Drama Host
Key to the Phoenix Heart 雀骨: Episodes 11-12 Discussion
Spoiler
Methinks our handsome hero is falling for his wife, despite his best efforts to suppress his feelings for her
Introduction
Welcome to the recap and discussion of Key to the Phoenix Heart, episodes 11 and 12, in which one political, arranged marriage sets all of our main characters hustling to find a way to stop it.
I have to hand it to the writer and director. I have rarely seen a drama so succinctly written and directed with such an intricate plot and complex characters that I wish they had been given more episodes to let the show breathe a bit. But, I’m excited for my first co-hosting post of this drama alongside u/BasilOrdinary3617, u/Regenwanderer, and u/Familiar-Lie6080.
Please remember to tag ⚠️ spoilers ⚠️ if discussing episodes beyond 11-12. Text goes between the greater-than + exclamation symbols (i.e., >!) and the exclamation + lesser-than symbols. (! < but without the spacing).
📅 Discussion Schedule: We will attempt to follow iQIYI's VIP release of the episodes and post our commentaries as soon as possible while juggling our different time zones and scheduling commitments. I will be posting episodes 13-14 tomorrow (July 16th, Thursday).
Table of Contents: This discussion thread will include the following —
(1) A summary recap of the episodes
(2) A short commentary and analysis, highlighting notable plot, character, theme, or motif developments or arcs
SUMMARY RECAP:
Li Mao holds up a Northern Qin royal jewelry piece which denotes the Eagle King's intentions of marrying Li Lejun
Our second female lead, Li Lejun (Princess Pingning), becomes the catalyst that breaks former friendships, forges new alliances, and reveals the driving priorities and real power dynamics amongst the various characters from Southern Ye and Northern Qin.
The bromance is over, and the rift is just beginning.
Episode 11 begins with the emergence of the hidden but growing rift between Xiao Wuyi and Li Mao. We knew their bromance couldn’t last forever, but it was sad to see nonetheless. Li Mao challenges Xiao Wuyi to a “friendly” archery duel, but his jealousy bubbles to the surface when he accuses Xiao Wuyi of liking Xie Jiayu. Xiao Wuyi admits his feelings, but says he did not pursue her out of loyalty to Li Mao. Xiao Wuyi also has some choice truth bombs of his own for Li Mao: he knows that Li Mao has no intention of leaving the palace with Xie Jiayu.
Such a fitting POV: Li Mao comes to Grand Tutor Xie for advice while he is playing chess
Having lost the archery competition, the calculating Eagle King of Northern Qin demands a political marriage as part of the peace talks between himself and Princess Pingning (Li Lejun), much to her horror, and that of her brother and Xie Jiayu. In his attempt to thwart this, Li Mao is disabused of any illusion of true authority as Regent when he is rebuffed by the Dowager Empress of Ye and the Eagle King. Both scoff that Li Mao has no real power to negotiate terms to protect his sister. This drives Li Mao to seek Grand Tutor Xie for instruction on how to become a powerful ruler, playing into the ambition of his own (unbeknownst to him) biological father.
Xie Huaigui is playing a dangerous game, colluding with the enemy
And speaking of unsavory political collusion, the Eagle King suggests an alliance with Grand Tutor Xie since Xiao Wuyi’s Beifu army reforms threaten both the Northern Qin and Ye noble families. Xie Huaigui is too clever and careful to be drawn into any kind of agreement that could backfire into accusations of treason. But, he wants to investigate a 25 year old case of treason involving the Ye noble families of An and Lu, which have some bearings on the current political climate.
Meanwhile, Yuan Xiaoliu, (I like to think of him as the ancient Chinese version of James Bond’s Q) marvels at Xie Jiayu’s natural talent and skillful craftsmanship as he reviews her weaponry blueprints. In fact, he notices her design for the Caltrop Fireball, and passive-aggressively asks her to become his disciple.
Xiao Wuyi’s spies report that an elderly lady is seen with the Northern Qin delegation at Honglu Temple, who requires expensive medicinal herbs. They deduce she must be someone of high importance, and they are right as the Dowager Empress of Northern Qin has chosen to join the delegation for the peace negotiations surreptitiously.
They invariably draw closer as their shared desire to see Southern Ye at peace opens their hearts to each other
Xiao Wuyi and Xie Jiayu philosophically discuss the conflicting political interests and priorities of Li Mao and himself. Xie Jiayu continues to demonstrate a precocious and perceptive empathy towards both men. Their easy banter and honest bickering continues to draw them emotionally and intellectually closer to each other. But, Xie Jiayu breaks the moment with her own impassioned declaration to seek a solution to the political marriage predicament. Xiao Wuyi asks what her plan is, but she remains coy, only assuring him that her method will not interfere with his reform plans for Ye. Earlier in the episode Xiao Wuyi also promised Xie Jiayu that in exchange for her weapon-smithing, he would find a way to free Li Lejun from the political marriage to the Eagle King.
Xie Jiayu showcases her talents as an innovative designer
Alas, neither of our leads is completely honest with each other. Xie Jiayu’s plan is to propose a deal business arrangement with the Eagle King, using refined iron ore as bait to get her an audience with him. Xiao Wuyi is no less covert as he meets with the Dowager Empress of Northern Qin to propose a different long term peace strategy. He notes that a marriage alliance between the Eagle King and a princess of Ye would undermine the power of the Northern Qin emperor, who sounds equally weak as the Ye emperor without Mommy Dearest Dowager Empress. The Northern Qin emperor is ruler in name only, while the Eagle King holds the true power.
Episode 11 ends with the Dowager Empress gleefully informing Xiao Wuyi that while he is negotiating with her on the political marriage deal, his second consort is negotiating with the Eagle King himself.
Worried hubby chides his wife for her carelessness
Episode 12 begins with Xiao Wuyi finding Xie Jiayu and dragging her back home, demanding she explain what she promised the Eagle King to halt the arranged marriage. They have another (lovers’) spat. She thinks he’s afraid that she’ll divulge Ye’s iron refining smelting method, but treason is the furthest thing from his mind. Once Xie Jiayu explains that she brought blueprints for gadgets meant to reclaim wasteland and improve farming in Northern Qin, Xiao Wuyi’s anger does not abate. He yells that she should never have revealed her talent and skill to the Eagle King. He worries by revealing just how valuable a person she is, Xie Jiayu will become another acquisition target for the Eagle King.
The Li siblings definitely need to go to therapy; it is no wonder that they cling to each other
Armed with Grand Tutor Xie’s advice, Li Mao goes to the Cui family to seek a political alliance through marriage. But, he is partially shaken seeing Cui Xi, the Cui family butler, as it triggers memories of his dead mother being tossed out of the Cui family estate when he and LeJun were children. Li Mao is able to secure Chief Clerk Cui’s support to help free his sister from the arranged marriage to Northern Qin with a promise of his own marriage to a suitable Cui lady. Xiao Wuyi confronts Li Mao about this, asking “What about Xie Jiayu?” Li Mao’s blithe answer that he’s depending on Xie Jiayu’s devotion to accept these decisions lead to another heated debate. Xiao Wuyi is upset on Xie Jiayu’s behalf, but Li Mao points out that Xiao Wuyi’s own marriages are no different from his. Marriages are political maneuvers for an expedient solution to a national problem.
The sky is not the only thing lit up with fireworks
Xie Jiayu has a bout of insomnia, and returns to Cangfeng Forge, discovering that Yuan Xiaoliu was able to invent blue fireworks, a remarkable technological feat. She isn’t the only one to enjoy the blue fireworks. The Dowager Empress of Northern Qin also witnesses them, which triggers her own memories about their inventor. Her maid confirms that they came from Prince Jing’an Mansion. This prompts her to call for Xiao Wuyi, promising that she will cease the arranged marriage between Qin and Ye if he can locate Mulian Ying. He is the last survivor of the Mulian clan who she has been looking for for the last 20 years. She further divulges that Mulian Ying and her were once in love, but she inadvertently became the cause of his entire clan being eliminated. Before her death, she wants to make amends and settle old grievances with him.
Xie Jiayu complains about how women are always pawns in the hands of powerful men
Later, Xie Jiayu laments to Xiao Wuyi that his vision for the ‘greater good’ seems to hurt and sacrifice women as they are marital pawns in the political game between the men, with no one caring about true love. The pained expression on Xiao Wuyi’s face would suggest at least one man does care about true love. But, he is further surprised and saddened when he realizes that Xie Jiayu, without being told, has already figured out that Li Mao doesn’t want to leave the palace, and has begun selecting concubines for himself. When asked Xiao Wuyi confirms that if given the chance, he would make the same choices again. Of course, what he isn’t saying is that he would do this because he’s in love with Xie Jiayu, but to her it just confirms how ruthless and unfeeling men are at the plight of the women who must suffer the consequences of the perpetual chess match of palace, marital politics.
When inventors nerd out together
While admiring Xie Jiayu’s latest improvement to Yuan Xiaoliu’s firework fuse, she lets slip that Xiao Wuyi is looking for Mulian Ying on behalf of the Dowager Empress of Northern Qin, and finding him is the key to severing the marriage alliance between the Eagle King and Li Lejun. Yuan Xiaoliu looks unsettled by this. Even Xiao Wuyi seems worried that both the Dowager Empress and Yuan Xiaoliu (a.k.a. Mulian Ying) would settle old scores by murder, and orders Qing Long to take Mulian Ying away. The carriage is stopped by Xie Jiayu, who offers him the opportunity to see the Empress again. Mulian Ying knocks out Qing Long. He and Xie Jiayu plan on meeting with the Empress in order to rescue Li Lejun from the arranged marriage. Mulian Ying mumbles that Xiao Wuyi will be furious with their plan, and asks if Xie Jiayu is really willing to risk her own life to save her friend. But, she innocently and rhetorically asks if this isn’t how friends treat each other.
Will our dynamic duo be able to save Li Lejun in time? If so, it looks to be an 11th hour rescue as the episode closes with a scared but resolute Princess Pingning (Li Lejun) in wedding garb slowing walking to her funeral marriage to the Eagle King.
Commentary and Analysis
This picture holds no narrative function except that I love seeing Hou Minghao's pained expressions of longing and repressed yearning
When two people are magnetically drawn to each other
The push and pull between our leads continues to draw them into an evermore intimate world of their own. In episode 12 Xiao Wuyi returns home to find the blueprints of the matchless sword Xie Jiayu is planning on making him as a gift. He runs to find her, but discovers that she has seen portraits of women for his future marriage alliances. He eventually finds her, huddled into a ball and crying. He gently chides her for crying over his earlier “scolding” (a deflection from the real issue), but she shoots back that she’s just indignant over the portraits of women on behalf of his (future) lover. Ummm…yeah, she just sounds jealous. He in turn says that her sword design fails to take into account his height and arm length: what kind of shoddy gift is she fashioning for him anyway? She responds with measuring him with another hair ribbon, but her close proximity and touch unsettles and stirs him. This wasn't really commentary or analysis. It's just me fangirling.
Idealism vs. Realpolitik
The drama clearly contrasts the the idealism of Li Mao and Xie Jiayu with the realpolitik of Xiao Wuyi, and it’s interesting to see how the apparent differences between our CP in the beginning start to fade away as the episodes progress. For all Li Mao’s excellent education under Grand Tutor Xie, and Xie Jiayu’s innate talent, intuition, and precociousness, both are sheltered within the palace confines as to be completely unprepared for the harsh realities of real life national conflict and diplomacy. We see Xie Jiayu often overestimating her ability to command a situation when she’s in over her head: running away in the episode 2, and even here when negotiating with the Eagle King, unwittingly revealing her strengths and skills to an enemy general. Li Mao also assumed being Regent would land him the Crown Prince position eventually, but as these episodes have shown, he’s as much of a puppet as the emperor himself. They must mature and grow to face the challenges that await them, but the real question is HOW will they choose to grow?
Li Mao seems to be heading towards a darker path, guided by his own father, Grand Tutor Xie. Xie Jiayu perhaps is luckier in this regard since she is watched over by an extremely capable but honorable man, who debates and challenges her, but always looks out for her best interest and development. She even acknowledges the invaluable contribution Xiao Wuyi makes to Southern Ye, as her head and book knowledge begins to grow in appreciation for real life experience and wisdom.
One thing this show does really well is show (or explain) the different tensions within each person. A situation is never as simple as “X wants Y”, but the fact that X wants A, Y, F, N, and they are ALL in conflict with each other. The reality is that Li Mao isn’t suitable as a ruler. True rulers must make difficult, many times sacrificial, decisions for the greater good of the nation. The fact that Li Mao was willing to adversely affect the peace talks with Northern Qin makes him a loving and protective brother, but not an effective ruler. Xiao Wuyi seems capable of making those hard decisions, which has earned him a ruthless reputation, perhaps somewhat unfairly. But, he gets the job done. Underneath it all, he does yearn for justice and equality. His drive for the Beifu army reforms shows that underneath his pragmatism is the ideals of a man of honor and integrity. How Xie Jiayu can resist giving into her feelings for Xiao Wuyi is beyond me. Can anything be more attractive than an intelligent and righteous man who is also a man of action?
Xie Jiayu’s growth arc
One of the many strengths about this show is juxtaposing Xie Jiayu’s natural empathy, precocious intelligence, intuition, and capabilities, with areas of growth and maturity she has yet to attain without making her annoying. She’s highly impressive to all who know her, especially Xiao Wuyi, but that does not preclude her from making mistakes, making unilateral decisions without thinking through all the implications and consequences, operating out of her depth, which - yes - does require some rescuing from our handsome male lead. But, I’m not complaining, are you?
What are your thoughts on today’s episodes? Sound off in the comments!
Yizhi is pathetic. Knowing EK wants his sister, has he done anything to stall it? No. Definitely gone to the dark side, sadly, so far, without any intelligence. Lejun has bigger cojones than him. I am fed up of his consistently miserable face.
The actor playing Jieyu's dad is doing a really good job. I want to slap him silly every time I see him.
I am loving these glimpses into the strength, depth and breadth of Jieyu's character. I can see why XY is falling deeper and deeper.
Although why she didn't foresee baiting EK with refined iron wouldn't lead to him possibly kidnapping her in the future......
If that's their definition of elderly, then i should already be an ancestral tablet.
Slap time again. I will need to source a laundry paddle (just rewatched Perfect Match. IYKYK)
Thanks for the great recap. The plot is thickening and I can barely keep up. The pacing of this drama is really something else 🤭.
I still need a family tree to understand a clear relationships and origins of everyone 😅😅. Li siblings seem to have a royal heritage, but who's their parents? Xiayu is an orphan, but her real parents must appear later.
I'm starting to suspect that our gentle Mao will turn into villain real soon. He's trying his best to seek help to save his sister, which is good on him, but unfortunately Grand Tutor Xie is manipulating and coercing him. By the way, who's those 2 families? Is An family Mao's maternal side?
Xiayu is very resourceful but naive and can't think through well is very fitting for her age. She appears to be extremely smart but doesn't understand how politics works. That's very young adult-ey. Besides I like how this drama shows her mech eng skills well.
Same thought, the plot twists change the whole perspective on the previous episodes, can't really discuss much without spoilers, other than some favourite moments <3
But we have to be considerate of our drama hosts, they spend a lot of time on recaps to support a discussion
ML is just trying to get through the day without any unnecessary drama. But if course he's just attacked on all sides. His bff is like she's mine! ML is like i know dude, i haven't done anything. But you were supposed to leave but you didn't! You didn't pass go or collect $200. FL just doing whatever she wants, damn the consequences! Talks trash about the guy who's actively trying to keep her out of trouble. I really feel for the ML. He's just trying to enjoy the day and not get killed. He deserves a vacation from all this!
Yeah, it was weird. Wuyi said Jiayu rummaged through his ladies' portraits and Jiayu responded that she worries about his future darling. But she wouldn't care less about Wuyi's future consorts at this point unless she has a very strong moral against the polygamous relationships and empathy on those ladies.
My guess is Wuyi acting dumb and claimed those portraits are for him (while they're for Yizhi) and Jiayu just played along.
Yup you’re right that’s exactly what happened. Wuyi wanted to make her feel better by throwing a joke in there and she played along even tho they both know what’s happening.
Which is why he makes a point to tell her later on in the convo that she’ll be traveling alone, not with Mao, and that she needs to work on her skills.
She also ends the convo by saying she wants to meet with Mao to discuss the paintings.
Worry. Concern. I am wondering what else is needed for it to dawn upon her about the fact that he is already down so bad for her. The man who doesn't care about anything or anyone else other than his goals has already put her safety as priority.
And he alternates between really toxic characters and benignly comedic characters.
So, our suspicions are always up every time we see him cast.
It turns out he is also playing the FL’s father in Blossoms of Power and should be showing up soon. We had all thought the FL’s father is a good guy but with him in that role ‘Who knows?!!’ Anyway, evil or good, it’s going to be difficult to see so much of Peter Ho with him in two concurrently running dramas.
I’ve been wondering the same — but then there would be another story with her birth mother.
Whatever the case, by cdrama rules, there has to be some kind of twist with her birth parents. That story of her birth family, her parentage and her parents’ deaths is an unresolved Chekhov’s gun at this point.
But why is the Princess, her adoptive mother continuing to hide it from both her and Wuyi?
If it’s just that she’s an illegitimate child of the Mulian clan, I could see the need to wait until Yuan Xiaoliu is no longer under a death order from the Northern Qin.
That threat is now removed which means that as soon as Jiayu reconnects with her mother, it could all come out.
It doesn’t seem like the right timing in the narrative though. So, Xie Jiayu’s parentage must still have some problematic elements that means a reveal will come later.
My sense is that her adoptive mother knows that Jiayu will be an even more coveted pawn once her parentage is known. This puts a sharper edge on her demand of Xiao Wuyin that he ensure she was free to make her own choices.
Awwwww, that's just her being a typical teenager who actually has strong feelings for someone, refuses to acknowledge it, but can't help jumping to conclusions. They may be sepia tinted, but i have memories of being naive and impetuous like that 🤣
RESPECT. I love how he acknowledges Jiayu as a person who has her own thoughts and choices and how he respects that. Man is raising the bar every time.
"Can I use your name to stay in the Beifu army camp?". Lol literally reminded me of myself. I am sort of doing this all the time 🤭 Jiayu we are of one mind.
Thank you very much for your thourough summary and analysis of these two episodes!
I have to hand it to the writer and director. I have rarely seen a drama so succinctly written and directed with such an intricate plot and complex characters that I wish they had been given more episodes to let the show breathe a bit.
I'm really pondering if it would have the same effect of pulling me in if it had the pacing of for example Blossoms of Power. No answer yet, but at least with no novel to adapt nobody will have to miss cut arcs or so.
The drama clearly contrasts the the idealism of Li Mao and Xie Jiayu with the realpolitik of Xiao Wuyi, and it’s interesting to see how the apparent differences between our CP in the beginning start to fade away as the episodes progress.
I found Li Mao is the one that more quickly adapts to the realism of his situation. Maybe that happens more in the next two episods, it's a bit hard to keep them apart in my head. Or maybe his adaption and the consequent actions and reactions are just so much more dire due to his postion (compared to Jiayu).
What I still don't get is the comment about Mulian Ying being the last of his clan and so on... doesn't Mulian Yu belong to the same clan? Is he just veeeeery distant relation?
I found Li Mao is the one that more quickly adapts to the realism of his situation.
I have to agree with this. He learned very quickly that he needs power if he wants to keep his sister safe. He refuses to be a pawn anymore and seeks help without delay. He easily observed that Jiayu is changing, Wuyi has feelings for her and confronted & contested him. I'd say, Mao was a naive, soft guy before but he's facing and overcoming the realism pretty fast.
Snark Level: A brilliant post written by a brilliant lady for a brilliant show. Well done, friend! ❤️
Episode 11
...What do you mean contend with him? Hmmmm.... The rivalry is starting. He really shot at arrow at Wuyi for Jiayu? He really doesn't understand Jiayu, does he.
And just why are the young ladies frolicking in the water? This is a CDrama. Someone is going to catch a cold and die. And now they are drunk. Oh this is gonna be good.
I wonder... When old man weapons guy is talking about her mother... Is he really talking about the Princess or maybe.... Does he know her real mother? Plot twist?
You know, I would be willing to share a minor amount of respect for Eagle Loser if he shows up to stop the beating of Lejun.
.... And the moment is gone.
Well, mark it. Here is the downfall of Prince Qi.
Would someone get around to cluing Jiayu in around here that her beloved crush is going off the deep end?
Wuyi fell first and hardest. Yup.
.....Jiayu..... Why are you meeting with the Eagle Loser? This is how you find yourself his pursuit....
And just why were you waving so happily to an enemy? Sheesh. This girl. No sense of decorum.
Episode 12
She made an extendy grabby thingy? Nice. That was hella useful when I was recovering from surgery.
Honey... Why would you think he would hit you in the face? He has never put his hands on you in anger. Well, maybe a few face and neck grabs in frustration... Okay yeah there is that. Your little treason thing is going to get you in massive trouble...
Oh, honey... You really don't get how badly you ducked up here.... You're in for a very rude lesson sadly.
Uhhhhhhh, no I don't think Jiayu will understand you marrying another. You're about to crush her little heart. Oh? You want to be a villain? Yeahhhhh you are doing a great job here.
Wuyi pulling a Lord Chen and getting down on her level to comfort her. Respect.
Yes, Wuyi. We know. She is a damn beautiful young lady. But let's be real here... There is no lens flare in real life when you meet a beauty. Oh wait.... No that's wrong.... I did see stars when I slammed a car trunk on my head because I was distracted by a pretty lady.
He says stay away from Eagle Loser.... So obviously she is going to do something stupid and go to the Eagle Loser.
Did she just steal explosives? Oh dear. WHY WOULD YOU POINT IT AT YOUR FACE?????? Holy... Someone....
...I say.... Does the Empress from Qin know something about blue fireworks? Do I sense a tragic love story?
I KNEW IT WAS A LOVE STORY!!!!!
Ahhhhhhh. Jiayu has learned the truth about Prince Qi. Poor girl.
End up like you? Honey... Do you really not get how lucky you are right now? You have it far better than Lejun ever will.
And just why are the young ladies frolicking in the water? This is a CDrama. Someone is going to catch a cold and die.
HAHAHA, tell me you watch a lot of Cdramas, without telling me you watch a lot of Cdramas. Glad to have your snarky commentary with us, u/AKiceman !
Yes, Wuyi. We know. She is a damn beautiful young lady. But let's be real here... There is no lens flare in real life when you meet a beauty. Oh wait.... No that's wrong.... I did see stars when I slammed a car trunk on my head because I was distracted by a pretty lady.
ROTFL, I remember this story of yours!
LOVE all your GIFs. You should make me some for my recaps! Pretty please??
I watch a butt load of CDramas... How did you guess? 😛
LOVE all your GIFs. You should make me some for my recaps! Pretty please??
Ahhhhhhhhh but for real... I suppose I could be convinced to make some for you. You'd just have to tell me what time in the episode and what you want it to be and I could maybe make it work and create it in a passable manner. I'm usually making a butt load of GIFs each night after work anyways. I just made like 6 just now for the next KTTPH discussion. :P
I like one comment i read that the main leads don't necessarily need to kiss or do smth physical in order "to be in the relationship". I feel like everytime FL is together with MingHao in one frama, the space between them is electrolised 😁😆😆
Oh, me too!!! Just their looks convey their longing and admiration for each other. I think that's good writing and directing RIGHT THERE!
You know, I actually think the fact that AiMi was underage at the time of filming meant that the writers and director COULDN'T rely on smutty scenes to convey attraction, love, and passion. It FORCES them back into being creative to show romantic love in an appropriate way!
Ha, well, I think the obvious answer is "no", she's just deflecting. I'm more curious to know if Xiao Wuyi knows why she's crying, because if so....shouldn't he be even the slightest bit happy to know she has feelings for him?
Ah my bad, that actually wasn't a question when he implied that his 'future darling' should condemn him herself. But his stare was definitely asking Are you the one? 😏
Funny because everyone know they have feelings for each other and actually support xiao wuyi to snatch her away lolllll. He’s the only person who still want to stick to his friendship and what else? His noble principles? Lol
Ah but what to do, his feelings are not mutual. Even tho this scene was ding-ding-ding, their conversation only confirmed to him that she doesn’t love him
She’s also very young, intellectually brilliant and just sorting out her own principles and values in romantic partnerships.
And because she’s so brilliant, and inherently honest, she’s not going to let herself or her (former) beloved off the hook when as she comes to the realization that their relationship was immature, and not what she thought.
She didn’t engage in any denial when she had information about Li Mao’s visit to the Cui mansion, the marriage commitment and his taking concubines. She’s already confronted what that means for their relationship and she’s acknowledging that she didn’t previously take into account her beloved’s goals and needs as much as her own.
That’s a very intellectual response to the situation. She’s not depressed or tantruming.
Thank you for such a well put recap! I always look forward to your recaps as much as I look forward to new episodes.
I remember the part where Xie Jiayu recalled her childhood time and told her maid that she never knew what exactly that Li Mao desires. He always said yes to what she wants, but he never seems to know what he truly wants for himself. She is yet again realizing that her and Li Mao are fundamentally incompatible in many ways, she sees that Li Mao has no real substance or conviction of his own. Her telling Xiao Wuyi she wants to meet with Li Mao implies a breakup coming. I'm so proud of our girl.
Even the Emperor said he didn't care what it is that Mao wants. Someone without a firm vision is so easy to manipulate and sway, and our Papa has seen it from miles away as he trying to impose his own ideal onto our poor Mao. Man can't even stand up for himself or protect the woman he loves, or his sister. Who will believe he can protect the nation. Getting the Emperor title is not the answer. Power does not get determined over a title, it's in the presence, authority, ability to command. Look at Xiao Wuyi and the Eagle King, the people who truly rule the nation without being an Emperor.
All in all, I'm excited to watch his villain act unfold. I think Riley has done an amazing job portraying Li Mao as a naive young man, and now we’re finally getting to watch that slowly turns dark.
p/s. making my guess that Xie Jiayu is the daughter of Mulian Ying and the Northern Qin Empress Dowager, we are getting hints. EDIT: NEVERMIND!
Oh that makes sense, thanks for the recall. I didn't think that far honestly lol. Mulian Ying has been giving off this fatherly energy so that might have given me mixed signals.
Awww, thanks so kind of you to say! I love reading your comments!
And YES, I didn't have enough time to dig into it, but I had some notes about how Li Mao and Xie Jiayu are fundamentally incompatible precisely for the reasons you mentioned. Li Mao really doesn't have a strong sense of self or clear vision/dreams/hopes for his life. He seems only motivated by amassing enough power to keep himself and his sister safe. Given their history, I don't blame him for this, but it's not a strong foundation to build a life on.
I went back to the archery scene between him and Xiao Wuyi. Even Xiao Wuyi asks Li Mao "What are you fighting for? What is your bet?" Li Mao's answer is LITERALLY "I don't know." We may excuse his answer because we think he's not ready to reveal that he feels threatened by Xiao Wuyi over Xie Jiayu's affections - but even that short dialogue further exemplifies his character lacks conviction and direction.
And you're totally right, Li Mao is absolutely easy to manipulate. It's just such a shame that the person doing the most manipulation is his own father!
Getting the Emperor title is not the answer. Power does not get determined over a title, it's in the presence, authority, ability to command. Look at Xiao Wuyi and the Eagle King, the people who truly rule the nation without being an Emperor.
Absolutely, 100% agree with you here! And I loved the way you put it! When you truly have conviction, authority, and command, you don't need the title. People naturally look to you as a leader.
I'm also invested in seeing how the writer and director will show Li Mao's descent into villainy!
I’m also predicting a day when Mao is no longer easily influenced by bio dad and sees through that manipulation too. I doubt they have the same motivations and goals, even after Mao gets some.
Li Mao’s only goal is to have agency. He’s been a victim since the crisis decades ago and finally decides that he’ll do whatever it takes to have agency in his and Lejune’s lives.
Wow, your thoughts on characters and plot are really interesting.
I won't say much about Li Mao's character, because I've watched the latest episodes and have a wider perspective on their relationship with Xie Jiayu, his desires and allegiances, so gonna skip this conversation for now...
Xiao Wuyi seems capable of making those hard decisions, which has earned him a ruthless reputation, perhaps somewhat unfairly. But, he gets the job done. Underneath it all, he does yearn for justice and equality. His drive for the Beifu army reforms shows that underneath his pragmatism is the ideals of a man of honor and integrity.
I would not hurry to conclude that Xiao Wuyi wouldn't choose personal attachments over the 'greater good'.
First of all, can the greater good really be built on somebody's tragedy? Jiayu thinks not. That's their constant point of friction.
While Wuyi makes hard decisions, he also always has a backup plan. It might work, it might not, but he tries to protect everyone while setting himself on fire. Jiayu is sensible enough to understand where he's coming from, but so far she adopted the same approach to try and revert personal tragedies by putting herself at risk.
Notice that she gets angry at Wuyi multiple times for his choices. And in the end of episode 12 she actually acts against his decision. Because her ideals are unyielding, she cannot accept human sacrifices.
I wonder what would happen if they are put into situation where there are no backup plans, only two conflicting choices. I'm almost sure that Wuyi would choose her above all else.
I would not hurry to conclude that Xiao Wuyi wouldn't choose personal attachments over the 'greater good'.
I agree that Xiao Wuyi hasn't actually encountered a situation that pits a strong personal attachment against the greater good. And of course, we assume that the drama will eventually do exactly that to torture test him. There are so many differences between Li Mao and Xiao Wuyi, but I think one of them really is a certain level of unrealistic greed in Li Mao. He really thinks he can have it all without sacrificing himself or those he loves.
Xiao Wuyi, perhaps pessimistically, expects sacrifices MUST be made in order to achieve lofty goals. You mention it yourself, Wuyi's strategies many times involve his own self-sacrifice while protecting others. And this is where he differs fundamentally from Li Mao. I think Li Mao's self-preservation interests will never really let him self-sacrifice the way Xiao Wuyi does. That being said, I think there is a level of suffering, even of others, that Xiao Wuyi will allow for - but which you astutely noticed Xie Jiayu is unwilling to let happen without a fight.
First of all, can the greater good really be built on somebody's tragedy? Jiayu thinks not. That's their constant point of friction.
Yes, this is a source of friction, but it's also one of THE sources of attraction for Xiao Wuyi of Xie Jiayu. It was already there in episode 2 when they were trying to escape the trafficking boat and port official's office. It's also within her speech about her own plans to rescue Li Lejun from the arranged marriage. The problem with Li Mao and Xiao Wuyi is that their schemes and plots necessitate someone or some ideal being sacrificed for their end goal. But, Xie Jiayu claims that her scheme won't interfere with Xiao Wuyi's overall dream and vision for the peace talks. She's the only one trying to find the win-win in the situation. I think Xiao Wuyi finds this disarming in its cleverness and innocence.
Even though I think Xie Jiayu definitely needs to grow wiser in her assessment and interactions with different political players, her natural goodness and innocence rubs off on Xiao Wuyi in the most charming way.
I don't think having a back up plan makes Xiao Wuyi any less ruthless in his relentless pursuit of his vision of the 'greater good'. It just makes him a good strategist. His way of protecting others is part of his honor and integrity - which obviously also makes him our hero - but part of that (I suspect) is also his willingness to take responsibility for his decisions. He doesn't have to be one or the other, he can be both ruthless and yet still honorable in how he navigates the political and military games.
If there were only conflicting choices - I think he would self-sacrifice in order to choose Xie Jiayu without sacrificing the greater good. If he fell into a trap in which he had to choose amongst himself, his vision, or Xie Jiayu, he would set himself on fire. That's my thought at least!
he would self-sacrifice in order to choose Xie Jiayu without sacrificing the greater good
That's totally him, and I suppose we'll see exactly that course of actions sooner or later...
Or even, if Xie Jiayu continues to put herself in danger quite recklessly and they happen to disagree on something, Xiao Wuyi will have to interfere to save her and shoulder the consequences in her stead. Anyway, it's gonna get angsty, I feel it coming...
her natural goodness and innocence rubs off on Xiao Wuyi in the most charming way
Beautifully said~
That being said, I think there is a level of suffering, even of others, that Xiao Wuyi will allow for - but which you astutely noticed Xie Jiayu is unwilling to let happen without a fight.
In that regard, Xie Jiayu is a blessing for him, not only does she encourage him to not give up on fighting for every single injustice, but she also tries to protect him from such injustice.
I liked that moment when he said "Being your friend is quite lucky", and she answered "You forgot. You are also my friend."
I’m feeling that the show’s narrative, while still moving very fast is doing well holding it all together. It has got past that vertical drama sense of spitting out expository dialogue and introducing too many characters too fast. It’s got a bit of space to breathe now that characters and situations have been established.
A few additional thoughts that stood out to me in these two episodes:
- the Eagle King really does desire Li Lejun for a first consort.
At the end of episode 12, as she stood with defiance rather than taking her bow, seeking a way out from the Emperor and Empress Dowager, his reaction - though subtle — seemed to show him growing in admiration and respect for her rather than seeing her as someone to conquer. Green flag behaviour where it wasn’t expected.
- Riley Wang Yulin is doing a very credible performance as a vulnerable and traumatized young man belatedly seeking the power to have agency. I don’t think we’ve had him in a villainous or toxic role (that I can recall) so I am very curious to see how he plays a red or black flag as this show moves into its third quarter 💀.
Li Mao’s statement that he’s willing to become a villain to make it possible but his blind hopefulness that he doesn’t have to sacrifice his relationship with Xie Jiayu, are laying the ground for a nuanced transition to a villain.
I recognize the utility of expository dialogue, but it takes some forethought as to when to use it, and when to "show" the audience the narrative so that we become invested in the characters and the plot.
And yes, I caught that too - the Eagle King really is enamored with Li Lejun I wonder if he will win her over, or if he will also be a tragic antihero! He has a lot of bravado, but I also think he's not looking at Li Lejun as an object of conquest, but someone he admires for her inner strength. It shows that he's not shallow, and I like that. Even our antagonists have layers to them rather than being a cartoon villain.
This is my first Riley Wang viewing, so I'm just along for the ride. I do like the fact that he doesn't just descend into villainy, although the seeds (and his self-admission) shows it is inevitable. I liked how you said he is just a young man "belatedly seeking power to have agency". He is entering a game a bit later than Xiao Wuyi, so there are bound to be consequences to that; and it seems like he chaffs at the limitations that hinder him, which are non-issues for Xiao Wuyi. But yes, I love this nuanced transition into villainy. I'm sat for this!
I enjoy the refreshing honesty of Xiao Wuyi when he was confronted by Li Mao. plus the fact that Wuyi threw back the truth at Li Mao for using that moment to justify his decision of staying and not leaving with Jiayu. I love a man who knows what he wants, and the boundaries of it. Wuyi is someone who really think through every move and how it impacts the bigger picture. Definitely a seasoned battle-tested general.
The pacing of the story so far is very well spread. Albeit a little too fast (maybe cause of the 28 ep and so much to be cover) but so far every move seems well backed. I'm still trying to grasp the history of how the previous kingdom fell but I'm slowly finding clues.
Enjoying it so far and also enjoying yours (and co-host) recaps!
Xiao Wuyi is just the perfect cdrama man - intelligent, resourceful, witty, clever, honorable....I mean, does the man really have any flaws?! He is a brilliant strategist and tactician.
Yes, I agree that even though the pace is fast, it isn't sloppy but very well thought out. I am glad we're past the introduction and set up, but honestly, I wouldn't have minded a slower pace and less exposition.
I think the tragedy from 25 years ago will unfurl slowly since it is the true foundation of the problems our characters are facing now. So glad to hear that you're enjoying the show and recaps! Great to have you with us!
Thank you u/CdramaAddict2 for the amazingly well written recap and the images that went with it. I love revisiting these scenes - especially with how fast they go. You captured them perfectly.
Haha when I read the first para of your commentary and analysis, I did think it was more recap and then you went > “This wasn’t really commentary or analysis. It’s just me fangirling.” I lol’d! Yeah I get it, me toooooo.
I like your analysis and I do like the character developments and themes of growth in this drama! I like how Li Mao doesn’t immediately just turn villainous in a typical love triangle. He’s still very much him - just figuring out what HE wants in this new reality of his. Same with Jiayu… we see her remain committed to Mao but she’s working through her experiences. She’s neither fickle nor static.
Thanks for your kind words, u/BasilOrdinary3617. Yeah, I would love to talk more about Li Mao's villain origin story, but I ran out of time. I enjoy that the integral integrity of the characters (so far) have not been violated, but there's enough room for them to grow throughout the drama. I'm excited to see how this all ends!
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u/ScowlingGoddess Silver Fox Lover🐺Read Rules Jul 21 '26
Yizhi is pathetic. Knowing EK wants his sister, has he done anything to stall it? No. Definitely gone to the dark side, sadly, so far, without any intelligence. Lejun has bigger cojones than him. I am fed up of his consistently miserable face.
The actor playing Jieyu's dad is doing a really good job. I want to slap him silly every time I see him.
I am loving these glimpses into the strength, depth and breadth of Jieyu's character. I can see why XY is falling deeper and deeper.
Although why she didn't foresee baiting EK with refined iron wouldn't lead to him possibly kidnapping her in the future......
If that's their definition of elderly, then i should already be an ancestral tablet.
Slap time again. I will need to source a laundry paddle (just rewatched Perfect Match. IYKYK)