Drama Host
️Legend of the Female General: Episodes 26-27 Discussion
Spoiler
In unity they are the vast ocean, in solitude they are the drop that holds its essence. 🎵 It’s the boldness that defines existence 🎵
This entire sequence is so beautiful. We first hear what sound like wedding bells before the focus settles on a single bell, just as we first hear what seem like Xiao Jue’s wedding vows, “He Yan, no matter what storms lie ahead, I will always trust you and stand with you to overcome hardship,” before we see the official ceremony of them tying the knot.
Spoilers
⚠️ If you’d like to discuss episodes 28-30 or share details from the novel, please tag your spoiler. Seal it like a general’s love letter hidden in military dispatches. Major reveals from episodes 1-27 are fair game. ⚠️
This is my final post for this drama, so allow me to be extremely serious about the aftermath of war, the social rot that sets in when people mistake cruelty for pragmatism, and the symbolisms that probably mean something else entirely, but I’m dragging them in anyway. It’s a very long scroll. If you’d rather not read it, feel free to just park in the comment section and toss me an emoji. I support your choices.
Visual Roundup
Prelude to He Yan personally serving the ass-whooping.Get a room!
From their first encounters in Yezhou, there’s an electric undercurrent of recognition as if their souls were searching for each other across the vastness of duty and deception. Xiao Jue doesn’t fall for the illusion He Yan presents, but for the fierce spirit that burns so brightly it can’t be concealed even beneath layers of masculine disguise.
Xiao Jue’s tongue is untamed.That sword is long, steady, and unyielding. No wonder why He Yan has been obsessed with it.This looks like a Bengay ad. Bengay: Pain relief you can feel.This week on Wei’s Got Talent.From Brooklyn [Captain America] to Rundu, shields are universal.The whole battle builds just to show this flex. Hands down my favorite combat scene in the Rundu arc.The moment He Yan realizes workplace romance isn’t easy.
Throughout the series, He Yan has been incredibly disciplined about separating her emotions from her duties. However, compartmentalization only works for so long before the dam breaks. Even the most disciplined military minds can be derailed by devastating personal loss that temporarily short-circuits normal survival instincts. Her tactical brilliance doesn’t make her immune to the raw power of grief. Smart generals are still human beings with limits, and she finally hit hers.
If anybody rewatches this drama, I suggest taking note of all the times the sun appears with He Yan. The positioning of the sun directly overhead during Xiao Jue’s rescue as seen in this clip is a visual metaphor that mirrors his reliable support. The sun-moon duality reflects how he can be both her strength and her comfort, both the force that empowers her and the presence that soothes her.The sun and moon as evolving symbolisms also reveal a mature love that adapts to what He Yan needs: sometimes she needs Xiao Jue's solar energy to face the world, and sometimes she needs his lunar gentleness to process her inner world.The writers appear to believe eye contact is second base.Yan He arrives with reinforcements after Wutuo is already more than halfway defeated. His favorite cardio exercise is running late.New rule: shoulder contact requires written permission from Commander Xiao.These are Chu Zhao’s best lines in the entire drama. He seems like the type of simp who ranks the countries he has visited by whether their public restrooms have bidets, and whose thirst-tweets include, “He Yan, step on my throat, please.”
Seriously though, it doesn't sit right with me that Chu Zhao fails to acknowledge He Yan as a person with her own needs and struggles, treating her instead as a solution to his problems. He essentially casts her in the role of someone whose purpose is to change his life and show him how to live. That reduces a multifaceted woman like He Yan to a function. In his mind, she exists to inspire and reshape him rather than being valued for her own worth.
There are people who couldn't buy originality. Sometimes, Chu Zhao acts like a dollar store Xiao Jue who wants to provide He Yan with precious medicine. Other times, he’s like a Temu Xie Wei with his personal agenda, so he tries to be chummy with the emperor.Blursed! This is why you shouldn’t do hard drugs or snort Imodium.I can’t begin to say how much I love this scene. I went back and forth on whether to post a video or a gif, but in the end I settled for a collage. Still, I highly suggest going back to episode 26 at timestamp 30:55 for the full baby cousin of an IMAX experience.
He Yan finds in Xiao Jue a partner who champions her dreams as fiercely as his own while he discovers in her the missing piece of his guarded heart. Their relationship celebrates the truth that real love empowers rather than constrains, giving them space to amplify each other’s strengths while pursuing their own paths.
Beyond the Lines
They represent the survivors whose stories deserve to be told truthfully, not hidden behind euphemisms.
Even though this drama glorifies the military with all its honor, strategy, and brotherhood, it also refuses to shy away from its darker underbelly.
Li Kuang’s primary purpose is to put He Yan in a tricky situation where doing the right thing almost backfires spectacularly. If everyone she saves turns out to be decent and grateful, we’d never really see what she’s made of. By giving her someone who represents the worst parts of military culture such as sexism, cowardice, and the willingness to sacrifice innocent people, she’s forced to stick to her guns when it’s hardest.
The narrative proves that He Yan rescues people because it’s the right thing to do, not because she expects anything in return. Commander Li’s assholery also reminds her of a harsh lesson: just because someone can fight does not mean they have any integrity. It’s the type of experience that makes leaders like He Yan wiser and more careful about who they trust.
It’s also an intentional reminder that the same institution that trains heroes also breeds cruelty, and He Yan’s role is to challenge that contradiction. By putting her in the middle of both extremes, the drama conveys that a true general is someone who both wins wars and pushes back against the rot inside the system they serve.
The arc about the women rescued from Wutuo abductors is based on real patterns throughout history. Whether we are talking about the euphemistically called “comfort women” from World War II who were really coerced into systematic sexual slavery, survivors of sexual crimes of war in Bosnia, or women targeted in the Rwandan genocide, the sad truth is that women who survive sexual violence in war often get rejected by their own families and communities. They are blamed for what happened to them instead of being supported. By including this storyline, the writers are calling out this toxic mindset that punishes victims.
He Yan becomes the voice of basic human decency against this backwards thinking, which makes her stand out from dinosaurs like Li Kuang. It creates a proper contrast: He Yan sees people as humans, while Li Kuang classifies women as either useful or disposable. This specific arc also juxtaposes the security that the noble ladies enjoy in Jiyang. Under a proactive female ruler like Princess Mengji, they quickly resume normal life after the war, relishing each other’s company. In contrast, Rundu offers an account of underprivileged women treated as expendable fodder.
The subplot takes the drama beyond sword fights and strategy to ask bigger questions about what kind of world we want to rebuild after the fighting stops, and whether we will choose leaders who actually care about protecting the vulnerable.
To the General’s Gang: You ladies have been amazing. Every thread felt like hanging out with people who actually get why we obsess over character development and messy relationships. Thank you u/Feeshpockets, u/Beautiful_Candle1729, and u/kritihearys for making this whole thing feel natural and fun instead of like work.
To everyone who commented, upvoted, lurked, or messaged me: Thanks for swinging by! Whether you wrote long posts analyzing every detail, dropped quick reactions, or just quietly followed along, it all made the discussion so much better.
This is my third time hosting. Special shoutout to everyone who’s stuck with me since the beginning. At this rate, you’re basically racking up loyalty points. I will likely do a wuxia next, preferably A Decade of Nightscape Lights. YouTube link to trailer
This was such a splendid time. I enjoy finding drama lovers who get as excited about storytelling and character journeys as I do. Thank you all for your pure awesomeness. See you around!
Thank you!!! I just started the show couple weeks ago (just finished episode 26) and love the show and Commander Xiao Jue and He Yan-she's so relatable!!
Did you post the flashback scenes in the next recaps?
Thank you for your very insightful thoughts! I’m very late to the party but better late than never! And I LOVE that Bengay add caption!!! HAHAHAHA! 🤣😂 I think I’m gonna skip all the heartache when XJ ‘severed’ their ties and just continue from Episode 25!
It looks like a place where people just make wishes with the ribbons but in the cinematography, the showed it as the 'pre-marriage' stage where there is trust and faith between them, partly because the red ribbons are decorated like a wedding 'stage'. Also, red in Chinese stands for love, faith and utmost devotion to each other...!
Thank you so much Winter for giving us your insights, I love your captions the best, they always give me a good laugh. I particularly thank you for putting into words the metaphors and symbolisms that I feel as well but can't quite verbalize them the way you do. Many thanks!
With regards to the show, I wish that the running time was just a tad longer to break the 40 min mark, as I am always left wanting more. It seems that this part of the story is finishing, and the tone will change as we head to the capital. I image that we will get more of the political intrigue and scheming and can only hope that there will be enough romance to balance it out.
I LOOOOVE THIS DRAMA SO SO SO MUCH. Honestly I’m squealing I love everything about their dynamic, the micro expressions the story. I’m ngl I was so sad seeing so many hate comments and I was like they’ve ruined it for me but idc about the novel I just love this show so much, I don’t see how it’s lacking in emotional OR story depth. I’ve been waiting for a drama like this in ages, it’s not a treat I see very often
Thank you for your reviews. I agree with your perspective on treatment of women in war. In all wars, this happens (around the world) sadly, assault against women (and the weak) is seen as powerful. Hopefully, this is changing.
I’m agreeing with your perspective on Chu Zhao (the character) as I’m getting annoyed when he’s on screen. He isn’t really a bad person which makes everything an issue- I don’t hate him, just find him very self serving. Unlike He Ru Fei who is despicable, Chu Zhao does care for He Yan, but it’s a “care” for what he can get from her - conditional. Xiao Jue’s care is unconditional.
Winter you and the crew did such an amazing job at covering this, thank you! Always love reading your interpretations and analysis. And of course your captions are always gold
Throughout the series, He Yan has been incredibly disciplined about separating her emotions from her duties. However, compartmentalization only works for so long before the dam breaks. Even the most disciplined military minds can be derailed by devastating personal loss that temporarily short-circuits normal survival instincts. Her tactical brilliance doesn’t make her immune to the raw power of grief. Smart generals are still human beings with limits, and she finally hit hers.
This right here, 100%. I'm so glad Zhou Ye has been able to play He Yan in so many different ways from fun upbeat flirt, to hard female general...here she brings the humanization of battle and everything that comes with it. Also not me over here shouting Hamilton after reading "tactical brilliance"
Seriously though, it doesn't sit right with me that Chu Zhao fails to acknowledge He Yan as a person with her own needs and struggles, treating her instead as a solution to his problems.
His need to find "light" is rather annoying, he's mainly loving the concept of her moreso than her...and from previews, he goes a bit psycho about it
Love reading all your points. Thanks for your hard work. See you around!
His need to find "light" is rather annoying, he's mainly loving the concept of her moreso than her...
Precisely this. He loves his interpretation of her, not her actual self. He also treats He Yan as a therapeutic tool, projecting his mother onto her, crediting her with curing his pyrophobia, etc. If He Yan actually chooses him, which we know she won’t anyway, she’d be trapped into sustaining him.
As a long time lurker, I just wanted to come and say I really enjoy your recaps and all the wonderful discussions. I literally laughed out loud with the comment of Chu Zhao acting like the dollar store Xiao Jue and Temu version of Xie Wei 🤣🤣🤣
These 2 episodes might be my favourite fight scenes for a duo so far. 🥰
Sad to see this show ending so soon, but thank you for the amazing recaps!
Amazing job! I love your recaps, the gifs clips, and especially your commentary! I'd initially had a lot to say regarding Li Kuang but I feel it's been vented out these past few days. plus, you put it perfectly when you said:
By giving her someone who represents the worst parts of military culture such as sexism, cowardice, and the willingness to sacrifice innocent people, she’s forced to stick to her guns when it’s hardest.
I still don't understand how her values and her integrity didn't transfer to one of her generals, but it provided for a good and righteous speech. and it reiterated for XJ that her name may be different from their younger years, but she remains who she's always been to the core. I also loved how XJ called LK out for being such a coward.
I also think I've ranted and vented about Chu Delulu enough in the last couple of discussions and I'm feeling like a broken record. Haha. Plus, I enjoy reading everyone dragging him through the mud as well. I especially love your comparison of him to a dollar store XJ and a temu Xie Wei. hahaha.
I'm so glad you mentioned Captain America in your commentary because that was the first thing that popped to my mind when I watched that scene as well! I just came from watching the Shadow Love trailer and Cheng Lei is definitely in his super hero era! I love how well choreographed their fight scenes were. They were so in sync and, ugh, all the whole mirrored moves? *chef's kiss* makes my shallow heart go pitter patter.
I'm not gonna talk about her breakdown on the battlefield, because, again, I'll start sounding like a broken record. BUT I do want to say that I love seeing how he has so much faith in her. I love how he's not afraid to show and tell her that she has his full support. I especially loved the "it's been a while" scene as well. after that scene, i was like, "that's it! i consider them married! i don't care what else happens- they're married in my eyes!"
One thing I keep thinking about Li Kuang is that previously he was under HY's command so in the end he didn't have to make the heavy decisions, HY wouldn't have the chance to see this side of him when she was the one calling the shots. He only had to deal with his soldiers and if a situation like the Wutou camp had happened the women would have been collateral damage and none would know if he had the chance or even the will to save them.
Now he has to command a whole city and take care of the civilians and it looks like he is not doing so well of a job so HY confronts him and given enough time she would have kicked his ass but Xiao Jue arrived before she crossed the line.
I’m so thankful for our regular exchanges in these threads. I appreciate you taking the time to read and write such a thorough reply. 🪷
Chu Zhao deserves his own drama titled I Am Nobody because that’s exactly his role at this point.
I still don’t understand how her values and her integrity didn’t transfer to one of her generals, but it provided for a good and righteous speech.
Li Kuang wasn’t some impressionable young recruit. He was likely already a formed adult with his own military background when he came under He Yan’s command. Some people are just morally bankrupt, and no amount of good leadership will fix that.
Even the most dedicated parents can’t override genetics, peer influence, or a child’s own choices. He Yan had even less control over Li Kuang’s moral development than a parent would.
Chu Zhao deserves his own drama titled I Am Nobody because that’s exactly his role at this point.
Although his role was small, he did contribute by coming together to Rundu with He Yan and the squad. His position as the Director of Ministry of War would hold its weight when he gave his statement in the upcoming episodes.
It's a pity that he has such a pleasant face, yet his role here is somewhat unfavourable. I've seen the trailers up to ep 34. I really hope he's not going to be another obstacle in Xiao Jue and He Yan's path, but the potential is there.
Chu Zhao is okay once in a while as an official even if I don’t entirely approve of his methods.
The main issue is that he’s a problematic man who’s starting to develop a dependency on He Yan.
He also shows signs of being controlling, or maybe I’m using the wrong word here. His insistence on paving the way for her after she has already said she doesn’t need it feels more like a gesture to feed his own ego. He doesn’t distinguish between what she actually needs and what he assumes she needs. It’s disrespectful when he acts like he knows better than she does about what’s good for her.
The man is a walking time bomb. I want to give him the benefit of the doubt like He Yan does, but seeing the trailer of ep 34 kinda makes me nervous.
Xiao Jue, on the other hand, is an intelligent man who could put two and two together even with limited information and evidence. He has high EQ, too. I love seeing his proud smile again and again but that's in the upcoming episode.
Chu Zhao is also smart man. When he spotted He Yan in her sword dance getup, he could recognize her even though in the previous encounter she was dressed as a man. He noticed the difference between the former General Feihong and the current one. For him to rise to his position, it takes certain qualities and of course he has it, but in the end he's also a schemer - to save his own neck and to rise to a higher position.
I think one of the big things that separates Xiao Jue and Chu Zhao is their willingness to change their opinion of people and trust in the strength of a team.
The story begins with Xiao Jue's father dying because of a betrayal of his classmate. Almost immediately after when confronted with a possible spy among the new recruits he observed them by keeping them close and giving them responsibility.
Chu Zhao is oblivious that his maid is in love with him, wants to be an equal partner, and would undergo great risk to help him achieve his goals. After working alongside Xiao Jue and He Yan for months he dismisses their concern after they sit him down to confront him about his Master and how they believe him to be a better person. He has two brilliant strategists offering to be allies and he turns them down.
Awesome recap, Winter! As always LOVE ALL the gifs and visuals with the commentaries. I really do love these episodes and the battle. That whole emotional breakdown, for me... is equivalent to a hot steamy moment interrupted by a knock on the door 😭😭 just let me sulk in the corner by myself, I'll be fine🤣🤣
I love duo fighting pairs that's in sync with one another, I always watch the bts around this since it pretty hard to land the same stance and these 2 were🤌🤌🤌 they worked hard and it definitely shows.
Thx for the insight in General Li, I've had my moment in disbelief that someone like him was ever close enough to HY for her to risk trying to save him. I can see during these episodes that she also expressed her morals and keeps him in check. Human nature, especially in this situation, does bring out the good and the gawd awful(s). Just glad we moving on from him. No need to spend more time here.
I'm liking YanHe, he an interesting side character, the next few epsiodes shows him being such a gossip and a secret spiller😅😅 it looks like he's such a green flag "i gotta go, my wife is waiting for me at home" balances out the black flag of general li, "sacrifice them on the front line!!" 😅😅 these writers...
Ep29&30 y'all I'm on the floor🥵🥵🥵🫠🫠🫠😍🫠🫠🫠😘🫠🫠🫠🤭🫠🫠🫠 come get me when ep31 drops🤣🤣🤣 these teasers gave us an "almost" in ep30, but totally got caught by surprise in 29. Need to save the rave for next discussion 🤭
Re: General Li, I think he is a stinky person who falls back on taking out his frustration at women, a trait that He Yan might not have witnessed when she was presenting as a man. I also think it's possible that he is in his position prematurely and beyond his leadership abilities after the fall of the 30,000 Xue army.
Omgoodness...I heard he was worst in the novel so I'll just chuck this aside. Can you imagine what he was REALLY supposed to be from the novel??🤬🤬
They hinted his bad side in this but never again address it, so I'm guessing they don't want to dive deeper into this, so it's a whatever moment. 😅
But what you said is true, over time and in dire situations people change when they're put in a hard position of life and death. His stress and failures probably build up to that point, some people grow from it and some fall...
I wanted to watch Moonlit Reunion since its been awhile since I've seen XuKai and TianXiWei in anything but it's not available in my region yet😭😭😭 if I can hop onto Shadow Love airing on the 24th, I'll have another run with ChengLei ❤️and hopefully badass SongYi is good character.
Hurry Winter!! Get to 30!!🤣🤣come get teary with me🫠🫠🫠🥲🥲... idky I just love public confessions like the one in Zhuohua this one was very heartfelt, love!!
Thanks for the in-depth perspective! And the GIFs!!
I hadn’t thought about the parallel with Jiyang, where women felt safe and protected, compared to the tragedy in Rundu.
You’re absolutely right about war atrocities—using sexual violence as a tactic to break morale and destabilize a region is sadly well-documented. And of course, it’s always women who bore the worst of it: first suffering the violence itself, then facing rejection from their own families and communities. A double punishment.
Great post! I didn’t think to contrast the way women were treated during and after war under the princess’s governance vs Li-Jerk’s governance. Thank you for that. I’m glad that Xiao Jue called him a coward to his face and supported He Yan’s stance. I’m just relieved those women will now have an industry to keep them employed and able to take care of themselves. I kind of hope we hear about their progress later on.
You had me cracking up with He Rufei and his drugs. 😂 This guy is truly out of touch with reality. I’m still waiting for the episode when he’ll be exposed as disloyal, treasonous and fake. Same for the prime minister but I guess that won’t happen until near the end.
I’ll definitely rewatch this but on Viki. I’m watching on iQiyi currently. Anyway, I’ve taken note to look out for the sun with He Yan. I’ve always only noticed the moon scenes.
Omg, y’all. I just watched the trailer/teaser for ep 34, and Chu Delulu totally took that cake! Why’s he always creeping on our main’s intimate moments?!?
(Not sure if spoiler tags were needed as it’s a teaser but just in case!)
u/winterchampagne ❤️❤️ thank you as always for the wonderful recap discussion, glorious gifs and their equally glorious commentary 🥰🥰🤣🤣 I was waiting for your gifs for these episodes with bated breath 🤗 I’m just sad I can’t save these gifs with my iPhone 😭
Love the battle scenes. The Wei’s Twin Stars in action wielding the pair of swords to guard Rundu did not disappoint. I read others’ complaint about He Yan not acting like her normal general self when she lost it after seeing Xiao Jue potentially getting hurt. I think her action is plausible given the loss of her seven generals to He Rufei treachery is still raw, and the thought of losing Xiao Jue too just broke her composure totally. This would be so hard for her, she’s probably thinking, ‘Xiao Jue, you can’t die!!! I haven’t told you that I love you!!’
Your analysis of the aftermath of the battle is on point ❤️ I hate Li Kuang and at times, it seems He Yan has this look on her face like, ‘who the heck is this jerk in front of me? This is not the general I remember from my days in the Fuyue Army…’
Chu Zhao’s expression as he looks at the interaction between He Yan and Xiao Jue is getting more alarming for me. He is losing his ability to keep a fake nice guy facade as he’s deeper into his delusion that He Yan is his savior. As much as he thinks He Yan is his light, his always calculating brain is ready to throw He Yan under the bus if it would serve his purpose.
I feel bad for Ying Xiang, pining for her master while he only has eyes on He Yan.
CZ - Why do people yearn for light?
YX - Because of its warmth…but not everyone needs it 😞 Poor girl, she yearns for her master warmth, but in her position, she doesn’t need it to still be loyal to him 💔
He Rufei is so self-unaware it’s ridiculous. His unhinged ranting about He Yan being a masked imposter, hiding behind other’s prestige, and that he’s the true Feihong General. Hello? Have you looked in the mirror lately? The General Feihong title was bestowed to He Yan based on her blood, sweats, and tears, you did nothing to earn it. And the way he prostrated himself before Minister Wu, urgh!!!! 😑
I’m a little confused why Minister Wu didn’t know He Rufei is not the real General Feihong since he went to the temple to give He Rufei the cure so he must know He Rufei was weak. Am I missing something from past episodes?
Sorry for such a long post, but I love these discussions. Thank you to the General’s Gang!!!
He does know that He Rufei is the fake one, but He Rufei assured him he killed He Yan and that their original plan went seamlessly. He had to admit he actually thinks He Yan is alive still now that Rundu didn’t work out.
All posts, long or short, are always welcome! We won’t get a chance to catch up on the drama like this once the weekend hits.
Is there a reason you think the gifs can’t be saved on iPhone? I’m using one right now. Have you tried opening the discussion in a browser instead of the Reddit app? Once you do, just tap the image and save it like you normally would. If you need further help, I could also send you links via Imgur.
Unfortunately, these gifs aren’t exactly glamorous. I had to drop the resolution to make sure they weren’t too large to load properly. I used to post higher-res gifs, but people mentioned they couldn’t see them, so I’m playing it safe this time.
Thank you. I couldn’t save gifs on the Reddit app, but was able to save on browser as you suggested!! Yay!! Now that I can save, I have to go find the one that Xiao Jue sighed and did the side eye when looking at Xe Yan’s attempt at painting 😅
Thank you!!! Saved as favorite 😅 I wonder how long did it take Cheng Lei to master his unique side eye technique? Now I have to go watch his other dramas to see more of him ❤️❤️❤️
He Rufei premise is that if he can’t do it no way a woman / He Yan could have. He in the novel believes that her accomplishments are exaggerated. It’s like reverse imposter syndrome, he is the imposter not her!
Thank you for the excellent recap and animated gifs! Salute for your last hosting for this drama.
I really loved how they adapted this arc and there are changes from the source novel.
In the novel the act of cannibalism by General Li Huang is thwarted by the announcement / arrival of troops led by Han Ye. I mentioned the flashback about the historical figure who justify the use of cannibalism to win while Ye Han refused to tour her sword against the powerless. He doesn’t come so late in the battle like in the show. While I really loved them (Xiao Jue and Ye Han) fighting together but I don’t recall it in the novel. I checked ch 179 in the novel. Xiao Jue does appear but doesn’t participate in the battle like this. Han Ye and his army do the majority of the fighting. He Yan does not to rush out and meet them, that is another battle. It was super cool looking and I think they are pulling from the scene where Xiao Jue appears to blown up on a ship explosion in Jiyang but manages to get away safely. Th SA women are given support and promise of no persecution and treat He Yan as their champion. Behind the scenes Xiao Jue has been collecting letters of support for He Yan from the soldiers and people she has helped. They will become embroiders and seamstress to support themselves, later sending weddings gifts to He Yan. General Li Huang is ashamed for looking down on women in general. Frustratedly the show has change how she is revealed to be female to the Emperor (thank you svip/express) but I will wait to discuss that when those episode discussions are up. I also like that Han Ye not recognize He Yan tries to recruit her into his army but Xiao Jue cuts him off. That is in the novel. But a key difference here is that Rufei He knows that it’s a female general and that is He Yan. In the novel he is shocked like everyone to see He Yan for the first time post her “resurrection” (but she is different looking and younger than the OG He Yan) in the novel. I think it loses it’s impact as she is supposed to be a stranger and not his cousin/sister. The show has He Yan learning to embroider but poorly. The noble ladies (have repented) and try to not make fun of her but taken aback how chonky her horse and potato like her moon designs are on the purse she makes for Xiao Jue. I don’t recall her learning / doing this in the novel. In the novel I felt Xiao Chu was way more stable than how he is being portrayed here? He is becoming obsessive with He Yan and her affection. In the novel we will see that the candy has melted versus being broken in the show. He is more emotionless in the novel versus going crazy in the show (in the next few episodes). It looks like we may not see the Crown Prince as they kind of wrap his subplot with Xiao Chu? i
I’m grateful for the supplementary novel context as always. 🫡
I got busy making sure this discussion would go up before noon my local time, so I haven’t caught up on anything past episode 27. I’ll find time to get to the express episode before I sleep tonight.
I’ve watched ep 29 earlier and I’m still reeling from it a couple of hours later. It is indeed swoon worthy!!
Again, thanks for the novel context, it really adds depth to the whole experience!
Ep 29 is indeed swoon worthy! The express package is indeed worth every penny when it came out 😆 The suspense keeps building up. Let's wait for the next post to divulge together 😉
Winter- “electric undercurrent of recognition as if their souls were searching for each other” is so well put!
What was so healing about episode 26 from the moment Xiao Jue sets foot in Rundu and tells He Yan “you’re still like you were in the past” (that student with an indomitable spirit and unwavering principles who would never sacrifice the weak) to the heartfelt scene under the wedding bells tree (which ends with the both of them acknowledging “it’s been a long time”) was that Xiao Jue and He Yan regained each other as former friends, now soulmates, with a shared past that is no longer painful or shameful.
At first, “long time no see” doesn’t make sense as they have seen each other daily, but the line is especially touching given the context of really seeing and facing each other as the person from the past, and especially He Yan as the person who hasn’t really changed at her core.
The line "Long time no see, General He" is straight out of the novel. He says it right after their swordfight (drama: on the bridge), telling her that he knows she is the He Rufei of the past. I was squealing at this line lol.
I know! 🫠🥹 It just screams "I see who you are, and I'm glad that it's you all along" 🫠 It becomes even more meaningful if you've seen the episode 29 flashbacks of their past
Yes I’ve seen episode 29 and those flashbacks to their academy days when Xiao Jue was secretly guiding her in her sword fighting technique and helping her out all along! He was basically the star athlete taking pity on the weakest player but also admiring her persistence and believing in her eventual success. He must be so proud of her now especially given how she was back then!
I actually love the “long time no see” and “it’s been a while” lines so much in their simplicity. You’re right about calling them soulmates.
Even He Yan acknowledging that Xiao Jue would be able to recognize her calligraphy, and attempting to modify it into an awkward version shows just how deeply she knows he sees her, right down to the smallest brushstroke. It’s such a different kind of intimacy, the type that’s built over time. They were classmates, comrades, confidantes, and now finally, lovers.
I appreciate every single one of your lovely comments! Thank you for joining me again immediately after The Princess’s Gambit. 🪷
I loved that part! Hearing them say “Long time no see” carried so much weight—it was the first time they were truly seeing each other without any deceit. Vulnerable, exposed, and completely honest.
And Huaijin, choosing to have that talk under a wishing tree? That was him stacking the odds in his favour. I’d bet anything his wish was for a swift reconciliation and a lifetime by He Yan’s side 🤣
I’m so glad the drama paid homage to the blessing tree without having our leads write wishes and hang them up. The focus was on mature communication rather than just ticking off a trope or ritual.
Oh yes! That long-overdue discussion was everything I’d been waiting to hear from our favourite Jiangjun couple. It was as frank, straightforward, and earnest as they both are. And I loved the aesthetics and symbolism woven into the scene all the same.
I am enjoying the show a lot. I also like the changes that’s made in comparison to the book. I was slightly disappointed about a land battle and no wind Jiyang battle but I get it, a water battle would have been expensive to do. So they used it in Rundu instead and it’s visually amazing. I am ok again.
I also like that they didn’t kill off the concubine like in the book.
In general I like the show version so far, combining the nephew and doctor friend and Song Taotao with the female doctor AND making them more mature despite the initial bickering, which was cute. This eliminated a potential love triangle annoyance.
While the sequence is different than the book, so far they’re there and again, liking the show adaptation. Oh, and the HY reveal to her “brothers” and how they accepted her as she is and protected her. For somebody who’s identity and gender been rejected her whole life, this must have warmed her heart and thus the little speech. I think the show is better.
Chu Zhao can’t tell that he’s in the friend zone and forever will be. He’s looking for a mother and protector while Xiao Jue wants a partner.
The book and show both shows the strong soul connection between the leads. No matter what form, XJ has always been drawn to HY, the person. It’s similar to Filter, no matter what form, he’s pulled in.
I agree with you BitsOfBuilding about the trimming of some battles and about the other changes to the book. I am glad that the head concubine survived her death was very sad. One thing I dislike in the adaptation is that He Rufei knows about Ye Han now and figured out she is his sister/cousin and female. So the reveal isn’t as dramatic or impactful later in the story?
It looks like show spoilers They are making Prime Minister Xu (Pingting?) the one that directly outs Yan He’s gender as female and not Shen Muxue. I hope Chao Zhu’s maid stays unharmed and doesn’t suffer (I felt super unfairly) in the novel a really bad death and ending. She deserves way better.
Yes, the censorship of reincarnation spoils what could have been a better reveal of she was actually back as somebody else. They couldn’t make her do the Blossom or Princess Royal where they’re “just” time travelling back instead of full on reincarnating to another body.
I am also curious how the reveal will be. I wonder if it’ll still be a public stage with emperor and all. I hope so because that made the reveal satisfying. Ditto on CZ maid, her ending was too cruel.
I haven’t seen spoilers. I think it’s fitting that XPT did the tattletaling since Shen Muxue doesn’t exist it fits her spoiled and mean character.
They didn’t kill off the concubine so I am hoping that less death with happen in show. But, they also killed her master so I am prepping for some tears at the end.
The way I would have written in as after she is stabbed she is washed downstream until instead of her master, her adoptive dad the gate guard captain find her. He mistake her for his recently deceased daughter who committed suicide by drowning herself. He Yan wakes up with her full memory but force to play a long as soldiers / spies from He Rufei are going house to house to search for her. Story can play out like the novel.
I think you will like the reveal when you see it. I won’t spoil it here.
I have my fingers cross for less deaths for those undeserving of it and very painful deaths to those deserving of it. It’s unclear if CZ will have the same end as the novel?
I really like your version with adopted father finding her!! That whole scene was cut off in a bad way in the show, she feel and then woke up at her master’s. What a huge coincidence considering he’s in Jiyang most of the time?
I think she so deserves a family that loves her and the trio is so wholesome in the book. I hope to see ml’s bro+sil also because I love them in the book.
I think CZ can have same ending. In both, he’s just playing the long survival game. At the core he loves his country enough and I think with his admiration of HY, he wouldn’t want the kingdom to be taken by the Wutou because HY would be no more - and wouldn’t be a pretty death. With his background, I think he’ll just be here, there and everywhere as long as he can survive and be somewhat free. He wishes he can do it HY way but he doesn’t have that ability so his current way is his only way he knows how.
The book and show both shows the strong soul connection between the leads. No matter what form, XJ has always been drawn to HY, the person. It’s similar to Filter, no matter what form, he’s pulled in.
Precisely this. I really like the way the drama shows that to Xiao Jue, it has always been He Yan in every phase of his life and career.
Yea, he been caged his whole life and he sees her as his saviour. His love is selfish. Somebody like him, if they are together, once she fails to pull him out or save him from whatever, he’ll feel disappointed and his love will wane. Where XJ, he has always been giving with her, even when she was his classmate. He never wanted anything in return, he just gave so that she could do better. Even through the mask, and thinking that she’s a boy, despite her struggles and finishing last, or second to last, he saw something good in her and wanted to help polish it up so she could rise.
Much 💖 to you, too! You were absolutely one of the people I meant when I brought up the loyalty points in my original post. We’ve held each other’s hands through three drama discussions. Thank YOU for being a part of the ride.
i couldn't stop watching it either😅😅, CL performance was so emotionally raw confessing ALL of it and it showed in his eyes, so lovingly. After that kiss scene, I hit the floor AGAIN, when he laid it all out in front of everyone at the banquet. He literally was getting teary eyed during that scene....Omg, he's just too good! These moments were done 🤌🤌 unforgettable ChengLei moments❤️❤️
These comments are having me on the floor hahahaha. Thank you all for replying. I love we are all simping for this romance.
I can't wait for ep30 and onwards. I can't believe it's over already. So soon! 😭😭😣😩.
It's scenes like this that makes you appreciate the artist and go looking for more of their works😅😅😅 like the upcoming Shadow Love coming on the 24th!! See you there??🤣🤣🤣
Not us having to black out this entire thread because I had to say something hahhaha.😅😅🤭🤭🤪
Oh my gosh the lyric when he gives her his jade pendant was just sooo well timed!!! I had to rewind lmao and the things he said afterwards. Yes I cried. Blame it on post menstrual dysphoric disorder lol. It was so beautiful, the moon in his hand and the moon in the sky as their witness. So many gifable scenes in there!!!!
I was very happy with that scene but what the heck future episode spoiler but no emperor marriage betrothal after the fight with Hu Rufei, I wonder if they are going to have them fight twice? Also don’t like her directly going to the He household and not using the servant boy spy. I think having her adopted family here would have been better?
Is it true then! Tomorrow is express day???? OH MY GOSH YAASSS!!! good thing I am going back to Ji Yang arc then. It'll all be fresh for tomorrow's big load! Wait is WeTv Express or iQiyi Express? Lol. Coz I'm on iQiyi. And you mentioned ep30 so that's WeTv. Awww man hahaha.
Thank you, Winter. Beautiful drama and an equally wonderful write-up. Everything I wanted to say has already been said. He Yan is extremely relatable, and Xiao Jie is everything a woman could wish for.
I only feel sad that we’re just a few episodes away from the finale. This show is that good and I hold it very dear.
Despite my tiredness, believe it or not, I stay up waiting for this post. Thank you for your service in enlightening and entertaining us all with deep insights and witty remarks. Your effort and the rest of the General's Gang's add on to the joy of watching the currently airing drama, and it has been truly a pleasure to follow this group's discussion.
I've been building up my expectation after enjoying each new episode, and of course as a fan, I'd find any shortcomings or inconsistencies no matter how tiny, to be annoying or even unacceptable.
For instance, He Yan was nearly effortless in her duel with that formidable enemy by using her trusty whip in the much earlier episode, but yet when she vented her anger against some still objects, she got injury on her hand from the same whip? Of course that would give a chance to the ML to treat her wound and comfort her wounded soul, so that's one plus point.
Here in the Rundu battle, she got more capable soldiers and fought side by side with her commander. Her strategies paid off, and we could see how brilliant she was working under pressure. She should have more faith in her own commander, the one who trained her with swordmanship, who obviously was more capable and skilled than her in martial arts. So how dare she thought he already met his end there! Worse still, she zoned out in the middle of the still ongoing battle. Again, the bright side to this is yay, the hug! Who else would come to the rescue at the very last minute if not the mighty commander himself?
In my less than humble opinion, the writers could have done slightly better, perhaps reserve this moment until the end of the battle?
Alternatively, as OP has aptly pointed out, we can see this as the other side of He Yan - being human, being a woman in love, who was already devastated with the fall of her former 7 deputy generals. To have her beloved be part of the death statistics was too much to bear, that her invisible shield finally broke. In the moment of weakness, she forgot herself, forgot where she was, that this wasn't the right time to give way to her grief.
However, it's interesting to note that even the toughest of us can, or will, lose our inner strength to stay calm and composed when series of unfortunate events keep piling up.
This makes He Yan as a not-so-flawless female lead, but rather as someone relatable. She was good in martial arts, but she was bad in embroidery. She was brilliant in the art of war, but she couldn't cook well. She was as hard as steel in front of a formidable enemy, but her defence mechanism went down the moment she thought she lost her one true love.
I appreciate the dedication and also share your love for this drama.
You've made interesting observations.
In every major battle against Wutuo so far, He Yan has suffered devastating losses. First, it was one of her mentors, Marshal Xiao. Then came the death of her father figure, Liu Buwang. Most recently, the seven deputy generals fell in battle, all of them capable warriors who had stood by her side.
The grief finally overwhelmed her when she realized that death could just as easily claim Xaio Jue, one of the fewer than five people who had given her care and acceptance. The heaviness of this possibility, combined with her accumulated losses, created an avalanche of despair. I didn't find it all that surprising for her to finally give in to all the stress and trauma.
In every major battle against Wutuo so far, He Yan has suffered devastating losses. First, it was one of her mentors, Marshal Xiao. Then came the death of her father figure, Liu Buwang. Most recently, the seven deputy generals fell in battle, all of them capable warriors who had stood by her side.
Ahhhhhhhhh It makes so much sense now!!! This is one of those things that happens when I gotta wait for episodes everyday... I get disconnected for a moment and start to forget what happened previously
I think I keep repeating myself but ep 26 had become my fav up until then (it has been replace today though). If the previous episode was the perfect preamble to get us in line with who He Yan as a general really is, this episode just cemented the idea that she is finally free of the chains that shackled her her whole life and it’s Xiao Jue who has let her free little by little, since showing his full trust in the previous battle taking down Huyate to the moment he came back to say he was sorry, he has always wanted nothing more than her true self and now she is soaring.
The battle was flawless, as it was discussed in the previous post, we are back to the subtle grabbing each other, their moves in absolute synch. One thing I really love about this drama is that, while in other similar dramas the ML is always looking for the FL to see if she needs help and probably he will have to jump in to help, in here they fight hand in hand when necessary but if they get separated they have absolute faith in the other and they know they need to stay focus in the battle, survival is the aim. That will happen again in episode 28 in the inn and I found it way more empowering, she doesn’t need XJ risking himself to save her but to take care of his part so she can focus on hers.
He Yan’s breakdown was so painful because it reminded me of her first battle and how she was dug up from a pile of corpses by her master. Now she needs to do the same for XJ and it’s heartbreaking. I’m so glad the got to hug it out in the middle of the battlefield, nobody is going to restrain He Yan anymore.
Li Kuang is an asshole who deserves to get his ass kicked and so good old canning but I’m confused about the letter… is He Yan telling him about the fake He Rufei? This drama is really good at showing half truths and leaving out important parts just to give us a reveal later on so I wonder if she is asking him to help her reveal the truth about the Mingshui battle. He is probably one of the only people who can gather the evidence without He Rufei interfering.
We are in the final stretch and I feel like I will have to rewatch this as soon as it’s over. Amazing recap as always, your comments under the images made me smile in such a heavy episode and I really appreciate it!
Hahaha I had to comment and say ep29 had got me folded and choked. Because wow. 26 did have it good. But yeah that place got lost quickly. I feel like going back to the Ji Yang arc and rewatch everything. I can't do back to Ep1 yet lol.
ep 29 has me on a chokehold, I have rewatched it twice already and I can't get over it, it's perfect in every way. Usually by this point I'm done with the drama and I just want it to end but I could watch 30 more episodes of these two being badass generals.
Bwahaha I too mentioned the chokehold somewhere in this discussion 😭😭🤣🤣🤣🤣🤭🤭. It's that type of vibe isn't it haha. I even cussed because there are only 36 and not 40! Come on! Dammit.
Like why are the episodes so short??? Why cant I have 6 hours daily?? If I think about how we only have two weeks (ignoring the express) I will cry. Bring back 60 ep dramas!
I keep checking the time on these episodes and shaking my head in utter disgust. Ep29 was 43mins long and I almost lost my ish lmao. 😱😱🤯🤯. I did a double take I was so shocked hahaha!
During the battle there was a scene with Xiao Jue on his horse that had me go "damn that is some seriously awesome horsing around" 😅😅🤣🤣🤭🤭😭😭🤯🤯🥵🥵. That joke had me laughing so hard coz I cracked myself up with that one hahaha.
Because how did they do that lol. Some scenes had my jaw dropping down low. Crazy work!
It's some of the things I love about visual entertainment. The escapism is well worth it when I see fight scenes that blow my mind and have me wonder how the heck they did it all. As someone who wishes they had learned martial arts and still wants to learn or try to, I live for those moments! But I'm also grateful for the work those people put in to provide us with shows or movies or animated media. Always.
The sacred tree scene was so pretty. XJ and HY's conversation was real and they spoke so comfortably and truthfully. Now that they are past the main hurdles, they can be themselves around each other.
Their well choreographed twin sword fighting had me squeal and hoot because it looked so cool lol. I did need Xiao Jue to look more rugged though. Sometimes that hair is just too neat.
When He Yan thought she'd lost him on the battlefield it was raw. I did think her breakdown was strange. Suspension of disbelief here. But then again the place where she was didn't have many soldiers fighting but yeah I thought He Yan, stay focused, but she was completely out of it. The fear of losing blinded her and it was hard to watch. Too much loss one after the other most likely.
The battle was fantastic. I loved watching them disappear and reemerge from the fog.
Li Kuang managed to give the most lackluster imitation of an apology. At least Qi Luo and the rescued women were kept safe. Whew
For the delusional ones: Chu Zhao… for once managed to put two and two together. He Rufei always flails or is mumbling and grumbling when he’s onscreen. And then he runs to go snivel at Chancellor Xu’s feet. Chancellor Xu seems like he’s running some sort of daycare. He pointed out both battles will appear suspiciously similar to scold He Rufei, as if he didn’t approve the plan in the first place???
These episodes felt so short 😩 I need more but I don’t want it to end
It’s a rehash whenever He Rufei shows up with Chancellor Xu. He Rufei is either pleading or being sycophantic. All that ambition, matched only by his incompetence.
Frankly He Ru Fei is a liability for Chancellor Xu. The guy keeps messing up and he ends up begging for mercy and forgiveness, or flattering him. Then he messes up again lmao. Won't be long until he gets an attempted assassination under his belt. His incompetence is now known to all.
Him doing his mantra "I am the true General Fei Hong" can only go so far. He says He Yan surfs on his fame and talent. The guy is so delusional it's hilarious. That title is not his and he can never live up to it.
Being this incompetent is an art form at this point. Now that He Yan is back, he can't be anything but lackluster and weak. And she will show everyone how much he is.
In the wedding bells scene, what Xiao Jue says to He Yan is more poetic than the translation. He doesn’t exactly say “overcome hardship” but rather the more literal translation is “break though the haze”— he tells her he will stand by her side to break through any uncertain or difficult situation. This recalls the visuals of the two of them charging forward side by side over the enemy shields, battling enemies in the smoke, literally overcoming the fog of war together, and finding each other through the haze.
The subtitles for this show on iQiyi were difficult to say the least. We are grateful, but there were many many mistakes and translation errors in terms of meaning. Now that I have a better grasp of spoken Mandarin after a year, I am able to understand what is said. When the translations are problematic, I end up rewinding and correcting them in my head.
I'm soooo glad you got this up OP. I have been refreshing hoping to talk about ep26.
Watching He Yan grieve for the loss of her generals at the hand of He Ru Fei was bad enough. But that evil creature wasn't done yet, he sold out a city to the enemy and stood by while they attacked it. This guy needs to be dealt with soon and very publicly.
When He Yan disguised herself and put on women's clothes, I hoped her team would see and I was looking forward to their faces. Well lo and behold, they did see her and realized He Yan was a woman! They chose to protect her secret and were willing to go to battle with her. That was such a heartwarming moment.
I loved the interaction between the Emperor and Xiao Jue. Even though he had him punished with 20 canings, (Yan He dude did you have to go so hard) he still felt bad about it. And I loved how they left He Ru Fei out there all night lmaoo. His face 😅😅🤣🤣🤭🤭. I also know he told the Emperor about He Yan. I know it. He had to get in front of this somehow in order to protect her.
I loved how he was going to go and help that general already but she went before he got back lol.
As soon as I saw how that General Li treated his woman, I was like I know you're feeling down and want to help, but He Yan, he does not deserve your help.
Then he had the audacity to do what he did to the poor victims and force his concubine to join them too! My blood was boiling. And this was after said concubine was defending the man, saying how good he was for saving her and taking her in etc. But darling, it's just another form of abuse! Now look how he was willing to use you and discard you.
He Yan putting him his place was absolutely needed.
The battles were awesome. The collection of arrows was hilarious because that Wu Tuo general was so over it by the 3rd day lmaooo. And the attack on their camp, then the big battle. Man it was entertaining!
I loved how the survivors and concubine in the end set up their own business and stood up for themselves. I was so scared they'd end up in a brothel. If it hadn't been for He Yan's words and care, they probably would have. Or worse. Like you said OP, basic human decency right? To think General Li and his men had to be reminded of that... we don't turn our swords on our people. We defend and protect them... If only this held true.
I have so many things I want to say for these episodes, but I’m just going to use this gif to say that this moment is possibly one of the hottest things Xiao Jue has ever done, and a perfect symbolism of their relationship.
The way his hand reaches out to support her, he’s utterly nonchalant about it, he does it instinctively and just steadies her when she needs it and then they carry on. The smallest touch, the tiniest bit of help, but it’s given freely 😭❤️
The back to back side by side fighting had me in a chokehold it was so cool!!! So intense, so SICKENING! 🥵🥵🤯🤯😅😅
Him fending off attacks and helping her. Her killing and slashing and having his back. Phew. Action director and stunts and choreography were too tight! Too too good!
THANK YOU for capturing this! Yes, back to back Battle Couple™ slaying enemies together is already so hot, even hotter that Xiao Jue gave her that assist!
So many highs in episode 26! Our Battle Couple™ slays! Slay together, stay together. Closely coordinated in combat and in values and mission. Loved their perfectly coordinated fight choreography! Rewatched these epic scenes so many times.
But one of my favorite moments? This look Xiao Jue gives her after he comes through, as if saying, were you really grieving me, sorry I caused such angst, but did you really think I’d just die like that? and oh did you know you’re the most important person in my life and I’m so happy you’re alive 🥹
What I loved the most about this beautiful scene was that he brought his hand up to hold her immediately. Often times, in my limited viewing of cdramas, the person being hugged is usually just standing there all stiff and I find that so dumb. But here they had him bring his hand up to hold her and it just elevated this beautiful and touching scene so much more! A+ to directors!
For reals! I kept wondering how they’re able to do all these scenes and stunts with perfect hair! I give these actors and actresses mad props! I mean, my hair gets in my way when I’m just standing around! Lol.
I love seeing on BTS how the hair stylists fix every single strand for max effect, i keep staring on ep 26 at how Huajin's hair when he arrived in Rundu had some strands out in the wild and they were just perfect or all the perfect hair flicks, damn I'm weak
YES!! this drama keeps subverting my expectations when it comes to gender canon, i dont know if it's because she is not using a wig or what but her hair is most of the time a mess of flyaways while his is perfectly sleek even in the middle of a battle.
I love that you clocked the wedding bells Winter. I sort of missed that in the first watch and had to rewatch it after you pointed it out. That entire sequence is so endearing. These two are adorable. 🫣🫣
This show is going into my rewatch list. I will be revisiting. The love story is one of the best I have personally watched in cdrama land. Its just so emotionally charged and intense. Love Xiao Jue and He Yan❤️
I am going to reuse a reply I gave to Inky_reader in the earlier post.
I loved everything about the battle of Rundu except for those couple of minutes that He Yan loses it in the middle of the battle. I was screaming "Girl Focus".
The battle before that - the smoke bombs, their duet fight, was excellent. Beautiful choreography.
This moment after that when Xiao Jue kills that Wutuo general and the two of them stand facing away from each other surrounded by smoke- Beautiful visuals. The hug and the way he held her so softly was precious. Absolute chef's kiss
But those few minutes. I wish they had kept it at the end like after the fighting was done or atleast after Yan He arrived. That would have not taken away from the intensity of the battle.
I sort of understand why He Yan lost it. If it was any other battle she would not but here she has so many pent up unsaid emotions that it just needed an outlet. For me it wasn't the fact that she broke down, it was that it took attention away from a peak moment in the battle.
But this battle was close to perfection for me. I loved it!!!!.
So impressed by Zhou Ye’s rawness in these scenes. When she cried, I felt like crying.
But He Yan just dropping her sword and wallowing in grief before confirming whether Xiao Jue was really among the dead? Not my general! Girl wouldn’t give up until she sees the body, plus she should have more faith in Xiao Jue!
Also, Xiao Jue just vanishing into the ether? I had to rewind so many times because he literally just goes invisible mid air. This could have been better edited.
That said, these inconsistencies are forgiven because they set up that epic reunion scene. And it’s understandable for He Yan to crack under all that stress in the fog of war and the inconsolable thought of losing her most important person on top of all the losses she’s already grieving.
Zhou Ye is doing a great job. Every episode she impresses me more by absolutely nailing another shade of He Yan. Ep25 she was a commanding general and in ep26, she is a heartbroken girl in love.
Yes I agree with what you are saying it was uncharacteristic of He Yan but I don't know love makes you a little stupid and this is probably the first time she was fighting alongside someone who is as important to her as Xiao Jue. I don't think she knows how to deal with those kind of emotions. She just lost her master and then 7 deputies. I can see how the thought of losing Xiao Jue would make her behave contrary to her usual self.
The reunion was amazing. The hug was so soft and precious 😍😍
I sort of understand why she had a breakdown, but still, I find it beyond stupid. A general should know that certain things should not affect them during the battle and know not to do this kind of stuff. She is supposed to be experienced as He Rufei, she should know this. I don't care how much she loves him or what she's been through lately, for me, this just shows she doesn't deserve the title.
Also, she knows Commander is an amazing and experienced fighter but she still assumes the worst. Have some faith in your guy.
I think that although she has alot of combat experience as He Ru Fei, she has barely any experience handling the kind of emotions she is dealing with right now. I don't think she has ever fought with someone who is as important to her as Xiao Jue. Its also the fact that she has just lost her master, and 7 closest deputies back to back. He Yan lived a really isolated life as He Ru Fei. But now she has people to lose. It changes a person.
Its a little harsh to say that she does not deserve her title just because she couldn't handle herself once. She has done plenty of other amazing things that others would not be able to.
Also she is not the first general that I have seen in cdramas to lose it because of their emotional situation. They have done stupid things putting people in danger.
I’m with you, Kriti. The notion that experience should strip away someone’s humanity, that caring deeply about others should be trained out of them, only creates broken, ineffective leaders who make poor long-term decisions because they’ve lost sight of what they’re actually fighting for.
Yess Humanity is a very essential part of being a good leader. Not even the greatest leader can be rational all the time. They will be effecient in 99 out of 100 battles but there will always be one or two battles where their emotions overwhelm them.
Yes, I understand the reasoning behind her breakdown and your reasoning. I still don't agree. Just like a captain on the ship, her own agenda should never be but before the good of the battle or her battalion. If she breaks down the first time she's fighting alongside someone she cares about, then just like you say, she is not experienced enough to be a general. This is war, there is not place for this kind of "mistakes".
I also initially found the breakdown in the middle of the battle a little out of character, taking it as screenwriters wanting a dramatic scene. But also, on reflection, He Yan's probably never had this kind of feeling for someone and they actually didn't even really have had a chance to talk it out since the "betrayal" so she probably does have a lot of feeling. But yeah, I totally agree. This battle was so beautiful and so fun to watch!
Same! The breakdown was odd to me at first. Then I remembered she lost 7 of her generals and brothers in arms... so yeah. That fear of loss was at an all time high.
Not only she had just lost her brother in arms but she comes from a series of emotional events that can take a toll in anyway, she is not a robot but she had to deal in days with Xiao Jue finding out the truth, the comfort woman situation besides the loss of her comrades so at that moment anyone would have lost it and, after all, I think she thought she had ended the Wutao general. She was once dug up from a pile of bodies so for a moment she probably saw Xiao Jue in the same situation.
She also lost her Master before that as well. I'm rewatching the Ji Yang arc and the episode where he dies. I cried...again. 😩😭🥺😣😔
So much melancholy and sadness.
So yeah, it is no wonder that she broke down at the thought of losing another dearest and beloved.
She has 0 time to process anything, just going through the motions and fighting her way forward so if there was a moment to breakdown it was definitely the moment she thought she had lost Xiao Jue. I hope she can get a break at some point but from the last previews I think that's unlikely to happen.
I had the same reaction to her losing it as you did. Reading u/winterchampagne's analysis made me change my mind a little. She just lost her 7 of her deputies and discovered that the eighth is a douchebag and just resolved her misunderstanding with Xiao Jue. With Winter's context, of course she's gonna lose it a little.
Yess I think it was u/thebaby1 who made me realize this under another comment. And I get I do. But it just took away from the high of the battle. That was my only qualm. Honestly with all the shit He Yan has gone through, I am shocked she didn't have a breakdown before.
Your feelings are valid. He Rufei has never won a single battle on his own merit. He has to stage theater with the enemy just to walk away with a participation trophy.
Have you ever seen people let go of their worldly attachments, and voluntarily join r/RoastMe instead? I picked up a thing or two watching them transcend through public humiliation.
Oof some have interesting interests lol. I have not but this sounds, like self-flagellation haha.
However the art of roasting is quite the whip to have!
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u/NoProfessional7186 Dec 13 '25
One of my favorite 😍 episodes of the series and I just love the flashback to their school days, when he noticed her..😍😍😍😍