moodygirl

Ok, I posted that I found the first episode a hoot. It starts out with a look at the family dynamics where our female lead clearly makes a fool out of everyone especially hour 'mother'. She retrieves her riches and sets out on her mission to marry. As she passes her initially intended, he might be showing just a little regret upon watching her stroll by. Being 'left at the altar' doesnt faze her at all. She goes to meet the new man in her life and quickly takes him in hand in a firm, but gracious and kindly way. He is bemused but quickly puts her off on the wedding night, leaving me curious to see what might develop between them. What more can you ask of a Cdrama?

Disagree

Just started it and it looks like it's going to be a hoot.

He needs to do something about his ears.

The drama has concluded. Even though it was repetitious over the 42 episodes, I stuck with it for the fine performances of the many actors in often torturous situations. As for the main men in her life. one became pure evil and caused much trauma, the other started off as a cute little munchkin in her life and grew up to be a loyal, capable man who deserved her devotion.

You summed it up perfectly. Zhen is a formidable heroine and her story is worth spending time on. The 'romance' is just a supportive relationship and was beautifully handled during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Just finished 22 episode. Much as I like this drama it does drag and is repetitious at times. The Li family finally got their sh*t together and FL smiled all the way through dinner with ML. The Tian family is living large undeservedly. The clownish sage will deliver their tribute ink to the capital. What can possibly happen in the next 20 episodes that we haven't already seen?

I loved this drama about a mature relationship. She carries a torch for him and he would jump through blazes for her. Many good supporting characters some morally compromised and others are upright. Will look for other dramas with Ci Sha and Ren Min.

Spear not, Lord Ye was an upright warrior in this barbarian battle. Dead as a doornob, yet those three letters in his chest didn't get a drop of blood on them.

Oh joy, Zhen has finally come to terms with the realization that the 8th branch has a rot that will continue to undermine her endeavours. Good riddance. Why the long wait for this drama to continue?

Only 11 episodes in but am already convinced this drama will hold up until the end. The female lead is carrying the heavy load of ink making and the fraught history of her family. The male lead seems a gadabout but of course deeper meanings enrich his character. The ink-making process is laborious and repetitive but there is enough comedy relief in Li Zhen's sooty-faced antics. Looking forward to seeing the price the evildoers will have to pay eventually.

It looks like all the remaining episodes are available now but I haven't had time to watch. Last thing I saw they were going through a rough patch due to his insane jealousy. Let's hope for better days ahead.

I totally agree. This has been a sore spot with me. Once in a while we get '5 years later' and there are a couple of kids running around. That doesn't do it for me. I like the way these two people are in love, in passion as well as challenging each other intellectually and are on the same page politically.

Haven't seen this much happy canoodling of a couple in a historical drama ever. Who can resist them and especially when he let's his hair down.

Ten episodes to go and it looks like there are plenty of envious people ready to make trouble for our favorite couple. I'm sure they'll combine their wits to put those nasties in their place.

Episode 1 What a downer. The Eighth Branch of the Li family has basically been chopped off. What this means for out spunky little heroine we wait to find out.

Just started this drama. It's definitely up my alley with a spunky little know-it-all. Many characters in these ink families to keep track off. One has already wormed herself into my brain is the greedy Jiang Yue whose turdy hairstyle stands out.

Why do evil, ugly people always have ears to match?

I was going to spend some time reviewing this drama then the Subway product placement happened and I was totally turned off.

They are both must watch. Just started rewatching this after many years and the politics of the harem are brutal. What makes it all worth while is the enduring love and understanding between Ruyi and the Emperor. In Xanxi Palace I remember the FL going into the palace to revenge her sister's death, falls in love with a young man and the relationship with the Emperor is more fraught and takes time to develop.