected his uncle in episode 29 from Fourth Uncle?
It's a sad misunderstanding all around. Chen Yanyun has his flaws. Ci Sha is doing a very good job. I hope the writer indeed makes things right for characterisation of Chen Yanyun in the remaining episodes.
Chen Yanyun is understandably over-reacting and the problem is that he also has a major blindspot: He cannot see…
If someone is able to reply to me with an inability to punctuate as you claim, they can also reply to me to clarify what I consider to be unwanted insults. You don't have to insert your interpretation on their behalf, but thanks.
They also come across as a complete cultural ignoramus on chinese historical dramas in terms of context, so I am waiting for them to clarify their stance, if they are capable of doing so.
Oh, how odd! The poster who posted their original comment has deleted it! There was nothing wrong with the comment. Chen Yanyun has admitted to himself about being petty, in disliking the fact of Gu Jinzhao liking Chen Xuanqing first and him also hating Chen Xuanqing, so why did that poster delete their comment?
Chen Xuanqing has always been responsible. He has upheld his responsibilities of prioritising family honour and filial piety and indebtedness over his individual self, which I explained about episodes 1 to 29 with the necessary context. Any mandarin-speaker who understands how certain values function in this drama would be able to identify why Chen Xuanqing is unfortunately but justifiably saddled firmly with the wrong impression of Chen Yanyun by episode 33.
I pointed it out in my reply, which you replied to.
And as I said under the spoiler cut, from episodes 1 to 29 (especially the first ten episodes), things unfolded that all three of them (including Gu Jinzhao) never expected:
What starts getting some viewers disgruntled is because Chen Xuanqing is not able to lock his reactions down publicly, once he learns his uncle is going to marry Gu Jinzhao. Chen Xuanqing rightfully has grievances that Chen Yanyun should have addressed, as an elder.
The repeated vicious name-calling of Chen Xuanqing on this page is eye-opening, all without cultural understanding of how and why Chen Yanyun's treatment of Chen Xuanqing is what further deepens a mess that started in episode 1.
People can fangirl whoever they want. I won't be knuckled by numbers into agreeing with something or someone I disagree with, especially not a cultural ignoramus. Immature people need to learn that nobody will agree with them all the time.
Chen Yanyun is understandably over-reacting and the problem is that he also has a major blindspot: He cannot see…
I put a lot of spoilers under the cut plus a link summary for others, who have not gotten there to episode 29, because it is unfortunate circumstances for all involved. If you haven't read those, then you're overlooking a lot of context that has nothing to do with romance.
I was explaining to someone else about the Ming Dynasty's values relative to Chen Xuanqing in episode 9, whereby I said:
[ "Thank you for the birthday gift. One day, I hope to be as free and brave as you."
A man being crushed by family honour and filial piety, eyes reddened and almost bursting with pain while understanding what someone on a bridge wanted to convey and what could have been, but choosing to do what is right.
In the Ming Dynasty, protecting the family honour is considered a matter of life or death, and filial piety is strictly expected. A child who disgraces the parents has committed the ultimate betrayal of family duty. To do what is right is to first remember your roots and honour them. I can feel his pain in that moment, as someone who has grown up having to learn some very traditional similarities and my first words calling my mum in mandarin. ]
Chen Xuanqing doesn't see his choice as brave, in how he stood up Gu Jinzhao. He sees it as necessary fulfilment of protecting his biological family's honour, through filial piety. And yes, that is the right choice to me. Disappoint her. Let her think the worse of you. Give her up. You understood exactly why this is the right choice of actions from Chen Xuanqing in front of Yunlai Teahouse in episode 9, right?
Chen Yanyun's treatment of Chen Xuanqing is not admirable within the first 9 episodes, if one is objective.
Chen Xuanqing's perspective is that he has done everything for the sake of the Chen family. He has worked himself to the bone as a scholar, and he is not wrong about that. In episode 29 despite whatever doubts he was already having, he still chose to protect the Chen family honour and Chen Yanyun in a conversation between himself and Fourth Uncle (who is a nasty piece of work trying to create trouble for Chen Yanyun).
If somebody had been mature enough to hear out his poor wife who had been camping out throughout the night and trying to get him to communicate with her, she would not have fallen sick and be unsteady on her feet. If that somebody had remembered that his poor wife never faulted him for previously being married or being significantly older than her but loves him as he is, this would have helped. In all the times of their verbal interactions, has Chen Yanyun ever been in a situation where he is totally wrong on a significant subject and has to swallow humble pie with Gu Jinzhao?
One major rule in ancient Chinese society of all dynasties is that you never publicly appear to lose your head, character and values for a woman. You never make your decisions primarily because of a woman, for other men to witness and believe. This is compounded if your decisions prove you have power over another man who believes they are at your mercy, and everything they have done for you for so many years appears to be nothing to you, because of a woman you have known for much less time than them.
You will look like a gullible fool at best to whoever gets this idea, or a lecherous hypocritical liar who must be taught a lesson or lose your position (depending on who reaches this as a belief). Unfortunately, Chen Yanyun gives the wrong impression to Chen Xuanqing. Chen Xuanqing was struggling with this possibility in episode 29. And Chen Yanyun further cements this wrong impression in episode 33.
I didn't say anything about whether I approved or disapproved of Chen Xuanqing's actions towards Gu Jinzhao, but I wish the three of them had spoken to each other much earlier. Gu Jinzhao could talk to Ye Xian very maturely. Sadly, why couldn't this be replicated? Because Chen Xuanqing's major grievances are against Chen Yanyun, whose wishes he had followed and been faithful to the Chen family all this while, including lying for Chen Yanyun. This is very different context from Ye Xian struggling to protect his family and needing to grow up, instead of swinging between immaturity and maturity like a pendulum. Ye Xian understands what Chen Yanyun did for him, and he also isn't forgetting his heart condition.
I said Chen Yanyun's over-reaction is understandable. You want me to fangirl Ci Sha? I have. In fact, I have given him more than 1000 MDL flowers that also comes from his acting in his previous movie plus this drama (unlike 2ML and 3ML), which can't be said of any other MDL user on this page. But I don't like certain aspects of his character as written for the drama. You want me to fangirl Chen Yanyun? No.
This is a Chinese Historical Fiction drama full of contextual mores that shape decisions, not a westernised North American romance that is much easier to figure out. How about you lecture me about the cultural context I am missing, instead of calling me stupid and sounding like a petulant teenager?
Chen Yanyun is understandably over-reacting and the problem is that he also has a major blindspot: He cannot see things from Chen Xuanqing's POV, which primarily started because Chen Yanyun first ordered Chen Xuanqing to lie to Gu Jinzhao about who saved her from the water, and to bring her wine on his behalf, and then-
From episodes 1 to 29 (especially the first ten episodes), things unfolded that all three of them (including Gu Jinzhao) never expected:
Hating Chen Xuanqing is excessive. Chen Yanyun knows this, and should talk to Gu Jinzhao and allow her to communicate with him, but doesn't. Gu Jinzhao finally falls sick, camping outside to try to get to Chen Yanyun. And of course, things snowball unfortunately.
So now Chen Xuanqing is completely vulnerable to Fu Hailian, due to Chen Yanyun's reaction proving to Chen Xuanqing that he can punish a nephew known for many years because of a woman, and to be shown Chen Yanyun would also kill for a woman known for many lesser years than him has cemented certain beliefs which Chen Xuanqing had been developing due to a perception of being bullied by Chen Yanyun and always having to cater to the Chen family which cares nothing for him as a person, not helped by Chen Yanyun's mother.
That particular ID below badger is just a hater. Someone mentioned few days back. that he is fan of another actress…
badgersupremo intentionally avoided replying to me despite posting more comments, so I'd advise block and/or ignore unless you know how to mock and/or shame a cowardly troll for spamming:
Given how dishonest the troll badgersupremo has been about everything, I'll be surprised if that happens because it will be the first honest sentence from them on this page XD
This drama is BORE. My last comment on this drama.I thought it would get better as the script over hyping Zhan…
Your last comment? Ahahaha- Surprise us by actually being honest for once!
This drama is not boring. You are boring. Your best achievement on this page is to inspire one or more people to report your account for spamming and trolling, from what I'm seeing.
Go wallow at Lu Yuxiao's MDL page or better still, go to "Dancing with The Tide" page where Tan Jianci's fans are, and tell them Lu Yuxiao is the only one worth watching in that drama which Tan Jianci is now filming with Lu Yuxiao, just like you did on "Love In The Clouds" page.
And if you want to understand what happens between Chen Yanyun and Chen Xuanqing with primary context from the first 10 episodes, this has spoilers until episode 33:
I saw many spoilers before episode 15 of the drama aired, but I'm not here to talk about spoilers. A good story…
"Thank you for the birthday gift. One day, I hope to be as free and brave as you."
Another superb piece of acting in episode 9: A man being crushed by family honour and filial piety, eyes reddened and almost bursting with pain while understanding what someone on a bridge wanted to convey and what could have been, but choosing to do what is right.
In the Ming Dynasty, protecting the family honour is considered a matter of life or death, and filial piety is strictly expected. A child who disgraces the parents has committed the ultimate betrayal of family duty. To do what is right is to first remember your roots and honour them. I can feel his pain in that moment, as someone who has grown up having to learn some very traditional similarities and my first words calling my mum in mandarin. But in this day and age, filial piety is thankfully nowhere as binding.
To truly understand the ties that bind, culture is a fundamental anchor.
This is not a western drama or Hindi movie. And I like my Hindi movies of more than 20 years ago, where longing was fiery and intense without unnecessary PDA, and songs are beautiful in their classical elements.
I'm fair. I got irritated with every character at some point in this drama XD
Better to be irritated than bored, for me. And yes, I get irritated with strangers offline too. But I remember everyone has a story. Making the pause, and not reacting when emotional or jumping to conclusions while identifying the unsaid necessities, usually leads to accurate decisions on how to interact with someone.
I just caught up to the wedding episode. And I need to say this first: the cinematography is remarkable. The way…
I saw many spoilers before episode 15 of the drama aired, but I'm not here to talk about spoilers.
A good story will allow for different viewpoints to be expressed. This drama page, as with other pages on MDL, is about expressing different viewpoints by people watching the drama. Life is messy. Not everybody has the ending we want for them.
I will appreciate all the characters whose time is limited in this drama. I've been doing that since episode 3, when William Wu's character Nie Fengming dies to enable Chen Yanyun's grand plan about land reform equalisation policies to take place successfully. For me, that is the most heartrending exchange of the drama primarily due to great acting, because both men couldn't truly voice what they each wanted to express to each other, but they managed to convey what was in their hearts to reach the other.
I've seen Ci Sha and Winwin in a movie together. I've expressed appreciation for Ci Sha and Winwin separately and together, in comments on this page. They are portraying two different male prototypes, and I reckon this drama is the richer for their different roles. I am also glad Zuo Ye is here, as Chen Xuanqing. I'm seeing him in a different light.
People can appreciate characters and discuss flaws without taking petty potshots, but this is unfortunately what has been happening. Nothing wrong with backing favourites and constructive criticism, but it doesn't have to be done at the expense of pulling down another actor because someone can't bear to hear admiration for another actor who isn't a favourite.
My biggest problem is the writing where the political intrigue so promising in the first three episodes gets totally sidelined for family politics that quickly became boring (for some of us). Some balance would have been great, instead of a total loss of momentum so that when the political portion came back, it didn't feel like salad dressing for the continuous family politics which is essential to showcase Gu Jinzhao's personal growth, but needed to be tempered.
It is beautiful that you can see a flawed character for what they are, and also laud the leads for being together. And it is great that this drama has touched you deeply enough to ponder, and observe and share your thoughts so gracefully.
There were many comments on this page wishing horrible stuff on Gu Lan, but I wanted her to be able to mature and grow. I believed she is innately good but misguided and the screenwriter would at least give her the growth she needed to come out right since I watched the first six episodes, and this is indeed the case.
Silliness and immaturity isn't evil. People need time to grow up, depending on where they are coming from. And one of the important things that C-dramas teach is not to jump to hasty judgments.
And you've displayed that beautifully. Thank you.
We have seen several viewpoints being expressed on this page, but lesser viewpoints haven't been expressed yet. For example, I explained why Chen Xuanqing would end up seeing Chen Yanyun in a certain light after episode 25, because of what transpired for the first ten episodes:
Did the scholar slighted the fl? If so, what did he do? Which episode?
Chen Xuanqing's first interaction with Gu Jinzhao was when Chen Yanyun ordered Chen Xuanqing to go and lie to Gu Jinzhao, about who rescued her from the water. I can understand why Chen Yanyun did that. But Gu Jinzhao quickly deduced Chen Xuanqing must be lying to her about rescuing her from the water, because he wouldn't look her in the eyes when talking to her about it.
There are at least two instances where Gu Jinzhao overhears what Chen Xuanqing told other people what he believes, while Chen Xuanqing was unaware she was present and listening. That contributed to her growing admiration for him despite believing he had lied to her about rescuing her from the water. And when she spent time at the Hanlin Academy with him, his demeanor and writing clearly focused on his work and not her only deepened her admiration.
Chen Xuanqing developed feelings for Gu Jinzhao. In episode 9, Chen Yanyun told Chen Xuanqing about Chen Xuanqing's actual background and who his father is, in front of the cenotaph of Xuanqing's biological father Lin Zhengwei. Chen Yanyun explains how he is indebted to Lin Zhengwei and because of what happened to Xuanqing's parents, adopted Xuanqing into the fifth branch of the Chen clan. Chen Yanyun speaks of practicality, gives Chen Xuanqing two realities to face, and indirectly (through the framing of his words) advocates Chen Xuanqing to do the sensible thing and marry Yu Wenxue.
Feeling obligated to Chen Yanyun and also believing that would be the right thing to do because he has always trusted and respected Chen Yanyun's judgment and character, that is why Chen Xuanqing "slights" Gu Jinzhao by not going to the bridge to fly kites with her, and not leaving an explanation. He stood outside Yunlai Teahouse and saw her flying a kite, and immediately understood that she has non-platonic feelings for him which she wants too declare if he confesses. His eyes reddened so much, holding back tears because he understood- But he couldn't go further.
He believed Chen Yanyun had given him reality that he couldn't escape. Responsibility and family honour comes first. He owes his parents and Chen Yanyun on this. He must give her up. He already prepared that stack of poems as a letter of refusal for her. And he tells his servant to go and tell Gu Jinzhao that he is busy today, and cannot come.
She wanted to ask him about his feelings towards her, show him publicly that she has feelings for him, and isn't afraid to express it. Being invited by him and then stood up in this manner is very hurtful to Gu Jinzhao, who understandably thinks badly of Chen Xuanqing. Qingpu of course gets indignant for Gu Jinzhao, alluding that Chen Xuanqing has been toying with Gu Jinzhao.
Then he tries to stall this arranged marriage, understandably conflicted and reluctant.
Chen Xuanqing believed being a scholar to try to gain the best honours was his only way to truly make something of himself, rightfully gain the respect of others through merit, and be useful to the Chen family. Chen Xuanqing also believed marriage is a lifelong decision, which is why he initially disagreed with Chen Yanyun about the arranged marriage Chen Yanyun picked for him.
Believing all along that Chen Yanyun always wants the best for him and feeling strongly indebted to Chen Yanyun, Chen Xuanqing is stunned to learn his uncle is going to marry Gu Jinzhao. In episode 29, Chen Yanyun appears to be a complete hypocrite and destroys the image and respect Chen Xuanqing held of Chen Yanyun, because of what Chen Yanyun said at the table with two other men including Fourth Uncle.
Chen Yanyun tells all of them he felt for Gu Jinzhao when they first met (flowery language of hearts intertwined) which would at the least mean the incident of falling into the water or her hair-pinning ceremony when she was 15 before the timeskip. This public confession makes Chen Xuanqing believe Chen Yanyun has basically lied to Chen Xuanqing and manipulated him because of a woman since one of those two times, and wasn't honest about it.
One major rule in ancient Chinese society of all dynasties is that you never lose your head for a woman. You never make your decisions primarily because of a woman, for other men to witness and believe. You will look like a gullible fool at best, or a lecherous hypocritical liar who must be taught a lesson or lose your position depending on who reaches this as a belief. Unfortunately, Chen Yanyun gives the wrong impression to Chen Xuanqing. Chen Xuanqing was struggling with this possibility in episode 29. And Chen Yanyun further cements this wrong impression in episode 33 or 34.
In episode 29, Fourth Uncle is clearly out to drive a wedge between Chen Xuanqing and the other two men, but Chen Xuanqing doesn't fall for this after Fourth Uncle and Chen Xuanqing leave the other two men to their conversation. He protects the two men by saying he is a junior and when elders are discussing matters, a junior naturally should not get involved. When Fourth Uncle probes further about the hair-pinning ceremony, Chen Xuanqing defends Chen Yanyun by claiming Chen Yanyun was with him the whole time, Chen Yanyun never approached Gu Jinzhao by himself, and the Ji family never offered up Gu Jinzhao.
He is protecting the Chen family honour from whatever Fourth Uncle is mentally cooking up, by also protecting individuals such as Chen Yanyun. His entire conversation with Fourth Uncle is a prime example of this.
Frankly speaking, if one looks at Chen Yanyun without considering how he treats Gu Jinzhao but was on the receiving end of Chen Yanyun's words, Chen Yanyun's treatment of Chen Xuanqing for the first ten episodes is not something I would admire or advocate.
If Gu Jinzhao were to know how Chen Yanyun treated Chen Xuanqing, would she still look at Chen Yanyun the same way? It's good that she knows nothing of this.
I'm not usually a 2ML fan, but there's just something about Ye Xian that had me low-key rooting for him.
Ye Xian is intentionally written to be more than 50% annoying for this drama as a cruel brat to begin with, unlike the novel. But considering what Ye Xian grew up with as per the screenwriting of his family and being significantly disadvantaged as 2ML while ML looks much better than 2ML to start with unlike the novel, Ye Xian will naturally have to go through pains and mistakes to grow. Dong Sicheng aka Winwin is making the most of his screentime. I'm glad to see he took Yuen Woo-Ping's advice about how a wuxia actor not only needs to know how to fight, but how to act.
Before the filming for "A Splendid Match" commenced, he had gone through 3 months of training and filmed for the blockbuster wuxia movie "Blades Of The Guardians" with Ci Sha. I am happy they were both in the movie. Winwin's role was small, but he obviously put in 200% like everyone else. It is a great movie to have on filmography. Yuen Woo-ping wouldn't be giving Winwin all the advice that he did, if that Director didn't believe Winwin had genuine potential to improve and excel. Ci Sha had a significant role in the movie, and was great!
Rooting for a character to have a good ending and/or a good developing storyline despite crap screenwriting characterisation means the actor's portrayal of the character has been able to reach you and impact you positively. I came in here curious, and I'm impressed by the micro-emoting I've seen, considering Winwin has much less acting experience than Ci Sha.
Since this drama has at least four different types of young men, we as viewers don't have to solely pick one XD I've enjoyed what I watched, but there are moments where teeth-gritting occurs because of the screenwriting in multiple aspects not related to romance.
Zuo Ye has surprised me here. Different shades of emoting (the best of Murong Yao combined with another level…
I have watched enough C-Ent stuff of the non-idol variety (dramas and movies) to be able to get my guesswork mostly correct, plus I don't need subtitles to understand what is happening. If you watch enough suspense or investigative non-idol dramas, spotting the cues of whether a character goes down in tropes or surfaces with an enjoyable realistic character arc despite any earlier tropes becomes easier XD
When you get to episode 27, I'm sure you might want to make a wallpaper of Chen Xuanqing in more than one still :D
Very impressed by Zuo Ye in "A Splendid Match" after 31 episodes, and also in the previews of episodes 32 and 33! He should get a noteworthy 2ML or ML role soon in a longform drama that airs on TV plus online, given the range and depth of emoting he expresses! Best unexpected surprise of the drama for me!
I feel like Xu Qing who discovered a purple crystal in episode 1 of the donghua "Beyond Time's Gaze", only to realise this crystal can heal and empower beyond one's imagination. Zuo Ye's performance gives the same vibes.
Excellent eye-acting from Zuo Ye, where everything is in the non-verbal:
Zuo Ye has surprised me here. Different shades of emoting (the best of Murong Yao combined with another level…
I'd say reserve judgment unless you know how to read hints in screenwriting portrayed in the drama, and eventually some events or personality changes become understandable. My initial early guess about how Gu Lan will turn out (which I told Sharlotka about) is correct, but it took more than 24 episodes to start bearing fruit. This is my comment more than 12 days ago, after watching episode 11:
I'm probably in the minority of viewers when it comes to Gu Lan, because I have always rooted for her after guessing at what the screenwriter would intend for her (hint: Being immature and silly doesn't translate to evil. She is still not yet 15, as of episode 15). Huang Yi as 2FL Gu Lan made me smile and melt in episode 31, and I'm happy for her :)
I also like Huang Siyi as Qing Pu (Gu Jinzhao's maid) and Huang Riying as Xue Qinglan. But of all the supporting artists (after one actor who doesn't count as he is no longer in episode 4 onwards, but left an unforgettable impression on me in episode 3 with great acting), Zuo Ye is shining brightly and brightest for me, as episodes 30 and 31 evince. His micro-emoting is given space in the second half of the drama, and he makes me look forward to the next episode. So many layers!
2 
8 
3 
5 
1 
2 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
At one point, Zuo Ye wants to watch a kissing scene (it's the first time he's seeing one on the set), and it is a scene between Cisha and Ren Min. His anticipation and shared thoughts just cracked me up 🤣🤣:
https://www.weibo.com/5725419131/R07Aa4kOJ
Sometimes Youtube fan channels do subs. Here is an English-subtitled interview of Cisha and Ren Min (from MangoTV) that I'd recommend watching, posted 5 days ago:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSQh6hun_yc
(Every family has its troubles, but our family is relatively harmonious. Right?)
Cisha: *gives a long-suffering nod* 我也想心平气和。可我-
(I also want inner peace. But I- ) *walks off heart-broken*
Ren Min turns to Zuo Ye without enough vitriol: It’s all your fault, for totally ruining my family!
Zuo Ye: sweatdrop *罪魁祸首* (main cause of disaster)
But before he can react, Cisha comes back and 突然握手言和 (suddenly shake hands and make peace) with Zuo Ye?!
Cisha: 爱要勇敢的表达出来!
(Love must be bravely expressed!)
Zuo Ye: 妈, 爹地都这么说了- 妈妈-
(Mum, since Daddy has already said so- Mummy-)
Ren Min: Son……
Both men crack up 🤣🤣🤣, and Ren Min cannot restrain herself from also cracking up.
Ren Min: 妈都懂。别说了。
(Mum understands everything. Don’t speak further ie from an elder's POV in a friendly manner: Everything is clear, unnecessary explanations are not needed)
Laughter continues.
https://www.weibo.com/7783984483/R0jsmoM9Q
[rough translation under the spoiler tag cut below]:
https://mydramalist.com/762395-liang-chen-mei-jin#comment-26110370
Then there was a discussion about Winwin and Ci Sha:
https://mydramalist.com/762395-liang-chen-mei-jin#comment-26111898
I put together the occasional news article for MDL, about unaired dramas or movies. Currently have three articles as the primary writer this year:
https://mydramalist.com/profile/Xiang83/articles
I believe my reaching out to editors and writers has also enabled more articles to be contributed again on MDL (so many people fell sick), the latest being this summary of upcoming lakorns under Editorials by longtime writer soju:
https://news.mydramalist.com/article/soju-s-exciting-lakorn-line-ups
Enjoy the rest of "A Splendid Match"!
You make a drama page better, simply by being you :)
Don't be afraid to contribute on MDL!
peachblossomgoddess and I speak mandarin, and have also watched the 1993 and 2008 series of Justice Bao. When it comes to classic wuxia (Zhan Zhao Adventures is modern wuxia), that would be the kind where I expect the wirework to be excellent or the leads must know/learn how to fight eg Shaw Brothers movies.
I'm kinder here, because I wouldn't want Zhang Ruonan to have the kind of injuries that could lead to paralysis (her action double taking over is obvious in certain scenes, but understandable to keep her safe).
That said, Yang Yang is not giving me the conviction and eye-acting that Kenny Ho conveyed as Zhan Zhao. Alen Fang as Bai Yutang and Zhang Ruonan are carrying the acting in this drama of the three leads, with Alen Fang mostly responsible for the cat-and-mouse chemistry between Bai Yutang and Zhan Zhao.
Please note that less than ten episodes in, this drama deviates from the original classic novel. The character foundations are as I mentioned of the classic, but the plot follows the reinterpretation of "The Three Heroes and Five Gallants" by the writer mini-fish.
I also put together a January MDL article about the wuxia film "Blades of The Guardians" that aired on 17 February, and my predictions about it in January have been correct. It is the highest grossing wuxia film of all time, as of 1 April:
https://news.mydramalist.com/article/cinematic-wuxia-epic-blades-of-the-guardians-premieres-on-february-17
If you continue watching, enjoy the drama! :)
Chen Yanyun was the best to Chen Xuanqing, and kind to Chen Xuanqing, but he should not have told Chen Xuanqing to lie to Gu Jinzhao (even if I understand why he did so).
You talk about repaying love and favour, which is a very general statement. I am talking about filial piety and family honour and repaying debt, which is far more specific and central to decision-making. Chen Xuanqing rightfully adhered to all those for the first 9 episodes, where Zuo Ye superbly portrayed a man being burdened and finally crushed by filial piety and upholding family honour.
But he bravely smiled, and hoped that one day he could be as brave and free as Gu Jinzhao. He definitely felt the dishonour of being so cowardly in how he rejects her. But he did the right thing, and it was so hard.
He listened to Chen Yanyun back then. I believe Chen Xuanqing would listen to him again, if Chen Yanyun spoke to him once or twice and explained to him with the patience of an elder of why his behaviour is not right, and addressed any questions. The grievances are primarily about Chen Yanyun, and these can be addressed.
But being punched and punished, then choked, not given answers from the elder he respected the most- Nearly killed. Everything he's done for this uncle merits all this, even when he protected his uncle in episode 29 from Fourth Uncle?
It's a sad misunderstanding all around. Chen Yanyun has his flaws. Ci Sha is doing a very good job. I hope the writer indeed makes things right for characterisation of Chen Yanyun in the remaining episodes.
They also come across as a complete cultural ignoramus on chinese historical dramas in terms of context, so I am waiting for them to clarify their stance, if they are capable of doing so.
Oh, how odd! The poster who posted their original comment has deleted it! There was nothing wrong with the comment. Chen Yanyun has admitted to himself about being petty, in disliking the fact of Gu Jinzhao liking Chen Xuanqing first and him also hating Chen Xuanqing, so why did that poster delete their comment?
Chen Xuanqing has always been responsible. He has upheld his responsibilities of prioritising family honour and filial piety and indebtedness over his individual self, which I explained about episodes 1 to 29 with the necessary context. Any mandarin-speaker who understands how certain values function in this drama would be able to identify why Chen Xuanqing is unfortunately but justifiably saddled firmly with the wrong impression of Chen Yanyun by episode 33.
I pointed it out in my reply, which you replied to.
And as I said under the spoiler cut, from episodes 1 to 29 (especially the first ten episodes), things unfolded that all three of them (including Gu Jinzhao) never expected:
https://mydramalist.com/762395-liang-chen-mei-jin#comment-26184286
What starts getting some viewers disgruntled is because Chen Xuanqing is not able to lock his reactions down publicly, once he learns his uncle is going to marry Gu Jinzhao. Chen Xuanqing rightfully has grievances that Chen Yanyun should have addressed, as an elder.
The repeated vicious name-calling of Chen Xuanqing on this page is eye-opening, all without cultural understanding of how and why Chen Yanyun's treatment of Chen Xuanqing is what further deepens a mess that started in episode 1.
People can fangirl whoever they want. I won't be knuckled by numbers into agreeing with something or someone I disagree with, especially not a cultural ignoramus. Immature people need to learn that nobody will agree with them all the time.
Enjoy the rest of the drama :)
And since you may have missed my most recent reply which is about cultural context and not romance, here:
https://mydramalist.com/762395-liang-chen-mei-jin#comment-26192426
I was explaining to someone else about the Ming Dynasty's values relative to Chen Xuanqing in episode 9, whereby I said:
[ "Thank you for the birthday gift. One day, I hope to be as free and brave as you."
A man being crushed by family honour and filial piety, eyes reddened and almost bursting with pain while understanding what someone on a bridge wanted to convey and what could have been, but choosing to do what is right.
In the Ming Dynasty, protecting the family honour is considered a matter of life or death, and filial piety is strictly expected. A child who disgraces the parents has committed the ultimate betrayal of family duty. To do what is right is to first remember your roots and honour them. I can feel his pain in that moment, as someone who has grown up having to learn some very traditional similarities and my first words calling my mum in mandarin. ]
Chen Xuanqing doesn't see his choice as brave, in how he stood up Gu Jinzhao. He sees it as necessary fulfilment of protecting his biological family's honour, through filial piety. And yes, that is the right choice to me. Disappoint her. Let her think the worse of you. Give her up. You understood exactly why this is the right choice of actions from Chen Xuanqing in front of Yunlai Teahouse in episode 9, right?
Chen Yanyun's treatment of Chen Xuanqing is not admirable within the first 9 episodes, if one is objective.
Chen Xuanqing's perspective is that he has done everything for the sake of the Chen family. He has worked himself to the bone as a scholar, and he is not wrong about that. In episode 29 despite whatever doubts he was already having, he still chose to protect the Chen family honour and Chen Yanyun in a conversation between himself and Fourth Uncle (who is a nasty piece of work trying to create trouble for Chen Yanyun).
If somebody had been mature enough to hear out his poor wife who had been camping out throughout the night and trying to get him to communicate with her, she would not have fallen sick and be unsteady on her feet. If that somebody had remembered that his poor wife never faulted him for previously being married or being significantly older than her but loves him as he is, this would have helped. In all the times of their verbal interactions, has Chen Yanyun ever been in a situation where he is totally wrong on a significant subject and has to swallow humble pie with Gu Jinzhao?
One major rule in ancient Chinese society of all dynasties is that you never publicly appear to lose your head, character and values for a woman. You never make your decisions primarily because of a woman, for other men to witness and believe. This is compounded if your decisions prove you have power over another man who believes they are at your mercy, and everything they have done for you for so many years appears to be nothing to you, because of a woman you have known for much less time than them.
You will look like a gullible fool at best to whoever gets this idea, or a lecherous hypocritical liar who must be taught a lesson or lose your position (depending on who reaches this as a belief). Unfortunately, Chen Yanyun gives the wrong impression to Chen Xuanqing. Chen Xuanqing was struggling with this possibility in episode 29. And Chen Yanyun further cements this wrong impression in episode 33.
I didn't say anything about whether I approved or disapproved of Chen Xuanqing's actions towards Gu Jinzhao, but I wish the three of them had spoken to each other much earlier. Gu Jinzhao could talk to Ye Xian very maturely. Sadly, why couldn't this be replicated? Because Chen Xuanqing's major grievances are against Chen Yanyun, whose wishes he had followed and been faithful to the Chen family all this while, including lying for Chen Yanyun. This is very different context from Ye Xian struggling to protect his family and needing to grow up, instead of swinging between immaturity and maturity like a pendulum. Ye Xian understands what Chen Yanyun did for him, and he also isn't forgetting his heart condition.
I said Chen Yanyun's over-reaction is understandable. You want me to fangirl Ci Sha? I have. In fact, I have given him more than 1000 MDL flowers that also comes from his acting in his previous movie plus this drama (unlike 2ML and 3ML), which can't be said of any other MDL user on this page. But I don't like certain aspects of his character as written for the drama. You want me to fangirl Chen Yanyun? No.
This is a Chinese Historical Fiction drama full of contextual mores that shape decisions, not a westernised North American romance that is much easier to figure out. How about you lecture me about the cultural context I am missing, instead of calling me stupid and sounding like a petulant teenager?
From episodes 1 to 29 (especially the first ten episodes), things unfolded that all three of them (including Gu Jinzhao) never expected:
https://mydramalist.com/762395-liang-chen-mei-jin#comment-26184286
Hating Chen Xuanqing is excessive. Chen Yanyun knows this, and should talk to Gu Jinzhao and allow her to communicate with him, but doesn't. Gu Jinzhao finally falls sick, camping outside to try to get to Chen Yanyun. And of course, things snowball unfortunately.
So now Chen Xuanqing is completely vulnerable to Fu Hailian, due to Chen Yanyun's reaction proving to Chen Xuanqing that he can punish a nephew known for many years because of a woman, and to be shown Chen Yanyun would also kill for a woman known for many lesser years than him has cemented certain beliefs which Chen Xuanqing had been developing due to a perception of being bullied by Chen Yanyun and always having to cater to the Chen family which cares nothing for him as a person, not helped by Chen Yanyun's mother.
https://mydramalist.com/749951-zhan-zhao-adventures#comment-26179490
They claim they have posted their last comment.
https://mydramalist.com/749951-zhan-zhao-adventures#comment-26181208
Given how dishonest the troll badgersupremo has been about everything, I'll be surprised if that happens because it will be the first honest sentence from them on this page XD
This drama is not boring. You are boring. Your best achievement on this page is to inspire one or more people to report your account for spamming and trolling, from what I'm seeing.
Go wallow at Lu Yuxiao's MDL page or better still, go to "Dancing with The Tide" page where Tan Jianci's fans are, and tell them Lu Yuxiao is the only one worth watching in that drama which Tan Jianci is now filming with Lu Yuxiao, just like you did on "Love In The Clouds" page.
Bye~
I will explain something about episode 9, once you finish that:
https://mydramalist.com/762395-liang-chen-mei-jin#comment-26186244
And if you want to understand what happens between Chen Yanyun and Chen Xuanqing with primary context from the first 10 episodes, this has spoilers until episode 33:
https://mydramalist.com/762395-liang-chen-mei-jin#comment-26184286
Another superb piece of acting in episode 9: A man being crushed by family honour and filial piety, eyes reddened and almost bursting with pain while understanding what someone on a bridge wanted to convey and what could have been, but choosing to do what is right.
In the Ming Dynasty, protecting the family honour is considered a matter of life or death, and filial piety is strictly expected. A child who disgraces the parents has committed the ultimate betrayal of family duty. To do what is right is to first remember your roots and honour them. I can feel his pain in that moment, as someone who has grown up having to learn some very traditional similarities and my first words calling my mum in mandarin. But in this day and age, filial piety is thankfully nowhere as binding.
To truly understand the ties that bind, culture is a fundamental anchor.
This is not a western drama or Hindi movie. And I like my Hindi movies of more than 20 years ago, where longing was fiery and intense without unnecessary PDA, and songs are beautiful in their classical elements.
I'm fair.
I got irritated with every character at some point in this drama XD
Better to be irritated than bored, for me. And yes, I get irritated with strangers offline too. But I remember everyone has a story. Making the pause, and not reacting when emotional or jumping to conclusions while identifying the unsaid necessities, usually leads to accurate decisions on how to interact with someone.
A good story will allow for different viewpoints to be expressed. This drama page, as with other pages on MDL, is about expressing different viewpoints by people watching the drama. Life is messy. Not everybody has the ending we want for them.
I will appreciate all the characters whose time is limited in this drama. I've been doing that since episode 3, when William Wu's character Nie Fengming dies to enable Chen Yanyun's grand plan about land reform equalisation policies to take place successfully. For me, that is the most heartrending exchange of the drama primarily due to great acting, because both men couldn't truly voice what they each wanted to express to each other, but they managed to convey what was in their hearts to reach the other.
I've seen Ci Sha and Winwin in a movie together. I've expressed appreciation for Ci Sha and Winwin separately and together, in comments on this page. They are portraying two different male prototypes, and I reckon this drama is the richer for their different roles. I am also glad Zuo Ye is here, as Chen Xuanqing. I'm seeing him in a different light.
People can appreciate characters and discuss flaws without taking petty potshots, but this is unfortunately what has been happening. Nothing wrong with backing favourites and constructive criticism, but it doesn't have to be done at the expense of pulling down another actor because someone can't bear to hear admiration for another actor who isn't a favourite.
My biggest problem is the writing where the political intrigue so promising in the first three episodes gets totally sidelined for family politics that quickly became boring (for some of us). Some balance would have been great, instead of a total loss of momentum so that when the political portion came back, it didn't feel like salad dressing for the continuous family politics which is essential to showcase Gu Jinzhao's personal growth, but needed to be tempered.
It is beautiful that you can see a flawed character for what they are, and also laud the leads for being together. And it is great that this drama has touched you deeply enough to ponder, and observe and share your thoughts so gracefully.
There were many comments on this page wishing horrible stuff on Gu Lan, but I wanted her to be able to mature and grow. I believed she is innately good but misguided and the screenwriter would at least give her the growth she needed to come out right since I watched the first six episodes, and this is indeed the case.
Silliness and immaturity isn't evil. People need time to grow up, depending on where they are coming from. And one of the important things that C-dramas teach is not to jump to hasty judgments.
And you've displayed that beautifully. Thank you.
We have seen several viewpoints being expressed on this page, but lesser viewpoints haven't been expressed yet. For example, I explained why Chen Xuanqing would end up seeing Chen Yanyun in a certain light after episode 25, because of what transpired for the first ten episodes:
https://mydramalist.com/762395-liang-chen-mei-jin#comment-26184286
There are at least two instances where Gu Jinzhao overhears what Chen Xuanqing told other people what he believes, while Chen Xuanqing was unaware she was present and listening. That contributed to her growing admiration for him despite believing he had lied to her about rescuing her from the water. And when she spent time at the Hanlin Academy with him, his demeanor and writing clearly focused on his work and not her only deepened her admiration.
Chen Xuanqing developed feelings for Gu Jinzhao. In episode 9, Chen Yanyun told Chen Xuanqing about Chen Xuanqing's actual background and who his father is, in front of the cenotaph of Xuanqing's biological father Lin Zhengwei. Chen Yanyun explains how he is indebted to Lin Zhengwei and because of what happened to Xuanqing's parents, adopted Xuanqing into the fifth branch of the Chen clan. Chen Yanyun speaks of practicality, gives Chen Xuanqing two realities to face, and indirectly (through the framing of his words) advocates Chen Xuanqing to do the sensible thing and marry Yu Wenxue.
Feeling obligated to Chen Yanyun and also believing that would be the right thing to do because he has always trusted and respected Chen Yanyun's judgment and character, that is why Chen Xuanqing "slights" Gu Jinzhao by not going to the bridge to fly kites with her, and not leaving an explanation. He stood outside Yunlai Teahouse and saw her flying a kite, and immediately understood that she has non-platonic feelings for him which she wants too declare if he confesses. His eyes reddened so much, holding back tears because he understood- But he couldn't go further.
He believed Chen Yanyun had given him reality that he couldn't escape. Responsibility and family honour comes first. He owes his parents and Chen Yanyun on this. He must give her up. He already prepared that stack of poems as a letter of refusal for her. And he tells his servant to go and tell Gu Jinzhao that he is busy today, and cannot come.
She wanted to ask him about his feelings towards her, show him publicly that she has feelings for him, and isn't afraid to express it. Being invited by him and then stood up in this manner is very hurtful to Gu Jinzhao, who understandably thinks badly of Chen Xuanqing. Qingpu of course gets indignant for Gu Jinzhao, alluding that Chen Xuanqing has been toying with Gu Jinzhao.
Then he tries to stall this arranged marriage, understandably conflicted and reluctant.
Chen Xuanqing believed being a scholar to try to gain the best honours was his only way to truly make something of himself, rightfully gain the respect of others through merit, and be useful to the Chen family. Chen Xuanqing also believed marriage is a lifelong decision, which is why he initially disagreed with Chen Yanyun about the arranged marriage Chen Yanyun picked for him.
Believing all along that Chen Yanyun always wants the best for him and feeling strongly indebted to Chen Yanyun, Chen Xuanqing is stunned to learn his uncle is going to marry Gu Jinzhao. In episode 29, Chen Yanyun appears to be a complete hypocrite and destroys the image and respect Chen Xuanqing held of Chen Yanyun, because of what Chen Yanyun said at the table with two other men including Fourth Uncle.
Chen Yanyun tells all of them he felt for Gu Jinzhao when they first met (flowery language of hearts intertwined) which would at the least mean the incident of falling into the water or her hair-pinning ceremony when she was 15 before the timeskip. This public confession makes Chen Xuanqing believe Chen Yanyun has basically lied to Chen Xuanqing and manipulated him because of a woman since one of those two times, and wasn't honest about it.
One major rule in ancient Chinese society of all dynasties is that you never lose your head for a woman. You never make your decisions primarily because of a woman, for other men to witness and believe. You will look like a gullible fool at best, or a lecherous hypocritical liar who must be taught a lesson or lose your position depending on who reaches this as a belief. Unfortunately, Chen Yanyun gives the wrong impression to Chen Xuanqing. Chen Xuanqing was struggling with this possibility in episode 29. And Chen Yanyun further cements this wrong impression in episode 33 or 34.
In episode 29, Fourth Uncle is clearly out to drive a wedge between Chen Xuanqing and the other two men, but Chen Xuanqing doesn't fall for this after Fourth Uncle and Chen Xuanqing leave the other two men to their conversation. He protects the two men by saying he is a junior and when elders are discussing matters, a junior naturally should not get involved. When Fourth Uncle probes further about the hair-pinning ceremony, Chen Xuanqing defends Chen Yanyun by claiming Chen Yanyun was with him the whole time, Chen Yanyun never approached Gu Jinzhao by himself, and the Ji family never offered up Gu Jinzhao.
He is protecting the Chen family honour from whatever Fourth Uncle is mentally cooking up, by also protecting individuals such as Chen Yanyun. His entire conversation with Fourth Uncle is a prime example of this.
Frankly speaking, if one looks at Chen Yanyun without considering how he treats Gu Jinzhao but was on the receiving end of Chen Yanyun's words, Chen Yanyun's treatment of Chen Xuanqing for the first ten episodes is not something I would admire or advocate.
If Gu Jinzhao were to know how Chen Yanyun treated Chen Xuanqing, would she still look at Chen Yanyun the same way? It's good that she knows nothing of this.
Before the filming for "A Splendid Match" commenced, he had gone through 3 months of training and filmed for the blockbuster wuxia movie "Blades Of The Guardians" with Ci Sha. I am happy they were both in the movie. Winwin's role was small, but he obviously put in 200% like everyone else. It is a great movie to have on filmography. Yuen Woo-ping wouldn't be giving Winwin all the advice that he did, if that Director didn't believe Winwin had genuine potential to improve and excel. Ci Sha had a significant role in the movie, and was great!
Rooting for a character to have a good ending and/or a good developing storyline despite crap screenwriting characterisation means the actor's portrayal of the character has been able to reach you and impact you positively. I came in here curious, and I'm impressed by the micro-emoting I've seen, considering Winwin has much less acting experience than Ci Sha.
Since this drama has at least four different types of young men, we as viewers don't have to solely pick one XD I've enjoyed what I watched, but there are moments where teeth-gritting occurs because of the screenwriting in multiple aspects not related to romance.
When you get to episode 27, I'm sure you might want to make a wallpaper of Chen Xuanqing in more than one still :D
I feel like Xu Qing who discovered a purple crystal in episode 1 of the donghua "Beyond Time's Gaze", only to realise this crystal can heal and empower beyond one's imagination. Zuo Ye's performance gives the same vibes.
Excellent eye-acting from Zuo Ye, where everything is in the non-verbal:
https://weibo.com/tv/show/1034:5300398655733863
This man needs a lot more love and exposure and more non-idol dramas!
Here's the official weibo post from Hunan TV, for the filming wrap-up of "A Love Confession":
https://m.weibo.cn/status/5300601011571243
https://www.weibo.com/5725419131/R0fCFzHRW
Just chilling (various live short clips posted by Zuo Ye's official weibo account from 6 May):
https://www.weibo.com/5725419131/QE9xb34HP
2ML and 2FL of "A Love Confession" share their travelog thoughts about filming in Chengdu:
https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5296014023985412
https://mydramalist.com/762395-liang-chen-mei-jin#comment-26045802
I'm probably in the minority of viewers when it comes to Gu Lan, because I have always rooted for her after guessing at what the screenwriter would intend for her (hint: Being immature and silly doesn't translate to evil. She is still not yet 15, as of episode 15). Huang Yi as 2FL Gu Lan made me smile and melt in episode 31, and I'm happy for her :)
I also like Huang Siyi as Qing Pu (Gu Jinzhao's maid) and Huang Riying as Xue Qinglan. But of all the supporting artists (after one actor who doesn't count as he is no longer in episode 4 onwards, but left an unforgettable impression on me in episode 3 with great acting), Zuo Ye is shining brightly and brightest for me, as episodes 30 and 31 evince. His micro-emoting is given space in the second half of the drama, and he makes me look forward to the next episode. So many layers!