THE SHORT VERDICT:

Show starts out really strong, and manages to end on a solid note, but it does kind of waffle a bit, in the middle stretch, which takes away from its overall quality, I feel.

The premise is great, with two very smart, very shrewd leads up against each other, in a political marriage, and who eventually fall in love and become a real couple instead of just a diplomatic one.

Liu Yu Ning and Song Zu Er bring our leads to life very well, so much so that I was hooked from pretty early on, in my watch.

Would have been much better as a shorter series, I think, but at least Show manages to stick the landing in a way that feels worthwhile and meaningful.

THE LONG VERDICT:

You know how I always say that context is everything?

Well, I’m thinking that perhaps in this case, a bit of context could make this show really work better for you, than it did for me.

What I mean to say, my friends, is, don’t be too discouraged by my remarks, that Show kind of waffles in the middle and thus loses some of its overall quality.

I believe I’m in the minority, in feeling this way, and I do think that with some lens adjustments and viewing strategies, that this show could be very enjoyable for you.

I’ll talk about both of those things, in a little bit.

OST ALBUM: FOR YOUR LISTENING PLEASURE

Here’s the OST album, in case you’d like to listen to it while you read the review.

Overall, I’d say that the music is very melodious and fitting, and was used well to score our story.

In terms of the tracks that I find most pleasant on the OST, I’d have to say Track 6, Spring’s Bloom, and Track 8, Snow Over the Ancient City, even though I don’t have a strong impression of these tracks being used in the show itself. 😅

The one that sticks in my mind the most, though, is Track 2, Blazing Moon, which is sung by Liu Yu Ning. It’s got such a poignant, wistful feel to it, that I feel represents this show’s vibe most accurately.

Here it is as well, in case you’d prefer to listen to it on repeat. Just right-click on the video and select “Loop.”

HOW I’M APPROACHING THIS REVIEW

First I’ll talk about how to manage your expectations going into this one, and what viewing lens would be most helpful.

After that, I talk about stuff I liked on a more macro level, before I give the spotlight to selected characters and relationships, in a separate section. Finally, I spend some time talking about my thoughts on the penultimate and finale episodes.

If you’re interested in my blow-by-blow reactions, &/or all the various Patreon members’ comments during the course of our watch, you might like to check out my episode notes on Patreon here.

MANAGING EXPECTATIONS / THE VIEWING LENS

Here are some things that I think would be helpful to keep in mind, to maximize your enjoyment of your watch:

1. The romance is a slow burn

To my mind, the romance is the Main Event, in this show, but because we have 36 episodes to fill, and lots of gaps to close between our leads, it takes quite a while before the OTP ship actually sails.

I think adjusting your expectations around that, is helpful.

2. Use a blurry logic lens.. sometimes

Sometimes, Show stretches logic in order to push its story forward, and I think wearing an overly analytical / critical lens, might be a downer on your watch experience.

Better to just roll with it, I do think.

3. This show is better binged

On hindsight, I do think that this show is better binge-watched, because this way, you’re less likely to question some of the writing choices, particularly around the development of our OTP relationship.

Because, when binged, a lot of the milestones that you might question, work out to be little bumps on the road, and you also feel like you get to the promised OTP Happiness, sooner than later.

STUFF I LIKED

Show is pretty to look at 

This is one of the first things I noticed about this show, from the time it started to put out trailers.

Everything’s very polished, from the intricate costumes and sets, to the cinematography, to our leads themselves.

Case in point: just see above. 🤩

I enjoyed just soaking in The Pretty, very much.

The concept

From the very beginning, I loved the central premise, which is that our leads are bound by a political marriage, but are mutually suspicious of each other, and are both very smart and very shrewd, in their own ways.

It’s not hard to guess that Wei Shao (Liu Yu Ning) is going to fall for Xiao Qiao (Song Zu Er) in spite of himself, and vice versa, and Show is generous in giving us signs of this, even from our early episodes.

I found it all very delicious, and these little nuggets of progress quickly became the highlights of my watch.

Show’s general tone

I do enjoy the fact that Show isn’t too dry, in the way it fleshes out its story world.

I found that Show makes the details reasonably approachable, with characters helpfully filling in context for us.

Even though I hadn’t been trying very hard, within just a few episodes, I felt like I had a functional understanding of our various states and how they’re related, and why certain things are important.

Importantly, I quickly got the sense that there’s a strong human element to it all, meaning, the focus is more on relationships than on the actual strategies.

[MINOR EARLY SPOILER]

For example, I really like that when it comes to the longstanding bad blood between the Qiao and Wei families, both Xiao Qiao and her grandfather (Chin Shih Chieh) speak in such regretful, heartfelt tones.

I can feel that they are wistful for the positive relationship that the families had once had, and want to change things, if possible.

That’s the kind of tone that really works for me, and I was quickly all on board for Wei Shao to finally see the truth; that the Qiao family had been backed into a corner, and hadn’t wanted to break their promise to the Wei family, but had had no choice, or they would have ended up sacrificing the lives of many innocents.

[END SPOILER]

STUFF THAT WAS OK

Writing and general handling

Overall, the writing and handling worked out to be a mixed bag, for me personally.

Basically, when it was good, I felt it was very good. And then when it wasn’t good, I found it all very meh. 😅

On the plus side

I enjoyed Love Like The Galaxy a great deal (review here!), and so, when, in our early episodes, our story world reminded me so much of LLTG, I counted it to be a very good thing.

The costumes and hairstyles are similar on both the men and women, and even the terms of address are similar.

Beyond the cosmetic, more surface-level similarities, I really liked the way our story is full of context and intrigue, but knows to present it in such a way that our OTP is front and center in our story.

There’s flash, and tension, and emotional heft, and I really liked how Show balances it all, with touches of lightness – again, not unlike how LLTG was handled. 🥰

On the not-so-plus side

On the less happy side of things, I found that Show waffled a good deal, in our middle stretch, specifically with regards to the development of our OTP relationship.

In fact, because I consider our OTP relationship to be the Main Event (I mean, even  Show’s title indicates as much), I consider this to be a big enough deal, that I feel the need to break it all down in a whole section of its own, a little later in this review.

For now, though, I just wanted to let you guys know, that Show doesn’t quite seem to know how to fill so many episodes, when it comes to teasing out the evolution of our OTP relationship.

The details of the political intrigue

I have to confess that I didn’t have a strong interest in the actual details of the political intrigue, but I understand that it’s a necessary foundation for the rest of our story, which is why I have it here, in the neutral zone.

When Show stretches logic, sometimes

Like I mentioned earlier, Show does have a tendency to stretch logic, from time to time.

I found that thinking of all these, as being part of Show’s stylistic license, was helpful.

[SPOILER ALERT]

The fire incident in our early episodes, is a good example.

We need to suspend disbelief in terms of how Xiao Qiao even managed to escape and make it to the granary, and then in terms of how she managed to set the granary on fire, and survive the fire, by hiding in an earthen pot filled with water.

[END SPOILER]

STUFF I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH

The way Show mishandles the OTP progression, sometimes

When I hit roughly the 20-episode mark, I started to realize that I wasn’t feeling too happy about several key things.

[BROAD SPOILERS]

Firstly, the progression of the OTP relationship didn’t make a whole lot of sense to me, and it felt like we were going in circles.

Every time our OTP had a meaningful interaction, which I would then expect to nudge forward their relationship, nothing actually happened, and sometimes, it even felt like we were going backwards, for some reason.

For a stretch, we had Wei Shao getting all hyper-aware of Xiao Qiao and it felt like once Show felt like it had milked that enough, it moved on to another dynamic, which was Xiao Qiao becoming hyper-aware of Wei Shao.

By this time, though, Show seems to conveniently forget that Wei Shao was also hyper-aware of Xiao Qiao, and made him clueless and obtuse, in order to milk the moments from this narrative approach.

And then, we go back to Wei Shao trying to gain assurance from Xiao Qiao, but now, she’s the one who seems unaffected.

To my eyes, this just lands as Show being manipulative and obtuse, because what happened to the Xiao Qiao who had been so hyper-aware of Wei Shao in our last set of episodes, yes?

For me, the main issue here, is that, putting it all together, it doesn’t really make sense, in terms of the development of the OTP relationship, and neither does it make a lot of sense, in terms of character development.

It was rather whiplashy to my eyes, and I felt quite frustrated that Show didn’t seem to know how to deal with the “so what” of an OTP interaction, towards the overall whole.

I tried to rationalize it in a way that makes sense, to give myself a way to process this, and the best I could come up with, is that sometimes, the timing just isn’t right, and sometimes, love makes you stupid. 🙈

Ideally, the writers would have kept the character development consistent, and found other ways to keep the tension taut, in the development of the OTP relationship.

In relation to this, I felt that Wei Shao’s characterization suffered the most (though Xiao Qiao’s does as well, just to a smaller degree), in service of pushing an OTP narrative that was focused more on milking entertainment value, rather than crafting meaningful progress.

I didn’t like this very much, and felt very frustrated during this stretch.

It does eventually get better, as I mentioned earlier, because Show does eventually pull things together in the final stretch, so the silver lining, is that this is temporary. 😅

Here are my more detailed thoughts on both of these things, during my watch.

[SPOILER ALERT]

The OTP dynamic

E17-20. We get a fair bit of lightness and cuteness, these episodes, and I have to confess, my friends, that I’d expected to enjoy it all a lot more than I actually did. 😅

Mostly, these episodes are about Xiao Qiao trying to get closer to Wei Shao, while Wei Shao appears cluelessly unaware.

Through it all, I can’t help but feel like there’s something missing in the characterization.

Like, yes, I know that by the end of episode 20, we see Wei Shao grappling with his conscience because he feels that it’s his filial duty to maintain his grudge against the Qiao family for the deaths of his brother, father and grandfather.

However, to my eyes, it still feels like something missing, because in our earlier episodes, didn’t we get a lot of Wei Shao looking and feeling distinctly discombobulated by Xiao Qiao?

To have him suddenly appear so clueless and unruffled so much of the time, feels at odds with what Show has established so far: that Wei Shao can’t help but be affected by Xiao Qiao.

I am guessing that this has everything to do with maximizing dramatic effect, because only by having Wei Shao cluelessly unaware, can we maximize and draw out Xiao Qiao’s efforts to get closer to him, but it just bothers me that Wei Shao appears to have clean forgotten about his burgeoning feelings for Xiao Qiao, until they are awakened all over again, in episode 20, with her sudden disappearance.

Call me picky, but I do find it hard not to look this gift horse in the mouth, instead of just sinking into the moments of lightness and cuteness that we get, from Xiao Qiao doing her darndest to charm Wei Shao, without looking like she’s trying too hard. 😅

E21-24. These episodes, we’re mostly back to Wei Shao throwing little petulant tantrums when the attention he desires from Xiao Qiao isn’t forthcoming, and then leaking little smiles, when Xiao Qiao eventually clues in and provides him with the assurance that he’s looking for.

Of course, little leaked smiles always give me a case of the warm fuzzies, so I can’t complain about their existence, certainly.

It’s just, the entire progression doesn’t quite make a coherent sort of sense, to my eyes. Or perhaps Show isn’t very good at connecting the relationship dots, in a way that makes it clear and digestible to viewers?

Long story short, what I mean is, Show doesn’t seem to know how to give us the “so what?” of the equation.

We get all these various moments of OTP interaction, like in episode 21, with Wei Shao opening up and telling Xiao Qiao about his keepsakes in his treasure box (which I thought to be a very touching, heartwarming sort of moment), but we don’t get a clear “so what?” afterwards.

Like, after this key milestone of Wei Shao opening up and Xiao Qiao going in for the hug, and telling Wei Shao that he’s the best clan leader Wei has ever had, and then telling him her nickname when he asks, how has that changed their relationship?

And what about that thing where they write their wishes on those little paper boats, and Wei Shao goes to all that trouble to track down Xiao Qiao’s boat, to read her wish, even though she says that once you read it, the wish won’t come true?

I know that Wei Shao says that he wants to know the wish, so that he can make it come true for her, but I do believe that the more honest answer, is that he’s looking for reassurance, that she’d written something about him and their relationship.

See what I mean about there not being any consequences to key OTP milestones?

Not so long ago, they’d just shared A Moment, and she’d hugged him and told him that he’s the best clan leader that Wei’s ever had, but that doesn’t seem to have done anything to solidify their relationship, and that’s why Wei Shao’s out there, tracking down her wish?

E21-24. Then there’s that beat where Wei Shao thinks that the heart-guarding mirror that Xiao Qiao’s bought for Xiao Tao to give to Wei Liang, is really for him, and throws another petulant tantrum because the heart-guarding mirror isn’t forthcoming. 🤦🏻‍♀️

Honestly, the way Xiao Qiao has to keep figuring out what Wei Shao’s all upset about, and then get him the thing that he wants, is starting to land like a mother trying to coax her tantrumy child. 🙊

But – and I’ll say it again – why doesn’t any of this seem to get our OTP relationship anywhere??

Show doesn’t seem to know how to clue us in on how key OTP events affect the OTP relationship, and I find myself mostly feeling a bit bemused and perplexed in my corner, over here. 😅

Or maybe the key to it all, is to adjust my expectations and just not overthink it? Like, fine, whatever, they’ll get there when they get there; I’ll just indulge them going in circles a little bit, in the meantime..? 😅

Wei Shao’s characterization

E17-20. I’m 50% happy with what we get in terms of Wei Shao’s reaction, but 50% wistful because I feel like something’s missing.

For example, when their party is attacked in episode 17, and the horse pulling Xiao Qiao’s carriage is spooked, I do like how Wei Shao determinedly goes after the horse and carriage, to save Xiao Qiao.

It’s all very dramatic how she jumps out of the carriage just before it plunges off the side of the cliff, and falls into his arms, and it is nice that he’d been so confident of catching her.

At the same time, I feel like there’s something missing in his reaction?

He’s all nonchalant and cheerful, like, “I told you I’d be able to catch you,” and the vibe I get is very.. “bro energy” for lack of a better word? 😅

I’d expected there to be more smoldery intensity and angst over the fact that she’d been in danger, and he could have lost her, with one false move on either of their parts, and there is none of that, which confuses me and makes me feel like there’s something missing in this scene, if you know what I mean?

E17-20. I realize that one of the things that confuses me about how Wei Shao is portrayed in these episodes, is that sometimes, he seems so nonchalant and comfortable with Xiao Qiao, in terms of skinship, and that doesn’t quite jive with what I feel I’ve seen so far, in terms of Wei Shao’s own understanding of his relationship with her.

Sometimes, he seems awkward about looking at her, like we sometimes see, especially when she’s gone to some extra trouble with her appearance, and then at other times, like at the end of episode 17, he’s perfectly fine with sitting in a bathtub with her tending to him, and when she remarks with sadness and concern, about how he has new wounds on his body just as the older ones have healed, he’s quite nonchalant about holding her hand and telling her that this is all very normal.

It seems quite odd to my eyes, and I feel like it doesn’t really jive with what we’ve seen from Wei Shao in relation to Xiao Qiao in earlier episodes.

I’m trying to rationalize that perhaps Wei Shao’s heart and body have already come to accept Xiao Qiao and it’s just that his brain hasn’t quite caught up yet, but I have to admit that I find it a little hard to buy what I’m trying to sell myself. 😅

In fact, the awkwardness that causes Wei Shao to withdraw his hand, has nothing to do with the physical hyper-proximity, but with the fact that Xiao Qiao talks about not wanting him to have to risk his life again.

Here, I’m trying to rationalize that Show is trying to bring out the emotional connection more than the physical one, and while I appreciate the idea of it, because the emotional connection is certainly very important, I just find it distractingly odd, that Wei Shao can be so unaffected by Xiao Qiao, just sitting all nekkid in the tub while holding her hand. 😅

E17-20. Here’s another example of when I feel like Wei Shao’s cluelessness is just not in line with his characterization: that moment when Xiao Qiao swishes her sleeves, full of osmanthus fragrance, and Wei Shao leans in to get a better sniff.

Is Show seriously trying to tell me that Wei Shao – the same man who’s been smitten by Xiao Qiao’s beauty since the first time he’d laid eyes on her – would be all clueless and casual at that kind of hyper-proximity??

I know it’s to extend Xiao Qiao’s frustration and get some laughs, but it’s so distractingly inconsistent with Wei Shao’s characterization that I’m just feeling more bemused than anything. 😅

Kinda the same thing with the star-gazing thing, with Xiao Qiao taking such pains to look pretty for Wei Shao, while it all goes over Wei Shao’s head, and all he cares about is that she put on her cloak, so that she doesn’t catch cold.

Which, ok, is sweet in its own way.

I think I would have liked Wei Shao to be less obtuse, because when Yang Feng (Chen Bing), on Xiao Qiao’s nudge, talks about how the space is too small for so many people, how could he tell Xiao Qiao to leave first??

Yes yes, I know, Show’s just trying to be funny, but I’m just like facepalming because it doesn’t make sense to me that Wei Shao is this obtuse. 😅

Ok, maybe I just don’t want my male lead in my drama to be this obtuse, especially when he’d started this show with such an intense, wild, simmering aura, while demonstrating smarts and badassery. 😅

E17-20. I really liked that slightly dazed look in Wei Shao’s eyes at the end of episode 18, when he sees Xiao Qiao running out towards him, all dolled up and beautiful.

But then I facepalmed again, when in episode 19, Wei Shao completely misses the point, that Xiao Qiao just wants to spend time with him at meal times, and walks off, after giving her one of his coarse breads. 🤦🏻‍♀️

[END SPOILER]

Some of the Intended Funny

This probably doesn’t come as a surprise to you, if you’ve been around the blog for a while; I didn’t always jive with Show’s sense of humor.

Certainly, your mileage may vary, depending on your ability to roll with Show’s Intended Funny.

For example, I know for a fact that quite a few viewers were tickled by the appearance of Gao Heng, a guest appearance by Peter Ho (above).

Gao Heng’s clearly a character that’s meant to bring a bit of fun and funny to our story, particularly in the area of making Wei Shao feel jealous, but I’m sorry to say that I didn’t feel it very much at all. 😅

SPOTLIGHT ON CHARACTERS / RELATIONSHIPS

Liu Yu Ning as Wei Shao

I really enjoyed Liu Yu Ning in this role; he consistently delivers Wei Shao with nuance and expression, and I enjoyed all the dimension that he adds to the character via his delivery.

I have to confess that, as a character, I found Wei Shao more compelling in our earlier episodes, than in our later ones.

In our earlier episodes, he’s simmering with so much as yet unexplained angst and anger, and I found it quite mesmerizing to behold.

Of course, Wei Shao evolves as a character, and we soon leave the simmering angst aside, to explore his softer, more tender underbelly.

Through it all, I thought Liu Yu Ning did very well in making Wei Shao pop.

I will say more about Wei Shao as a character, later on, in my section where I talk about the OTP, but for now, here are some thought highlights, around Wei Shao.

[SPOILER ALERT]

E1-4. I love that Wei Shao comes across as wild and cruel, and simmering with resentment and revenge, because of a grudge against our female lead’s family.

It makes him so interesting. Plus, he’s an excellent fighter, so extra points for badassery and the mane of glory. 🤩😁

E5-8. I rather like how Wei Shao warns Lady Zhu (Cui Yi) over the box incident, in such a roundabout way.

The way he calmly tells her that he’d given the box to Xiao Qiao and had taught her how to open it, accomplishes so many things, I feel.

1, It absolves Xiao Qiao from any suspicion that it had been her who’d taken a knife to the box;

2, It asserts that Xiao Qiao is more important to him than the box; and

3, It subtly but clearly warns Lady Zhu and Chuyu (Snow Kong) not to mess with Xiao Qiao.

And then, he puts the whole concubine thing to bed, by telling Lady Zhu that he’s found the perfect solution for her to have Chuyu by her side; that he’ll find Chuyu a good husband, who’d be willing to marry into the family.

Muahaha. I kinda love it? 🤩

E17-20. I really enjoy Liu Yu Ning’s eye acting, because there are a nice handful of occasions when you can see Wei Shao’s gaze flicker with emotion, and it’s very nicely done.

Like in the bath scene, when Xiao Qiao tells him that she doesn’t want him to have to risk his life anymore. 🥲

His gaze turns soft, yet conflicted, and I thought that was very nicely done.

[END SPOILER]

Song Zu Er as Xiao Qiao / Man Man

I thought Song Zu Er was perfectly cast as Xiao Qiao.

She really does look beautiful in character; I think the styling suits her very well.

As a character, I love how Xiao Qiao is quietly sharp and strategic, yet selfless and extremely compassionate, at the same time.

It always gave me a thrill, to see her smarts – and her heart – in action, thus winning over even people who are suspicious of her (including Wei Shao, of course). 😁

I will talk more about Xiao Qiao in my section on the OTP, but for now, here’s a quickish spotlight on some of the Xiao Qiao-centric moments that I enjoyed.

[SPOILER ALERT]

E1-4. Sadly for Xiao Qiao, she receives notice of her grandfather’s death, and.. I’m not sure if this might have any impact on marriage talks.

Either way, Xiao Qiao’s grief feels very personal and very real, and I do feel sorry for her, that she never got to see her grandfather, before his passing. 💔

E5-8. Xiao Qiao’s managing really well, I feel, with regards to navigating the shark infested waters of the Wei household.

She earns Lady Xu’s (Liu Xiao Qing) favor with her diligence in transcribing sutras for her, and she manages Lady Zhu, by innocently using Lady Xu’s name, muahaha.

I love how shrewd she is, and how she just refuses to be bullied, as a general rule. 🤩

E13-16. It’s so wise and compassionate of Xiao Qiao, to offer to speak to Wei Yan (Liu Duan Duan) for Wei Shao, thus taking the burden off him, and then being so empathetic and insightful when speaking with Wei Yan, that she completely pierces through the walls that he’s put up.

It’s so genuine, the way she shares her own experience of being viewed as an outsider to the Wei family, to gaining the trust of Lady Xu and Wei Shao, by being honest about her enduring concern for Yanzhou, but at the same time, never doing anything to hurt Wei.

She really does understand Wei Yan’s heart, and I do think that that’s why, when she speaks of Lady Xu collapsing because of him, and being fearful that he would refuse to see her again, it actually brings a turnaround in him.

E13-16. Our Xiao Qiao is full of grace and wisdom, and it’s great, the way she helps Lady Zhu to see things in their proper perspective:

That Wei Shao knows that Lady Zhu hadn’t been the one to steam the seeds, and had confessed out of care for him, and that the punishment meted by Lady Xu, is not so much about punishing her, but about making a statement for others to see.

E21-24. I did get a serious stab of satisfaction at the way Xiao Qiao manages to show Wei Shao that E Huang (Xuan Lu) is lying, without having to actually confront her at all.

I love when we get to see how shrewd and wise Xiao Qiao is, and this strategy, of testing E Huang on whether she even knew what Qiao Ci (Ao Zi Yi) looked like, or sounded like, was just perfect. 🤩

[END SPOILER]

Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao

In principle, I enjoyed this OTP very well.

I thought Liu Yu Ning and Song Zu Er did very well together, and I especially liked the early stages, where Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao are highly suspicious of each other; I thought that level of crackle was pretty great.

It’s true that I had issues with the treatment of the development of the OTP relationship in Show’s second half, but putting that aside, I did enjoy a great deal about this OTP journey, particularly in our earlier episodes.

Here are some broad thoughts about this OTP relationship, before I delve into episodic specifics.

[BROAD SPOILERS]

From pretty early on, we get a steady trickle of signs that Wei Shao’s much more affected by Xiao Qiao than he’d like to admit, and I enjoyed that very much.

One of the key recurring beats that I especially liked, is how Xiao Qiao consistently surprises Wei Shao with her choices and her actions; as she shows more sincerity than he expects, I feel like I can see both surprise and second thoughts flit across his face.

Over time, at least in Show’s first half, I feel like I can see Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao inching closer and closer to each other, in trust, understanding and emotion, and I liked that a lot. 🥰🥲

Yes, it’s not all smooth sailing, but if it were, we wouldn’t have much of a story, would we? 😁

I consistently reminded myself that all the sliding back and forth has to do with making the OTP journey feel organic and believable, particularly given the very real trauma, bitterness and suffering that Wei Shao’s suffered for most of his life, on account of Xiao Qiao’s family.

That’s no small deal, and can’t be magicked away by a few moments of kindness and hyper-proximity, and I found it useful to remember that. 🥲

[SPOILER ALERT]

E1-4. I really like that, so far, the various times when Xiao Qiao has given Wei Shao reason to reconsider his thoughts about her, it’s had to do with her doing good for the people.

Even though there is a deep misunderstanding between their families, the two of them have similar values, and that feels important and meaningful.

And, in the first place, I believe it had been these same values that had once brought their grandfathers together, to become allies. 🥲

But of course, Wei Shao is not going to change his mind easily, given that he’d lost his entire family, thanks to the Qiao family not fulfilling their promise, and I think that deep-seated grudge is the reason that he drives Xiao Qiao out of Xindu, after she offers him the seal to Panyi.

She’d offered the seal in sincerity and in good faith, believing that his good inner core would inform his actions, and it is a genuine shock to her, that he would instead take the opportunity to drive her away.

I can see where Wei Shao is coming from though.

Since her family had broken their promise to his, it probably feels like justice served, for him to now break his promise to hers; an eye for an eye and all that, right?

I do feel like this is where things start to shift, even though neither of them had planned it this way.

With Xiao Qiao basically taken hostage by her original betrothed, Liu Yan, our OTP story gets a significant catalyst.

Liu Yan (Ji Xiao Bing) taking Xiao Qiao to Panyi, with an eye to take Panyi for himself, and destroy the state of Wei, by releasing a flood upon Xindu, basically creates a reason for Xiao Qiao to take action to help prevent the disaster – thus putting her on Wei Shao’s side.

I honestly do love that scene where Xiao Qiao’s stuck between Liu Yan and his guards, and Wei Shao and his soldiers, and she runnns towards Wei Shao in that rain of arrows – which triggers Wei Shao to run towards her and catch her in his arms.

Eeee!! 🤩

Yes, I know it’s early days to squee, but the fact that his instinct was to run towards her and save her, which meant running into a rain of arrows, is quite swoony to me, not gonna lie. 🫠

Afterwards, I found it all very cute, when Xiao Qiao basically goes into a pout, and all of Wei Shao’s men awkwardly excuse themselves, in order to give them some privacy to sort things out. Tee hee hee! 🤭

The entire scene, from her berating him in peak pouty mode, to him looking awkwardly contrite, to him piggybacking her, and her telling him that she no longer wants to marry him, just smacks of a petty lovers’ quarrel, and I find it all very amusing. 😁

After that, the scenes of Wei Shao’s various generals all being turned away from seeking an audience with Xiao Qiao on the excuse that she was sleeping, also tickled me greatly.

Wei Shao then overhearing her talk with her cousin Qiao Fan (He Hong Shan), and hearing her say that he’s farrr better than Liu Yan, and that he’s dashing and heroic, and that she’d been smitten at first sight, tickled me even more, with the way he gets all puffed up and self-satisfied in response. 🤭

I love all these little beats that show us that Wei Shao is much more affected by Xiao Qiao than he’d like to let on. 😁

Like how he then goes to visit Xiao Qiao, and bring her medicine, and even apologize for how he’d driven her out of Xindu.

He’s totally softening towards her, even though he’s doing his best not to show it, yes?

As we close out these episodes, it’s nice to see another example of Xiao Qiao understanding Wei Shao more than he realizes, with her accurately guessing that his goal is to restore the canal.

I do love that beat in their conversation at the end of episode 4, where Xiao Qiao describes Panyi as being like a heart; and that she’d offered him her heart, out of sincerity.

There’s definitely a pun there, with that second heart sounding like her own heart, and Wei Shao’s silent discombobulation is very clear to see, to my delight. 😁

At the end of the episode, I’m quite amused that Wei Shao looks so perplexed, when all his generals advise him to break off the marriage agreement and banish Xiao Qiao.

The way he asks if his advisor has nothing to say, is obviously his way of trying to hear someone advise him to go ahead with the marriage, tee hee!

E5-8. At the beginning of episode 5, when he receives news of Grandpa Qiao’s passing, there’s so much smirky relish in his eyes; he’s literally delighting in Grandpa’s death, because of all the dark, bloody history between their families.

At this point, I think he – and everyone else – had expected Xiao Qiao to demur from the marriage, since Grandpa had passed, and thus, it would be only natural for her to enter into a period of mourning.

Yet, when he asks Xiao Qiao about it, she indicates, with a wistful sorrow in her eyes, that because the marriage had been Grandpa’s wish before he’d passed, she believed that he wouldn’t blame her for proceeding with the wedding – meaning, she’s choosing to marry him, even in the light of the new of Grandpa’s death.

That’s huge, and Wei Shao knows it, and I feel like I see a total change in his countenance; his brow is still furrowed, but there’s a softening of his gaze, as he looks upon Xiao Qiao, like he’s seeing her in a whole new light.

I love moments like this. 🥲

It’s not so easy nor straightforward, of course, and we see in flashback, these episodes, that Wei Shao had had an uphill journey, in taking over as clan leader after the death of his grandfather, father and brother, and had made a blood oath to take revenge on the Qiao family for their betrayal.

Basically, all Wei Shao needs to do, when he feels his heart wavering in Xiao Qiao’s direction, is remember this; it’s enough to cause his gaze to harden, all over again.

BUT. It’s not that there’s no progress; I feel like we’re basically taking 3 steps forward, and then 2 steps back – I feel like we’re seeing him progressively see Xiao Qiao in a new light, and this is slowly wearing down his defenses.

Of course, let’s not forget that there’s also the part where Xiao Qiao also needs to fall in love with Wei Shao.

I feel like we’re not seeing as much movement on this front yet, though there are definitely some glimpses of her likewise seeing Wei Shao in a new light.

Like that beat where, after she’s agreed to marry him, Wei Shao comes to her quarters with a lynx.

This means that he’d been paying attention to the fact that Liu Yan had only offered a weasel in place of a lynx as part of the wedding gifts that he’d prepared, and also, that he then took the time and trouble to hunt a real, proper lynx, to present to her for their wedding.

Isn’t this a silent message saying that she’s worthy? 🥲

That said, the wedding itself doesn’t go smoothly, the way I’d hoped.

I mean, I can understand the fact that Wei Shao feels extremely conflicted about the wedding, since he’d once sworn to destroy the Qiao clan, and here he is, getting married to Xiao Qiao.

Even though this marriage is his grandmother’s wish, I’m sure he still feels like he’s letting down his grandfather, father, brother, and all of the Wei people who’d died as a result of the Qiao family not showing up for them as would befit their allied promise.

And so, for Wei Shao, this is big moment of internal struggle; how to honor his grandmother’s wishes and his promise to marry Xiao Qiao, with the memory of his deceased grandfather, father and brother, and his promise to avenge them?

I believe that’s why he doesn’t participate in half of the wedding rites, and then pours the wine on the ground, as an offering to the deceased, instead of drinking it himself, as is the custom.

Of course, I feel for Xiao Qiao too, because this would land as a slight to her as his bride, plus, she’s still grieving her grandfather’s death, while forcing herself to proceed with the wedding.

Very tough, all around.

One of the things I appreciate about Xiao Qiao, is that she consistently chooses to act with grace and restraint, and in this case, she chooses not to say anything about Wei Shao not fully participating in the wedding rites, and instead, speaks gently, and says that she will henceforth address him as “my lord.”

I do think that that is at least part of the reason why Wei Shao uses a gentle tone when he speaks to her too, in the wedding chamber.

First, in the way he tells her to have a good rest, as she must be tired, and then, when he tells her that she is henceforth a Wei, and he won’t harm her, regardless of what he does to the Qiao family or to Yanzhou.

It might sound unreasonable of him to tell her that she is no longer a Qiao, but given his context of struggling to reconcile his promise to avenge his grandfather, father and brother, and his decision to marry Xiao Qiao, I can see why he would feel that this is the way to compromise.

Poor Xiao Qiao, though; she’s been through a lot, and I feel very sorry for her, as she finally breaks down and weeps, after he leaves the wedding chamber.

But, as we know, this is not the last of Xiao Qiao’s struggles and suffering, because of what happens when she follows Wei Shao to Yujun after the wedding.

Ack. The way she ends up stranded in that carriage, in the freezing rain, for several days and nights, while ill with a fever, and still with burn wounds from the fire before, that haven’t yet fully recovered, it’s A LOT. 😭

AND THEN, to receive that letter of divorce, supposedly from Wei Shao, is just the last straw. 😭😭

It’s quite horrifying to see those soldiers come in and try to drive her carriage away from Yujun, while Xiao Qiao’s deathly ill inside, and it’s also horrible to see Xiao Tao repeatedly pushed to the ground, for all her efforts at trying to reason with them.

It’s terribly frustrating to see the Wei generals just stand there and do nothing about it, but to be fair to them, Wei Shao had entrusted Chuyu to oversee Xiao Qiao’s entrance into Yujun, and therefore, the Wei generals know to take their orders from Chuyu.

It’s just too bad that Chuyu turns out to be a scheming SNAKE who just wants to get rid of Xiao Qiao, because she’s got her own sights set on Wei Shao, and even has Wei Shao’s mom, Lady Zhu, as a ally in cahoots. UGH.

And then, when Wei Shao finally gets wind of the situation from Xiao Tan, it’s utterly annoying, the way Chuyu quickly gets in there and acts all worried, as she reports that it had been Lady Zhu’s idea to keep Xiao Qiao outside the city, and that she’d gotten worried, and that’s why she’s telling him now, despite Lady Zhu’s orders.

UGH UGH UGH. THE SNAKE.

The way she just turns around and acts all pious and innocent, just makes me want to throttle her.

I’m glad though, that the moment Wei Shao understands that his mother has sent a letter of divorce to get rid of Xiao Qiao, he’s swift to take action, and rushes over there, on horseback, to save Xiao Qiao from this injustice.

That moment when he looks into the carriage and sees Xiao Qiao unconscious from her fever, the concern in his eyes is REAL. 🥲

The way he picks her up in a princess carry and holds her close, and even takes a moment or two, to observe her features, as he walks back to the city gates with her in his arms, is very swoony, I have to admit. 🫠🫠🫠

Some viewers have asked why he didn’t just take her on his horse, since it could have been faster, but I think that 1, it’s not exactly safe to take an unconscious person with you on horseback, especially in the rain and in the dark, and 2, this does land as much more personal and romantic.

He looks so.. determined, as he carries her to safety and warmth. 🥲

At this point, I do have to appreciate Advisor Gongsun, because he’s often the one who gives Wei Shao the perspective that he needs.

Like here, when Wei Shao says that the physician has pronounced that Xiao Qiao is fine, and so there’s nothing to worry about.

It’s Advisor Gongsun who reminds Wei Shao that he’d left his injured bride in the wind, rain and dew for several days, and that it would be disgraceful, if the folks in Yanzhou got wind of this – and that Wei Shao should apologize and comfort Xiao Qiao properly, once she awakes.

Before that apology happens, however, we get that quite hilarious scene of Xiao Qiao feigning a terrible hacking cough, which gets Wei Shao to give her permission to use his chambers, while he uses the side chamber which his mother has assigned to her.

Muahaha. This means that Wei Shao gets to experience first-hand, the “hospitality” that Lady Zhu had intended for Xiao Qiao, while Xiao Qiao gets to use his quarters. Very excellent. 🤭

It’s quite funny the way Wei Shao looks quite perplexed after this agreement has been reached and Xiao Qiao’s promptly gone back to bed, coz he totally looks like he thinks he’s possibly been had, but he’s not entirely sure, and doesn’t quite know what to do about it. 🤭

I have to say, what I appreciate about Xiao Qiao, is that her motivation behind this bit of manipulation, is not because she’s being petty about how she’d suffered in the rain, but about keeping her future footing in the Wei household in view, and doing what she can, to protect it.

The next morning, I found it quite delicious, with everyone looking so shocked to see Wei Shao exit the side chamber, and Xiao Qiao emerge from the main chamber.

I especially enjoyed that beat where Chuyu swans to the main chamber expecting to meet Wei Shao, only to be greeted by the sight of Xiao Qiao coming out instead. Muahaha. 🤭

Not that there isn’t any pettiness in Xiao Qiao angling to have continued use of the main chambers; we learn that part of it is actually because she’d thought that it had been his doing, that she got stuck outside the city in the rain and cold.

But y’know, I can’t blame her for that; I would feel petty over that too, after having suffered so much, and so unjustly. 😅

One of the highlights of these episodes, for me, is the scenes in the ancestral hall and the study, where all the family elders are putting pressure on Wei Shao to take a concubine, even though Wei Shao’s just gotten married to Xiao Qiao.

I know that Wei Shao’s words and actions in these scenes are politically driven, but I can’t help but squee anyway, at the way he tells all the gathered elders in the ancestral hall, all the excellent things that he’s observed in Xiao Qiao, and then proceeds say that the two of them are now deeply in love – which is why there is no need for him to take a concubine.

And then, when they try to broach the subject again in the study, he witheringly takes them to task for speaking ill of Xiao Qiao, and then, when Xiao Tan reports that Xiao Qiao is outside with soup for him, he not only makes an exception of the “no women in the study” rule for her, he even personally fetches her inside – BY THE HAND.

Eeee!!

And then, when he asks for the cloak, he’s so gentle and tender and attentive, as he puts it on her shoulders, and then fusses over the details, to make sure that it’s on just right.

Even after the elders hastily excuse themselves to give the newlyweds some privacy, I couldn’t help but notice the way he rubs his thumb gently over her arm, and how warm and natural it all looks! 😍

Poor Xiao Qiao; she looks properly discombobulated by his sudden gentleness. 🤭

And then, when they head back to the main chamber together, and he finally notices her trailing behind because she’s uncertain of how to navigate the puddles of water, he just picks her up in a princess carry like it’s the most natural thing in the world, and I flail. 🫠

The way he strides so easily, with her in his arms, definitely makes him look extra tall, strong and swoony in my eyes. Ahhh! 😍

I’m so pleased to see Xiao Qiao leak a smile, after he puts her down and continues walking ahead of her.

AND, even after he escorts her back to the main chamber, and insists that she continue to stay there for a little longer, we continue to see that little leaked smile play involuntarily at Xiao Qiao’s lips. Eee!

I think our girl might just be softening towards him, a little bit! 🥲

Especially since it’s only at this point, that Xiao Qiao finds out that Wei Shao had carried her into the city in the exact same way – meaning, it hadn’t been his intention to leave her outside the city like that.

And also, there’s how he sends Xiao Tan with fabric for her to make new clothes, and gives special instructions that the colors should be pale since she’s still in mourning. The thoughtfulness! 🤩

It’s little wonder that Xiao Qiao finds yet another occasion to smile because of Wei Shao. 🥰

And then when she makes the gesture of going to the side chamber to bring him his cloak the next morning, I love how he takes the cloak, and once again, puts it on her shoulders instead, right in front of the maidservants.

I’m pretty sure that this is to help nudge along the rumor that he and Xiao Qiao are deeply in love and happily married, but I can’t help but grin, all the same. 😁

I’m guessing that all of these little actions from Wei Shao have something to do with the way Xiao Qiao proceeds to do all the various thoughtful wifely things for him, but I’d also like to believe that she would have done so anyway, because that’s just how wise our Xiao Qiao is, and how seriously she takes the marriage. 🥲

I love that she does things for him that even Lady Zhu doesn’t manage to do for him, like get the side chamber cleaned, have his favorite dishes waiting for him after a long day, and even makes him boots in his exact size.

E5-8. I love that Xiao Qiao’s basically too smart for Wei Shao to know what to do with.

Like when he questions her about declining Lady Zhu’s request to make her soup; the reason that Xiao Qiao gives for using Lady Xu as an excuse – that she doesn’t want Lady Zhu to despise her for not being a good cook – is something that even can see the logic of.

Nice one, Xiao Qiao! 😁

And then, when Wei Shao tasks her with arranging for the taking of a concubine, Xiao Qiao is obviously not for the idea, although she accepts the task.

She’s very smart and shrewd in figuring out that this is all Lady Zhu’s idea, and that the only way to push back, is via someone who can control Lady Zhu – which is how she ends up going to Lady Xu, on the pretext of asking for advice on how to perform the task.

I will say though, that the furrowing of her brow, and the peeved air about her, does give me slight upset wife vibes, like there’s something more personal in her displeasure at the idea of Wei Shao taking a concubine.

I dunno. Am I imagining things? 😅

In any case, I’m pleased that Chuyu won’t get her wish of becoming Wei Shao’s concubine.

AND, I’m also pleased that Chuyu catches a glimpse of the casual manner in which Wei Shao talks to Xiao Qiao – when she walks into the study and Wei Shao, thinking that it’s Xiao Qiao, says that he wasn’t accusing her, and that she can access the study, in the future.

Chuyu maintains her smooth, syrupy composure, but I’m sure there’s a part of her that registers that her beloved Wei Shao is trying to appease his wife and is offering her access to the study as she pleases.

I’m also very pleased that Wei Shao ensures that there is no misunderstanding here, by reiterating that in the future, Chuyu is not allowed in the study without his permission.

HA. What a contrast, with how he’s given Xiao Qiao a free pass to enter the study as she pleases. 😁

Plus, there’s that moment when he hastily looks over his shoulder, as if he’s worried that Xiao Qiao would see that Chuyu’s there in the study with him.

HE CARES WHAT SHE THINKS. 😁

Of course, this is how we end up with the whole point of conflict, over whether Xiao Qiao had touched Wei Shao’s personal box, because Lady Zhu and Chuyu want to create the impression that Xiao Qiao’s messed with the box and even taken a knife to it to try to open it, when Wei Shao’s specifically instructed her not to touch it.

Can’t lie; I kinda gasped when Wei Shao, in a burst of anger, grabs Xiao Qiao by the neck, for not admitting to touching his box.

Through this scene, though, I feel that we can really see how deeply the Qiao family’s betrayal is etched into Wei Shao’s consciousness; he can’t help but connect everything Xiao Qiao does (or that he believes she does), to her family’s betrayal of his family.

Poor Xiao Qiao is obviously very shaken by this, but I love that she refuses to be daunted, and finds a way to prove her innocence – and then takes herself into his presence to prove that innocence, and doesn’t back down, even when Wei Shao refuses to let her touch the box.

The way she challenges him, asking if she’s not allowed to touch the box, or not allowed to prove her innocence, really cuts to the heart of the matter, doesn’t it? She’s so sharp; I love it.

She’s so fiercely, earnestly eloquent in this scene, and I especially love that part where she says that scarring the box with a knife is like scarring his heart with a knife, and she would never do that, because she knows how to unlock it.

I know she’s talking about the box here, but we can easily extend that statement to include his heart, yes? And I do think that she is fully capable of unlocking his heart, heh.

I love that after she stalks off after having said her piece, Wei Liang reflexively applauds her eloquence. 🤭

E5-8. I know we’ve probably still a fair way away from Wei Shao coming around to realize his feelings for Xiao Qiao, or even realizing that she’s a perfect match for him, but the fact that he’s asking Advisor Gongsun about it, definitely says something, I think.

AND! Isn’t it adorable, the way he is all ready to grab her in a princess-carry the next morning, where she’d last struggled with the puddles, and rolls up his sleeves and puts out his arms – only to have her walk out of reach, because she’s figured out how to skirt the puddles?

SHO CUTE!! 🤭

After that, it’s kind of silly how he keeps asking for her to bring him food, so that he’d have an excuse to give her that arm rest, and she keeps finding a way to not see him. 😁

I am low-key tickled that Xiao Qiao takes the armrest gift as an indication that Wei Shao feels sorry towards her for misunderstanding her – and takes the opportunity to indirectly persuade him to send supplies to Qiao Fan in Boya.

..Which is basically her way of lending troops to Qiao Fan and Bi Zhi (Zhou Lu La), so that they’d be able to frighten off Xue Tai, who’s eyeing Boya.

E9-12. I very much relish the way that Xiao Qiao does slowly earn more and more of Wei Shao’s trust; by speaking for him and acting in his interests, even when he’s not present – it’s just that, for narrative purposes, he happens to overhear her.

It happens fairly regularly, when I think about it, but I’m not mad about that at all, because I love the idea of Wei Shao growing to trust Xiao Qiao more and more, and not due to the things that she says or does to his face, but due to the things that she says and does, when she doesn’t even know that he’s listening. 🥲

At this point in our story, I do feel that Wei Shao has at least partially fallen for Xiao Qiao, in spite of his deep grievance towards her family, and it’s Xiao Qiao who is more guarded, with her heart.

At least, that’s the way I see it, with the way he goes to all that trouble, to give her that rare jade armrest because he sees all the writing that she’s doing, only for her not to even realize that the armrest is made of jade, because she hasn’t even looked in the box.

Aw. Poor Wei Shao; that flash of crestfallenness on his face is so cute, funny and rueful, all at the same time, as he realizes that she hasn’t even looked at his precious gift. 🤭

It’s also very funny to me, that Xiao Qiao gives Wei Shao that pillow that she’d ordered for him, without even looking at the finished product – which is how she ends up giving him a pillow embroidered with the Flourishing Descendants pattern, which is basically a whole army of children, symbolizing fertility and procreation, ha.

No wonder Wei Shao looks a little discombobulated in response, because it sure looks like Xiao Qiao is giving him an indirect message that they should look towards having many children – ahem. 🤭

And yes, I couldn’t help but notice that Wei Shao kinda looks like he swallows a bit of a perplexed smile, as he walks away. 😁

AND, doesn’t he looks quite pleased, tossing the pillow a little, after he tells Advisor Gongsun and his men, that there’s nothing to worry about; that Bi Zhi wouldn’t dare raise the Qiao flag in Boya?

It’s giving me “little boy with a new favorite toy” vibes, and it’s very cute. 😁

Also, it’s too bad for Wei Shao, that his trust in Xiao Qiao is misplaced this time, coz Xiao Fan is just as disarmingly shrewd, the way she talks her way to the conclusion, that it would make the most sense, to plant the Qiao flag instead of the Wei flag, in Boya.

It’s hilarious to me, that afterwards, Wei Shao gets all upset and barks at his men not to associate with Qiao women, coz it’ll make them stupid. 😂

Clearly, this is a reflection of his own experience, of associating with one particular Qiao woman. 🤭

E9-12. I’d go so far as to say that Wei Shao’s kind of putty in Xiao Qiao’s hands, in spite of himself.

Just look at how it all goes, when he tries to confront Xiao Qiao about her deception and her plan to use his troops in order to help Bi Zhi raise the Qiao flag in Boya.

The moment he gets to that point, and Xiao Qiao’s eyes flicker with interest and excitement, that Bi Zhi’s succeeded, he starts blustering in this hapless, I-don’t-know-what-to-do-with-you sort of manner, about her being smug, hahaha.

But what Xiao Qiao says in response, makes sense too; that Qiao and Wei are now one family, and so it’s not a big matter, that the Qiao flag has been planted in Boya.

Poor Wei Shao. He really doesn’t know what to do with Xiao Qiao, which is likely why he gets up, to walk away from the conversation. 🥲

I do feel bad for Wei Shao, in that, whatever he does, it feels like Xiao Qiao is doing her thing to intervene, with the Qiao family’s interests at heart.

When he decides to counter her Boya move by capturing Xiaogang, she sends word to Qiao Fan, to have Bi Zhi dig a secret tunnel from Liancheng, which would make it easy for her family base in Yanzhou, to take Xiaogang.

I do love how smart and shrewd Xiao Qiao is, but can’t lie; I would be mad about this, in Wei Shao’s shoes. 😅

I expect that this will eventually become a point of contention, later in our story, but for now, this is where this plot point ends, so we have some room to focus on other things, for a while.

I do think that Xiao Qiao gains perspective from both Lady Xu and Advisor Gongsun (Wei Zi Xin), in terms of how to handle her relationship with Wei Shao.

Like how Lady Xu teaches her the benefits of yielding a little, to one’s opponent, and how she illustrates this principle in her own decision to support the marriage between Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao, despite her own pain and loss, in hopes that this would enable Wei Shao to no longer spend his life in mourning.

I do think that this is a key reason why Xiao Qiao softens her approach to Wei Shao.

For example, when the Wei generals “storm” the main chamber, bringing in all of Wei Shao’s things, after his return from Xiaogang, Xiao Qiao doesn’t do anything to protest or push back.

Which is a good thing, in my opinion, because I like the idea of our OTP sharing the main chamber.

More time in the same spaces means more interaction after all, yes?

And, this also means that Xiao Qiao gets to see more of Wei Shao’s vulnerable moments, like that moment in episode 9, when he seems to be experiencing night terrors.

I really do appreciate how Xiao Qiao responds to him with genuine care and compassion, putting her own cloak on him, and holding him close to comfort him.

In a world where Wei Shao feels obligated to always appear strong, this must be very precious to him. 🥲

I also think that seeing Wei Shao like this, gives Xiao Qiao food for thought, which is likely why she seeks Advisor Gongsun’s counsel.

Speaking of whom, Advisor Gongsun deserves a raise or a promotion or something; he’s literally becoming our OTP’s marriage counselor, what with all these extra conversations with both Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao, all to do with their marriage. 😁

I do think that Advisor Gongsun’s answer to Xiao Qiao’s question, about what kind of man Wei Shao is – that he grew up in hatred and bore responsibilities young, but is big-hearted and soft on the inside – helps Xiao Qiao to reshape and solidify her view of Wei Shao, thus also reshaping her actions and reactions towards him.

Yay for increased understanding, and I’m glad that Xiao Qiao is quick to acknowledge that she might have misjudged him. 🥲

I believe that’s why Xiao Qiao applies herself to finding remedies to help Wei Shao sleep better, from changing the candles, to writing home to ask for a copy of the calming and mind-clearing herbal remedy from Yanzhou.

And how thoughtful, that in the letter, she doesn’t reveal that it’s for Wei Shao, and says that it’s for herself.

I’m glad that Wei Shao sees the letter, actually, even though it’s an invasion of her privacy, because I’m sure he knows, right away, that she’s asking for the remedy for him, yes?

It’s true that he goes right to Xiao Qiao, to remind her that they’re not an ordinary couple, and to therefore not try to get into his business; I think it’s his way of putting up his defenses, coz I’m pretty sure he’s not trying to fall in love with her. 🤭

But fall in love he absolutely will, and how could he not, when Xiao Qiao does funny and adorable things like proclaiming her absolute devotion to him, when Lady Zhu demands that she arrange for Wei Shao to take Chuyu as a concubine.

Hahaha! I found it hilarious how Xiao Qiao leans so hard into the part of the smitten newlywed wife, and I love how she literally doesn’t care how it makes her look, to act so.

Honestly, when Wei Shao calls for her to ask her if it’s true that she has feelings for him like she told Lady Zhu, I feel like there’s a note of wistful hope in his eyes, like he’s hoping she will answer in the affirmative – but she doesn’t. Aw.

BUT. She does say something that clearly gives Wei Shao pause; that she doesn’t want him to do anything that he doesn’t want to, and will do whatever is necessary, to protect his right to make his own decisions, as the master of their household, and the ruler of Wei.

I don’t think he’s ever been so supported in his life, by anyone, and I love that we can see that he’s affected by her, as much as he tries not to show it.

Of course, this does bring us to That Event, in episode 10, where Lady Zhu drugs Wei Shao with some super strong aphrodisiac, with a view to trap him into sleeping with Chuyu – thus making the concubine thing a natural next step.

Ugh. It’s nuts to me that Lady Zhu’s doing this to her own son, but I can buy the idea that she’s so obsessed with the idea of having Chuyu marry into the family, and stay by her side, that she loses sight of everything else.

I do think that it’s to Wei Shao’s credit that he basically fights his way out of that room, refusing to let Chuyu seduce him.

It’s just very unfortunate that when he goes back to the main chamber, he weakens in his struggle to fight the effects of the drugs, and tries to force himself on Xiao Qiao.

Eep. This was hard to watch, for sure.

As a silver lining, I couldn’t help but notice that in the various soundbites flashing through Wei Shao’s mind, as he tries to fight the effects of the drugs, are about the moments of care that Xiao Qiao’s shown him.

So yes, while I absolutely don’t condone him trying to force himself on Xiao Qiao, I do take into account, as a consolation, that for Wei Shao, this isn’t just a physical thing; he seems to be yielding to a desire to form a true connection with Xiao Qiao.

Also to Wei Shao’s credit, is that when Xiao Qiao slaps him to his senses, he apologizes and tells her that he’d consumed something dirty at Lady Zhu’s quarters – while still fighting the effects of the drugs.

I appreciate that Xiao Qiao tends to Wei Shao with care and genuine concern, through the entire ice bath (yes, it’s true, Liu Yu Ning shows off his abs 😅).

I also couldn’t help but notice that she asks about whether his scars were from wounds sustained in Xiaogang – because doesn’t that mean that she feels a measure of guilt?

Because if it hadn’t been for her ploy for Bi Zhi to claim Boya, Wei Shao wouldn’t have gone to conquer Xiaogang, and therefore wouldn’t have gotten wounded?

I do think that this is giving Xiao Qiao pause for thought, even in the midst of the shock of Wei Shao trying to force himself on her.

I appreciate that Xiao Qiao does everything she can to maintain and protect Wei Shao’s reputation, by creating a plausible cover story for the ice bath; it’s a very wifely thing to do.

I can’t blame her for instinctively backing away from Wei Shao though, and I also feel for Wei Shao, because now he feels so bad for what had happened, especially with Xiao Qiao showing that she’s wary around him, and tries to find all ways to avoid being in the same space with her.

In the meantime though, I like that Wei Shao confronts Lady Zhu and respectfully demands that she send Chuyu away, in exchange for him not bringing up the matter to Lady Xu.

I really like that we can see that Wei Shao looks genuinely emotionally affected, in this scene. He’s not just brokering a deal with his mother; he’s sincerely hurt by her actions. 💔

E9-12. I’m relieved that Wei Shao believes Xiao Qiao, when she assures him that she did not tell Lady Xu about what had happened, even though, circumstantially, it does appear quite damning, that Lady Xu had gone straight to Lady Zhu to order Chuyu’s expulsion, after seeing Xiao Qiao.

I do take that as a sign that Wei Shao’s understanding of the kind of person Xiao Qiao is, is growing; he knows that she’s not that kind of tattletale.

I feel bad for him, that when he tries to apply ointment to her bruised wrist while she’s sleeping, she instinctively recoils when she wakes up, because that just drives home all over again, the idea that Xiao Qiao’s uncomfortable around him, which is why he insists on inspecting the canal personally – so that he has a reason to not be around her. Aw.

I’m relieved that Xiao Qiao manages to change his mind about inspecting the canal, without actually speaking to him about his trip.

First, there’s the incident where she speaks up for Wei Shao to Lady Zhu, in that very stirring speech, which Wei Shao overhears.

Aw. I love moments like this, when Wei Shao gets to see what Xiao Qiao is like, in relation to him, when she thinks he’s not around. 🥲

That’s probably why he feels comfortable enough to return to the main chamber for his meal, and that’s when Xiao Qiao assures him that she’s not afraid of him, and had simply been startled, is all – and that it’s not his fault.

It’s so cute how Wei Shao acts all nonchalant about the belt that she’s made for him, but then tries it on in front of the mirror the first chance he gets, leaking smiles as he does so. I am thoroughly amused. 🤭

I also feel like Wei Shao giving Xiao Qiao the task of preparing Lady Xu’s birthday banquet, is a decision driven by his desire to show that he trusts her, and of course we know that Xiao Qiao has all the smarts needed, to do the task well.

E9-12. I thought it was very adorable, the way Wei Shao acts casually unconcerned, when Xiao Qiao confesses that she’s lost the bangle, and then hotfoots to get Wei Yan’s piece of jade, to rush an identical bangle at the jeweler, literally overnight.

Aw. He went above and beyond, in order to save Xiao Qiao’s reputation. That’s sweet, yes? 🥲

We do get a bit of a squabble between our OTP, when Xiao Qiao confronts Wei Shao about the jade pendant, but I’m glad that they realize quite quickly, that it’s likely all a misunderstanding, and smooth things over.

It’s interesting that Wei Shao tells her that he had wanted to hear her side of the story, isn’t it? This means that he’s starting to lower his guard, and instinctively wants to give her the benefit of the doubt. 🥲

Overall, I like that Wei Shao is protective of Xiao Qiao, in the face of the various “obstacles” posed by Wei Yan.

Like when Xiao Qiao is formally introduced to Wei Yan, he starts trying to flirt with her, and Wei Shao immediately puts himself between Wei Yan and Xiao Qiao, in a protective sort of pose, and answers Wei Yan flirty opener himself, thus putting a stop to the attempt to flirt with Xiao Qiao.

I have to note that Xiao Qiao does look pleasantly surprised, at being protected by Wei Shao. 🥰

And then, later, when Wei Shao visits Wei Yan at his residence, and Wei Yan starts saying that he doesn’t trust Xiao Qiao, because she likely has her own agenda for this marriage, Wei Shao pooh-poohs it and deflects Wei Yan’s concerns by saying a whole bunch of stuff about Xiao Qiao being a weak woman, from whom he easily got the Panyi seal.

Of course, I don’t think that Wei Shao’s being genuine in his very chauvinistic spiel about Xiao Qiao; I think he’s using this approach because he knows that this approach would effectively shut Wei Yan up, at least with regard to his suspicions about Xiao Qiao.

In the end, Wei Shao’s emphasis, as he puts a clear end to the conversation, is that he hopes that Wei Yan will treat Xiao Qiao as family.

In the meantime, I feel like Wei Shao’s slowly coming to see that there could be such a thing as a win-win, when it comes to the Wei agenda vs. the Qiao agenda.

When Xiao Qiao suggests that he extend the canal to Rongjun, so that the crops can benefit from irrigation, thus preventing future famine, Wei Shao is quick to see that she’s trying to buy peace for Yanzhou, by having him direct his resources towards Rongjun.

BUT, I love how Xiao Qiao points out that there are benefits to both Rongjun AND Yanzhou, with this solution, and gives Wei Shao some serious food for thought.

And then, when Wei Yan tries to sow discord yet again, by telling Wei Shao that Xiao Qiao had taken the Rongjun records out of the study and written an urgent letter to Yanzhou, I do love how casually Wei Shao protects her again, by telling Wei Yan that all is well; that she has full access to the study when she needs anything, and that she’d written to ask for wheat seeds, to help end the famine for good.

I dunno about you guys, but it really pleases me whenever Wei Yan comes up against a brick wall, when trying to sow distrust between Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao. 😁

E13-16. I am highly amused by how Xiao Qiao reacts, upon hearing from Wei Yan, that Wei Shao’s been reading her letters.

The way she responds is amusingly passive-aggressive, what with writing that “letter” to her family, so that he’d see her angry insult, directed right at him, when he vets said letter.

Hahaha! I love how Xiao Qiao’s mind works; she’s quite brilliant, isn’t she? 🤭

It’s really quite funny how Wei Shao truly doesn’t know what to do, in response, and tries to go to bed to ignore the whole thing until it blows over, but Xiao Qiao just will. not. let. him. 😁

It’s hilariously petty and passive-aggressive, the way she pointedly seeks his input for every. single. little. thing. that she’s in charge of, because, as lord of the mansion, everything is under his purview. 🤭

What I love most, is that beat right at the end, when she beats him out of bed with that wooden scroll, bursting out at him, demanding to know why he’d read her letters, followed by how she throws those scrolls in his direction, after he sputters his defensive response.

The reason I love this beat, is how all the politeness and decorum is stripped away; all we’re getting, in this moment, is Xiao Qiao’s very real peevishness at Wei Shao, and all I can think of, is how genuine this moment feels, like any wife showing her husband that he’s done something that’s upset her.

I LOVE IT. 🤩

The way Wei Shao proceeds to avoid coming into contact with Xiao Qiao is played for comedy, and while I did chuckle and roll my eyes, I really appreciate that, given some time to consider the matter, Xiao Qiao is able to see that Wei Shao is taking into account his duties as the ruler of Wei, and that in his eyes, her letter to Yanzhou is an official matter, and not a family matter.

What’s so great about this scene, is the fact that, as Xiao Qiao analyzes this particular point, she is also demonstrating that exact same ability to keep public and private separate, which is exactly what the phrase 公私分明 (gōngsī fēnmíng) used in this scene means.

She and Wei Shao are very much alike where it matters, and I would say that as the Lord and Lady of Wei, this is a critical quality that they both need to possess.

I love this kind of confirmation that we get, that Xiao Qiao and Wei Shao are very well suited to each other. 🤩

Of course, Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao are still in more of an official relationship than a truly personal one, so I can understand that things are still awkward between them.

Plus, he still is reading her letters, so I’m guessing that that’s why she’s purposely a little obtuse and sarcastic, when he tries to win favor with her by boasting about his wise decisions – and remarks that she should thank Advisor Gongsun properly, ha.

I do love how dorkily perplexed Wei Shao looks in the face of her nonchalantly not giving him the credit that he’s trying to get. 🤭 He’s quite adorable.

E13-16. I’m gratified to see that through the difficult situation of E Huang trying to sow discord between them, Xiao Qiao not only retains Wei Shao’s trust, but even manages to send him her assurance, via a “letter” to her family – because she knows that he will read it.

Aw. That was a nice way to make use of the very thing that had upset her in the first place, yes?

I love that Xiao Qiao is resourceful and open-minded like that.

Of course, I also love that Xiao Qiao’s shrewd enough to figure out that E Huang has an ulterior motive for offering grain to Wei as Lady Xu’s birthday gift, and thus is on her guard.

One of the beats I was quite amused with, is when Xiao Qiao rolls her eyes at Wei Shao offering to take her to the market to buy more of those 花钿 (huā diàn), because that’s E Huang’s trademark, and she is under the incorrect assumption that Wei Shao had once almost been betrothed to E Huang.

Which is a roundabout way of saying that Xiao Qiao is quite cute when she’s jealous. 😁

Poor confused, perplexed Wei Shao! 🤭

Isn’t it quite endearing, that the next thing we see Wei Shao do, is prepare all the family gathering records, and give Xiao Qiao full use of the study, because he believes it will help her as she prepares for Lady Xu’s birthday banquet?

This, after Xiao Qiao had sarcastically said that she couldn’t dare trouble him to be concerned with her affairs.

Aw! This was his way of showing that he is, indeed, concerned with her affairs, isn’t it? 🥲

Although Xiao Qiao’s first reaction is that he’s just making sure that she doesn’t embarrass him at the banquet, I do think that this is yet another seed sown, to nudge her towards believing that Wei Shao really does care about her.

In fact, I’d say that this is one of the main OTP developments, these episodes, where we see Xiao Qiao actually becoming drawn to Wei Shao.

Just like Wei Shao had felt touched when he’d overheard Xiao Qiao speaking up for him to Lady Zhu, these episodes, in a similar way, Xiao Qiao feels touched when her integrity is put into question over the steamed seeds, and Wei Shao speaks up for her in front of everyone.

It’s very affecting, the way Wei Shao is able to give examples of Xiao Qiao’s dedication to the good of the people; it shows that he’s very much been paying attention, and it also shows his positive opinion and regard for her.

I’d feel touched too, in Xiao Qiao’s place. 🥲

And then there’s also the thing, where Xiao Qiao finally realizes that Wei Shao had made a similar bangle to the one that had been “lost” while under her charge.

I love how she smiles to herself, and muses to her attendants, that while the original bangle had been a token of the heart from her and Wei Shao to Lady Xu, this bangle, is a token of Wei Shao’s heart, to her.

Eee! It thrills my heart to think that she treats this bangle preciously, because of Wei Shao’s intent, in having it made. 🥲

I love how she writes that “letter to her family” to let Wei Shao know that whatever he chooses, she would not blame him.

Guh. I just LOVE the way this letter reading thing has evolved into their secret way of exchanging messages! 🤩

Just, look at the way he writes a reply to tell her wait for his return the next day, given to her under the pretext of him sending her family letter back to her! I love it. 🤩

It’s so great to see Xiao Qiao greet him with a smile when he does return to the main chamber, and then explain the meaning of her letter; that his belief in her would have been enough, and that she would have understood, even if he’d had no choice but to place the blame for the matter on her.

It’s really starting to feel like our OTP has a personal relationship, and perhaps that’s why Xiao Qiao addresses him as Husband (夫君, fūjūn) instead of “男君” (nán jūn), which is a more polite and respectful term, which my subs translate as “My Lord.”

Wei Shao’s immediate discombobulation, which is quickly replaced by what looks like a quiet wonder and joy in his eyes, and which is just as quickly followed by a swallowed smile, is just delightful to behold. 🤩

She’s all flustered about it, but he is PLEASED, y’all. 🤭

It’s so telling that Wei Shao soon asks Advisor Gongsun how he addresses his wife at home – the answer is 夫人 (fūrén), meaning, Wife.

Eee! It sure looks like Wei Shao’s getting ready to change the way he addresses Xiao Qiao, yes?? 🤩

At any rate, their personal interactions are starting to show more and more glimmers of feeling genuine, like the way Xiao Qiao offers to share her research with Wei Shao, to help with the canal building, and the way Wei Shao pulls her closer (ooh! 🤩), so that he can see the scroll more clearly.

I am super tickled at the way Xiao Qiao starts to get all hyper-aware of Wei Shao, starting with the, er, manliness of his side profile? 🤭

I love that we’re getting signs that she’s becoming more and more attracted to him.

E13-16. I am supremely tickled that in the last stretch of episode 16, we get Xiao Qiao actively trying to flirt with Wei Shao, in a manner of speaking.

It’s so cute, the way she persistently drops hints about wanting to go on his travels to Rongjun, so that she can see the scenery that he’s seen and all that, when all she really wants to do, is be in the same space with him. 😁

PLUS, how about that beat where we – including Wei Shao – overhear Xiao Qiao fussing over her outfit, the day that they set off?

Aw! Our girl wants to look pretty for Wei Shao, doesn’t she? 😁

And Wei Shao, for all of his little grumbles about how troublesome she is, is properly struck and mesmerized, by how beautiful Xiao Qiao looks, as she walks towards him.

Eee! 🤭

It’s cute how Xiao Qiao tries to open the carriage window in order to catch a glimpse of Wei Shao, but poor girl gets shut down immediately, coz Wei Shao doesn’t want her to catch cold.

I feel like Xiao Qiao must have set her mind on winning Wei Shao’s heart, with the way she’s going so far as to approach him while he’s eating, and sit on that rock next to him, and ask him to explain his thought process to her, around why he’s delivering the wheat seeds to Rongjun personally.

She’s totally buttering him up, and he’s totally lapping it up, with those tamped down, swallowed smiles, and I find it all very adorable.

And I love how, past a certain point, Xiao Qiao’s unabashedly gazing at Wei Shao and complimenting his strong features – to the point where Wei Shao checks to see if she’s running a fever, ha! 🤭

E17-20. Forcibly putting aside what I see as an inconsistency in Wei Shao’s characterization, I do find myself nicely charmed by Xiao Qiao, as she does her best to get closer to Wei Shao.

I like that she’s patient and gentle in interacting with him, even though it must be frustrating that he keeps being obtuse in response.

I do like the scene where she offers to massage his temples to relieve his headache, and he falls asleep, in spite of how guarded he typically is.

This definitely goes to show how comfortable and safe he feels around Xiao Qiao, and I approve. 😁

I also really like the way Xiao Qiao frames her desire to help him with daily affairs; that she doesn’t wish for him to work long hours while she takes it easy in the boudoir, and wants to assist him where she can.

It’s very thoughtful and considerate, and I like it – which leads me to think that Wei Shao would appreciate this too.

And yes, it’s true that Wei Shao is quick to take his leave once he wakes up to find that he’s been asleep right next to Xiao Qiao, but he does make sure to cover her with his own cloak, and I’ll take that sign of care and tenderness, thank you. 🥲

I also like the dorky detail, that Wei Shao wants to look at Xiao Qiao, but doesn’t want to be caught looking, and wants to know if Xiao Qiao is looking at him.

I think I wanted more of such moments, to show us that he is very hyper-aware of her, but there so many times in these episodes where he’s shown as being cluelessly unaware of her efforts to get close to him, that I find it very perplexing and inconsistent. 😅

E17-20. I do really like the fact that Xiao Qiao continues to care for Wei Shao while he recovers from the poison, and even gets to make use of her very shrewd ability to strategize, in order to dissolve the unhealthy alliance between Yuan Wang, the Prefect of Rongjun and Wei Dian, and get Yuan Wang on their side.

I must say, I did love getting to see how effective Xiao Qiao was, in getting things to work in the direction she was aiming for, and I like that Wei Shao is suitably impressed.

At the same time, I do really like the detail, that even in the midst of her strategizing, she instinctively runs to Wei Shao and embraces him, once she hears that he’s awake.

Aw. I feel like this really shows where her heart is, and to me, it’s clear that her heart is with Wei Shao. 🥲

E17-20. I like the little beats where Xiao Qiao asserts her wifely opinion, like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

Like when Wei Shao says that he’ll personally participate in the “final push” in Xiao Qiao’s plan to split up Yuan Wang and Wei Dian, and Xiao Qiao says in her small wifely voice, that he’s not allowed to go, because he hasn’t fully recovered from his wounds.

It’s true that even in this moment, I’m still feeling a bit confused and perplexed about Wei Shao’s characterization, but that doesn’t mean I’m not enjoying Wei Shao’s own confusion about being reined in by his wife. 😁

I also like Xiao Qiao’s little swallowed smiles, when Wei Shao obediently cooperates, despite his protests. 🤭

Honestly, I think Xiao Qiao’s very charming, especially when she gentle-coyly asks Wei Shao to buy her a reward for her successful strategy in splitting up Yuan Wang and Wei Dian, and for her careful care of him, while he’d been ill.

Which is why I’m slightly perplexed that Wei Shao isn’t more obviously charmed by her.

But, I’ll buy the idea that he really doesn’t know what to buy for her, and doesn’t like to show his inadequacy, and that’s why he’s furrowing his brow and saying that she’s troublesome (麻烦, máfan).

And it really is so true, that he has no idea how to choose a gift for her, because look at how pleased with himself he is, when he proudly announces to her, that he’s giving her 500 steeds, to her chagrin. 🤭

E17-20. The whole scheme that Wei Liang hatches with his other Wei generals, to make Wei Shao anxious over the fact that Xiao Qiao’s disappeared, is quite silly, but I do like that it successfully makes Wei Shao anxious to find her, when it becomes clear that they really have lost Xiao Qiao.

The way he grabs Xiao Qiao from the ground while he’s on horseback, and places her securely in front of him in the saddle, is quite a move, I must say. 🔥

I liked that very much, even though it turns out that Xiao Qiao hadn’t been kidnapped after all, and had just stopped to help a group of refugees.

It’s nice that they end up helping the refugees, and it’s also very nice to see Wei Shao look at Xiao Qiao with that soft, appreciative gaze, when he sees her caring for the people.

I also quite enjoyed the after-effects of Xiao Qiao’s sudden disappearance, with Wei Shao literally not allowing her to leave his side even for a second. Now that was quite cute. 🤭😁

I’m glad that Wei Shao lets Xiao Qiao know that he’d been worried about her, and I really liked seeing Xiao Qiao’s little swallowed smile, coz I feel like on the inside, she must be all, “Yesss. He caressss. 🥹🥹🥹”

And then, in episode 20, we actually have Wei Shao asking Xiao Qiao to stargaze with him, and teach him how to read the stars.

Aw. That does help to make up for how he’d sent her away that last time they’d tried to stargaze together. 🥲

And what a momentous thing it is, that while they’re stargazing, he tells her that when she’d disappeared, he’d been afraid that he would lose her, just like he’d lost his brother, father and grandfather.

Ooh! Isn’t he basically saying that she’s as important to him, and his brother, father and grandfather had been..? 🥹

Although the conversation they then proceed to have, is a little more decorous and a little less personal, and is more about loyalty than about love, I appreciate that this is a positive step in their relationship, because Wei Shao’s telling her that he’s never admired a woman as much as he admires Xiao Qiao, and she’s pledging to be by his side and be loyal to him and aid him, in bringing peace to the people of the land.

It’s quite stirring, and I do like that Wei Shao reaches out to hold her hands, as she makes her pledge; it lends an important, more personal layer, to the exchange, which I appreciate. 🥲

After they get back to Yujun, I like that Wei Shao instinctively knows that Xiao Qiao had included that sour fruit on purpose, to help him and Lady Zhu break the ice, and I like that he seems to feel so warm and pleased, at the thought of her wifely action.

And I really, really like that shot that we get, of Wei Shao’s eyes sheening with tears, as he watches Xiao Qiao walk away; you can see that he’s very affected by her genuine care in this moment, and that’s just very lovely.

Of course, that’s the exact moment in our story when Wei Shao’s trauma resurfaces to remind him of his family’s grudge against the Qiao family, and y’know, fair point, it must be very difficult to reconcile the fact that you’re falling in love with the daughter of the family who had caused the deaths of your brother, father and grandfather. 🙈😅

That’s why Wei Shao suddenly tries to find ways to seem busy, and then moves to withdraw from the main chamber, on the pretext of needing to work.

However, it’s good to see that Xiao Qiao is not flustered by this, and understands that Wei Shao simply needs time to think things through.

E21-24. Xiao Qiao makes an adorable drunk, and I definitely chuckled at the scene where she’s just zooming around and Wei Shao’s chasing her down and telling her not to run. 🤭

I did love that moment when she tearfully (but still drunkenly) explains to him, that what he’s written had been a wish, but what she’d written, had been her regrets; that he’s right there in front of her, but the only thing she can do for her family, is to send them wishes from afar.

Aw. I found that very poignant indeed, and I do love that Wei Shao kisses her gently on the forehead, afterwards – which leads to Xiao Qiao leaning in and kissing him properly. It’s just too bad that Wei Shao wakes up and thinks of it all as a dream.

E25-28. It’s no surprise that my favorite scene, these episodes, is the one where Wei Shao asks Xiao Qiao if she would like to be husband and wife for real, to which she basically says that they’ve already been husband and wife for real, for quite some time now, ha.

This totally explains why Xiao Qiao’s been so steady and patient so much of the time, while Wei Shao’s been so restless and uncertain, always looking for clues to affirm that she cares about him.

That is, except for that season where Xiao Qiao was all hyper-aware of Wei Shao and trying to get close to him, which Show seems to be conveniently glossing over, because I feel, for the record, that it didn’t get properly resolved.

Still, I’m happy to close one eye, as we enter Show’s finale stretch, and I’m pleased that our OTP has now come to an overt agreement, that they are husband and wife, for real. 🥲

E25-28. I thought it was a nice touch that Xiao Qiao would be able to comfort Wei Shao and show him that he doesn’t need to feel sorry for his brother, for having cherished E Huang, who’s turned out to be such a snake; that E Huang’s been shaped by her circumstances and is different than the E Huang whom his brother had loved.

How empathetic and thoughtful of Xiao Qiao, yes? 🥲

E25. I liked when Wei Shao sees that Xiao Qiao is sad to say goodbye to Qiao Ci, and takes her on his horse, “to see whose horse is faster.” Aw. That’s sweet, yes?

I just wish that we could have seen how that scene resolved, instead of Show taking it off-screen.

E26. I thought it was nice, When Xiao Qiao admits that she’d been shortsighted in treating Gao Heng well, and Wei Shao can’t help but look rather pleased and gratified, that she cares for him so. 🥲

[SPOILER ALERT]

Wei Liang and Xiao Tao

From pretty early on in our story, Show starts low-key pushing a potential loveline between Xiao Tao and Wei Liang (Li Xue Qin and Wang Cheng Si), and I have to say, this potential couple amused me a great deal.

They don’t get a whole lot of screen time, but in the screen time that they do get, we definitely see a bond forming between them, and a burgeoning of feelings, which I found very endearing.

Honestly, I’d say that giving this couple more screen time, would have elevated my enjoyment of this show, by quite a bit. 🥰

[SPOILER ALERT]

E5-8. That beat, when he holds up his cloak in an effort to shield her from the rain, really reminds me of that iconic scene from kdrama Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart (review here! Also, I don’t know if the scene also exists in the c-drama source material), and I am tickled by this – particularly since she dismisses him as being fake kind, and walks off. 🤭

I’m with Xiao Tao on this; where had all this chivalry been, when she’d been repeatedly knocked to the ground by those other soldiers, while begging them not to drive Xiao Qiao away?

I’m very amused, though, that Wei Liang starts to buy into the idea that she likes him, because of all the interest she shows in his daily habits with Wei Shao, not suspecting at all, that the intel she’s after, is more about Wei Shao, than for him. 😁

I’m actually rooting for this loveline; I find it quite cute.

E9-12. It’s hilarious to me, how resident teddy bear, Wei Liang, tries to follow Wei Shao’s instructions of not associating with the Qiao women – specifically Xiao Tao, in his case – and ends up giving Xiao Tao all the information about what Wei Shao plans to do, anyway.

Oh, Wei Liang; he’s absolute putty in Xiao Tao’s hands, and I find it very cute. 😁

E13-16. It’s adorable, how Wei Liang is so effusive in asking Xiao Tao, through the other window, whether there’s anything that she needs.

And then I do very much love the way Xiao Qiao gently ribs her about it. Aw! 😁

E17-20. Wei Liang finally confesses his feelings for Xiao Tao, is one of my favorite arcs in these episodes, because Wei Liang being all smitten and shy, while wanting to give Xiao Tao his most prized possession, and Xiao Tao being all smitten and shy, once she realizes what is happening, is very cute. 😁

Our Teddy Bear ship has sailed, my friends! 🤩

E21-24. Isn’t it so endearing, how Wei Liang backs up Xiao Tao and helps to fund her bet on Qiao Ci?

The way he tells her that if they win, the winnings are hers, and if they lose, the losses are his, is just ADORABLE. 🥰🥰

E25. I love when Xiao Tao and Wei Liang whoop with so much gleeful jubilation, when Qiao Ci triumphs over Su Zi Xin in the tournament. YESS. *fist pump*

And, SO CUTE!

[END SPOILER]

Liu Duan Duan as Wei Yan

I have to say, I’m pleasantly surprised by how interesting I found Wei Yan, as a character.

At first, I’d imagined that he would be just another obstacle for our OTP to overcome, but no; Show gives him a personal arc that I genuinely found poignant and interesting.

Kudos to Liu Duan Duan, whom I thought delivered Wei Yan with flair and commitment, making Wei Yan his own.

[SPOILER ALERT]

E9-12. Whatever his real agenda is, Wei Yan’s clearly a very crafty person; he’s all pleasantly flirty and cheeky on the surface, but he’s definitely got a darker, deeper agenda.

Based on what we see these episodes, it looks like Wei Yan’s bent on driving a wedge between Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao, and I assume it’s because he’s shrewd enough to know that if Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao were to be on the same side, they would be seriously formidable.

He’s obviously trying to sow distrust between Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao, by any means possible.

The way he tries to put that hairpin on Xiao Qiao, despite easily guessing her identity based on the fact that she’d brought that specific piece of rough jade to the jeweler; the way he makes such a big show out of hiding the bangle, and then “coming to her rescue” by “finding” the bangle; the way he steals that jade pendant off Wei Shao’s belt, and gets that woman from the tavern to deliver it to Xiao Qiao.

It all smacks of him trying to make Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao suspect each other of infidelity, but thankfully, he doesn’t seem to be getting anywhere with his scheme, so far.

E13-16. I like where we leave Wei Yan, these episodes, and I’m very pleasantly surprised by how his arc turns out.

With his determination to drive a wedge between Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao, and with the confirmation that he was indeed in cahoots with Bianzhou, because his father is Chen Pang, I’d been quite concerned (and convinced, honestly) that things would get really ugly, with him doing serious damage to the Wei family, while turning his back on them.

But that doesn’t happen, and it’s all thanks to Xiao Qiao – kudos to Xiao Qiao, for her emotionally sharp, empathetic and shrewd intervention, which, in my view, might have literally changed the course of Wei Yan’s life. We’ll see how that holds.

E13-16. I loved the scene where Wei Yan goes to seek out Lady Xu; there’s so much raw emotion and honesty there, finally, as she tells him the truth around his birth, and offers him the two options; that he can stay by her side even though she’d never give him power, or he can cut ties with her by giving her 3 bows, and leave for Bianzhou.

You can totally tell that she’s hoping with bated breath, that Wei Yan would choose to stay by her side, and I held my breath with her, when he turned around and starting giving her the 3 bows, to show his gratitude for bringing him up.

This totally made it look like he was about to cut ties with her and leave for Bianzhou, so what a relief for Lady Xu, when it turns out that he’s choosing to stay by her side.

Awww! That tearful hug between them was just so poignant and wonderful to behold. 🥹

E25-28. Honestly, I rather like Wei Yan, so I feel really bad for him, that his feelings for Xiao Qiao get outed by E Huang sending that maid to leak the news to Wei Shao, because I feel pretty certain that he’d never intended to act on his feelings for her.

I’d felt relieved when Wei Shao agreed to let bygones be bygones, and treat it as if it’d never happened, but then E Huang goes and maliciously spreads those rumors, pretty much forcing Wei Yan to make the drastic decision to leave Wei and go to Bianzhou, where his father is.

Oof. I definitely felt sad and aggrieved, as Wei Yan says his goodbye to Lady Xu; after all, this time of harmony and peace, where he’d chosen to stay by her side, had felt so hard-won.

Now it feels like it’s being stolen from them, and I really feel sad for them. Poor Wei Yan, and poor Lady Xu. 💔

The goodbye scene between Wei Yan and Wei Shao is also heartbreaking.

It’s honestly selfless and noble of him to sacrifice himself like this, in order to protect Wei Shao’s and Xiao Qiao’s reputations.

Wei Yan says that he wants to go back to his other family in Bianzhou, and perhaps wield power one day, but from the controlled, stricken look in his eyes, it’s easy to see that he’s just saying this to make Wei Shao feel better.

And then, I was shocked when Wei Yan cut off his finger, to swear on, that he would never raise a hand against Wei, alongside Bianzhou, as long as Lady Xu is alive. Ack. I definitely averted my eyes. 🫣😅

[END SPOILER]

SPOTLIGHT ON THE PENULTIMATE EPISODES [SPOILERS]

E29-32. I found these to be a solid set of penultimate episodes, my friends, which is a pleasant surprise, given that I’ve been feeling a touch underwhelmed by Show, in some of these later episodes.

It feels like things are finally starting to come together, and it makes me feel like perhaps our days of feeling like we’re cycling in place, might finally be over. 😅

Honestly, the key thing that brings me the most narrative satisfaction, is the fact that key details from the past are brought back to the forefront, to not only become relevant to our story again, but specifically, in a way that causes an OTP reckoning, so to speak.

This makes me feel like the writers had a vision in terms of why they were bringing in these details to begin with, and I always like that sense of purpose, in my dramas.

And so, when Liu Yan’s attack on Panyi and Yanzhou interrupts a sweet OTP trajectory, of Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao finally consummating their marriage, after Xiao Qiao’s year of mourning comes to an end, the deviation actually ends up feeling worthwhile, to my eyes.

Mainly, it’s the fact that Liu Yan’s troops have made use of the secret tunnel that Xiao Qiao had once instructed Bi Zhi to dig, and thus, are able to make such great progress, in becoming a threat to Yanzhou, thus making the Wei troops greatly disadvantaged in the battle ahead.

It makes sense that Wei Shao would feel betrayed, that their difficult situation is made so much worse, and because of an order that had been given by none other than his own wife.

I think anyone would have been as upset, in his shoes.

At the same time, I do feel bad for Xiao Qiao, because this is something that had, indeed, been her doing, and of course she would feel an incredible sense of guilt, that this action of hers, is now putting everyone at risk, including Wei, and her home ground of Yanzhou.

It’s always hard to put aside a deep disagreement as a couple, to deal with more pressing matters, and I can only imagine how much this weighs on both Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao, as he rides off to battle.

The way he doesn’t say goodbye to her, and the way she earnestly beats on that drum, as he rides off, sums up their situation very clearly; he feels betrayed, and she desperately wants to make it up to him.

Which is why she journeys to Boya, to ask Qiao Fan and Bi Zhi for reinforcements, since Bi Zhi is now Commander of the Boya Forces.

During her conversation with Qiao Fan, I honestly could hardly believe that Qiao Fan would deny Xiao Qiao’s request so firmly.

I think the reason I felt this way, is because the whole “country before self” ideology is so strong in Chinese culture, and also, so apparent in both Xiao Qiao and Wei Shao.

I felt bad for Xiao Qiao, that her beloved cousin would refuse her so absolutely, never mind what the consequences might be, for Wei, Yanzhou, or even, Wei Shao himself.

And so, when Xiao Qiao leaves and collapses, weeping, I’d imagined that Xiao Qiao was crying at the desperation of the situation.

However, that’s not actually it, at all.

The reason she weeps in such a heartbroken manner, is because she feels so confronted by the fact that Qiao Fan is all about protecting her own husband’s life, while Xiao Qiao herself, had sent Wei Shao to risk his life in battle, and had even argued with him, over whether he would also protect her homeland of Yanzhou.

I actually really appreciate this beat, because this feels like an important sense of perspective for Xiao Qiao.

Thereafter, it was quite satisfying to watch Xiao Qiao use her smarts to conceptualize and execute a plan to prevent Liu Yan’s reinforcement troops from joining the battle.

It wasn’t until I was watching this part of these episodes, that I realized that:

1, this shrewd sharpness of Xiao Qiao’s, had been one of the things I’d really loved about her character, from the beginning, and

2, we really haven’t seen this side of her, for a good chunk of our story.

And of course, I got a nice big stab of satisfaction, when Liu Yan is forced to withdraw his troops and retreat, very much against his will.

The most affecting thing about Xiao Qiao’s intervention, really, is that she doesn’t actually know how successful they will be, and as far as she knows, there’s a chance that she and Wei Shao could both die, depending on how things progress.

And yet, she’s willing to die alongside Wei Shao, if it comes down to it.

This is Wei Shao’s big realization, that he slowly comes to, in stages, after the battle with Liu Yan is over; that Xiao Qiao hadn’t written any letters to him, not because she hadn’t cared to, but because she’d been too busy finding a way to be his rearguard, in battle. 🥲

And that’s when he makes that decision, to find his way to her, while she’s on her way to Kangjun, instead of riding home to Yujun.

While Wei Shao’s initial gruff reaction to finally seeing Xiao Qiao again is played for a bit of laughs, I can understand the concept of it; that Wei Shao’s too awkward to know what to say, and ends up berating Xiao Qiao out of worry for her, instead of saying something loving, although that’s where his heart truly lies.

And of course, Xiao Qiao would sulk a little, out of peevishness, and I honestly don’t really mind, because at least she and Wei Shao are finally safe, yes?

I’m glad that they finally have that conversation in her bedchamber, and it feels like an important milestone in their relationship, because they are both finally able to speak honestly about their thoughts and feelings towards each other, in the context of the complicated history between their families.

It feels important that Xiao Qiao’s able to tell Wei Shao, that he’s as important to her as her family, and that he’s able to tell her, in return, that he finally realizes how much pressure she’s been under, all this time, and that his life would be meaningless, if he were to lose her.

Wei Shao expressing that he’d like to go to Kangjun with Xiao Qiao, is a Huge Deal, considering how much hatred he’d had towards her family in Kangjun, where we’d started out story.

The fact that he’s willing to go to Kangjun with Xiao Qiao, not to kill her family, but to visit them, as her husband, is a deeply significant turnaround, and I do appreciate that very much.

It’s true that you learn so much about someone from seeing their home, and it’s a learning journey for Wei Shao too, as he gets to see how and where Xiao Qiao had grown up.

And, I’m also very appreciative that this leads to another meaningful OTP interaction, where Wei Shao expresses that he’s never seen her so relaxed before, and realizes that she’s done so much for him and his family, in Yujun, despite her sheltered upbringing.

I do think that it’s realistic, that things between Xiao Qiao and Qiao Fan are no longer the same, after what happened between them in Boya.

Even though Qiao Fan is so sad about the distance that’s between them, I have to say, she’d made the choice to turn Xiao Qiao down, and had said that she would make that choice, even if Xiao Qiao ended up hating her.

The way I see it, this is something that she’d chosen, so she should accept the consequences of her choice.

Xiao Qiao still professes to love and care for Qiao Fan, despite Qiao Fan refusing to help Xiao Qiao in a desperate time of need, and I think that that’s more than Qiao Fan could have hoped for.

I’m glad that Xiao Qiao feels able to confide in Wei Shao, especially about her guilt for sending him out to battle, instead of protecting him, the way Qiao Fan had protected Bi Zhi.

It feels liberating to hear Wei Shao say that she’s done nothing wrong, and that he understands that she loves him, and that he’s willing to be her sword and spear, to protect her, and make her every wish come true.

How lovely, that Xiao Qiao’s response, is that her only wish, is that he would always be safe and sound.

With this, it feels like a key puzzle pieces has shifted into its rightful place, within their relationship, and so, the eventual OTP consummation scene that we get, feels even more apt, than the earlier interrupted one had felt.

This time, it really feels like there are no more barriers between them, and I couldn’t help but clock how we can see a much more obvious hunger about Wei Shao, as he tells Xiao Qiao, that he would like he wishes for her to bear him a child – and he wants it, right away.

Rawr. 🔥

As far as period drama bedroom talk goes, that is as sizzling as it gets, yes? 😁

One of my favorite things about these episodes, is the mutual respect and appreciation that we see, between Xiao Qiao’s father and Wei Shao.

From their first meeting, to that conversation where Wei Shao bows to him as a son-in-law to his father-in-law, to that final goodbye scene, where Dad bows in the direction of Yujun, to apologize on behalf of his entire clan, it’s all very sincere and affecting.

In fact, Dad’s heartfelt bows at the end, gave me literal chills; that felt so needful, for an expression of regret to come from the Qiao clan, in response to the grace that Lady Xu and Wei Shao have shown. 🥲

And then, what a meaningful full-circle moment we get, when they return to Yujun, and Wei Shao makes sure that Xiao Qiao is right beside him, during that memorial rite, which had been the very reason that she’d been left outside the city, a year ago. 🥲

It feels like, finally, everything’s where it should be, in our drama world – except that:

1, Liu Yan’s still simmering with ambition and discontent at having lost the battle with Wei, and

2, Xiao Qiao’s uncle is resentful of how he’s being sidelined, not only by Wei Shao, but his own daughter, Qiao Fan.

With this in mind, I’m pretty sure our finale’s going to be at least a little stormy, but at least we have the comfort of knowing that our OTP’s finally firmly on the same page, both in the big and little things, and therefore, won’t be easily moved. 🥲

THOUGHTS ON THE ENDING [SPOILERS]

E33-36. The long and short of it, my friends, is that I did find these episodes rather arduous to get through, but, somewhere along the way, it all came together in my head, and I understood the writers’ vision for these episodes.

And that is, that this wasn’t just manufactured conflict, created for the sake of some last minute drama before the promised finish line; this was to bring certain important things full circle, for our characters.

Once that came together in my head, this finale stretch landed as being a lot more meaningful, and that’s a good thing.

It did take me a while to get there, though, so there’s that too, but it did feel worthwhile in the end, which is the most important thing.

Honestly, Show had given us hints in our penultimate episodes, that there would be upheaval and troubles in our final stretch, given the fact that:

1, Liu Yan’s blind with ambition,

2, E Huang’s brimming with ambition and vengeance, and

3, Qiao Yue, aka Useless Uncle, is overflowing with resentment at how everyone’s not giving him the respect he deserves.

It’s true that a part of me would have been content with the resolutions and happiness that we get, in our penultimate episodes, but then these issues would have been left hanging, unresolved, and that wouldn’t give us as complete a story.

I will say, I am Bummed with a Capital B, that we lose Wei Liang.

Honestly, I don’t think this was necessary, though I get the idea, that there are losses on both sides, and that this is not an easy battle.

Plus, it’s admittedly very odd, that Wei Liang would ride to Kangjun all on his own, to invite Qiao Ping and Qiao Ci, because, wouldn’t it have been necessary, to provide at least some men, to properly escort them back to Yujun?

Show just wanted Wei Liang to be on a solo mission, so that he’d be heavily outnumbered, and I did find that logic stretch a little manipulative.

Same thing, with that later beat, when Wei Qu goes to Kangjun, to bring Wei Liang home.

We see Wei Shao giving Wei Qu the order to bring a calvary unit with him to Kangjun, but when he gets to Kangjun, there is no sign of said calvary unit, and it turns into a solo mission, during which Wei Qu loses an arm.

I thought this was rather manipulative too, not gonna lie.

Going back to Wei Liang, I will say that Show does provide a strong hint, at the end of episode 33, that we were going to lose him, with that strong halo treatment, as he waves goodbye and rides off to Kangjun.

As a silver lining, at least Wei Liang dies a heroic death, because if not for his sacrifice, Qiao Ci wouldn’t have been able to escape to Yujun and alert Wei Shao of what was happening.

Of all the horrible things that Useless Uncle does, I feel like there are two things that tie for worst:

1, Drugging Qiao Ping’s drink, without first verifying that the drug wouldn’t harm his brother, and thus, literally causing Qiao Ping to go blind. That negligence just says so much about how little he cares about his brother.

2, Using his own daughter as a hostage, to force Bi Zhi to become Liu Yan’s tool.

That in itself is utterly deplorable, but what makes it even worse, in my opinion, is the fact that he’s even gleeful about it. I literally have no words; it’s just so disgusting.

I feel bad for both Qiao Fan and Bi Zhi, because they’d come to Kangjun in good faith, believing that Qiao Yue had softened towards them, at the thought that they’d given him a grandchild.

What a terrible shock, to have that happiness come crashing down, as they realize that not only had Qiao Yue not relented, but he was using them to feed his ambition. Just, UGH. 😤

I’m quite pleased, honestly, that Qiao Yue ends up dying by Liu Yan’s sword; that seems like just desserts, for colluding with the shady likes of Liu Yan.

On the OTP front, our OTP stands united, like I’d said at the end of our penultimate episodes, and it’s touching to see Xiao Qiao stand by her promise to Wei Shao, by opting to stay in Yujun, even though Yujun is under attack and is therefore potentially unsafe for her and her newborn baby.

At the same time – and I do think that this was THE biggest point of this finale – Wei Shao finds himself in the same position that Xiao Qiao’s grandfather and found himself, all those years ago.

He has to make a decision between Panyi and Yujun; effectively, he has to choose between saving a smaller group of people, and saving a larger one, just like Grandpa had had to choose between.

With this, he finally, finally understands what Grandpa Qiao had gone through, and what kind of decision he’d had to make, and why he’d broken the promise that the Qiao family had had, with the Wei family.

And, of course Wei Shao makes the same decision that Grandpa Qiao had made; he chooses to protect the greater good, even if it means choosing not to ride home to protect his own family.

How apt, though, that Xiao Qiao is able to understand this decision so clearly, that she’s the one who explains it to Lady Xu and Lady Zhu, so that they are clear on the fact that it is not Wei Shao’s intention, to abandon them.

I thought it was pretty great that Show brings back Wei Yan at this juncture, when the Wei family needs a commander for their troops, to fight this fight against Xue Tai.

I’d always felt sorry to see Wei Yan leave the Wei family, and I’m honestly so glad to see him reunited with Lady Xu, even though there isn’t much time for them to enjoy that reunion, since he has to ride out to battle immediately.

It feels very meaningful, actually, that we get to see Lady Xu assign troops to Wei Yan, because this is the one thing that she’d once said that she would never do. 🥲

Over on Wei Shao’s side of the battle, everything feels very fitting, to my eyes.

It’s sad that Qiao Fan dies like that, but this is the choice that sets Bi Zhi free from being used as Liu Yan’s tool, and is consistent with her desire to protect him, which had also informed her earlier decision, to deny Xiao Qiao’s request for aid from Boya.

It is unrealistic that Liu Yan’s crony would allow Qiao Fan so much time to shout her farewell message to Bi Zhi before she knocks him in the head and flings herself over the ledge, but I do appreciate the idea that she thinks to tell Bi Zhi that she does not regret her choice.

As for E Huang, it’s absolutely fitting, that in her haste to keep her disfigurement a secret, she ends up killing the very person whom Liu Yan had sent, to take her to safety, thus giving herself no way out, which is how she ends up taking her own life.

And then, the way Liu Yan dies, is an exact echo of the way he’d killed Wei Liang, with a helping hand on Bi Zhi’s spear, this time by Wei Shao.

I’m pleased that Wei Yan prevails in battle, and I’m even more pleased that he eventually becomes the Governor of Bianzhou, because this means that the strained relations between Wei and Bianzhou now officially evolves into a friendly alliance based on genuine trust.

That scene where we see Wei Yan and Lady Xu bowing to each other, each representing their states, is very meaningful indeed, and I just love the idea that Lady Xu and Wei Yan will get to see each other as often as they’d like, going forward. 🥹

It’s good to see that Bi Zhi rides off with Baby Li, with the blessings of his in-laws, promising Qiao Fan, that he would live well, in her honor.

What gets me more, though, is the scene where the Wei generals visit Wei Liang’s grave, together with Xiao Tao.

It feels meaningful that Xiao Tao would bring that orchid, that she’s now brought back to health, to tell Wei Liang that she still wants to marry him.

And it also feels meaningful, that they would bury all their miniature gold weapons, which represent each of them, right there with Wei Liang; this symbolizes that the four of them are together, and I really do like that. 🥹

It’s also rather comforting, that we get to see that vision of Wei Liang, waving and smiling, even as they walk away; it makes me feel like Wei Liang is at peace. 🥲

As we close out our story, it’s good to hear, in voiceover by Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao, that with the connected waterways, there’s now peace and prosperity in the land, which had always been their shared dream.

Although we don’t get to see it, it’s still nice to know that, after all this work, Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao finally have some time to themselves, to see the world together.

And, it is heartening to hear, too, that they each continue to be willing “prisoners” of the other, which is a nice way to bring the title of our story full circle.

Overall, I’d say that this journey was worthwhile, despite being uneven in the middle stretch, plus I really do like the note on which we end, which feels solid and meaningful, even if it’s a little contrived in spots.

That’s not bad on balance, I’d say.

THE FINAL VERDICT:

Doesn’t live up to its full potential, but still works out to be a solid ride.

FINAL GRADE: B+

TRAILER:

MV:

PATREON UPDATE!

The next drama I’m covering on Patreon, in place of  The Prisoner of Beauty, is A Calm Sea and Beautiful Days with You [Japan].

You can check out my episode 1-2 notes on A Calm Sea and Beautiful Days with You on Patreon here.

Here’s an overview of what I’m covering on Patreon right now (Tier benefits are cumulative)!

Foundation Tier (US$1): Entertainment Drop (Sundays) + the first set notes of all shows covered on Patreon (that’s 2 episodes for kdramas and 4 episodes for cdramas)

Early Access (US$5): +new drama to be determined!

Early Access Plus (US$10): +Law and the City [Korea]

VIP (US$15): +A Calm Sea and Beautiful Days with You [Japan]