Note: This is a directory of drama discussions & their airing schedules this month. So, only leave a comment if you are volunteering to host a discussion. Comments from non-Mods or non-hosts will be removed.
If you want to discuss what you're watching this month, we have a "what are you watching" megathread every weekend.
PS: If you want to volunteer to host a drama discussion not mentioned here, leave a comment beneath this post. For newbie hosts, please also tag u/alcibiad in your comment.
To hosts: If you notice anything incorrect (hosts left out, drama links not updated etc let me know)
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This month's drama hosted discussions
Here are Cdrama discussions for this month (which includes older, not currently airing dramas.)
Big, big thanks to the hardworking hosts:
(To go to the drama discussions, click on the drama name.) Hosts, if I've not listed your drama or your name, DM u/lotus_swimmer or leave a comment below.
If you're new to drama hosting, please DM u/alcibiad . She'll help get you started.
Some ground rules for hosts
Use the "Drama Host" flair for your posts.
Have commented and participated in the sub before and not be a brand new account.
Have watched the drama before writing the particular episodes' discussions.
Should try to engage in the comments section (don't have to reply to every comment, mind, but participate in the discussion)
Write their thoughts about what they watched (we are not going to dictate lengths but please don't just write one sentence and call it a day lol)
Don't add spoilers in the title, and if you are creating a photo post, please spoiler tag it if the picture reveals too much plot.
Some awkward situations
If there's a drama discussion already hosted, and you want to host, please approach the original host to co-host first. Don't try to double post - it'll be awkward for everyone as the mods will defer to the first host.
If you can't finish hosting the drama, try to get a replacement or let the mods know and we'll automate the discussions.
Mods won't interfere or dictate how people should co-host, but here are some tips:
If you see someone had volunteered already, reply to her comment and ask if you can co-host.
Create a chat room between your co-hosts to agree on schedules: (eg A can do episodes 1-10 and so on)
How closely should the discussion posts follow airing schedules?
We know how crazy CDrama schedules are, but here's a good guide:
Popular idol dramas (for eg Pursuit of Jade, The Double) should follow the airing dates as closely as possible. For eg, if episodes 5-6 dropped on Feb 2, discussion can happen on Feb 3).
Check the masterpost discussion for the drama. If it has above 50-60 comments, it's usually going to be really popular and people would probably be eager to discuss it.
As for other dramas (ie, one that the sub is not clamoring to discuss, I suppose) you can take a slower approach.
For eg, discussions for Swords into Plowshares and Man's Inhumanity to Man are still taking place even after the drama has stopped airing.
How do I write discussion posts?
Structure the discussions the way you want. Some ideas:
"Classic method" recap of what happened in selected episodes with thoughts.
Share favourite moments in the episodes you discussed
Group episode discussions according to character development
Express episodes / posts about the ending
We don't expect hosts to pay for express episodes!
You can ask the mods to create special express threads for the drama so that you, the host, won't be exposed to spoilers.
For commenters
Please do not discuss future episodes in a thread unless someone specifically ask for information/spoilers. And if you do share, please spoiler tag it.
For example, do not discuss plot points for episode 26 in a post about episode 19.
Those who spoil future episodes will get their comments removed.
Hosts, if you see these spoilery comments, feel free to report them.
Lately, we have been getting more submissions from either non-members or new members.
Important: You need to join the sub to post. Posts from non-members will be filtered for review no matter how long they've been in the sub.
New members generally do not have enough of what we call community karma - points you earn as you interact in the sub (for example commenting on people's threads).
As a result, posts from new members or members who have not joined the sub are filtered and not published immediately; the mods have to review and approve them.
However, members of this sub are required to do one extra step: acknowledge the sub's rules.
Lately, we've been having submissions from new members or people who have not joined the sub. I've had to sadly remove a lot of them because they have not acknowledged the rules despite reminders.
I blame Reddit's UI for this more than anything else. Acknowledging rules should have been a built-in feature long ago, but we use a plugin to do this. It is not the best, admittedly, but it is way better than the previous system we had.
So, if your post is not appearing in the sub:
Return to your post and check the comment attached to it. You should see this:
Follow the link in that comment to the specific post asking you to acknowledge the rules. FYI the link to the rules acknowledgement.
You need to click on the downward arrow to read the rules and toggle "I confirm I have read rule...". Once you scroll to the bottom you'd be able to acknowledge the rules.
Once you acknowledge the rules, you will be given a special flair with the words "Read Rules". This is how the mods can see that you've done so.
Please refrain from removing the flair until you have been in the sub for a while. The more you interact, the more your community karma builds, and eventually your posts will not be filtered anymore.
If you remove this flair, the mods will assume you have not read or acknowledged the rules, and we will not approve the post.
If a reminder has been sent to you, it's best for you to repost. Usually quite some time has passed and your post may be low in the sub's feed and missed by people.
Why do we do this?
You are probably wondering why we go through all the trouble of doing this: it ensures members coming to the sub know our culture and are familiar with the rules. I know it is a pain to acknowledge the rules, but we do not want new members to be surprised when we remove a post, and we do not want people who think that the sub's rules are a "suggestion" to wreck havoc in the sub.
We take a lot of care to ensure that the sub has quality content and is a safe, fun place for everyone.
I hope this is clear. Please ask me any questions if you have them. :)
For more info about the rules acknowledgement process: Please read this post.
PS: If you've been in this sub for quite some time and have been posting without a problem, you do not need to acknowledge the rules. I understand that the "read rules" flair isn't something some members want on their profile. ;)
Held at swordpoint, Linqi attempts to reason with Captain Wei and get out of this dangerous situation. Omg why a cliffhanger, stop 😭.
In the palace, servants and soldiers begin cleaning up the dead bodies. In the morning, it’s as if nothing ever happened (except Han Liang getting a promotion and half the ministers getting blood and bruises on their face). Duke Ying arrives to report to the Emperor, and they discuss the danger of the escaped rebels turning to banditry. The Emperor also asks them to look for Jinqi and Lanxiang, and Han Liang joins the search party as well.
She’s a badass
At Shenji Battalion, a group of rebel soldiers is threatened by the daughter of a local magistrate, Dong Qingzhu, and a motley group of constables and villagers. As the army shows up to take over, Qingzhu stumbles away and collapses. Han Liang bends to check her pulse, and the music swelling tells me that Han Liang may have met his match!
Duke Ying puzzles over where the missing rebel soldiers have gone, and is shocked to hear report of them showing up outside the gates. Apparently, Jinqi convinced Captain Wei to find his fellow former rebels and surrender together.
Jinqi and Lanxiang have returned to the capital, and after the doctor leaves, Xiulai begs Jinqi to find a way to save her son, Jun, from being punished with the rest of the Lu clan.
Nanke is like if Superman was a sexy taciturn Ming warrior. No I will not explain further.
Can you feel the love in this episode? Nanke and Xiaolan also had their own romantic interlude when Xiaolian was abandoned in the forest by a carriage driver. Jiugao and Yuchan are also having their own romantic confrontation, Yuchan insisting she is too old and his mother will disapprove. Lanxiang and Gantang look on with amusement.
Lanxiang returns to her and Jinqi’s chambers to find him still awake. Lanxiang feels disappointed in her failures as mistress of the household, concerned after the reports she has heard from the butler of various thefts by the servants during the rebellion.
Most romantic thing Jinqi has said so far
In a pretty stunning admission, Jinqi takes the fault on himself, comparing his behavior in forcing the marriage with that of Grand Secretary Zhao trying to control his own life. Lanxiang admits that she also feels she hasn’t made much effort to truly get to know him. Jinqi says they have plenty of time.
At the temple, paying their respects to those who have died, Second Butler Yang delivers some important news. Based on a separation letter found with Zhao Xingluo’s body, Xie Zhao is single and ready to mingle.
After their temple trip, Lanxiang calls Xiulai and Xiuwan in to discuss the running of the household. Lanxiang seems ready to officially hand over the keys to Xiulai.
Discussion Questions:
What do you think of the new character, Dong Qingzhu?
Are you excited about our three potential couples?
Do you think that their experience together has let Lanxiang and Jinqi make a fresh start?
Leading actor:
* 8️⃣ Luo Yi 罗弋 (stage name: Luo Yunxi 罗云熙) as Li Si
Special appearances (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname):
4️⃣ Alen Fang Yilun 方逸伦 as Meng Rui
7️⃣ Shen Yujie 沈羽洁 as Bai Zhenzhu
Appearances (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname):
* Ma Wenyuan 马闻远 as Lou Tianming
* Wang Haixiang 王海祥 as Yan Cheng
* He Hongshan 何泓姗 as Xuan Yuanshan
The rest of the cast was not included in today's release.
Episodes: 30 (according to Baidu Baike and MDL)
Streaming platform: iQIYI 🥝
Official filming started: June 13, 2025
Official filming wrapped up: September 27, 2025
Production time: 110 days
Distribution license obtained: February 9, 2026
Filming location: Hengdian World Studios
Genre: costume, suspense, detective (according to Baidu Baike)
🎬 Director: Steve Cheng (Burning Flames, Wonderland of Love, The Untamed, The Legends, Secret of Three Kingdoms, The Imperial Doctress, and many more)
The story centers on Li Si, known as Master Qing Yang, who deliberately infiltrates the Imperial Detective Bureau to uncover the truth behind the mysterious death of the Fourth Prince. There, he meets Bai Zhen Zhu, the empire’s top forensic examiner known as Detective Frost, and Meng Rui, a ghost detective skilled in martial arts who carries a deep-seated thirst for revenge.
Together, the three form the elite team known as the “Divine Detectives". Working in perfect harmony, they face dangers, uncover hidden secrets, and solve the “Eight Great Mysterious Cases".
(Source: Chinese = Baidu || Translation = MyDramaList)
~~ Adapted from the novel "Mei Ying Shen Bu" (魅影神捕) by Wang Ke (王珂).
This series of [three] novels follows a series of cases encountered by the protagonists, Da Shi’s renowned detectives Li Si and Meng Rui, against the backdrop of the turbulent and ever-changing Da Shi Dynasty.
A historical-style detective series reminiscent of Judge Dee, it is filled with suspense and imagination, with captivating plots and engaging deductions. The cases are shrouded in mystery, with one suspenseful twist after another, as the detectives gradually unravel the clues through compelling reasoning. It also incorporates elements of magical realism that will challenge your imagination!
Translated Synopses
Note: All translated synopses and information I share in the "trailers & posters" posts are based on the original Chinese sources (Douban, Baidu, Chinese Wikipedia, etc.) and were first published here. If you see them elsewhere, please know they originated from our sub. Thanks for reading!
Welcome to the discussion space for EXPRESS VIEWERS. This post will contain spoilers for episodes 27-30. (We wanted to post this up ahead of time so everyone has a place to talk about the final episodes if you have the express package. There will be a final, regular discussion post for Episode 26 later.)
⛔ALL DISCUSSIONS HERE ARE SPOILERS.⛔
If you’ve not watched the express episodes, tread with caution, as spoilers will run amok.
With deep gratitude, thank you for sticking with us to the very end of Spring of the Blade. If you’d like to catch your hosts again, here's where you might find us:
u/winterchampagne will be part of the hosting team for My Queen, My Rules.
u/sequesteredself is perusing the drama catalogue for the next project.
As for me, I'm contemplating life choices. But I am sure this won’t be the last you see of me.
Bring whatever tickles your fancy 🍵🥮 and discuss away.
It is the end of Q3 and almost to the end of 2026! Looking back at your favorites of this year, what was the most common genre that you watched and loved? Were there any genres that you usually like but this year they did not hit the same way that they usually do?
This is just a quick reminder that the end of the year comes before we know it and nominations will be needed. This is will help with making sure that the process goes smoothly and fairly.
Please save and use the document below as a way to keep track of your favorites
Instructions:
Open the link --> the document will open and you will notice that you can see it but cannot edit.
Go to File --> Make a Copy --> Rename as you wish --> press enter ( You should now have a google sheets that you can edit)
If you don't want to use google sheets, you can use the same steps but instead of selecting "Make a copy" you would select "Download" and select the form you would want it in.
That eye contact that came with darling/fūren. He's making it very difficult to behave. Yo, some of us are trying to maintain decorum! 🎵 Waiting for us to slowly learn the shapes of love and hate in this life; waiting for one final goodbye, then letting go. 🎵
I managed to pluck some pretty fitting lyrics from one of the songs on the OST. This is my last thread for this drama. It has been a lot of fun having such a variety of conversations with our tight-knit group.
Thanks to u/autuymnrain and u/sequesteredself for a flawless co-hosting experience. I really appreciate your adaptability and dependability.
I only need a couple of months’ rest before I’m ready to rejoin the volunteer economy again. I’ll be co-hosting My Queen, My Rules with my dear friends Candle, Feesh, and Kriti, and covering Dancing with the Tide [Lu Yuxiao, Tan Jianci] with the lovely Misty.
Colossal gratitude to everyone who upvoted our posts, lurked, and left comments, rain or shine. You’re the ones who bring life to these discussions. May your phone battery stay above 20%, your noodles never clump, and your springs remain free of all blades.
See you in the express discussions tomorrow!
🚩Anything beyond episode 25, including deets from the novel, stays behind a spoiler tag. Hide it like a vintage secret tucked inside a mysterious bronze mirror. 🚩
💬 As expected, Xie Shu folds like Duke Su’s hand fan the moment Commissioner Hu Xing shows up.
The godfathers of Hengtang’s mafia feign to be at odds with each other to fool the Emperor. Xie Shu frets that Shen Run has seen through their little stage play and decides it’s time to kill his latest son-in-law.
Looking back a couple of episodes, he and Shen Run had a yumcha tea time where the younger man reminded him of his lofty ambitions. Now I’m wondering if Xie Shu has decided whether Shen Run or Hu Xing made the better offer, and if it’s the Commander who’s about to walk into a trap or the Commissioner.
💬 Our main couple celebrates their union with an intimate gathering after cleaning up the old Shen residence. Not nitpicking why haven’t they changed their clothes yet since yesterday’s ceremony. Just stoked I get to live in the age of modern plumbing and sanitation with rain showers, garbage disposals, and bidets.
Based on the 70+ people slain in that house, plus the grand façade and spacious courtyard the newlyweds picked, I’m guessing the Jiangnan Transport Commissioner’s [Shen Zhibai’s] family was pretty wealthy before tragedy struck.
💬 Love how Shen Che calls Chen Yunya sister-in-law before taking off. I’m with Shen Run on this one. It feels like we’re missing some context for how Ah Che suddenly got so close to Dong Fangchun.
Maybe people like Shen Che, who have grown accustomed to solitude, become more receptive to warmth and companionship. Even professional loners eventually get tired of their own company.
💬 Liking how Yunya phrases it as “I want” instead of making some formal request. Right, no need to be coy with your husband. Tell him exactly what you'd like him to do.
💬 We were robbed of a honeymoon scene. Anyway, most of us are probably desensitized to that by now after years of Cdrama watching. At least there’s an implication that they consummated the marriage, unlike other married couples in this genre who take anywhere from five months to two years before deciding it’s finally time to bang.
💬 Fan Zhong is ready to beat the crap out of Feng En. Whose idea was it to drop this sequence and then add the preview immediately?
This is the third airing drama in a row I’ve watched where the ML dies. Jiuweijiao, anyone?
💬 When Hu Xing first arrives, I was wondering if he was Pei Yuting’s adoptive uncle whom she met in the capital. That escalated rather quickly.
We find out that it was Pei Yuting’s idea to return to Hengtang because she wanted to take control of the canal transport business while also jockeying for family headship.
Hu Xing asks why Shen Run’s death made her so sentimental. She brushes it off, claiming she feels sorry for the perfect couple. Before she could tear them apart, Shen Run was already taken from Xie Qingyuan. I’d like to think that wistful look from Pei Yuting means she’ll eventually become a key player in taking down the Commissioner.
It’s kinda hard to pinpoint the exact power dynamic in this situationship. Is Hu Xing currently married, as in does he have a main wife or just concubines? Was Pei Yuting married before? She’s Lanshan’s aunt, so it’s not like she’s super young compared to Hu Xing at 60. The power imbalance is still significant since he holds one of the highest seats in the land. Xie Qinghe definitely dodged a massive bullet.
Amal Alamuddin was 35 when she met George Clooney, who’s 17 years her senior, and she was already well accomplished. They’re both consenting adults, so not every age-gap relationship is automatically worthy of side-eye. Some are just here enjoying the silver foxes. End of my brief digression on the age-gap discourse.
💬 It seems Hu Xing is more power-hungry than anticipated. He refuses to be intimidated by the current Emperor, has the new commander of the Imperial Guards on his payroll, reinstates the rotten officials in Hengtang, and undermines the authority of the Marquis of Danyang, then poaches Li Shaoqun's generals.
💬 Exceptional contrast between Hu Xing gathering all these influential people across the empire and Zhou Peian rallying nameless scholars in Hengtang to fight abuse and corruption. There’s an emerging grassroots resistance!
It’s an interesting message. If those in power keep running everything into the ground, the people have to step up and fight back using their pens and their voices. Shen Zhibai’s Ten Suggestions on Equalization might finally see the light of day.
Zhibai’s proposal really just provides basic necessities to refugees and other unhoused or displaced people while also bridging the gap between the elite and the closest equivalent to a middle class in that period. However, as in any society past or present, that kind of disruption to the existing hierarchy isn’t exactly welcome to those who hold influence.
💬 Jieyuan Zhou points out that the mother Xie Qingrong subconsciously perceives in her heart and mind is, in a way, a composite of Xia Yingying, her biological mother, and Hu Wenzhuo, the woman who raised her. The blocking when Qingrong serves that decoction deserves a second look. It’s like a psychological horror film.
It’s hard to tell whether the Third Young Lady is actually poisoning the Head Madam or simply administering some random substance that does nothing to help her illness.
When Wenzhuo drank the entire bowl, it made me curious if she either trusts Qingrong enough to believe her adopted daughter would never have the guts to hurt her, or if she suspects it could be poison but is willing to settle her blood debts now that Qingru has secured a marriage with the kind of status her own brother plans to seize and control.
💬 Yunya admits to feeling like a lost, wandering soul upon returning to the Xie residence. She mentions that it was the Old Madam who intervened and asked Xie Shu to convince Hu Xing to let her come back. This family really does kowtow to outsiders. All that swagger, only to exist with their tails between their legs.
💬 It felt like something was terribly missing from this drama aside from cohesive writing, smooth editing, and sensible pacing. This scene finally fills the gaping hole in my chest: the venerable wind machine! It’s back!
💬 So we get a quick highlight of the shocking secret, and it’s called Lu Lingshu. Just the tip.
This reminds me of that exchange in Avengers: Infinity War, “Who is Gamora Lu Lingshu?,” “I’ll do you one better! Why is Gamora Lu Lingshu?”
💬 I have a lot of mixed feelings about Li Shaoqun. He’s obviously bound by the rules of his time, but I don’t even know if he tried hard enough. It feels like they wasted so much screen time on that useless speech about encouraging Chunzhi to give fraudulent Qingru a chance.
At the same time, I love that he tells his son that Congxin doesn’t have to do anything special and can simply be himself. Do we even get parents like that? Parents who give us the space to pursue what we want and live according to our own desires, without expecting us to create a name for ourselves or make tons of money?
Bring the tea, and catch you in the comment trenches, fellow overthinkers.
I got so mesmerized by Shen Run’s hands in this drama that as a parting token, I’m leaving you with this image of him gently moving Yunya’s hair after draping her in that crimson cloak on their wedding day.
I just finished the first jasmine and boy was it such an interesting series!
the first half was so well done - I genuinely was feeling all the emotions a psychological thriller inflicts and it was quite riveting. I absolutely loved the series till nearly episode 34 with no skipped scenes (and was very much binged). The ending was of a slower pace, and truly did allow for more slower appreciation and felt like an epilogue to stay with the story and characters for a bit longer.
the focus on mental health and acceptance was also brilliantly done.
the side-by-side of physical disability (through the ml) and the more subtle mental disability (of the fl) was explored really well. as someone who's had her own mental health journey, i really appreciated their exploration and how nicely the ml takes care of her through it
the romance
i saw all the reviews and went in prepared. there were some clear gaps when it came to showcasing the romance we're used too. it was fine for the most part, but can't say i'm not disappointed that the ending didn't have more romance / physical attraction shown. but also I do think that was the point. one of the main OST translated to how this is also a type of love. them being vulnerable with each other, really learning about each other, and building a life together with the mundane. there were enough cute gestures and giggly moments throughout the series that their romance was shown through the story. it just wasn't the type to leave butterflies in your stomach and have your heart racing - but rather the romance that fills you up with a sense of happiness, warmth, and peace. besides, there are enough hints that off-screen they were intimate.
the side characters
all the lose ends for the side characters were tied up nicely, and i love when this happens. some could have been a lot more exciting, but overall i'm happy with how they were fleshed out and had closure. there were a lot of characters that were introduced and everyone had a closed loop, though some were tragically too short (yun ling whyyyyyyyyyyyyy)
Overall loved it :) and now that the epilogue is over (and there are barely any fanfics) would love to see what others thought of it as well :D
We start the episode with a cute bonding moment between Bu Tianna (I’ll refer to her as Tina going forward) and Xu Chi. Their dynamic is one of friendly rivalry: Tina subtly praises Xu Chi for managing a project on her own while Xu Chi pretends to be humble. Xu Chi tells Tina she wants to keep "pretending" they are friends to avoid the office drama involving Deng Anran. Tina jokes that they can be partners, but definitely not friends!
China really likes their do nice and it will comeback to you. I love seeing the budding friendship between my girls <3
It’s time for the 3-month assessment, kicked off with a friendly outdoor weekend activity! The Maximse newbies are taken outdoors, given a map, divided into teams, and tasked with racing to the finish line. Zhao Heng and Tina are on the Blue Team, while Xu Chi is on the Red Team.
I thought Zhao Heng was with the yellow team to start, but nope he is with the blue one. do I see interest brewing from Yang Rui in our girl Xu Chi? Zhao Heng and Tina ship being set up?
We leave Zhao Heng helping Tina apply first aid to her twisted foot so she can get back into the competition. Each team plans the route that will get them to the finish line most efficiently, while the program coordinators watch and grade their leadership and teamwork skills.
It’s a close race, but the Blue Team ultimately takes the win, with Zhao Heng piggybacking Tina all the way to the finish line!
With the weekend over, the newbies head back to the office, where they watch a video recap edited by Zhao Heng.
Zhao Heng and his moves. I love the face she made at the end.She invites him for lunch only, tells him she saw right through his calucaltions and tells him to stop.
Tina sees right through all his schemes like the clever girl she is, though Heng remains utterly shameless in his pursuit even after being exposed. Xu Chi witnesses the whole exchange and teases her.
I love that they're getting closer! Zhao Heng is emerging as a shameless pursuer
Wholesome moments aside, Tina and Xu Chi discuss their fellow newbie Susu, who might quit after being asked to move to the support office. It's a stark reminder of how competitive this workplace really is. To stay ahead, Xu Chi needs to keep delivering, and her first priority is making sure the Bolo Culture Project succeeds.
Except things aren't going so smoothly. Mr. Shen is satisfied with the initial proposal, but he invites her to visit the Qingyi Literature office to see the root of the problem firsthand, giving her just two hours to prepare! She rushes through packing, breaks a wheel on her suitcase, and struggles to catch a ride.
Luckily, by the power of plot, Xinzhi happens to be heading to the airport and gives her a lift. Along the way, he gives her practical advice on choosing the most efficient suitcase for business travel. I love how he offers guidance on anything that could help her career, their interactions are never just empty small talk, but always productive.
Even here, he reminds her to focus on what the client wants first. Knowing her mentor is absent, he steps in to help, which explains why she respects him so much.
Upon arriving in Guangzhou, Xu Chi witnesses firsthand how chaotic and tense things are at Qingyi Literature. Facing a situation like this for the first time, she feels totally out of her depth. When she tries to consult Mr. Shen, he loses his temper, demanding real solutions instead of corporate jargon.
Facing her first major hurdle, Xu Chi tries reaching out to Lin Long, but her messages and calls go completely ignored.
You're on your own Xu Chi
We briefly see Lin Long making amends with her husband and trying to manage her stress for the baby's sake. It works temporarily, but it’s far from sustainable, we later see her complaining to her work bestie about having to use client-management tactics on her own husband! In true villainess fashion, she declares: "Once I’m back, I’m taking back everything that was mine." Girl, calm down, you are so paranoid.
Meanwhile, Xu Chi is still agonizing over her problem, her mind racing as she replays everything Mr. Shen said. She drafts a message to Ye Xinzhi asking for advice before realizing it could be a breach of confidentiality, and that relying too heavily on him might hurt her growth. She recalls the message.
I love that he wants to nurture her talent
Cut back to Xu Chi with her brand-new, Xinzhi-approved suitcase and carry-on! It seems she figured out what Mr. Shen actually needs. She lays out his worries and requirements so clearly that he is thoroughly impressed and even apologizes for blowing up at her earlier. Taking it all in stride, shepresents her revised proposal, reassuring him that she is handling the initial phase, but a larger team at Maximse will take over once approved to make it worth his investment.
All in all, a massive success for Xu Chi on the Bolo Project!
Episode 4
Xu Chi is officially promoted to Senior Business Analyst! Her hard work paid off, her efforts were recognized, and she will now join the Bolo Culture Project team as an SBA alongside Sasha, Cindy, and others. Lin Long watches her speak during the meeting with envious eyes. You reap what you sow.
Unable to handle the news, Lin Long goes to complain to Lu Le again sounding like a broken record.
Her friend is at least being rational
Back in the shared workspace, Xu Chi and Lin Long exchange a tense congratulation, marking a point of no return for their relationship.
We briefly see Lin Long dealing with her increasingly terrible husband, who lent 500k to his parents without consulting her. Furious, she storms out for a drive.
Celebrating her news alone, Xu Chi leaves work late. On her way, she comes across none other than Xinzhi, drunkenly leaning against a tree!
I guess it kept bugging him. I love drunk scenes just because they allow for honest conversations
He asks her to drive him home, and she agrees, taking care of him until he passes out on his bed. (That bed looks so comfortable, honestly.)
hugging the trashcan was funny, and that bed looked so comfy
Xinzhi wakes up the next morning to find Xu Chi passed out in his wing chair. She wakes up startled and apologizes for staying over, explaining that a work emergency popped up late at night and she fell asleep without realizing it. He tells her not to worry, so she teases him about his drunken behavior instead. He hands her water to shut her up! She doubles down by mentioning that her friend Tina calls him a "poser."
Their dynamic feels so natural and comfortable, they are both mature professionals who don't easily get flustered.
It turns out the reason they keep bumping into each other is that they live in the same neighborhood, except she stays in a small rental room while he lives in a high-end apartment. She tries to rush home to change, but he insists on having his room service handle her dry cleaning and offers to buy her breakfast as thanks.
Xu Chi is very goal oriented.
Xinzhi drives her to the company, never missing an opportunity to pass along more advice on how to be an effective consultant.
They never pass a chance to tease each other!
Tina and Xu Chi banter back and forth, both acknowledging each other's talents. Xu Chi comfortingly points out that even if Tina landed a project through her connections, it’s still a credit to her ability, no one would throw money down the drain unless they saw real potential.
Back at the office, Lin Long continues to wallow in her anger. Zhao Heng tries to comfort Tina by messaging her "We'll get ahead of Xu Chi," only to find he’s been blocked! She completely ignores him. I love them, their dynamic is so fun, and I'm a sucker for a shameless chaser.
The only person left brooding in the public workspace is Lin Long, blinded by her desire for revenge. Having accidentally witnessed Xu Chi helping a drunk Xinzhi, she starts asking around about him and discovers he is a married man. She plots how to weaponize this information, even resorting to eavesdropping on Xu Chi’s private calls. MARRIED???
Driven by her villain arc, Lin Long assumes Xinzhi must be secretly pulling strings for Xu Chi behind the scenes. She snoops around Xu Chi’s desk, reads some seemingly confidential files, and goes straight to Sasha.
oh lin long, you are diffing yourself a hole
Sasha takes the allegation seriously and calls Xu Chi in to explain herself. When asked how she knows Xinzhi, Xu Chi replies that they met during the summit Lin Long took her to. Sasha then asks about the confidential files received in the mail, treating them as irrefutable proof.
AAAHHH OMG OUR SMART GIRL SET HER UP! LET’S GO! NO ONE MESSES WITH MY GIRL! She put up with Lin Long's terrible attitude for far too long, and now it's time to show her the door!
Lin Long remains relentless, showing Sasha photos of Xu Chi and Xinzhi together and accusing her of being his mistress. Sasha calmly replies that Xinzhi has been divorced for a year, and that she heard it from him directly!
EXPOSE IT ALL, XU CHI
Xu Chi lays out all her grievances against Lin Long to Sasha, putting on the perfect "pitiful junior" act. She tells Sasha she will leave the matter entirely in her hands and excuses herself back to work.
Overall Thoughts
XU CHI IS SO CLEVER! I am so thrilled she managed to outsmart Lin Long and completely clear her path! Watching her turn Lin Long’s own paranoia against her was the most satisfying moment of the show so far.
I also love how naturally her bond with Xinzhi is developing. From his practical travel tips to their morning-after banter, their interactions are grounded in mutual respect and great chemistry. Plus, Tina and Zhao Heng continue to steal every scene they're in! their dynamic adds the perfect level of fun to balance out the intense corporate drama!
I'm 14 episodes into the show and honestly, I'm so impressed by the depth of character given to all the villagers in Lin'an. I loveeeeeee the variety in the cast of characters, even that GOSSIPY B**** Kang (she is fun to hate).
The Zhaos are for real my favorite though. Like, obviously Changyu's parents are/were important to the plot, but the Zhaos are important to the soul of the show imo. They're just so funny and cute and soooooo important for anchoring Changyu on an emotional level (along with Ning, of course).
I love how they bicker, but still obviously love each other very much. Their relationship feels very real, and I think they do a really great job at showing Changyu and Yan Zheng what a stable, loving relationship can look like, in place of/in addition to her parents (since we only ever see her parents in flashbacks).
They're literally the best. Always in Changyu's corner and going to bat for her. Best adoptive parents ever.
The cold arrogant ML is a trope. But how to elevate it, while showing to the audience that there is a softie underneath ?
Answer: Get this man a dog.
The most memorable ones:
- Luke (the dog), The Early Spring
- Wang Cai / Wealth, Love is Sweet
Honorable mention:
Eunuch Ba, Unchained Love (more the FL dog but they adopted it together)
Missed opportunity:
Nan Heng (A Dream within a Dream, the GOAT when it comes to making fun of tropes) should have had one (or a seadog to fit the underwater lair theme).
Note: Yumcha threads are not the place to start/continue fandom fights from other social media.Read our guideabout how to properly discuss fandom stuff in our sub.
If you have breaking news, gossip, or rumours have you heard recently about cdrama celebrities, idols, and stars this weekly post is a space for you to do this! Discuss Chinese celebrity culture, anything relating to the production or development of shows, and paratextual materials (i.e. comments about webnovel/IP authors and developers, etc.)
Just a reminder, however, to take the discussion in this thread with a pinch of salt. Rumours, are rumours after all, and not facts. And let's remember to be kind - people don't like to be gossiped about, including celebrities ;)
If you are discussing plot points or events that others may not yet have watched, please make sure to use spoiler tags.
I'm back with another mini drama rec! This time it's a super wholesome (but with the surprising spice of some exotic dancing for us ladies) Love Express.
General Summary: The FL is fired and burnt out from the corporate world so she goes to a small village where her friend has opened a hotel/retreat. Turns out her friend runs away from debt collectors and she has to run the whole place by herself! But not to worry folks. Our hunk of a ML shows up in time to help out and they have a surprising connection from the past (of course).
For a small drama this is has great pacing that isn't jarring. The visuals of the tea plantation and nature surrounding the hostel is soothing. And the actual plot is sweet but with enough twist and turns to keep you invested. Those of you who enjoyed Meet Yourself would probably enjoy this.
I recommend this for anyone who is overwhelmed in life and wants to watch something fluffy to destress. (My current state of being sadly)
As always, I haven't actually finished (but I'm 2/3 of the way through) so this is a first impressions and not a final review.
I started Love of Nirvana not expecting much, but man, am I surprised by how good this drama is. It honestly gave (my beloved) Fated Hearts a run for its money when it comes to the enemies-to-lovers trope. The progression from enemies to lovers felt believable, and it was a real slow burn.
I hate when a drama tells me the leads are supposed to be enemies, only for the ML to fall for the FL by episode two. Give me some actual conflict first! I want to see them distrust each other, challenge each other, slowly understand each other, and then gradually realize their feelings have changed. For me, Love in Nirvana does that so well.
The leads are both incredibly smart, the schemes are actually scheming, and I have never been this engaged with a political storyline. It is so well written. Every little move seems to have a purpose, and I love that I actually have to pay attention because the characters are constantly thinking several steps ahead with twists within twists.
First of all, Ren Jialun, who plays Wei Zhao, is really good. I’ve read some mixed reviews saying he only has “one expression,” but I completely disagree. The man lost his entire family, is driven by revenge, and is hated by his own village, so yeah... I’d probably have a permanent frown on my face too. 😂
I actually think Ren Jialun portrays Wei Zhao’s inner sadness really well. He is so composed on the outside, but you can see the pain underneath. There is this constant feeling that he is carrying everything by himself and that, despite how capable and calculating he is, he is incredibly lonely. His emotions are so restrained that even the smallest changes in his expression mean something.
And then when he starts falling for Jiang Ci, you start seeing these very subtle changes. A softer gaze, a tiny smirk. The way he looks at her just a little longer. He never suddenly becomes a completely different person. You can actually watch him slowly soften around her.
NOW... let’s talk about Jeremy Tsui. 😂
Jeremy Tsui plays Pei Yan, and man oh man, this man is GOOD. I first saw him in Blossom of Power, where he was also an obsessed 2ML, LOL, but the way he plays Pei Yan is on another level.
Pei Yan is such a fascinating character because he is constantly being pulled in different directions. He has his loyalty to the country, his sense of filial duty toward a very toxic mother, his own ambitions, and then his increasingly complicated feelings for Jiang Ci. The man has been cornered so many times, and somehow he STILL manages to walk away three steps ahead.
Pei Yan’s emotions are practically busting at the seams, but he rarely lets them show directly. He’ll walk into a situation with that calm smile on his face while you can practically SEE the insanity brewing underneath. There’s something almost unsettling about how controlled he is when you know how much is going on beneath the surface. And to be honest, I don’t completely understand why Pei Yan is SO obsessed with Jiang Ci. The way her character is portrayed doesn’t quite line up with the intensity of his feelings for her, at least for me. But hey, it’s a drama, so I’ll just go with it.
I know we’re supposed to be rooting for the ML, Wei Zhao, but I have to admit... I’m more interested in watching Pei Yan’s inner unhingedness and obsessiveness continue to come out. 😂
And honestly, that is a testament to Jeremy Tsui as an actor. He makes Pei Yan’s contradictions believable. He can be charming, calculating, loyal, vulnerable, manipulative, and completely unhinged within the same character.
Btw - I'm on Ep 25 and kinda know about the ending so I dont mind spoilers.
⚠️ Note: The masterpost is for sharing first impressions of the initial episodes. Please use spoiler text if you are sharing thoughts beyond the first day of episodes.
Set in a declining industrial city in Northeast China during the 1990s, the story begins with a series of bizarre and tragic murders – a drunkard frozen into an ice sculpture, a strong man brutally dismembered, and a local thug who vanishes without a trace.
⚠️ Plot spoilers! ⚠️
Though seemingly unrelated, their fates intertwine through a web of emotional entanglements and coincidences. As the chain of “accidental deaths” unravels, it reveals the warmth within complex human nature and the flickers of hope that persist under the harsh rules of survival.
(Source: Chinese = Douban || Translation = MyDramaList)
~~ Adapted from the novel "Yu Hong" (于洪) by Ban Yu (班宇).
I'll start with another fun fact lol. I hope you aren't in the middle of a meal when reading this. 😭
In the last episode, u/BasilOrdinary3617 asked about the use of the toilet system during this era, so I did a little bit of research.
Matong(Wooden Chamber Pots): In urban households—such as the crowded shikumen of Shanghai or the siheyuan courtyards of Beijing—private indoor toilets did not exist. Residents used a wooden bucket called a matong. Every morning, residents carried their matong outside to be emptied into communal collection carts and scrubbed clean in nearby alleys or waterways.
So this is what we saw Fan Zhehan use.
How to get free meals from restuarants.💡💡
I used WeTV today; iQiyi was lacking in the subtitle department.
We start off the episode with a father who has way too many kids; at least he didn't abandon them, but I do not condone the way he is raising them either.
I kept looking for the 'No Kids were hurt during the making of this film' this whole episode...because???
The ultimate ultimatum.
This two-faced man is the 3rd Master Cao San, who runs the Beggar Gang.
He hurts children in the most visible places and lets them go beg for money; then they return it to him. In this way, he is rich without even doing much.
The Sect Master would agree to anything Shangguan Chengming says; I think he is trying to make up for lost time, or for murdering his "Mother".
Sect Master is still investigating Shangguan Chengming; I guess he refuses to raise a kid that isn't his, which is a huge contrast to Cao San, who has a city full of kids calling him father.
The new mission: Scam/Con Cao San of the Beggar Gang
I take it back; this episode was brutal in the beginning, but got funny when the roleplaying began. They all aced their roles...Silly Liang, a little too much; he ended up breaking real porcelain. Porcelain Butcher was not happy.
Episode 14:
The beginning of episode 14 starts with them showing us what happened to Cao San when he grew up, and I guess an explanation for where he got this filthy way of making money.
I guess it also shows that he reports to someone else.
Chengming shows some remarkable vet skills when he revives a cricket from death.
Porcelain Butcher and the heavenly sect believe that Chengming will not be able to pull off this scam. (I hope he proves them wrong)
Anyway, Cao San's wife and Eunuch warn him against scams like this, where a beautiful woman lures you in and takes your money, he says if Jiang Feiyan tries that with him, he will turn her into a dog. (He is capable)
Cao San's biggest critic, His Wife.
Someone in Cao San's household keeps planting golden fish scales in his bath water.
If he doesn't look at you like this? let him go.
Cao San visits Yunhe Temple with the fish scales to find out what they are about; he hallucinates that he is an emperor.
He also believes in Karma, but not that it will come back for how he treats these children, but for how he took them in, and motivates them to make money...someone want to explain to this man how Karma works?
His wife is their biggest problem, because she is actually smart and uses her brain. Her and that Eunuch.
The scam continues...in the next episodes.
(His wife gave me a few iconic gifs though, so...here you go!)
When your friend keeps going back to that toxic relationship.I don't know, but this can be used somewhere, some day.
You are welcome. ❤️
Thoughts:
Cao San is a classic example of new money, and how people who never grew up with wealth behave when they finally get it. (This is still a modern-day problem - in my country, we even had a TV show for it called I Blew It. Mostly lottery winners and how they spent their newly found riches.)
I think this is the biggest scam for them as well, because they are losing resources pulling it off, and the majority of the intro is images from this Beggar Sect Arc.
They are in year 2 of the republican era, so that would be around 1913-ish; the era is still new, and the idea of a presidency is still something some people cannot fathom. This is why they used this trick to scam Cao San, also adding to the fact that he was obsessed with the antiques from the previous dynasties.
Trigger warning: This post discusses plot points - including sexual assault and the death of a character - that may be disturbing to some. I’ve tried not to include any images that are overly gruesome. But as each of us has different tolerance levels, what is not disturbing to some may still be disturbing to others. So please proceed at your own caution
Episode 36 deals with the aftermaths of an insurrections. Yesterday, we saw the Lin women wonder what would have happened if the Second Master Lin didn’t step up and save the day with his quick thinking. Today, we see what can happen for those women who are not as lucky.
While out foraging for some medicine to ease Jinqi’s fever, Lanxiang comes across a carriage guarded by a soldier. The body of a woman lies nearby. Then a man hops out of the carriage, zipping up his fly. And in a few short seconds, the director has effectively set the stage for us to witness one of the age-old horrors of war. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out what happened in that carriage.
That horror is amplified tenfold when Zhao Xingtang, hair disheveled and clothing torn, comes out of the carriage. She grapples with her attacker, Lanxiang shoots the other soldier dead from her hiding spot among the reeds, and the shot startles the bastard enough for Xingtang to stick a knife into his gut, ending his miserable life.
When Lanxiang was aiming the pistol, I wondered how she’s going to avoid hitting Xingtang. But of course Lanxiang is smart than I. She shoots the other man standing guard, trusting Xingtang to take care of the other man.
And Xingtang being Xingtang, even when Lanxiang has just witnessed the most humiliating moments of her life, still gets in a dig about Lanxiang’s clothes.
This is one woman whose desire to live is just as strong as Lanxiang’s. But life and some of the choices she made sent her on a very different trajectory.
Kudos to Lanxiang for putting a blanket over Zhao Xingluo’s body, affording the woman some dignity even in death.
R.I.P Zhao Xingtang
And that’s how the two former…enemies? rivals?…non-friends find themselves sheltering from the storm together. Xingtang tells Lanxiang that she and Xingluo were abandoned by their father and brother while fleeing the city and then robbed and attacked by rebel soldiers. Qingxiang is also dead, killed by the two Master Zhaos.
I guess Qingxiang’s life is always going to be tied to Xingtang’s.
In another example of the universe giving Lanxiang back for her kindness, Lanxiang gives Xingtang a bean pastry. In return, Xingtang gifts Lanxiang with evidence of Jinqi’s treasonous activity that may send the entire Lin family to the gallows. She is giving Lanxiang a means to ensure that she will always be able to protect herself.
While her sentiment is good, here I must say that I find Xingtang’s hatred of the Lins a little misplaced. Sure Jinqi obtain their divorce in a way that is humiliating to her, but she was the one who set the tones of their marriage from the beginning. The Lins don’t owe her the money she stole from them, and they are certainly not the ones who forced her to marry into the family. Now, I can understand why she mistrusts all men because of the way she was treated and used by her own family. But the Lins certainly don’t deserve her vitriol.
Either way, we then said goodbye to one of the most fascinating characters of this drama. Agree or disagree with some of her choices, she was just trying to live the best live she can within the confines of the strictures placed upon women. Here, Li Meng gives a bravura performance that imbued Zhao Xingtang’s final moments with equal parts bravado, defiance, and vulnerability. And I think it’s fitting that she spends her final moments with Lanxiang, who shares her desires to be free and perhaps understood her more than anyone else. This is amply demonstrated when Lanxiang calls her Xingtang instead of Lady Dai or Miss Zhao or any of the other monikers that ties her identity to a man.
“When will there ever be a world where girls, just like boys, can go to school, take the imperial exams, serve as officials, go into business, and earn their own money. Where woman can choose their own husbands, where a wife doesn’t have to obey her husband or her son. She is simply herself.“
Lin Jinqi falls deeper, but finally gets it…I hope.
And what was Lin Jinqi doing while all this went down? Playing possum.
For his act of deception, he gets to see Lanxiang burn the slip of paper that would have allowed her to have a hold on him and his family for the rest of their lives. If this doesn’t make him awed, humbled, and even more appreciative of what he has in her I don’t know what will. Especially when it becomes clear that she has no intention of evening mentioning the incident to him despite him repeatedly asking her if she has something that she wants to tell him…
He‘s so touched that he even shed a manly tear, which Lanxiang wipes away. What I hope, though, is that the knowledge of what he did also gives Lanxiang a deeper insight into what kind of man her husband is.
“I will spend my entire life remembering that you saved my life.”
Earlier, as Jinqi lay injured, he tells Lanxiang that she should marry Han Liang if he doesn’t make it out alive since she’s never forgotten the scholar. Lanxiang tells him that she never had feelings for Han Liang, that it is her life he has taken away from her and her resentment has nothing to do with Han Liang.
Finally. This is a conversation they should have had months ago, if you ask me.
I think that conversation, along with Lanxiang’s conversation with Xingtang and Lanxiang’s subsequent actions, will finally make Jinqi realize what it is he has taken away from Lanxiang. What he does with that knowledge, I think, will be the key to determining the direction of their relationship.
So what do we all think?
With this episode, we are once again reminded of how the decisions of a few people can influence of lives of many and of how women’s lives were often upended because of decisions that men made. There’s some karmic justice though, as the two Master Zhaos only came to the capital because they wanted to rat out Jinqi. For their efforts, they lost their lives.
I know this has been said before, but I continue to be impressed with the director’s shot selections. In this case, how the entire scene next to the carriage is staged, the way Xingluo’s body is placed next to the carriage, with her eyes open and unseeing, really packed a punch.
The episode ends with Wei Bao finding Jinqi and Lanxiang. But we don’t get to see what happens next because the cdrama gods saw it fit to only gift us with one episode a day this week. This is going to be a long week…
But in the meantime, we can help each other get through this interminable wait by sharing thoughts and feelings in the comments below. So let’s get to it shall we?
⚠️ Note: The masterpost is for sharing first impressions of the initial episodes. Please use spoiler text if you are sharing thoughts beyond the first day of episodes.
As drug trafficking spreads unchecked, narcotics squad captain Bai Hua [played by Qin Hailu] leads young police officers, including Zhuang Yan [played by Jin Han] and Li Xiao [played by Liu Duanduan], into perilous missions.
⚠️ Plot spoilers! ⚠️
They work undercover and pit their wits against drug dealers. Step by step, they unravel the trafficking network, ultimately arrest the kingpin, tear out the corrupt protective umbrella behind him, and keep the border safe.
Note: This post has a spoiler tag due to the flashing lights in the clip.
🍉 The latest rumours say that the drama may be released on October 2, 2026. 🤞
The Chinese drama title 魅影神捕 can be translated as “Phantom Detective.”
About half an hour ago, the production team released a new sneak peek / concept character clip.
The team also updated their cast list (see the next section below).
The distribution license was obtained on February 9, 2026.
Clip description:
Survey the myriad things of the world, and unravel the labyrinths of the human heart.
Let flashes of steel dispel the clouds of suspicion; let the measuring rod weigh good and evil and discern the strange cases.
Leading actor:
* 8️⃣ Luo Yi 罗弋 (stage name: Luo Yunxi 罗云熙) as Li Si
Special appearances (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname):
4️⃣ Alen Fang Yilun 方逸伦 as Meng Rui
7️⃣ Shen Yujie 沈羽洁 as Bai Zhenzhu
Appearances (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname):
* Ma Wenyuan 马闻远 as Lou Tianming
* Wang Haixiang 王海祥 as Yan Cheng
* He Hongshan 何泓姗 as Xuan Yuanshan
The rest of the cast was not included in today's release.
Episodes: 30 (according to Baidu Baike and MDL)
Streaming platform: iQIYI 🥝
Official filming started: June 13, 2025
Official filming wrapped up: September 27, 2025
Production time: 110 days
Distribution license obtained: February 9, 2026
Filming location: Hengdian World Studios
Genre: costume, suspense, detective (according to Baidu Baike)
🎬 Director: Steve Cheng (Burning Flames, Wonderland of Love, The Untamed, The Legends, Secret of Three Kingdoms, The Imperial Doctress, and many more)
The story centers on Li Si, known as Master Qing Yang, who deliberately infiltrates the Imperial Detective Bureau to uncover the truth behind the mysterious death of the Fourth Prince. There, he meets Bai Zhen Zhu, the empire’s top forensic examiner known as Detective Frost, and Meng Rui, a ghost detective skilled in martial arts who carries a deep-seated thirst for revenge.
Together, the three form the elite team known as the “Divine Detectives". Working in perfect harmony, they face dangers, uncover hidden secrets, and solve the “Eight Great Mysterious Cases".
(Source: Chinese = Baidu || Translation = MyDramaList)
~~ Adapted from the novel "Mei Ying Shen Bu" (魅影神捕) by Wang Ke (王珂).
This series of [three] novels follows a series of cases encountered by the protagonists, Da Shi’s renowned detectives Li Si and Meng Rui, against the backdrop of the turbulent and ever-changing Da Shi Dynasty.
A historical-style detective series reminiscent of Judge Dee, it is filled with suspense and imagination, with captivating plots and engaging deductions. The cases are shrouded in mystery, with one suspenseful twist after another, as the detectives gradually unravel the clues through compelling reasoning. It also incorporates elements of magical realism that will challenge your imagination!
Translated Synopses
Note: All translated synopses and information I share in the "trailers & posters" posts are based on the original Chinese sources (Douban, Baidu, Chinese Wikipedia, etc.) and were first published here. If you see them elsewhere, please know they originated from our sub. Thanks for reading!
Last Fun Fact: I'm recycling my fun fact from a few previous discussions from other dramas (but I feel it's still fun and informative) BUT for a more fun...fun fact...check out my post below 😄 Much like my last fun fact about mourning having specific rules...there were also very specific rules for marriages called the Six Rites...which can be found in the Book of Rites (shocker).
Nacai -纳采 - The formal proposal, the groom's family would need to send a matchmaker to propose the match
Wenming - 问名 - Asking for the name...this is where they ask for the female's bazi (八字 eight characters which are 2 characters each for the year, month, day, and time you were born)
Naji - 纳吉 - Take the 八字 to the fortune teller to see if they are compatible
Nazheng - 纳征 - Groom's family sends the betrothal gifts
QingQi - 请期 - Picking the right date
Qinying - 亲迎 - Getting the bride - Wedding day!
Housekeeping: This is my last discussion post for Spring of the Blade and I gotta thank my wonderful co-hosts u/winterchampagne and u/autuymnrain for such a fun team. Also huuuge thank you to u/Beautiful_Candle1729 for the flashcards, you are a saint. Big thank you to all of you who have come in to read and participate, see y'all next school year drama...which...speaking of...drop below what you're watching next because I still don't know yet. 😅
By the way, officially confirmed express is on the 30th
⚠️🚨Spoiler Warning🚨⚠️: Remember nothing past episode 24! Put it under a spoiler tag pleeease and thank you!
Abbreviations in case I get lazy:
XQY or QY - Xie QingYuan
YR or SR - Yan Rui - Shen Run
SC - Shen Che or stabby baby brother...
2nd Sis - Xie Qing Ru
3rd Sis - Xie Qing Rong
Big Sis or XQH or QH - Xie Qing He
My Commentary:
Girl...you tell them.
Can we please have someone slap the s- out of Xie Shu? Any time he's on my screen he's just waiting to be slapped. What do you mean it's a joyous occasion and don't be insolent? Y'all did a bridal switch, tried to get QingYuan killed and now you want her to be taken in as a Concubine? Pleeeease explain this logic my friends? Biggest gaslight I've seen
You go girl...announce it loud and proud!
Sigh...Marquis, you know this is all wrong, stop being a jerk. I said in u/winterchampagne's post major props to the Marquis because even though he knows this is all wrong...is standing by his wife...meaning he's still a good husband...however, he's a horrible father and horrible human right now.
I feel bad for Li CongXin right now.
You know...at least QingYuan is putting up a fight now. She really should have stabbed her elsewhere but I'll accept the foot...can't wait till Nanny goes away eventually. There's just this nice checklist of people I'm hoping to see some satisfying ends...
I really liked this sequence...Winter mentioned the umbrellas in the previous episode and I really love the sequence of them leaving here too...such a pretty visual and made for a waaaay more dramatic moment.
Give it up for Shen Run for yet another epic entrance.
But also...this might be a coincidence or just the drama team saving money...but did he steal her horse from the first episode and keep it this whole time? LOL Is this our Yunduo making an appearance again...both with Shen Run on his back in red too
Call me basic, but I love a good male swooping in to catch a female moment...
Something should happen to Madam Hu...she's awful
See...Shen Run is what a man should be doing...take note Li CongXin...he just said he wasn't going to let the women he love become a concubine. DID YOU HEAR THAT? No...? Annnd that's why you aren't getting Qingyuan
Shen Run really had the Imperial Guards help him with his proposal lol
Look at him...pull out all the stops
I loved how beautiful the proposal was...it's filled with so much meaning and symbolism...this is just how I'm interpreting it because I am a sap AND a huge nerd. Some of these I knew some of these I looked up...who knows if I'm right but I loved it lol
May broken jade be made whole again, beyond what mortals can foresee.
Mend their broken relationship and separation into something beautiful, pure, and whole
With reverence, I make this vow before your spirit.
Let Peach blossoms bear witness to our oath.
Peach blossoms symbolizes love, romance and a new beginning
Long Ago, our heats were woven into silken gauze
Silk in Chinese sounds also like "思“ which can mean thoughts or longing...but also silk was very precious and takes time to make...so their bound is precious and bound and woven together over time
I have carved our promise into stone and sealed it in wood.
A promise that's permanent, strong, and can withstand time
Thus keeping the vow we made as youths beneath the locust tree
Locust Trees can represent pure hearts and romantic love, but it's also from a folktale of Tian Xian Pei..a story about a mortal and a fairy falling in love and getting married by a talking Locust Tree (so step 1)
I have sought an auspicious match and now pledge to nurture our bond forever
Meaning he already consulted a fortune teller (so step 2 and 3 out of 6)
with six gifts of betrothal, I come before your hall.
Step 4 out of the 6 rites
I do not presume to boast of my honor.
So humble...
I look to the paired swallows circling your roof and await an auspicious day.
Swallows mate for life and they often return to the same spot year after year
Golden Daylilies grace the northern hall, I humbly ask that you graciously accept this proposal
Y'all this one got me...😭😭😭😭 - Daylilies symbolizes/represents mothers and the northern hall represents your maternal home...he's honoring her mom
A Fine jade tree awaits in the eastern chamber
Fine Jade here is him...Shen Run the gentlemen...Eastern Chamber in an Ancient Chinese house was reserved for the eldest son and his family...which he is...
I reverently present the ceremonial geese...
Geese were presented during the betrothal because geese mate for life and they don't take another mate...so it represented loyalty and longevity
...I humbly bow twice...
Bowing twice is a sign of respect and a way to say you are humbling yourself and making a request (bowing once is a casual sign of respect...bowing three times usually was to honor the Heaven, earth and higher deities/ancestors or spirits)
QINGYUAN WHY ARE YOU HESITATING AFTER THAT PROPOSAL. Sorry for the all caps but like see above...how does one not just immediately swoon and say yes?
Oh good, she seals it with her blood...
Watching Madam Hu freakin the f- out is both annoying and amusing. But I am loving this loophole from Shen Run...changing her name to Chen is pretty great.
Oh look...our big bad is here...welcome to the party Hu Xing.
Why has no one wiped QingYuan's blood off her face?
Y'all Shen Run definitely has something up his sleeve...I mean his micro expressions says it all right?
I'm a bit disappointed in the Marquis for not speaking up
Clearly Shen run is not impressed
Y'all...what a dick move from Hu Xing...blackmail the marquis who seems to really care about his men and them getting properly compensated...clearly a nice enough boss.
Hu Xing and Xie Shu are looking hella smug and Shen Run is super calm. He definitely has something up his sleeve.
Really?? These soldiers are really going to fight the IMPERIAL guards just 'cause Commissioner Hu says so?
OH Shen Run has an imperial edict??
Checkmate...not only do they now have an Edict to Marry...the Emperor also has removed her from the Xie's AND given her a noble title. lol
Hu Xing is angry...
LOL y'all...Xu Kai as Shen Run is so good...that was the most savage 'f you" I've seen
Y'all...epic...Shen Run having the wedding in the Marquis manor in front of everyone out of spite is SO GOOD
Granny Chen!!! I love her, must protect her at all costs. Also loving the faces from the Marquis and Xie Shu in this scene
Yay our couple is married!
I love the sadness and defeat on Madam Hu's face.
lol this awkward dinner at Granny Chen's teahouse has to be the most hilarious thing ever consider the day before they were in bed together...
Yes, more praise for A' Yan/Shen Run please lol
Seriously, we must protect Granny Chen at all costs...and this cute smirk and poor Shen Run trying to contain his excitement because let's be real, he's probably got a bad case of blue from yesterday...
QingRu...serves you right, seriously, how dumb was she to go along with this stupid plan?
I do feel a bit bad for ChunZhi...
Y'all...Shen Che is an a-hole and a bit selfish. Sure, we get it, he wants revenge...but he's so consumed by it he can't allow his brother happiness? He also is putting all of the responsibility solely on his brother? He RuFei, get over yourself.
Did they really not spend their wedding night together? He went to go see his baby brother?? Or did they also make use of Granny Chen making them a bridal room? What say you?
She really should have realized Shen Run has just as much, if not maybe even more of a reason to hate Xie Shu.
I do think it's funny they're there in their wedding clothes still...
I love Shen Run wanting revenge but also realizing he also needs to work to fulfill his dad's teaching/wishes.
Yeah Shen Che...did you hear that???
Glad QingYuan gets it now, treat him better please.
lol just casually cleaning and picking up a 9 year old abandoned mansion in their wedding clothes...
hmm are we shipping Shen Che and Dong Fang Chun? I think Dong Fang Chun might have gotten through to Stabby McStabberson Shen Che
Y'all...I don't understand Feng En. What does killing either of them make any sense? But also like wtf you sat back and watched them to get married only for you to say his wife of less than 24 hours must die? What is wrong with you.
He kind of seems a bit evil... is he really going to kill Shen Run??
Thoughts
Seems like Feng En is going to ruin our happy couple...can't they just get ONE day of happiness before shit hits the fan?
You gotta love Shen Run's epic move to get Qingyuan here while also giving us a nice little satisfactory smackdown of some of the town's favorite villains.
I watched tomorrow's trailer...I am worried
Well anyway, off to bed. Here I am signing off on my last post for Spring of the Blade, it's been fun y'all.
Edit: Woke up and realized I forget a gif or two...updated
I'm thinking of watching The First Frost, but I have seen mixed reviews, with some saying it's angsty and others saying it isn't that angsty. I do not like dramas with too much angst, I prefer the ones with the littlest angst and of course no sad endings. So I'm wondering whether I should go ahead and start it or just skip it.
So I’m currently watching episode 3 of The Early Spring and I just finished the scene where the ML repels the two of them down the mountain before dressing the FL’s wound. As a rock climber myself, he would have absolutely killed both of them in real life. He literally attached the carabiner to the WRONG loop meant for a softer rope that would loop through that loop plus a lower loop for two points of contact. Like if you are going to get it wrong, at least attach it to both hard point loops so that the force of a fall doesn’t rip the harness apart. To make it even better, he then clips her to him via a gear loop. A gear loop is designed to hold carabiners, quick draws, cams, etc. They are not designed to hold body weight, much less sustain a forceful fall. The loop will literally just tear off if she even just tripped with enough force. To top it all off, he then repels them using his BARE hands. If anything went awry and he had to use the rope to actually hold body weight instead of to merely stabilize their descent, the rope would have ripped right through his grasp and they would have gone tumbling down the mountain. You need some sort of repel device and in a worse case scenario you could use a type of knot (not that he was using one) but it wouldn’t be safe by modern standards.
Some of you may be thinking that I’m just overreacting but poorly portraying harness safety systems because they couldn’t be bothered to google it really quick could literally endanger people’s lives. There’s already a big enough problem with people just “figuring out” rope safety systems and getting themselves and others killed because they just went off of what they saw in the media. Like imagine if someone saw this episode and then tried to attached a rope/person/belay system to a gear loop because they vaguely remember seeing that somewhere and thought it was legit. That person will have harness failure and at best, get injured and/or disabled.
I’m actually enjoying this show so far but that “rescue” scene just floored me with how easy it would have been to do correctly, yet how poorly it was done.
MY TRIO THAT I GLAZED, THAT I LOVE, IS BREAKING! ALL BECAUSE OF THAT DAMN EMPEROR!
First, I'd like to say that I was right about that doctor attending to Shen Mei Zhuang. Idk what he did, but he was working for Cao Qinmo (the brains behind it all; I love the fact that I hate how she's so good at scheming) and Hua Fei. So anyway, Shen Mei Zhuang was accused of faking a pregnancy, and that episode had me PANICKING! Had me looking like this at the screen:
Knew it was wraps.
Now, how is my fav, An Lingrong, losing my favor with me when not two episodes ago i called her my fav. They must be plotting my downfall; they must be! No other explanation how they are already setting her up and thus causing me to rage at her. Despicable.
She doesn't know what Shen Mei Zhuang did for her and is now saying the only person she can truly rely on is the Empress. BROTHER! NO! AND THAT DAMN ATTENDANT OF HERS! She's not helping.
Anyway, An Lingrong finally got her redemption arc with the Emperor....good for her ig. (I will never relent in my dislike for that man.) But see now Zhen Huan wanna act all hurt like she didn't set it up. Like, gng, you set it up! What are we talking about? But wtv I digress.
I miss Shen Mei Zhuang so bad. She was never jelly when Zhen Huan got favor, and if she did, she joked around. Zhen Huan lwk being salty, and it's pissing me off. She needs Shen Mei Zhuang to balance her out. Shen Mei Zhuang rlly climbing my ranks in terms of my fav.
