Pressed but not crushed...

Melancholic. 

I know I had always loved Hye Sung’s mom for how she always believed in Hye Sung and thought the world of her and supported her.

But I also adore the way Do Yeon’s mom was written, especially during the fallout when Do Yeon discovered the truth about her adoption and her birth father. It takes guts to walk out on your husband of many years, especially in such a patriarchal society like Korea and when said husband is quite an influential figure.

So I read that Malaysia has as good as passed new laws coming down hard on perpetrators of sexual crimes against children.

And that it all started with the journalists of R.age which is the youth news platform for The Star. They went undercover and caught so many in the act.

As I was telling my best friend, I am glad to have found this out because now I have hope. 

These agents of change are the literal voices of tomorrow for the country. Their courage and selflessness, their passion for the cause… it is amazing. This is the proof that every voice counts. This is the proof that the essence of journalism still exists. This is the proof that social commentary and the pursuit of justice is very much alive in the hearts of today’s generation.

Change does not care how young you are. All it takes is for one person to get the ball rolling, for one voice to speak up. Journalism and democracy at its finest.

Bravo R.age. And thank you.

Please read more about their Predator in my Phone campaign.

1. Pffft Consort Jing’s face when Jingyan was hesitating when the Emperor beckoned him. Like, quick to what he says.

2. Meng Zhi! Lol. he wanted a tangerine too. Also, “It’s just the Capital patrols.” because he controls 50000 Imperial guards. Eager puppy wanting to know Mei Changsu’s opinion on who will gain control of the Capital patrols.

Smart cut away from Changsu’s proverb to the Emperor giving control of Capital patrols to Jingyan.

3. Jingyan hesitates. Because he remembered Changsu’s advice not to advance too much and too far. Consort Jing looking a little uneasy. Aww, Jingyan is disappointed when the Emperor wanted to nap in Zhiluo palace, it’s so obvious on his face as he turns to leave. But then he literally lights up when he is allowed to visit without needing permission. So adorably little boyish.

4. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Inner palace politics. Ooo snap. Barbed double meaning comments to and fro. But man, so petty, Consort Jing cannot get a word in.

5. Mu Qing, so listless, didn;t even greet Meng Zhi properly. Is he missing Nihuang? He really adores her, lol. Also, Meng Zhi showing that he is actually politically savvy as well, able to read into the implications of both Mu Qing and Nihuang guarding the tomb. Pffft everyone enforcing the listen-to-Mr-Su rule to Mu Qing pwahahaha.

6. Princess Xuanji is very impressive. Establishing Hong Xiu Zhao despite her circumstances. I would not mind watching a drama about her life tbh. Also, her actress is fantastic - just look at how she is able to convey smugness and superiority in her gaze.

7. Mei Changsu knows what you are up to Qin Banruo. Oh, but to be able to inspire such loyalty even beyond death. And Banruo, who is determined to appease Princess Xuanji - if there was a drama about the Hua kingdom, I would not mind watching it.

8. “Meng dage, you come here too often, I hope nobody suspects we have a close relationship.” But look at Meng all proud about his skill. And him calling Changsu Xiao Shu. And then being all sad puppy because Changsu cannot write with the same vigour. And then shaking all the sad thoughts away. Scurrying away to hide in the secret tunnel because Prince Yu arrives.

9. And we see that Jingyan’s hesitation is not unfounded because Prince Yu is suspicious. Changsu almost looking proud when Prince Yu was ranting about Jingyan’s achievements. And Prince Yu blabbering on about Banruo’s “incompetence” and her suspicions of a traitor (alerting Changsu to the fact).

10. Prince Jing being all efficient and competent. Ouyang Chi, we meet again! 

11. Pffft, Changsu casually enjoying his tea as Prince Yu rants about Prince Jing.

12. Meng Zhi so bored with the book. And then totally gobsmacked when Jingyan opens his end of the tunnel. Stammering when needing a reason to be there. But fortuitous in a way as well. At least Prince Yu won’t hear the ringing bell. 

So. Much. Awkwardness. Between Meng and Jingyan. That smile/grimace preceding the awkward nod. Hahaha.

13. Mei Changsu is masterful with words. And his understanding of Prince Yu and the Emperor. I am almost convinced myself with what he is saying. The fact that Prince Yu wants to believe is helping Changsu.

14. Qin Banruo is kinda awesomely badass when she whips out that small knife of hers.

15. Pssht, “With me here, what is there to worry about in regards to the jianghu?” asserting his dominance as well as ensuring that the Zhuos will no longer be involved in the fight for the crown.

16. Hmmm, Banruo is almost similar to Mei Changsu in that she is as driven by her purpose as he is by his. But while he is driven by a quest for justice, she is driven by vengeance and a desire for anarchy. But they are both equally stubborn despite what the people around them say.

17. Naggy Li Gang! Lol, Changsu forgot all about poor Meng Zhi. Luckily he called him by his official title instead of Meng dage. Jingyan looking happy even just thinking about being able to visit his mother without needing permission.

“Your highness cannot move aggressively, but neither can you not move.”

Aww, look at Meng Zhi constantly talking up Mei Changsu. 

“If we bet our success on the choices of our opponents, that is the worst method. When we have a countermeasure for whatever choices our opponents make, only then can it be counted as having control over the general situation.”

1. Hmmm do you think it was the emotional Lin Shu or the cold Changsu telling Jingyan that it was lucky he was not in Da Liang or he would have been caught in the crossfire? Because Lin Shu would be grateful Jingyan is alive because it is his water buffalo cousin but Changsu would be grateful because then Prince Jing could be in a position of power to assist in overturning the verdict in the Chiyan rebellion case. It is also entirely possible that I am overanalysing this bit, lol.

2. Also, what the - Changsu, is this a test for Jingyan? Why are you advising him to let it go? With a formal bow and an imploring “Do not investigate further”? This must be a test right?

Loyal honourable water buffalo Jingyan will not give up or give in. “But if I really gave up, there will be no ties of friendship or loyalty to speak of.” “If I don’t figure it out, I shall never rest in peace.” And now it is Jingyan’s turn to formally request Changsu’s assistance.

And he is steadfast in this, despite the endless troubles it may bring, despite the lack of benefit to his current plan, despite the difficulty in getting the Emperor to admit his own mistake. Because he wants to clear their names. Because it was his brother who died at the hands of corruption and lust for power. Because it is the right thing to do. 

It is moving. Even Changsu is moved. I think Jingyan passed muster on his test. And Jingyan is not entering this with eyes closed because Jingyan is now aware of the challenges that lie ahead. Changsu has made sure of that.

Oof that pledge of loyalty and allegiance. And the most utmost sincere gratitude for it. 

3  Oh no, their expressions of alarm, worry and subsequent devastation at the realisation of Grand Empress Dowager’s passing. It is gutting. Luckily Prince Jing leaves quickly before he sees Lin Shu’s grief.She was his great grandmother too. But no one knows. Li Gang and Zhen Ping worried at Changsu coughing up blood. A run of emotional upheavals not doing his health any good. 

4. Changsu’s little funeral for Tai Nai Nai, Fei Liu loyally by his side. His explanation to Fei Liu about what is happening - I feel sad thinking about who will explain to Fei Liu once his Su gege is gone and won’t be coming back.

And Li Gang and Zhen Ping worrying about Mei Changsu and his observation of the rituals and the consequences on his health. The backshot of them both, sitting to the side. 

5. The comparison between the pomp and circumstance of the royal funeral compared to the little one Lin Shu held, but the healthy Princes eating instead of fasting as per the ritual compared to sickly Lin Shu fasting for 3 days to the worry of his subordinates. 

Cai Quan and Shen Zui - gradually inching towards team Prince Jing. A silver lining for all the sorrow. Also, 30 days have passed(!)

6. Nihuang, how I have missed you! Another silver lining. 

7. Fei Liu folding origami? (an allusion to his origin story as per the novel?) with the funeral papers, and his adorable frustrated frown when the papers tear. Li Gang getting Fei Liu to leave to accord his Su gege some privacy when Nihuang arrives although Fei Liu is not pleased judging by how he pulls his arm away from Li Gang as they were leaving. 

8. The anticipation on Lin Shu’s face to hopefully hear Tai Nai Nai was peaceful. His sorrow at not being by her side during her last journey. Guilt. Dashed hopes of a joyful reunion. 

He was her favourite and she protected him (even in Meiling according to the novel). 

“Whenever I think about the things in the past, I feel like an iceberg being roasted by a fire. Sometimes it’s warm, sometimes it chills to the bone.” The capital is full of reminders of the past Lin Shu. It will not get better. 

And perhaps one of the most honest he has been to Nihuang with regards to his health. “If you don’t have me in your future, you’ll do well too, you’ll fare very well.” Hmmm, he might have tailored his future lies to her based on her reaction to this.

Oof, She does not want distance between them, but he cannot afford the distraction and the compromise is that she will guard at Tai Nai Nai’s wake. They are in every way a couple in their actions towards one another. The way she asks if he allows it - I cannot picture General Mu Nihuang doing the same to any other person. How he caresses her face and how she leans into him. Just, my feels.

9. Xie Yu being led to exile. I forgot he was also a consort prince via his marriage to Liyang. Jingrui, Xie Bi and Liyang sending him off. 

I remember reading commentary about how Liyang is always dressed in sombre colours now, and it is so true. 

Also, Changsu never ceases working. His multipurpose plans. Protecting Xie Yu while obtaining a written confession about the treason behind the Chiyan massacre, Prince Qi’s execution and Xia Jiang’s hand behind it.

10. Prince Jing visiting Changsu to debate military strategies. Jingyan distracted and reminded of Lin Shu because of how Changsu uses his hands to illustrate his points. That little disbelieving snort of his when Changsu redirects his attention hurts my heart. Like it was an I-cannot-believe-I-just-thought/hoped-that kind of disbelief. Although at this point in time, I think Jingyan is thinking more along the lines of maybe Changsu knew Lin Shu from the jianghu rather than maybe Changsu is Lin Shu.

Changsu’s reaction at Jingyan’s question is so telling. They always are whenever Jingyan brings up Lin Shu in Changsu’s presence.Also, Prince Jing considers Changsu a great friend now. 

Changsu, always with a reason for every question Jingyan asks. But he is worried, as evidenced by his fisting of  his robes.

11. Xie Yu just completely ignores Jingrui. How hateful. Also, the relationship between Liyang and Xie Yu is interesting. Does she not hate him for what he did to her? Or is it because she hates Mei Changsu more that she is agreeing to what he asked of her? Or did she really come to love him? To me, he seemed to view her as a possession of some sort, and that love means ownership to him. 

12. Xia Dong is intimidating (which I love). Smart and subtle with tact with well earned respect. Hah, Mei Changsu only protecting Xie Yu from Xia Jiang and no one else. 

Also, how can she sound so threatening with such polite words? But legit scary at “some circumstances are worse than death.” Hoo boy. She is amazing.

13. Eurgh the Emperor is like a child, throwing tantrums about cicadas! CICADAS! Of all things. 

Hmmmm, Gao gonggong suggesting a visit to Consort Jing’s for her birthday. He is quite the advocate for Consort Jing. Interesting. 

14. Jingyan smiling at eating his mother’s cooking. Aww. So adorable. And little-boy-ish. 

What timing to the Emperor’s entrance lol. It must be coincidental but man, the lucky stars must have been shining down on Consort Jing and Jingyan for the Emperor to be reminded that Jingyan cannot visit his mother as he pleases.

For some reason I find Jingyan kowtowing in apology even before his mother greets and apologises to the Emperor quite funny. Although it actually is sad that he expects anger and punishment for such a small dereliction of duty.

The Emperor is so volatile. Eurgh. 

Also, Consort Jing’s face at her stubborn stubborn son, lol. It’s like please stop speaking while you are still ahead. Please.

1. Whoa Mei Changsu thinks so many steps ahead and his ability to read people and manipulate them is quite unparalleled as well. See him getting Prince Yu to arrange a visit to Xie Yu.

2. My bad, Xia Qiu is not back yet. Xia Jiang has a superb hearing. 

3. Fei Liu throwing stones - adorable. Xia Dong thinking it is Xia Chun - hilarious (because he seems so serious all the time, to know that he has a prankster side to him, lol). Her smile when he gives her the message - almost familial. Changsu is planning something again.

4. That brief stop and the glance at the Han prison cell where Prince Qi was detained. 

5. The insincere greeting. That smug smirk on his face. He actually enjoys provoking Xie Yu. Every sentence he speaks is designed to anger and/or irritate Xie Yu. Literally every sentence contains an insult. To rub salt in his wound. 

“The reason you lost to me is because you are stupid and I am smarter than you.” (Mei Changsu’s approach to life in general.) And you know that if Mei Changsu is casually eating like he is (and is this his favourite cookies because it looks like the one the Grand Empress Dowager gave him in ep 2), something momentous is happening or is about to happen.

6. Then he calmly explains how Xia Jiang “helping” Xie Yu is not really helping Xie Yu at all, but merely protecting Xia Jiang himself.

7. And with just one sentence about Li Congxin that was so helpfully pointed out by Mei Changsu, Prince Yu helps Mei Changsu destroy the relationship between the 2 old men. 

8. Ooo snap, Mei Changsu likening the relationship between Xia Jiang and Xie Yu to that of Xie Yu and Zhuo Dingfeng. 

Also, if I remember reading correctly this was the first scene that was filmed between Hu Ge and Liu Yi Jun. So well acted with enough dislike/hatred seeping through the restrained facades. So intense. Right from the get go, they sunk into their characters. Amazing.

9. Oh wow, Xie Yu’s breakdown in prison. At the end of his figurative and literal rope (or chains.) How Mei Changsu not only broke down the relationship between the 2 men, but in such a way that Xie Yu’s only way of survival is to rely on Mei Changsu, that is like a billion steps ahead of everyone else. 

“What hatred and enmity is between us that you should desolate me so?” “What enmity and hatred?” And it must have been extremely difficult not to list the betrayals and wrongdoings.

“Marquis XIe, we each strive for fame and power and serve our Lords using whatever means necessary to reach our goals, don’t you think your question is naive?” 

Xie Yu a broken man at the end of it.

10. Finding out about Xia JIang and Li Congxin without revealing the true intention of why he wants that information. In exchange for keeping Xie Yu alive.

11. I need to ready myself for this.

The revelation of the political machinations behind the evidence of Lin Xie’s plans to rebel. To hear it so coldly recited, knowing how devastating the consequences were. 

To hear how one’s husband was killed in cold blood, how one’s father and comrades in arms were massacred for no apparent rhyme or reason besides a hunger for power just stated with no hint of regret. 

Poor Xia Dong. To find out that she was a pawn for the person she respected as a father. That she had spent years hating the wrong person for her husband’s death.

And Lin Shu. To have to pretend that these revelations do not affect him. The restrained anger and the tears he could not help but avoid. To have to promise the safety of one of the instigators to obtain information on the other. 

Prince Jing. To have the confirmation on what he knew to be true but no one else believed him. And to not be able to right the wrongs because he lacked the power to do so. 

Owh. My heart. These three. So many tears.

12. And the aftermath.

Prince Jing and I miss Xiao Shu.

Also, I love the use of back shots.

Xia Dong.

And Lin Shu.

All reeling and grieving in their own way. Lost in their memories. Hollow in the face of the truth that killed their loved ones.

Poor Li Gang and Zhen Ping - so worried about Mei Changsu.

12. And now Lin Shu has to wear Mei Changsu’s face when Prince Jing rings the bell, (He was allowed to be emotional in the solitude of his room, to react to the news as Lin Shu because no one was expecting differently, until the sun went down and the candles lit, But now, now he has to be the emotionless coolheaded unaffected Mei Changsu whose purpose is for the fight for the throne.)

13. Oh no, Jingyan has his angry eyebrows on. How much do you think it hurt Changsu to have to say “There is no point looking into the old case.” and “To create another formidable enemy for an unimportant matter is not a wise man’s doing.”?

Jingyan, you are a man of action and you want to act now to redress the injustice, but you need to think it through. You feel guilty and you feel the need to do something but don’t be hasty. Yes, you now have more evidence beyond your unwavering belief and you now know why there was concrete evidence for Lin Xie’s rebellion, but it is not enough. There is still the Emperor you need to convince.

14. Oh no, Grand Empress Dowager. Eurgh I hate Consort Yue here. Tai nai nai calling out for Jinyang and Xiao Shu - she must have really missed them. I feel sad that the only reunion she got with him was in Ep 2. 

15. Changsu pointing out that the Emperor had a part to play in the Chiyan massacre and Prince Qi’s execution as well. 

JIngyan and “They were father and son.” And Mei Changsu “All the emperors, which ones were not father and son.” The battle for the throne will always be between family members. Fathers and sons. Brothers.

“It isn’t new to know our Emperor is harsh and mean.” Xia Jiang exploited the Emperor’s suspicions, fear and paranoia of Prince Qi’s powers and influence.

Oh Jingyan, wanting to know if the Emperor really believed the accusations. And Mei Changsu answers. “The Emperor is oversensitive, I think he believed it. That explains why he was so harsh and cruel with no second thought.” And the answer breaks Jingyan’s heart. 

Jingyan already knows that the Emperor must have been suspicious beforehand (but I think he would have believed it if someone had told him otherwise). And his guilt at not being in Da Liang at that time.

1. Grand Princess Liyang continuing to get things done. Apologising to the Zhuos but ensuring that her daughter is safe at the same time.

Madam Zhuo is a bigger person than most. “Kindness and hatred are clearly distinguished and we will not implicate the next generation.” And we know she lives by it.

I am glad that Jingrui got an embrace from Madam Zhuo and that they let him know that he is not to be blamed. 

Mei Changsu seems exhausted. 

2. Whoa Liyang trying to get Xie Yu to kill himself for the family name and honour. (I think she is doing this for the sake of her children who will bear the family name.) But Xie Yu is not willing to do it. And she leaves unsuccessful.

3. Aww, Meng Zhi still all naggy even in official discourse. And his “Ah?” and look of blankness when Changsu asks him to escort him home. Needing Changsu to explain why.

4. Also did Meng Zhi and Prince Jing wait around making idle chat while Mei Changsu changed his clothes? Because he is wearing different robes to the ones he wore to Jingrui’s birthday party.

5. For someone who’s plan was successful in bringing down one of the instigators of the Chiyan massacre, Mei Changsu does not look happy or satisfied at all. Although he does look warm and cosy with that blanket over him and hot tea.

Meng Zhi representing the audience. Changsu explaining to him (and us) how each piece fell into place for the execution of his plan.

Meng Zhi’s “Also the group from Southern Chu came at just the right time! Like it was destiny!” makes me crack up a litlle.

Oh man everyone’s reminder that Changsu and Jingrui were friends just twists the knife in that bit deeper. Changsu just looks like he is lost in his thoughts. And Prince Jing defending Mei Changsu for the first time, I think. 

“You were afraid there would be danger and something would happen to Sir Su.” The sentence that made Meng Zhi captain of the bromance between Mei Changsu and Xiao Jingyan.

But Mei Changsu’s still not done. Requesting Meng Zhi to show off in the hunt to impress upon the Southern Chu royalty that there are still exemplary generals in Da Liang. 

Meng Zhi being all loyal puppy, attacking when he thinks Prince Jing is insinuating that Mei Changsu has done wrong. The surprise in Prince Jing’s face. The slight shake of Mei Changsu’s head and he becomes quiescent. 

And then “Did I say something wrong just now?” His trademark for this drama. I love this line. “He is the lord, you are his general, I am a tactician.” 

Aww, Meng’s face at “You don’t need to defend me so vehemently.” And then he asks whether Xiao Shu feels guilty but does not wait for the answer. “I misspoke again.” And we see that he does and it is not weighing easily on his conscience. 

6. Prince Yu definitely has a silver tongue. I can see why people would think he is virtuous. 

7. Oh no, Liyang’s worst nightmare has never been about what will happen to her - it has always been about her children. To lose her daughter - that is the worst punishment for her.

8. And we see the toll it takes on Changsu’s health, to find out about the aftermath of his plan for Xie Yu’s destruction.

I really love the conversation between him and Fei Liu. And I especially love the erhu version of the background music that scores this part.

This scene. This is one scene where we get to see blatant emotion on Mei Changsu’s face. The anger and determination contrasting with the tears in his eyes. How controlled his voice sounds. That self depreciating smile on his face. Is it because it is Fei Liu with him? That Fei Liu will not understand anyway?

Changsu wants to believe that he will become more unfeeling but the amount of emotion in this scene and just sweet Fei Liu just wanting to know that Su gege will get better.

The melancholic erhu and the plaintive refrain. I can go on and on about this scene.

9. Xie Yu emotional I assume because he hears about his daughter’s death but I cannot be certain it isn’t because of his fall from prominence.

10. Xia Jiang is back. You hypocrite. Although the Xuanjing Bureau’s doctrine is actually quite cool. “Follow only the commands of the Emperor, remove all evils, do not intervene with politics nor step into alliances.”

Oh no Xia Dong is in trouble. And Xia Chun (at least I think it is him, cos Xia Qiu is also back but the guy next to Xia Dong seems quite a bit taller than her) shaking his head. 

10. Xia Jiang is smart. A few words here and there and he gets to visit Xie Yu in prison. Xie Yu’s last ditch attempt at saving himself. Xie Yu, you are out of your depth. Xia Jiang saying he can only help to the extent of avoiding execution. Also, this is the first time I have seen “Where there is life, there is hope.” used in this context.

11. Prince Jing, gradually increasing in prestige. Lol. Prince Yu complaining about Xia Jiang. “This old geezer” pffft, Although this is just based on subs. 

1. Mei Changsu ordering Gong Yu to continue with the story. He is relentless.

2. “What trouble can one person cause?” A whole lot, Prince Yu, a whole lot. 

3. Xie Yu and Xia Jiang are very similar. “It was better to kill the wrong child than to let the target live.” Similar to what Xia Jiang tells the Emperor in ep 49.

Gong Yu also having to relay the story - her life has not been easy. I know why you are doing this Mei Changsu but it doesn’t mean I like you for it.

The details - how just a change in the way one is addressed - can convey so much meaning. We saw it with Changsu and Xia Dong in front of Nie Feng’s grave, and we see it here with Qingyao and how he separates himself from Xie Yu “Father-in-law” is now “Marquis Xie”.

4. The Zhuos and Jingrui, pawns in the Xie Yu’s plan for power. 

I know that some people have disliked Li Yang because of what is being revealed but she is a mother protecting her child to the best of her abilities. She has always felt like her title was a powerless one (see when she had to ask Changsu for help wrt Nihuang’s marriage plot) and the person she was protecting her son from was her husband. What could she do but to stay up with the baby every night?

The poor Zhuos. Believing that they were on the side of the righteous to bring glory to the family name and Tianquan Manor, only to find out that one of the greatest tragedies in their lives was orchestrated by the very person they have been trusting.

5. Yujin being the awesome friend that he is, asking Jingrui to eat a heart pill. Changsu looking cold and callous as he glances at Jingrui.

Man these jianghu people are hardcore. Insisting on having the fight that very night because he wanted to fight the best Zhuo Dingfeng could be. Also pride I guess.

6. Xie Yu really believes what he is saying with an almost delusional fervour. But he is stalling for time. And Changsu realises why. The guard barracks are arriving. Because of that one man Prince Yu let go.

7. Oh no Xie Bi who is his real flesh and blood. You are going to be hurt by your father’s true colours. Xie Yu really seems to favour the female members of his family. Hmmm. But Jingrui is clumped together with the Zhuos. 

8. The fight begins! Jingrui protecting his Niang (Mdm Zhuo) and Yujin helping Gong Yu. Nian Nian joining in as well. Lol. Prince Ling “They are not under my authority. Marquis Xie don’t accuse the innocent..” Hahaha.

Meng Zhi into the fray! And Xia Dong releasing the Xuanjing Bureau fireworks. Effortlessly fighting while snarking at Changsu at the same time. “If you are bored, find an exit for us.”

9. Also Fei Liu really takes his duties seriously. His sole purpose is to protect his Su gege. So he will protect Su gege and only Su gege. If Su gege is not threatened, he will not fight. Even if his skills and abilities would be of great help. Unless his Su gege tells him to fight (like during the battle at the Hunting Castle.)

10. Jingrui completely ignoring Changsu in the memorial hall. Not even looking at him. That brief moment of visible shamed acceptance. 

Meng Zhi supporting Changsu on the stairs before handing him over to Fei Liu.

Xie Yu’s soldiers not a match against the No 2 and No 6 on the Langya LIst for martial arts.

Meng Zhi is also quite the mother hen. His concern when Changsu comes out. And his wisdom in “Yesterday’s wrongdoings bring today’s losses.”

11. Ouyang Chi looks like an honourable person, just that he is taking orders from Xie Yu.

12. Yujin should win the award for the best-est friend of the year. “Can you please talk later? Don’t disturb him now.” But owh. “It is fortunate that my father doesn’t know about tonight’s mess. But even if he knows about it, I think he won’t care.”  

But we see Marquis Yan cares. Because he is at the entrance arguing for his entry into the residence.

13. Xia Dong is observant and will not let anything go. Her inquiring into Changsu’s discussion with Meng Zhi. And she says it as she sees it. “Jingrui is a friend who is like a brother to you with absolute sincerity. Because of your own objective, you stabbed him from behind. Is that how you got your reputation as the qilin prodigy?”

I am glad that someone is standing up for Jingrui and calling Changsu out for it.

But Changsu’s face at the end of that. 

How he could not meet her eyes but just bowed his head. Shamed. A bit like holding back tears. It isn’t anything he hasn’t told himself. He knows it. He hates himself for it. But he needs to do it to achieve the goal his father entrusted him. *Tears*. And Xia Dong’s face at the unexpected reaction. Sigh.

And he hands a bottle of medicine to Zhuo Dingfeng. Almost like he needs to make amends.

14. Marquis Yan FTW. Implacable. Steady. Like a rock. He moves forward. Step by step.

15. Madam Zhuo is yet another honourable dignified character. “The Zhuos will not seek revenge from an orphan lady.”

16. Marquis Yan is willing to come to blows with Xie Yu and the guard barrack because of his son. This is such a step in the right direction for the relationship between father and son.

17. The Zhuos are actually pretty honourable, it’s just that they trusted a snake. I remember hating them in the beginning of the series but this episode revealed their character. 

18. Liyang is the only one who can stop Xie Yu. And she does. The difference in Xie Yu’s reaction towards Liyang vs Xie Yu’s reaction towards Xie Bi is pretty telling. And of course she would choose JIngrui over you.

19. Arrows! Lots and lots of arrows! Changsu seeking protection and Fei Liu standing over to protect him. Nian Nian nonchalantly catching arrows is my aesthetic. 

Yujin “Xie Yu is really heartless this time. Can’t believe I have treated him as an uncle all this while.” Changsu “You are not the only one.” Indeed. Oof. After all, Xie Yu travelled the jianghu with Lin Xie and Yan Que so it would not stretch belief that he was an uncle to Lin Shu as well. 

20. Oof, the reunion between Yan Que and Yujin. “Why are you here?” “Because you are here. Let’s go home now.” More tears.

21. Xia Dong is SMART. She knows she was played. And that there may be more to Meng Zhi and Changsu that meets the eye. 

1. The beginning of the birthday party! Xie Bi and Jingrui are another pair of sibling goals (besides Nihuang and u Qing). And aww, Yujin complaining to Gong Yu about how he has to look for Jingrui whenever he visits and then insisting on a formal greeting. I heart their friendship, bickering and teasing at times, but loyal when necessary. I wonder what Gong Yu and Liyang spoke of when they met before the banquet?

2. Xia Dong throwing shade at Xie Yu. “I obviously went directly to the inner courtyard to greet the Princess Royal. Unless the marquis does not think that I am a female guest?” She is the ultimate girlcrush.

3. Curious Yujin checking out all the presents that Jingrui received. And the atmosphere is still so lighthearted. Hahaha, Yujin going all “Brother Su you are too biased” while Jingrui is trying to return the gift as it is too precious. 

Although Yujin constantly finding validation that he has improved the most (from Nihuang in the first episode) or that he is liked the best (in this episode) makes my heart hurt in that this is probably subconscious from his years of parental neglect and lack of affirmation. 

All the bright smiles now will just make the fallout sadder.

4. Fei Liu flying! He looks all serious.

5. Changsu’s face is transmitting your-words-are-not-worth-listening-to vibes, throughout the entirety of Xie Yu’s welcome speech. And his passive aggressive eating.

6. Chopsticks as a weapon. Xia Dong vs Zhuo Dingfeng. The slight hint of alarm in Xie Yu’s eyes. Hmmm, Changsu seems disinterested? dispassionate? like he is very over it? throughout the fight and all the toasting that came on after it. But still taking in every detail. He has not spoken a word at all.

Yujin, you cinnamon roll, concerned that Xia Dong will get drunk. Although it may just be his self preservation instincts speaking.

Ooo look at Meng being sneaky and advising Xia Dong in the guise of a toast. Although he looks very ill at ease.  And yet more indications of Changsu’s super hearing. 

7. The choice of music must have been intentional given how emotional Liyang becomes. Is it also meant to infuriate Xie Yu? Changsu provoking the Marquis by commenting on how emotional and moving the music was.

And it all comes tumbling down like a house of cards.

8. Minister Yue, Nian Nian and Prince Ling have arrived. The challenge thrown down. 

Look at Yujin drawing Gong Yu aside for her protection.

Go Xia Dong! Poking at Zhuo Dingfeng’s pride. Look at her and Meng Zhi being all buddies to the side. 

Challenge accepted. (As Changsu expected)

9. Fei Liu in the weapons room. His little grin of enjoyment.

10. Whoa, that is some dedication. Which makes the coming revelations all the more painful. Xie Yu you bastard. Xia Dong and Meng Zhi know the consequences of Zhuo Dingfeng’s injury. Mei Changsu for some reason just looks resigned. 

At least there is still honour in the jianghu. Although the same cannot be said for the political scene.

11. The revelations about to begin. Changsu ordering Jingrui to give Zhuo Dingfeng one of the heart pills. Jingrui unhesitatingly obeying and Yujin who has the pills at hand, hurrying as well. 

“He lost all his skill, the pain is in his heart, not his body. He would feel the pain and injustice.” Changsu could very well be speaking about himself here. Oof.

12. Jingrui is just shocked. Liyang knows what is next.. Scratch that. Everyone is shocked except for Changsu, Xie Yu, Nian Nian, Prince Ling, Li Yang. Maybe Gong Yu.

Poor poor Jingrui. To find out at on the day meant to celebrate his birth that his birth was not such a celebratory event after all. That the father he knew all these years is not his father. 

But I love that Li Yang’s momo and her ladies in attending are supportive of her. As is Yujin of Jingrui and his “Can you stop talking?” to Nian Nian.

But the destruction is not yet complete. Changsu glances at Gong Yu. 

And the next revelation begins.

13. Everyone is taken aback when Gong Yu starts laughing. Xie Yu attacks. How much do I love that is is Mama Zhuo who is the first to defend Gong Yu?

Also the synchronised turning to the front and back of the party guests amuses me amidst all the life changing revelations.

14, Through it all, Yujin taking a protective stance for Gong Yu. Xie Yu ordering his soldiers to kill. And the fallout between the Xie family and the Zhuo family is almost complete. The realisation crashes upon Zhuo Dingfeng like a ton of bricks.

15. Even Xia Dong and Meng Zhi’s presence is not enough to deter Xie Yu from annihilating his enemies. Eurgh, Xie Yu telling Li Yang that everything he does is for her. Eurgh. Poor Jingrui. To see his father order the death of his other family, even after they have helped his father so many times, to find out that he was spared by mistake, that his father actually wanted him dead. Eurgh. Xie Yu you bastard. Poor Li Yang. Poor Zhuos.

.16. Lol. Changsu being all blase about the threat to his life. And everyone having forgotten about Fei Liu until this point. And look at Fei Liu sauntering in, knife proudly on display for all to see after Xie Yu receives news that the bowstrings have been cut. Pwahahahaha. “It was fun!”

16. More barbed insults. “Everything that happens tonight is fair retribution for your actions. You can only accept the consequences.” “I know the Marquis is someone who doesn’t respect higher powers and lacks benevolence and honour. What don’t you dare to do?”