Welcome to the Open Thread, everyone! Thanks for joining in on this group watch of this very special show! ❤️
As I mentioned in my announcement post, these are my notes, exactly as they appear on Patreon.
ZERO SPOILER POLICY
We will be adopting a ZERO SPOILER POLICY for this Open Thread, except for events that have happened in the show, up to this point.
This includes, but is not limited to, how characters &/or relationships develop, later in the show.
The spoiler tags don’t work in email notifications, therefore, please take note that WE WILL NOT BE USING SPOILER TAGS FOR THIS OPEN THREAD.
We need to protect the innocent! 😉
Without further ado, here are my reactions to this set of episodes; have fun in the Open Thread, everyone! ❤️
My thoughts
Episodes 5-6
E5-6. Well, perhaps my drama instincts are wrong, because it doesn’t look like Shaoshang’s about to run away from home at the moment, and yet, Show finds a way to allow her path to cross with Buyi’s.
YESS. I like where we’re going, so far.
Show’s being rather obvious in the hints that it’s dropping for us, that Buyi is rather affected by Shaoshang.
One of this righthand men is always on hand to helpfully let us know that he’s usually never like this, heh.
Like how he usually never sentimental about New Year traditions, but instructs them to prepare some New Year goods for the men, after he sees a carriage from the Cheng family go by.
It’s rather obvious, but I don’t mind it, really, since Buyi’s being pretty stoic through it all. So it’s quite helpful, actually, to be told that he’s behaving differently than his norm, and it’s connected to his thoughts around Shaoshang. 😁
This episode, it becomes clearer than ever, that care was put into making Show as pretty as possible.
Where in The Story Of Minglan, everything felt more down-to-earth, here, it feels like Show’s mission is to draw us into a world that’s slightly ethereal, in its beauty.
All the aerial shots that we get this episode make everything look extra expansive and grand, and all the pretty lights from the lanterns makes everything feel a little magical.
I don’t know about anyone else, but I dig it. I’m perfectly happy to delve into a bit of magical pretty, thank you very much.
I also find myself thinking that this show is doing a great job of giving us glimpses into Chinese culture and customs, without it feeling like too much.
Like the way the Cheng family moves to their new house in the early dawn hours because it’s an auspicious hour.
That’s a very traditional Chinese practice, and the auspicious day and hour for your specific activity – in this case, moving house – is typically selected in consultation with a fortune teller or monk.
Gran lighting the fire before the family enters the new home, is symbolic of the family moving into the new home.
The phrase for moving house in Chinese is “入伙” (rùhuǒ) which sounds exactly like “enter fire” (入火), which is probably why lighting a fire symbolizes the official moving in of the family.
It is also believed that fire dispels negative energy.
Mom says that it likely also has to do with the idea of lighting a warm stove, because that signifies that the family would be warm and have food to eat, both of which are extremely important in Chinese culture.
Again, I like seeing how clever and quick-witted Shaoshang is, and we get that several times, this set of episodes.
Like how she’s able to deduce correctly, that Dad Cheng Shi will have to go on expedition soon, for example.
Both Cheng Shi and Yuanyi are shocked that Shaoshang would know he’s leaving, and think that someone’s leaked the information to her, but in the end, it’s all in the way she’s analyzed the circumstantial evidence. I love how smart she is!
And then there’s the way Shaoshang’s able to construct a swing, just from having seen workmen do it before.
Yuanyi might have some words to say about Shaoshang applying herself just as much to studying, but even she can’t help but look a little impressed, heh.
On another note, I loved the arrival of Shaoshang’s brothers, this set of episodes.
I find it so very heartwarming, that even though this is the first time they’re meeting their sister, they are so protective of her, and want to take care of her. It’s super endearing.
The immediate sibling rapport they have is very heartwarming as well; it’s almost like they grew up together, instead of having spent their entire lives apart.
Aside from the brothers, I also really like Third Aunt, Shunhua, who is turning out to be such a gentle, wise and persuasive voice of reason.
I like how she looks at things with a fair eye, and isn’t afraid to speak up when she feels that Yuanyi is being unfair, even though Yuanyi is the mistress of the house.
In that sense, Shunhua’s becoming something of an ambassador for Shaoshang, since we see her speak up on Shaoshang’s behalf, several times in just this pair of episodes. I love her.
And, I’m so glad that Shunhua speaks up for Shaoshang over the study table incident, because it’s true that Yuanyi, for all of her warrior badassery, doesn’t handle that well. She’s totally showing favor towards Yangyang, even if she doesn’t want to admit it.
On a tangent, I thought it would be relevant for me to mention that many Chinese parents actually hold their own children to higher standards than they would other children, and are stricter with them than necessary.
It’s also not typical for a Chinese parent to praise their own children. Instead, it’s more typical for a Chinese parent to single out the areas where the child can continue to improve, so that the child can become even more excellent.
I thought it would be helpful to mention that because, in this context, Yuanyi really isn’t being that weird of a mother. In fact, Cheng Shi is a more unusual father, for being soft on Shaoshang.
This might be hard to accept with our modern sensibilities, but I do think that even now, many Chinese folks (whether born and raised in China, or born and raised elsewhere in the world) would be able to identify with the experience of growing up with very strict parents with extremely high expectations of their offspring.
As an example, the top scorer in my year in elementary school, typically used to get full marks for every test she took, for all 6 years of elementary school. And on the occasion she scored something like 95 out of 100, she did get scolded by her mother, for being careless.
It sounds ridiculous to us now, but that did happen, and it wasn’t even that shocking, really, because we understood the mindset of what is now commonly known as tiger parenting.
During this incident, I’m really quite impressed with the way Shaoshang is so determined to state her case, even though her mother is keen to close the matter, and she’s likely to be scolded for it.
The way Shaoshang lays it all out, is so factual, that it’s hard to argue with her. Which I love.
But again, thank goodness for Shunhua, who steps in and prevents the whole thing from blowing up into the huge crime of defiance.
Instead, thanks to Shunhua asking Shaoshang what she’d like, the whole family gets to go together to enjoy the Lantern Festival, which YAY.
Not only do we move away from the family politics for a bit, everything is SO DANG PRETTYYY at the lantern festival.
ANDDD. We just know that this is where Buyi and Shaoshang are going to cross paths, right?
On a side note, it does seem like Shaoshang collects at least two more admirers, at the Lantern Festival.
First, there’s Lou Yao, who seems rather impressed with her, especially since she tells off the snooty girl who’d said all those disparaging things to Lou Yao.
And then there’s also Mr. Yuan, who seems impressed with Shaoshang’s wit in solving his riddle, and even throws her his embroidered ball.
Now, this is significant in Chinese custom, because the throwing of an embroidered ball indicates an expression of romantic interest and affection.
This act is known as 抛绣球 (pāo xiùqiú), where 绣球 was used to symbolize love. Therefore, throwing an embroidered ball was like giving or offering your heart to someone.
Which means that the highly revered and elusive Mr. Yuan is officially smitten with our Shaoshang – and she’s bluntly rejected him, by tossing that embroidered ball right back at him. Oops. 😅
I’m guessing that this isn’t to end here, and that both Lou Yao and Mr. Yuan are going to be seeking out Shaoshang, in the episodes to come.
On Buyi’s side of things, it looks like Buyi isn’t on great terms with his family, judging from the scene of him returning home to greet his parents, only because it’s a royal order.
On a tangent, you might notice that Buyi’s family addresses him as “Zisheng” instead of “Buyi.”
I am deducing that this means that “Zisheng” is likely his given name at birth, while “Buyi” is his courtesy name, which is a name that is bestowed upon adulthood, in addition to one’s given name. You can read more about courtesy names here.
On a related note, I’d like to also say that “Niaoniao” is more likely a family pet name than a given name, because the article notes that courtesy names were mostly given to men, and when given to women, it was mostly in the context of marriage.
It’s pretty fascinating isn’t it, even though it’s also confusing? 😅
Back on topic, it seems that Buyi is betrothed to Princess Yuchang, but will have none of it, never mind what anyone says. That’s very bold.
What surprises me more, is his very romantic statement about his attitude towards love and marriage, given that he’s appeared so stoic and unsentimental, so far.
“Your Highness, I must make this clear to you in front of everyone here. The bride I seek is to know she’s the one at the first sight. My life and my heart will belong to her. If I can’t find such a woman, I would rather not marry in my whole life.”
Isn’t that so deeply, passionately romantic, particularly for our stoic general? I kinda love it, not gonna lie. 🤩
I do feel rather sorry for Princess Yuchang, though, because she does seem very smitten with Buyi, and his rejection of her is really quite cold.
I mean, not only does he make this statement in front of everyone, the next time she tries to enter his courtyard, he literally shoots an arrow in her direction, then says that he might not be so accurate the next time.
He’s literally threatening her to stay away from him, and that’s pretty harsh, honestly. 😝
I’m pleased that his investigations take him to the Lantern Festival, because I’ve been itching for him to cross paths with Shaoshang again, but I do feel bad for Princess Yuchang, who tries – and fails – to gain his attention.
He remains completely unmoved, even when Princess Yuchang’s maid screams and cries that the Princess has fallen into the water. Or.. is it because the Princess has done similar things before and Buyi knows better than to fall for it? Ha. That’s possible? 😆
BUT. When Buyi sees Shaoshang scamper off in the direction of the fire, he doesn’t waste ANY time in going after her, to make sure she’s safe.
The scene where Buyi snatches Shaoshang out of harm’s way and twirls her to safety, with his cloak swirling around them, is very stylized, but I like it. It’s so prettyyy. 🤩
And that shot of him walking to safety, with her in his arms, and the building burning behind him, is just breathtakingly beautiful, honestly. 😍
That shot of him looking back at her, as she is greeted by Dad, is lovely as well. Ahhh. I really love how Show takes care to make these moments beautiful. ❤️
This scene actually gives me slight Healer vibes, for the reason that Buyi saves Shaoshang and is pretty badass about it, but Shaoshang ends up not seeing his face, and therefore likely doesn’t have any idea who has just saved her.
This is a compliment, by the way, because I love Healer, A LOT.
I’d been looking forward to Buyi and Shaoshang meeting each other again, and this absolutely did not disappoint. 🤩
And now, I am very much looking forward to seeing more of Buyi and Shaoshang crossing paths in our next episodes, because surely it’s going to get even better and swoonier than this, yes? 😁
Episodes 7-8
E7-8. I’m really pretty happy with the pace at which Show’s moving.
I’d honestly expected to spend at least 8 (and maybe up to 12) episodes with Show in set-up and with Buyi and Shaoshang not sharing much screen time at all, but here we are, just at episodes 7 & 8, and we’ve already had one swoony rescue from a burning building, and pretty regular run-ins afterwards as well.
Sure, the way Show sets up the run-ins is pretty obvious.
Consistently, one of Buyi’s righthand men will spot a carriage from the Cheng family, or Shaoshang herself, and mention it to Buyi – and the next thing you know, his gaze is locked on her, and his next plans just happen to be where she’s going to be too, heh.
But y’know what, if this is going to result in Buyi and Shaoshang crossing paths on a very regular basis, then I am all for it, no complaints. 😁
In fact, not only does Show manage to have Buyi and Shaoshang crossing paths, it also has Yuan Shen and Shaoshang sharing screen time.
AND. Show even brings the petty female socialite type characters to Shaoshang’s home as well, to make trouble for Shaoshang.
For a period show where our female lead spends almost all her time cloistered at home, all of this feels like quite an achievement. It makes me think of the proverb, “If the mountain won’t come to Muhammad, then Muhammad must go to the mountain,” heh.
In a petty sort of way, I rather enjoy the dynamic where all the other girls admire Yuan Shen for being so cultured and handsome, but Shaoshang, whom the other girls scorn, and whom Yuan Shen has specifically come to see, can’t be bothered to give him the time of day.
It somehow feels like some kind of indirect victory for Shaoshang, over the other girls?
I also really like how Shaoshang doesn’t act embarrassed at all, when she doesn’t understand Yuan Shen’s flowery language. She simply dismisses it as a load of rubbish, and I kinda love how self-possessed she is, to be able to do that.
That said, I have to admit that I am not quite taking to Yuan Shen, as a character.
I just find him unnecessarily pretentious and proud. I mean, yes, he’s well-read and knowledgable, but I don’t like the way he corrects Shaoshang on things. It makes him feel condescending and petty.
Granted, it could be his way of acting out, from having his advances rejected by Shaoshang in such an abrupt and systematic manner. But that still doesn’t make him likable, so there. 😅
In comparison to Yuan Shen, I find myself much more interested in Buyi – which works out great, since he’s our male lead and all.
It might be a little unrealistic, the way Show makes him out to be so on-point every time he analyzes the details of a case and sends his men in a new direction of evidence-gathering, but I do really like the idea that he’s so smart, strategic and perceptive in his thinking.
The fact that he’s so smart, and sees Shaoshang’s appeal, when so many others don’t, makes me want to connect the two things, and conclude that it’s because he’s unusually perceptive, that he’s able to discern Shaoshang’s loveliness.
This set of episodes, we learn more about Buyi’s family situation, and now that we know more about how his stepmother became his stepmother, it makes sense why he bristles at her so much.
She literally stole his father from his mother, after all. That, when she’s cousins with his dad, too.
(Although that sounds scandalous, to my understanding, it was acceptable practice for cousins to marry, during olden times like these.)
Of course, Buyi’s investigations give him reason to attend Princess Yuchang’s birthday celebration – because Show needs him to cross paths with Shaoshang, and I’m not complaining.
And, the birthday banquet does turn out to be a nice highlight, this set of episodes.
For starters, I wasn’t sure what to think of Qiqi, with her making such a grand entrance, bedecked with jewels and all, but she does turn out to be quite likable in the end.
I like how forthright she is, and she’s also casually generous.
The way she fusses over Shaoshang and Yangyang, giving them her own jewelry, as well as jewelry from among the gifts she’s bringing to Princess Yuchang, even though she’s just met them, is quite endearing.
It makes her seem uncalculating, which immediately makes her a plus in my books.
I also like how Qiqi doesn’t hesitate to speak up in defense of Shaoshang, when Princess Yuchang tries to diss Shaoshang in front of everyone for not having tasted golden dates before.
Even when the same petty socialites try to tell her that she’s behaving like a savage for talking about leopard-bone wine, she doesn’t bat an eye, and instead, tells them that the Emperor himself had liked the leopard-bone wine, and dare they imply that the Emperor is a savage too?
HA. She’s an outspoken, undaunted handful, and I kinda love that.
I also love that Shaoshang’s pretty much vibing just like Qiqi, in speaking up on Qiqi’s behalf, and defending military families in general.
It’s so great that she manages to make the golden dates seem like a superfluous luxury, because Princess Yuchang and her petty friends try to make fun of Yangyang for not knowing what they are.
I think Shaoshang and Qiqi could be great friends, actually. 😁
My favorite bit in the party arc, though, has to be when Shaoshang comes face to face with Buyi, right after she’s announced (without knowing that she’s talking about him), that he’s admired her for a long time, but she’s not interested in him.
Tee hee hee. I am inordinately amused by this, particularly because Buyi repeats her words to her with such a deadpan expression. 🤭
ALSO! Shaoshang totally knows that he’s the one who’d saved her, the night of the fire. Eee!
But, it also becomes clear that it’s only in this moment that she pieces together that the one who’d saved her, is, in fact, General Ling, with whom she’s crossed paths prior. Whoops.
Considering her negative feelings towards those initial encounters, it’s no wonder she tries to get out of his way as quickly as possible. 😅
I do love how he comes to her rescue, though, when she gets accused of starting the fight with the petty socialite ladies who’d pushed Yangyang into the lake.
I mean, he does frame it as making sure that the investigation is fair and thorough, but honestly, I’m pretty darn sure that the only reason he actually gets involved in looking for evidence in the first place, is because he wants to help Shaoshang.
And, it’s thanks to his involvement, that the matter isn’t pursued further, which basically gets Shaoshang out of trouble – at least officially.
She’s still in trouble with Yuanyi, however, which is how she ends up running away from home. AHA! So I was right after all, about her eventually running away! My drama senses; they didn’t let me down. 😁
Now let’s see if I’m right, that Shaoshang running away, will cause her path to cross with Buyi’s again. Because that’s where my drama senses are pointing at, next. 😉
I had forgotten how much I laughed the first time watching Episode 8 and this rewatch has been no different. Zhao Lusi’s comedic timing is impeccable along with all her physical comedy she adds to her moment. I had forgotten how she punched herself in both eyes during the girl fight and I howled with laughter until I cried 🤣 And I didnt realize the first watch she gave herself a one two punch which made me laugh even harder. From beginning to end of this little confrontation with the noble ladies is so funny bc of Zhao Lusi comedic flare she adds to her moments. One of my other favorites is when twirls with glee under the pavilion with the large picture and hands it to the servants. So much fun 🙂
I had been really worried when watching Wu Lei in Amidst a Snowstorm of Love that he was channeling his role here as Buyi! I thought about it often in Amidst a Snowstorm of Love especially with is intense stare he used often with his quiet character in Snowstorm. I am so happy though now rewatching LLTG I see nothing of Buyi in YiYang from Snowstorm. Way to go Wu Lei!
Episodes 5-6:
Poor LeiLei. He’s putting on his best stoic-general-investigator act and I don’t even see past his Darth Vader on a balcony look. My eyes are set on Niao Niao 😍. She is, without a doubt, my favourite female character ever. She’s smart, clever, witty, she fights for her rights and when she smiles, the world is bathed in sunshine. ❤❤❤
She’s also a real menace: first time in the Lantern Festival, three victims already.
I am still giggling at the extra-twirly first encounter. It almost gave me motion sickness and I wasn’t even in the scene 😅😅.
And yes, the show is so beautiful. And have I mentioned that it is the only show the intro of which I never skip?
Ep. 7-8:
Nah, didn’t do my homework. I will try and catch up tomorrow!
Love that – “when she smiles, the world is bathed in sunshine”! Ah, the Zhao Lusi effect. Of course three guys swoon the minute she steps out the door!
@Natalia – I cannot wait to hear your notes on Episodes 7 & 8!!!
You have to get up early in the morning, or at least be fast to the group discussion, to make novel observations about the show. 😆 I’m enjoying how it indicates what a shared viewing experience this is, even so.
I’ll still join the chorus about how beautifully shot the show is, especially the New Year celebration and Buyi’s cape-swirling, smoky-backlit rescue of Shaoshang. Rich in color and atmosphere, and shot from many different elevation perspectives, the New Year celebration scenes make me feel as if I’m there, wandering through the crowd, noticing delight after delight.
I’m so impressed by Zhao Lusi’s portrayal of Shaoshang. One thing I’m noticing more this viewing is her great physical comedy: when she punches herself in the face, when she barges in on her Third Aunt and Uncle’s alone time and basically butts Uncle aside in order to dish with Third Aunt, when she coldcocks Wang Jin, and when she dramatically flops backwards to get one up on Jin’s pained whimpering during the girl-fight interrogation. It all made me laugh, in addition to the well-written dialogue.
I loved the scene where Shaoshang holds her head, wipes her brow, and eventually puts her hands over her ears in spiritual pain when Yuan Shanjian’s lectures her about all of the things she must still learn. Girl made me smile.
Also, while Yuan Shanjian is not the most likable character, I like how Shaoshang, his opposite in so many ways, brings out his lighter, amused side, and appears to be broadening his perspective on interesting, appealing women. So much for his checklist of required wifely attributes; he’s developing eyes for the unsuitable Shaoshang anyway.
Ah, magickly pretty indeed 😍 And I love the OTT swirl and save rescue in front of the OTT lantern fire and the OTT lingering yet smokily blurry view of our General Ling 🫠 You’re absolutely right, @kfangurl, that the Story of Minglan has a harsh reality to it – all the beauty is in the language – whereas the language in Love Like the Galaxy is very straightforward, and the beauty comes from the scenery. I haven’t yet read the novel translation of the Story of Minglan, but the novel translation of Love Like the Galaxy seems to be very akin to Jane Austen – the triumphs come from the wit of our heroine and the folly of other characters. I love it!
Anyway, because @beez asked something about the novel, I checked back and thought it would be well worth mentioning something that I don’t think the drama ever states. Yaunyi and Cheng Shi had a daughter first (before those sons and the twins) who died around two. The Evil Aunt (could she be worse – er, yes) then named her daughter the exact same name as their deceased child for no other reason than to spite Yaunyi. Isn’t that despicable? So I think this goes in some way to explain why Niao Niao’s dad is so tender-hearted to her, and maybe why Yaunyi is so strangely caring of Yang Yang. She might view her as that lost child, who of course would always be perfect, having never grown up. And be so much more disappointed by Niao Niao, who is everything a parent might fear – defiant, single-minded, illiterate, often right 😅 Basically, not the daughter she’d lost through death (when they were poor too) and not the daughter she left behind either. I truly find Yaunyi difficult, but this view of her grief is quite helpful.
Otherwise, eep. I do love how General Ling and Niao Niao’s paths cross, and his barely concealed intensity whenever she’s within 50m of him!
@Ele – very interesting information about the Cheng family’s first daughter. Thank you! It gives a great perspective on Shaoshang’s parents’ treatment of her and Yang Yang. Between KFG’s comments on the fairly typical Chinese parent’s high standards and your info, I have a new lens to see Yuanyi through. (Though I have never not liked her. Rather, more fascinated by the juxtaposition of her obvious strategic and command strengths – aka badassery – and her inability to change strategies in the face of a failing battle plan with her daughter. 😆)
It’s too bad that neither of these reasonable explanations of Yuanyi’s behavior makes any difference to Shaoshang. After 15 years of little guidance, she’s not showing any signs of accepting it now. Looks like a perfect set-up for a parental/filial stand-off. …Just had this thought. It reminds me of Buyi’s position relative to his own father and stepmother… 🤔
@Ele I never knew this about the additional daughter!! Thanks so much for sharing, this definitely adds a new dimension to Yuanyi as a character, and it makes so much sense why she might have such a soft spot for Yang Yang, and favor her over Shaoshang.
Also, that’s a very interesting observation about the language in LLTG vs. Minglan! I see what you mean about LLTG being a bit similar to an Austen story, in spirit.. No wonder you love this show so much! 😉
Ahhhhh, thanks Elaine for the detail from the book regarding an elder, deceased sibling. That makes me wonder about if NiaoNiao is the Fourth Young Miss and Yang Yang is Third Young Miss of the Cheng household, then who are First and Second? And if the deceased child is being accounted for in the show as First, then who is Second?
@Beez No, I think the number refers to the birth order, regardless of sex. Niao Niao is Fourth Young Miss because in the show she has three older brothers. Yang Yang has different parents so her birth order wouldn’t include Niao Niao or Niao Niao’s brothers. I don’t know if she has been described in the show as Third Young Miss as she should be First? In the novel, Yang Yang had a younger brother.
Just how close is QiQi’s house that NiaoNiao could walk there (and in the dark? I can’t imagine any brothers letting her do that). And if QiQi’s house is that close (and the dads are best friend), it’s hard to believe NN never met QQ before. Even with NN being cooped up, shouldn’t YY have met her before? It wouldn’t be hard to believe if they lived any distance apart, but this is walking distance!
@Beez I agree with you that her brothers totally should not have let her walk off alone without even her maid in the dark! But I take it as a plot convenience to get NN to the Wang house, cos in the next scene we see Ling Buyi is talking to Daddy Wang! So our OTP will probably cross paths again soon.
Regarding how believable is it that NN has not met Qi Qi before, given that their daddies are sworn brothers, I’m prepared to accept it, cos NN has only recently met her own birth parents and brothers, let alone friends of her parents! She has been staying at the village for most of her life and earlier episodes showed that the only family who came to visit where Grandma’s relatives or Second Aunt’s Ge relatives. All of whom were embezzling the Cheng money it seems.
About the table-desk – Lian Feng took on 3 to 4 odds! She was handling her biznezz!
YangYang’s Old Hag Maid “she’s being picked on so we want our Miss to have everything 4th Young Miss (NN) has.” This is where I lost respect for NiaoNiao’s mom. Why didn’t she check Old Hag and the servants? (After reading KFG’s notes, I kinda get it but this was just too biased to the point where Mom wasn’t even trying to find out the truth) 😡
NN with those pinches during the flight! 😆 Those weren’t just pinches, those are the type of pinches the grannies gave out back in the day – pinch and twist! 🤣🤣🤣
Then Mom’s treatment of NN at the lantern festival. Does she think taking YY with her is making up for the outfit Third Aunt gave to NN? that was truly cold blooded to pull YY along saying “is this your first time?” when she had to know it’s also NN’s first time and to leave NN standing there. I love how NN’s 2nd Oldest Brother makes a point of yelling over his shoulder for Mom to hear “Let’s go NN!”
Haha Beez yes I loved all the girl fights too! Lian Fang standing up for her girl NN woot! And NN and those pinch and twists! Vicious! I had to leave when NN was quick thinking and punched herself in the eyes, she well knows that the one who’s not injured will get the most blame! Haha. And Yuan Shen saw her do it, which is even more hilarious!!
I also really liked the scene where Yuanyi is angry with Shaoshang for making the first move to hit the other girls. And then Shaoshang’s brothers rush in to hold her legs to stop her from beating Shaoshang and Yuanyi kicks them off, one from her left leg and one from her right! 😂😂 and she orders them 你们全部都给我滚！”All of you get lost/get out of my sight” and behind her back, the dad waves them off Go Go and they bundle Shaoshang off with them 😂😂😂 so funny!!
And then she asks her husband why he didn’t get lost 滚 gun3 also and he said 我不敢，我怕我滚出去之后滚不回来了。FYI the word for “get lost” or “scram” here is 滚 gun3 which literally means “roll like a ball”. So General Cheng literally says, “I was afraid if I roll out, I wouldn’t be able to roll back in” which gave me the hilarious picture of amiable General Cheng rolling here rolling there 😂
Haha! Thanks for the literal translations and mind images! 😆😆😆
Ha ha! I was well amused by this set of episodes. With Shaoshang’s dad given the title of Marquis, that comes with greater interest, attention and rivalry from the other aristocrats and their families. It comes to mind that Shaoshang’s family is a little like the Bennets in Pride and Prejudice – technically part of the landed gentry but teetering on genteel poverty because of unwise spending and too many daughters and no sons to inherit the land. Similarly, Shaoshang’s grandma and aunt were actually wealthy but Shaoshang grew up poor because it turns out her aunt embezzled the income sent home by Shaoshang’s parents. Now that Shaoshang’s parents have returned in glory and it is now peacetime and he has received a proper title, the aristocrats can now hobnob with them. And it turns out that the snarky rich girls have already known about Shaoshang and her family situation cos word gets around. Yuan Shen points out that Shaoshang is ignorant of all the noble families and their progeny, implying that it is common knowledge. By not recognising the poem Yuan Sheng quotes, Shaoshang is also revealing her lack of culture but she is still extremely bold and confident and still thinks she’s all that, thank you very much! Actually it is a bit of a point of rebellious pride with her at this point I think, given that what makes her finally run away is the prospect of more writing practice with mom, even though that’s supposed to be less harsh than a beating haha. More thoughts later after my various appointments this morning!
Oh yes, and initially Yuan Shen seems like a bit of a pompous person, but over the last few episodes I came to really enjoy their banter and how he teases her. Plus he’s quite cute! Another 2ML syndrome forming for me? Oh dear.
@Elaine, I would have so much more to say but I’m afraid I’ll accidentally write about things that haven’t happened yet because I feel asleep while watching (as usual darn it! 😡) and because Viki just keeps going, I never realized it and woke up and continued taking notes. It was only after reading KFG’s notes on the episode that I realized that this set of episodes ended around the time of the girl fight over pushing YY in the water and I have to save my notes until next week. But m really hazy on what happened or didn’t happen in these episodes. Again, the site won’t let me go back up to correct my typos 😔
Bless you, Beez, for falling asleep while watching. I thought I was the only one….💤