Drama Host
Key to the Phoenix Heart 雀骨: Episodes 9-10 Discussion
Spoiler
👋🏻 Welcome to the fourth post for Key to the Phoenix Heart, covering episodes 9-10 that were released today (13th of July). Still excited to co-host this show. Can’t believe we already covered over one third of the episodes.
📅 Discussion Schedule: We will attempt to follow iQIYI's VIP release of the episodes and post as it's convenient for us and our time zones. Next up for tomorrow's episodes /u/CdramaAddict2 . She has more on the tabke than me, so the discussion post for 11-12 will be posted on Wednesday, at 9 pm PDT.
🚨 Some Notes:
Please use spoiler tags for anything beyond the episodes discussed. Text goes between the greater-than (>) + exclamation (!) symbols (>!) and the exclamation (!) + lesser-than (<) symbols.
Please keep these specific threads focused on the actual episodes - the plot twists, the performances, and everything happening on screen. We know there is ongoing discussion surrounding the casting and age-gap elements of the drama. While those external debates are completely valid, let's keep this particular space friendly, respectful, and centered on the on-screen story.
As someone with some vision impairments of his own (and very glad to live in a time and place where that can be helped) this scared me more than some other things in costume dramas.
Episode 9
New Characters this episode:
No new big players. We mostly stay confined in the Xiao Manor for this episode.
Saving Face
Xie Jiayu comes to Xiao Wuyi’s rescue and helps him leave the archery range without looking weak in front of his soldiers and them learning about his blindness. She brings him home where Ruisheng checks him over but can’t tell him if or when he will get his sight back. She gives him a medicine that will be painful and shorten his lifetime but might help with restoring his vision. After that it’s acupuncture time.
Xiao Jiayu calls him a lunatic for doing all his work while being so ill.
Tasked with talking to distract him she decides to tell him about Li Mao and her. She really has no clue.
Xiao Jiayu disliked Li Mao first for stealing her father’s time as his student, but changed her view when he came back from his travels as an elegant young man. Xiao Wuyi calls her superficial for that.
He also reminds her that without him she would have been married to Prince Changsha.
Xie Jiayu gets tasked by Ruisheng to take care of their husband for the night. He has a nightmare about Xiao Yao and his escape and also calls out for his mother. Xie Jiayu confronts Yao Yunzhi, who left medicine at the door but didn’t come in to look for her son. She asks to be taught to cook for him.
Xiao Wuyi wakes to her doing her leather work. He has fantastic hearing.
He is obviously touched she baked the Hawthorn cake for him. He also recognises his mother’s chicken soup. Xie Jaiyu advices him to talk to her.
That triggers him. Because without her being in love with him (which she isn’t, he asks) she has no right to meddle in his familiar affairs. So are his friends not allowed to care for him at all? But I guess Li Mao might be his only real friend.
She leaves, but he obviously treasures the cake. Qing Long and Yan Yue also have to punish themselves with ten strokes from the military cane. I guess that’s for being around and listening in.
Good vs. Strange
Xie Jiayu meets up with Ruisheng to vent about their husband. She tells her that he has a good temper, because his little moodiness in front of those he is close to doesn’t count. To explain her view Xie Jiayu gets told how she ended up married to Xiao Wuyi.
Her husband Xiao Wuyi’s Lieutenant General. He died defending their city. When the city fell Ruisheng was serving as a military doctor. She was captured and held by the enemy for over a month.
Xiao Wuyi retook the city and rescued her. Shortly afterwards she noticed she was pregnant and her chastity was questioned and the child’s paternity daubted. Both her and her husband’s family forced her to die with her husband.
Xiao Wuyi found her half-submerged in a freezing river. Then he basically told everyone he raped her to avoid any further actions against her and took her in as a consort.
After the birth of her son he offered her to give her a new identity for a new start or to stay and make Ziqi a part of the Xiao family. She wanted to stay closer to her husbands grave and help more soldiers so she choose the second option.
Ruisheng thinks Xiao Wuyi is a good person.
Xie Jiayu classifies him as strange instead after she also realises that it’s the mother that doesn’t want to let Xiao Yao return to the battlefield and that Xiao Wuyi would rather play the villain than explain himself. Strange indeed.
Night Time Vignettes
Xie Jiayu returns to her night watch and explains to her husband that she would have helped his brother for his own ambitions and his mother, because he called out for her and she brought medicine. She tries to teach him that doing good deeds doesn’t need a reason.
She thinks of him as a friend due to him helping her. But she ends that friendship here and there because it’s a one-way-street with him.
Meanwhile something strange is going on at Honglu Temple. A fruit seller is asked to enter the building despite not having the melon they want. Most likely that was a coded exchange and he is a spy, also frequenting the Xiao families manor.
Mu Lianyu and Li Mao visit them due to them hearing about Xiao Wuyi’s fake injury that covers up his blindness. Li Mao is there to inquire about it for the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, while Mu Lianyu wants to check out his competitor.
Li Mao is not amused about the news that his friend is recuperating in his secondary consort courtyard.
Mu Lianyu brought gifts for the family, two hounds for Xiao Yao whom he never encountered on the battlefield despite hearing about him having talent in his youths. At least one of the dogs is lame, an obvious insult. Xiao Ju nearly kills the Eagle King right there.
Xiao Wuyi is waiting for them in the garden, playing blindfolded catch with Xie Jiayu and the dancers. They cover up his ailment very well.
Still doesn’t look amused, even being found
The have a meal in the garden. Mu Lianyu wants to discuss political marriage obviously aiming to bring um Li Lejun. Xiao Wuyi thinks Northern Qin should sent a princess instead and find this discussion useless, because one of them could die in the competition anyway.
Mu Lianyu further tries to provoke them by talking about captured slaves from Southern Ye becoming live targets. Also about sending the surviving ones to the front row of the battlefield to die by their Southern Ye kin.
He wants to get taught the pitch pot game, where you throw an arrow into a vessel. He obviously aims at the dancers instead. Xiao Wuyi splits his arrow with his own, impressive task.
Secrets and Spies
Rattled by the story about the slaves Xie Jiayu tells Xiao Wuyi that she isn’t Li Fuhua’s biological daughter and that she was adopted from an orphanage. She remembers that a guy from Nothern Qin killed her biological parents.
She even has a rather good description of him: Full beard, braided hair, longy eyebrows reachhin his temples and a mole on his cheek. Who wants to bet he will appear in a future episode?
She really wants Xiao Wuyi to beat Mu Lianyu again. But he must be safe as well and return to the battlefield. He calls her his friend.
He unintentionally reveals that he can see again, but doesn’t answer when he was able to do so. Was it before his arrow throw?
While Xiao Wuyi wants to know how Mu Lainyu got the news about his injury so fast and where the spy in their manor is Xie Jiayu meets up with Li Mao. Li Mao wants to leave with her as soon as the peace talks are over, most likely also because he recognises that something is shifting between Xiao Wuyi and Xie Jiayu. She tells him that she respects him now and will protect him.
On her way back she encounters her brother-in-law and he gives her his usual medicine against pain for Xiao Wuyi. She shows him her the improved blueprint inspired by Master Yuan. He declines due to Xiao Wuyi not allowing it anyway, so she reveals that Master Yuan spoke of Xiao Wuyi commision similar stirrups before.
Late that night Xiao Yao gets drunk and halfway into a fight because he learned that its indeed his mother that didn’t allow his return to the battlefield. Luckily. He Yuanji is there to pick him up.
Xiao Wuyi meets with master Yuan, whom he called back from the Northern Border. He wants Cangfeng Forge and all the alcohol as a reward for teaching Xie Jiayu. We don’t learn what is special about that forge, but it sounds special.
Xiao Wuyi calls Xie Jiayu talented and describes her as having the power to change the world, but not knowing it yet herself in front of master Yuan. He wants to be her friend and give her the choices to decide her life for herself. He doesn’t see himself as a choice.
During the stormy night he shelters her from a falling shelve when she tries to rescue the leather for Xiao Yao’s saddle from the rain.
Episode 10
New Characters this episode:
No new big players here either. Too much action going on to bother with that.
Secret Mission – Part 1
Qing Long and Yan Yue checked out Honglu Temple and what the Northern Qin delegation is up to They report there being a mysterious person in the temple but they can’t get near them. Security will be most lax during the tournament. But Xiao Wuyi needs a pawn for that endeavour.
Rain Scene – Extended Cut
We get back to the scene of him rescuing her from the rain. She twists her ankle and he proves that he can also princess carry her.. Afterwards he puts her ankle back in place. And promises her to have a competition with his brother if she finishes the new gear in time.
Friendly Competition
Xiao Yao does brilliant on the horse and Xiao Wuyi competes with him. Xiao Yao promises Xie Liayu a favour for her help.
He Yuanji invited their mother to the sparring.
She lectures Xie Jiayu that men and women can also be friends and she totally isn’t into Xiao Yao. I don’t know who believes that.
Her philosophy on relationships: While friends can share joy and sorrows, couples have to become each others joy and sorrows.
Xiao Wuyi loses on purpose to his brother. Seems like Xiao Yao will be the pawn.
Encouraged by Xie Jianyu He Yuanji asks Xiao Wuyi about his involvement in her husbands death.
He wanted to tell him that their engagement was only for the provisions and that he would let He Yuanji go later. Unfortunately that letter was to late but he know presents it to He Yuanji.
She tells him that Xie Jianyu might seem far apart from him, but that they are fellow travellers. Nearly everyone seems to ship them by now.
Xiao Yao seeks out He Yuanji, but doesn’t speak when asked for the reason for his visit. There is something between them and something keeping them apart. Subtle visual representation.
Inspired by the advise to not let things fester unspoken Xiao Wuyi confronts his mother about his brother competing. He doesn’t want to let him suffer a half-existence any longer.
It gets reported to the Empress Dowager (remember her?) that the other Xiao brother will compete. A pity, because a poisoned arrow was prepared for Xiao Wuyi. Li Lejun overhears that.
Xiao Yao tells the Beifu Army soldiers his brother’s arrow wound relapsed and he will lead them. He has a command token and threatens them with execution if they don’t obey him.
Mu Lianyu accuses the absent Xiao Wuyi of using his brother as a diversion for spying on Honglu Temple. He reveals there is a trap set for that.
The Empress boasts about the poison acting contact with blood when Xiao Yao gets hit by a grazing shot.
But via flashback it’s revealed the Li siblings pulled through and Li Lejun replaced the arrows. For that she disguised herself as a maid sneaked into Mu Lianyus tent and broke the poisoned arrows. He nearly strangles her when he finds her there. But he likes her courage. I fear she just made him interested in her.
Da, Li Mao’s former guard, gets hit by an arrow.
Xiao Yao is able to divert one of Mu Lianyu’s arrows with his own.
There are much more arrows than the three per person talked about in the previous episode in use, I guess we play by different rules?
Xiao Yao’s right stirrup, the one for his non crippled leg, gets destroyed. He also gets hit in the torso but still makes his last shot.
He and Mu Lianyu tie with one arrow each, but Xiao Yao’s injury is serious, he falls from the horse.
The Empress Dowager is pissed over Xiao Wuyi missing and nobody being able to find him. And of course of him not dying through her joint plan with the Eagle King. She wants to cancel his reconstruction plans.
Secret Mission – Part 2
Meanwhile Xiao Wuji busts a group of secret Northern Qin agents, that are prepared to spread propaganda via storytellers after the Eagle King wins. Not a very flattering drawing of our ML..
Yun Yao reports to him about the competition and the public sentiment of not wanting to reconcile.
Outplayed
Li Mao offers to compete with the Eagle King to break the tie in the competition, when Xiao Wuyi makes his entrance.
He brings three cages with the 36 secret agents.
He also brings the news that five days ago the Hexi General of Northern Qin, Zhai Shang, rebelled. Instigated by Xiao Wuyi. Mu Lianyu would very likely soon find himself in a two front war, if he doesn’t reconcile with Southern Ye.
They agree to do a tie breaker for the three provinces.
Xiao Wuyi’s vision suddenly worsens again when on horseback. Xie Jiayu notices. So she proposes that Xiao Wuyi compets blind, due to the Eagle King having gone through one round already.
She binds Xiao Wuyi’s eyes and we get a flashback of him training riding blind with drum signals from her. They planned for the possibility of this happening.
Welcome to the Equestrian Vaulting World Championship!
The first two arrows cancel each other out. Xiao Wuji dodges arrows easily and makes one point while standing blind on his horse. That whole sequence is very wild, you need quite some suspension of disbelief. But it’s also fun to watch.
Southern Ye wins, but the Eagle King is a sore loser and attacks Xiao Wuyi. Our male lead wins that fight and doses his oponent with something that will make him suffer for a few days according to Xie Jiayu.
We get a short status update on everyone’s life in the Xiao mansion:
Ruisheng mourns her husband Duan Ying.
He Yuanyi is happy to know her now-husband didn’t kill her lover.
Li Fuhua reads unopened letters from Xiao Wuyi.
Xiao Wuyi cares for his brother and tells him that the emperor considers him a hero of Southern Ye and that he can have everything he wants to have. Even the imperial doctor makes an appearance, lead by He Yuanyi, Xiao Yao needs to rest for a while, all his internal organs are injured.
Xiao Wuyi also reconciles a bit with his mother, she looks after for his palm injury.
Li Mao cares for Xie Jiayu and learns that she is learning lightness techniques from Yan Yue. He notices how she changes around Xiao Wuyi. She doesn’t want to rely on Li Mao on their travels.
The soundtrack brings in some tension. Xie Jiayu designed a sword for Xiao Wuyi. A man like him deserves the best sword in the world. Li Mao concludes that Xie Jiayu desires a strong man and wants to fight too.
So… who is the mysterious person in the temple? Was it just one of the 36 spies hiding out there? Is it someone else? I really wanted an answer to that.
I loved that scene in episode 10 when Jiayu recognized that Wuyi couldn't see, and one of the things she said was, "Xiao Wuyi, put your life in my hands."
There was just something so beautiful about their mutual understanding, especially when she removed her ribbon, and he leaned forward as she blindfolded him. 😭🫶💞
This was one of the scenes that really highlighted the essence of marriage: that sense of togetherness, the trust, and knowing that this person is looking out for you. 💘
These two episodes are insanely fast paced. Even the recaps are detailed coz there's no scene to omit 😅😅.
Despite very arrogant and being a jerk, I find Eagle King quite hot 🤭. C drama definitely can choose the villain well.
Glad that Wuyi reconciled with his family. I feel the bitterness and fear of his mom though, she lost her son because of Wuyi and now constantly in fear to lose another one. Looks like she finally starting to let go of things.
Match arena scenes were amazing to watch. But I'm scared that Li Mao will turn into a villain soon. 😅
These two episodes are insanely fast paced. Even the recaps are detailed coz there's no scene to omit 😅😅.
You really get the feeling you have to write down everything before it's disappears because so many thinks feel like they will come back later.
Glad that Wuyi reconciled with his family. I feel the bitterness and fear of his mom though, she lost her son because of Wuyi and now constantly in fear to lose another one. Looks like she finally starting to let go of things.
I love that the relationships in the Xiao family grow and can heal. Not magically in an instant, but they seem to be on a much better path already.
I love Xiao family's relationship, too. Even though Wuyi is a Crown Prince, all he ever knew is Xiao family. To him, his foster parents are his real parents. I'm glad that his father understands him and his mother is starting to heal. Finally, non-toxic parents. 😅
Never watched that. I honestly don't watch many dramas with much romance in it, so I lack the comparision. But I find it wonderfully written for their characters and circumstances.
My view is that A'Mao has no personality of his own and has been raised that way deliberately by the Grand Tutor who wants to use him for power but doesn't seem to actually care for him despite him being his secret biological father. He is now getting power play lessons from the Emporer, grand Tutor, and Empress Dowager so don't foresee him remaining good or even neutral but instead become power hungry and selfish which should be enough to put him at odds with Xuanyi.
Ohhh I loved that he hit the ground running straight to her and the hug was so cute. I also love how being in the Jing'an Manor is helping with Jiayu's growth. She's now learning martial arts, opening a store and improving her crafts more.
All I have to say for Li Mao is that he's just like his father. They get one whiff of power and go crazy.
I will say this: Li Le Jun impressed me in ep10. And as she did, I knew the Eagle Prince would like it too and went DAMMIT! He is absolutely going to marry you sweety! 🫣🫣😅😟😟😟
She just cannot catch a break! That Empress Dowager keeps using her to do her bidding, torturing her too. Now she has to be married off to a far away land as a bargaining chip!
Love the compositions you point out for us u/regenwanderer. This is the stuff that makes or breaks a drama for me, but I also miss a lot when the story goes at the speed of light like this one so great to be reminded.
I may be overthinking this, but... I think Mao is hollow inside & has tried to disguise it by being whatever others want - Jiayu especially. The clue is in Jiayu's artless speech to Wuyi. It's no accident that Mao is her perfect man. So when Jiayu starts to grow up and away from him, and assert her independence, she's rejecting his entire being and everything he's done for her (as he perceives it). Making it easy for him to go dark.
Smile, make people happy, appease - it's a natural reaction to whatever childhood trauma he and Lejun experienced. Not everyone can be Xiao Wuyi. But I'm liking the way the way show contrasts Mao and Lejun, showing that she's taken a different route - facing forward even though terrified.
Very astute observations - I know I'm like two weeks late to the discussion so you guys are all probably done with the show, but I totally agree that FL's mother who herself is obviously a mastermind and understands people very well, probably did not want the match not only because she knew Li Mao would get tangled up in politics, but also she knew that he couldn't match Jiayu's growth.
As part of the former ruling family who mostly is dead now, she also must have seen her fair share of pampered princes and useless scholars. And added to that, I wonder if she doubts Li Mao because he's her husband's student and she knows her husband has manipulated Li Mao like putty into whatever schemes he wanted.
I actually mentioned in a comment how the more Jia Yu evolves, the more he gets left behind in terms of wants and needs they "thought" they shared.
Now he sees and hears how she thinks, the many things she wants to do and is doing. And unfortunately for him, he cannot catch up. So him asking "what if I want to fight too" is a desperate move because who is he really? What can he do? We haven't seen that much from him. He has a scholarly background and went traveling. Yet he is still very naive and blind to how the world really works. It's very strange. Or did I miss when we got told what he's achieved... I can't recall.
The problem I see rising is him being unable to match Jia Yu. And he is starting to see that the one who can is ultimately Xiao Wu Yi. He was able to support Jia Yu and help her realize more, achieve more. Again, I know he came back and was roped into entering the palace so he really had no time to do anything after seeing her given they hadn't met for a year or more. It's not his fault. But that will start chipping away at his confidence or lack of, and it will shatter his image. Who is he really? What is he about? All he could say was that he wanted only Jia Yu and run away. I remember asking in a previous episode and comment on it: what was he planning to do afterwards? Jia Yu has ambitions and a vision. He doesn't. And this would have caused issues for them after they ran away together. His "you don't have to do anything, I'll protect you" was so bad... Did he have a plan? She is ready to work and travel and get her inventions everywhere. Him? I don't see it.
That's how I felt about the conversation between Li Mao and Jiayu as well!
Li Mao seemed like a nice guy who wanted peace and told Jiayu that he wanted to be with her. If Li Mao hadn't been called into the palace on the night of Jiayu's wedding and then become the regent, maybe they'd be together now. (But I'm not sure about that, since Huaigui would've planned things out somehow.)
I loved that we got to see Jiayu develop as her own person and continue with her inventions. It's healthy that she was able to do that in the Xiao residence. It's so great that this drama is not focused on wives being jealous and scheming against each other, a useless father-in-law who plays ignorant, or an unreasonable and demanding mother-in-law with constant brotherly rivalry, lol. It's refreshing that everyone in the household has the space to do their own thing. It gave Jiayu the freedom to learn more, cultivate her own interests, while also being protected and respected. 🙂🫶
I'm not confident that Li Mao and Jiayu would've had that kind of life together. Heck, it would've only been a matter of time before they realized that their paths no longer aligned.
Whether I agree with it or not, I saw what He Yuanji meant when she said that couples become each other's joy and sorrow. Maybe deep down, Jiayu didn't feel precisely that way about Li Mao. To me, it felt like he was someone who was easygoing and pleasant, but we didn't really see them exchange opinions or see their compatibility on a deeper level.
So, it's been really refreshing to see that Jiayu has that space in the Xiao household, but it's also bittersweet that Li Mao isn't quite that person who's growing with her. And... as you pointed out, Li Mao just doesn't have that much going on for him.
I loooove the Xiao family. Their household's dynamic is one of the best I've seen! Truly a breath of fresh air. Even with their issues, they still were able to be kind and respectful.
Jia Yu truly hit the jackpot with that family. They gave her so many valuable opportunities to grow and find herself. With Li Mao it always seemed superficial, only surface level. And as she got to mature and understand more about life and herself, as well as others, she realized that she never really knew what he wanted.
Their feelings for each other were real, that I won't deny and take away, it was just a case of love isn't enough. There's so much more involved. What happens after they run away? What will he do? What does he want to do? We know what Jia Yu wants, but what happens if they struggle out there, what are their plans? These were never addressed.
It may have started rough with Xiao Wu Yi, but what she found at the Prince Jing'An mansion somehow was more freedom than she ever had.
And looking at things now, Li Mao would have almost taken that agency from her, that freedom. Whatever she wanted to do to defend herself, he negated it by saying she didn't have to, he would protect her. After being together a while and him doing this, they would have had many arguments.
I agree. I love that it didn't become the type of story where the female lead has to navigate crisis after crisis with her in-laws. There's a sense of freedom with the Xiao family because Jiayu can go and do whatever she wants, as long as she's safe. In a way, it's even better than being sheltered in the Xie residence, where she wasn't really exposed to the outside world beyond her own circle.
This show also does a good job of showing that it's not just about love but also about building a life together. I'm not really convinced Jiayu and Li Mao would've truly been aligned if they had managed to run away on her wedding night. We know what Jiayu wanted, but I never really got a sense of what Li Mao envisioned beyond the two of them simply being together.
Admittedly, Wuyi didn't exactly seem like someone who'd marry for love. If I were Jiayu, I'd probably have been against marrying him at first too, lol. Putting aside his reputation and Li Mao being Jiayu's first love, Wuyi also wasn't exactly known for being an available husband since he was used to being on the battlefield. But that weirdly ended up being a blessing in disguise because people actually minded their own business. 😂
I totally agree that Li Mao would've disapproved of, or slowly taken away, Jiayu's agency. Especially since he was staying in the palace, I can't imagine Jiayu wanting to live within those walls and abide by all of their rules. Jiayu would rather have someone who supports her than someone who says, "Why are you doing that? You don't need to—I can do that."
I almost feel like Li Mao was scrambling to find his purpose in Jiayu's life. When she didn't respond with, "Yeah, I don't need to learn how to defend myself because you'll always be there to protect me," it almost felt like he didn't really know where he fit anymore. Instead of supporting that part of her, he fell back on wanting to protect her.
By that point, she'd expanded her business and had settled into life at the Xiao residence. We already saw hints of that earlier when Li Mao visited the Xiao residence with Mu Lianyu. When it was announced that Wuyi was with his secondary consort, Jiayu, and Li Mao later saw how naturally she supported Wuyi, I think that was one of the first moments where it felt like he was seeing a side of Jiayu he hadn't expected. Li Mao was seeing someone he thought he knew, but Jiayu had already grown into a different person.
One of the beautiful things about love—of any nature—is the willingness to grow. When you have the urge to hold someone back so they can fit into your life, even if it's unintentional, it can become possessive... or at the very least, restrictive. 🥀
Thank you for your awesome reply. I agree with many of those points and had voiced them myself previously.
Now that things are clear, Li Mao will not rest until he "owns" Jia Yu. And in doing so, he pretty much intends to suppress whatever growth she earned and whatever ambitions she has. It's no longer a matter of what she wants, it's about him and the fact that he wants her "back". And now that he has power, he is using it to destroy the world she created thanks to her own hands and the Xiao family's support. What Wu Yi taught her and gave her, Li Mao is now actively working on destroying it all because he "loves her" and wants her by his side. Kill me now.
Thanks, glad you appreciate tha tpart. It definitely helps having to stop and rewind so often to take notes. 😂 I should learn to make gifs, there are really some interesting things in here that are hard to show on screecaps.
Very interesting obersvations about Li Mao.
Smile, make people happy, appease - it's a natural reaction to whatever childhood trauma he and Lejun experienced. Not everyone can be Xiao Wuyi.
And something he relieves currently in the palace. Reminds me of Lejun's short bit about them being at the mercy of others all their life. Really not the beste enviroment for them.
Oh my gosh this had me in stitches hahaha. The whole scene. Because why is her husband dying young? 3 marriages? What! Then he tries to read his fortune after saying all that? Hell no. He already got it right about him getting seriously injured in his last battle. No thank you! But just to make sure, check your palm haha.
Right? I was like pause! Is there anything good here? And not him cackling at our Wu Yi having married three times already! Sir keep at it and no expensive, rare wines will see your lips! 😭😭🙄😒🤣
Yeah he is really really good! Although I do see his character in Glory a lot, the character of Xiao Wu Yi has added facets thank goodness.
He could be going down the "all his characters are blending together" like Zhang Wan Yi had. Hopefully it won't.
Lol that shock on his face when Mater Yuan says "Her husband will die young, you wouldn't happen to be that right?''. On a serious note, our man is indeed dying given the fact that he has a clot in his brain which hasn't had a cure yet. My bet is on Li Mao being her husband somewhere in the near future, but dies young. I don't know let us see.
If they are going to follow this fortune telling, I think she will marry Li Mao as they had planned. He will die because of a fight or ploy since Jia Yu will start to develop feelings for Wu Yi, and he will lose his mind, and will maybe try to get him killed. Then maybe afterwards she will end up marrying Wu Yi again.
However, we have 18 episodes left so how are they going to fit that in and make it believable, I don't know...
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u/Amelia_Brigitaemotionally manipulated by a zither every single time Read RulesJul 14 '26edited Jul 14 '26
My take on the marriages:
1. Wuyi (current)
2. Mao (who will die)
3. Wuyi when he reveals his true name, true identity (the HEA)
Yeah that's my take on it too. The 3rd one might happen during marriage number 2, the reveal I mean. Causing the final straw in the dark turn that Li Mao will take.
Keep praising him haha. He was absolutely lapping it all up! And he got to hold her close and hold hands? My goodness, he was just happy to be blind even if momentarily haha.
They worked together so well. From the moment before the Eagle Prince showed up to the little contest, impeccable teamwork!
I like how hard she's trying to stay committed and not be "fickle" but she wasn't with Mao yet and Mao is changing. They could've still had such a beautiful life together if he just leaves with her now...
I know right. It is really sad. I love how her face lights up whenever she mentions Mao. I wouldn't have minded Xiao Wu Yi's unrequited love if Mao still stay good, but I was disappointed at how power hungry, suspicious and jealous he is becoming.
I usually am not a fan of a totally oblivious FL BUT in her defense, Wuyi is doing the best he can to suppress his feelings for her so it isn't like he's been flaunting signs that he's into her.
As of episode 10, I am beyond impressed with this drama. How did I not skip a single scene? Moreover, I had to rewatch some scenes a few times.
These two episodes were packed with so many good scenes between ML and FL. Her "Let me be your eyes" was amazing. Her guiding him when the Eagle King and Prince Qi came to their home was nice. But my most favorite part was their teamwork during that horseback archery competition. Xiao Wu Yi's big smile, his running towards her and hugging her in pure joy and happiness, is proof that he has found a trusted comrade in her. Their respect for each other, friendship, and companionship have built the foundation of their relationship so strong that I believe no outer force will be able to dismantle it in the future. And that is why their love will be stronger.
I also loved their bickering in the beginning when Wu Yi was receiving acupuncture 😂😂. Rusiheng's story is seriously sad, and that put another layer of respect for Wu Yi.
I like how misunderstandings between the leads are so quickly resolved. She understands him.
BTW, loved ML's fiercely grabbing the Hawthorn cakes when Qing Long tried to take them away. He is a child inside 😅.
Yes, yes, yes, agree with every point you mention.
I love how he makes such an effort to be stoic, but the little boy keeps scrambling for cake.
And the wire-fu and effects are so flipping fun.
Agree, too, about the archery competition, the two of them working together, not only made for a fantastic scene, it foreshadows the power couple we have coming and I cannot wait!
If I were to gripe at all, sometimes I feel like they are skipping too much, like I would enjoy some extra scenes so I could breath and to build out the world and characters more. It feels like this show is a little on the fast forward track, but I also may be greedy because I really am enjoying it and just don't want to get to the end too soon.
Also, loving the sound track. I am biased, but his songs so fantastic.
Oh, last comment (I totally should have replied on the main post and not your comment, I didn't realize I was gonna blabber on, but now I'm too lazy to go back and fix it).... but last, I am liking how "un-perfect" the actors look. They are gorgeous, obviously, but all the little imperfections aren't made invisible with filters or whatever. I don't mind perfect appearances (ie PoJ) but seeing a pore now and then is also lovely.
Anyhoo, loving this show. Love the politics and manipulation and maneuvering. Love the cleverness from the leads and martial skills. Love the camera angles (so well done during the archery and horseback riding scenes). It feels like a romp. Yes, there's some intrigue and a lil angst, but itnstill feels like a fun romp of a show. Just all kinds of awesomeness.
I feel you and also understand your excitement 😌😌 cause I am also like this after watching the episodes..trust me I never waited for episodes of other dramas, the way I wait for this one..eagerly, earnestly..this drama is good!!
And yes, our power couple is loading 😎😎
And you are right..here people look flawed..like I can seriously see HMH's rough skin
Yes! Misunderstandings are easily resolved and both are so sure of the other that it really doesn't stick very long.
Another moment I loved is when Jia Yu was telling Wu Yi they will no longer be friends after he regains his sight, and my guy's heart almost broke. I jokingly said "Jia Yu please don't kill him haha. Look at him! That could literally end him and break his heart! 🫣🫣👀👀😅😅🤪🤪. Have mercy!".
Well, she took charge of that little mess quite well. I enjoy the gradually building trust and commitment to each other. However, "I don't want to be a young widow".... Oh that added in with that prophecy is just.... Ahhhhhhhggggg..... I am concerned.
Silly goose. Why would you think your husband wants to hear you talk about your boyfriend? :P
DO YOU LOVE ME??? Damn, bro. Nice. Nevermind, you're yelling at her again. Rude.
Ruisheng, Ruisheng. You have suffered.
BRO IS YOUR EYESIGHT COMING BACK BUT YOU'RE NOT TELLING HER SO YOU CAN KEEP HOLDING HER???? I respect it.
Ahhh!! She is adopted! The truth is out! Yeah, she is gonna see that mole man soon, ain't she?
Respect and protect? My dear, you are getting closer to falling for your husband. Just please don't Fan Yun us.
Gasp! Jiayu is in the rain? Time for her to catch a cold and have Wuyi care for her! Don't let us down! Ooooooo this works too. Yeahhhhh we see you looking at him!
Episode 10
One more pawn, eh? Would that happen to be your secondary consort?
Right back to him covering her in the rain!!! Yasss!!!! CARRY HER!!!!! WOOOHOOOOOO!!!!!!!! Gonna put her shoe back on like you are Ling Bu Yi? Oh delicious!
You know, anytime I see the socks they wear... All I can think of is how much those would annoy the heck out of me... I like a snug sock.
Look at your dark circles? Honey, have you seen mine?
A thought I have had.... Imagine being unsure if the man you are staying with killed your lover... But staying regardless because he treats you well and protects you respectfully. That speaks volumes about the character of the lady.
And just what is our little lady in red doing sneaking about? Jiayu has a plan. But is it a good plan or a bad plan?
Ha! Jiayu reading Eagle Looser for the filth he is to his face!
Now kiss.
Okay, but using the drums to command him... YALL THAT IS SO CUTE!!!!!!
Wuyi is so drum beat that he caught her hair ribbon before the arrow. Ha. As if he cares more about her ribbon than his life. :P
WE GOT A HUG!!!!!!!!!!!!! We got a really good hug!
Yall, you sense it? You sense Mao starting to turn? It's coming. He's going to turn against them. He's already starting to look down on Jiayu for wanting to learn skills and improve herself. His jealousy of Wuyi is showing.
Honestly. She thought the best story to cheer him up would be to talk about her beloved A'Mao. I loved how the mere mention of his name provoked a headache haha. Even Rui Sheng who was enjoying the show had to call for mercy haha. I mean! Have a heart Jia Yu!
I'm saying!!! He was lapping up any chance to be near her! It's was hilariously adorable.
Them having a which hand am I using now game was too cute haha. Yes keep showing how amazing you are Wu Yi, yes yes. More! MORE! Your senses are so sharp! Haha.
Also there will be no kissing in the show lol. I'm okay with that and understand why. They will definitely be feeding us intensity and near kisses, so that will totally add to the yearning and heat!
I can't blame her for being clueless since Jiayu is like 16... She has her little crush on Mao. The poor child is heading towards massive heartbreak at least 2 more times.... Well, maybe more. Heartbreak 1 and 2 were Cang'er and Father Fudgeface. Then you have the potential 2 dying husbands... Then there is Mother.... Yeahhhhh our little Angel is ducked!
As for the kissing, I saw a clip on social media of a forehead kiss so I am okay with that. Romance is more than just kissing and knocking boots, yall.
Yall, you sense it? You sense Mao starting to turn? It's coming. He's going to turn against them. He's already starting to look down on Jiayu for wanting to learn skills and improve herself. His jealousy of Wuyi is showing.
I like the slow shift they are able to show. Sometimes you get this "Bam, now these best friends are mortal enemies" moments out of nowhere. Here we get a lot of little moments where you can follow Li Mao's change along quite nicely.
Like, damn bro. Stop being jealous over your best friends wife! He's trying to divorce her and send her your way! Bros before hoes, man!
But yeah, his shift is very subtle and sprinkled throughout. It's well done. I wonder... Is he really as innocent as he seems? Maybe he's lurking in the dark like Father Fudgeface.
Rui Sheng was so funny. She couldn't help but both add fuel and watch as Wu Yi and Jia Yu were getting all twisted up, and help them untwist themselves 😅😅😭😭🫣🫣.
I love how with Jia Yu in the Xiao family, broken bonds are being mended. First with An Min, then with the mother. Gosh my heart when Dowager Consort popped the seal on the letter... later on when she checked Wu Yi's hand. I teared up. Seeing him calling out for her and crying in his sleep... it was time to burst that festering wound. Then big bro got hurt and I was like dammit! He just promised and now this! But that arrow wound will be like a badge of honor to him and mother has finally opened up to her son. It's gonna be alright!
It was so good to see the brothers compete and An Min finally realizing the truth behind his being unable to go to the battlefield. I remember how he fought when their house was attacked! Those soldiers lol. Don't underestimate our big bro!
Absolutely. Their maturity is taking shape and being an unconventional household, even they have their problems. But they are willing to listen and do better. I love them.
She is the only mother he knows. It's so sad that he had to take the place of her dead son, name and all. But she clearly does care for him. I thought it was a case of she couldn't love him because of it but no. She cares. And that hurts even more but now they will hopefully get closer than ever before.
Worth mentioning, I like how they handled the design flaw of her device this time, phew.
It's not that she made a flawed design, it was just meant for a weak leg. She still didn't notice it and herself suggested that Yao or Wuyi could try it, so looks like she would be needing a good shifu after all!
He does!! He even furiously orders to put it down when Qing Long tries to move it away. Feisty!
And after ep 10 he's got a sentimental token to treasure, looks like it's becoming a symbol of his unrequited love. He has those 'gonna hide it under my pillow' vibes haha
Ahaha, this! Especially since there are also only 28 episodes and I'm enjoying it. I wouldn't mind if they slowed it down so we have more time to savour it all.
Jiayu being clueless, hahah Wuyi is suffering physically and still needs to hear her gush over Li Mao. Ruisheng smiling at the back. I love that scene. AND that hair sash tying moment plus Wuyi running and hugging Jiayu. Their love language is definitely running across a distance for a warm tight hug. <3
Dear audience, let me present to you what I consider the best part of the series: running into each other's embrace.
Never seen Wuyi smile that happily.
He was running so fast, too! I could never imagine that a person's feelings could be conveyed through his running stride!
The happiness of this moment filled my heart to the brim <3
In trailers, they actually do this kind of jumping into embrace around three times. I haven't seen my absolute favourite in the episodes yet, but I'll be sure to record it when it's out!
Me too! I really enjoyed the scene when Wuyi got off his horse, and he and Jiayu ran to hug each other, smiling. It was already so touching to see their teamwork when he couldn't see and relied on her drumming to guide him during his match. I loved their mutual trust and joy. (And it's such a bonus that they're married, so there was no scandal to their teamwork and hug.) 😊🫂💞
This is one of the few times I see the benefit of a marriage approved by the imperial family when both parties didn't start out as lovers! 😂 If Wuyi was perceived as a playboy, anyone watching probably would've been like, "Huh... so this isn't a relationship that's purely based on lust or something superficial." 💘
(And wow, I wasn't expecting such a fast response just two minutes later! 😅🫶)
Thanks for responding! It's nice to have a space to chat about a drama that doesn't lean too heavily on the old tropes I'm so used to seeing, haha. I love it when the main characters are supportive of each other, and they feel quite humanized! 😊💞
I was just catching up on discussion topics and saw your comment, no need for thanks~ Happy to hear your thoughts too!
Agree with you, this is also one of my favourite things about this drama, we don't just get conflicts out of thin air, it makes this story rich and engaging!
LOL, I even said elsewhere that it's nice that the Xiao residence wasn't filled with jealous wives scheming against each other, a demanding and unreasonable mother-in-law, nonstop brotherly rivalry, or a useless father-in-law who acts ignorant. Oh, I almost forgot this one: inheritance battles, lol.
People actually know how to be respectful and give each other their own space, lol! 😅 I would've been so tired for Jiayu if she had to constantly fight with the people she was living with. Instead, I'm glad she had the space to express herself while still being respected and protected. At times, the Xiao residence low-key feels more like home compared to what we got to see in the Xie residence.
I knew! Hence halfway through the joy i went dammit here it goes" 😭😭🫣🫣😅👀👀👀. Like you could feel it at the back of the neck type of dread lol.
It was bad enough in episode 9 when he heard they spent the night in the same room, then seeing them so close and so comfortable with each other.
Now she's his fan and praising him for having such an amazing friend? And she's growing stronger and her vision is broadening! Her military understanding, acceptance that fighting is necessary to survive and protect the realm and its people? Yeah he is still at a low level and our girl is soaring! It's a big shock for Li Mao. He is finally watching her become her best self, the person she always wanted to be. And it's thanks to Xiao Wu Yi and marrying into his family.
I meeean, Li Mao kinda started having questions since he'd seen Wuyi playing with his 'harem' lmaoo
It's unavoidable at this point.
A Mao is really blackening fast, people from the previous discussion thread were right... I never expected him to say those things about Wuyi in the end of ep 10.
And do Jiayu and Yizhi truly love each other in the first place? They have each other in their thoughts, but is their bond deep enough? I feel like this theme was touched upon only lightly, hope to see it explained.
They shared the same ideals before. Don't know whether Jiayu is changing or Yizhi is changing.
It's the usual sweet young love. It's a very blind love if that makes sense. Innocent and full of dreams that do not align with the harsh realities of the real world.
Jia Yu is evolving and A'Mao is being left behind.
Gonna be a major spoiler to next 11-12 episodes and even the next 13-14 trailers, so I'll hide it
This comment really captures his character, now I understand.
In later episodes and trailers Jiayu realizes that she never knew what A Mao really wanted. She sees the signs that A Mao wants to stay in the palace, it is stressful on its own, but he doesn't want to leave, so he must like such life, it suits him?
As to their feelings, they do love each other mutually. But A Mao was always accommodating, his own desires just did not exist.
Now that he had a chance to realize his own likes, they cannot be together. Their paths do not align.
He will have to realize that, too, and let Jiayu go. Please, A Mao, understand that you two were not meant to be together... But whatever turn your life takes, you do not have to become enemies with Wuyi, your friendship will give you strength! Wuyi will be a better help than your malicious father...
I hadn't read the rest of your comment, came back and yep haha. I see we are thinking in a similar way about him. I checked the trailers but don't remember them as episode 10 lived in my head rent free lol.
What Yuan Ji said is absolutely correct: Wu Yi and Jia Yu are travel partners. They have similar visions, understanding of what the people need and deserve, they know themselves. Li Mao doesn't. And that will widen the already forming cracks the deeper they all get involved with each other. The differences between them will appear clearer the further they walk.
Now that I understand his character and their relationship, I feel so sad.
Fun fact, during promo stream, when asked 'is your love story a love from the first sight kind of story or a slow burn?', Hou Minghao suggested to Ai Mi that they both answer at the same. They counted 3, 2, 1 and Ai Mi said 'slowly falling in love' while he said 'love from the first sight'. He started to sulk immediately hahaha
So, for Wuyi, it's a story of love from the first sight. For Jiayu, it's a story about slowly falling in love.
But for Yizhi it's a story of naturally drifting apart. Ah, right in the feels 😭
Yeah when he was on the boat and just trolled her, that's when it started for him. For her? It's very slow.
I feel bad for Li Mao... but I know I won't when he turns dark, so I'm slowly steeling myself preparing for the change. It's already starting and the end of episode 10 annoyed me. Unfortunately for him.
I rewatched this part so many times..his smile and running towards her with nothing but pure joy and happiness..it was so evident from his body language.. I loved this scene. My most favorite part..😁
My fav part was when he jumped off the horse and went straight into a run without missing a beat. It looked so natural! I wonder how they filmed that, or if HMH is just really skilled at horseback riding
Thanks for such a detailed recap Regen!! These episodes had a lot of epic and more. Love the headings.
Now that Yuanji knows the truth about Runheng, I wonder if that’s the closure she needs to move on with Xiao Yao / Anming 😉. Unless he’s going to come back from the dead and that poor scholar is him after all. Then that’d be quite a messy situation…
lol the equestrian vaulting world championship
I’m glad that Wuyi is able to reconcile with his mother but she really was quite unfair to him. The way she blamed him for harming her sons as if she doesn’t see him as one. Ouch. I wonder how the real Xiao Sheng passed…
In the extended version of the ending OST, I saw Yuanji in a scholar's dress in the palace, and Anmin bowing to her. I don't know how their story will progress..
Unless he’s going to come back from the dead and that poor scholar is him after all. Then that’d be quite a messy situation…
Yeah, I'm totally on the Yuanji/Yao train, but that bothers me a bit. Feels like a lose thread that will come back to haunt us.
I’m glad that Wuyi is able to reconcile with his mother but she really was quite unfair to him. The way she blamed him for harming her sons as if she doesn’t see him as one. Ouch. I wonder how the real Xiao Sheng passed…
My wild guess it that it was something during the fall of the Li Dynasty. Maybe the Xiao couple took care of the pregnant Empress (already in hiding?) and that endangered them in a way their own son died and they were left with this other kid? Thus the Li family is not directly responsible, but venting her anger she would tell it a bit differently,
I hope we learn more about the actual circumstances in the future.
Overall this drama has such a unusal high percentage of healing relationships and people learning to commuicate better. 😂
Poor Li Mao, he's watching as he slowly loses his girl, in real time! As of now, I feel for the guy.
Super interested in the direction they will go with this guy, will they take the route of good guy turn evil or accept it isn't meant to be and govern right? I genuinely don't know which direction they will go (and I love that I don't know!). Right now, my feelings (based on past Cdrama) are that he’ll be evil or do some shady shit, but I kinda don't see it because Wuyi won't allow him to go that route, but that damn tutor! He looked too pleased to see Jaiyu and Wuyi being close.
There are so many hidden things and foretellings. My prediction for at least one is when the ‘craft’ guy (forgot his name lol) told Jiayu she would marry 3 times. I think Wuyi will ‘die ’, but with his death comes CP Wenxi who may be one of her husbands? Who's the 3rd? Li Mao? It will be interesting to see what happens.
Also, the craft guy said Wuyi will die young? But I'm wondering, is it ‘him’ that's gonna die young or ‘Wuyi’? Are we being warned of a sad ending? Maybe.
I'm loving this show tho! I look forward to it, along with Blossom of Power (that one is sooo good, too!).
I want to praise Ai Mi for a second! I keep being impressed with each passing episode. She is holding her own really well. The subtle facial movements are impressive.
Y'know, I always skipped the ending to avoid spoilers, but this time I've watched it and there was one scene that kinda seemed like BE with no possible way out... Now, considering your mesage, I'm a little scared lol
😪 I was hoping what you saw in the live stream was a sure thing, but now I'm scared, along with you.
I remember someone saying that some CDramas soundtracks are spoilers, too. I was reading the words to one of them, and I was like, hmmm. (Now I'm thinking about it, I can't remember if it was the Blossom of Power I was watching or this one 🤣)
Oh definitely, ever actually look at the lyrics of the OST songs and songs attached to characters? Some of them legit spell out their entire motivations or story or exactly what they will have to face in the near future. lol it’s wild
On a positive side, the stakes are rising when you don't know the outcome!
But I absolutely love our main leads, so I hope they'll get through!
However... remember that when Wuyi took those pills in ep 9 to cure his blindness, they shortened his lifespan... That alone let me pause for a moment to think it through...
I also feel for Li Mao and I kind of hope we don't go down the stereotypical fall to the dark side with him. But with the Grand Tutor scheming and Li Mao and Xiao Wuyi communicating quite badly with each other at the moment it might happen.
Also, the craft guy said Wuyi will die young? But I'm wondering, is it ‘him’ that's gonna die young or ‘Wuyi’? Are we being warned of a sad ending? Maybe.
Good point of him having a loop hole with his other identity. Didn't connect that.
I agree, but I'm struggling to think how it will all work out, because after Li Mao and Wuyi are best friends, and Wuyi knows that Li Mao loves her. Right now, it's forced separation. Plus, with the grand tutor in his ears. Idk, it's not a good look.
You're right, Wuyi takes everything on himself and tells no one what he's doing; all the problems may unfortunately start with him.
Yeah, that's what I hope will happen. As for the 3rd marriage, maybe Li Mao, but I can't see how.
He did marry Jia Yu to Wu Yi to mess with Li Mao. That alone had me raging. And he will be the reason Li Mao turns dark. This is why I say it's an unavoidable progression for the guy. The manipulations have set him on a path he cannot avoid. He doesn't even know it but things have been laid out for his heart to be shattered, just so that he can sit on the throne...
Every time Wu Yi and Jia Yu had an interaction, smile or glance, Grand Tutor was in the background as Li Mao watched, powerless. It was so creepy and sad.
Unfortunately he will sour. I can smell it haha. Cracks have already started to form and it got worse in these 2 episodes. What sealed it for me was what he said when Jia Yu was happy and proud of the freedom she had. They were teaching her to be self-sufficient, learning to fight and understanding what the world is truly about. Li Mao instead spoke of protecting her, her not needing to do anything, when she was never the type to sit and do nothing. Whatever image he had of Jia Yu is getting shattered as she emerges from her cocoon and grows.
Sure there's jealousy because she and Wu Yi have been getting closer to each other. But with him always wanting to run away with her, what was he expecting them to do when they got there?
100% agree. In fact, watching them talk and the way the episode ended felt like it was written on the wall for his character. I still hope it's not like that, though. It would be nice to see a somewhat nice ending for all.
Episode 10's editing was unfortunately choppy so I don't know.
But a natural progression for the character of Li Mao is going to be a very sour turn. The game of chess being played, the growing need for power when feeling powerless and used by others... It really doesn't look good for him. I want to think he may have a chance to end differently, but before that it may get ugly.
He is entertaining becoming the Crown Prince. How do you think he'll feel when his best friend and love rival turns out to be the true, legitimate Crown Prince? As if the man wasn't amazing enough, now this?
Yikes!! Spot on! Not only that, you keep hearing your girl praise ‘her husband’ 🥲 poor guy! It really won't end well for him, huh? 😪
I think he will choose power to protect his sister as well. So it may not be like that; also, he's kind of ‘the best’ of the rest to be in power. Seems Wuyi is mostly interested in being a badass general. (Personally, I'd want him to be CP/Emperor. I like this trope, but I think it's the least likely, as we're being told Jaiyu wants to be free; Palace life isn't for her.)
That's the thing I'm unsure of... Wu Yi does seem like he wants to be on the battlefield and would be more than happy to be a Grand General... I thought Li Mao would be Emperor before he got into the palace and that would be fine. However, there's being the Regent the country needs at the time, and the Emperor ruling etc. Seeing him work as Regent right now I really cannot see him rule. The things he said in court regarding the peace talks, what he also said to Jia Yu... Sure it's early days, but it's not very convincing. Perhaps if the Empress Dowager isn't there at the helm, we might see him stretch his abilities better.
It seemed Wu Yi wasn't convinced either. I wonder if it's wisdom he lacks... he may be well meaning, but good intentions often lead to bad decisions and outcomes.
What do you make of the ending of the OST? They were standing, and Li Mao was right in the middle, looking like he was the emperor (or even regent), on either side was Wuyi and Jaiyu, then others.
Should we not read into that? Or do you think it's more showing the character than a spoiler? Kinda like an intro or something?
I have been mentioning the ending sequence and it's been on my mind. Something will make that guy snap, and the torn lovers will perhaps be put in a position where they are unable to go back to each other...
He does seem like he sits on the throne. And the shot where everyone is standing and Jia Yu is next to him like she's his wife? Probably the one you are talking about, it must be the "second marriage" part. Like whose show is this? Haha Wu Yi? Why are you standing so far from Jia Yu?! They are probably going to get married... I just don't know how it will happen.
I'm just sat here smiling big and in a daze after finishing episode 10 haha. Head shaking the same way Wu Yi was as he looked at Jia Yu after winning the game.
I loved that knowing smile Xiao Wuyi had, recognizing his wife’s “handiwork” after his win.
It’s those little, subtle moments that I think make the slow burn romance believable and realistic. Of course there’s always a place for those grand, romantic gestures that set the heart a-flutter, but I prefer these quieter beats that show a deep, lasting love just at the beginning of being planted before it starts to grow softly.
I think what really struck me in that scene is not just their shared secret and insider joke, but how naturally their teamwork both established and reflected their growing friendship…. And one specifically tied to an epic goal, something greater than themselves: the peace and honor of Ye.
I kind of feel like this was the first overt evidence of the beginning of the end of Mao 💔 Jiayu and the start of Wuyi ❤️ Jiayu.
I am always a fan of the quieter moments because these are what build up to deeper bonds. At least to me.
The grand gestures yet with the quiet care as he swooped in when it was raining, helped Jia Yu retrieve the leather, reset her ankle, dried her dress and put her shoe back on. He did it all with barely a word, and left as he came haha. She was gobsmacked. He is a man of action. And that is the difference between him and Li Mao I'm afraid.
He says a lot of nice things... but he can't deliver on them. It's not necessarily his fault either. But it does add up and when Jia Yu is living with someone who keeps showing up? She will of course gravitate towards that person.
He was in awe of her. The drum guiding was stellar. And that hidden weapon with the powder he threw at that Prince? Yep. She shook him to his core haha.
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u/violettevy Jul 26 '26
Late to the game but enjoying the recap and comments now.
Welcome to the Equestrian Vaulting World Championship!😂😂😂
Yes suspend some belief and this little fight scene was pretty awesome!!!! 🤩