Believe it or not the point no.1 is right from history real records except it happened when Zhu Gaochi was still…
You can learn from this page that majority of the plot is based on historical events with sources for you check out the original as well. If learning history doesn't bore you that is.
It is unfortunate that such well written drama is broadcast on platform that did not provide a good subtitles translation so the plot is lost on some people. I enjoy reading the extensive discussions on douban forum royal feast group where they made threads on which scene includes from historical records itself including the source from which record it was taken from and they weave it into the plot. There are a lot of minor details and scenes that connect one plot to another through history basis. https://www.douban.com/group/topic/260809774/?_i=56214616u7zzH_,64674006u7zzH_
Also interesting articles from Researcher of the Institute of Ancient History of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/so0i_FGdvw9_1F2bpMWOwQ They cover extensively on the accuracy of Royal Feast covering history with very little inaccuracy. Especially on the fact that Royal Feast portrayed Brocade Guard accurately compared to other dramas where most of the dramas tend to make the Special force as some kind of ruthless special guard of the emperor and only take on huge cases when actually in history they would cover even the tiniest cases and assist even for minor tasks as long as it has the importance towards the safety of the royal family.
This article also address the issues brought up by the internet users regarding the similarity with Korean dramas attire for example the scarf. No shades at all thrown towards another country but instead the researcher provided educated points how the history itself explained the similarities.
This drama doesn't seems to be popular. Very few comment here.
International didn't get easy access to the drama. Like I already applaud those who managed to watch with the kind of subtitles they gave from google translate.
Love how you have written all this down, and absolutely loving the drama. Really love how the drama has introduced…
Agred the character seems plain but actually complex. What made them complex is the status they were born in. I like that they don't focus in glorifying what a great emperor and their dynasty are like any other historical drama. Instead their focus is on how oppressive the old system are towards women in general. Even the male lead character is not perfect because he was high born but his love and attraction towards the female lead is what teach him to learn.
May I ask, which part of Xu Kai's acting is very much lacking? Not looking for a fight as everyone has their own…
Well since you deleted your previous response I'll just reply here.
Then we must have been watching a different dramas, I don't see how Once Upon a Time in Lingjian Mountain can be exactly as Ancient Love Poetry for example.
I did and I have read every single discussions with real images in the historical records. A very extensive discussions over the course of weeks and days before the show started airings on weibo, baidu forums and douban. Even articles from historian who talk about the drama. Have you have the chance to do a thorough research and read all these discussions where many materials was put forth?
"It's okay to be besotted and head overheels over Xu Kai.... it's not a sin just don't lost your head" "tsk tsk tsk" Reread that lines that you wrote and see if it is a matured response. This drama is based on history and it is based on the emperor that I read a lot about. Hence I have an opinion how the character should be portrayed based on historical records. What does this have to do with besotted and head overheels over an actor? I am not a vain person who only noticed someone looks. I actually like to follow actors who seems to understand their roles regardless how they look like. That aside, I am a genuine history lover so how about having a mature and objective discussions despite not agreeing with each other rather than going on a personal attack?
Why the female lead suddenly avoid the male lead-In episode 13 and 14 there is the mass burial of all the concubines…
Yeah it is very sad. trapped in a ancient systems that there is no fair game even to those who is sitting at the top but it is especially unfair to those who is lower status. Can't wait to see punishment to those villains who run wild in this early stage.
The relationship progress between male lead and female lead.I have to say this is one of my favourite writings…
At first we can see how bold the Yao Zijin is in exploring the male lead study later we know that this is her absolute intention when she entered the palace. It all started when she fix his parchment from the wax stain. This method intrigues male lead as it shows someone is observant and has deep knowledge. When someone else tried to take credit for it he immediately knew it was bogus and punish the maid harshly.
Later on it became a cat and mouse game between them. Zhu Zhanji leaving an unfinished paintings and then later on instructed his attendant to send Yao Zijin back with a lantern that has mouse drawn on it which amuse her, it’s this little things that make them cute. It was obvious at this point they are amusing themselves based on each other’s common interest, the relationship did not progress to love yet. With the male lead issue with his consort and the female lead intention of getting to know the prince, it became a harmonious friendship where they enjoy each other’s company.
But of course friendship turn to fondness but it didn’t go beyond that yet especially when the male lead is angry after he took the advice of the female lead about his consort it actually did not ended the way he expected it too. The way he got angry at the female lead throwing tantrum is like a confirmation to female lead who already has a negative opinion about the feudal system that this is the person who her life was design for and it was never a fair game. So she throw a curve ball at him that he never expected not knowing her hidden past and intention when she just suddenly blurted out that she love him. A non-existence concept in his life because even marriage is consider a duty which Yao Zijin has long suspected hence she throw that curve ball. She keeps emphasizing the concept of master and slave which annoys him.
After that it became an honest relationship where they did not shy to state their opinion on what is an ideal relationship for them, between ancestral rules and pure affection. Their relationship has many hurdle to go through to the stage of love but we can already see why they can be together when they started to missed each other’s company. In opposed to Zhu Zhanji with Consort Hu, who didn’t understand any of his hobbies and quirks. It’s a slow burn romance and many people might not prefer it but it’s a rare type of romance in cdrama and I am enjoying it as it justified why their union can be in such intense situation.
My personal take on the male lead and and female lead so far up until episode 18Big spoiler ahead
The relationship progress between male lead and female lead. I have to say this is one of my favourite writings how male lead and female lead romance develop. It is a more mature love rather than puppy love. Major spoiler below
1. Male Lead – Zhu ZhanjiHis storyline is straightforward from history but some of characteristic demeanour…
2. Female Lead – Yao Zijin From the beginning she was shown to be very resolute but nonchalant at the same time. She is a gifted chef but her reason of entering the palace seems vain and simple. But we learn later on that it is not as simple. Her real name is not Yao Zijin, her surname is actually Sun. In episode 12 we got the first hint that Sun is actually the first choice to be the Imperial Grandson Concubine and she was actually Crown Princess Zhang’s mother choice over Concubine Hu who was chosen by Crown Princess Zhang (this is actually recorded in history). But the decision was later changed due to yet to be explain circumstances that cause it to change but already hinted what could have happened over the course of 18 episodes. It was revealed that Yao Zijin re-entered the palace because her foster mother urge her to reclaimed what rightfully hers. She was obviously reluctant but eventually followed her foster mother request when she passed away. In her grieve of losing everyone to this systems that groom her strictly since she was a child to be chosen as the partner of the Imperial Grandson so considering the options she made the decision to re-enter to see who replaced her and to see the Imperial Grandson herself why her whole life was compromised because of him. She was excellent in all skills being train to be the perfect wife of the beloved grandson of the emperor but in order to enter the palace she chose one skill that she never felt she was forced to do that is cooking because in her trainings she was usually beaten if she got things wrong but she was never beaten in the kitchen because the space is too small to swing the plank.
My personal take on the male lead and and female lead so far up until episode 18Big spoiler ahead
1. Male Lead – Zhu Zhanji His storyline is straightforward from history but some of characteristic demeanour is well written and portrayed here. If people read up history he has a deep passion for paintings, calligraphy, music, poetry and many other which he is very good at. His paintings stroke and the subject of his paintings are always soft and interactive rather than the usual ancient paintings which consists of vast landscape and stories of the common folk or important events, hence history has always emphasize on his character as someone who is calm and wise. As can be seen in his first appearance he is calmly and wittily recited poem to say that he was a lucky boy since birth so all obstacles can be overcome, while his eunuch panic that they are getting late to the banquet shows that he purposely stalling their journey so that his father didn’t use him as a shield from his grandfather again. It is especially emphasized later when it shows they made a pit stop where he was playing with his bird and even talking about enjoying the nature on their already delayed journey. Not in a rush at all despite the situation demanded and his eunuch panicking. This witty character traits is actually written in historical records where there are a few times Zhu Zhanji prank his ministers by bestowing them gifts with foods that they don’t like and visiting his ministers late at night suddenly for unimportant government affairs. This set up to his character on how his dealings with the female lead and his affairs. So far each scenes Zhu Zhanji appeared he is showing little by little how he is as person above being a prince and beloved grandson of the emperor. There are many scenes that shows how he can be so kind, calm, wise and a little playful but temperamental, stubborn and firm at the same time.
May I ask, which part of Xu Kai's acting is very much lacking? Not looking for a fight as everyone has their own…
I did say "You are entitled to your own opinion of course" I am just refuting back in terms of my own opinion. It's good to share different perspective.
I'm confused. Why the female lead suddenly avoid the male lead after the emperor died? And why did she enter the…
Why the female lead suddenly avoid the male lead- In episode 13 and 14 there is the mass burial of all the concubines of the late emperor as per ancient tradition and her helping empress Zhuang all the tragic fate of those concubine made her hated the feudal system which includes the male lead and when confronted in episode 14 she told everything to the male lead how her whole life was design to be the perfect design to be his wife but ended up getting cheated out of it and causing a lot of deaths of her beloved family. Then if she did chose to be his concubine, in the end if she didn't bore him an heir her fate would be the same as those poor concubines. She is disagreeing with this whole unfair system that woman has no say in their fate hence she asked to be let go. Which male lead argue back that he also has no say in any of it but has to be blame nevertheless. But he let her go nevertheless hence they are avoiding each other.
No one knows yet that she lied about her identity except a few and it was covered up by Meng Shangshi but you will see later on when it did get exposed and what happened to her. Why female lead get to stay same reason why Hu Shangshi get to stay after obviously attempted murder on female lead infront of male lead. Exposing Hu Shangshi is exposing Yao Zijin so it is a matters that will be taking care of when the right people is in the right position of powers.
It was already stated that female lead name was taken out of the list from the group of cooks who made that meal and it was obviously someone purposely took it out, Hu Shangshi knows this beforehand that's why she send someone to hunt down the female lead as she doesn't want to let her go. She would have to come back to the kitchen because no one know about the attempted murder on her except for the embroidered guard and the culprit herself and Yuehua. Considering the female lead already confronted Hu Shangshi right after where would she go afterwards while doing her own background investigation. It would be suspicious if she didn't go to kitchen as usual.
Preview Episode 24 -
https://youtu.be/B5epB9NHatU
https://m.douban.com/group/topic/260809774/?_i=56214616u7zzH_
https://www.douban.com/group/topic/260809774/?_i=56214616u7zzH_,64674006u7zzH_
Also interesting articles from Researcher of the Institute of Ancient History of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences
https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/so0i_FGdvw9_1F2bpMWOwQ
They cover extensively on the accuracy of Royal Feast covering history with very little inaccuracy. Especially on the fact that Royal Feast portrayed Brocade Guard accurately compared to other dramas where most of the dramas tend to make the Special force as some kind of ruthless special guard of the emperor and only take on huge cases when actually in history they would cover even the tiniest cases and assist even for minor tasks as long as it has the importance towards the safety of the royal family.
This article also address the issues brought up by the internet users regarding the similarity with Korean dramas attire for example the scarf. No shades at all thrown towards another country but instead the researcher provided educated points how the history itself explained the similarities.
——Qing Zhang Tingyu, "History of the Ming, Volume 299, Biography 187: The Biography of Sheng Yin"
Then we must have been watching a different dramas, I don't see how Once Upon a Time in Lingjian Mountain can be exactly as Ancient Love Poetry for example.
I did and I have read every single discussions with real images in the historical records. A very extensive discussions over the course of weeks and days before the show started airings on weibo, baidu forums and douban. Even articles from historian who talk about the drama. Have you have the chance to do a thorough research and read all these discussions where many materials was put forth?
"It's okay to be besotted and head overheels over Xu Kai.... it's not a sin just don't lost your head" "tsk tsk tsk"
Reread that lines that you wrote and see if it is a matured response. This drama is based on history and it is based on the emperor that I read a lot about. Hence I have an opinion how the character should be portrayed based on historical records. What does this have to do with besotted and head overheels over an actor? I am not a vain person who only noticed someone looks. I actually like to follow actors who seems to understand their roles regardless how they look like. That aside, I am a genuine history lover so how about having a mature and objective discussions despite not agreeing with each other rather than going on a personal attack?
Later on it became a cat and mouse game between them. Zhu Zhanji leaving an unfinished paintings and then later on instructed his attendant to send Yao Zijin back with a lantern that has mouse drawn on it which amuse her, it’s this little things that make them cute. It was obvious at this point they are amusing themselves based on each other’s common interest, the relationship did not progress to love yet. With the male lead issue with his consort and the female lead intention of getting to know the prince, it became a harmonious friendship where they enjoy each other’s company.
But of course friendship turn to fondness but it didn’t go beyond that yet especially when the male lead is angry after he took the advice of the female lead about his consort it actually did not ended the way he expected it too. The way he got angry at the female lead throwing tantrum is like a confirmation to female lead who already has a negative opinion about the feudal system that this is the person who her life was design for and it was never a fair game. So she throw a curve ball at him that he never expected not knowing her hidden past and intention when she just suddenly blurted out that she love him. A non-existence concept in his life because even marriage is consider a duty which Yao Zijin has long suspected hence she throw that curve ball. She keeps emphasizing the concept of master and slave which annoys him.
After that it became an honest relationship where they did not shy to state their opinion on what is an ideal relationship for them, between ancestral rules and pure affection. Their relationship has many hurdle to go through to the stage of love but we can already see why they can be together when they started to missed each other’s company. In opposed to Zhu Zhanji with Consort Hu, who didn’t understand any of his hobbies and quirks. It’s a slow burn romance and many people might not prefer it but it’s a rare type of romance in cdrama and I am enjoying it as it justified why their union can be in such intense situation.
I have to say this is one of my favourite writings how male lead and female lead romance develop. It is a more mature love rather than puppy love.
Major spoiler below
From the beginning she was shown to be very resolute but nonchalant at the same time. She is a gifted chef but her reason of entering the palace seems vain and simple. But we learn later on that it is not as simple. Her real name is not Yao Zijin, her surname is actually Sun. In episode 12 we got the first hint that Sun is actually the first choice to be the Imperial Grandson Concubine and she was actually Crown Princess Zhang’s mother choice over Concubine Hu who was chosen by Crown Princess Zhang (this is actually recorded in history). But the decision was later changed due to yet to be explain circumstances that cause it to change but already hinted what could have happened over the course of 18 episodes. It was revealed that Yao Zijin re-entered the palace because her foster mother urge her to reclaimed what rightfully hers. She was obviously reluctant but eventually followed her foster mother request when she passed away. In her grieve of losing everyone to this systems that groom her strictly since she was a child to be chosen as the partner of the Imperial Grandson so considering the options she made the decision to re-enter to see who replaced her and to see the Imperial Grandson herself why her whole life was compromised because of him. She was excellent in all skills being train to be the perfect wife of the beloved grandson of the emperor but in order to enter the palace she chose one skill that she never felt she was forced to do that is cooking because in her trainings she was usually beaten if she got things wrong but she was never beaten in the kitchen because the space is too small to swing the plank.
His storyline is straightforward from history but some of characteristic demeanour is well written and portrayed here. If people read up history he has a deep passion for paintings, calligraphy, music, poetry and many other which he is very good at. His paintings stroke and the subject of his paintings are always soft and interactive rather than the usual ancient paintings which consists of vast landscape and stories of the common folk or important events, hence history has always emphasize on his character as someone who is calm and wise. As can be seen in his first appearance he is calmly and wittily recited poem to say that he was a lucky boy since birth so all obstacles can be overcome, while his eunuch panic that they are getting late to the banquet shows that he purposely stalling their journey so that his father didn’t use him as a shield from his grandfather again. It is especially emphasized later when it shows they made a pit stop where he was playing with his bird and even talking about enjoying the nature on their already delayed journey. Not in a rush at all despite the situation demanded and his eunuch panicking. This witty character traits is actually written in historical records where there are a few times Zhu Zhanji prank his ministers by bestowing them gifts with foods that they don’t like and visiting his ministers late at night suddenly for unimportant government affairs. This set up to his character on how his dealings with the female lead and his affairs. So far each scenes Zhu Zhanji appeared he is showing little by little how he is as person above being a prince and beloved grandson of the emperor. There are many scenes that shows how he can be so kind, calm, wise and a little playful but temperamental, stubborn and firm at the same time.
Big spoiler ahead
In episode 13 and 14 there is the mass burial of all the concubines of the late emperor as per ancient tradition and her helping empress Zhuang all the tragic fate of those concubine made her hated the feudal system which includes the male lead and when confronted in episode 14 she told everything to the male lead how her whole life was design to be the perfect design to be his wife but ended up getting cheated out of it and causing a lot of deaths of her beloved family. Then if she did chose to be his concubine, in the end if she didn't bore him an heir her fate would be the same as those poor concubines. She is disagreeing with this whole unfair system that woman has no say in their fate hence she asked to be let go. Which male lead argue back that he also has no say in any of it but has to be blame nevertheless. But he let her go nevertheless hence they are avoiding each other.
No one knows yet that she lied about her identity except a few and it was covered up by Meng Shangshi but you will see later on when it did get exposed and what happened to her. Why female lead get to stay same reason why Hu Shangshi get to stay after obviously attempted murder on female lead infront of male lead. Exposing Hu Shangshi is exposing Yao Zijin so it is a matters that will be taking care of when the right people is in the right position of powers.
It was already stated that female lead name was taken out of the list from the group of cooks who made that meal and it was obviously someone purposely took it out, Hu Shangshi knows this beforehand that's why she send someone to hunt down the female lead as she doesn't want to let her go. She would have to come back to the kitchen because no one know about the attempted murder on her except for the embroidered guard and the culprit herself and Yuehua. Considering the female lead already confronted Hu Shangshi right after where would she go afterwards while doing her own background investigation. It would be suspicious if she didn't go to kitchen as usual.