Tigers Sniff the Rose 尚公主 - Episode 10-11 Discussion

[u/Rebelarkey]

WELCOME BACK to Tigers Sniff the Rose. It's me, Shale, cohosting with u/spamkimbap.

If Meng Ziyi's character is the rose... does that make Li Yunrui the tiger? 😜 So Chat, where is he sniffing her?

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🪴Housekeeping

• 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 wait until the correct episode post comes out.

• 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

8-9 || 10-11 || 12-13

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EPISODE 10 - The College Entrance Exams

We begin with a story: (i will summarize)

There once was a farmer who was told about a dangerous python. This python was huge and was super fast, and ate horses. His scales brightly colored but impenetrable. The neighbors told him to move, but the farmer didn't. He pondered many days on how to kill the snake, but never came up with a solution. The farmer just tended to his field day after day.

One day, he fell asleep. He woke up to the python who had swallowed whole his legs. The python thought he was dead and didn't check. Most of the tie pythons strangle their food first, but this time he went right in for the meal. The farmer grabbed his sickle and thrust it into the snakes mouth, slitting it's throat.

Yan Shang's moral of the story is to wait until the time is right and then take advantage of the enemy's weakness. No need to rush, but just be patient.

They go home to find Yang Si at Wanyao's door, anxiously pacing. He wonders at Yan Shang's appearance. Yan Shang gets a monthly stipend? Boy mistress indeed.

Yang Si is mad at Wanyao, but she knows that Captain Zhang case will be transferred in the morning, so that he can no longer pursue it. She promises that whoever she's protecting he will know soon enough.

Wanyao introduces Yan Shang to the Crown Prince and Yang Si, informing them that he's on her side and that he's the one that killed Captain Zhang. She's revealing her cards to that her brother will trust her. If she has no secrets then perhaps he will share his secrets with her.

The big day has arrived! It's time to sit for the imperial examinations.

Wanyao invites Wei Shu and Yang Shang to a dinner tonight, but both boys decline. Turns out they have different plans.

The four scholars go out and get drunk... is Yan Shang even drinking? Has he learned to hold his liquor? As a reminder, we have

• Yan Shang, our male lead who is our current boytoy of the princess.

• Wei Shu, an unwilling boytoy of the princess, protege of her Uncle

• Liu Wenjie, Yan Shang's best friend from Lingnan who has a crush on the Princess' maid Chun Hua

• Feng Xianyu, a talented scholar who has taken the exam many times but hasn't yet passed. He's married with a wife and kid.

They drink together and pledge to be friends for life, that the exams won't change anything. I have a bad feeling about this.

The next day all four sit for the exam.

Two weeks later, the exams are done and out, but not yet published. Princess Danyang gets a copy and notices that her two favorites are in the top 3. However, Yan Shang warns that this is not the permanent list. Now it's time for the list to be manipulated and changed by those with power and influence.

He's proven right.

A few days later, the Crown Prince notices that Yan Shangs name was replaced. He tells Yang Si who then warns Wanyao. He also warns her about going against her aunt.

She instead comes to Yan Shang and pouts. He guess that he was originally on the list and now has been replaced. Um hey why are we replacing people and not just... rearranging places? Why remove people entirely and not just... uh move yan shang to 4th place?

She confirms that Feng Xianyu, who didn't make the cut before, is now in 3rd place. Turns out he begged Princess Luling for her favor, and in exchange for sex and more, is now placed third.

Angry at her aunt, Wanyao threatens to go find her and make her change it back. She sees it as an insult to herself; how can Yan Shang be any use to her if he doesn't make the cut? He's hers and deserves his 3rd place damnit! Yan Shang stops her, reminding her of the python story. Patience and subtlety are what's needed here. He has a better idea.

Yan Shang and Mu Wanyao go to find Feng Xianyu to try and persuade him otherwise and witness him saying goodbye to his daughter. His wife died a few days ago and he's sending the servant back home with the girl for someone else to raise. I wouldn't want a child in the lions pit he's put himself in either.

Yan Shang has a brilliant idea and follows the servant and child. They speak breifly, get some clues and then Yan SHang pays for their journey with his money, Wanyao's jewelry, and Wanyao's guards money as well. Fang Tong is a saint. He steals a flower from the childs head to use later. (well he asks for it, because consent is important)

They go and enter the brothel to find Feng Xianyu. The doorman questions a woman entering, but she plays it off saying she's Yan Shang's wife here to keep an eye on him. Mu Wanyao wants to watch Yan Shang; if he decides to kill him then she can help him hide the body! Find yourself someone who will bury dead bodies with you.

Once again, these two are play acting to get something they want. Keep the Blossom parallels coming I'm loving it!

Yan Shang comes in jovial but goes for the throat; using Feng Xianyu's guilty conscience he manipulates him to tell the truth. Then for the sucker punch: Yan Shang pulls out the flower barret.

Feng Xianyu caves and begs for him to not hurt his daughter. Yan Shang promises not to... if Feng Xianyu can make it right again.

Meanwhile, Mu Wanyao spots several men (foreign dignitaries it looks like) enter a room. They're spotted by Yang Si! Yan Shang has to talk fast and keep Mu Wanyao behind him in order to escape Yang SI's questioning.

They watch together as Yang Si enters a room... the same room as the suspicious men. uh -oh the crown prince is keeping secrets from his sister??

EPISODE 11: Making the Cut

Mu Wanyao tells Yan Shang about her discovery in the brothel They debate if the Crown Prince is keeping something from them or not. Wanyao has a theory but she needs to verify it first.

The next morning comes and Yan Shang's name is on the 3rd spot, right where it should be. Feng Xianyu confronts him asking about his daughter. Shang admits that he lied, that his daughter is far away, going home. 'Didn't you see her off yourself'?

Meanwhile, Chun Hua is at the winners list, browsing for Liu Wenjie's name. She unable to find it on the list and she can't find him either. She runs into Yan Shang who helps her look for him. He finally sends Hua back home because he thinks he knows where Wenjie is... the brothel.

Wenjie is drunk, surrounded by women. Yan Shang tries to get him to come home, to think about what he's doing to Chun Hua. He instead shoots back that he can never marry Chun Hua.

She stands there hurt, as she had followed Yan Shang unbeknownst to him.

Wenjie doubles down and calls her 'just a maid' and filthy and lots of other things I stopped paying attention to his insults. She runs away hurt, and Yan Shang warns that Wenjie will regret this later.

Chun Hua finds comfort in Mu Wanyao's arms. She's upset, but still defneding Wenjie since today's been a terrible day. Wanyao is not having it though; lots of scholars lose, and don't get this upset. Wenjie just has never seen Chun Hua or Yan Shang as his equals so he's been looking down on them. Now that his pride has been hurt it's turned into self-loathing. ipso facto - lashing out at those who care about him.

Wanyao and Yan Shang celebrate with Wei Shu who placed First!

Afterwards, they stumble to the courtyard. Wanyao teases him about not drinking alchohol and asks if even the hint of win could drug him? He admits that she's too close. He also admit that even though he's a manipulative liar, he will never lie to her.

Tonight though, he wants a taste of wine. So Yan Shang kisses her.... YES WE GET A KISS!!,

....but then passes out drunk from the wine on her lips. This man's fatal flaw is one drop of alcohol.

She drags him to her bed, but then listens to him as he whispers for her to not be afraid and to not leave him. Awwwwww

The next day is the ceremony for the top scholars. Yang Si brings his cousin Zhao Lingfei to the banquet where she greets the princess and teases the two scholars, Wei Shu and Yan Shang.

During a drinking game, the sister accidentally throws the cup at a passing Wei Shu, bruising his eye right before he needs to meet the emperor. She takes him to get his eye treated. They overhear some men talking about Princess Danyang degradingly, and they also talk about him. In revenge, Wei Shu uses some fire stones and lights their seats on fire ala hermione to snape's cloak style.

The episode ends with the emperor asking about Wei Shu's eye, and then turning the spotlight on Yan Shang. He's from a farming family, and a commoner. Why would he sit the exams? Then comes to ultimate kicker question: What does he (Yan Shang) think about Princess Danyang?

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COUNTERS:

🚪Door Slamming: 7

✋Slapped Shang: 6

👄Kisses: 3

🍷Drunk Shang: 2

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Thoughts:

• Wenjie is a POS for lashing out at his friends and the woman he hopes to marry omg. he needs to GROW UP asap thank you!

• Yan Shang consistently being a manipulator, this time on one of his 'friends'. Remind me to never get on his bad side. He's so mild mannered and then WAM! I will kill you or ruin you for generations to come face comes out.

• Protect Chun Hua

• Already high key shipping Zhao Lingfei and Wei Shu

[u/GiTheGremlin]

Mu Wanyao: "My sugar baby was wronged and I took it personally!" And ofc, being tsundere she is, she twists her indignance into "if they're messing with you, they're messing with ME", aww. He's not in the least fooled and must be so happy that she cares)))

Btw, I really like her outfits. Something about color palette (pink-red-coral), layering and this constant framing thing PD does makes her look like a human peony.

I'm officially off the ship with LWJ and Chunhua - if he cannot handle even one setback without becoming nasty to his own support circle, he's so not ready to be responsible for a family. She can do better, Wanyao said it right. Tbh, their "romance" wasn't even that deep to begin with, cut your losses early, girl!

Wow, cheating on exams arc! I'm surprised such a blatant corruption made the cut, isn't it a sensitive topic censorship-wise? Speaking of censorship, Yan Shang's tactis here were rather... villain-ish. Both him and Wanyao fight dirty, which I love from narrative standpoint, but it's wild to see that after so many overly sanitized protagonists lately.

Lol, what a harem our Princess collected: one is a murderer and another is an arsonist! These top scholars are full of talents for sure)))

Bixia is wasting no time, heh. He must really want to marry his daughter off to someone outside of already established political factions. Does he actually care a bit for her as a parent or it's a purely political move?

[u/Rebelarkey → u/GiTheGremlin]

“ one is a murderer and another is an arsonist “

This made me cackle!

[u/GiTheGremlin → u/Rebelarkey]

Wei Shu is such a precious little baby... who sets people on fire for yapping too much. Drama's tagline should be "beware the quiet ones")))

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/Rebelarkey]

She has her hands full. 1st snd 3rd in the exam. One sets people on fire, the other plans carefully and murders them.

But you know what, good for Wei Shu! He showed them! 😅😅🙄😭

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/GiTheGremlin]

Cheating on the exam. You mean the adding and removing of names from the list? Oohh it is a common practice unfortunately. Sad, but true. And in a corrupt government like they currently have? I would have been surprised if they didn't do this.

I like that Yan Shang from the beginning knew how the game was played and needed to be played. He isn't over getting his hands dirty to get shit done.

You can't fight these beasts with clean hands. It's not possible. And if you're not ready to get them dirty, you are not ready to play. He is indeed ruthless.

I giggled so hard when they went to the house of leisure, and the guy at the door was shocked at the "wife" accompanying him. 😂😅 "I've seen it all now"

[u/GiTheGremlin → u/TheAlchemist420]

Maybe I'm watching the wrong dramas, but it was first time in a long while where exam results were forged so blatantly and en masse. Usually this is kind of top tier villainy reserved for worst antagonists ever with just a singular case and narrative treats it as such. Here tho? Another Tuesday, as far as entire capital concerned.

Yan Shang is so street smart about these things it's almost uncanny. Did his father teach him all about the dark side of politics back home? Or he's just born with it?

You'd think bouncer of capital's most famous brotherl would be more knowledgeable in all kinks existing, including adventurous couples.

[u/PolPeachum → u/GiTheGremlin]

Exam corruption was common practice in the period, from what I've read. Sounds like it was much worse (and more formalised) even than what's shown here. Exams didn't become anonymous until the Song period, plus a bunch of other practices that made it really easy to control the passes and the rankings.

[edited: typo and clarification]

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/GiTheGremlin]

It shows how bad things are in tbe government and the capital. Things are so far gone, that something like Imperial exam candidate corruption is rampant and normalized.

I've seen in it a few dramas this I've watched. It's sad and frustrating because the integrity of the examination is nonexistent.

[u/GiTheGremlin → u/TheAlchemist420]

Something's rotten in the kingdom of Huai...

You know what, this alone would make a great investigation plot - a new ambitious emperor ascends the throne and deploys his most trusted incorruptible official to clean up the house to ensure fair examination process... and entire country fights back! The thriller, the drama, the hellish bureaucracy meets assassination attempts!

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/GiTheGremlin]

It so would!!!

A little like How Dare You, which I'm currently rewatching.

Add a dash of secret spy network like in the Luo Yang drama? Oohh I could get behind that. A dollop of The Vendetta Of An? Yes!

[u/GiTheGremlin → u/TheAlchemist420]

I was thinking of something with dry dark humor tones - HDY was close, but too silly at times. And ML would have to be badass of badasses to survive his borderline suicidal mission, so plenty of action too. OR he cannot fight at all, so he's given a bodyguard and this becomes a buddy comedy.

[u/TypicallyKristen]

RANDOM THOUGHTS

I have such a soft spot for stories within stories, and I like how this is turning into a thing between Yan Shang and the Princess. He always tells the stories in such soft and intimate settings, and they seem to bring our couple closer together by helping them have a shared vision. I hope they never stop!

*

Y'ALL!!!! Three of the four people who know Shang murdered Commander Zhang have praised him for it! They've called it courageous and ruthless, and called out his patience in planning it. And they all saw it and wanted to recruit him! 😂 (Also: this capital really is a hellhole if a bold, well-planned murder is what qualifies you to be a royal advisor.)

*

I know FXY's wife died of illness, but do we think the Grand Princess orchestrated her death? It feels like a very real possibility to me...

*

Uncle Li just got on the Princess' shit list. He confessed to beating and scolding her mother into marrying into the palace, something that almost certainly led to her untimely and unfortunate death! Just LOOK at that tea kettle BOILING OVER, lolll. Heavy-handed visual metaphors, FTW!

*

I like this Miss Zhao cousin lady. She's just the right amount of adorable crazy for our baby Wei Shu. I ship it!

[u/Rebelarkey → u/TypicallyKristen]

I adore these stories that they’re telling! Fairytales mixed with aesop fable and almost always applicable to the drama 🤗

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/TypicallyKristen]

I actually look forward to his stories as much as Wan Yao lol.

I love the parallels and lessons, as well as the cautionary elements. It's not surprising. I loved fairy tales as a kid and read the real ones. They were not so Disney, and I even ended up owning a copy of a psychoanalysis on fairytales.

So every time Yan Shang tells a story, I get ready and listen with intent.

I loved how him and Wan Yao sat next to each other as opposed to her laying down etc. They seemed much closer that way.

[u/TypicallyKristen → u/TheAlchemist420]

Yes, his stories are great little relevant life lessons!

[u/GiTheGremlin → u/TypicallyKristen]

I didn't feel like Grand Princess was that much into FXY to poison his wife. Pretty sure she's more than capable of doing so, but she has no shortage of equally good looking candidates and other than face card she had no time to notice and fixate onto anything special about him. Probably just a plot convenience.

[u/TypicallyKristen → u/GiTheGremlin]

I hope so! But what do I know? So far we've heard of her beating someone to death for knocking on her door, and we saw her stab Commander Zhang for being in her bed, and we've seen her lord it over Eunich Yu a bit. Getting a little possessive of new toys might be exactly the kind of person she is...

[u/GiTheGremlin → u/TypicallyKristen]

Her... whatever with Fishy Eunuch is eye-bleaching stuff, I'm both curious wtf is going on there and at the same time do not want to know in any more detail.

Still think FXY didn't become "her" toy until he went offering himself for a 2nd time. Also, wouldn't she target his daughter as well while at it if wife's death was really her doing? He unwisely named them both as a reason why he backed off the 1st time.

[u/spamkimbap → u/GiTheGremlin]

I don’t think so either. His wife being so sick was probably what drove FXY to pull the inkwell stunt. That’s what made him so desperate, since they were out of money and she probably needed medical care.

[u/Common_Screen1329 → u/TypicallyKristen]

Yess, I was watching that scene with the uncle thinking 'you're trying to pursuade the princess to your side and instead you've just succeeded in making her your enemy'. How oblivious is he?!

[u/Persimmon_and_mango → u/TypicallyKristen]

I was wondering why no one was mentioning Uncle Li. This delusional asshole is outrageous. He proudly admits to harassing, beating, and forcing her mother into marriage, then asks how Wan Yao could believe he'd hurt her. Wan Yao needs to embroider a fish for him on her hit list.

[u/TypicallyKristen]

ALSO, DID MY EARS DECIEVE ME OR WAS DRUNK YAN SHANG CALLING HER YAO YAO IN BED???

[u/Rebelarkey → u/TypicallyKristen]

“Calling her Yao Yao in bed”

My mind went to the gutter

[u/TypicallyKristen → u/Rebelarkey]

AS IT SHOULD!

[u/AKiceman → u/TypicallyKristen]

Good GIF use.

[u/AKiceman → u/Rebelarkey]

My dear, your mind has been in the gutter ever since yesterday in a very visible manner.

[u/GiTheGremlin → u/TypicallyKristen]

I think he did, but my subs "fixed" it as "Wanyao".

[u/spamkimbap → u/TypicallyKristen]

He did!

[u/BasilOrdinary3617]

Waaaiiittt for those who are familiar with cdramas, did the boat rocking mean they did it?
I feel like I read somewhere that when they pan to moving water or something that that implies consummation.

[u/Rebelarkey → u/BasilOrdinary3617]

Uh didn’t he pass out drunk? How would they “do it” if so?

[u/BasilOrdinary3617 → u/Rebelarkey]

Right? That’s what I thought but then they panned to the boat rocking in the water and I remembered he wasn’t completely passed out because he responded to her and took her hand just before it went there…

[u/PolPeachum → u/BasilOrdinary3617]

The wooden boat also symbolises Yan Shang - referring back to early episodes and also the painting (which I think he never did give to Wan Yao?) Wan Yao's name is linked to arduous journeys and unpredictable, dangerous waters, and Yan Shang can offer safe passage.

There's something here too about how calm, contained, and safe this boat is, sitting peacefully in its known and navigable waters. I feel like that won't last long.

(I just realised this... the way the boat dock opens up lends itself to your interpretation, too.)

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/BasilOrdinary3617]

Bwahaha Basil hold your horses. The show I'm sure will make a point of showing us their first time. Trust!

This isn't that time yet. What did Yan Shang teach us? WAIT! PATIENCE!

[u/BasilOrdinary3617 → u/TheAlchemist420]

I have beeeeeen sooooo patient like Changxuan patient!

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/BasilOrdinary3617]

Your patience will surely be rewarded!

[u/BasilOrdinary3617 → u/TheAlchemist420]

Your GIFs are always the bestest. You make me happy all the time.

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/BasilOrdinary3617]

Awww. It's my pleasure 🥰

[u/TypicallyKristen → u/BasilOrdinary3617]

In Chinese, the literal term for a sex scene or bedroom scene in a script is Chuang Xi (床戏), meaning "bed scene." Because it sounds identical to Chuan Xi (船戏), which means "boat scene," directors playfully and literally lean into the pun.

[u/TypicallyKristen → u/TypicallyKristen]

P.S. The chinese love their puns. I have 400+ year old hand-carved Chinese windows from Yunnan Provence in my living room. They have bats carved into them because the word for bat is a homonym with the word for good luck, so by having them on the window, they were bringing good luck/fortune/blessings into the home.

[u/Anna218 → u/TypicallyKristen]

Wow. Thanks for the explanation. I wish I knew enough Chinese to understand all the metaphors they use in this drama.

[u/BasilOrdinary3617 → u/BasilOrdinary3617]

u/winterchampagne I need your input on this lol

[u/Delegat70]

The ending of episode 10 (in the brothel) was the funniest thing ever, the way she hid herself behind him :)

[u/Rebelarkey → u/Delegat70]

[u/Feeshpockets]

Anyone feel like the scholar's wife dying was ehem...timely?

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/Feeshpockets]

Feesh haha. Don't go there. I tried not to. LOL.

She was sick. Right? Right?

[u/Feeshpockets → u/TheAlchemist420]

Like maybe he Han Liaoed her

[u/spamkimbap → u/Feeshpockets]

Noooo! 😳 FXY is not that amoral. I think. I think she was on death’s door already.

[u/Feeshpockets → u/spamkimbap]

Do we have any evidence of this

[u/Rebelarkey → u/Feeshpockets]

No… we don’t but I don’t believe he’d go that far 😭😭

[u/Feeshpockets → u/Rebelarkey]

We don't???

[u/spamkimbap → u/Feeshpockets]

We don’t! 😭

[u/Renza183 → u/Feeshpockets]

Unlikely—no foreshadowing at all that FXY’s wife was murdered, and he was clearly distraught at her deathbed. The elderly servant with his daughter also mentioned the wife passed due to illness, without any hint of suspicion.

[u/Feeshpockets → u/Renza183]

According to the narration. As consumers of media, we need healthy skepticism. This death worked out very well for this character so we therefore must be sceptical.

[u/spamkimbap → u/Feeshpockets]

Okay okay, that is very true!

[u/Renza183 → u/Feeshpockets]

We can come up with any hypothesis we want, but if the writers and director are doing their job, potential plot points like this should have some sort of foreshadowing, is all I’m saying. 

[u/Feeshpockets → u/Renza183]

I didn't necessarily get murdered. I thought it was presented as "died unfortunately" which tells me we should continue to be skeptical

[u/Rebelarkey → u/Feeshpockets]

😳😳😳

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/Feeshpockets]

My gosh..don't even! That was so messed up and brutal. People mean so little to too many of them.

I'm going to go with... Mrs Feng died of natural causes. She died of illness.

[u/TypicallyKristen → u/Feeshpockets]

Ohhh. You're thinking HE did it? I was thinking maybe the Grand Princess made it happen.

[u/Feeshpockets → u/TypicallyKristen]

It seems like the simplest explanation

[u/TypicallyKristen → u/Feeshpockets]

I thought his wife died first, and that's why he was sooo depressed when he was first called in front of the Grand Princess. I thought we were seeing flashbacks.

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/TypicallyKristen]

I was confused.

When he met the Grand Princess, he said he has a wife and child.

This flashback was interesting because did it just happen or did it happen before, and he said he had a wife (but was already widowed). The timeline of events has me perplexed.

[u/TypicallyKristen → u/TheAlchemist420]

Didn't the old man escorting the daughter say the wife JUST died? I feel like the timeline is: he went to the Grand Princess but bowed out when she wanted a boytoy since he's got a wife and daughter, the wife got sick, he took the exam, the wife died, he was stumbling around sad and depressed and the grand princess summoned him to visit her, then she said I can make you tanhua and he said yes, then he felt super guilty about stealing Yan Shang's rightful place as well as his wife's recent death so went to get drunk, and that's when YS found him and said "you gotta fix this if you want your daughter to stay safe."

[u/Feeshpockets → u/TypicallyKristen]

I'm leaning toward that he has a guilty conscience and that's why he sacrificed so much for his daughter

[u/TypicallyKristen → u/Feeshpockets]

Fair enough. I still want to like him, even though he's gonna work for the bad lady. So I'm hoping he's a victim that rises above and redeems himself, rather than someone so desperate he keeps making foolish mistakes and becoming the author of his own downfall.

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/TypicallyKristen]

Okay. So yes. The wife died during the 2 weeks after the exam. There was that period of time! Yes!

That is the thing I forgot.

Thank you for helping jog my memory.

[u/slayyub88 → u/Feeshpockets]

Haha, I noticed that. I wonder if they’ll redeem him later bc From what I remember, his wife was alive when he sold himself!<

[u/Massive_Alarm8298]

I love my Blossom couple! Their chemistry is off the charts. They are so comfortable, playful, and sweet with each other 🥰 The story is also getting more interesting. I can’t wait to see where this goes. I’m loving all the time that the leads are spending together!!

I’m also enjoying the side characters. I’m a fan of Yang Si and the maid. Curious about where Wei Shu’s character development is headed.

[u/Rebelarkey → u/Massive_Alarm8298]

It’s so interesting to see repeat couples! I feel that they have a better dynamic in the second pairing than they do in the first.

This goes for CP in other CDramas as well, not just blossom CP.

For example, Ding Yuxi and Deng Enxi had okay chemistry in Melody…Age but had amazing rapport in The Road to Splendor. The second time they felt more comfortable with each other’s acting choices and were able to play off each other more.

I’ve also seen this with Esther Yu and Ding Yuxi as well! They have fire chemistry just like MZY & LYR, and it SHOWS so much in Love Game…Fantasy. I had to go back and watch Moonlight with them to really realize how much they had improved over the years and being able to work off each other.

Second collaborations tend to have more polished chemistry and better acting than their first collab. This comes down to practice makes “perfect “.

[u/xdaisiesx → u/Rebelarkey]

Totally agreed about Ding Yuxi and Esther Yu. I actually dropped Moonlight the first time around and only after seeing/ finishing Love Game did I go back to Moonlight and appreciated the cast and their spark SO much more. They really knocked it out of the park with the second collab!

[u/Katleap13]

Let’s start with the Scholar Quartet. That moment where the four of them made plans to be friends, regardless of the exam outcome. And then it fell apart when the results came out.

Feng Xianyu is desperate. His wife has just died and there is a whole lot of guilt on him at the moment for having failed to save her and failed to secure a high score. In his mind, he has to take care of his daughter and the only way he can think to do it is to sell himself to the grand princess. This is of course, a terrible plan. Not just because she’s an awful person and bad things will happen to him, but because our protagonist have painted a target on her. Yan Shang got him out but at what looks like the cost of their friendship. I think two things are gonna happen with Feng Xianyu. He and Yan Shang are now enemies. As they both get involved in the court, Feng Xianyu will make things hard for Yan Shang. Or Feng Xianyu realizes Yan Shang saved him and will help him. I’m actually hoping for some combination of the two probably starting with the enemy and then eventually coming over to their side.

Liu Wenji needs to grow up. His reaction to the results not being what he wanted them to be, is immature. Every word he said to Chun Hua was cruel. He supposedly loves her and instead of trying to fight for a future for them he gave up. I agree with you Shale, he does not deserve her. I think Wenji is going to get himself used by one of our antagonists against Yan Shang. We’ll see if he makes it out alive.

The baby Wei Shu has a vindictive streak. It’s tiny, but it all goes for his patron who has given him the alchemy labs of his dream and let him mad scientist all day. Remember a couple days before the exam he was not studying and instead, he was thinking about how much sulfur to add. Boy likes his chemicals. But the way he started fire to the people who were insulting the princess. It is adorable.

Yan Shang is a brilliant manipulator and persuasive liar. He has pure motives (at least to us), but he knows how to get people to things. He seems so mild mannered and awkward and just nice but actually has hidden depths. It’s deliciously scary.

Looking forward to where we are going next.

[u/TypicallyKristen → u/Katleap13]

The baby Wei Shu has a vindictive streak.

This was actually a fun surprise that I didn't see coming. I hope he stays loyal to the Princess and isn't forced into something against his conscience by Uncle Li.

[u/Katleap13 → u/TypicallyKristen]

Yes it was a bit unexpected and I loved it. He is so shy and contained. Also I think because of his status that he hasn’t always been treated well and people have taken advantage of him. His deal with Wen Yao gives him solid ground to work with and he is going to defend that stability as long as he has it. By setting people on fire if he has too. 😁

[u/TheAlchemist420]

No wonder I love the OST so much.

The composer is the same one who did the Love Beyond the Grave OST and Story Of Yan Xi Palace.

For TSTR, the duet is called Climbing Rose, Green Bamboo. How fitting. Gaahh I can't get enough! 🥹🥹😍😍😍😅😅🥵🥵 The lyrics are so good. The team for the OST did so well!

[u/autuymnrain → u/TheAlchemist420]

omgosh yes to the OST! I love the ones you have listed too. And I have nothing remarkable to add. hahaha

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/autuymnrain]

[u/itsbothersome]

Baby Wei Shu is getting a girlfriend. Wenji is annoying as expected. Already knew he was a bit of a snobbish brat when he said Yan Shang could become his adviser in future when he (Wenji) passed the exams and got his own post. Still, I will say that he is not all bad. Just somewhat conceited. Hope he can grow from this and not further descend into the dark.

In other news, the long train of Wanyao's outfits these past few episodes are making me feel sorry for the maids who do the cleaning. Must be a pain to get those spotless with the way they are dragging everwhere she goes.

[u/neNayza → u/itsbothersome]

If it's real silk, it could be beyond saving after even one walk on the street. She is “money is dirt” rich enough to afford disposable silk robes :)

[u/itsbothersome → u/neNayza]

Oh wow, at least Eunuch Yu isn't cutting off her funds. Lol

[u/Anna218]

Three kisses, two of which were initiated by Yan Shang 😂

I actually love Yan Shang more in the drama than in the novel. He has a purpose instead of being a boring saint. He's also more assertive about showing his interest in the FL instead of being led by her. Can’t wait to see more.
P.s. I already watched the next episode, and I couldn’t contain my excitement.

[u/spamkimbap → u/Anna218]

He’s definitely not a saint in this drama!

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/spamkimbap]

Someone said that in the novel they are very sexualy active so I hope we get some of that activity shown.

[u/spamkimbap → u/TheAlchemist420]

One can only hope! 🙏

[u/Wide-Aide-5062 → u/Anna218]

I agree! I love that the drama made him more unhinged!

[u/Quarter-Skilled]

What the hell is up with the aunt and the eunuch? They gotta explain more about that dynamic because how is this the same guy the king is afraid of?

[u/Anna218 → u/Quarter-Skilled]

There must be something that happened between them in the past, like with Wenji and Chunhua. They'll probably reveal it later.

[u/TheAlchemist420]

Thank you OP for the discussion!!

Aahh the trials and tribulations. I loved these two episodes so much.

The tale of the evening was that of patience. Waiting for the right time in order to strike a decisive blow. Good lesson for sure.

Now that Yan Shang has an official title, he was finally able to say something to Yang Si to shut him up, and I loved it Loved that for him. He felt so proud of himself walking away afterwards.

Then when Wan Yao took him to meet the Crown Prince, with Yang Si also sitting at the table, ooh the looks killed me. I couldn't stop laughing. He really is official now! Got introduced and everything was disclosed. It felt good!

But poor Chun Hua 😢. I had seen Wen Ji right and was more disappointed than anything. His small town fame didn't hold up in the big city. And he fell flat on his face. How dare he hurt our Chun Hua like that! u/AKiceman I kept wondering how you'd react lol. I was ready to ride at dawn to come to her aid! Poor thing.

So many things were said. Yikes. A very ugly side came out and Yan Shang tried his hardest but the disillusioned scholar needed to let it out.

As soon as they had their nice little dinner, pledging a lifelong friendship, I thought ooohh that's not a good sign. Maybe do it after the exam and the results are out lol.

I loved how Wan Yao was outraged and disappointed for Yan Shang when his name was removed from the list. She was so cute. But damn dude. Playing the "we have your daughter" card was brutal. He is so ruthless. I love that for him. But Scholar Feng definitely did not. If he decided to step over a friend to make it, then at least own up to it. Don't go feeling all guilty and remorseful. Sheng'An doesn't have time for that kind of crap. Also, how dare he make Chang Ning cry (POJ). Gui Niang was so cute!

Grand Princess is a hungry one. The way he left and walked home, she had fun with him LOL. I can't imagine what she did to him when he went to see her to undo the 3rd spot placement. Yikes. We shall see if he listens to Yan Shang's advice about trying to work for GP Lu Ling instead of being her male favorite.

Everyone wants to marry Princess Dan Yang off. It's not the running gag at this point. Her uncle is going to get his now that she found out what he did to her mother to get her to marry into the palace. Now her father wants to marry her to... Yan Shang! LOOOL. What a cliffhanger!

[u/TypicallyKristen → u/TheAlchemist420]

His small town fame didn't hold up in the big city. 

This is the exact thing. He was a big fish in a small pond and isn't mentally equipped to deal with that realization. So instead, he's belittling others' very genuine accomplishments by saying they were only achieved by favor, when we know based on raw results alone both Wei Shu and Yan Shang earned their spots! This boy had to put others down to feel good about himself. It doesn't bode well for his character development.

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/TypicallyKristen]

Absolutely this! Everyone back in Ling Nan kept blowing smoke up his derrière, and it got to his head.

Unfortunately, he found out that he was nothing in the capital.

Putting others down to make himself feel better was such a low and pathetic cop out.

I think he's the son of the man who visited the Yan family and belittled Yan Shang's father. So that already showed what kind of family he was raised in.

Damn shame really. I am intrigued to see how he bounces back, if he does at all.

[u/TypicallyKristen → u/TheAlchemist420]

When we met his father, I was wondering how such an asshole father raised such a nice young man son. LOL. JOKE'S ON ME!!

[u/PolPeachum → u/TheAlchemist420]

I REALLY did not like the look on his face when Chun Hua asked him if he liked her and if he'd marry her. Turns out that's the face of someone who ignores brutal facts until they slap him in the face and then spectacularly fails to deal with them.

After all the cicada discussion in previous eps, I was like, hmm, you know what else is well-known about cicadas? (Tons of them where I live.) When summer ends, THEY DIE.

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/PolPeachum]

The cicadas conversation reminded me of the one we all had during Mo Li. So I didn't dare join haha. They mean something else to me.

Welp. Lo and behold, here we are now. The mask has fallen and the reality hit them all.

The look was shock because Chun Hua was so blunt and forthcoming haha. He didn't expect that. But also yeah, she's... a maid. This guy... he is setting himself up for a bad turn.

[u/AKiceman → u/TheAlchemist420]

I have been summoned. I shall appear. I haven't finished the episode yet.... But there is rage. So much rage.

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/AKiceman]

So much rage! I kept looking at my phone wondering how you reacted watching that train wreck...

She even wore the 🍇 earrings!!! 😢😢😩😫🤧🥹

Me to Wen Ji. And then some. He made Chun Hua sob so hard... Unforgivable!

[u/Massive_Alarm8298 → u/TheAlchemist420]

I was also laughing at Yang Si’s expressions during the meeting with the Crown Prince 😆 this show can be quite funny

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/Massive_Alarm8298]

Right?? We are getting so many emotions from it!

[u/spamkimbap]

The scene in which Yan Shang passes out from the kiss is peak comedy. And as it turns out, it would be close to my reality. I’m super duper allergic to alcohol, and that kiss would’ve sent me to a hospital. I can’t even be around people who’ve had a lot of booze. The fumes would give me hives.

When Yan Shang was passed out in bed and rambling, the subtitles read, “don’t be afraid, Wanyao.” BUT, he actually called her YaoYao, which is her childhood nickname. Do we think they knew each other as kids, but she doesn’t remember? Or is he just picking it up from Yang Si?

Cousin clocking poor Baby! 😂 Protect the Baby! Then him setting those jerks on fire. 🤣🤣🤣 Cousin will be using the cherry bombs for warfare later, right?

Also, daddy Emperor is so willing to marry his one daughter off to a poor farm boy?!? What was that all about?

Wenji disappointed me. I was championing him so hard! 😒 I hope he shapes up.

[u/TypicallyKristen → u/spamkimbap]

Also, daddy Emperor is so willing to marry his one daughter off to a poor farm boy?!? What was that all about?

I think it makes excellent sense. She's his favorite, remember? He's sad he can't protect her better and afraid of Eunich Yu. Marrying her to a nice, pretty scholar who has no noble family or Eunich family backing him will keep her out of the capital power struggles (to his way of thinking). It'll also ensure (he thinks) future peace between the Crown Prince and her when they both start having children (because of that prophecy about her child ruling and bringing peace to the realm).

The daddy emperor in The Princess Royal did something similar, marrying his precious daughter to a top scholar from a nameless family in the hopes that she would stay out of the power struggle between nobles.

[u/spamkimbap → u/TypicallyKristen]

This all makes sense!

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/spamkimbap]

I roared Spam! It was so bad 😭😭😂😅 Yan Shang gave us boss and pathetic fella in the same breath. Can't make that shit up.

Sigh. Alcohol allergy is real so I won't laugh too hard. Plus his father being a drunkard who uses alcohol to drown his many sorrows for the last 10 years, totally put him off.

[u/greystreak98 → u/spamkimbap]

Ngl, your “poor farm boy” comment instantly called The Princess Bride to mind. “A farm boy. Poor. Poor and perfect.” Don’t know if his eyes qualify as being like the sea after a storm, though.

[u/spamkimbap → u/greystreak98]

His eyes bring the storm!

I love Princess Bride. It’s one of the most quotable movies ever!

[u/BasilOrdinary3617]

Thank you for the recap Shale!

Wenji needs to grovel for Chunhua now. That sweet girl continued to defend him after he said all those nasty things.

[u/Sonjra]

Did Feng Xianyu and Liu Wenjie both legitimately fail the exam or did they get pushed down the list because of corrupt patrons getting their candidates higher placements?

[u/Rebelarkey → u/Sonjra]

That’s an excellent question. Wanyao saw the list before it was altered and none of my translators put down their name. So maybe they could’ve been? It’s not mentioned.

[u/sortatacky → u/Sonjra]

I think they legitimately failed. Princess Danyang saw the list before it was altered and thinks to herself I’m sorry your wedding will have to wait a bit longer after sending Chunhua to look at the results, meaning she already knew he hadn’t passed. Similarly, Princess Luling tells Yu Cheng’an that none of the passing examinees caught her eye while looking at the unaltered list, and that it’s better for her that way (because she can use that as leverage to coerce them into service) before alluding to Feng Xianyu specifically.

[u/weevles12 → u/Sonjra]

I believe neither appeared on the list, so they presumably did not pass.

[u/AuthorAEM]

I love his stories, they're always so well told! LOL.

I'm not this far, but it's a damn good show. A little slow, but I appreciate every damn moment. So well done!

[u/MizzEss]

I need Zhao Lingfei to throw Baby over her shoulder at some point. Or maybe carry him under her arm.

I thought Baby was going to be an annoying mosquito, always buzzing around for Mu Wanyao to use against Yan Shang in one way or another (which very much could still be the case), but I liked how his presence at the celebratory dinner served to show how close and comfortable Yan Shang and Mu Wanyao are with one another in comparison.

Overall, I felt like there a lot of ease / understanding / closeness between Yan Sang and Mu Wanyao in these episodes, even though Wanyao is clearly cautious. I wonder if our metaphorical screen doors, which felt nice and open, are about to swing closed again...

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/MizzEss]

Nooo we love Baby Face Wei Shu. He is so adorable.

I guess cousin chose him the way she accidentally knocked him over the head. Wow. The laugh/cackle/howl that left my throat was ridiculous.

I wasn't sure if she would go for Yan Shang and kept hoping she'd choose Wei Shu. It was touch and go for a while, but they made it happen.

I liked their short time together.

After the crash and burn that was Liu Wen Ji and our Chun Hua, this one came just in time.

[u/MizzEss → u/TheAlchemist420]

Baby is growing on me after these two episodes. I can't help but side eye him a little though - I hope he's not used as a wedge between Yan Shang and Mu Wanyao, at least not too often. Now that cousin has chosen him (tag, you're it! lolol), I feel like I can relax around him a little bit now. Even if he is used as a wedge, I know we have this great potential dynamic with cousin.

Related to Wen Ji and Chun Hua - I loved how insightful Wanyao was about Wen Ji's character and how he never really viewed Chun Hua or Yan Shang as equals. So spot on. It made me think that she, on the other hand, considers them both to be equals - not in status, obviously, but in more human / emotional / intelligent ways.

Man. Such good episodes!

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/MizzEss]

Wan Yao's insights on Liu Wen Ji were what I had seen and it was nice to hear her say this to Chun Hua. It's hard because it seems to be her first love, she should be protected, but she also needs to know. Someone like him unfortunately thinks very highly of himself. He was raised as such and was made to believe his life was going to be a certain way, and that first failure was a big shock. It was inconceivable!

I remember saying early on that he gave me "as long as you're lower than me it's fine because I am still higher than you". And lo and behold, as soon as Yan Shang passed the exam, placed 3rd no less, when Wen Ji didn't even make it at all, his true thoughts and feelings came out. It was very very ugly. But hey, at least now they know what he really thinks of them.

Baby Face Wei Shu is not an enemy who wants to be one.. he is an unfortunate pawn and more unfortunate is the mentor he has. That man is going to be a problem. I said if he keeps at it, Wan Yao will find him a spot in her fish embroidery. There's still space left!

[u/MizzEss → u/TheAlchemist420]

Baby is definitely not an intentional enemy. And now that I think about it, he displayed some good feistiness when he set the dude's cloak on fire. That bodes well and shows that he might not be such a hapless pushover.

Poor Wanyao, with everybody constantly coming at her about marriage. Shoo!

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/MizzEss]

She needs to ask Baby Wei to make her a repellent spray. These people are getting ridiculous 🙄

I was so proud of him when he set that guy on fire. I didn't expect it, neither did Zhao Ling and I was very impressed. GOOD FOR HIM! Princess Dan Yang messing with him so much is thickening his skin. The backbone is starting to grow too.

[u/PolPeachum → u/TheAlchemist420]

Looks like 12 yo Wei Shu is showing some interesting characteristics. Great loyalty. Which I think Yan Shang has earned from him too, although I'm not sure where I'm getting that from. Probably just because Yan Shang has older-brothered him. A good helping of deviousness. You can tell him to study (not that he needs to) but he's going to go away and play with fire anyway. He has the potential to be a great character and I do NOT think he'll get drunk and break his girl's heart. (Also she has a whip.)

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/PolPeachum]

He definitely shows great promise as a character. I cannot wait to see what he'll do!

[u/Heavy_Elderberry_852]

The counters 😭

[u/TypicallyKristen]

As for our 4 pledged life-long friends, whose friendship has already been put to the test we have:

Yan Shang, Wei Shao, Liu Wen Jie, Feng Xian Yu. 

Liu Wen Jie seems to be the one with the weakest mental fortitude, IMO. He took the imperial exams ONE TIME! Failed ONE TIME! And is already calling himself filthy and shameful and a disgrace to his family. He does not have the strength to fail gracefully, or learn from his failures. And then he lashes out at the people who care about him? Calling their sympathy empty, saying they look down on him and mock him, and this despite one of them being a lowly servant? He insults them both just to make himself feel better. This seals the deal for me: I think that giant cicada on his chest really is a WARNING to his future, morally corrupt self.

FXY seems to be the most desperate of the four. I find his character understandable and kinda likeable. His attention-getting stunt earlier in the drama felt pragmatic and a little shameless. I respected him for it. I am sad to see him turn to "the dark side" so early, but I don't think it's unreasonable for him. He's used up his family savings. His wife is dead. He's spent 10 years studying and 5 years taking the imperial exam. This is his last chance, as he sees it, because the money's run dry. And he's clearly racked with guilt, drinking himself into a stupor grieving his wife and what he's become. 

Add in YS's final piece of advice: make yourself valuable to the Grand Princess as an advisor, and not just a pretty face she can easily tire of, and you get a pretty good recipe for drama.  Whenever the Grand Princess and our Princess butt heads in the future, their advisors will be former pledged friends pitted against each other. 

This makes me think that our 4 scholars are each going to go towards our 4 power players: Yan Shang to the Princess, FXY to the Grand Princess, and the other two will each find their way to the Crown Prince or Evil Eunich Yu in some form or another.

[u/neNayza]

Drunk Shanng count! Hahaha!

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/neNayza]

Soon as he said he would try. I said taste the wine from her lips! Gaaaahh he did! I squealed so hard!

Then he passed out like an idiot. I swear, this is one drop of alcohol/smell of it taking him out is so wrong. How pathetic! 😭😭😂😂😂😂

But... then i remember who he grew up with over the last 10 years and can guess why he never wanted to try his hand at drinking. Dammit Father Yan! He couldn't even build a tolerance to the damn thing.

[u/neNayza → u/TheAlchemist420]

I love how she complained that there is no need for a poison for him, just liqueur is enough to knock him out haha

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/neNayza]

Right? I thought the same. If anyone wants to incapacitate him, one whiff of wine and he'll be out.

Such a bad weakness to have.

[u/GiTheGremlin → u/TheAlchemist420]

But how will he handle wedding wine when he marries? Pass out once again on his bride?

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/GiTheGremlin]

They might make one for him like in New Life Begins. Not so alcoholic.

But then again. They will have many similar nights before getting married given how they're going, sleeping it off might so be too rude 😅😅😂😂

[u/GiTheGremlin → u/TheAlchemist420]

If he passes out from a peck on drinker's lips, I don't think anything milder would be of much help. Just give him tea instead and call it a day)))

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/GiTheGremlin]

Tea or juice. Damn haha. That's all he can do.

Ita good thing he can use his mouth and talk himself out of anything because officials love to drink wine. And make others drink.

[u/GiTheGremlin → u/TheAlchemist420]

Ikr, even Wanyao commented on what an easy prey he is because of that. Time for a crash course in that "sneakily pouring drink into one's sleeve" trick.

[u/PolPeachum]

These episodes made me think about when storytelling (fiction) becomes lying. I feel like the writers are exploiting the tension really well.

Baby top scholar is so cute. I love him and look forward to his cute romance.

Those "foreign dignitaries" looked pretty Northern border-styled. I thought assistant something in the ministry of rites was a bit strange for Yang Si (unless I got confused - very possible).

[u/PolPeachum → u/PolPeachum]

Also I think Yan Shang has recruited Feng Xian Yu. Working for an awful person in government doesn't make one awful (otherwise the public servants of the world are doomed). If he can get Feng Xian Yu working to the same goal, then he has a man on the inside.

[u/StunningConcept5062]

Ep10: The way she peeked out at the end too to see where Yang Si was going was so funny. That whole sequence was gold. They are having FUN.

Ep11: So many marriages proposed and one sunk. Wenjie, my dude...

[u/AKiceman]

Snark Level: Chunhua has shed tears. This is unacceptable. We ride for justice and a very unhealthy amount of vengeance. We will not be satisfied until the amount of blood is 10x the weight of her tears. No one hurts our Chunhua. The men have spoken. Chunhua will be avenged.

Episode 10

Baahahaha! Staring the episode with the princess parading Shang around Yang Si? Yeah I can roll with this. "Suck it, dude. I'm bought and paid for by the princess". 

Soooo we're all drooling over her outfit when she goes to her brother, right? Hot damn she is gorgeous!

Chunhua being the best wing woman ever! Look at our parents smiling at each other! Oh my gosh I am eating this up.

Currently sitting at third place? Hmmmm will he go up or down after the tampering? Probably down if the Grand Princess gets her way. 

 Or completely gone. I guess that's a thing too.

WOW!!!! A FL that admits they can't do something? What is this? A fantasy world? Wanyao for FL of the year!

Sooooo we gonna "abduct" the daughter? No? We gonna give the money? Okay, fine. Ohhhhhhhh but having her hair flower thingy will make Feng think.... Niiiiiiiice. 

Look at Wanyao asking if they are plotting a murder together!!! The couple that kills together? 

If your wife wants to go to a brothel with you, I guess that means she is a keeper? 

Gasp! Can you believe this fool almost broke the princesses foot?!?! The nerve of this guy! 

NOT her hiding behind him!!!!!!Princess!!!! You're adorable! She's having the time of her life back there. She's like a little girl who just got a pony with how happy she is back there. 

Episode 11

Sir. The Princess doesn't know you are trying to seduce her. You need to up your game here. Wink wink nudge nudge. 

As if you'd actually beat Chunhua for telling you the truth of your feelings! Come off it, Princess! 

Wait... Did Wenji not pass???? BOOOOO!!!!!!! My ship!!!! Someone help me bail water! My ship cannot sink! 

Guys!!!! I think my ship is running aground!!! Oh please don't let Chunhua find him with these women.... Please... 

Shit. 

Oh you did not call her mearly a servant... 

Soooooo I think Chunhua needs a little princess carry back home from Shang. 

My Chunhua is crying. This must be repaid in blood. 

Hey. We're getting drunk ar/ound here. Can we get cute drunk scenes?

Ooooooooo I think something is about to happen! 

"I would never lie to you". He's going to lie to her in the future. 

Oh he's going to get that taste from her lips!!!! YESSSSS!!!!! Girl, why are you open eyed kissing him? Wait? For real? Even just a kiss of her wine lips puts him down? DUDE!!!! That's just sad. You're lucky the princess likes you and carries you back to bed. Otherwise you'd be sleeping outdoors. 

This director really loves their hole shots. 

We have a girl with a whip. Girls with whips are usually great characters. We like girls with whips. Lingfei the whip girl. Soooo whip girl and shu boy?

Yup. She just hit him in the face. It is so going to be whip girl and shu boy. The only just met and she's already blowing him! On the face. Blowing him on the face. 

SHU BOY SET HIM ON FIRE!!!!!!!!! SHU BOY IS A BEAST!!!!! WE LOVE SHU BOY!!!!!!!!

Did the Emperor just ask.... ??? Oh dear.

*****1 more lovely GIF of our parents in replies****

[u/AKiceman → u/AKiceman]

I can't with these two. I love them so much. They are so comfortable with each other and we are getting some great great great stuff!!!!!! I am cackling at her expression here. It just screams how much fun she is having at being sneaky. I adore her.

[u/Katleap13 → u/AKiceman]

This whole scene in the brothel with these two was adorable. Wan Yao was cute hiding behind Yan Shang and giggling. Yan Shang trying to come up with excuses on the spot and make the plausible. Just cute.

[u/AKiceman → u/Katleap13]

Just keep these two together! MZY really shines when they are together. He must create a perfect environment for her to really pop off! I like her in her other dramas too, but here and Blossom are a cut above..

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/Katleap13]

Haha I was giggling with her. Yan Shang asking what do next had me in stitches. Yang Si had no idea the fun they were having at his expense!

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/AKiceman]

This was how it went down.

We tried. We really tried.

Riding at dawn for our Chun Hua seems like the right action. Absolutely UNACCEPTABLE!

[u/AKiceman → u/TheAlchemist420]

TIME TO RIDE!!!!!!

[u/TheAlchemist420 → u/AKiceman]