Reviews

1st off, is Armin a cat?!? how many lives…

1st off, is Armin a cat?!? how many lives he got, cause the reckless way he's acting, am sure he has used up almost 3 in this ep alone, aish... have a feeling i am gonna have a really hard time not getting angry, at the lack of common sense that Armin displays. ******************************************************************************************************************************the plot is more or less like 'Marry My Husband', where u were murdered & get a 2nd chance at (maybe) living a better life - with a better outcome. i get that waking up 'back in time' can be a discombobulating experience. but the sec u realize what's going on, the 1st thing u start to do is make a mental list of things to do & things to avoid - that's basic. here Armin took the whole ep to flounder around & still he seems lost at the end. ***********************************************************************he has lived this life once & knows almost all of the people he is encountering, why not start by getting rid of the people that r bad & will make his life worse? what's he waiting for??? *********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************i was putting off watching this cause i knew i would have a tough time watching the 1st ep lol. but now that i am over that hurdle, i don't feel calm - now (given Armin's behavior) i am more worried - this his 2nd life & he should be more mature / experience / jaded / calculating / smart - but he isn't, he's like an innocent naïve babe that just ascended back into his life, looking at the world in wonder.... & it is making my skin itch. ************************************************************************but as i am interested & will try (bite my tongue) so i can watch this (fingers crossed) until the very end. i will ignore Armin's "flaws". ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************TD ironically is the typical rich dude that loves to "sponsor" young & upcoming talent, sadly this industry got a sh*t ton of both. but cause TD young & good looking this a romance we want... i guess - so AGAIN ignoring this fact. why is Armin special? it's not like TD hasn't "sponsored" other young talent, but there was always a give & take - nothing comes for free... so why is Armin the odd one out in TD's eyes?? guess we will find out - also did he also regress?? & who poisoned Armin??? (the 1st time around). **********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************the only plus, i like that both mains r more or less the same high & build - kinda tired of the height & size difference, where one looks like an adult & the other like his 11 yr old brother...

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Life as new recruit

There is a scene with prime minister and disciple discussing continuation of pointing guilt at General for troop loss. His daughter gets a gift from disciple and demands use of candle to light. There is a flashback of fire for the disciple but no further story given, just that fire is a trigger for him and he was permanently injured as a result. Even young He Yan was given grief about the mask her family forced her to wear. Fortunately for her, Xiao Jue showed up late for class and took some of the heat off her. By design she went to his garrison thinking best way to train but found she was mistaken. Xiao Jue is intent on harsh training. Whether this is to weed out the moles or make up for past, I don’t know yet. Cheng is there for comic relief avoiding an arranged marriage. He is put on the spot to treat a mare but proves himself inept. He Yan intervenes and shows herself capable but reveals where she learned her techniques making Xiao Jue suspicious. This did get her out of the initial screening process where she would have been required to strip. He and aide consider her a mole so be sure to give her extra monitoring. I like how the big hunter guy looks out for the smaller recruits. He certainly doesn’t have to, but he is close enough they can’t get bullied too much by the gangster group. He Yan reveals her sword techniques but stops early, whether this is for show or truly exhausted, I am not sure. The bows are set up for strong guys to draw and she doesn’t even try. There was no point to embarrassing herself further. The spear is as big as she is. Xiao Jue is still trying to figure her out. Hopefully they have uncovered the real mole and that is who investigating from two different villages. He Yan finds a hot spring and goes there to do some healing. After waking from a nightmare of his mother’s suicide, Xiao Jue also makes his way to the spring, and just realizes he is not there alone.

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The Duel on Mount Baiyue

It's episode 5 and I'm still watching the full intro cause it's just so good, I really like the ost. I like the short clips at the beginning of the past, it's adorable. Floating lanterns for the dead, ah her Man looks so lonely, that she just went to him, and it's really liek she's yapper while he doesn't talk much. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh he smiled! Seeing her folding lanterns (weird shape) he smiled. I thought he was going to touch her cheek, alas not for now. Finally the Flag Competition is here, Red Flags are placed throughout Mount Baiyue, total 15, the team who gets the most will win. I remember this Flag Arc, she'll head to take the flag placed in the most difficult place, cause this mountain has dangerous cliffs. While Xiaojue has deliberately did it, because he knows new recruits can't take the flag from such difficult cliff, but Veterans can, that is why he arranged the patrolling first, so that the traitor will know the purpose of the patrol and will definitely prepare a map of the mountain, and he already knows He Yan is a Veteran soldier. She got the flag from the cliff, really trying everything to test her. Just with only one patrol she has learned Mount Baiyue by heart. Even though the other team led by Lei Hou has all skilled martial artist, but if they can't work like a team it won't work, besides General Feihong, He Yan is really good at deploying troops, so even if her team doesn't have the strongest members, she can make do with it, with her deployment strategies. To take the Flags Individual heroism isn't sufficient, a team needs to work together, therefore Deployment matters, a Leader has to be capable. He Yan's team members all have different strengths and if she can harness their talents through deployment, they should make quite a team. Her team set up ambushes and snatching flags from other teams, better than wasting their time by looking for other flags. Both teams hold 7 flags each, the one who gets the last one will win, the terrain is treacherous, Dueling with Lei Hou for the last flag, ahhhhhh I wanted to see her Whip for such a long time. I have been so excited to see her Whip skills, finally the fight with the Whip is here!! I loved that scene where she hit Lei Hou in the arm and when Lei Hou's teammate tried to sneak attack, all her teammates came forward threatening other team with their weapons "He Yan trusts us with his back, naturally we will eliminate all threats". He Yan noticed the anomaly, that Lei Hou's moves are odd, checkmate, binded too and if even a little more pressure his neck would've been sliced with his own sword. Atleast he knows now that He Yan can't be the spy, cause if she was then why would she eagerly attract his attention on herself. He can't figure out her intention to join the army. He Rufei is heartless, planning to ruin things. The actor is really playing well the charcter of He Rufei "thumbs up". Happy to see Chu Zhao, he'll be heading to Yezhou soon. He Yan was supposed to join the Nine Banner Battalion but Lei Hou was chosen instead, feeling devastated that she tried to get closer to her aim but someone else was chosen.

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Greed, jealousy and revenge

We finally get the mom’s background story. She is such a selfish, tunnel visioned soul. Everything is through the lense of her pain rather than reality. When she ran into Ye Meng’s mom, she could have leaned on her for help and comfort, but no…someone who only meant her well must have her entire family suffer….why? Because she could. It has to be horrid for Jin Yu to realize his dad is a rapist and his mother a would be murderer. That is definitely something to process. Even tho his mom is not guilty of the crime she is in prison for…she is guilty of so much more. I have no pity for her, just her sons who must live in the shadow of who their mother is. That respite of happiness should have had her change her ways, but she was cruel to Jin Yu anyways. He would never have had any respite from her had it not been for her second husband. His whole family embraced the child she hated because they recognized he was innocent and just needed a loving family. They supported him against the odds and she made sure there was a mountain of them to overcome. Ya En still did not apologize to Kai. She did, however, have a candid conversation with him about her feelings. After an abusive relationship, it is not unreasonable to ask for time, and he was offered minimal consolation that she had feelings for him. There is still hope for these two. They deserve a happy ending. Ye Meng wakes up in the hospital and finds Jin Yu missing. A letter he left made it seem like he was going to end it all. He was referring to business, but she was scared and tracked him down. He removes himself from the company with the one demand to keep the fishing village as is. He did well for his short term as CEO. Kai opens his new restaurant. It looks like it will be quite successful. We finally hear the backstory of boss and Jin Yu. He apologizes but his friend is still hurt. Wonder who will now get to be Dartagnan the 4th musketeer? If they do not bring justice to the evil man that stole the ring, I will be very unhappy with this drama. He still has not received justice. His part in the crime needs brought to light. I don’t know that I want Ye Meng to get that ring back, but she deserved it. For all the bad they let this episode end on a positive note. No clue what they will do to round out the story in last episode. I want to see Gma’s happy and Wang Xing Sheng in jail before story wrapped up.

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INTENSE!! TOP NOTCH ACTING!

WOW! Where do I start!!This episode started off sweet, funny. We witnessed a sassy banter between In and Thap then in the second half we saw In's vision about Thap coming to life!!The final scene ruined me!! Sea's acting was phenomenal. You could feel every emotion he was feeling. The frustration, the regret, the disappointment in himself for not being able to save his parents. The panic and fear was so clear on his face in the elevator scene. His body language only made it that much more realistic. Jimmy knocked it right out of the park too. He's come such a long way since VV and LT. These two truly complement each other. They're perfect for each other. Like I said, that final scene ruined me and I expected nothing less. JIMMYSEA YOU TWO WERE AMAZINGGG. HATS OFF TO YOU MY DEARS.Bring on episode 3 I can hardly wait!!!

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Glory to dust to determination

This was a very impactful episode. We start with the bravery of troops fighting overwhelming odds, the betrayal causing reinforcements to arrive too late, and the discarding of the courageous to make room for those feigning honor and loyalty to emperor. He Yan has been disguised forever as her ailing brother. She received martial arts training as soon old enough and was partnered with the general’s son to be the two swords that would secure the empire. We don’t know why she was delayed but the general died in her arms as she arrives too late to support them. His son is rightfully angry and grabs the twin sword they were given saying she was unworthy. She vows to clear the general’s name and then is poisoned and hidden in the very temple she has never seen but always assumed to be healing in. Her ‘brother’ shows up to claim all her glory and to outright lie about the occurrences on the battlefield. He steps right in and immediately wants to silence his sister. The father and son are nauseating in their treatment of the very people that fought to the death for their protection. They have taken the most loyal and banished or silenced them to keep their treachery and disguised son’s secret. They poisoned He Yan so that she was blinded and then still wanted her life. It is interesting that she and Xiao Jue meet briefly when he intervenes and thwarts the plan on her life. Both unaware of the treachery behind the scenes. She escapes and has a run in with fake general’s guard. What I like is that she met that guard with courage fighting with what she had. While still defeated, that guard knew he was fighting a general and not the weak woman he claims her to be. He assures the general she is dead and they feel secure in their deceit. Somehow she survives and is healed by a physician well acquainted with her. She can now see and is as determined as Xiao Jue to make things right. She enters the garrison with a smile feeling she is at home and ready to get started. I liked how Xiao Jue and He Yan walked mirror paths. They are equally determined to get to the truth that occurred on that disastrous day 30k troops lost their lives. They are both willing to put their lives on the line and even tho coming from the lowest place possible, they are free from the He’s and can pursue their goals with unbridled determination. I really enjoyed this first episode. It laid out the premise for these two quite nicely.

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idk why but i was sure this would have a sad…

idk why but i was sure this would have a sad ending for the main couple or rather, that Ren would end up lone while Miu would've moved on. & even though i should rejoice i feel apathetic... it was very realistic (i guess), as most of the character's weren't fanciful or magical like fairytale character's come to life - they were flawed, broken & hurting... in spite it all they found the strength within themselves to face their fears & go after their hearts desire. ******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************somehow the main couple were the most flawed or Ren was & the fact he kept throwing himself a pity party while acting very selfishly was infuriating - like the start of this last ep - where he was basically acting like all the women in his life took advantage & used him, like he was a passive doll - an inanimate object they picked up along the way & once they got done playing, discarded him & moved on. women aren't stupid, when feelings r involved they might act stupid, but on a whole most of the women that got involved with him, even if at the start they thought there was a chance he would warm & open up, allowing them into his life & heart, they soon came to the conclusion that he had nothing to offer... wasn't interested in offering anything but his body. so they took what was offered & when they wanted more, they moved on. but they the "bad-guy" & he the poor used victim?!???? bish plz ***************************************************************************************************even until the end (before the exchange of art books) even though he knew he loved & wanted to be with Miu, what did he do? did he seek her out? he did everything but seek her out. when he finally went to her, cause she didn't welcome him with open arms, he told her he just came to help & was leaving ASAP. so how can i rejoice for a character like this? *************************Miu's the typical woman in love, even when the person she loves is a lost cause, as long as she loves him it is enough no matter the heartache she knows she will sufferer, that is a sacrifice she will happily suffer for her love. this more depressing then encouraging & uplifting, but the end - ***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************this was well acted & wasn't boring, but idk if i will rewatch...

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Killing the wolf with Bare Hands

Finally the Banner Competition!! Nice! The Recruits have completed their 1st month of training so it's time. He Yan found the anonymous person who bet on her. It was hilarious when XiaoJue was looking at He Yan from side like no those flatbreads are not mine. He Yan was teasing him when she found out that her Commander was the anonymous person. I've been waiting for this Flag Competition for so long! First they'll patrol the mountains after that the competition will be held. Nope He Yan's team had gone up the mountain for patrolling, but the WB and ZX are clearly not thinking of her as their leader, and will disobey her. The Wolf fight scene is here! They made trouble, now He Yan's gotta act fast. She helped him up the horse now left alone to deal with the wolves, bitten by a wolf, two nasty wounds, falling into the deep pit. Xiao Jue himself came to find her, and she was caught dreaming a vacation with her sweetheart lol. She's too funny, taunting him like this, will you make me walk back to the camp? I'm injured lol. And he's just rolling his eyes. When she leaned on him while on horse back He found out she's a woman, and he was shocked as to why a woman came all the way to Yezhou to join the army. Returned to the base, XJ's eavesdroping on He Yan's and Cheng Lisu's conversation how she said he took the right decision he has to maintain discipline this is an army, if they didn't execute Zhang Xuan and tomorrow if they had gone to war, who'd trust him to guard their back? She's lying about having a fiancee lol, to escape CL's examination. Ahhhhhhhhhh! Running into the arms of Xiaojue!! Can't wait for tomorrow.

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Double Duel in 10 Days

The past event was cute. What am I witnessing! Fighting in the hot spring, literally hiding your body is difficult, but she's underwater trying to splash as much water as possible so he won't be able to see her, amazing scene, and even underwater she was trying her best that he won't be able to see her (cause she was bathing so no clothes), she casually kicked him twice into the water and was like after it all "bye commander, Xiao" and he was like "it's you again!" That hot spring scene will become one of the fav scenes of this drama, Xiao Jue with this black armor cavalry riding the horses valiantly, such Majestic scene, Jiuqi camp, I almost forgot about it, the soldiers trained by him, and only accepts Elite Warriors. The core of the Xiao Army. I like how fast paced all this is, him setting a bait right after observing her moves in last night fight, and her understanding that he's setting a bait to hook her. She has decided to play along and will join Jiuqi camp honourably, She's so confident while taking to Instructor Shen, like you won't find a better warrior than me in your recruits. Ahhhhh finally the competition between Wang Ba and He Yan, when he's bullying her but she's the type to break the bully's nose. The Archery competition finally ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! In 10 days I'll defeat you in Archery, your best skill! We know she will. Oh my she's challenging Jiang too for a Spear challenge in 10 Days which is his best skill, finally will be able to watch it and not read it! Training at night so she'll be able to win in 10 days, I love her the most. At this point I'm fangirling over here and not reviewing, anyways continue blushing watching her. When she's training, XJ's here himself to see her progress, sparring, the best thing in action scenes. A spear duel between them. She's using all the flattery and reasons for XiaoJue to train her, ah a condition if you can resist 10 strikes in a circle, I'll train you. Is this sparring or spring? More like Romancing but fiercely. Just inches away, ahhhhhhhhhhh! She's standing on his feet totally balanced. He Yan let go of him, his subordinates will think that he likes men. She's going to use him to succeed. Quite a quick learner. When she entered his tent, there was the Qinglang sword, feeling emotional meeting after such a long time, the master craftsman forged two swords one was Yinqiu and the other was Qinglang, handed to both of them. Ah XJ's there with the sword pointed at her neck, they're betting their flatbreads on either Jiang Jiao, Wang Ba or He Yan lol. Finally the most awaited duel, the Archery competition! Even the instructors are there for the duel. Scene of the duel is amazing, ahhhhhhhh she went back and then shot the target, shot from far than Wang Ba. Time for Spear Sparring, she won fabulously. In Xiaojue's eyes HeYan the recruit, is a formidable opponent.

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