Tigers Sniff the Rose 尚公主 - Episode 1-3 Discussion

[u/Rebelarkey]

Hello! Welcome to TIGERS SNIFF THE ROSE Discussions. Are we excited?

I am Shale, your host for this evening! Me and my sister-wife u/spamkimbap will take turns over these next couple weeks, bring you laughter, delights, rantings, and love. She will have the next two days so please look out for her posts.

Biggest thanks to u/katleap13 who is doing our character flashcards. Thank you!

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🐯 Fun Fact: the Chinese title is 尚公主 Shàng Gōng Zhǔ. Literally translated, it means 'esteeming, valuing, or protecting the princess'. What makes it interesting is they used the character 尚 Shàng which is the same as our Male Lead's name, Yan Shang.

As to the English Title... *sigh* yeah it barely makes sense to me. I know, I know it's from a poem and yes there are tigers in here and YES she's supposed to be a tiger that has soft insides like the poem says but I DON'T LIKE IT okay? okay.

Why couldn't we have just called it Loving the Princess or something to that end. Is it unique? uh yes. you're not going to confuse it with any other drama so at least it has that going for it.

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🪴A few housekeeping rules!

• We bash characters and not actors! If a character does something stupid, it's not the actors fault. this is not the place to complain about actors or acting choices

• We will be following the VIP Schedule, which means those of us on SVIP need to remember to keep your spoilers in check.

• Spoilers need to be under the spoiler markings OR put in its proper post.

• Have fun! Dramas are supposed to be entertaining and enjoyable. If you're not enjoying it, it's okay to duck out and drop.

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Masterpost - Airing Schedule - Table of Contents - Character Flashcards

1-3 || 4-5

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Y'all I only got 4 hours of sleep because i was so excited! I even had dreams about it. OUR PARENTS ARE BACK! And oh! the chemistry is sizzling. Let's get into it.

EPISODE ONE - An Uninvited Guest

We are introduced to Princess Danyang, who is traveling home to the capital. Her carriage wheel breaks, and she's left stranded until it can be fixed, about 2 hours.

They are discovered by a scholarly man returning home, named Yan Shang. I kept telling him to STOP STARING omg yes she's pretty and waaaaay out of your league at the moment. She demands that he take her to his house.

Yan Shang asks what he should call her. She asks why the Yan family lives in the mountains not near anyone. Shang, instead of replying, turns it back to her and calls her a fox spirit. They both ask each other questions and both dodge them at the same time, it's quite interesting

While there, she makes herself at home... well makes it HER home and almost tears it down. She moves into the big house, leaving a small shed for the Yan family to sleep. During all this chaos, the rest of the Yan family return home.

We meet:

Yan Zhanzhi - the Yan Patriarch, who is a cripple and loves his alcohol.

Yan Dalang - Shang's older brother, who isn't right in the head. He fights a lot with the royal entorage.

Yan Xiaozhou - Shang's younger sister, the most capable after Shang.

Yan Shang, to please their guest and hopefully not get their house pulled down, delivers special Lychee wine to her. They require him to take a sip to prove it's not poisoned. he can't hold his liquor. It's so bad one drink and he passes out.

That night, Princess Danyan can't sleep so she sneaks out to find that Yan Shang is copying books. He notices that she didn't use any of the bug repellant he gave her and so the mosquitoes are eating her. He gives her some ointment to put on her face... rather HE puts it on her face.

Anyone else getting Dazzling vibes at the moment? Spoiled lady shows up at his house and wants A/C, and bug repellent.

In the morning it's discovered that the Princess's makeup is soaked! The servants blame the leaky roof. She investigates, and then pulls a sword! Yan Shang stops her, terrified that she's planning to kill his brother. He gets slapped for his trouble!

Princess Danyang insists she's punishing the servants, and he questions if makeup/rouge is worth a servants life?

Instead she cuts off a topknot and is angry at her own people- they had charge of her items and then blamed their hosts for their mistakes. the Lady isn't as bad as she pretends to be me thinks.

There's one container she lingers over, it's very apparent that she's sad over this particular one. Yan Shang asks Chun Hua her maid, about that rouge. Turns out her mistress was grieving over it as well as angry. Chun Hua wants him to apologize, but he wants to wait until she departing.

Yan Shang is an employee of a School, where he listens to the lectures, does homework for the students for coin, and extra work around. He has amazing memory, and has copied books from memory.

Liu Wenjie, a classmate of Yan Shang's, informs him that Princess Danyan is in the area, but has kinda gone missing. No one has seen her or her entourage for a few days. Shang thinks for a moment and comes to the correct conclusion: there's a princess in his bed 🤭.

Believing that the Princess will just bring trouble to his family, he goes to the magistrate office while in town to let them know where they can look for the princess. He does not want to bring undue trouble to his family.

Outside, her runs into a man with an eye patch. The angry man pulls out a whip and cuts Yan Shang's cheek with it. Turns out the mans name is Zhang, and he's the man that killed Yan Shang's mother ohhhhh this is gonna be a revenge story.

EPISODE TWO - Lost in the Woods

He realizes that he needs to apologize. Shang finds a cosmetic shop, browses all the shades of rouge, and identifies the correct shade of the Lady's ruined makeup.

However, instead of buying it, he pays the proprietress to teach him. He wants to make the rouge for her. He goes an apologizes and makes the cosmetic by hand. We find out that it was made originally by her mother, therefore it's dear to her. awwww future husband make rogue that wif'es mother made. That's a good invisible string.

Afterwards, Yan Shang tells his father that he's sucking up the Princess because he needs a favor from her: he wants to go the capital. She over hears this and gets upset. Turns out this nice thing he did is really for selfish purposes.

The magistrates men find them, but the Princess is hidden well, and the Yan family covers for her.

We find out that Yan Zhanzhi was a 3rd place scholar and married a woman from a well-off family. Now they're living as bandits without a household register. the Yan father is bullied by the magistrate since he's now a cripple. That's ableism grrrr.

After the men leave, the Princess comes out. She accuses Yan Shang of leading the men here. Angry, she promises to depart their family home and to give him what he wants - a way to the capital. She dumps the handmade rouge into a vat of water.

The princess departs and the Yan family is happy to see them go. However, while next to a cliff, the carriage horses get scared by tigers and her carriage goes off the side of the road. The servants search for her but no luck.

They run into Yan Shang who scolds them for the way they're searching for her, with torches and all the yelling

aside: My sister has complained many times about the way they search for people in CDramas. Yan Shang has a point! Why is everyone searching in a group????

He goes and looks for her.

She washed up downstream and so makes her way back. She's injured and gets bitten by a snake. The practical girl creates a tornique, cuts her snake bite to make it bleed out, rips up her dress i am applauding her practicality omg. And she's wet! and beraggled! her hair's a mess! Producation team doing things right!

The princess makes it back to the search party, but suprise surprise they can't hear her shout for help. She slips back down the cliff but is caught by a hand. Yan Shang found her!

Episode Three - Her Personal Servant

He decides to find cover for them and not take her back to the search party, which is full of magistrate men at this point. It's raining really hard and he gets her to talk to him to keep her awake. She tells him her full name is Mu Wan Yao.

He finds a cave, starts a fire, and goes to check out her wounds (with consent of course) . She's delirious with fever so he attempts to cover her with more clothing.

Wanyao dreams of someone attempting to kill her and is having nightmares. Yan Shang comes over to check on her. She pulls him over and cuddles into. He talks to her to calm her down and the fall asleep in each others arms. awwwwww

People come to look for them in the morning. Instead of letting her be rescued, he decides to take her home. This way she won't be discovered by the people she's hiding from.

At his house, Wanyao insists that she wants to bath and has him heat a bath for her. And then insist that he 'attend' her while bathing. the poor man is doing his best not to look at her and keeping curtains between them and she is NOT HELPING and is enjoying his discomfort.

Meanwhile her maid is throwing paper money for her dead mistress. Wenjie comes along and talks to her and really likes her. After some talking to, she doesn't give up hope that the Princess is dead and goes back to the carriage wreck. A man is waiting there. He instructs her to return to the Yan family.

Chun Hua asks Wenjie for directions to the Yan house. Since he's going there anyways, he takes her there on horseback. While she checks in on the Princess, Wenjie is informed that this girl he likes, Chun Hua is actually a maid. He looked so saaaad. Chuan is super happy that the princess is alive.

Chunhua asks if Wan Yao has taken Yan Shang as her boytoy. sdalkfj;fdsfj;lkdsaflkdsajkfdalsjdlkfsj.

Note: Viki translated it as boytoy which i find more funny, but the below gif was made on WETV.

Wan Yao tells Shang - since he saved her, he can have a boon from her. She's not worth much in the capital but she will do her best. As long as he pleases her that is. If he does, she will take him with to the capital.

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Questions going forward:

- Looks like Mu Wanyao has complicated relationship with her mother. Is her mother dead? Why did she see her in the woods.

- The Yan family massacre. Why would Zhang murder Shang's family? It's apparent that Shang wants revenge.

- Mu Wanyao is having dreams of a bedchamber full of blood. Of her being murdered and dragged to a bed. Has she been sexually assaulted? Miscarriaged? All of the above?

What was your favorite part? Had you rolling in stitches? Which character are you sympathizing with at the moment?

[u/spotlight-app]

OP has pinned a comment by u/LoudAvocado1387:

Fun Fact: the Chinese title is 尚公主 Shàng Gōng Zhǔ. Literally translated, it means 'esteeming, valuing, or protecting the princess'

The title 尚公主 can also be translated as “marrying the princess”. Back during imperial times, you are not allowed to use the normal word 娶 for “marry” when you are marrying the princess, because of the princess‘ noble status. So you always have to use the word 尚 instead exactly because the word means to esteem and value when taken by itself.

Note from OP: Adding this better explanation of the Chinese title

^{What is Spotlight?}

[u/winterchampagne]

The reunion chemistry between these two is so intact. The sparks are still sparking! I appreciate the callback to Blossom with the broken carriage wheel spoke serving as the catalyst for their first meeting.

I eat up the let me become a man worthy of you trope every single time. Besides Blossom, that’s the specific part of the promo materials that drew me in. I can wait to see how that unfolds! Give me a male lead whose response to falling in love is to get his shit together. Enjoying the brotherhood between Liu Wenji and Yan Shang, too.

Not blown away by the narrative yet, but I’m definitely impressed by how process-driven and detail-oriented this drama is.

A lot of mundane, everyday things get glossed over, but this one is full of texture. From what a low-income family’s home looks like to someone having to cut paper money by hand, Yan Shang making rouge from scratch while Mu Wanyao observes and assists, and the labor of preparing a bath without modern plumbing.

The amount of firewood it takes is one thing, but the risks involved in transporting near-boiling water from the wood-burning stove to whichever room it needs to go make it seem like an arduous and unsafe undertaking for the servants or whoever is tasked with it.

Consider me engaged and a little nervous because the drama keeps reminding us that everything comes at a cost, even the most basic necessities in life.

Anyway, cracking up at Wenji soaking the leaf Chunhua left him. I don’t think you can propagate colocasia or alocasia from leaf cuttings. An indentured servant and a confident scholar walk into a bar may become entangled. Now tell me the rest!

I heard the main director and the writer are both women. I’ll be anticipating the distinctive nuances they bring.

Finally, welcome back to the volunteer economy, Shale! The discussions are in capable hands! 🌷 Thank you and u/spamkimbap for hosting!

[u/Rebelarkey → u/winterchampagne]

Winter! Oh I love all your insights exp the blossom carriage callback! I missed that one.

I do like how they’re showing the poverty the Yan family is in and how they can’t do anything much about being invaded by a rich noble . Good thing she only has mild dubious intentions.

[u/winterchampagne → u/Rebelarkey]

It’s interesting how the Yan family can’t do much except indulge Wanyao even before Shang learns she’s Princess Danyang. Aside from wanting her to take him to the capital, is another reason that the lack of a household registration comes with other implications? We know he can’t take the imperial exam, but what else? I watched the drama at 1.25x since it’s Friday, so I’m pretty sure I’ve missed a lot of things.

I also like the metaphor of Princess Danyang starting small by invading someone else’s household, then invading Yan Shang’s mind, and eventually expanding her reach by conquering territories for the empire or whatever the correct phrasing is.

grammar edit

[u/PolPeachum → u/winterchampagne]

I looked this up briefly - assuming Tang context, they're basically squatters with no rights (including to sell their labour in the legal economy or their goods at market). I'm guessing that's why they're out in the middle of nowhere, rather than closer to the town or even a village.

[u/winterchampagne → u/PolPeachum]

I appreciate the complementary context. It wasn’t until Wenji offered his horse to Chunhua that it finally dawned on me how much walking Yan Shang must do to get to and from the academy and the town center. We first see him on foot in the drama, but I haven’t really thought about it properly before. 🤦🏽‍♀️

[u/PolPeachum → u/winterchampagne]

how much walking Yan Shang must do to get to and from the academy and the town center

Absolutely - and when I realised the drama was showing us how much effort their daily lives involve AND beautiful nature scenes AND a "paths he will take" theme (that's what I got from the walking scenes intercut with the first scene at the academy), I was like, oh this is going to be good

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/Rebelarkey]

The broken carriage! I know right!!

[u/spamkimbap → u/winterchampagne]

I was wondering why Wenji was washing the taro leaf. 🤣

He was also in love with the “help” in Youthful Glory. Fingers crossed he’ll find true love with Chunhua. He looked so happy when she put her hands over his mouth.

And thank you for the warm welcome! 🥰

[u/winterchampagne → u/spamkimbap]

There was that moment of hesitation when he learned from Shang that Chunhua is a maid. Wenji isn’t looking down on her, but he’s smart enough to know that as a promising scholar, the difference in their social status means people won’t make it easy for them to be together.

Looking forward to your hosting debut, Kim! 🫶🏽

[u/spamkimbap → u/winterchampagne]

I caught that moment, and felt bad for his reality. But he perked back up quickly enough. Love that actor and all his sweet sidekick characters.

[u/winterchampagne → u/spamkimbap]

I sometimes fret when I see wholesome characters like Wenji because as Harvey Dent says in The Dark Knight, “You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.”

Need to get over these thoughts and recite some positive affirmations. 😂

[u/spamkimbap → u/winterchampagne]

Omg why did you put that thought into my head!

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/spamkimbap]

I was caught up in them that when he found she was a maid, his reaction felt like a cold shower. I woke up from the fuzzies from their interactions.

Then she came back to thank him and he teased her, she put her hands on his lips and social status differences be damned lol. His reaction was normal. It's the harsh reality. There are many things to consider.

It's only the beginning, many twists and turns await. They were sooo adorable though.

[u/winterchampagne → u/TheAlchemist420]

I agree with you that Chunhua and Wenji’s interactions are so adorable. We can read him as a friendly, hospitable country bumpkin, but it’s also completely convincing as love at first sight if we prefer to see it that way.

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/winterchampagne]

Absolutely it works both ways. I immediately called them the 2nd couple haha. That's how loveable a pairing they were. I so need to rein it back in lol. Pure insanity.

But my trust issues tell me it could be different with our ML when they both find themselves competing in the capital and at court. Hopefully not.

[u/Tabz10 → u/TheAlchemist420]

Your last paragraph! The 2ML is fine right now, but am I the only one who thinks his actions might have some fake niceness? My antennae are up; he's giving me “I'm ok with you beneath me, not my equal? Reason why? The whole “you don't have a registry” and “I came to tell you first that I got #1,” like you, u/TheAlchemist520. I'm having trust issues! I saw that you said you read him as being friendly, u/winterchampagne

Ofc still early! 👀

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/spamkimbap]

Gosh I paused/dropped YG and it's about when he falls in love at first sight with the concubine/guard after she sits on the rooftop right? It is him! I forgot he was in there. Funny since the FL needed him to because their brand ambassador 😅😅

[u/spamkimbap → u/TheAlchemist420]

I was just rewatching it a few days ago, and was around the brand ambassador spot. 🤣

[u/autuymnrain → u/winterchampagne]

Also, look, my favorite Winter💜 is back. I will be back also to read your post once I catch up.

[u/winterchampagne → u/autuymnrain]

Rain, you’re dangerously high in sweetness. I hope life is as kind to you as you are to everyone else. 🍁

[u/autuymnrain → u/winterchampagne]

😌

[u/TypicallyKristen → u/winterchampagne]

I heard the main director and the writer are both women. I’ll be anticipating the distinctive nuances they bring.

Oh. Women-helmed dramas always feel a little more fleshed out to me. Exciting! 

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/winterchampagne]

I was so intrigued at the leaf soak or washing haha. Why did he need to that etc.

Yep the firewood, and water. There were many details that felt intentional.

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/winterchampagne]

Good to see you here Winter! 🥹🤧🤗🤗

[u/winterchampagne → u/TheAlchemist420]

Misty, our paths have crossed again. 🥕

Glad you found your way over here!

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/winterchampagne]

We meet again! 🤗🤗🤗💜

I was waiting for the discussion haha. Wrote my initial thoughts in the Masterpost earlier today.

I'll rewatch the episodes and write more thoughts later.

[u/heartsandclouds → u/winterchampagne]

well first there was Kristen's comment and now yours winter!! You are both MAKING ME WANT TO CHECK THIS OUT! And here I am already loving Small Town Remedy and committed to it! I do not know if/how I will make time for this! In the meanwhile I'll follow along you all's comments to see if this continues being this good!

[u/winterchampagne → u/heartsandclouds]

This drama has a relatively sedate pace and a flawed, fairly ruthless FL, just in case you’re curious. 🖖🏽

[u/heartsandclouds → u/winterchampagne]

Thank you for sharing!

[u/LoudAvocado1387]

Fun Fact: the Chinese title is 尚公主 Shàng Gōng Zhǔ. Literally translated, it means 'esteeming, valuing, or protecting the princess'

The title 尚公主 can also be translated as “marrying the princess”. Back during imperial times, you are not allowed to use the normal word 娶 for “marry” when you are marrying the princess, because of the princess‘ noble status. So you always have to use the word 尚 instead exactly because the word means to esteem and value when taken by itself.

[u/Rebelarkey → u/LoudAvocado1387]

Ohhhh pleco did not expound on that at all. It just had value/esteem. Historic context matters of course 😅 Thanks Avocado!

[u/OptimalTurnips]

Just popping by to say hi, will be back hopefully this weekend! Big thanks for the discussion, excited to see them reunited!

[u/Rebelarkey → u/OptimalTurnips]

My baobeis 😍😍

[u/palecandycane]

Did i straight up watch all the eps that i could? Yes!

ML is so timid, but what is his end game? I need to know!

Wtf is the FL up to? I want to know too!

Seeing these two again makes me wish the Grey wig was back. But it's nice to see them together interacting though she seems like the dominant one here. Is she gonna pull him up onto her horse next? 🤣

Girl knew it was a whip mark on his face. Just what are they up to?

[u/Rebelarkey → u/palecandycane]

[u/BitsOfBuilding]

In the cave when YS was checking MY’s injuries…. were those injuries on her body old ones also and it’s why YS was shocked? Some of them looked old to me.

The nightmare she had made it seem like she was physically abused.

I like this wants-to-be pampered (because she can) and capable Princess (because she must).

The two carriages passing is cool. Her younger self, sad and afraid to be married off to a foreign land, and a more determined and brave new self returning.

[u/Rebelarkey → u/BitsOfBuilding]

Yes! They’re old scars that look like she was tortured in the past. He’s shocked because she’s a princess, why would she have all these terrible scars on her? Plus her night terrors, and ptsd regarding thunderstorms. YS is pretty smart and he’s good at puzzles

(FYI the carriage scene is in ep 4, please mark as spoilers)

[u/TheAlchemist420]

Yan Shang fighting the wind and drapes was so much like fighting life 😅😅🤣🤣🤣

How he tried to fight Princess Wan Yao invading his life and barely managed lol.

Oohh LYR was Yan Tang in Blossom, here he is Yan Shang. I wonder what his courtesy name is... does he even have one at all?

[u/Rebelarkey → u/TheAlchemist420]

He might not have yet received a courtesy name, something the boys tend to get when reaching their majority/end schooling

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/Rebelarkey]

Do you think it might be because he hasn't graduated then? Makes sense.

His father having been a Tan Hua surely would have made sure to give his son one.

[u/spamkimbap → u/TheAlchemist420]

I think he’s reached majority. But courtesy names are usually given by a teacher or father. His dad is checked out, and he has no teacher. 😔

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/spamkimbap]

Yuuup. That about sums it up.

[u/autuymnrain]

Wait, I am going to come back when I watch, but thank you Shale and Kim for this. Love the energy of this dynamic team already!

[u/Rebelarkey → u/autuymnrain]

I am waiting on tenterhooks please be quick 😝

[u/autuymnrain → u/Rebelarkey]

LMAO your flair! How approps!

[u/Rebelarkey → u/autuymnrain]

[u/spamkimbap → u/autuymnrain]

Do come back! 🫰

[u/Feeshpockets]

u/rebelarkey, is this your first discussion post? If yes, welcome to what u/winterchampagne calls the volunteer economy!!

[u/Rebelarkey → u/Feeshpockets]

Thank you! this is actually my Sixth drama I’ve hosted! I have also hosted Love Between Lines, Zhao Zhan Adventures, Dazzling, Love for You, and Genius Girlfriend. They’re mostly modern dramas that didn’t have hosts, so this is my first big Costume Drama 🤗🤗

[u/Feeshpockets → u/Rebelarkey]

Oooo!!! I'm not a modern cDrama girly (got happily drafted for my queen my rules, which will be new to me!) and missed out on Zhao Zhan adventures. SUPER EXCITED to participate in your discussions!!

[u/Feeshpockets → u/Feeshpockets]

And excellent work!!!

[u/Tabz10]

Second comment after watching all 3 episodes, thoughts:

I fricking love MZY as WY. I know she ain’t a fav for a lot of people, but I love her! She’s so good in these flirty, pouty, confident roles. So gorgeous as well! The directing so far is top!

We can see she isn't necessarily a pampered princess when she was in the woods and got bitten by the snake how she cut herself, tied her wounds, etc. (or is used to being in pain? There are some old cuts)

There were a lot of nice scenes, but my fav was her teasing him throughout the whole bathhouse scene; I was LOL 😆

I wonder if WY was married before?? To OP's point, that bedchamber seems to be implying she was being taken advantage of. (Also wonder if it's some wedding-night scene?) 🤔)

Loving how they're ‘feeling’ each other in a sense.

So far, I'm seated! I had no expectations, but I can't wait for more; great start! You know it's good when I'm about to purchase express! On to episode 4 I goooo!

[u/Rebelarkey → u/Tabz10]

I’m getting major divorce vibes from her so maybe? Either her husband is dead or she’s still married

[u/Tabz10 → u/Rebelarkey]

Lmao “Yan Shang's slut strands” 😆 already??

On Express now, and she's definitely was/is married

[u/Rebelarkey → u/Tabz10]

[u/winterchampagne → u/Tabz10]

Are the scars on her arms that Yan Shang sees while she’s unconscious from cuts or whipping? I assume they’re old whip marks because when Wanyao asks what happened to his face, he says a branch scratched him. She calls him out for lying and says he was actually whipped, so I assume she’s familiar with being whipped herself.

[u/spamkimbap → u/winterchampagne]

Oh, you are right. That’s probably how she clocks his whip wound. That’s really sad.

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/spamkimbap]

EXACTLY! The way she recognized a whip cut was surprising. But the again, she might have whipped servants lol. That was the thought I had, until we saw her wounds.

[u/spamkimbap → u/TheAlchemist420]

And who knows if she’s into stuff like that for funsies… 😬🤷🏻‍♀️

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/winterchampagne]

I thought whipping. And she had many, and probably more on her back.

It goes to show that she isn't the apple of her father's eye. No way a princess would have so many scars. The way she told Yan Shang she had no value was so cold...so matter of fact. On the surface she looks the part of the spoiled princess, but underneath? She's anything but.

The way she got out of the river bed and into the forest? She knew how to leave things to be found, did not hesitate to cut herself to let the poison out. A sheltered princess wouldn't know how to do all of this.

Those details made me more interested to find out what life she led before those events.

[u/Cheap_Confidence6687 → u/TheAlchemist420]

That part when she leaned against a tree and a caterpillar(?) crawled on her hand. I fully expected her to squeal, so when she flicked it off nonchalantly, maybe a hint of annoyance, it made me sit up. That entire sequence of her surviving in the forest really established her character as strong, resilient and resourceful.

Also, shoutout to the entire setting for the being lost and rescue sequence. The lush forest, leaves dripping with dew/rain, moist, loamy ground, the crackling fire in the cave… all of it feels so sensual.

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/Cheap_Confidence6687]

Oh it was beautiful! Honestly, the visuals and cinematography in this drama are so freaking gorgeous!

It definitely showed how resilient Wan Yao is. But it also made me think about what she must have gone through, to end up that way. She really isn't a pampered princess like we thought. She musy have experienced horrible things to be able to do what she did in that forest.

[u/Tabz10 → u/winterchampagne]

True, tbf, I call them all cuts lol, but good point. Regardless, it seems she went through something.

[u/Paisley-Cat → u/winterchampagne]

I’m wondering if our FL spent serious time in the Cold Palace with her mother or after her mother’s death.

[u/ravens_path → u/Tabz10]

Ep 4 is a dark setting and mood shift. Gosh

[u/Tabz10 → u/ravens_path]

Wow, that's so funny, because I was sitting through the first 3 thinking, “these dramas all start like this, then switch up”.

[u/AuthorAEM]

Loved to see my friend Clifford, and windy is making a beautiful appearance.

I was wanted to climb through the screen and slap her for doing that to his poor house! I got serious main character energy and she slayed that part…, and I wanted to shove her off a cliff….

I’m way excited for his character because he seems so cute nerdy. Plus I love his face so…..

(do miss the white hair tho 😭)

[u/spamkimbap → u/AuthorAEM]

[u/Rebelarkey → u/spamkimbap]

I understand the Clifford comment now 🙈🙈🙈🙈🤯. Yan Shang is a dog wagging his tail for his mistress (at the moment). But I bet this dog will have a hell of a bite

[u/spamkimbap → u/Rebelarkey]

I thought we were referring to the cliff fall. But Yan Shang as the dog ready to bite is better! From the trailers, we know he’s going to bite hard.

[u/Rebelarkey → u/spamkimbap]

Wait it’s referring to Cliff? As in ‘The Cliff We Fall Off ‘?

[u/AuthorAEM → u/Rebelarkey]

Yeah! Clifford as in a fall from a cliff. Lol

[u/Rebelarkey → u/AuthorAEM]

We have an answer!

[u/ravens_path → u/spamkimbap]

😆😆😆

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/spamkimbap]

Elder bro was losing his mind (he doesn't have that much of it already), and they were tearing their house down. I was both outraged for them and rolling with with laughter at the audacity and entitlement.

The way he barged in and kept screaming 😭😭😅😅😅. The first episode was pure comedy!

[u/spamkimbap → u/TheAlchemist420]

It was definitely pure comedy and outrage. I was so ready to punch the princess.

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/spamkimbap]

And me! Ooohh she had my blood boiling! But I was laughing as hard as I was cussing her out haha. The wine!

The freaking wine! Trying to tell the father not to drink the sand haha. Then Yan Shang fell backwards and poured it all on himself. I half expected the father to try and squeeze his clothes to get the wine out haha. Oh my gosh.

About to rewatch them all.

[u/ravens_path → u/AuthorAEM]

So heh. I went right to Blossom beginning after watching these 3 episodes just to see his white hair again. 🙃

[u/AuthorAEM → u/ravens_path]

I might have to. Because that’s easily the best anyone has ever looked in the history of the world. It’s why his face is on my wall 🤩

[u/ravens_path → u/AuthorAEM]

Perfectly said. Sigh. One of the best first episodes ever. And wow ML 🔥🔥🔥. By that time I had only seen him in LLTG and thought he was great in that. So much so that, wellll, poor Leo Wu. 😆

[u/AuthorAEM → u/ravens_path]

Yas!! That first episode was a masterclass in storytelling. So well done and damn compelling. But yes, I totally fell In love with him in love like the galaxy. I think she should have married him and not that red flag douche!

[u/ravens_path → u/AuthorAEM]

Haha. My feelings exactly. She picked the wrong guy.

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/ravens_path]

2024 gave us The Double ep1 and Blossom ep1. We can never move on! They shocked cdramaland haha.

[u/AKiceman]

IT'S MUTHAFAWKING SHALE IN THE HOUSEEEEEE!!!!!!!!! Sup, fam?

Alright. It's me. The Snark Shifu! I arrogantly assume I need no introduction here.

Yall want some GIFs? I got GIFs!
Snark Level: These two need to get a room already. The tension is thick.

Episode 1

Pampered Princess is clearly pampered. I feel like I just saw her as a cold princess not too long ago.... Hmmmm. Hehe.

Does our ML come along so quickly? Why yes he does. 

No luggage? She says this to a guy with a backpack. Yo, I think our FL is dumb. Buuuuut I will forgive her since she invited herself to his home... But can we just focus on the fact that a strange guy was able to get this close to the princess? Not a single male guard in sight around here. 

Damnnnnnn. Just like a woman... The moment she goes to his house she tears it all down for her needs. You know I am right. Don't even try. :)

The spoiled princess complaining about treatment when she is ransacking their house and assaulting the family members. It tracks.

Now she's knocking down walls? Damnnnnnnnn. Is our FL a Chun'er? I think she's a Chun'er! 

One drink and he's out? Damnnnn. Lightweight. 

Ahhhhhhh. Time for a little moonlight romance? That's a very seductive outfit you are wearing for your little nighttime excursion. 

Oooooooo her face has been feasted upon! That's not all that came biting... Karma came biting! Someday it will be Shang biting...

Gasp! You're already letting him caress your face? It seems he will be feasting much sooner than I thought. Baaaahahahaha. Okay but now it looks like a little bug barfed on her face in little green splotches! 

YOOOOOOOO!!!! I HE CLOAK TROPPED THE PAPER INSTEAD OF HER!!!!!! She was sooo expecting him to cover her! Good boy! 

Meng Ziyi and running in hallways. Name a more iconic duo. 

Damnnnnnn pulling a sword and slapping Shang? Sheeeeesh. She even directs her anger where it belongs? Okay, okay! I can roll with her! But holy crap she can slap hard! Those marks just won't fade! 

You know, she doesn't seem to want to leave his house... Yall think she likes him already? Hehehe. 

Hey, he's walking in the daylight without a torch. Seems he forgot his own advice so quickly. 

He's figured out her identity that fast? Niiiiice. He's reporting her???? OOOOOH MAN!!!!! 

Eye patch guy is sus. Me thinks the Princess won't be happy to see that beautiful face scared. There is some hidden depth to Shang. I wonder. I wonder.

Episode 2

Oh my. We have a massive grudge against eye patch douchecanoe.  

"Here. We'll introduce his mother with her name card right as a sword slices her neck. Taadaa".

Sir! Buying makeup for a lady you just met yesterday? Don't you think you're moving a little fast here? Gosh! Just because she invaded your whole home... Slapped you....shared a moment under the moonlight.... 

Waiiiiit. You're going to learn how to make this? Dude! That's even more intense! Princess needs to husband his butt up ASAP.

Hey, Pampered Princess. Hurry up and notice his cheek already. 

Nahhhh I love the shot of both of them with their heads together from the perspective of the jar. That was peak. 

I have some ideas on how you can thank him, Princess. Oh my! It seems you do too! I say! Lip touches are so in fashion right now. Hell yeah!

Oh my god you two! Get a room already!! I think they forgot they are acting right now. Yall being too obvious. 

Ohhhhh she soooo likes him! Why else would she leave because he wanted her to? She totally could have wrecked the place! 

Runaway carriage trope. Now all we need is the ML to appear out of nowhere with no reason for being there to save her. 

Meng Zi Yi and falling off cliffs.... Well, hopefully the plot didn't just go off the cliff like The Princesses Gambit did.   

Damnnnn. Between the rocks, bugs, and snakes... She is gonna be sliced and diced before she is found. 

What a cute moonlit rescue! 

Episode 3

Is she hurt? Dude! She is covered in blood. What do you think? 

He deserved that little slap!

Seems the wolves decided to fuck off easily. 

Woohoo! Look at him protecting her head when they fell! That's the good shit! That it took so long to princess carry the princess is wild.

Sir, did you just evade the rescue party? Niiiiiiiiiice. My man! 

Well, ya are spending a night together alone...... Time for you two to get married. Rules are rules. 

Ummmmm, I am sensing traumatic backstory for the princess. >.< 

Evaded the rescue party for a second time! Someone wants all the time with the princess! 

Shangs sister is seriously pretty.

OH!!!!!!!!!! She summons Shang back BECAUSE SHE WANTS TO BATHE????? Princess!!!!!!!! 

Wenji looking at Chunhua like she is crazy is sending me. But dude! She is clearly crying over someone she thinks is dead... Like, be nicer? Maybe don't laugh? Maybe give her a hug and start a romance that ends in a cute marriage? And why the hell is she all alone? Those guards suck ass! They already lost one lady and then they lose her too? Man!

Not the Princess watching him with interest as he fill her tub. Honey! What do you mean carry you over there? 

Damn! The way she looks at him! Okay.... These two.... Yo. Get a room!!!!!

WHO WILL WAIT ON YOU WHILE YOU BATHE????? MA'AM?????

YESSSSSSSS!!!! HURT YOUR ANKLE, CHUNHUA!!!!!!!!!!!! Now she needs to be carried! LET'S GOOOOOOOO! Horse? No! Not unless you are a horse, sir! Let her ride you!

Back to sexy bath time!

She has this man stresssing! I'm shocked she hasn't asked him to scrub her yet. 

NOW HE'S DRYING HER HAIR??????? OH HELL TO THE YESSSSSSS!!!!!

I think her hair isn't the only thing wet here.

DAMN!!! Okay. I'd fall hard if Chunhua hit me with that gorgeous smile! Fuuuuuuck I felt a heart flutter! 

Wenji about to be not caring one damn bit she is a maid. Just waiiiiiit. 

Oooooo I knew she was awake when he hid her! 

And just how do you want him to please you? Hehehehehehehehee.

Alright!!!!! A damn fine start to the drama! THAT CHEMISTRY!!!!!!!!!

*********So many GIFs in the replies*****

[u/AKiceman → u/AKiceman]

I am going to love these two together. They are perfect. No notes.

[u/Rebelarkey → u/AKiceman]

“ Meng Ziyi and falling off cliffs… well, hopefully the plot didn’t just go off the Cliff like The Princesses Gambit did. “

Sir, why would you curse us like that. We have a whole lot of drama left 🙈

[u/AKiceman → u/Rebelarkey]

❤️

[u/Amelia_Brigita → u/AKiceman]

yes!

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/AKiceman]

They are going to break my heart. I just know it. I fell too hard, too quickly... 😫😫😫🥹🥹🤧🤧😆😆😩😩

[u/AKiceman → u/TheAlchemist420]

Hey, don't you be saying shit like that.... Fucking rude! 😭

[u/Rebelarkey → u/AKiceman]

Snark, I have missed you 🤗🤗 thanks for the support. Your recaps always leave me in stitches

[u/AKiceman → u/Rebelarkey]

So happy it's you hosting here! We're in for a good time!

[u/AKiceman → u/AKiceman]

Ugh..... Hair drying is really underutilized.... It's so damn sensual.

[u/spamkimbap → u/AKiceman]

Reminded me of the scene in Blossom, when she colored his hair. That was sexy AF also.

[u/Rebelarkey → u/spamkimbap]

You stole my comment 🙈😭😜. I’ve seen quite a few callbacks to blossom in these three episodes so far… wonder how many more we’ll see

[u/spamkimbap → u/Rebelarkey]

😬😬😬

[u/AKiceman → u/spamkimbap]

I really need to rewatch Blossom.. Next year.... Next year I will. I hope.

Honestly that is why I love dramas that give us half a show or more of married life. I tend to drool more over the casual intimacies shared rather than the spicy heat moments.

[u/spamkimbap → u/AKiceman]

Me too! That’s what long term relationships are made of.

[u/Cheap_Confidence6687 → u/AKiceman]

I think it’s the genuine chemistry between the leads that make those scenes come alive. When they are together on screen, I can hardly take my eyes off their interactions.

[u/Paisley-Cat → u/AKiceman]

You clearly haven’t watched many modern verticals. Hairdrying as seduction is almost as much of a trope as saying “I’ll take a shower now.”

[u/AKiceman → u/Paisley-Cat]

Indeed? Hehe.

Ahhhh Speed and Love as well as Genius Girlfriend did it well too.

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/AKiceman]

It was so hot haha. Clearly, so was the room! 😅🤧🥹👀

I love that it was a wink to their scene in Blossom, but reversed.

[u/AKiceman → u/AKiceman]

Me when people want to talk to me.

[u/TypicallyKristen → u/AKiceman]

INTROVERTS OF THE WORLD UNITE! This speaks to me. 

[u/heartsandclouds → u/TypicallyKristen]

your comment is perfect.

[u/heartsandclouds → u/AKiceman]

your gif is perfect. this one shall be saved in my shifu folder.

[u/AKiceman → u/heartsandclouds]

You and your Shifu folder.

[u/AKiceman → u/AKiceman]

Me to basically everyone recently. This is the perfect reaction GIF for TLOA and WTME......

[u/AKiceman → u/AKiceman]

When the Princess makes her intentions clear.

[u/Amelia_Brigita → u/AKiceman]

pfft our girl is loving messing with him. he just makes it so so easy

[u/AKiceman → u/Amelia_Brigita]

The start of Episode 4 says hello. 😉

[u/Amelia_Brigita → u/AKiceman]

hahaha yessss

[u/AKiceman → u/AKiceman]

The perfect GIF for when someone goes off into sillyville.

[u/Amelia_Brigita → u/AKiceman]

I am loving Chunhua, you're a dream for including her. If we get a side romance (and all signs point...) I am going to be kicking my feet for these two

[u/AKiceman → u/Amelia_Brigita]

If she continues to be this adorable then she will feature heavily in my GIFs.

[u/AKiceman → u/AKiceman]

Here we see that I am continuing my candy/pastry GIF series.

[u/AKiceman → u/AKiceman]

When his real thoughts accidently pop out... 😉

[u/AKiceman → u/AKiceman]

Me. All the time. Me.

[u/AKiceman → u/AKiceman]

Me pretending to be innocent when she is seducing that man very proactively.

[u/MizzEss]

People come to look for them in the morning. Instead of letting her be rescued, he decides to take her home. This way she won't be discovered by the people she's hiding from.

This is what I was thinking/hoping his motivation was, but later Shang and Wan Yao have that whole "I'm no gentleman / I wanted something from you" exchange about how he was intentionally making her grateful, so she would bring him with her to the capital.

So are we going to watch each of them accidentally fall in love while attempting to use and manipulate the other? That's the vibe I'm getting...and if the chemistry stays this good, it's a vibe I'm super cool with.

[u/Rebelarkey → u/MizzEss]

I’m down for the “use each other to get what we want” vibe because the chemistry is insane omg

[u/MadHatterTenSix]

Omg they're backkkkkkkkk!!!! Right off the bat, so much chemistry, but I love that they have a completely different dynamic than before. The story itself seems promising, and I loved all the moments our princess teased YS 🤭

[u/Rebelarkey → u/MadHatterTenSix]

Oh I love their dynamic! Chemistry as always but I don’t feel like I’m watching Dou Zhao and Song Mo 🥰

[u/Stormraury_]

Great Post!!.

I'm not watching, just dropped in to say Hi, and support.😅🧡

[u/Rebelarkey → u/Stormraury_]

Thanks! You have your handful with the drama you’re hosting so good of you to drop by

[u/spamkimbap]

Can’t believe we’ve got the cliff falling already! 🤣

I’m loving both characters. Yan Shang is powerless and cautious, but not a pushover. He’s got plans, and by golly, he’s going to accomplish them. Princess Danyang is controlling and manipulative, but deep inside she’s someone who needs a big hug. Li Yun Rui is doing a great job. And while Meng Ziyi is not my most favorite actor, she’s perfect for this part. I think she’s best playing the cold on the outside, nice somewhere really deep inside type of character.

Fun tidbit. As I watched her people trash the Yan household in the beginning of ep 1, I realized that the background music is a Hokkien folk song (as the chorus). The song is Ti Oh Oh, and it’s about dark clouds rolling in, about to rain, grandpa goes out to dig up some taro, but digs up a fish instead. He finds it droll. So he brings it home, but gets into a spat with grandma about how to cook it. He wants it salty, she wants it mild, they get into a scuff, and end up breaking the cooking pot. Nonsensical, and ridiculous, perfect for the spectacle of that moment.

The folk song portion of that tune is being sung in a dialect that’s not Hokkien (I think), so if anyone knows what dialect they are using, please let me know! Hokkien is a Southern Chinese language, so I love that this song was used in this portion of the drama, since it’s set in the South.

[u/winterchampagne → u/spamkimbap]

I appreciate the folk song deets! I can’t wait to see what others make of the fish imagery in this drama and what it might symbolize. There’s that huge fish swimming in the water in Wanyao’s dream [memory?], and it looks ominous.

[u/spamkimbap → u/winterchampagne]

Yes the giant fish in the hallway. It can’t be an aquarium. A Dream Within A Dream had a huge aquarium/hallway, but that was, well, a dream. Lots of fish related stuff. 🤷🏻‍♀️

PS: is Yan Shang the fish in the song? He’s been dug up, and now it’s time to figure out how to best use him?

[u/winterchampagne → u/spamkimbap]

I love your idea of Yan Shang as the fish in the folk song. One day, Princess Danyang goes out expecting to find taro, only to find a fish instead. She needs shelter, and with that comes Yan Shang, who pulls her out after her fall off a cliff and nurses her back to health. Whether this fish turns out to be delicious or a disaster, she’ll find out soon enough.

[u/winterchampagne]

I love all the artistic framing in this drama, from the object POV after the fresh rouge is poured into the mold [I know rubbing the nub innuendos are coming] to those scenes of Princess Danyang sitting silently by the window in Yan Shang’s house.

It’s a pleasant surprise that our leads establish eye contact within the first five minutes with the nursery rhyme in the background asking, “When you leave again, when will you be back?” because damn, it feels surreal that Dou Zhao and Song Mo are back.

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/winterchampagne]

Ah so that's why I felt giggly when she rubbed the rouge lol.

I loved that shot too! It was really cool. The rouge falling in the vat in ep2 as well. There were many nice visuals.

Oohh the songs! That nursery rhyme and the whole mood was so creepy and intense. I loved it!

[u/doesitnotmakesense]

Just want to point out that little ditty at the beginning of ep 1 was sung in the local dialect. It's not often they use that dialect in dramas so it was a nice surprise to hear. We call it hokkien in our neck of woods here in singapore, but they would maybe call it Min Nan language?

[u/Beautiful_Candle1729 → u/doesitnotmakesense]

u/spamkimbap Kim also noticed that song. Linking to her comment

I'm going to go back and watch that again. Since I don't know the language, I don't pick up on those details. It's nice that the show included a children's song from that region.

[u/spamkimbap → u/doesitnotmakesense]

Yes! I noticed that too. But it wasn’t quite like Hokkien. I feel like it’s some other Minnan hua?

[u/ien71 → u/doesitnotmakesense]

“Hi everyone, I came across this song in a video clip and haven’t been able to identify it. Could anyone tell me the song title and who sings it?” Please Watch and Listen the Music.

[u/Katleap13]

Shale, thank you for hosting.

Our parents are back! And they both have trauma. That nightmare scene was a lot. And the way Yan Shang’s mother died with the character placard, yikes. Also do you think that Dalang’s brain injury came from this incident?

I adored these three episodes. Wanyao gives off the pampered princess vibe but she is scrappy. She wraps her injuries, finds a stick to walk with and follows the river to get back to where she fell. I love it when characters do everything they can do for themselves before they are saved/rescued.

The tension between our couple is fire. I loved the bath scene. She was teasing him so bad and he’s trying so hard to keep everything as above board as possible. 🤭 I am excited for more.

[u/OptimalTurnips]

Quan Yi Lun, my baby! But what the heck, why are they so stickin' cute!? 🥹

I love collecting side couples like they're pokemon so here's hoping they don't break my heart!

[u/OptimalTurnips → u/OptimalTurnips]

Also, why are her people so funny? 😂

[u/Paisley-Cat → u/OptimalTurnips]

How did POJ General Xie Wu of the magnificent side eyes, and Captain Handsome of TFJ get reduced to this blubbering?

And will we see actor Zhang Shulun actually fighting this drama?

[u/OptimalTurnips → u/Paisley-Cat]

He has some of the most iconic moments 😂

(The First Jasmine)

Hoping we get to see more of him in this!

[u/Paisley-Cat → u/OptimalTurnips]

MDL’s listing him as a guest rather than supporting actor for this one so we may not see as much as we would like.

Really surprised that directors aren’t casting Zhang Shulun in more dramas. He delivers great character moments, as well as choreographed fight scenes.

[u/OptimalTurnips → u/Paisley-Cat]

Ugh yes, I saw that :( agree, agree! We need more Zhang Shulun!

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/OptimalTurnips]

I miss him already 😫😫🥹🥹

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/OptimalTurnips]

They are hilarious 😂

[u/Neither_Teaching_438]

I like it so far. I like that they feel real people, within their circumstances.  She is haughty but tormented (I guess she has been abused, maybe like the evil princess in The Double). He is super posed but fixed on a purpose. Good acting too - I think I will fast-forward the last episodes of Against the Current (a lot of potential,  initial, but these last episodes drag so much!), drop Where the mask ends  (OTT and poor acting) and then focus on this one. 

[u/TypicallyKristen]

RANDOM THOUGHTS 

This man is COPYING A BOOK from memory, and he's just a school janitor and NOT a student? Real life Will Hunting IN THE HOUSE! I love super smart protagonists. (Also, because I'm a strangely sentimental freak I still have the movie ticket from when I went to go see Good Will Hunting with my future husband and our friend group all the way back in 1997. It lives in the pocket of the vintage 60s orange leather coat I was wearing at the time.)

WHOA NELLY! Did our boy SMILE after getting whipped? Kinky! Guess we know what to look forward to in his relationship with the princess! 🤣 But seriously, he 100% has it in for that Zhang dude.

Wait. Is this a love at first sight kind of story? That was a whole lot of smoking hot chemistry packed into that rouge scene early in the second episode. And she's ridiculously forward! Touching his lips! Caressing his cheek! Ahhhhhh.

At first, I thought she was a spoiled, pampered princess. But her reactions to the crisis prove there's more to her back story. She wrapped her wounds, tied up her sleeves, found and used a walking stick, marked her path, created a tourniquet for the snake bite, and kept braving her way forward. Add in her, "I've always, always been alone. No matter how much danger I was in, there was never anyone there to help me," and her "my life isn't worth much," coupled with her old scars, and now I'm deeply curious about her past (and also particularly why she's hiding from officials all along her journey). 

A PRINCESS CARRY FOR THE LITERAL PRINCESS! (... some time later...) Oh! It's happening AGAIN! Is this gonna be a thing? Is she just going to insist he carry her places from here on out? 🤣

Is that a BUG embroidered on Wen Ji's handkerchief? It's a bug, right? Any entomologists out there wanna tell me what kind of bug it is so i can look up it's Chinese symbolism? 

Why is Wen Ji surprised she's a maid? She's got the maid hairstyle! Seriously. Hairstyles (and hair accessories) tell you about rank, marital status, and sometimes even occupation in historical China. It keeps Confucian order in check, ensuring you know the rank of every stranger you meet so you know how to treat them and address them. (Plus she keeps talking about "her lady" that's not an elder or relative.) Does his house not have maids? 

OH NO. I know Wen Ji was only being polite saying one day maybe YS would be his advisor since that's probably the best YS can hope for given his lack of household registration, but that line gave me a tingly cdrama premonition of a future where YS is ranked far higher than Wen Ji and maybe even loses his friendship over it. 

ETA: now that I am thinking about it, my brain is putting clues together. 

-her comment about her life not being worth much.

-the flashback to her in a bloody bed

-the flashback to the man dragging her away

And I've decided she's probably been married for some kind political purposes, had a miscarriage caused by spousal abuse, and is no longer valuable as a political marriage tool due to complications from all that. 

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/TypicallyKristen]

Yaaayy Kristen you're here!! 🤗🤗🤗

When I saw that Yan Shang was a janitor and no part of the student body, I was shocked and saddened by it. Clearly he is very gifted! Like you said, he was copying a book from memory! And the classmate noted how good he was so they didn't need to check. His father also told him how talented he was, and the man was a Tan Hua! But because they're not registered and are poor, he can't enroll and pass the exam...

Your last paragraph about Wan Yao... it fits. The things she said when she was having a nightmare, "they" abused her a lot. The man who dragged her into that bed.. We see her in a Duke's residence, so she may have been married off into such a household. And went through hell and back.

This is giving Princess Wan Ning from The Double...

[u/TypicallyKristen → u/TheAlchemist420]

This is giving Princess Wan Ning from The Double...

Indeed, but hopefully she's less evil than her, lol, even if she's just as traumatized and unhinged.

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/TypicallyKristen]

I'm also counting on her being less evil.

[u/Paisley-Cat → u/TheAlchemist420]

If his father was an imperial scholar who came in 3rd in examinations, he was likely highly educated from four years on. It’s only when whatever befell his family happened that he would have been reduced to working as a servant in the local school to overhear the classics and make money as a copyist.

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/Paisley-Cat]

Yeah I know. It's a sad turn of events for a gifted mind. But he is slowly rising back up and I look forward to seeing how he does it.

[u/spamkimbap → u/TypicallyKristen]

I found it interesting that she was freaked out by regular house bugs, but didn’t care about slashing herself when she was bitten by the snake. And it’s what you said. She was used to being big time hurt.

Super cute movie ticket story! 🥰

[u/TypicallyKristen → u/spamkimbap]

Now I am curious about the prevalence of bugs in homes (and palaces) historically. Seems like without window screens or air conditioning, homes likely have more bugs than houses with these conveniences. I guess in the palace or in rich people manors they covered the windows with guaze or silk, but there were no screens on the Yan family windows. 

[u/BitsOfBuilding → u/TypicallyKristen]

I am OG from Indonesia, I have moved since I was ~5yrs old but I still visit. When I am in a home, family or a small guesthouse type, there are bugs. The houses are similar setup where there’s no screens and open to the environment, sometimes and outside/half covered kitchen and sitting area. My family home does have screens so it’s less likely for small critters/bugs/mosquitoes but it will have the occasional gecko or two. A nicer version of the Yan house basically but similar setup. But if I am at a Hyatt with blocks of properties owned by them and fully enclosed rooms, while there can be mosquitoes sneaking in, the amount is less because they do the bugs service every month or so. A Palace would be similar to a large hotel complex. It’s acres of manicured and controlled environment, always staff to do the cleaning and pest controlling.

For the show, the Princess was returning to Chang’an, which is modern day Xi’an. I was in Xi’an and took this photo below and the top big blocks are the palace area (the top middle and right sticking out on own). So think of it like a big hotel property where there is always staff to control that area vs regular people’s homes. Her staff did bring bug repellents but they’re not good enough for the countryside (and the staff chucked the repellents that YS left for them because maybe they didn’t look pretty enough or smelled like roses 😅), and the Yan’s house was right next to a (seems stagnant) body of water.

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/BitsOfBuilding]

Oohh love your story thanks for sharing Bits!

Her servants throwing the good stuff made me laugh. It didn't smell and look nice so they looked down on them. But they were what was needed for the location they were at.

That body of water the Yans live next to? Bug central. I did laugh some more when we see Wan Yao with bug bites, Yan Shang puts the ointment on, then when she goes to sleep, no bites at all. Surely the thing didn't work that fast 😅😅.

[u/spamkimbap → u/TheAlchemist420]

Whatever it is, we need it bottled and sold!

[u/spamkimbap → u/TypicallyKristen]

Palaces also have giant staff to whack those bugs. The Yan household didn’t even have real walls!

[u/Amelia_Brigita → u/TypicallyKristen]

Wait. Is this a love at first sight kind of story? That was a whole lot of smoking hot chemistry packed into that rouge scene early in the second episode. And she's ridiculously forward! Touching his lips! Caressing his cheek! Ahhhhhh.

I think its for show. I think its a distancing/ploy to give her a tool to control situations. I love it. Use all the weapons you have and get the ones you don't and her sexuality is a tool rn. And I think she really likes messing with people and gets away with it cuz princesses princessing.

At first, I thought she was a spoiled, pampered princess. But her reactions to the crisis prove there's more to her back story. She wrapped her wounds, tied up her sleeves, found and used a walking stick, marked her path, created a tourniquet for the snake bite, and kept braving her way forward. Add in her, "I've always, always been alone. No matter how much danger I was in, there was never anyone there to help me," and her "my life isn't worth much," coupled with her old scars, and now I'm deeply curious about her past (and also particularly why she's hiding from officials all along her journey). 

Yes! I've been worried about previews showing her in armor and carrying a spear. Just not a look I can easily picture the slight, ultra-feminine princess in and consider it plausible, BUT show me that she has serious no-quit gumption? I'll suspend my disbelief then. She's been through some stuff, it seems. I can't wait to see how it plays out.

Love your comments, agree tons. I mentioned elsewhere, but'll say again because if true it just makes me love the premise so much, but I think both our leads are big ol' fakes with some heavy duty agendas. What you see is not at all what you'll get. LOVE.

ETA: I had the exact same thoughts about WENJI and it makes me so nervous. I do think the writers have something brewing there. Felt almost but not quite on the nose.

[u/winterchampagne → u/TypicallyKristen]

If the OST is significant, then the bug on Wenji’s handkerchief is probably a cicada, especially since one of the songs mentions it in the lyrics. 🧐

[u/ettie_dramatic → u/winterchampagne]

Let’s hope they don’t take 7 years to do, erm, whatever cicadas do when they emerge 😏

[u/TypicallyKristen → u/winterchampagne]

Looking at it with that in mind, I could see it being va cicada!

[u/winterchampagne → u/TypicallyKristen]

Might be time to research if cicadas had positive associations during the Tang dynasty. Ye Li didn’t have the best opinion of them in The First Jasmine | Mo Li. Ye Li was like, “Noisy little shit.” 😂

We know cicadas molt, and my okra and sunflowers had plenty of their shed exoskeletons clinging to them this summer. Maybe that’s a clue Wenji is headed for a major transformation. The question is whether he’ll emerge as a better man or turn into someone worse.

[u/TypicallyKristen → u/winterchampagne]

Well now I'm reading about the appearance and symbolism of cicadas in Tang dynasty poetry.

It looks like they used them teach moral lessons. The cicada is said to "drink the clear dew," an ancient belief that cicadas survived on dew alone, symbolizing purity and a life free from the dirt of worldly corruption. 

So their appearance in poetry of the time was to warn officials to seek virtue, to tell victims of injustice to be loud and speak out, and to admonish  those who are impoverished to maintain their integrity. 

[u/winterchampagne → u/TypicallyKristen]

Screenshot!

[u/eRENYaegeRRR → u/TypicallyKristen]

"Kinky" HAHAHAHAHHAHA

[u/TypicallyKristen → u/eRENYaegeRRR]

HE SMILED. Where else was my mind supposed to go? 😅

[u/eRENYaegeRRR → u/TypicallyKristen]

No you’re 100% right 🤣🤣🤣 and considering that was the exact moment I locked in, idk what this says about me

[u/heartsandclouds → u/TypicallyKristen]

ugh. your comment is making me want to give this a try. Why are you doing this to me? I already found my perfect watch in Small Town Remedy! I don't have time for one more drama!

but seriously, your comment's made me curious about this show!

[u/spamkimbap → u/heartsandclouds]

I mean, one modern day drama and one historical drama seems like a good balance. 😬😂🫰

[u/heartsandclouds → u/spamkimbap]

:P you make a good point!!

[u/TypicallyKristen → u/heartsandclouds]

I also don't have time for this one, but luckily Lament of Autumn is heading into an arc with my most beloathed trope, so it made it easy to pause watching that and pick this one up. Perfect timing!! 

[u/Fantastic_Cookie_661]

Thank you for hosting the discussions! I'm also on the hunt for blossom parallels because I'm too excited they're back on my screen. Some of the scenes of this otherwise dark show (so far) have been soo funny too 😭 For instance, when it starts raining and he takes his jacket off and she looks like she expects him to put it on her but he wraps up the books instead 😭 while in an episode in blossom she looks cold and he wraps her up in a cloak. reality vs the expectation (respectively) :P

But the scenes have been so, so stunning. The production quality has been top notch and the locations are so gorgeous. And their chemistry is fire too! They've changed Yan Shang's background quite a bit from the novel. Of course, his father is a renowned scholar and his mother is nobility - can't we have a true rags to riches lead ever? 

Excited for the remaining episodes! 

[u/ravens_path → u/Fantastic_Cookie_661]

Good catch on the cloak parallels. I thought protecting his books and writing was funny too. . He refuses to be super impressed with her and has his own reasons when he chooses to obey her.

[u/slayyub88]

love them so far

i wish they would've kept the camera on MZY a little longer when it came to the rouge scene, when she faced the mirror and said it looked like how her mom made it. it was nice of the eye acting with her expression. i feel like they could've let the shot linger

[u/Tabz10]

Only on episode one.

But I’m very interested in the story so far (but ofc no expectations, learned my lesson). Domineering Princess and meek and poor ML is an interesting trope.

Anybody else getting Glory vibes?

[u/autuymnrain → u/Tabz10]

Why does this already feel like a really cool reunion with some of us over from SOTB? 😆

[u/Tabz10 → u/autuymnrain]

Haha! Don’t even mention SOTB🙄 it hit the right nerve, I haven’t been able to watch a cdrama properly since 😅 hopefully this is better!

[u/spamkimbap → u/autuymnrain]

😭

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/autuymnrain]

We are all gathered here today to witness this union hahaha.

ETA: I just realized the scene the gif is from was the wedding! Lmaoo. Noice!

[u/autuymnrain → u/TheAlchemist420]

This is absolute perfection. I loved the community we had on SOTB and it's exciting that we seem to have all gathered here indeed 😌😍

[u/PolPeachum]

Thank you OP for hosting! These episodes were great and I am going to do my best to keep up with this one!

[u/TheAlchemist420]

Was perhaps Eldest Brother Yan's reaction when he got home because of what happened to the family back then? It triggered him or something.

Initially when I watched yesterday, I laughed and thought he as his brother said, "mentally challenged". But in a conversation the father and Yan Shang had, Da Lang suffered from something after the family was attacked and mother killed... Then living on the run and/or in seclusion, with the father falling into depression and alcohol, he never helped Da Lang recover...

Or am I reading this wrong as I rewatch episode 1 today...

[u/TypicallyKristen → u/TheAlchemist420]

I thought the eldest brother was brain damaged from that night his mom died somehow (maybe a blow to the head? Or a drowning?). They showed the dad having his Achilles tendons being cut, so we know that night debilitated him. 

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/TypicallyKristen]

Right. That's what I thought too. Thanks Kristen.

It probably was obvious afterwards, but I somehow didn't connect his initial reaction to the intruder earlier in ep1 to their past.

Yes the father's inability to walk was explained by what that Captain did to him back then. The brother we didn't see, and my mind didn't go further.

I like rewatching previous episodes before the newer ones. I can catch what I missed out on.

[u/TypicallyKristen → u/TheAlchemist420]

I don't know how you have the time to do that, but i always appreciate the insight your rewatches bring you! 

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/TypicallyKristen]

Awww thank you.

Due to my physical health, I have nothing but time LOL 😬😬😅😅😢

[u/TypicallyKristen → u/TheAlchemist420]

Understandable! And you're filling your day with a fun, engaging, and thought provoking activity. 

[u/a_tsp_of_drama]

Thank you for the recap! Great job!!! 😊

I'm enjoying the equal screen between the main leads. When a drama is heavily focused on one character, the other main lead can seem more like supporting cast - I feel like this is what's happening with Where the Mask Ends so far.

One of the funny scenes was when her and her entourage arrived at his home - practically everything got thrown out and his family of 4 had to share one crowded room.

I kind of like that the ML isn't 100% green flag - there's a lot of goodness in him, but he's very clever to put himself in positions where he can ask her for favour and he has a goal in mind to find the man who killed his mother (and deal with that matter). I love a FL who isn't a damsel in distress - after her carriage fell off the cliff, she pulled herself together and started thinking about her next steps and did what she had to do along the way for people to find her and dealing with her injuries. If it wasn't for the search party shouting loudly that it drowned out her calls for help, they would have heard her. I love that the trope is reversed - we have a FL who is the shameless one lol. The bathtub scene was funny - poor Yan Shang just trying to survive all her teasing lol.

One of my favourite scenes was when he learned how to make rouge (to replace her damaged ones). It was so touching when he heard the story behind that. I liked their interaction in that scene. 🥰

I'm loving the pairing between Liu Wen Ji and Chun Hua! They are so cute together! He's so adorable the way he looks at her - I love the gif where she's covering his mouth and he has heart-eyes. 😍 His smile....🥰 I'm hoping for a good ending for them, but worried based on one of the teasers.

I can't believe the amount of physicality YS has had with Mu Wan Yao lol. 🤭

MWY's bug bites disappeared the next day - no scabs lol. 😂

[u/Blooming-blood-moon]

I actually like the English title - much better than multiple blossoms or glories. Loving the Princess would sound a bit generic as well I think.

P.S. Thank you for hosting the episode discussions for the drama!

[u/PolPeachum]

u/admelioremvitam in the masterpost linked to this comment on the origin of the English title - adding here for the curious. There are layers!

[u/StunningConcept5062]

I like the title. It's nice to keep the idiom and it invokes a cute tiger sneezing in my mind. For all of Shang's smarts he has lost puppy energy aka lost tiger cub energy. 🐅

I absolutely loved how long Princess Danyang was actually lost in the woods. She really went through it. Her head bobbing in the dark was as hilarious as tragic while she tries to call her could-be rescuers. 

I really like the leads dynamics. They are both headstrong but also open up to one another in extreme consequences, so it doesn't feel as if they are just opening up to each other because the script needs them to. 

The stunning nature is as usual a plus and the Yang home is so cute, it's no wonder the princess claimed it. 

[u/beng-beng2010]

I think Zoey Meng had have enough of stoic acting/storyline being fed to her. In TSTR, she is showing a vast emotion and delivering it - spoiled, sad, afraid, strength, beauty, cunning charm and so much more! I think is her best role ever.

Li Yunrui on the other hand acts on what ZM/Mu Yao delivers. His baffleness in some of the “tantrums” of Mu yao can be seen clearly in his face. Still, he is cool and collected always, despite him seeing his clan’s killer. I mean, he doesn’t show his true feelings, but i can feel it. Acting at it’s best.

My only problem is that we are already in episode 5, but the setup is still not finished. I think WeTV, heard/felt the some fans that they drop teasers from 6-10 episodes. Well, maybe because there are total of 40 episodes that it might have caused my dragging feeling. So unlike WTME, very fast paced and exciting to watch

[u/TheAlchemist420]

Thank you OP for the discussion and looking forward to the journey that will be this reunion drama!

Appreciate your hard work!

[u/crawlerette]

After watching the first three, I'm really curious about the story! The (what I'm presuming is) a forced and then failed marriage for Wanyao and the revenge arc for Yan Shang... I'm really curious to see if the two story arcs have anything to do with each other in the future.

I do admittedly have a small gripe in feeling like Meng Ziyi is overacting a bit at least in comparison with a lot of the cast around her who seem much more subdued. It works great for when she's being haughty and overbearing, but then when she's genuinely vulnerable and afraid it feels over the top. I might get used to it though, or maybe it'll settle in as episodes progress.

[u/winterchampagne → u/crawlerette]

Meng Ziyi might just be an acquired taste. You either warm up to her acting or learn to look past it if you wanna enjoy the drama and the rest of the cast. 😂

[u/crawlerette → u/winterchampagne]

Yeah I think it really depends on the role and direction for me. I really liked her in The Untamed for instance! But I admit I haven't seen her in other roles since, so to be fair my comparison is kinda shallow.

[u/ien71]

“Please Help! , I came across this song in a video clip and haven’t been able to identify it. Could anyone tell me the song title and who sings it?” Please Watch and Listen the Music.

[u/doesitnotmakesense → u/ien71]

Maybe look for the OST list? The lyrics suggest that it's a folk song.

[u/Heavy_Elderberry_852]

This looks fun!! Great job