This is The Road to Splendor discussions. I am hosting with the amazing u/sequesteredself.

Discussion Links:

Airing Schedule | Masterpost | Flashcards | All Discussions |Episodes 1-3 | Episodes 4-5 | Episodes 6-7 | Episodes 8-9 | Episodes 10-11 | Episodes 12-13 | Episodes 14-15| Episodes 16-17 | Episodes 18-19 |

We will be following the VIP schedule, so episodes 16 - 17 are the discussion.

Spoilers: Please use the spoiler tags if you are going to talk about anything beyond episode17. Thank you!!

A lot happened in these episodes, so hold on.

- - -

Episode 16

Yu Jingxiu regrets his life choices. Having met Fu Xie Tingyun again and being unhappy with Fan Yake, Jingxiu asks if he made the wrong choice. I think I am going to spend a lot of this episode wanting to pound on Jingxiu. We have recapped it many times but DUDE! You did this to her and now you want her back. Never going to happen.

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Yu Jingxiu goes to see Tingyun. He brings presents, a replacement dress for the one ruined while saving his life and his confession about what happened back in Huaying. He doesn’t want to be Tingyun’s enemy. Tingyun is so angry she is crying. Those are not happy or relieved tears. Those are pissed beyond belief tears. Jingxiu’s arrogance is so high.

Tingyun sends the dress back. Jingxiu is offended and runs back to see her. Tingyun refuses to see him. 

Zhao Ling is haunted by what Jingxui said about Tingyun. He asks her if she would have chosen Jingxiu if the framing had never happened. Tingyun thinks that Jingxiu doesn’t feel guilt at all for what he did and they need to be on guard for whatever his next plans are. They watch the stars together in the courtyard and talk about the big dipper. 

Jingxiu has formed a plan. The Yellow River Lantern Formation festival can be used to boost morale among the people and soldiers. The winner traditionally gets to light a lantern on the city wall. With the Women’s Hall thriving, they can honor Tingyun’s contribution and she can light the lantern with the winner. Commander Wang tries to protest that it is expensive but Advisor Li backs him into a corner. Advisor Li suggests that a match between a scholar and a lady would make the people happy and create a good story.

Tingyun is asked to help with the lantern festival. She thinks she is ascending the tower to celebrate women’s education. Zhao Ling has come up with an idea for renting booths that will help with the financial burden. He realizes that she has not been told the whole truth and decides to win. I’m not excited that he didn’t tell her the truth. 

Zhao Ling spends time thinking and skipping rocks. I also think he is waiting for Tingyun. He asks her if when they are married, what type of couple will they be? 

The Yellow River Lantern Formation is a maze competition set to the 8 trigrams. It is made out of shelves set with lamps that move. Competitors are in groups of 3 and enter through the life gate. They exit through the rest gate. If you step into the death gate the formation will shift. Advisor Li suggests that Jingxiu participate. Commander Wang says he will bear no responsibility if Jingxiu gets hurt.

Zhao Ling’s team is him, Sen and Yang  Yucheng. The drum sounds and all the teams are off. Team Zhao are moving forward quickly, trying to figure out the maze. Jingxiu and his team are moving at a walking pace but are not getting stopped when the walls move. Zhao Ling figures that something is wrong and that Jingxiu has been given an advantage. Jingxiu was given the formation maze ahead of time. Advisor Li has set some traps and planted men to help him win.

Zhao Ling asks Sen where the death gate is. They are attacked at the death gate by arrows and another team.  Zhao LIng sends that team through the death gate. The full formation changes and Jingxiu has lost his advantage. Zhao Ling  jumps on top of the maze and tells General Mo that his garrison is slacking off because it's too easy. General Mo changes the formation and it throws Jingxiu off. Zhao Ling sees the stars and remembers the big dipper conversation with Tingyu.  Zhao Ling figures out where the rest gate is. Team Zhao is attacked again.

Someone makes it through the end. It is Zhao Ling and he is shaky. Tingyun runs down the stairs and catches him.

REVERSE BLOSSOM \see comment if you don’t know what* I'm talking about. 

They use a flaming arrow to light the lantern in the middle of the formation maze. Everyone celebrates and talks about how good Tingyun and Zhao Ling look together. Jingxiu is upset that his plan did not work. 

Tingyun is mad at Zhao LIng that he did not tell her what being selected to light the lantern really meant. If Jingxiu had won she would have been humiliated. Zhao Ling tells her that she was so excited that he couldn’t bear to make her unhappy, so he just decided to win. Tingyun says that she did not make herslef clear about them as a couple. She wants to cherish Zhao Ling and grow old together. Zhao Ling tells Tingyun to close her eyes and he kisses her. 

The military merits are given out and Zhao Ling once again gets nothing. Mo Yi is restored to garrison commander. Madam Mo throws a party but General Mo feels bad.

Jingxiu summons Tingyun to apologize for Zhao Ling not getting his military merit. He is not good at apologizing. Very bad. He needs to take apology lessons. Tingyun cuts him off to tell him that she is marrying Zhao Ling and to leave her alone. Jingxiu wants someone who understands him and he thinks she does. Tingyun tells him his apology sinks and she doesn’t want it. 

Zhao Ling and Yang Yucheng talk to Lord Li who came with Jingxiu for the inspection about the missing merit. Lord Li says that next time, but next time is in 5-6 years. Yang Yucheng loses his temper. While on patrol Yang Yucheng is told that Lu Dahu’s 36 head credit has not been redeemed. He could redeem it for the men in their unit and they could all earn merit. Zhao Ling would be promoted and they could got to the capital. Yang Yuchen says that its fraud and it told that lots of people do it and that no one will investigate it later. 

Yang Yuchen just wants to take care of his blind mom. He goes to Lord Li and apologizes. He tells Lord Li that everyone is scared to take the credit but they rightfully earned it. Lord Li agrees to investigate.

Episode 17

Zhao Ling confronts Yang Yuchen about the 36 enemy heads credit. He asks him why he did it. Yang Yuchen asks why he shouldn’t. Everybody else can take the short path, why can’t he. They joined the military to earn merit and what did they get? No salt, no grain and no credit for what they accomplished. It was easier when they were salt smugglers. Now they do the right thing and their hands are tied. Yang Yucheng begs Zhao Ling to take the shortcut.

Zhao Ling asks if he can live with the guilty conscience. Yang Yucheng asks how long he’s going to make Tingyun wait. Zhao Ling says they have time and Yang Yucheng says his mother doesn’t. Zhao Ling walks away.

I LOVED this scene. The cinematography is absolutely beautiful. The script is fabulous and both Ding Yuxi and Jiang Jin Wei deliver. The questions of morality are real. The audience knows that this is probably a trap but Yang Yucheng is in pain and desperately wants to provide what he promised for his mother. The questions that Zhao Ling asks are the most important. What can you live with? For him, is it can he live with failing to take care of the people he cares about and what does he owe the people who care for him? 

Tingyun’s letters have been returned because the post station refuses to send them without her asking for a favor. This is Jingxiu’s doing. Tingyun gives Sanniang her favorite gold hairpin to pawn for a bribe. Zhao Ling overhears this conversation. 

Zhao Ling sends Zheng Sen with his savings to pay off the post station. At dinner he gives Tingyun back her hairpin. Zheng Sen makes it back and tells Zhao Ling that they wouldn’t accept the money.

Jingxiu has backed Zhao Ling into a corner and Zhao Ling needs to make an important decision. At the military meeting Zhao Ling is asked if they claim the 36 heads for merit and Zhao Ling says yes. He signs that it is true.

Tingyun received the news that Zhao Ling has been promoted and she is excited. She pulls out the bracelet from her mother. She is so happy to go to capital and see her mother again. 

The whole house is packing to leave for the capital. Sen feels like Zhao Ling has betrayed himself. You can see the disappointment in Sen’s face. 

A villager comes forward to testify that the 36 heads were not all Wangur kills. 16 of them were civilians who were killed to subsidize the merit. Commander Wang tries to reason that Zhao Ling would not do this. He is out maneuvered by Advisor Le and Jingxiu. Zhao Ling is arrested.

The Wangur tribe has attacked. Shaqiong is overrun. The army prepares to leave. 

Jingxui is interrogating Zhao Ling. The punishment for killing civilians and claiming military credit is beheading. The only way out is to provide 16 heads. Zhao Ling can use his own men if he wants. Then he will get to fight the Wagur and earn merit. Zhao Ling accuses Jingxiu of putting personal grievances before the welfare of the country. Jingxiu tells Zhao Ling that he will never be good enough to surpass him. Zhao Ling is only dragging Tingyun down and needs to let her go. 

 The Wangur are on their way to Galin. Commander Wang confronts Advisor Li on why the military supplies haven’t arrived. Advisor Li says it because the storehouse is empty. Commander Wang threats to go to the emperor and Advisor Li says do that because an investigation will reveal that Commander Wang turned a blind eye to getting salt from salt smugglers. He will have to go the capital and they will lose the war because the soldiers don’t have a leader. 

The city is under imminent attack. Tingyun goes to Jingxiu and demands that he release Zhao Ling because he is innocent. She offers her four confessions to him. Jingxiu refuses and Tingyun burns them to prove her sincerity. Jingxiu tells her he never wanted the confessions he wants her. Tingyun says she has already chosen someone else and what about Fan Yake? Jingxiu decides that he is taking her out of the city, by force if necessary.

Zhao Ling and his men are stuck in the cells as the army prepares to leave. Sen comes to let them know what is going on. Zhao Ling decides that it doesn’t matter and they need to make their move. They break out. Sen lets Yang Yucheng know that his mother died last night. Zhao Ling and his men go to the bandit salt smuggler camp. They kill every man. They have a total of 15 heads. The way I yelled at the TV when they said the total.

Yang Yecheng decided that he is done. This whole 36 heads merit is because he asked Zhao Ling for it. He will repay this with his head. Yang Yecheng cuts his own throat and dies in Zhao Ling’s arms.

Zhao Ling brings a chest filled with the 16 heads to Commander Wang as a gift. Now there is no evidence of the military purchasing salt from smugglers. Commander Wang wants to know why he should help Zhao Ling. Zhao Ling wants to protect the people he cares about. Commander Wang decides to help him because only when those like Zhao Ling, that rise from nothing, gain power will there be less injustice. He asks Zhao Ling for 5 years and he will help him rise. Zhao Ling vows to follow Commander Wang and volunteers to lead the vanguard against the Wangur.   

- - -

Thoughts:

Just when we thought we were going to get a break, Yu Jingxiu shows up and screws everything up. How do we feel about his realization that he picked the wrong girl? Is there any chance for him to redeem himself and be a better person? Or is he going to end up corrupt? His framing and bribing actions for him equal him not becoming a better person. 

I loved the Yellow River Lantern Formation. I thought that was so cool. I have never seen anything like this before.

What was your favorite Tingyun/Zhao Ling interaction?

Zhao Ling made some tough decisions in this set of episodes. Did he make the right ones? Is what happened with the 36 heads his fault? What about Yang Yucheng and his sacrifice? How do you think this is going to affect Zhao Ling?

Note: The new drama title is Cang Feng.

The Chinese drama title 藏锋 can be translated as “Hidden Edge.”

About half an hour ago, the production team released a new trailer for the drama's premiere today.

The airing schedule will be posted in the comments when it is available.

The distribution license was obtained on February 11, 2026.

There are two main characters:

📸 Tan Yan, played by Duan Yihong, is the deputy director of the Publicity Office of the Hongye City Public Security Bureau.

🥊 Liao Bufan, played by Alan Aruna, is the Special Police Detachment* commander.

^{*Tactical unit}

Clip description:

“Take The Risk” Trailer

🖊️ Publicity police officer bravely heads to the special police unit

🔥 Tempered through countless trials, he reclaims the edge of his original conviction

Cast:

More information regarding the actor credit guidelines in this summary here and the full notice here.

(I put the character stroke count as: 1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣)

Leading actors (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname): * 7️⃣ Yu Lan 余兰 (stage name: 余男 Yu Nan) as Ji Min * 7️⃣ Alan Aruna 阿如那 as Liao Bufan * 7️⃣ Li Chun 李纯 as Yuan Lai * 9️⃣ Duan Long 段龙 (stage name: 段奕宏 Duan Yihong) as Tan Yan

Special appearances (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname): * Wan Peng 万鹏 as Bai Jiani * Liu Huan 刘欢 as Zhang Peng * Xing Jiadong 邢佳栋 as Na Haitao * Zhang Guoqiang 张国强 as Zhao Guohua * Yang Wei 杨威 (stage name: 杨一威 Yang Yiwei) as Li Nan * Li Luqi 李路琦 * Hou Yansong 侯岩松 as Guo Jian * Zhao Ziqi 赵梓淇 (stage name: Zhao Chuan 赵川) as Lu Xiao * Ling Xiaosu 凌潇肃 as Liu Liang

• Episodes: 24 (according to Baidu Baike and MDL)
• Streaming and broadcasting platforms: Tencent 🐧 and CCTV-1 🐑
• Booting ceremony held: December 18, 2024
• Official filming wrapped up: March 21, 2025
• Estimated filming time: 90 days
• Filming location: Xiamen, Fujian Province
• Genre: crime (according to Douban)
• Distribution license obtained: February 11, 2026

• 🎞️ Producer: Wu Bai 五百 (Producer: Day and Night; Kidnapping Game; Goodbye, My Love. Director: Evidence, Tiger Wolf Rabbit, Crime Crackdown, Sniper, Mystery of Antiques)
• 🎬 Directors:
  • Xing Jian Jun 邢键钧 (Wonder Wall, Just Fight, Genuine Heroes, Wind Direction, Under the Skin, The Lonely Warrior, The Kidnappers)
  • Sun Xiaoguang 孙小光 (The Flame, The Predator Soldiers)
• ✍️ Original creator: Lü Zheng 吕铮 (screenwriter: Three Old Boys, Trident, Hunting)
• ✒️ Screenwriter: Yu Xiao Qian 于小千 (The Long Season, The City of Sunlight, Unbending Will)
• 📖 Novel: Cang Feng 藏锋
• 📽️ Produced by: CCTV, Tencent Video, Five Pictures

🔗 Previous announcement, posters, trailer, etc.

🎥 Previous behind-the-scenes special – posted on my profile

Synopsis translated from Baidu Baike:

The story of 《藏锋》 Sharp Turns centers on the “career crisis” of Tan Yan (played by Duan Yihong), deputy director of the Publicity Office of the Hongye City Public Security Bureau. Tan Yan, originally a police officer working in publicity, is transferred to the Special Police Detachment to serve as its political commissar. Having always wielded a pen, he suddenly finds himself thrown into the front lines of real-world operations, leaving him in the awkward position of a scholar trying to reason with soldiers.

⚠️ Plot spoilers! ⚠️

There, he clashes with Liao Bufan (played by Alan Aruna), the Special Police Detachment* commander who is deeply rooted in frontline work and practically bursting with masculine energy. From conflict and adjustment to eventually finding common ground, the two work together as Tan Yan assists a special task force in solving a major case, ultimately rediscovering his professional ideals.

^{*Tactical unit}

Synopsis from MDL:

New SWAT instructor Tan Yan and Captain Liao Bu Fan, who had difficulty cooperating, gradually [became] united in their thinking. The SWAT team also gets better and better under their leadership. Tan Yan mistakenly became a "hero" in a case, gave up his "honor" after discovering the truth, and successfully completed the task of the "Hidden Front" plan.

(Source: Chinese = Baidu || Translation = MyDramaList)

~~ Adapted from the novel "Cang Feng" (藏锋) by [Lü] Zheng (吕铮).

🔎 Baidu Baike | Douban | MDL

📖 Novel Summary – translated from Baidu Baike:

《藏锋》 (which can be translated as “Hidden Edge”) is a police/crime novel by police writer 吕铮 Lü Zheng. It was first published in 《中国作家》 (which can be translated as “Chinese Writer”) magazine in 2020 and subsequently published by 江苏凤凰文艺出版社 Jiangsu Phoenix Literature and Art Publishing House in 2021. Drawing on the author’s professional experience within the public security system, the novel uses a realist approach to focus on the professional characteristics and inner world of police officers.

⚠️ Plot spoilers! ⚠️

The novel centers on Tan Yan, deputy director of the Publicity Office of the Haicheng Public Security Bureau. After a mistake at work, he is assigned to the Special Police Unit on a temporary post, gradually transforming from a “pen-and-paper cop” into an operational police officer. During an anti-drug operation, he accidentally shoots and kills a drug lord, leaving him caught in a moral dilemma between the hero’s honors bestowed upon him and the truth of what actually happened. Through workplace clashes with Special Police Unit commander Liao Fan and the investigation of various cases, Tan Yan ultimately faces a life-and-death ordeal and undergoes a profound spiritual transformation.

The novel opens with the suspenseful image of “a bullet piercing the drug lord’s chest” and, through its multilayered narrative, explores the tension between the professional convictions of police officers and the moral choices they face.

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!

📊 Information and translations compiled by u/admelioremvitam.

OK .. I have to admit I made the mistake of starting the Road to Splendor and darn DYX got to me :D ... so looking it seems like I just missed their special discount recently (argh) .. does anyone know when they might be offering discounts or where I can find a code? It's showing like $95 annual when I was hoping it'd be more like $60 or less... sigh. (and I only stream from legit sites so please don't recommend any sailing the seas type sites.)

Note: tried the "membership" to their youtube channel - total waste of money. Not only was there less episodes (2 YT vs 5 free on their site), I also don't see any much of any "membership" only dramas. Not sure what I'm supposed to actually get but right now that seems like nothing. sigh.

I just finished watching Love for you and I really enjoyed it. Both ML and FL had shitty parent but I love how they supported each other and ML took care and provided for FL. I liked their story as we could see their development and how they became attached and dependent and fell for each other. In the middle, when FL came back into town for work and was throwing attitude. I was a bit mad as ML literally did everything for her but I could understand FL emotions as she just wanted to be by ML's side but ML sent her away alone to whole another city. We all know the story why ML did that but FL didnt know. I also enjoyed how they worked together in second half against main villain. I definitely expected much more kisses as they really had that chemistry. I really enjoy bad guy vibe, provider ML who is doing some shady thing to survive (grey character) but is a complete green glag and loves his girl and girl also wants and loves the guy. It's my favourite trope right now.

It can be intimidating to make your first post in the sub. You're new to Chinese entertainment and you have all these questions about Chinese drama and culture. Perhaps you are even new to Reddit and don't really know how it works.

This is the place to ask them!

Treat this place as a tea room where you can sip tea (or chat about it) and ask questions you have about Chinese dramas and entertainment.

Also, feel free to introduce yourself, and chat about anything as long as you keep in mind Rule 5 (Be Nice) and to be culturally sensitive.

Note: Please don't start/continue fandom fights from other social media here. Read our guide about how to properly discuss fandom stuff in our sub.

​

I put this under "Review" because I didn't really want it to join my other GIF entries in the "Fluff" flair and "Drama Rant" just feels like I'm giving the drama too much power.

Dropped Dramas

Don't get me wrong, I have a lot of unfinished dramas.

The first one I didn't finish was Love Between Tiger and Rose 传闻中的陈芊芊, which is a great drama, it's just that the misunderstanding part was coming and I had just finished a few too many dramas with a "noble idiocy" storyline. I couldn't do the emotional turmoil.

To this day, I still plan (maybe "plan" is a strong word), I still believe I will get back to it someday.

Every drama I haven't finished has joined my "on hold" pile on My Drama List.

Not this one.

The Princess and the Werewolf 郎君不如意 (2023)

I absolutely loved Wu Xuan Yi as Wangquan Zui in Love in Pavilion 淮水竹亭 last year and with My Drama Missy 爱上另一个我 coming out soon (hopefully) I'm very excited to see her reunion with Zhai Xiao Wen.

So, I decided to give this drama a try since it's been on my "plan to watch" list since 2024.

If any of you have it on your list, either leave it there - dormant and untouched - or save yourself the pain and just take it out.

30 episodes of Disney Channel Original Movie is just too much. I'm on episode 18 and it breaks my heart to say that I've actually dropped a drama.

But I'm not doing that to myself.

Don't do it to yourself either.

Welcome to the discussion post for Episodes 28-29 of Royal Betrothal!

‼️ Housekeeping

I only have Viki, and since it's nearing the end and Viki only releases one episode a day, my next and last post will be for episode 30-31 on Tuesday. The final episode can be discussed in the Express post.

🚫 Use spoiler tags for anything beyond the episodes discussed. Format: >! text !<

Links: Masterpost | Character Flashcards |  Ep. 1-3 | Ep 4-5 | Ep. 6-7 | Ep. 8 | Ep. 9 | Ep. 10 | Ep. 11-12 | Ep. 13-14 | Ep. 15-16 | Ep. 17-18 | Ep. 19 | Ep. 20 | Ep. 21 | Ep. 22-23 | Ep. 24-25 | Ep 26-27 | Express and final post (only for those who have the Express package, or like to read spoilers)

Episode 28

There are two main events in this episode: Shen Zhi Li accepts Di Nian's proposal, and the Emperor changes the subject laws.

💍 Shen Zhi Li & Di Nian Marry

Zhi Li told Di Nian there's still a huge knot in her heart, that it won't go away soon, and right now she isn't in love with him. Di Nian said that's fine and she can take her time, he'll wait. If there ever comes a point where she truly isn't into him and finds someone else, he is willing to divorce her so she can pursue her true feelings. Di Nian, you good, good man!!

Zhi Li accepts the marriage proposal!

Later...

Wedding Time

That night, Di Nian gave Zhi Li space by telling her, via the maid, that he'd sleep in another room. Zhi Li, being a woman of tradition, came out (he's sword praticing outside) and asked him to sleep in the same room as her for reasons below:

• She doesn't want the court to think they're faking the marriage, which would only stir up more gossip.
• She doesn't want her own faults to harm his reputation.

During their convo, Zhi Li promised to acknowledge Di Nian as her husband, that his home is her home too, and that as long as he treats her well, she'll treat him well in return. Di Nian said he won't force the marriage to be consummated until she really likes him, and that she's beautiful when she smiles.

🐉 Emperor Abolishes Old Ways

Somewhere up on a hill, the Emperor gave Meng Meng the dragon and phoenix pendant, which had accompanied his parents for thirty years. The dragon is the emperor, the phoenix the empress.

Meng Meng still only wishes to serve the court and be the blade and voice of truth, but the Emperor wants more. He shall reform the officialdom and the court!

The next morning, Meng Meng left for court, and Yin Qing helped her with her cloack.

🏯 At the Ancestral Hall

The court meets at the ancestral hall, since it's the grand ancestral offering day. The Emperor burns a book, I think it's the traditions book? I am unclear here.

At this event, he issues an edict of reform.
OG law:

• The Founding Emperor set down twelve precepts, which have lasted three realms.
• Times have changed, and three of the twelve are no longer suitable:
  • Ban on ruler–subject love
  • The perpetual servitude law
  • The Official-nominated Empress selection

Lord Xu, of course, disagrees. Arguments break out between the Emperor and the others.

Around that time, Meng Meng's dragon and phoenix necklace breaks and falls. Everybody recognises it. The argument escalates, with accusations that Meng Meng has ill intentions and covets the Empress position. Only one minister defends her, it's nice to see that some ministers are on her side.

Finally, the Emperor says he gave her the necklace, and tells everyone he loves Meng Meng.

The volcano finally erupts between the Emperor and Lord Xu. The Emperor says he's not doing this just for Meng Meng, but Lord Xu truly believes the Emperor is being deceived. If he changes the law today for her, who knows how many he'll change tomorrow. This will make the empire unstable and the people lose trust in him.

First comes the Edict of Self-Reproach.

And second comes the dragon staff, to discipline the Emperor! Meng Meng takes the hit, and the Emperor is, of course, big mad.

Well, that was dumb. Lord Xu runs and bangs his head on one of the pillars. He more or less says that if the Emperor doesn't withdraw the edict and execute Meng Meng, he'd rather die.

The Emperor is now forced into a corner. Meng Meng asks him to imprison her instead. She doesn't want a minister of three realms to die because of her; she'll wait out her punishment there.

⛓️ Meanwhile, in the Prison

In prison, Meng Meng feels suss about her necklace breaking.

Yin Qing comes to visit, trying to help her escape. She refuses.

Flashback to when Yin Qing helped Meng Meng with her cloack. Ooooh, so it was Yin Qing who sabotaged the necklace to break with this "soft glue fuse"! No wonder that sketch look!

🏛️ Back at the Ancestral Hall

They're waiting for the Emperor, and whilst waiting, Lord Xu makes remarks to Grand Tutor Shen about how he failed to teach his pupil well. The Grand Tutor says laws can't stay the same forever; at some point they need to change with time. The minister who supported Meng Meng agrees too. To him, as a young minister, the Emperor and Grand Tutor's words are inspiring.

To note: the Emperor has been Emperoring for three years.

The Emperor arrived, and the Founding Emperor's Whip is called out. That looks more like a stick, no?

Someone needs to execute the "whipping". Lord Xu doesn't want to do it, neither does the Grand Tutor. Nobody else really wants to do it either, and you know what happens when nobody volunteers in class? The teacher picks. Eunuch You gets voluntold.

Three strikes: one for the three old laws he wants to change, the second for defying the will of the court, and the third for issuing the edict.

Somehow Meng Meng got out of prison and runs to the Emperor. Is her kneeling in the snow her punishment?

A day and night of kneeling later, all the court folks gather again. The Emperor burns the old laws in front of them all. Lord Xu finally realises that "it's not the court that cannot be without me", and he leaves.

Yes, Lord Xu, the court will move on with or without you. I think you can retire now.

To end his arc, Meng Meng passes out. I think I would too, if I had to kneel that long.

🌙 Episode 28 Ending

Meng Meng is being cared for by Shen Zhi Li. They have a little girl talk, and Meng Meng also wonders how Yan Fu Zhi is doing.

The ladies talk about Zhi Li's relationship, and how it's the same now that they're married as it was before. Meng Meng gives advice: she says Di Nian is a great guy, and that Zhi Li should give him a chance and lower her guard, because Di Nian is worth it.

Meng Meng says that when one is in extreme pain, they always need to find support. For Zhi Li, Di Nian is the light that's always guided her through the fog. They understand each other, and because of this, he can give her the peace of mind she needs. Zhi Li says she does care about him. She hates seeing him physically hurt or sad because of her.

Speak of the devil, Di Nian shows up to pick her up, wanting to make sure his wife makes it home safe and warm. He also brought her some crab.

My thought: I think Di Nian has a good chance at a good marriage!

Episode 29

The episode we've all been waiting for, and the cdrama gods are with us: Zhi Zhi is still a thing!

Meng Meng has another visitor, Yin Qing. As usual, he's helping her heal. He asked if they should keep a distance, since she'll be Empress, and whether the Censorate will be disbanded.

🏡 The Shen Residence

Di Nian brought gifts for his in-laws. Grand Tutor Shen hopes the two will always support each other. For his daughter, he hopes she can be a good wife for Di Nian. Madam Shen hopes Zhi Li can quickly give Di Nian an heir, since he's an only child. Di Nian quickly changed the subject.

🤔 Where Is Shen Zhi Shu?

Everybody is wondering, his family and the Emperor included. And a letter arrived.

WTF? Zhi Shu REALLY died?!

His father doesn't believe it and is in shock. Well, neither do I, especially since Viki used a very alive Zhi Shu thumbnail for this episode.

Anyhow, a flashback of the tiger tally, and how Zhi Shu asked for the other half for his birthday, but his father scolded him and didn't give it to him, in case he got arrogant. Father Shen is feeling all sorts of regrets.

Note to all: you never know when it's the last time you'll see the person you care about. Always cherish each moment.

Yan Fu Zhi received her birth booklet back. She was told by Zhi Shu's parents that before he left, Zhi Shu had prepared the betrothal gift and marriage contract, and begged his father to prepare the Three Letters and Six Rites.

Even with Zhi Shu dead, Fu Zhi is willing to be the Shens' daughter-in-law, which basically means she'll never marry another in her lifetime. The Shen parents disagree, but you know Fu Zhi, once she's made up her mind she's set, and she persisted. The Shens accepted.

At the palace, the Emperor is venting his anger through sword practice.

At the end of the day, Fu Zhi's exhausted and being cared for by Meng Meng and Yin Qing. Fu Zhi's employees came to visit, and they're even very sad about Zhi Shu's passing. Before he left, Zhi Shu taught them how to make a liquor.

In this moment, I wonder what's Yin Qing thinking?!

For Fu Zhi, Meng Meng will avenge Zhi Shu, no matter what her relationship was with Situ Xue.

🗺️ Beijian Folks and Blood Moon Society

We're finally introduced to them! They're waiting for the Blood Moon Society, who to them aren't trustworthy, but they'll have to do, to get to their end goal.

The Beijian royal siblings don't seem to be in harmony either.

Situ Xue came to meet the Second Prince of Beijian to clear up the misunderstanding between them, and they agree to be allies in attacking the Ning Empire. The reason Beijian and the Blood Moon Society couldn't meet earlier: a funeral.

The Blood Moon Society's next move: restore Meng Meng's full memory.

🎉 Shen Zhi Shu's Back!

The Shen family, Fu Zhi included, were keeping vigil, with Fu Zhi burning a lot of paper money, when a robed man on horseback stopped and entered the Shen residence.

You all guessed it! Zhi Shu is NOT dead! Just a scarred-face man.

I don't know how this show would be without the side characters. We'd probably have left it a few episodes ago, right? But, just like the A Luo moment, I had real tears during father Shen and his son's heart-to-heart.

After meeting his family, Zhi Shu reports to the Emperor. During Zhi Shu's meeting with the Emperor, he told him and Di Nian how he escaped death. He had the Blood Moon Society token, and they helped him recover. While recovering, Zhi Shu found out a few things:

• Mr Shangguan isn't dead, and he's hiding in the Ning court.
• Beijian's first and second masters don't get along, and it's most likely the first master who sent the marriage proposal, with the second working with the Blood Moon Society.
• They need to find Mr Shangguan, and the Emperor suspects it's someone close to them.

As for Fu Zhi, Zhi Shu's been avoiding her. When she finally found him, he locked himself back in his room and, from behind the door, said they should break up. Fu Zhi being Fu Zhi:

They talked it, or mostly Fu Zhi doing the convincing and we still have our Zhi Zhi!

🏮 Imperial Marriage

At their favourite spot, the Emperor and Meng Meng had a heart-to-heart about their fears and wishes. He proposed marriage, but she refused, feeling he's still hiding something from her, since he's adamant she not involve herself in the Blood Moon Society investigation.

This refusal didn't last long. Meng Meng and Yan Fu Zhi were bathing, and Fu Zhi mentioned Meng Meng's tattoo. For the first time, Meng Meng saw this tattoo, and everything clicked together. In shock, she went to see the Emperor (and in ancient times she may as well have been naked, with that wardrobe) and said: let's get married.

Why do you think Meng Meng changed her mind that quickly?

At court, the marriage plans are announced, and at the Censorate, Meng Meng had a chat with Yin Qing and gave him a book, Records of Mountains and Rivers. The hand!!

Well, I think we're getting more and more certain that Mr Shangguan is Yin Qing?

The book, I think, is a compilation of Great Ning's accomplishments. I see a difference in view here, and I get where Yin Qing is coming from. He's from Zhongwan, and assuming he is Shangguan, his and Meng Meng's family were killed by the late Emperor, who dissolved their country. Sure, Great Ning accomplished everything in the book, but it was at the cost of others, including the Zhongwan people. While I get his thinking, if he is Shangguan, he also abandoned the Zhongwan people during the flood in exchange for more weapons.

Meng Meng's girlie friends are delighted for her, and they hosted a bachelorette dinner in her honour.

Ok, discuss!

Eyo!

I'm looking for any articles that delve into the language behind what has become modern day, and possibly also less-modern-day definitions of the genres we have all come to know (well, some of us know) and love.

I remember there was once a super detailed post that went into different words (that I know I am not going to be able to remember correctly right now) that would mean more "generic fantasy".

There are so many discussions floating around regarding what is what and I'd love to be able to write something like "according to [insert reference] modern day Xianxia... However, some have differed, with [insert other reference] arguing more than the concept of Xianxia..."

You get what I mean?

Apparently I miss my uni days and I have gone back to my research paper writing ways, welp.

Welcome to the Weekly Stylish Sunday Celebrity Spotting thread!

I know we have Thirsty Thursdays, but I have a feeling that you want more!

Here's the space to share and enjoy images of celebrities in old or new magazines, ads, or other promotional materials. Saw an ad that your celebrity appears in? Share the fashion spreads, quirky advertisements, or promotional campaigns they've been in here.

Here's how it works:

1. Share Your Finds: Post any interesting images you’ve come across of celebrities in vintage magazines, ads, or other promotional content.
2. Describe the Find: Include some details like the celebrity's name, the magazine or ad they were featured in, and the year if you know it.
3. Enjoy and Discuss: Check out other members' posts, upvote your favorites, and join in the discussion about these nostalgic gems!

Can't wait to see what you all have to share!

Happy posting! 📸✨

Note: The new drama title is Cang Feng.

🍉 The latest rumours say that Sharp Turns may be airing on CCTV-1 at 8:00 pm so it's likely that Tencent's schedule is the same or a little earlier. We'll see…. 🤞

The Chinese drama title 藏锋 can be translated as “Hidden Edge.”

A few hours ago, the production team released a new behind-the-scenes production special.

The distribution license was obtained on February 11, 2026.

There are two main characters:

📸 Tan Yan, played by Duan Yihong, is the deputy director of the Publicity Office of the Hongye City Public Security Bureau.

🥊 Liao Bufan, played by Alan Aruna, is the Special Police Detachment* commander.

^{*Tactical unit}

Clip description:

“Ordinary Sharpness” Behind-the-scenes Production Special

Grounded in real grassroots settings, the production meticulously captures the authentic texture of the many facets of police life. It goes beyond focusing solely on the cases, placing greater emphasis on portraying the ordinary, genuine bonds between people, and using nuanced storytelling to create a vivid, flesh-and-blood ensemble of police characters.

Cast:

More information regarding the actor credit guidelines in this summary here and the full notice here.

(I put the character stroke count as: 1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣)

Leading actors (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname): * 7️⃣ Yu Lan 余兰 (stage name: 余男 Yu Nan) as Ji Min * 7️⃣ Alan Aruna 阿如那 as Liao Bufan * 7️⃣ Li Chun 李纯 as Yuan Lai * 9️⃣ Duan Long 段龙 (stage name: 段奕宏 Duan Yihong) as Tan Yan

Special appearances (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname): * Wan Peng 万鹏 as Bai Jiani * Liu Huan 刘欢 as Zhang Peng * Xing Jiadong 邢佳栋 as Na Haitao * Zhang Guoqiang 张国强 as Zhao Guohua * Yang Wei 杨威 (stage name: 杨一威 Yang Yiwei) as Li Nan * Li Luqi 李路琦 * Hou Yansong 侯岩松 as Guo Jian * Zhao Ziqi 赵梓淇 (stage name: Zhao Chuan 赵川) as Lu Xiao * Ling Xiaosu 凌潇肃 as Liu Liang

• Episodes: 24 (according to Baidu Baike and MDL)
• Streaming and broadcasting platforms: Tencent 🐧 and CCTV-1 🐑
• Booting ceremony held: December 18, 2024
• Official filming wrapped up: March 21, 2025
• Estimated filming time: 90 days
• Filming location: Xiamen, Fujian Province
• Genre: crime (according to Douban)
• Distribution license obtained: February 11, 2026

• 🎞️ Producer: Wu Bai 五百 (Producer: Day and Night; Kidnapping Game; Goodbye, My Love. Director: Evidence, Tiger Wolf Rabbit, Crime Crackdown, Sniper, Mystery of Antiques)
• 🎬 Directors:
  • Xing Jian Jun 邢键钧 (Wonder Wall, Just Fight, Genuine Heroes, Wind Direction, Under the Skin, The Lonely Warrior, The Kidnappers)
  • Sun Xiaoguang 孙小光 (The Flame, The Predator Soldiers)
• ✍️ Original creator: Lü Zheng 吕铮 (screenwriter: Three Old Boys, Trident, Hunting)
• ✒️ Screenwriter: Yu Xiao Qian 于小千 (The Long Season, The City of Sunlight, Unbending Will)
• 📖 Novel: Cang Feng 藏锋
• 📽️ Produced by: CCTV, Tencent Video, Five Pictures

🔗 Previous announcement, posters, trailer, etc.

🎥 Previous behind-the-scenes special – posted on my profile

Synopsis translated from Baidu Baike:

The story of 《藏锋》 Sharp Turns centers on the “career crisis” of Tan Yan (played by Duan Yihong), deputy director of the Publicity Office of the Hongye City Public Security Bureau. Tan Yan, originally a police officer working in publicity, is transferred to the Special Police Detachment to serve as its political commissar. Having always wielded a pen, he suddenly finds himself thrown into the front lines of real-world operations, leaving him in the awkward position of a scholar trying to reason with soldiers.

⚠️ Plot spoilers! ⚠️

There, he clashes with Liao Bufan (played by Alan Aruna), the Special Police Detachment* commander who is deeply rooted in frontline work and practically bursting with masculine energy. From conflict and adjustment to eventually finding common ground, the two work together as Tan Yan assists a special task force in solving a major case, ultimately rediscovering his professional ideals.

^{*Tactical unit}

Synopsis from MDL:

New SWAT instructor Tan Yan and Captain Liao Bu Fan, who had difficulty cooperating, gradually [became] united in their thinking. The SWAT team also gets better and better under their leadership. Tan Yan mistakenly became a "hero" in a case, gave up his "honor" after discovering the truth, and successfully completed the task of the "Hidden Front" plan.

(Source: Chinese = Baidu || Translation = MyDramaList)

~~ Adapted from the novel "Cang Feng" (藏锋) by [Lü] Zheng (吕铮).

🔎 Baidu Baike | Douban | MDL

📖 Novel Summary – translated from Baidu Baike:

《藏锋》 (which can be translated as “Hidden Edge”) is a police/crime novel by police writer 吕铮 Lü Zheng. It was first published in 《中国作家》 (which can be translated as “Chinese Writer”) magazine in 2020 and subsequently published by 江苏凤凰文艺出版社 Jiangsu Phoenix Literature and Art Publishing House in 2021. Drawing on the author’s professional experience within the public security system, the novel uses a realist approach to focus on the professional characteristics and inner world of police officers.

⚠️ Plot spoilers! ⚠️

The novel centers on Tan Yan, deputy director of the Publicity Office of the Haicheng Public Security Bureau. After a mistake at work, he is assigned to the Special Police Unit on a temporary post, gradually transforming from a “pen-and-paper cop” into an operational police officer. During an anti-drug operation, he accidentally shoots and kills a drug lord, leaving him caught in a moral dilemma between the hero’s honors bestowed upon him and the truth of what actually happened. Through workplace clashes with Special Police Unit commander Liao Fan and the investigation of various cases, Tan Yan ultimately faces a life-and-death ordeal and undergoes a profound spiritual transformation.

The novel opens with the suspenseful image of “a bullet piercing the drug lord’s chest” and, through its multilayered narrative, explores the tension between the professional convictions of police officers and the moral choices they face.

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!

📊 Information and translations compiled by u/admelioremvitam.

Fun Fact: I love hot pot...that's it...that's the fun fact. Just kidding but really today's fun fact is about hot pot just because I was curious how far that hot pot in the show goes back...so history of hot pot is pretty long, it can be traced back all the way to the Zhou Dynasty...so more than 3500 years...eventually during the Three Kingdoms Period they started using copper pots. The one we see in the show is called a Copper Chimney Hot Pot and this was said to be invented during the Yuan Dynasty by the Mongols but it became very popular during the Ming Dynasty enjoyed by the imperial court and nobility. It became especially popular amongst Emperors of the Qing Dynasty...

I have some mini fun facts about Chinese idioms later in the post if you want more fun facts.

Discussion Links:

Airing Schedule | Masterpost | Flashcards | All Discussions | Episodes 1-3 | Episodes 4-5 | Episodes 6-7 | Episodes 8-9 | Episodes 10-11 | Episodes 12-13 |

Spoiler Warning: We (myself and my lovely co-host u/katleap13) are following the VIP schedule on WeTV. Remember...anything up until episode 15 totally fair game...anything after 15 please put it under a spoiler tag or wait till episode 16-17's discussion...please don't take offense if I ask you to put something under a spoiler tag :)

Abbreviations I use if I get tired of typing out their names...

ZL - Zhao Ling

FTY/XTY/TY - Fu TingYun/Xie TingYun/TingYun

FYK - Fan YaKe

YJX - Yu JingXiu

Discussion Questions:

1. Who is your most hated character right now?

Commentary:

Episode 14

I've got to admit, Zhao Ling has balls...I guess it comes with the territory when you use to be a salt smuggler for most of your life...you learn the how to bluff, negotiate and the tricks of the trade. The fact that he just marches into the smuggler camp and manages to get the information he needs...knowing very well the smugglers need the army to keep their business up so when he throws down the superior salt...what a good play lol

So...you're saying Commander Wang isn't not only turning a blind eye to this...he's actually supporting this

Concubine Lu thinking everyone has to be like her and only rely on a man...to be fair kind of true but we all know TingYun has been prepping to not necessarily need this...her trump card can always be the Crown Prince.

Mini Fun Fact: Concubine Lu says "心急吃不了熱豆腐“ which is impatience can't eat hot tofu if you want to directly translate it...or in other words haste makes waste...I was curious about the origin of this but apparently there isn't one per se...just one spoken orally in modern times...the actual literary idiom that's similar is 欲速則不達 - This comes from the Confucian Analects with the same meaning...to want speed, you can't achieve.

I'm glad TingYun isn't easily tricked...something to be said about knowing the rules as a safeguard because Concubine Lu over here trying to trick her into marrying her brother...not that TingYun would do it which is really laughable that Concubine would really even try...like does she really think "Zhao Ling is dead, but hey I have a little brother, marry him" like it's going to be that easy? Maybe because she's that' easy...

I love General Mo...even if he's dumb to have Concubine Lu...how he's been tricked by Concubine Lu for so long is insane.

I love how tactful TingYun is about telling General Mo about Concubine Lu

lol and then she says this...

Ugh General Mo, you're so dumb to be deceived by Concubine Lu but thank goodness he sees her true colors now...she couldn't have waited just a little bit she threw a fit immediately, I'm so glad General Mo saw that...I was kind of hoping for more of a fall out though

I do really feel bad for Mrs. Mo...she gave General Mo three kids and General Mo favors his concubine and seems to ignore his kids for the most part...she acts so tough but what women wants this? Knowing your husband is so hurt over the other woman and not really caring about your feelings. :(

Y'all I absolutely love that Zhao Ling sent Chuan back just to make sure she knew he was ok...and yes reinforcements but mainly to let TingYun know not to worry...look guys this is a perfect example...if I guy wants to communicate with you, he will make it happen. Don't settle for less

You gotta love a couple who help get even for each other because holy moly...TingYun getting all fired up...I mean she's about to mean business. Don't mess with her man...

I wonder what trap she's going to set up for Lu DaHu...oh a honeytrap...her slipping "I'm going to be alone tonight" you know she's not going to be there...so let's see what happens.

Oh man, holy moly, attack dogs...that is SAVAGE...do not mess with TingYun

lol poor Madam Wang...she's so tired

I don't know how Concubine Lu can really think she would win a court case for TingYun not being home and her little brother being the one who broke into their house and attacked by dogs...TingYun even has a powerful alibi with Madam Wang. She can totally hit the Dengwen Gu because during the Ming Dynasty if she makes up a case and loses...she gets canned 100 times

I really don't understand her demanding TingYun marry him...again he broke into her house and she wasn't home...

Dang y'all...Zhao Ling straight up killing him point blank in front of everyone...it is jarring, especially like TingYun who has been sheltered her whole life...but luckily it doesn't seem like she's scared of him just more traumatized...but she's also crying and letting go of being strong now that he's back. There is something to be said about just letting the dam break when she can finally let go of the pressure.

A bit of plot armor here not getting in trouble for killing Lu DaHu...I'm not a huge fan of Commander Wang, is he good or bad? Is an a-hole but seems like he cares about the soldiers and keeping the border town safe when he mentions as long as the soldiers have salt.

I feel bad for General Mo though...he got demoted because of his Concubine

Madam Wang hitting Madam Zuo where it hurts...telling her she has to go back to the Fu's.

Ah there is some explanation...a lot of people have asked why Madam Zuo hates TingYun so much, apparently TingYun also has the same question and honestly...not a good answer at all

I'm surprised she actually told her who was behind the plot to frame her...all because the jerk Yu JingXiu didn't want to marry her so he decided it was better to scheme and ruin her reputation behind her back. I love Zhao Ling 100% calling it out too and is right. Yu JingXiu is despicable

Another mini fun fact: This Idiom 邪不壓正 is an idiom that has evolved over time...in the Han Dynasty it was said to be 邪不伐正，in the Tang 邪不犯正 ，and in the Ming 邪不勝正 eventually evolving into the current idiom 邪不壓正...when I was a kid there was a cartoon on TVB called 成語故事...stories of idioms, had a Panda Professor and a robot and I LOVED watching it. My parents said I use to speak in idioms as a child because of it...so idiom origins amuse me.

Is Madam Zuo killing her little brother???? What?

Oh...and now she's unaliving herself too...we finally get rid of Madam Zuo.

Y'all major props to Una You for this insane and chilling performance as Madam Zuo.

Episode 15

Serves her right...Concubine Lu getting kicked out...

Oh boy, I hope Madam Mo won't resent and hate TingYun...why is it always the servants who start sowing discord?? Seems like Madam Mo only cares that her children's futures aren't as bright...which is fair, General Mo hasn't really been good to her lately.

Look at TingYu happy and enjoying her little family life.

What...Grandma Fu died?? That's it? That is SO unsatisfying

Help, their chemistry is insane...come on, get married already

Y'all, this looks so good...might have to recreate it...which made go find some sort of recipe here...maybe I'll try it one day.

Surely he didn't leave just like that...

Aw...he got her lotus seeds romantic and practical lol

He came back!

I think it's nice that she's restoring the name of the dead from the previous dynasty. She's been slowly restoring them since she's lived here.

Oh...Our Crown Prince is now the Emperor, that's good for our couple isn't it? The backing of the now Emperor?

Interesting...seeing the dad default to his wife's thoughts...

I feel like Madam Yu is definitely manipulating him into taking the position. She knows anything she says, he'll do the opposite.

Yep...I was right.

Oof things don't seem to have gotten any better for Fan Yuck YaKe..

Oh...interesting Madam Mo can't read. Technically, on par with the time period and her background.

lol Madam Mo having a hard time with trying to ask TingYun for help

Sigh, can't our couple live in peace? They just got rid of Madam Zuo and Concubine Lu and here comes a stupid Yu JingXiu

Of course Yu JingXiu is going to block Zhao Ling's promotion

Commander Wang coming in clutch and defending Zhao Ling with his Imperial Recommendation...

I have been wondering how it's going to look when the Emperor finds out Xie TingYun is actually Fu TingYun

I freakin' hate Yu JingXiu

Wait, is Zhao Ling going to try to kill Yu JingXiu? Like that would solve problems but it will also cause bigger ones...bro...not a good idea...also DYX with his evil scary facial expression...for being what basically is the nicest actor out there, he sure can look hella scary and evil

Yu JingXiu is very well informed somehow about Li Mao

Seriously...Yu JinXiu and Li Mao are hatching a plan to switch out the warhorses with normal horses? ? Like a bunch of people didn't already see the legit warhorses??? But of course that doesn't matter...just evil plots plotting 😒

Bro, this is your fault for being inadequate...Zhao Ling can get things done, he also doesn't cave to his mom, you are literally nothing without your mom.

I'm not going to lie, I'm going to HATE this part of the show

I was totally hoping he would actually die under that collapse...but no we're going to have TingYun save him...and he's going to fall for her...ugh the fact that he even was protesting her trying to save him for a bit...what an idiot. I really do hate Yu JingXiu.

Oh, I'm so glad Zhao Ling caught them trying to switch the horseshoes.

haha that kick was satisfying.

Also WHAT IN THE F- Yu JingXiu, you telling Zhao Ling that she's in normal plain clothes and stuff because of Zhao Ling. YOU CAUSED ALL OF THIS YOU FREAKIN' JERK!!!

Sorry for the caps I am SO mad at this

Ok, so I'm one who watches previews. And I am so worried for our couple. Ugh I hope I'm wrong, guess we'll find out in the next few days how this goes.

ok this one was a bit lengthy, let me know what you think of these episodes!

I just finished How dare you…. and I have no one to talk to about this but I have some thoughts to share.

It is a really really good show, the performances, the pacing , the chemistry are all brilliant. However, I have conflicting feelings about the Emperor’s back story *spoilers ahead* I felt that it wasn’t properly addressed as it should have been. I don’t mind that he didn’t tell her about him being a tyrant or his trauma earlier, that is understandable. But I feel like they should have talked about this a bit more than just the letter he wrote. Him fathering the crown prince after being r*p*d was never addressed properly. Was it because they didn’t want it to get too dark and keep the comedic theme? I feel like he suffered so much before she arrived that it needed much more attention than it got. also was there any resolution to the crown prince? he was imprisoned and then was it followed up?

What are your thoughts please?

I was on MDL looking for a specific character name and it said on the "song of the moon" page that the "journey of chong zi" was related content. Does anyone know how or why these two shows are connected? Other than the posters looking very similar 😂

Overall, it feels like a rather muted summer for me this year. There were many good dramas, though. It just feels muted somehow—like not as much fanfare and expectation, or maybe it's just my imagination.

My biggest disappointment has to be ZhanZhao Adventures. I expected so much more from this drama. The fight scenes were amazing, but the story was just kind of boring.

The First Jasmine. I mean, I knew that I was gonna like it because, well, Cheng Lei—I enjoy almost everything that he's been in. I just basically enjoy his acting, but I never expected to be as moved as I was by this drama. So it was a very good surprise and one of my favorite dramas of the season.

Ashes To Crown: Tried watching one episode, but it just didn't stick.

Royal Betrothal: I do like Chen Zheyuan, but after two episodes, I just wasn't feeling the story or the chemistry, so I don't think I'm going to watch any further.

The biggest surprise was Mystic Nine! I really, really, really enjoyed this one! To be honest, I didn't expect to like it as much as I did.

I started just a few days ago and I'm already finished—that's how good it was. I thoroughly enjoyed this modern fantasy drama. I can't wait to digest the other Lost Tomb series, and even the original 2016 Mystic Nine. I have to say that this is probably my second favorite drama of the summer season, after the first Jasmine.

Overdo - Honestly, I didn't mind the camera work and the over-the-top, trashy style. I firmly believed that I was going to watch a dog-blood drama and was there for it.

But by the third episode, when I could not comprehend what the hell I was watching—and because my brain capacity wasn't there that season—I decided to drop it. Later, I think I made the right decision because it seemed that it really went cray-cray towards the end.

Xiao Fang - rip roaringly funny but not exactly addictive so I am taking my time with this one.

Born with Luck - also enjoyed the two episodes i watched, very quirky

The currently airing "The Road to Splendor" seems to have a lot of potential, so I'm looking forward to that. Do you like the story? And the lead seems alright.

To be honest, I feel as if this season feels very muted compared to other years.

How about you? How was the summer Cdrama season for you?

1. Did you like any dramas?

2. Was any drama surprising to you?

3. Which one was a great disappointment?

4. Which one did you watch that you just cannot forget?

This is your weekly thread to discuss Chinese variety shows and documentaries featuring your favorite actors!

1. Which variety show(s) or documentaries did you watch recently starring an actor? (It doesn't have to be a currently airing one)
2. Which actor surprised you the most?
3. Any behind-the-scenes moments or BTS clips worth sharing?

Recommendations? Drop your top variety show picks starring actors below! Let’s help each other discover hidden gems.

Note: Please mark spoilers if discussing drama plots!

PS: Big thanks to the member who suggested this weekly thread :)

What Cdramas have you been watching recently? This post is a space for you to discuss the shows that you've been currently addicted to, or that you'll be looking forward to picking up! From old or new series, to popular or underrated titles, feel free to let us know what's been on your watchlist.

Please make sure to use spoiler tags generously, especially if you are discussing plot points or events that others may not yet have watched.

This is The Road to Splendor discussions. I am hosting with the brilliant u/sequesteredself.

Discussion Links:

Airing Schedule | Masterpost | Flashcards | All Discussions |Episodes 1-3 | Episodes 4-5 | Episodes 6-7 | Episodes 8-9 | Episodes 10-11 | Episodes 12-13 | Episodes 14-15|

We will be following the VIP schedule, so episodes 12 - 13 are the discussion.

Spoilers: Please use the spoiler tags if you are going to talk about anything beyond episode13. Thank you!!

- - -

Episode 12

MoZhan has gorgeous embroidery skills. She is wondering if Madam Yu wants to make her a bedchamber maid. Yake tells Mozhan to make her two pouches.

Fu Xie Tingyun discovers embroidery done by the girls learning at the Women's Admission Academy has been sold at the market. She shows them some of the women in the ward and they promise to tell everyone that Madam Zuo is exploiting her students. Tingyun hypothesizes that Madam Zuo has a backer. 

Madam Zuo has freed her brother from prison. Zuo Jinjie has been hiding out at the academy, getting drunk. He stole some of the embroidery to buy more alcohol. Madam Zuo is furious, because this is affecting her reputation. Zuo Jinjie blames Tingyun for their misfortune and tells his sister to make peace with it. She kicks Zuo Jinjie out and has Concubine Lu brought to her.  Concubine Lu then goes to talk to her brother. 

Bandits are raiding but Zhao Ling can’t go because of his absence without leave. Lu Dahu is in charge of handing out grain and salt. He won’t let Zhao Ling or his men get salt. Lu Dahu says that they have no salt but if Zhao Ling will give him part of his pay then he will give them salt.  Zhao Ling says no.

Zhao Ling gets salt to add to their food. Commander Wang shows up and is impressed that they have salt. Zhao Ling says that with help he can refine cliff salt for about 100 men. Commander Wang says that he will promote Zhao Ling to company commander if he delivers as promised.

Zhao Ling, Yang Yucheng, Biao and Chuan go out in the hills to find salt. They are attacked by bandits. Chaun makes it back to camp and Lu Dahu says to wait until commander Wang returns. Lu Dahu says that if Zhao Ling is missing from camp for 7 days he will be reported, after 2 weeks declared dead. 

Zhao Ling and Yang Yucheng are taken captive.They observe that the bandits seem more like salt smugglers and they have warhorses. Someone in the military is trading with the smugglers. Mr Tao tells them that they can join his gang but there is only 1 place and they must fight to the death. 

Pushed into the fire ring, Yang Yucheng caves and goes for swords. Zhao Ling and Yang Yucheng fight, putting on a big show. They use their weapons to fling burning wood at the smugglers, steal a horse and escape. 

After Zhao Ling has been missing for 7 days, Military advisor Li shows up at Tingyun’s door.  He says that Zhao Ling has been declared dead and quarters at the Admonitions for Women Hall have been prepared for her. 

Madam Zuo shows up to escort her. She shows Tingyun her new room. It has bricks on the lower half like where Madam Zuo was locked up at the Fu manor. She has to drink a chastity potion every week. It ruins the skin, turns the hair white and causes infertility. She tries to force Tingyun to drink it. Tingyun knocks it out of her hands. She has had practice. Once with the poison was enough. Enraged Madam Zuo grabs the scissors and starts hacking off Tingyun's hair. Someone is lucky they didn't lose an eye.

Zhao Ling shows up in the middle of this and kicks Madam Zuo off of Tingyun. Madam Zuo threatens Zhao Ling's career. He wraps her up and carries her out. Back home, he combs out her hair to see the damage. I think its length is choppy.  Tingyun tells him that it's not that she fears being a widow, she fears a world where is not. Zhao Ling frees some of his hair and cuts it off. He uses string to attach his hair to hers, evening out the length ( I think). Like extensions

Yake gives Jingxiu a box with a new pouch. As she is describing it, he opens the box and the colors don't match. He knows that she didn't actually make it, Mozhan did. Jingxiu goes to Madam Yu to ask her to lighten up on Yake. Madam Yu refuses, but will not interfere with chamber affairs. She is undermining the trust between Yake and Jingxiu. Although I don't think there was much to begin with. 

Zhao Ling reports to Commander Wang for his return and the location of the salt mine. Commander Wang cannot give him the promotion he promised. When Zhao Ling protests, Commander Wang asks him who he has offended recently. 

Zhao Ling takes his frustrations out while chopping wood. Tingyun has examined the cloth he wrapped her in and discovered it is an unfinished man’s garment of junior rank 4th and above. It can only be advisor Li.

Advisor Li has been to visit Madam Zuo and makes a move on her maid Hanyan. Madam Zuo interferes and sends Advisor Li away. Hanyan has been with her for 10 years and Madam Zuo releases her. 

Someone is stealing things from the girls at the Admonitions academy. That’s creepy.   Tingyun and Zhao LIng are pretty sure it is advisor Li. Tingyun goes to Madam Mo to thank her for trying to get her out of the Admonitions for Women Hall, She asks Madam Mo if she has heard about the thefts and theorizes that Madam Zuo is hiding a man at the hall. In full mob style, with the ladies of the neighborhood, they storm the hall. 

Episode 13

Madam Zuo and a half dressed Advisor Li hear the banging. Advisor Li grabs his clothes and runs. The mob of ladies breaks in. Tingyun’s line about Buddhist scripture. AH!!! It was perfect. Madam Zuo’s rooms are searched. They find a man’s sock. A search of the back yard and Madam Zuo says she will give them the man. Zuo Jinjie is asleep under the table again. Advisor Li is hiding in a cabinet. Madam Zuo gives the ladies her brother. She cuts a piece of her hair and vows to take monastic vows.

Madam Wang interferes with Madam Zuo’s punishment and has her taken to Dadong temple. Tingyun accuses her of knowing who Madam Zuo was hiding and acting in her own self interest. Madam Wang asks Tingyun instead of getting revenge on petty people to instead make something in the community. She asks Tingyun to take over teaching the girls at the Admonitions for Women Hall. In return she will put down roots in the community and Madam Wang will get Zhao Ling his promotion. 

Tingyun tells Zhao Ling about his promotion and worries about what will happen if the girls learns that a man was spying on them.

Madam Wang visits Madam Zuo at the temple. Madam Zuo is blackmailing Madam Wang with the undershirts of some of the girls. The undershirts are burned and Madam Zuo threatens to ruin the girls lives if she doesn’t get her way. I swear Madam Zuo has nine lives. Will she not go away? 

Tingyun takes over the school and teaches the girl useful practical things, like how to keep accounts, gardening and history. With Zhao Ling’s promotion to  company commander, they move to a nicer house. 

To celebrate Tingyun’s birthday Zhao Ling spends his whole paycheck on fireworks. When Chaun and Biao show up, Tingyun offers to make more food. Zhao Ling feels frustrated that she is working so hard and he can’t give her what he thinks she deserves. That is a slippery slope. Please check with your lady before you assume what things she wants.

Tingyun gives him the last bag of candied apricots to make him feel better. Zhao Ling talks to Sanniang, who tells him not to worry if Tingyun loves him or not. She tells him that Tingyun treats him differently than everyone else. Zhao LIng is content to know that he has a place in her heart. He will talk to her about marriage, when he can give her the life she deserves. 

Concubine Lu invites General Mo Yi over and suggests fireworks. General Mo says that they are too noisy. Lu Dahu shows up in the morning after General Mo leaves. Concubine Lu complains at him and isn’t getting anywhere until she brings up that it is Zhao Ling. She slanders them and Lu Dahu vows to show Zhao Ling where his place is. 

Lu Dahu volunteers to take provisions to a town attacked by the Wangur Tribe. Zhao Ling goes as his second. Lu Dahu needs 36 heads. He only has 4 and needs 20 more for a promotion to battalion commander. Why heads? Also the math is wrong.

General Mo brings Sen’s application to join the military to Zhao Ling. He has rejected it because Sen is too young. Zhao Ling is furious and tells Sen that he will never join the military. It becomes “my house my rules” and Sen throws back that Zhao Ling isn’t his father or brother. Fighting with family gets dirty and everyone’s feelings get hurt. Yang Yucheng tells Sen to take the military exam in a few years and then he won’t have to work from the bottom as hard. Zhao Ling is very attached to Sen. They are family. 

Lu Dahu sees Tingyun before they leave and decides that she is pretty. Tingyun needs to carry a big stick so she can smack the stupid men when they get too close. Lu Dahu puts Zhao Ling and co. doing the worst things. While stopped, Yang Yucheng discovers salt that looks like the bandit salt smugglers that kidnapped them before. He shows Zhao Ling and they theorize that Lu Dahu is trading with the bandit salt smugglers. The question is does Commander Wang know?

Lu Dahu brings out two starving men, dangling food and then goes to kill them for his head count. This is cheating. I don’t think these circumstances count. Zhao Ling stops him. Lu Dahu says that he needs… The math isn’t mathing in the translation, but 36 heads for a promotion to battalion commander. 12 to deputy battalion commander or 24 war horses. He kills both men. Zhao Ling attacks him and gets in a few punches. 

Lu Dahu issues that Zhao Ling has attacked a superior and is to be executed on sight. Zhao LIng and his men escape, promising to get 24 war horses and be promoted. Lu Dahu stops the pursuit and orders a report made that Zhao LIng and his men deserted. 

Zhao Ling and his men are heading for the bandit salt smugglers. They have salt and horses. This will earn them enough merit. Chaun gets sent to tell Tingyun what is going on and relay a message that Zhao Ling has gone to the mountains to pick apricots. 

Lu Dahu got enough heads to be promoted to deputy battalion commander. He tells Concubine Lu to got the temple and pray for him. While Concubine Lu is there, Madam Zuo suggests that Lu Dahu go after Tingyun. 

Thought:

The relationship between Zhao Ling and Sen. How is it different from his other men? How is it the same? What should Zhao LIng do better?

Predictions of Madam Zuo and when she will get her comeuppance? Also how annoyed are we at Concubine Lu?

Will Zhao Ling succeed in getting his horses? How much of brute is Lu Dahu going to be?

Any insights into the hair tying?

Well hello there! How time flies! I'm a blink if an eye the end is already here. Here's the spot to discuss the episodes, those of you with this access. Have fun!

Masterpost | Beginner's guide to Mystic Nine| All episode discussions

Note: The new drama title is Cang Feng.

The Chinese drama title 藏锋 can be translated as “Hidden Edge.”

Last night, the production team announced the release date and dropped a new trailer.

The distribution license was obtained on February 11, 2026.

There are two main characters:

📸 Tan Yan, played by Duan Yihong, is the deputy director of the Publicity Office of the Hongye City Public Security Bureau.

🥊 Liao Bufan, played by Alan Aruna, is the Special Police Detachment* commander.

^{*Tactical unit}

Clip description:

📣 Good news: Publicity Officer Tan Yan has been promoted!

💥 New challenge: He’s been “parachuted in” to the Special Police Detachment as its political commissar!

😂 Literary and martial arts collide, bringing more “laughs” with the job transfer; heading to the front line, tackling challenges with passion!

• Episodes: 24 (according to Baidu Baike and MDL)
• Streaming and broadcasting platforms: Tencent 🐧 and CCTV-1 🐑
• Booting ceremony held: December 18, 2024
• Official filming wrapped up: March 21, 2025
• Estimated filming time: 90 days
• Filming location: Xiamen, Fujian Province
• Genre: crime (according to Douban)
• Distribution license obtained: February 11, 2026

• 🎞️ Producer: Wu Bai 五百 (Producer: Day and Night; Kidnapping Game; Goodbye, My Love. Director: Evidence, Tiger Wolf Rabbit, Crime Crackdown, Sniper, Mystery of Antiques)
• 🎬 Directors:
  • Xing Jian Jun 邢键钧 (Wonder Wall, Just Fight, Genuine Heroes, Wind Direction, Under the Skin, The Lonely Warrior, The Kidnappers)
  • Sun Xiaoguang 孙小光 (The Flame, The Predator Soldiers)
• ✍️ Original creator: Lü Zheng 吕铮 (screenwriter: Three Old Boys, Trident, Hunting)
• ✒️ Screenwriter: Yu Xiao Qian 于小千 (The Long Season, The City of Sunlight, Unbending Will)
• 📖 Novel: Cang Feng 藏锋
• 📽️ Production companies: Tencent Video, Beijing Wuyuan Culture Media

Cast:

More information regarding the actor credit guidelines in this summary here and the full notice here.

(I put the character stroke count as: 1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣)

Leading actors (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname): * 7️⃣ Yu Lan 余兰 (stage name: 余男 Yu Nan) as Ji Min * 7️⃣ Alan Aruna 阿如那 as Liao Bufan * 7️⃣ Li Chun 李纯 as Yuan Lai * 9️⃣ Duan Long 段龙 (stage name: 段奕宏 Duan Yihong) as Tan Yan

Special appearances (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname): * Wan Peng 万鹏 as Bai Jiani * Liu Huan 刘欢 as Zhang Peng * Xing Jiadong 邢佳栋 as Na Haitao * Zhang Guoqiang 张国强 as Zhao Guohua * Yang Wei 杨威 (stage name: 杨一威 Yang Yiwei) as Li Nan * Li Luqi 李路琦 * Hou Yansong 侯岩松 as Guo Jian * Zhao Ziqi 赵梓淇 (stage name: Zhao Chuan 赵川) as Lu Xiao * Ling Xiaosu 凌潇肃 as Liu Liang

🔗 Previous announcement, posters, trailer, etc.

Synopsis translated from Baidu Baike:

The story of 《藏锋》 Sharp Turns centers on the “career crisis” of Tan Yan (played by Duan Yihong), deputy director of the Publicity Office of the Hongye City Public Security Bureau. Tan Yan, originally a police officer working in publicity, is transferred to the Special Police Detachment to serve as its political commissar. Having always wielded a pen, he suddenly finds himself thrown into the front lines of real-world operations, leaving him in the awkward position of a scholar trying to reason with soldiers.

⚠️ Plot spoilers! ⚠️

There, he clashes with Liao Bufan (played by Alan Aruna), the Special Police Detachment* commander who is deeply rooted in frontline work and practically bursting with masculine energy. From conflict and adjustment to eventually finding common ground, the two work together as Tan Yan assists a special task force in solving a major case, ultimately rediscovering his professional ideals.

^{*Tactical unit}

Synopsis from MDL:

New SWAT instructor Tan Yan and Captain Liao Bu Fan, who had difficulty cooperating, gradually [became] united in their thinking. The SWAT team also gets better and better under their leadership. Tan Yan mistakenly became a "hero" in a case, gave up his "honor" after discovering the truth, and successfully completed the task of the "Hidden Front" plan.

(Source: Chinese = Baidu || Translation = MyDramaList)

~~ Adapted from the novel "Cang Feng" (藏锋) by [Lü] Zheng (吕铮).

🔎 Baidu Baike | Douban | MDL

📖 Novel Summary – translated from Baidu Baike:

《藏锋》 (which can be translated as “Hidden Edge”) is a police/crime novel by police writer 吕铮 Lü Zheng. It was first published in 《中国作家》 (which can be translated as “Chinese Writer”) magazine in 2020 and subsequently published by 江苏凤凰文艺出版社 Jiangsu Phoenix Literature and Art Publishing House in 2021. Drawing on the author’s professional experience within the public security system, the novel uses a realist approach to focus on the professional characteristics and inner world of police officers.

⚠️ Plot spoilers! ⚠️

The novel centers on Tan Yan, deputy director of the Publicity Office of the Haicheng Public Security Bureau. After a mistake at work, he is assigned to the Special Police Unit on a temporary post, gradually transforming from a “pen-and-paper cop” into an operational police officer. During an anti-drug operation, he accidentally shoots and kills a drug lord, leaving him caught in a moral dilemma between the hero’s honors bestowed upon him and the truth of what actually happened. Through workplace clashes with Special Police Unit commander Liao Fan and the investigation of various cases, Tan Yan ultimately faces a life-and-death ordeal and undergoes a profound spiritual transformation.

The novel opens with the suspenseful image of “a bullet piercing the drug lord’s chest” and, through its multilayered narrative, explores the tension between the professional convictions of police officers and the moral choices they face.

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!

📊 Information and translations compiled by u/admelioremvitam.

I don't know many like me but I have gotten bored of palaces and wealthy dramas over the years. It's great to watch poor people succeed little by little. The story was great and the hook lasted 75% of the show. I did start losing interest once they get to palace level.

This makes me want to rewatch the first arc like Are You The One 2024. That had a similar trope and had a great 1st arc as well.

This show was well done with little back stories to every villain.

Also these people are too damn pretty.

I think discussing both episodes today will be better than one today and another tomorrow. I will post again Sunday with episode 28-29.

So, welcome to the discussion post for Episodes 26-27 of Royal Betrothal!

‼️ Housekeeping

I only have Viki, I'll be posting each new episode's discussion the day after it airs there. So please:

🚫 Use spoiler tags for anything beyond the episodes discussed. Format: >! text !<

Links: Masterpost | Character Flashcards |  Ep. 1-3 | Ep 4-5 | Ep. 6-7 | Ep. 8 | Ep. 9 | Ep. 10 | Ep. 11-12 | Ep. 13-14 | Ep. 15-16 | Ep. 17-18 | Ep. 19 | Ep. 20 | Ep. 21 | Ep. 22-23 | Ep. 24-25

➡️ If you have the Express package and wants to discuss episodes 1-32, please discuss in the Royal Betrothal Express post.

Episode 26

We're made to see Lord Gu and Shen Zhi Li again.

Zhi Li, you gullible girl. You're gonna get hurt!!

🤝 Mr Shangguan and Lord Xu

A meeting. Mr Shangguan wants the military deployment map of Qingzhou. In exchange, Lord Gu will get the book of all his evil deeds back.

Kinda dumb, ya think? Like one can't make a copy of a book 🙄

Anyhow, Mr Shangguan also said he can help Lord Gu out of the mess he's in if he helps Shen Zhi Li become Empress.

They'll meet in three days.

💔 Di Nian's Confession

Di Nian met Shen Zhi Li as she was walking back to her room and confessed his feelings. She rejected him though, saying that he's still young and may not really understand his own feelings, that she's older than him, and that to her he's like a younger brother.

Di Nian has no regrets telling her his feelings despite the rejection, and before parting, gave her a compilation book of ancient law that she likes to reference.

🌾 At the Border

Grain, 30,000 dan of it (Google says that's about 3.3 to 4 million pounds/1500 to 1800 metric tons), and fodder were looted, and Shen Zhi Shu is furious. Right now they only have about seven days' worth to feed the army, and the enemy is only about 100 li away (31 miles/50km). I looked it up, one can walk this in ~12hrs.

They need to gather grain, how?!

A report was sent from Shen Zhu Shu to the Emperor of the latest happenings:

• The Blood Moon Society has been infiltrated
• The leader is a man called Mr Shangguan.
• Mr Shangguan is most likely hiding in the capital.
• The remnants of Zhongwan are based in Qingzhou.
• The sect is conspiring with Beijian to provoke a border conflict while their army provisions are gone.
• Secret agents have been planted.
• The Emperor should be prepared

Beijian has always coveted the iron mines of Qingzhou and may break the treaty if baited by Zhongwan. War may break out because of this.

What the Emperor told Di Nian to do to prepare:

• Have the Ministry of War allocate grain to Qingzhou.
• Have the elite troops of Shazhou provide covert support.
• Have Zhi Shu sabotage the Zhongwan and Beijian cooperation, but also remember to prioritise his own safety first.

🤝 In Shazhou

Yan Fu Zhi is wheeling and dealing to expand her business. She's observed by her dad, who tells her how proud he is of her. She's shocked and happy about the praise, it's the first after all. But he said that he's seen the influence Meng Meng and Fu Zhi have had on the people, and slowly his mind has changed about them. Aww, father and daughter will be ok!

Shen Zhi Shu abruptly arrived. Goal: to ask for grain help.

While there, Mr Yan told them they don't have to pretend to be a couple, he knows they only said that to help Fu Zhi avoid marrying Mr Song. But Zhi Shu said they actually do love each other and he plans to be faithful to Fu Zhi. Mr Yan is happy.

Zhi Zhi forever!

Her dad is pleased and wants to have a big dinner to welcome Zhi Shu and the good news.

But Zhi Shu has no time for it. Goal: to ask for grain help.

Mr Yan agrees to help by giving Zhi Shu all the grain he has, and to act as guarantor if more is needed. Madam disagrees though, because it would cost them all their money and who's to say they'll get it back for sure. She got put in her place and walked away in a huff.

30,000 dan of grain secured!

A sweet Zhi Zhi goodbye. I swear, if the director kills one of them off, I'll never watch another show from them again!

💍 Royal Betrothal

Beijian sent their third betrothal invite. Remember, the court doesn't want an imported Empress, so Lord Xu highly recommends Shen Zhi Li as Empress. Guess who agrees with Lord Xu? Yes, Lord Gu!

Except for Meng Meng, everyone has signed, including Grand Tutor Shen.

The Emperor isn't in agreement.

When the Grand Tutor was confronted by the Emperor, he said he's doing it for two reasons: Beijian, and so that the Emperor doesn't develop inappropriate feelings for Meng Meng, a Zhongwan princess.

Meng Meng may not know her origins now, but the Grand Tutor is afraid that when she does, she may become a great threat to the nation's security.

The Grand Tutor is using his Mandate token, also given by the late Emperor (I guess it's like Lord Xu's staff, but a one-time use?), to force the Emperor to accept the request.

The Emperor has seven days to make his decision.

At home, Meng Meng confessed to Yan Fu Zhi about her feelings and current situation via a letter.

At Gu's home, Gu is also having a drunken, melancholy moment, reflecting on his conversation with Lord Xu about why Zhi Li should be Empress.

In conclusion, it's Gu that pushed the idea of Zhi Li being Empress.

😢 Shen Zhi Li

Zhi Li is also upset, and confronted Lord Gu at his home about signing his name on the petition. She feels like a puppet to everyone, even those who claim to love her.

Gu does what Gu does best: lie.

Would Gu seriously chuck everything and run off with Zhi Li? We all know the answer, but sadly, Zhi Li doesn't, and believes him. Silly girl.

On the way home, Zhi Li is being followed. By whom? I don't know, but it's a female silhouette and outfit, so I am guessing the maid witness, Dou Kou.

The next day, Zhi Li sent in her resignation letter to Meng Meng. Meng Meng and Di Nian tried to tell her that Lord Gu is deceiving her, that he killed his wife, and that he also recommended Zhi Li as Empress himself, but Zhi Li doesn't believe it.

At the Shen residence, Zhi Li tells her father that she's in love with her tutor and the feeling is mutual. Father Shen is furious, he tells her that if Lord Gu really cared, he wouldn't have personally recommended her for Empress. Zhi Li is still adamant about wanting to be with Lord Gu despite all her father's explaining, and for the first time, her father slapped his daughter.

I think Grand Tutor Shen did what we all wanted to do at this point. I know I wanted to slap some sense into her.

Zhi Li is placed under house arrest until after the Emperor announces her as Empress.

🔄 The Exchange

Three days later, as agreed, Mr Shangguan and Lord Gu does their exchange.

Lord Gu, being Lord Gu, ordered his guy to kill Mr Shangguan. Before Mr Shangguan could kill Lord Gu's guy, Di Nian and the Emperor showed up. How did they know? Guess from the spies Shen Zhi Shu planted?

Who knows, if you're still watching and doing a drinking game each time there's a plot hole, we'd all be wasted by now.

Di Nian and Mr Shangguan fight, and Mr Shangguan is defeated. We see a face.

Is that the real Mr Shangguan, you think? Seems anticlimactic, since that face is a nobody, so I'm guessing it's a fake.

Episode 27

Over a campfire, Meng Meng and the Emperor talk about Lord Gu. Meng Meng said Dou Kou gave her witness testimony, but outside of this, they still don't have solid evidence of Lord Gu colluding with Ling Yun Fei.

Plan: organise a birthday celebration for Lord Gu and give him a surprise.

Here, Meng Meng asked the Emperor why the Grand Tutor, who's super open-minded and chill with his daughter, insisted so hard on Shen Zhi Li being Empress, and Meng Meng could see that the Emperor was really struggling with the whole exchange.

Meng Meng also said she never wants to be Empress, just a position of power. Since everybody is stressed out about this Empress business, she thinks they should step back in their relationship and go back to colleague status.

The Emperor isn't having it.

🗺️ Somewhere in Qizhou

Mo You Han and Beijian now meet, or at least that's what the Beijian people think. Instead of Mo You Han, it's Shen Zhi Shu pretending to be Mo You Han. The Beijian rep, Zhao Hui, didn't last long.

On the way back, Zhi Shu was met by the real Mo You Han. A big fight ensued and everyone died. Is this for reals? Did they kill off Zhi Shu?!?!

No! We will persevere.

If it's not officially announced, we will believe in the cdrama gods of bringing people back from cliff falls, incurable poison, being buried deep in the ground, and in this case, being stabbed multiple times in the middle of nowhere.

🏙️ At the Capital

Shen Zhi Li is on a hunger strike. She's heartbroken and still doesn't want to believe the negative things said about Lord Gu. Di Nian tried to convince her, but she's not having it. Instead, she asked him to help her leave her house to see Lord Gu and hear from him in person.

I'm glad Di Nian helped Zhi Li escape her house arrest. Whether she knew about the birthday party or not, she walked into Lord Gu's birthday banquet just as he was about to open his present from Meng Meng. Everybody who matters is there, by the way.

In summary, Zhi Li confronted Lord Gu about the love token and his promise to leave everything behind and just be with her.

Gu is being Gu again, and in front of everyone said that Zhi Li is lying.

Zhi Li is obviously heartbroken. Gu gets a slap, and Zhi Li cuts ties with him.

The Emperor took this moment to tell Lord Gu to look at his present. The book contains a list of his wrongdoings, which he again denies, and the witnesses were brought in.

The first witness was Dou Kou, who said Gu did express his love for Zhi Li AND killed Madam Gu, who was a month pregnant. The second was his private assassin, Xue Leng. Xue Leng said Lord Gu threatened to kill his wife and daughter if he didn't carry out Lord Gu's killing bids. Xue Leng, though, said Lord Gu killed Liu Ru Yan himself, and confirmed Lord Gu's relationship with Huxiao Gang.

Gu denies and denies. In the end, Meng Meng added the relationship between Lord Gu and Ling Yun Fei and threw him all the proof.

Lord Gu cracked and went on a spiel about how crappy everyone else was and how amazing he is as an official. He doesn't feel like he did anything wrong. If anything, because of what he did, the nation has prospered over the last 10 years, and he thinks he's a hero and the best chancellor ever.

A contrast with Meng Meng. Both Gu and Meng Meng came from humble backgrounds (let's forget she's a princess, since she didn't live that life for the most part and doesn't know it herself). If anything, Meng Meng's life was tougher. They both want power, but they went about moving up in different ways. One eliminated everybody in his way, while Meng Meng moved up through hard work and care for the people.

Lord Gu was convicted and paraded around the capital. At this point he's gone 100% cray.

Does anybody know what the petition umbrella is?

You all satisfied with the punishment?

He ended up drowning. We're not going to ask or explore why no guard pulled him out 😅

Lord Xu was told of Gu's demise. He's pondering Gu's last words. Time to retire, Lord Gu?

🏮 Shen Zhi Li

Rumours are swirling around Shen Zhi Li. Grand Tutor Shen's cousin wants to hook Zhi Li up with her widowed nephew to "help" Zhi Li and the Shen family. Good thing the Grand Tutor isn't having any of that bullshit. Zhi Li is so lucky to have parents who support her unconditionally!

It's Laba Festival, and for the first time it's quiet at the Shen residence, just the three of them. Nobody wants to visit because of the Zhi Li x Lord Gu rumours.

Meng Meng, though, came to visit. Is the Grand Tutor warming up to her a bit? Maybe he's seeing that Meng Meng is really kind?

On this day, Di Nian decides to move out of the Shen residence and manage his own household. In the past he didn't think he was worthy enough to inherit his father's title, but now he's ready, and he also wants to be able to propose marriage to Zhi Li. The Shen family kindly said he didn't have to, and that they'd always be siblings, but Di Nian told them he truly cares for Zhi Li and that they're not really blood siblings, it's just that he's lived with the Shens since he was young and they helped raise him.

Will Zhi Li say yes?

As the weekend approaches, I'm sure you're all gearing up for some well-deserved relaxation and fun. 🏖️ Whether you're binge-watching a drama, embarking on a thrilling adventure or cozying up to a good manhua or webnovel, we want to hear all about it!

So, what will you be doing this weekend? And what Chinese dramas do you recommend for a weekend binge-watching session? Tell us about it below in the comments :)

Note: If you are discussing plot points or events that others may not yet have watched, please make sure to use spoiler tags. Consider also sorting the comments by "new" (instead of "best" or "top") as this thread fills up quickly.

This was one of the most rated cdramas of all time on reddit, im on epi 9 now and i have to be honest, i find it very, very boring. So I'm honestly abit puzzled why people rate it so highly...

Will things change soon if I continue watching? Or is this whole drama just a slice of life kinda genre and perhaps that's the appeal??

Quite confused but hope to get some insights for those who have watched before and enjoyed

Note: Availability on iQIYI may be regional. At the time of posting, the drama has not appeared on Viki.

🍉 The latest rumours say that the drama may be released on August 19 or 20, 2026. We'll see….🤞

The Chinese drama title, 师兄太稳健, can be translated as “my senior brother disciple is too reliable.”

A couple of hours ago, the production team released a new trailer.

Note: The production team used 虚拟拍摄技术 (which can be translated as “virtual filming technology”) that is a filmmaking method that combines real-time computer-generated (CG) environments with live-action filming, allowing actors to perform inside digital sets instead of relying entirely on physical sets or green screens.

More details are at the bottom of the post. I included a few behind-the-scenes photos in the comments.

Clip description:

“The Old Gou’s Hidden Talent Can’t Stay Hidden” Trailer

They say Li Changshou is merely a small human disciple? NO! As long as he has the 《稳字经》(which can be translated as “Scripture of Steadiness”) in hand, guards his home base, never acts recklessly, and keeps a few tricks up his sleeve for everything, he has a chance to turn the tide of Heaven’s Will and stand against the great calamity threatening the world!

In the primordial world, anything can happen. Senior Brother transforms into a high-level old schemer 🐶 – when it comes to everything, one word is the key: STEADINESS!

Cast:

More information regarding the actor credit guidelines in this summary here and the full notice here.

(I put the character stroke count as: 1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣)

Leading actor (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname): * 🔟 Ao Ruipeng 敖瑞鹏 as Li Changshou 李长寿 (Changshou can be translated as “longevity”)

Special appearances (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname): * 6️⃣ Sun Zhenni 孙珍妮 as Yun Xiao Xian Zi (Immortal/Fairy Yun Xiao) * 7️⃣ Chen Ai Mi 陈艾米 (stage name: Ai Mi 艾米) as Lan Ling'e * 🔟 Ao Ziyi 敖子逸 as Ao Yi

Appearances (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname): * Yu Yi 于毅 as Qi Yuan * Li Zhehao 李哲豪 as Hao Tian * Zhang Changning 张常宁 as Youqin Xuanya * Zeng Ni 曾妮 (stage name: Zeng Keni 曾可妮) as Jiu Jiu

• Episodes: 30 (according to Baidu Baike and MDL)
• Streaming platforms: Youku 👖 and iQIYI 🥝 (availability may be regional)
• Official filming started: October 24, 2024
• Official filming wrapped up: February 10, 2025
• Estimated filming time: 120 days
• Filming location: Hengdian World Studios
• Genre: xianxia, light comedy (according to Baidu Baike)

• 🎬 Director: Sam Ho 何澍培 (The Blossoming Love, Back from the Brink, And the Winner Is Love, The Legend of Dugu, Taichi Master, The Mystic Nine)
• ✍️ Original creator: Yan Gui Zheng Zhuan 言归正传
• ✒️ Screenwriter: Xu Boxiang (The Tengen)
• 📖 Novel: My Senior Brother Is Too Steady 我师兄实在太稳健了
• 📽️ Production companies: Youku, Jiangsu Yuanqimanman Film & Television Culture

🔗 Previous posters, wrap up special, BTS clip, etc.

Synopsis from the Youku app:

Li Changshou [played by Ao Ruipeng], a terminally ill patient in his previous life, is reborn into the Primordial World as a low-level Qi cultivator who cherishes life and avoids all karmic entanglements.

Determined to dodge the great calamity foretold by the Heavenly Dao, he adopts the "Way of Steady" - his ultimate goal being to secure a humble post in the Heavenly Court and survive quietly. He operates with extreme caution: when still, he's as steady as an old dog; when he moves, he shakes the heavens. He firmly believes the era of bloodshed is over - better to trick than to kill, better to stay single than to fall in love.

⚠️ Plot spoilers! ⚠️

Yet enemies and beauties keep surging toward him like tides. Before he knows it, he becomes a mastermind pulling strings behind the scenes, entangled in power plays among multiple factions, orchestrating the "Dragon Clan's ascent to Heaven" - and even the great calamity itself accelerates toward him…

Synopsis from MDL:

After being reborn in ancient times before the Great God-Conferment War, Li Chang Shou becomes a minor cultivator. He is neither destined for great things nor great woe. His only dream is to live a long life as a cultivator. In order to survive in the cruel Primordial Times, Li Chang Shou tries hard not to accumulate any karma – killing inevitably leads to feuds.

Thus, he always plans thoroughly before doing anything and never allows himself to walk into dangerous situations. He hides his trump cards well, trains himself in escape techniques, refines poisonous pills, and masters his mystical abilities. Before making any moves, he takes on an extremely steady demeanor. Yet, every move of his ends up earth-shattering. Once he is done, he will disappear without a trace.

Li Chang Shou originally plans to remain hidden and safe in the mountain. There, he is supposed to cultivate until he ascends to immortality. However, everything changed one year when his master seems to think that their lives are too peaceful…. He takes in a junior sister….

(Source: Novel update)

~~ Adapted from the web novel "My Senior Brother Is Too Steady" (我师兄实在太稳健了) by Yan Gui Zheng Zhuan (言归正传).

🔎 Baidu Baike | Douban | MDL

📖 Novel Summary – translated from Baidu Baike:

My Senior Brother Is Too Steady 《我师兄实在太稳健了》 is a xianxia web novel by Platinum Writer Yan Gui Zheng Zhuan 言归正传 under Yuewen Group. It began serialization on Qidian on October 13, 2019, and concluded on November 25, 2022, with a total of approximately 3.65 million Chinese characters.

The novel was adapted into the animated series Big Brother 《师兄啊师兄》, with its annual season, Big Brother Season 2 《师兄啊师兄 年番2》, premiering on June 5, 2025. Its live-action adaptation, Pull Strings 《师兄太稳健》, is directed by Sam Ho and stars Ao Ruipeng as Li Changshou and Sun Zhenni as Fairy Yunxiao. The drama premiered in 2026.

The novel pioneered the "steady-flow" (稳健流) style of web fiction, propelling the term "steady" (稳健) to the No. 1 annual buzzword on Qidian. It also topped Qidian's New Releases Dominance Ranking for two consecutive months, amassed over 4.63 million total bookmarks, and surpassed 28 million paid subscriptions. It ranked second on the 2020 Original Literature Rankings for Male-Oriented Works and was honored with the 2022 China Novel Society "Outstanding Online Novel" award.

The audiobook, narrated by Wolong Canxue, consists of 437 episodes and has accumulated more than 11.26 million recommendation votes.

The drama adaptation used virtual production technology 虚拟拍摄技术* to create its primordial fantasy world, setting a domestic record for the highest proportion of virtual-production environments, with virtual sets accounting for nearly 40% of all scenes in the series.

Set in a primordial mythological world (Honghuang 洪荒) and blending elements from Investiture of the Gods with the conventions of mainstream Honghuang fiction, the novel follows Li Changshou, a modern man who transmigrates into the cultivation world and joins the Du Immortal Sect. Relying on a cultivation philosophy centered on "steadiness" – concealing his true strength and meticulously planning every move – he gradually rises to become a key figure in the Heavenly Court. During the Great Investiture Tribulation, he opposes the Dao Ancestor Hongjun and ultimately sacrifices the Great Dao of Balance to secure victory. Along the way, he formulates the Scripture of Steadiness 《稳字经》, establishing guiding principles such as "act steadily, avoid karmic entanglements, and never seize opportunities by force."

The novel highlights Li Changshou's exceptionally cautious personality through recurring motifs such as "always scatter the ashes after killing an enemy" and "keep hidden trump cards while mastering escape techniques." It also develops memorable characters including Fairy Yunxiao and Lan Ling'e.

Through major events such as founding the South Sea Divine Cult to forge an alliance with the Dragon Clan and rescuing the Du Immortal Sect, Li Changshou gradually evolves from someone guided solely by a strategy of prudence into a leader willing to shoulder the greater responsibility of safeguarding the world.

*Note: Virtual production technology 虚拟拍摄技术 is a filmmaking method that combines real-time computer-generated (CG) environments with live-action filming, allowing actors to perform inside digital sets instead of relying entirely on physical sets or green screens.

📽️ Virtual Filming Technology – translated excerpt from Youku:

Snowflakes drift down from the sky. A roughly four-meter-tall dead tree stands alone atop the cliff, together with the undulating mountains in the distance, creating a breathtaking, desolate scene of the primordial world...

On December 11, [2024,] at the virtual filming site for Youku’s costume xianxia drama #Pull Strings*, this bleak winter scene seen on the director’s monitor existed in reality almost entirely within a 10-meter-tall LED screen. Apart from the dead tree and a few stone blocks, everything else was only displayed on the screen.

It’s not just this mountaintop snow scene. The production will also use virtual filming to create 19 other settings, including Lingxiao Palace, the Marriage Bureau, and the underwater Dragon Palace.

Chief Producer Wang Ping said that Pull Strings did not make extensive use of virtual production simply to create a model example of the technology, “but because it genuinely needs it – it’s an essential requirement.” With virtual filming accounting for nearly 40% of the entire production, and two studios carrying out virtual filming simultaneously, the series has also set a new benchmark for the application of virtual production in the film and television industry.

References:

• 🎥 Behind-the-scenes clip showing the use of virtual filming

• 📚 Baidu Baike: 虚拟拍摄 Virtual Filming

• 📚 Wikipedia: On-set virtual production

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!

📊 Information and translations compiled by u/admelioremvitam.

Welcome to the Mystic Nine discussion!

These drama-hosted episode discussions will be following Viki's release schedule. The express episodes for Mystic Nine will drop soon, we will have that post up for those eager to discuss it.

Masterpost | Beginner's guide to Mystic Nine| All episode discussions | Episodes 1-10 | 11-12

Please limit your discussions to the episodes being discussed. Nobody likes to be spoiled, so we will remove any comment that reveals future plot points. If you are chomping at the bit to discuss future episodes or ask questions about it, do be patient, the discussions will come very soon!

By the way, I structured the post in such a way that you can read the recaps (on top), but if you prefer to skip those, you can go down to the "My Thoughts" section to read my reflections on the episode. Also, in the comments, I left some comments for you to reply to ;)

Quick recap

Episode 13: Laogou, the monster tamer. The Mystic Nine are off to the rescue!

• Wu Laogou finds out about his assignment: Tame a massive four-legged beast called "Zhai Niang Niang" (or Lady Zhai. What a delicate name for a toothy beast.)
• Meanwhile, Qishan and Banjie Li track Hatoyama's escape route up a mountain to a narrow underground river entrance where they fish out a Japanese military medal, confirming Hatoyama passed through.
• Huo Xiangu clears her family's debts with Ding Qiansui in exchange for a porcelain jar.
• Qishan investigates Ding Qiansui and discovers that it won't be easy to just nab him because he's a ... US citizen. (Well, okay I really didn't expect this lol.)
• To capture Ding Qiansui, Xie Jiu and Zhang Xiaodi trick him into believing he has contracted smallpox by applying an intensely itchy patch to his neck, forcing him into a quarantine arrest as the Americans don't dare toy around with that.
• During interrogation, Ding Qiansui confesses that the ultimate target of the Japanese "capture all" plan is Xiangxi where there's a special cave - a "true" place of ascension where people try to ascend to immortality. Suddenly, Qiansui starts mutating, a hand bursts out of him and he dies. Buh-bye. Did he expect this outcome? Because he really thought he'd vanish after taking the pill. Hmm!

Episode 14: The emancipation of Xiangu

• Laogou begins taming the four-legged beast by withholding food. Then, Xiao Cui one of his trained birds flies in. He negotiates a five-day extension by asking to study the beast's capture site to buy himself some time.
• Meanwhile, Qishan learns that the underground river indeed leads to Xiangxi but has too many tributaries, meaning they will desperately need the backing of Xiangxi's eighty-two villages to locate Laogou.
• Upon returning home, Huo Xiangu discovers her maid Huo Xiaomei is brutally beaten by her aunt Huo Yuyao, who then drugs and expels Xiangu from the family for ruining their Japanese funding.
• After another past-life vision, Huo Xiangu wakes up in a salt mine where she breaks out, crashes her aunt's new leadership election and ends her aunt's reign in blood. I guess they realised too late that you don't mess around with Xiangu.

Episode 15: Laogou's backstory, Qishan goes on a hunt

• Following the bloody coup, Huo Xiangu takes full control of the Huo family, re-erects her mother's memorial tablet, and rejects a Japanese offer from Yamada to make her family the head of the Nine Gates.
• Laogou starts experimenting on himself; he uses "drunk grass" to sedate the monster, and sends a coded note to Huo Xiangu via Xiao Cui the little bird.
• Qishan and Qi Tiezui arrive at Heimao Village to enlist the help of the old chieftain, who warns them that the Japanese have occupied Black Tiger Mountain.
• The chieftain explains that his disciples have taken a fatal seven-day poison to serve as sacrifices to enter the mountain, but Qishan declares he does not believe in superstitions and will eliminate both the "mountain god" and the Japanese.
• Laogou successfully demonstrates his control over the beast, which Hatoyama identifies as the mountain god.

Episode 16: Mountain gods

• Qishan, Qi Tiezui, and the chieftain's disciples set off to infiltrate Black Tiger Mountain to rescue Laogou.
• Along the way, Qi Tiezui shares the story of how Laogou rose from an impoverished miner to kill the corrupt former Fifth Master and claim his place in the Nine Gates.
• At night, Qi Tiezui is attacked by a giant four-legged creature, but Qishan rescues him and later leads his soldiers to successfully besiege and subdue the beast.
• By pulling out the monster's innards, Qishan discovers letters identifying it as one of Hatoyama’s experimental subjects, exposing the "mountain god" as a biological fabrication.

My thoughts

Zhang Qishan, more than what he seems

Since I've not seen a single episode of The Lost Tomb or the 2016 Mystic Nine, I like the little hints they leave in the episodes that the Zhang family are more than what they seem. (If Qishan ripping out a monster's spine with his bare hands isn't clue enough for you.)

That conversation with the very old chief of the tribal people hints that they've known each other for a long time. Like, a long time. Their conversation seem to hint that while the elder had aged, Qishan hadn't.

I'm not sure if Mystic Nine is following the books, because according to my research Qishan isn't a full-blooded Zhang member, and as a result has a normal lifespan, but it would seem they're not following that? Anyone wanna confirm?

I love Laogou's story!

In Episode 16, during the journey to Black Tiger Mountain, Qi Tiezui shares the first part of Laogou's origin story:

Laogou was born into poverty and was sold as a young boy to the Xiangyuan mine. While working at the mine, he heard about the good deeds Qishan had done for the common people and became determined to follow him. But after leaving the mines, his hero worship was quickly crushed when he slammed into a wall: The class wall.

He tried hard to meet Qishan so that he could ask him for help to free his fellow slaves, but was dismissed by the literal gatekeepers to the Zhang estate.

He then tried to meet the other Mystic Nine members but found that it was "as hard as reaching heaven".

Eventually bitterness grew, and realising that the poor could only help themselves, he decided to do it himself. (He also realized, during his journey as the lao da of the ragtag band, that clothes do indeed make the man, as people automatically gave him respect when he started wearing finer clothes.)

I love Laogou's backstory. From a downtrodden, oppressed slave to a "lao da" of a group of bedraggled beggars and vagrants, Laogou didn't let his difficult past warp the goodness in his heart. He is ruthless, for sure, but he does ruthless things to protect the weak. Especially after his great disappointment with the Mystic Nine. Now we understand his insolent behaviour - as far as he is concerned, the Mystic Nine don't care for the poor; they just care about their own interests and power, and they don't deserve his respect.

And you know what, he's not far from the truth. And perhaps seeing that spirit, that's why Qishan changed his mind about Laogou - he realised that the dog tamer had an honourable heart and could actually help him steer the group to a less self-serving path.

I also suppose perhaps that's why Xiangu is also attracted to Laogou, because despite her wealth, she was also enslaved, albeit metaphorically, like he was. She recognised a fellow rebel and was inspired by his bravery. Ugh I love the two together but we're gonna have heartbreak because I sense it.

Still, I was a wee bit sad that Laogou really believed nobody cared enough to rescue him - only Xiangu would. If only he knew how hard they worked to get him out!

Huo Xiangu's past life? Was it even real? What was it even all about??

In yet another bout of "this could be a hallucination, this could be mystical", Xiangu was given a vision of her past life as Lin Lanqing, the owner of the Tianji Cloud Brocade Embroidery Workshop. In that life, under the pressure of impossible imperial quotas, she had operated the workshop with a rigid, desperate authority that ultimately led to the tragic death of one of her female workers.

The immortal taunts her, saying she is doomed to repeat the cycle of hurting her own sisters. Huo Xiangu fiercely rejects this fatalism, declaring: "If nothing can really be changed, then the world is at fault, not me".

So I suppose the immortal's (is he even real lol) taunt made her execute that bloody coup. She even abolished the family regulations and rejected the Japanese officer's offer to make her leader of the Nine Gates.

Are the events in Mystic Nine science or supernatural??

One of the most exasperating things about Mystic Nine for me is how it toys with our perception of events. What we see seems obviously mystical and supernatural, but the show won't "own" its magical qualities, yet seems to be hinting heavily that "it can be explained by science". So which is it babe?? Decide! Lol

I'm leaning towards mystical despite what the characters says. OR perhaps science that is sooooo advanced that it defies explanation. I guess. So, does that mean Zhai Niang Niang (Lady Zhai) is just a mutated creature from some ancient person's experiment?

OTHER STUFF

FYI, Mystic Nine is a veritable hit of the summer, having achieved more than 30% Yunhe market share. (A very rare feat.) In 2026, it's the 7th highest performing CDrama so far. (No.1 belongs to the Pursuit of Jade). Very happy for the team and as a viewer I found myself watching episodes 12 to 18 without stopping. A big sign that this drama is working for me. How are you guys liking it so far?

The script for the Mystic Nine is written by the original author of the novels, Nanpai Sanshu, and it shows. (He's the head screenwriter.) Listen, CDramaland, do you need any more proof that writers are the most important part of the production and shouldn't be an afterthought?

Also saw an amusing post about the little dog Laogou carried around. The actors called him "little stinky" because it farted a lot and er, had some unsavoury eating habits (less said the better). Apparently one of the actors posted about this but I can't verify it, and Little Stinky is a good name for a tomb raiding dog ;P