Aya

This may sound repetitive by now, but this episode also has some of my favourite moments.

One of them is the conversation between LSS and TTJ at the tomb. It's such a tender moment. For the first time TTJ opens up completely and we get to see clearly just how emotionally fragile he actually is. There's a lot of hesitation and fear of rejection and abandonment, but he still chooses to dare to ask for her affection, because his fear of losing her is much greater. He has finally put a name to his feelings and found the warmth that he's been seeking all his life. For LSS, this also seems to be the first time that she's just enjoying the moment without her mission hanging over her head. It's an indulgence that she'll come to regret later, leading to some extreme choices, but for now it's actually heartwarming to see both of them happy.

I was looking for a darker drama and this one definitely delivered. This drama is moody and melancholic with a few lighter moments sprinkled here and there. It's beautifully shot and the story moves at an even pace. I enjoyed it very much.

I completely agree. The experiences in the Bo're dream alone were not enough. Now they have their own things to learn. At this point in the story they are both still learning how to deal with their feelings and emotions and in a safe environment that would be ok. Unfortunately, there's a lot at stake for both of them. LSS carries a heavy responsibility and the weight can be crushing and any mistake can be devastating, so it's understandable that she's being cautious. TTJ on the other hand also has a lot at stake as he's making LSS the most important person in his life and the only one (he thinks) he truly cares about.

I think that's what makes this drama so great. Their actions and reactions are all understandable from their point of view. They make sense for them. Each and every experience has made them who they are.

I automatically click on the next episode. It's only possible because it's a rewatch. I would not be able to do it on the first watch.

Just a side note, I'm finding it very difficult watching just one episode a day. I've really gotten used to watching as many episodes as I like/can.

It is fun watching at the same pace with others and discussing each episode though 😄

His reaction to the couple outfit was adorable.

Quite a lot has happened in this episode.

Everyone is still calling TTJ a monster, when they are the ones doing horrible things and he is just not letting them walk all over him anymore. The horrible king of Sheng has no morals whatsoever and had the audacity to demand gratitude from TTJ. YBC only cares about herself and has no problem walking over corpses as long as she herself survives. Who's the real monster here?

Once again LSS is lashing out at TTJ without knowing all the facts, because her trauma is making her see the DG version whenever TTJ shows any trace of cruelty. Is it fair? No. Is it understandable? Absolutely. Especially given the fact that she now has feelings for him and she knows that at the very least he has some feelings for her. She has seen the traces of goodness. While she hopes that he can be changed for good and not become the DG, any sign that she might be mistaken is terrifying.

TTJ himself isn't really helping either. His retaliations are immediate. He is hurt by her betrayal, so right away he tries to hurt her back by saying all those cruel things and using YBC to make her jealous.

The two of them were supposed to have learned from MY and SJ's story, but they both seem to be making similar mistakes, instead of just being honest and talking.

I can't really blame them for not having control over their emotions though, given that both are fairly new to romantic feelings and keeping that in check can be hard.

TTJ is genuinely trying to be a good ruler and it's really interesting to see his subordinates argue with him.

YBC is inherently selfish and unworthy of anyone's sincere feelings, especially the selfless and kind XL. Poor XL thinks she loves him and worries about him, while she only cares about herself and worries what would happen to her if he's gone.

NBY is just stuck between the awkward TTJ and LSS 🤣

The hesitation isn't captured in just a one word translation and it is important. Especially for a character like TTJ. This is a person who all his life has been told that he's not capable of these types of feelings. So this is a (pleasant) surprise for him, but at the same time he seems to be afraid that he's not interpreting his feelings correctly. It's also lucky that the person he's talking to is PR, who doesn't seem him the same way the people from his past did. She seems him as just a normal human, so she readily confirms that he naturally can like someone. Thankfully she doesn't voice her other thought out loud and doesn't tell him that someone without love threads can't love others.

it's a heartwarming episode and this drama really needs a few of those

I can't believe we're already half way through.

Once again we have a very cute episode for our main couple, despite the death and mayhem happening in the background. Their feelings are growing rapidly now and they both don't seem to really know what to do with those feelings yet.

NBY is stuck in the middle and is trying his best not to meddle 😂

🤣🤣🤣

Why is TTJ's " I... I can ... like her?" so heartbreaking 😭

She recognizes talent 🤣

This is definitely one of my favourite episodes. I really like the characters we get in this arc and their interactions. All of the characters have great chemistry together in different ways.

PR is messing with people and at the same time is giving some good advice.

TTJ has become much calmer and smiles more.

LSS is doing her best to stay on mission, but the more attention she pays to the tiniest changes in TTJ, the more obvious it becomes that her feelings for him are growing.

The more help the better

He's the type that's only really good at one thing, his job, and really, really bad at everything else.

I would have smacked TH around a bit more, but it's ok. SJ had things to do.