IpohBanana

@gilaswan YWY was borderline insane, all out for vengeance and indignant that the world owes him for the massacre of his family, and the curse placed on his family. Clearly the death of his family was at the hands of one person, so why would the rest of the world owe him? For BFX's father, I think he would have readily agreed with her decision, his priority was the people, not the power. As for HFX's dad, he's handed over the reigns and little he can do about it, but I think he would be somewhat uncomfortable at the thought of relinquishing all that autonomy. Still, his main priority is for the state to prosper, so if HC can guarantee that, it's not an either-or value proposition. I saw that video on twitter, I think YY's dancing background clearly gave him an advantage, following the moves must have come easily to him, though I it was evident from ZLS's face that she was having much more fun!

@gilaswan 1. So the Empyrean Token was never lost? Who has it then? >>YYW, he murdered the emperor and took it to lift the curse. It wasn't lost, the story of it being lost was circulated by the Emperor at the suggestion of YWY so that the states could fight amongst each other and not focus on the Imperial family. 2. How did YWY lift the curse? I thought all he managed to do was to suppress it for a while? Clearly he surpassed 30 though. >>> answer above 3. The Emperor just so easily abdicated? Hurh?? But he chose to hand the throne over to FLX? Because he’s the only one who was actually related to the imperial family by blood? >>> actually I have no idea, but I suspect that is right, because he has royal blood. After all, it was a joint army that entered the imperial grounds. 4. What happened to the magical flower? I thought there were many petals left. If only one petal could restore FLX’s inner strength, why could it not restore BFX or even FLX’s life? >>> the worm ate it. LOL, no mention of it. Not only that, why don't you ask what happened to the Sect Head (the teenage leader) and her sect brother going to the border to investigate YWY? They disappeared from the face of the drama I believe. 5. How did YWY manage to keep the Sacred Jade Moon skill when it was meant to only be a temporary imprint? >>> I think he absorbed the know-how/power through the pearl. So, it's kinda like he imbibed a 3-d printer??? LOL 6. So FQW became the new Lord of Yongzhou? They left the leadership to their generals? >>A bureaucrat cum general and a general, to be precise. I consider FQW more a bureaucrat though I think she still holds the role of general for her family's army. For HFX, ruling the world was a means to an end, world peace. I don't think he was really besotted with the power, or the position, at least as compared with Huang Chao. So, if he can pass the mantle of leadership to someone else (who shares the same ideals of world peace) and spend what's left of his life with the woman he loves, why not? I still don't like the idea of 10 years, but then again as peperomia pointed out, they've led a particularly dangerous life all this while, so knowing when one has to go in a strange way is a blessing, even if it's a rather morbid one.

sorry I was referring to the co-stars of Flight To You

@themarchioness yes, that's the mooncake we were referring to! Ok, so after you've watched it, you'll know. I think the bridges and waterways in her old hometown implied that it was either Suzhou or Hangzhou. Thanks for confirming it! I am just curious what salty mooncakes taste like... is it hard to make? The pastry is flaky though, not the usual soft doughy ones that accompany the sweet fillings.

@peperomia It was a neat ending when it came to the power struggle (though I always thought that it was just a means to an end, both HC and HFX truly wanted world peace and sitting on the throne was the way to achieve it, neither coveted the power alone). That part left a good aftertaste, no doubt about that. And that HC still kept his wits about him and chose to believe the couple when it came to YWY, reiterated his underlying morality and values, which augurs well for the Dadong Empire. So, when our fine looking couple both 'abdicated' or relinquished their power to a bureaucrat and a general, it made a lot of sense. No point having so many cooks, one good chef, ie HC, is enough to rule the Empire. the heartbreak I was referring to was about Han Pu. >> I am not quite clear why Han Pu had to go at that juncture. To fulfil a vow he made to repay her for saving his life? To enable viewers to shed some tears? To show how the couple had both doted on him? As an opportunity to showcase a grieving BFX, after the death of her master, brother and father? Just to comply with the novel? Oh well... so I see it as a blessing that they can cherish the time they still have together in peace. >> I think back about the vow HFX made to BFX under the tree amidst a golden hue, "I can't promise you forever and ever, we both know that's a lie. But what I promise you is that I will hold your hand/ be by your side till the day I die." In that regard, he kept to his word. So, it's really about quality or quantity. I am somewhat comforted that he roughly knows how much longer he has and he can plan how he wishes to spend the rest of his days with her (I know for endings like that, viewers take two difference stance: "to accept the overt ending or secretly believe that somehow, somewhere, the protagonists will be able to change the fate in store for them."). If I were to go with the first stance, no one is spared from death, and knowing at least when one has to go, ironically has some advantages to it. Even if this is a wuxia drama, and they both have acquired jaw-dropping abilities, death is inevitable. I remember what Steve Jobs said at the commencement speech in Stanford "No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don’t want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it." By the way, when BFX was injured by the cannons, HFX called out to her as “Feng Xi”. >> Yes, I noticed that, even from the trailers. I didn't know what transpired in the novel, but I agree with your POV, it warmed my heart that no matter how royal her blood is, he has and always will love the free-spirited BFX. this tragedy made me understand the fury in BFX, especially when she flew toward the cannons. >> That was probably the main motivation, when heart took over head. A part of me also thinks it's her underlying values of destroying a device that has mass destruction capabilities. Even from the earlier episode, her stance was clear, those cannons had to go. On a lighter note, I was browsing through another forum and laughed at someone's witty comment - that the story had taken it rather literally when it came to the saying 白头到老 or to live together until one's hair turns white in old age.

@40somethingahjumma @movingwheel well, I was a bit hesitant about watching The Psy but since the kissing scenes are such a temptation, I will watch it starting tomorrow when I am done with Master of My Own. As for Xiao Zhan, unless one is gifted I think it takes years to hone one's craft, six years does not an actor make. I am sure his chemistry with the co-star in that particular BL show was warranted but it does not mean one is versatile enough to do well in other shows. Besides, he trained as an idol, and his forte probably is more music than acting. Give him some more years, perhaps he may do better, if he's teachable and smart enough to pick up the finer points of acting. I am eagerly anticipating the OTP of ST and WK, men in uniform and not just any uniform, an airplane pilot at that too!

@40somethingahjumma hhhmmm the middle scene in the alley way really fit that description, like his life depended on it. LOL [I wish he could rub off some of his ways on someone else I am watching right now who looks like he is doing it just to make sure the shot looks professional, in a deliberate manner.] Tbh though, he isn't that good looking in the Psychologist, I might even dare say, he looks quite common place, of course this is my POV only. But that he caught your attention must mean he scored highly in the acting department. Sometimes I wonder if it's a matter of confidence, that actors especially male ones are able to go that erh extra mile (unless of course they have an unsavoury reputation or are secretly into the co-star). I mean surely, there would be this nagging voice in your head, would my co-star be comfortable with this? Is it ok to go to this extent? (coz I've seen some actually even do a french kiss) Of course, I can understand if they are really comfortable with each other and the female lead also tacitly gives in with encouraging signals during the shoot (putting aside those that are secretly in a relationship where this won't be an issue at all). As for the tame kiss with Seven, let's wait. This is a teaser so they probably aren't that familiar with each other yet. Let's see if in the course of the actual drama, he'll be able to beat his own track record. hahaha

@40somethingahjumma trust you to highlight the most salient aspect of Jing Bo Ran! I will anticipate that kiss, going by the teaser it certainly looks good, drat the distracting lights though.

@peperomia The mountain scene with the single thread that he couldn't sever, was poetic and had a nice philosophical touch to it. Those scenes were more memorable to me as they reminded me of the nostalgia, tied to my childhood wuxia days. The old man has such a face issue, that he couldn't let Queen Qi Yue outshine his son. And admitting that it was a face issue when his son said that their marriage was out of love, not about power was hilarious, that expression on his face! What a strange and trivial motivation to let his son ascend, after having such a firm grip on power. [By the way, I notice that he now sits by his father's side when he talks, and I think its symbolic of their relationship.] I think that scene and the publication of novels were the more light-hearted moments - I suppose with the very serious tone, this was a needed touch. The eunuch by her side explaining why her court officials were protesting was just as funny. The scene where BFX stood up to greet Qi Wu excitedly reminded me that deep down inside, there is a care-free girl yearning to have fun with her friends, but can't because she is the only one left now to shoulder the responsibility. Ironical that both father and brother tried to shield her from this care-worn world, only to have her take it on, totally by herself. [Side note: why would one do the make-up the night before? She can't sleep till the next morning? Won't her make up smudge while she is sleeping? face-palm moment] About the heart break, yah, I know. I hope they don't drag it out too long. I already expect a HE, just wonder how it will play out. Have a laugh at the BTS though for what is meant to be a really sad scene. Incidentally, I didn't anticipate that the timeline for their wedding was 1 year later, and then 5 years later, before the fight for power continued. Oh, and the cutie Han Pu, has grown up - but does one become a general at the age of 15 or 16? And this is assuming he was 10 or 11 then, but I think he was much younger?? Oh and I have one last question, was she the last person standing in that scene when FLX came rushing with his Calvary? I was looking high and low to see if there were any Fengyun troops left... Edited after watching E40, they did what to the ending???? It ended on a positive note, a carefree life for both, starting with them flying off into the sky after their decrees to the drawing of eyebrows for each other (in the middle of cooking, what??). HFX did choose BFX and HC chose the world [I knew HFX wouldn't keep the scroll, of course it had to be HC's]. They didn't linger on HC's loveless marriage, I don't think that was even a point in this drama, and he didn't injure her, the cannons did (so that part was written off unlike in the novel). The part where she was healed by the old Master felt really like a rushed job and I felt a little hoodwinked (I am still wondering whether they had that much stuff to edit out, despite knowing the government ruling of 40 episodes ahead of time). Her getting out of bed and him not by her side seemed really strange, I am more used to the usual scene where the ML would have accompanied the FL till she woke up. That whole part from the moment she woke up till the fight with YWY felt like I was watching a drama at 1.5X mode. And how convenient that the very person who saves BFX has the back story to the Yu family! [erh can someone explain how that old master even came into the picture in the first place? How did HFX know to reach out to him to save BFX?]

I saw this teaser, and was in love with the OTP. Apparently she is an investment director and he is an EOD soldier (explosives ordnance disposal), at least that's what baidu says for now. AND apparently his parents have arranged a marriage for him when they meet again. So, this is gonna be angsty but I am sure dramas that Seven Tan (ST) stars in typically are well written. At least, JBR looks the part of a soldier (sorry I was thinking of a lawyer with a bad hair do). I think ST is someone who knows how to identify her competitive advantage in this highly competitive market. In a world where one's appearance and height can put one at a disadvantage, she's been able to carve out a space for herself, identify scripts with good potential, showcase her acting ability and have a good working relationship with her co-stars (she endears herself to them, the chemistry is great, and her shows gain a favourable viewing which augurs well for her in getting new projects).

@OsmanthusTea yes, I believe your guess is a good one (though I wonder what brought that on, a personal vendetta or money?)! Someone on YT has expressed the same opinion and I believe this person is privy to the plot. I wonder if there has even been an ounce of genuine affection for NM, poor girl has to learn to be a better judge of character. Having said that, she bounces back quickly on her feet and is intelligent enough to learn from her 'mistakes', so I am not too concerned about her. It's just another of life's moments. As her father said, you can't stay down or misfortune can't hound you forever! I enjoyed watching E28-29 and had a few good laughs. @SilverMoonTea I agree with you - their relationship is such an endearing one. And the way she tries to cheer him up and stand by him gives me such feel-good moments. I am glad he grabbed the opportunity to follow her home, I secretly think it made his day that she offered.

Good morning/ evening @gilaswan @peperomia As expected the visuals at the wedding were grand and befitting of a queen. I don't know if having flower girls throw petals into the air constitutes 10 li or 5km of flowers (or was the adornment on the floor based on a floral pattern? sorry such details are lost on me, obviously I don't have a high level of attention to details ) After last night's episodes, I felt gratified when HFX saw fit to inflict an eye for an eye injury - his future wife was slashed in the arm, and he returned the favour to Huang Chao. And the words uttered "He dared hurt my woman" (or sth to that effect) placated me; in the very least, I derived great satisfaction from the seething fury he expressed. HFX isn't given the opportunity to be romantic or affectionate that much (so in that regard getting to gush in this drama when he does, feels like stealing a treat when I am on a diet, few and far in between). Of course this comparison is relative and I was thinking of dramas like My Sassy Princess. To be honest, I enjoyed the supper scene (more) where they both stole away from the formalities to indulge in a tête-à-tête, the night before the wedding. It was a priviledged moment that the director/producer allowed us as viewers to enjoy. Though the wedding formalities were grand, it was state function and a necessity, so it didn't quite tug at my heart strings. I'd much rather watch them interacting, without the inconvenience of an entire hall of officials. We are at the last two episodes, and as I await to bid this show farewell, I'd like to say, I now have a much better appreciation for angst. I've questioned why moments of angst were necessary in the past, and thought they were there merely necessary, as a typical component of a plot. But having watched this drama, I now realise that angst is important because when viewers experience the downs they can better appreciate the ups or the highs that follow. I believe the novel introduced a few angsty moments that caused BFX pain, but this drama has simplified it so much so that the angst is limited to physical injury which were very efficiently resolved. As they say, when there is no dark, what is the meaning of light, when there is no good, can one tell what is evil? I have a newfound respect for angst now, as long as it's executed properly and not thrown in just for good measure. On my last note, I recently came across a term - psychology androgyny - which refers to individuals with strong personality traits associated with both sexes, combining toughness and gentleness, assertiveness and nurturing behaviour (source: britannica.com). And I wanted to applaud the person who casted Zhao Lu Si in the role of BFX. There are few actresses who could have pulled off this role that required an individual with such traits (of course one that also is known as a traffic actor). Ma Si Chun and Yang Mi come to mind, but I think their age would not have fit the character. Thanks to her portrayal, we are able to find the character more believable. [If you watched the interview, when someone asked ZLS in an interview, what she thought was a romantic moment, she replied "When HFX created a carnage and cleared a path for her in the battlefield, the most romantic" - what a savage! Also evidence that she isn't quite our typical girl!]

@peperomia The part that miffed me about the revelation was the typical 'viewers interpret what they want from a scene'. The hand movement - was it shock that her father was in ill health and/or surprise at her identity? I think it's a cheap trick when they do that or a sign of lazy writing/editing. Even if one is too lazy to write it into a script, adding in a few more explanations in the conversation between both would have resolved that. As for HC, I like that he pointed out to YWY that his suggestions/behaviour was a departure from his normal stand of 'world peace'. I like that HC wasn't giddy at the thought of impending world domination and he was able to keep his head screwed on right, at least in that very moment. Thank heavens the teenage Head of the Sect is being portrayed in a more level-headed manner, with her wits about her. But I question the logic of bringing a young child along in such a dangerous situation and in letting him set fire to the barracks? Wow, the education curriculum in that sect must be outstanding!

The idiot dare raise his hand against NM! My gawd....well, better sooner than later that she found out about his unbridled anger management issues. I can't wait for tomorrow night. Loving it that she's getting acknowledged at work and that the lady boss is such a great mentor and friend to her. Am also glad that he had a chance to explain the few incidences where he was seemingly mean to her in the past and her admitting that she realised his intent, even if his method/mannerism wasn't terribly commendable.

@NiteWalker latest news on dubbing, based on government guidelines, actors will have to pay the cost of dubbing/voice over if they choose not to do it, out of their own pockets, in agreement with the production house on who is to do the VO. Plus another ruling/guideline, the agreement with actors concerning the drama production will have to state clearly how the actors will be listed in credits, and strictly adhere to it. This is to prevent fandom fights over who is top billing.

@OsmanthusTea a woman's instinct is to be trusted, the instinct in her tells her that she should be wary of him but she hasn't found a logical reason as to why she should do so yet. I think the big reveal will be coming soon. @SilverMoonTea

@SilverMoonTea nope, I don't have Youku premium, I am watching it on free-source channel, no subs. So I have to guess a bit, not 100% perfect comprehension but enough to know what is going on. Their relationship has taken a backstage, this entire episode is about the ML and her bestie. Wow, the bestie's beau should get an award, for

@SilverMoonTea wah the dramagods answered my question so fast. within first 15mins of E26, I got the answer already.

@peperomia I think I've just got an answer to the first spoiler para that I wrote you in the post just before this one... how closely does this drama follow the novel (for that particular portion of the story) Updated after watching E35-36 They got to meet, they got to meet!!!! [jumping for joy that FLX got to meet both father and brother, though it wasn't shown but implied for the latter, or was it referring to the earlier meeting at the treaty agreement??] Despite the death of her brother, I am comforted that BFX got to spend sometime with him and her father. It was a dignified death for the old King and I hope she finds out that her brother was killed in a cowardly fashion. I liked the manner in which HFX comforted BFX when she stood atop the tower, the choice of words he used to reach out to her was caring enough without being overly protective. He tried to coax her to speak, fearful of not knowing what was going on in her head. And the way she grieved for her family fit BFX as a character, it was calm yet one could sense the inner turmoil she felt (the momentary look of confusion when she said she had no family and he said she still had him, it was as if she didn't know what to make out of that...) I am also comforted that FLX volunteered to go with her; fair's fair - she was there for him and he will now stand by her side. Though I am a bit miffed at the revelation of how he found out, I would have much preferred had she told him instead of him easedropping or rather stumbling upon the truth. And I am equally miffed that he hadn't put two and two together prior to that. Silly scriptwriters, who don't take viewers' IQ into consideration - how can we believe that such a highly intelligent and scheming person, couldn't tell her identity from all the little clues prior to that? Am enjoying BFX transform into a kick-a** queen/ general and that HFX only steps in when required. And finally, they're figuring out what a gentleman YWY is NOT!

@SilverMoonTea I've watched the last few episodes and I'm at E25. I'm happy to leave it like this for now, and not watch the earlier ones - I might just throw something at my computer screen if I do. Though I know this is about a redemption arc for the ML, I am not in the mood to watch annoying or overbearing characters just yet. Wondering what will trigger NM to leave her beau, but the way at which E25 ended and the scene just before that might be a tell-tale sign. And I am itching to find out if NM's bestie's relationship will last. Watching this drama makes me feel so grounded to reality (in relation to WRTW, which is at the other end of the reality spectrum) with the conversations and scenes that take place. To the person who casted KL, good job - his face alone already has won half the battle in portraying this character, coupled with his acting, I haven't doubted for a moment that he isn't LJM.

@peperomia I've watched the MV you uploaded and saw the few upcoming snippets hinting at what is to come. I was curious to know the novel ending (you've read it I believe?) as I have not read it. And I've decided never to read a novel prior to watching a drama, unless I just want to peek at the ending (then again the drama can choose to take a different route). I have had one experience prior to this where I read the novel and though the drama didn't deviate too much for certain key parts, I was still left dissatisfied with the way it was filmed. Thus, I've decided not to do so anymore. oh yes, I wonder how the stunt crew managed to pull that scene off where FQW and BFX almost seemed to be flying horizontally as they cut down a swath of soldiers. That was simply amazing!

@peperomia you were right, the final battle is waged My thoughts of E33-34, I felt extremely proud of Feng Ju for saying everything that FLX ought to have said and what we as viewers wanted to say to 'daddy dearest'. I couldn't help but clap my hands when he said out loud "look at what he did to the son who cares about him the most/ protects him, he took away his 'loi kong' and sent him out of the state." It doesn't look like we will get to see any flashbacks between daddy dearest and FLX, will we? I thought the restrain that FLX put on and the shock he tried to hide when his father asked him to sit next to him was quite funny (it looked like he was trying his hardest to act normal around his father when it felt extremely akward and the words he uttered were extremely politically correct, he never for once has let his guard down in front of the father, has he?). In actuality it was a very sorry state for a man (the king) who tried to (as he put it) hold onto everything but in the end held onto nothing (imagine having such a tragic scene play out in front of one's own eyes, on one's birthday). Though he must have at least done one thing right/ acquired enough merits to have FLX still protect him when he was in dire need of it. I am cussing right now, because our dear girl still doesn't know what is going on in her homestate. sigh, meddlesome scriptwriters.

@movingwheel saw in a YT video.... yet to be confirmed though, let's see. I can understand some chinese though nothing too complicated

@SilverMoonTea I came here after watching the trailer for tonight's episodes. Even from that short snippet and some previews of his really arrogant and unlikeable personality, I enjoyed watching him get jealous, having to swallow his pride and deal with his own inner demons. Her final question to him is the typical wake-up call/ challenge of "Who are you to me that you can give me that kind of advice?" The one that either compels him to pull her in close for that darn kiss or will eventually lead to it. But there's more to come, isn't there?

@gilaswan you know the saying "better to work with the known devil, than the unknown devil?" and besides "he still needs someone to warm his bed and keep the inner harem/court at bay?" Also, perhaps a tiny part of him thinks with something else other than his brains. LOL I am breathlessly waiting for the time when HC finds out YWY has been pulling fleece over his eyes all these time. And I wonder who/what the big reveal will be @peperomia