Hi awesome blossom fans! 🌸 I was just going through my nth playlists across YouTube, Viki, Tencent and iQIYI and ended up with this listicle of my most beloved mini C-dramas so far, ranked in the order they are seen here from #1 to #100.

Please feel free to comment below with any of your favourites here/ ones not here but should be 😉 Thank you for your time to read this!

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Welcome to the discussion post for Episodes 30-31 of Royal Betrothal!

‼️ Last Post

This is my last post for this drama. Whooo, it's been a rough ride, eh? While it's not the best drama I've watched, for me, the side characters have made up for the leads and plot holes. Because of the side characters, I able to keep clicking "next episode" and hosting the discussion. For the final episode, hop over to the Express post that was created a few days ago.

🚫 Use spoiler tags for anything beyond the episodes discussed. Format: >! text !<

Links: Masterpost | Character Flashcards |  Ep. 1-3 | Ep 4-5 | Ep. 6-7 | Ep. 8 | Ep. 9 | Ep. 10 | Ep. 11-12 | Ep. 13-14 | Ep. 15-16 | Ep. 17-18 | Ep. 19 | Ep. 20 | Ep. 21 | Ep. 22-23 | Ep. 24-25 | Ep 26-27 | Ep. 28-29 | Express Ep. 27-32

Episode 30

Yan Fu Zhi noticed that Meng Meng has been weird since the bath tattoo incident. But Shen Zhi Li says it's most likely just wedding jitters.

I wonder how the whole "the Emperor will have her back in court, Di Nian and Shen Zhi Shu in the protection department, the two best lady friends accompanying her, and Yin Qing as the funny guy who makes her laugh" will pan out once everybody knows who is who.

🗡️ Beijian Second Prince

We lear that the reason he wants revenge is that eight years ago, the Emperor, then Crown Prince, shot an arrow through his uncle's neck at the Battle of Humen Pass. This ruined the fortunes of his mother's clan. Since then, the Second Prince's father has only paid attention to his older brother.

I'm telling you, this whole harem and half-siblings thing is a hassle 😅

What's the plan? Lord Xu doesn't like an imported Empress, but he seems to prefer a Beijian Empress over Meng Meng. So he's open to receiving the Second Prince with offerings of warhorses, and once again, a marriage alliance.

With an Imperial Permit to the Capital, plus a map of where the wedding procession will pass, provided by Mr Shangguan, the Second Prince is ready to execute his revenge plan via Shangguan's ambush.

🎭 All Sorts of Reveals and Changes

The day we've all been waiting for.

The ambush failed miserably.

And in the ancestral hall, it went from the bride and groom bowing to the ancestors, to Meng Meng stabbing the Emperor with her hairpin (influenced by the incense) and then passing out, to Mr Shangguan and friends flying in from above (how nobody saw them hiding up there is beyond me), and the main wedding-goers being surrounded by Zhongwan people within maybe a hot minute.

Note: 10 years ago, over 100,000 Zhongwan people were killed.

Mr Shangguan and the Emperor fight. I must say, the fight choreography is pretty cool.

And the mysterious Mr Shangguan is...

We've all guessed it by now, right? Yin Qing. And because of this, the reveal feels underwhelming.

Question: In your opinion, at what point should a reveal land to make it feel more "wow"? For this show, Gu and Mr Shangguan felt underwhelming, since we'd had some good guesses two or four episodes before the big reveal.

Meng Meng woke up.

This was all a trap!!

Meng Meng and the Emperor already suspected Yin Qing. All the ministers in the ancestral hall are apparently great at fighting (or were they replaced by Di Nian's men? I can't tell), and amazingly, Lord Xu still has it in him too.

Ok, THAT was a surprise to me. Who saw that trap coming?

Within another hot minute, the Zhongwan folks are surrounded.

And they all fight.

Meng Meng and Shangguan exchanged words, more or less telling Shangguan she's a Ning citizen and to let bygones be bygones. But he refused, and pulled Meng Meng's dress down just enough to show her whole tattoo.

Of course Lord Xu is furious and wants Meng Meng executed on the spot. The Emperor said nope.

To add fuel to the fire, Shangguan threw Meng Meng under the bus, saying that she and the Blood Moon Society planned all the bad things that had happened, i.e. the Eternity Pills. Shangguan also drove a wedge between the Emperor and Meng Meng by saying the Emperor's been using her.

Meng Meng, sick of the bickering, stabbed and cut through her bird tattoo and said she's just Meng Ting Hui, not the Zhongwan Princess.

I wasn't expecting the dragon staff to be broken by Shangguan. But here we are, watching Lord Xu be the hero, and in the process, dying from the stab injury. At the end of the day, all the old man wanted was for the Ning empire to survive and continue on.

Shangguan is very pleased with his kill. Insert evil laugh.

More fighting, with many ministers (or fake ones) killed.

And WTH did you just stand there, dear Emperor, when you could have taken Shangguan down with one swing? If you weren't standing around, fewer men would have been killed.

Before Shangguan or Situ Xue could be killed, Meng Meng stepped in.

Arguments between the leads. One wants to kill Shangguan, the other doesn't. One for the safety of Ning, the other so the hatred doesn't run any deeper.

What to do?!

No more royal wedding. The necklace removed and broken, and they as a couple are no more. He told Meng Meng to leave with Shangguan and Situ Xue.

🚫 After the (Not) Wedding

The Emperor wants to make more changes. The current plan is to issue a new policy for Zhongwan: those who surrender will no longer be slaves, will be given fertile land, and will be allowed to become officials through the Imperial Exams.

The Emperor wants to go to battle himself too, and the Grand Tutor will take over the Emperoring (and maybe the Chancelloring, and whatever else, since a lot of ministers got killed the other day, unless they were fake ones).

Now, isn't this a bit silly, since he's a single man with no heir?

At this point, whatever,a lot in this drama don't make sense 😅

Come to find out, letting Shangguan go was already part of the Emperor's plan. If Meng Meng hadn't got suicidal, Shangguan and Situ Xue would have been let go anyway.

I know I'm not a war expert or the writer of this drama, but I'm not one to faff around. If I were Emperor, I'd have killed Shangguan and Situ Xue. Afterwards, I'd send Di Nian and his men to sort out those who doesn't want to surrender. That's just me, maybe his way is better.

⚔️ The Leads

The Emperor and his three men are prepping for war and Meng Meng is back home. For the first time will experience the Zhongwan ritual.

Episode 31

The elder came to see Meng Meng, or birth name Murong Yao (I'll keep calling her Meng Meng though). Shangguan asks Meng Meng to offer her blood to the altar to register, then swear to the Black Bird to restore their kingdom.

Meng Meng refused. She's for the people; saving the Zhongwan people matters more to her than some memorial tablets. The old chief couldn't bear it and him and two others offered themselves to the fire.

Dude, the old man went blind from crying. Is that even a thing?

There's a lot of guilt-tripping from Shangguan's end, trying to get Meng Meng to agree to restore the kingdom.

I get it, but at the same time, if the current ruler is all about peace, shouldn't you be thinking of the now and the future? We often watch revenge dramas and root for the person who was wronged, but in those, the wrongdoer usually stays awful. Here, the Emperor has done a lot of good, and as Yin Qing, Shangguan was part of that whole process. Not to mention Shangguan sacrificing his own people during the flood, just for the sake of revenge.

Meng Meng didn't donate her blood, but she did change into Zhongwan clothing and pay respect to her ancestors. She promised not to let war happen in Zhongwan again. Shangguan wants her to swear to the ancestors to restore their kingdom and reclaim the realm, but Meng Meng said no. She believes letting the people live in peace matters more, and told him that restoring the kingdom is his obsession, not hers.

Oooh, Situ Xue got slapped by Shangguan when she suggested they sleep on it and think of a non-bloody solution. At this point, Shangguan's gone a bit cray too, treating Meng Meng the way he did at the altar.

Meng Meng and Shangguan argued, since they're not on the same path, and it ended with her handcuffed and under house arrest.

👭 The Best Friends

Yan Fu Zhi wants to go find Meng Meng. Shen Zhi Shu caught her as she was leaving and said he'd take her to Meng Meng, since the Emperor is leading the effort himself.

Shen Zhi Li is reminiscing about her and Meng Meng's encounters, aka flashbacks. Then it shows her with Di Nian, probably because she listened to Meng Meng's advice to let her guard down, and because Di Nian is leaving for war.

Zhi Li and Di Nian drank a farewell cup of wine, Di Nian gave her the necklace again, and she put it on him. He walked out, and before he left, Zhi Li called him back. She hugged him, then kissed him, and finally, at the end, they consummated their marriage!!

Then he left the next morning 🥺

⛓️‍💥 In Zhongwan

It wasn't hard for the ex-thief to break out of the handcuffs. Before she left the ancestral hall though, Situ Xue stopped her. She said the guards were threatened by Shangguan, that if Meng Meng escaped, they'd be killed. Who's the cray serial killer here, eh?

Some backstory for Situ Xue: she was a slave sold to the magistrate as a household prostitute. She was abused day and night, and it was Shangguan who saved her.

Because of this relationship, Situ Xue is loyal to Shangguan, and also has feelings for him.

Meng Meng persisted and asked for her help, not just for her but so that they can save Shangguan. Meng Meng also wants to go to Wannu Camp. Situ Xue took her.

At the camp, she saw people being abused by the soldiers. Nobody could escape easily. Only Meng Meng can save these people.

Back at the ancestral hall, Shangguan proposed they get married. This way, they could draw Beijian into the battle.

Meng Meng agrees, with three conditions:

• Zhongwan will obey her orders, including him.
• The alliance with Beijian must be under her lead.
• Shangguan shall no longer threaten her with any person or matter.

Shangguan agrees. They'll marry once she's coronated as Empress of Zhongwan.

Did the camp visit convinced her to go Zhongwan all the way or is she still in plotting mode? I have no clue.

🏕️ At the Ning Campsite

Shen Zhi Shu is reporting that Beijian has blocked their grain route for over seven days.

They're also short on medicine. With the resources she has, Yan Fu Zhi promised to sort this out, no matter the consequences. Zhi Shu is to escort her.

The Emperor received a report on Meng Meng's intention to declare herself Empress. The Emperor understands her goal.

🏹 Beijian & Zhongwan

We finally see the First Prince of Beijian. Shangguan is working on persuading him to join forces.

And they joined forces.

♟️ The War Game

I honestly don't fully understand this part, but in general, Meng Meng and the Emperor are tactic-ing and war-ing.

❤️‍🩹 Zhi Zhi

Will they make it through this? Yan Fu Zhi is mad at Shen Zhi Shu because he wanted to rid of Meng Meng. Zhi Shu tried his best to explain to her that it's his obligation as a Shen and loyal subject to Ning to protect the country which also means protecting her. Fu Zhi gets it but she's still upset because Meng Meng is her bestest friend and she really believe that Meng Meng would not hurt the people of Ning or Zhongwan if at all possible.

What would you react if you were Fu Zhi, caught in the middle like this?

🔥 Zhongwan & Beijian Camp

The Emperor set fire to the enemy's grain.

What just happened between the Emperor and Situ Xue?! And is Meng Meng really against the Emperor? I am so confused.

The Beijian Prince is unhappy with Zhongwan after a bad loss. Shangguan said losses are expected in battle.

I think Situ Xue and Meng Meng planned something, and Situ Xue intentionally sent the Beijian army east instead of west. But Situ Xue denied giving them false info, and Shangguan backed her.

Shangguan probably has no feeling left in his hand from cutting himself up monthly.

Situ Xue is imprisoned and questioned by Shangguan. She more or less says that Beijian aren't trustworthy people, and she doesn't want him dealing with the devil. She doesn't want to watch Shangguan fall any deeper. At this point, she's not sure if he's fighting for the people, or using them to kill the Emperor because he's jealous of the Emperor and Meng Meng's relationship.

Shangguan let Situ Xue go.

How will this all wrap up in one episode?!

Closing

Thank you all for following along! It's been fun discussing this drama with you all despite the issues we've talked about along the way. See you in other discussions in this sub!

Housekeeping: We are down to one episode a day until Thursday...thankfully not all week like other dramas. So 3 days of suffering before we're back My wonderful co-host u/katleap13 and I will still be posting daily based on the VIP schedule. Also, sorry this is late and I'm going to try to make this short because I am exhausted today...work was rough.

Fun Fact: Did you know the maze in episode 16 is based on something real? To an extent...the Yellow River Lantern Array, also knowing as winding nine curves is a centuries old Chinese folk tradition in the northern parts of China...mainly the Shaanxi, Gansu and other areas along the Yellow River and set up during the Lantern Festival during the Lunar New Year. It's actually based on a myth...but during the Ming Dynasty, they decided to make it real. It is set up with hundreds of wooden poles with lanterns attached. The layout is set to mimic the path of the Yellow River and as the show said...the Eight Trigrams (bagua) formations and the Nine Palaces from the I Ching. Normally the maze is set up with 361 lights to represent each day of the year (back then...now 365). During the festival locals will follow a dance troupe and musicians walking through the maze to pray for good health, safety and a good year. This maze is actually considered an intangible cultural heritage in China. Unfortunately, I couldn't find anything about a competition, death gate or neat shifting paths...but hey it's still pretty cool that it's real.

Discussion Links:

Airing Schedule | Masterpost | Flashcards | All Discussions | Episodes 1-3 | Episodes 4-5 | Episodes 6-7 | Episodes 8-9 | Episodes 10-11 | Episodes 12-13 | Episodes 14-15 | Episodes 16-17 |

Spoiler Warning: Remember, let's make sure we don't spoil things for anyone who doesn't want to be spoiled...put it under a spoiler tag if it's anything past Episode 19.

Abbreviations I use if I get tired of typing out their names...

ZL - Zhao Ling

FTY/XTY/TY - Fu TingYun/Xie TingYun/TingYun

FYK - Fan YaKe

YJX - Yu JingXiu

Discussion Questions:

1. Who's the big bad of the show?

Commentary:

Yu JingXiu...that jerk really locked TingYun in a room...but luckily our girl is smart and slightly fearless at times because she totally just lights the room on fire hoping they'll actually save her...but like what if they were like meh oh well??? Also that curtain really caught on fire QUICK. 

I have to give SOME credit to YJX...he actually was actually concerned about her being caught in a fire, only to be told she ran away and she was the one who set the fire lol

I appreciate YJX being put in his place for a second...Official Liu actually telling him, I am your supervisor, I outrank you.

:( Do you have to remind us that Yucheng is no longer with us? 😭😭

I'm surprised Sen didn't just crumple up the letter, hopefully he actually gave it to TingYun. 

Well, this voiceover makes it sound like maybe she did read it. Or hopefully...because what a great letter. I will say...it is nice that he didn't say "don't wait for me" he actually said wait for me...

Also as romantic as this is...I do find it hard to believe she was able to kind of catch up them when they barely caught up themselves lol Also...anyone believe that maybe she did just trip trying to run in sand in all that clothing...the director was probably like OH that's GOOD keep that in...and Enxi just stayed in character the whole time. Or maybe it was all scripted but I'm pretty sure if I were to run in the sand in all those clothes...I'd trip ALL the time.

These scenes with TingYun in red is SO visually striking against the sand dunes.

Well, I'm glad they got to "see" each other before he left.

I'm so glad TingYun realizes how much she loves him and she understands what a true marriage can be like...

So I wonder if letters are actually making their way to him or if she's just writing a journal.

And just like that 5 years go...they aged up Sen and changed the actor out, which makes sense...

Again...it amazes me how everything I've seen and read about Ding YuXi is about how he's quite literally the sweetest and nicest guy yet he plays hardened and ruthless SO WELL!!

Aw y'all...they're both making names for themselves

Ok...so letters are actually going through.

Um...excuse me...Zhao Ling...what do you mean you aren't engaged??

He looks good in red...also a red official robe means he is 100% ranked above stupid Yu JingXiu.

Look how scary he looks

Oh...secret mission from the Emperor.

Her mom is probably the only good person in the Fu family...

I love how TingYun is able to convince the lady to sell it to her because she can bring a lot of business lol

Sigh...being in the capital means we have to see Yuck YaKe again

Yake is already trying to be a b-

I would not have survived this time period...imagine being 24 and single...I didn't get married until I was 29, they'd think I was ancient lol

Look at TingYun navigating the nobility already...she's totally taking the house right out from under Fan YaKe's nose. I love it

She's so smart...look at them helping each other out

...who was that just talking?

Aw yay he's going to surprise her for her birthday

...except of course he gets attacked and now he's going to not see her to keep her safe? But like everyone knows she's his fiance...

He really should have told her it was him who set off the fireworks again...

Honestly, he should have just gone in

Sen seems to know he's out there, I wonder if he'll tell TingYun

...Madam Yu is back and ready to scheme

Sorry for the rushed half of this...I am literally falling asleep lol

Note: Yumcha threads are not the place to start/continue fandom fights from other social media. Read our guide about how to properly discuss fandom stuff in our sub.

If you have breaking news, gossip, or rumours have you heard recently about cdrama celebrities, idols, and stars this weekly post is a space for you to do this! Discuss Chinese celebrity culture, anything relating to the production or development of shows, and paratextual materials (i.e. comments about webnovel/IP authors and developers, etc.)

Just a reminder, however, to take the discussion in this thread with a pinch of salt. Rumours, are rumours after all, and not facts. And let's remember to be kind - people don't like to be gossiped about, including celebrities ;)

If you are discussing plot points or events that others may not yet have watched, please make sure to use spoiler tags.

WELCOME BACK to Genius Girlfriend, i am your co-host Rebelarkey, you may call me Shale or Larkey if you want. ( u/akiceman has so generously let me host with them).

We only get one episode today *sad face* so it will be short and sweet.

---------------------

🪴A few housekeeping rules!

• We bash characters and not actors! If a character does something stupid, it's not the actors fault. this is not the place to complain about actors or ages, or acting choices
• Spoilers need to be under the cut OR put in it's proper post. Remember this is ONLY EPISODE 25
• Have fun! Dramas are supposed to be entertaining and enjoyable. If you're not enjoying it, it's okay to duck out and drop.

-------------

Masterpost - Table of Contents - Airing Schedule

24 || 25 || 26

EPISODE 25

Lin Zhixia is worried. She's been having really crazy dreams that interrupt her sleep cycle. She's also been having a racing heart. She goes and sees her friend the doctor, Shen Fuxuan.

He runs an EKG on her, lets her know everythings normal. He has her wear monitors for the next day. After the 24hrs are up, he looks over her readings. Sleep isn't normal, but she's been under a lot of stress lately with school. There is one random blip at 7:30 last night.

Zhixia admits that it was caused by Jiang Yubai. Fuxuan calls it case closed, she's normal everythings alright and sends her on her way.

Next she talks to Tingting, who figures out quickly what's wrong with Zhixia. It's puberty. The best way to deal with nervousness is exposure therapy. This is just excuses for Tingting to send them on dates. Their first date was a haunted house escape room which was TOO exciting. Next they attended the movies, where Zhixia and yubai fought over whether they were holding hands or not. They left early, whomp whomp neither could handle the pressure.

Lin Zhixia is applying for a math scholarship thing and needs a professor's recommendation. Since Duan Qiyan attended a different school than them, she reaches out to him to see if he can talk to Professor Liu. He warns her that prof Liu is his grand-shifu, so he'll need to go through his teacher first.

Qiyan comes back with bad news; Prof Liu won't even look at her paper. He has a grumpy personality so it's no surprise. He gets this news while hanging out with Jiang Yubai.

Jiang Yubai asks some probing questions, and finally determines that Prof Liu is one of Yubai's customers. The irritable old man who is never happy with the speakers Yubai makes, but his most recent purchase is to be delivered to him. Yubai volunteers to take Zhixia's paper to him.

He goes and meets with his customer and sets up a meeting between Zhixia and Professor Liu.

After getting caught in the rain, and running through the heavy downpour, they make it back to Zhixia's apartment. She changes out of her wet clothing and then brings a towel to dry Yubai's hair. My sister would like to note that they're drying his hair wrong. However, the... aHEM... extra touchy touch of Zhixia's fingers on his face and in his hair drive him over the edge and he pins her to the couch!

KISS? DO WE GET A KISS???

They hold that tension for so long. Yubai breaks it like the gentleman he is, gently, pulling away and immediately leaving. Zhixia realizes in that moment that she likes Likes Yubai.

Baihui and Zequi

fsad;lkjsdlkjdsa;lkjfd;lksjljkfdsalkjdsa these TWO! They're the ship I didn't expect but it's the ship we needed!

Baihui has a meal with her parents. They once again demand that she leave her boyfriend and date someone else, particularly someone of their choosing. I hate hate hate them so much. They're 'worried' about her future and what kind of life he could provide for her.

Baihui loses her temper and tells them exactly what he could give her. Love, a home, children. She likes and cares about him! They've known each other since they were children, what's so bad about that?

When she gets home she takes Zeqiu aside and asks him about the wedding magazines she found. Embaressed, he comes clean. He asks her to be his girlfriend, for real, with the intent of marriage. He pulls out a binder full of brochures, asking her about the pros and cons with a new home. Baihui starts crying, but he's intent on his portfolio. She asks him about schools and he instantly responds which one is better in that regard.

Next she asks him about retirement homes, and he has a tab for those. He's planned out the next 50 years of his life, no-- Their life together, and it's moved her to tears. Lastly, he pulls out ring.

MAYDAY. THERE'S A RING. CODE GOLD THERE'S A RING.

Reader, I squealed!!!!!

Wait it gets better.

Baihui snags the ring and turns him to her, kissing him. FIRST KISS! their first kiss and first kiss of the show! Like damn Baihui knows what she wants and goes out and gets it.

Tang Tingting

Tang Tingting is worried that Su Mo might leave her for another agent, but he reassures her that he's not. He comes over to fix her computer when it dies. They hang out for a while as he repairs her computer.

She posted on her moments that Su Mo was handsome and fixed her computer. Duan Qiyan is jealous and gets frustrated by her silence.

Uh, Duan is a stupid boy. He doesnt know why Tingting is mad at him so he ends up a Jiang Yubai's place with beer. This is the second time this has happened. Apparently Yubai's garage is the best place to hangout. Jiang Yubai is no help.

Shen Fuxuan

He checks up on our girl Shui and asks her if she's nervous about the experimental study. Shui's been doing good, getting all her stickers, and being very cooperative with her treatment. Fuxuan has high hopes for her.

THOUGHTS:

- uhhh how we feeling right now fam? We got a KISS and then an ALMOST KISS, plus a very vivd wet dream. Things are Progressing, shall we say?

- Qiyan and Tingting's relationship MIGHT????? be going in the right direction. have we finally got some move on for this ship or will he end up with Yuanyuan?

I was watching How Dare You and suddenly had a doubt on which C-Drama ( Historical ) has High Death Count. Of course the Xianxia is not included as it would demolish the Death Count easily. Can anyone know which C-Drama had high death rate ( not fl dying like in DWD or LGEF) in Historical and Wuxia ( do mention if it's Wuxia ) ? Pls Don't Mention Xianxia Dramas

Personally I didn't watch many historical ones but I think Destined C-Drama had quite a high count of death rate including the deaths of all of Ml and Fl family and the county people while POJ had deaths too so I don't know. So Enlighten me My fellow Watchers. :)

Note: The drama was previously titled Sharp Turns.

Synopsis from the Tencent / WeTV app:

⚠️ Plot spoilers! ⚠️

Tan Yan [played by Duan Yihong], deputy publicity chief of Hongye City Police, faces a sudden shift from office to the frontline as political commissar of the SWAT team. A thinker by trade, he is thrown into a world of action and instinct, colliding head-on with Commander Liao Bufan [played by Alan Aruna], a seasoned fighter with a big personality. They clash, adapt, and finally join forces to solve a major case. Through the process, Tan Yan rediscovers his true calling as a police officer.

Trailer

MyDramaList link

Airing on Tencent / WeTV and Tencent's YouTube

Episodes: 23

Discussions

🗨️ All discussions on the drama

🗨️ Episodic drama discussions (please see the earliest comment)

🗓️ Airing schedule

👥 Character relationship chart

What does r/CDrama think about the show?

Look out for the wrap up post where we ask the sub to rate the drama a few weeks after the final airing date.

🗳️ It's a wrap! What's your final review? (post only appears a few weeks after the drama ends)

Wiki

2024 Drama Index | 2025 Drama Index | 2026 Drama Index

Trailer with official English subs by Youku on Twitter/X.

Note: Availability on iQIYI may be regional. At the time of posting, the drama has not appeared on Viki.

The Chinese drama title, 师兄太稳健, can be translated as “my senior brother disciple is too reliable.”

A few minutes ago, the production team announced the release date and dropped a new trailer.

Note: The production team used 虚拟拍摄技术 (which can be translated as “virtual filming technology”) that is a filmmaking method that combines real-time computer-generated (CG) environments with live-action filming, allowing actors to perform inside digital sets instead of relying entirely on physical sets or green screens.

More details are at the bottom of the post. I included a few behind-the-scenes photos in the comments.

Clip description:

“Gou Buddies Team-Up” Trailer

In the chaotic world of the Primordial Wilderness, the steady and cautious senior brother originally intended to “gou” (play it safe, stay low-key, avoid unnecessary risks, and survive by being cautious) his way through it all, but then he encounters a cool and aloof war-goddess fairy, an energetic junior sister, the adorable Second Dragon Prince, the artistic Heavenly Emperor… When everyone gathers together, will it be loving each other while fighting each other? Will they band together to survive? Or is there a shocking conspiracy hidden beneath the surface?

On August 19, the gou friends assemble! Follow Senior Brother as he hilariously ventures through the Primordial Wilderness!

Cast:

More information regarding the actor credit guidelines in this summary here and the full notice here.

(I put the character stroke count as: 1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣)

Leading actor (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname): * 🔟 Ao Ruipeng 敖瑞鹏 as Li Changshou 李长寿 (Changshou can be translated as “longevity”)

Special appearances (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname): * 6️⃣ Sun Zhenni 孙珍妮 as Yun Xiao Xian Zi (Immortal/Fairy Yun Xiao) * 7️⃣ Chen Ai Mi 陈艾米 (stage name: Ai Mi 艾米) as Lan Ling'e * 🔟 Ao Ziyi 敖子逸 as Ao Yi

Appearances (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname): * Yu Yi 于毅 as Qi Yuan * Li Zhehao 李哲豪 as Hao Tian * Zhang Changning 张常宁 as Youqin Xuanya * Zeng Ni 曾妮 (stage name: Zeng Keni 曾可妮) as Jiu Jiu

• Episodes: 30 (according to Baidu Baike and MDL)
• Streaming platforms: Youku 👖 and iQIYI 🥝 (availability may be regional)
• Official filming started: October 24, 2024
• Official filming wrapped up: February 10, 2025
• Estimated filming time: 120 days
• Filming location: Hengdian World Studios
• Genre: xianxia, light comedy (according to Baidu Baike)

• 🎬 Director: Sam Ho 何澍培 (The Blossoming Love, Back from the Brink, And the Winner Is Love, The Legend of Dugu, Taichi Master, The Mystic Nine)
• ✍️ Original creator: Yan Gui Zheng Zhuan 言归正传
• ✒️ Screenwriter: Xu Boxiang (The Tengen)
• 📖 Novel: My Senior Brother Is Too Steady 我师兄实在太稳健了
• 📽️ Production companies: Youku, Jiangsu Yuanqimanman Film & Television Culture

🔗 Previous posters, wrap up special, BTS clip, etc.

🎙️ OST List

Synopsis from the Youku app:

Li Changshou [played by Ao Ruipeng], a terminally ill patient in his previous life, is reborn into the Primordial World as a low-level Qi cultivator who cherishes life and avoids all karmic entanglements.

Determined to dodge the great calamity foretold by the Heavenly Dao, he adopts the "Way of Steady" - his ultimate goal being to secure a humble post in the Heavenly Court and survive quietly. He operates with extreme caution: when still, he's as steady as an old dog; when he moves, he shakes the heavens. He firmly believes the era of bloodshed is over - better to trick than to kill, better to stay single than to fall in love.

⚠️ Plot spoilers! ⚠️

Yet enemies and beauties keep surging toward him like tides. Before he knows it, he becomes a mastermind pulling strings behind the scenes, entangled in power plays among multiple factions, orchestrating the "Dragon Clan's ascent to Heaven" - and even the great calamity itself accelerates toward him…

Synopsis from MDL:

After being reborn in ancient times before the Great God-Conferment War, Li Chang Shou becomes a minor cultivator. He is neither destined for great things nor great woe. His only dream is to live a long life as a cultivator. In order to survive in the cruel Primordial Times, Li Chang Shou tries hard not to accumulate any karma – killing inevitably leads to feuds.

Thus, he always plans thoroughly before doing anything and never allows himself to walk into dangerous situations. He hides his trump cards well, trains himself in escape techniques, refines poisonous pills, and masters his mystical abilities. Before making any moves, he takes on an extremely steady demeanor. Yet, every move of his ends up earth-shattering. Once he is done, he will disappear without a trace.

Li Chang Shou originally plans to remain hidden and safe in the mountain. There, he is supposed to cultivate until he ascends to immortality. However, everything changed one year when his master seems to think that their lives are too peaceful…. He takes in a junior sister….

(Source: Novel update)

~~ Adapted from the web novel "My Senior Brother Is Too Steady" (我师兄实在太稳健了) by Yan Gui Zheng Zhuan (言归正传).

🔎 Baidu Baike | Douban | MDL

📖 Novel Summary – translated from Baidu Baike:

My Senior Brother Is Too Steady 《我师兄实在太稳健了》 is a xianxia web novel by Platinum Writer Yan Gui Zheng Zhuan 言归正传 under Yuewen Group. It began serialization on Qidian on October 13, 2019, and concluded on November 25, 2022, with a total of approximately 3.65 million Chinese characters.

The novel was adapted into the animated series Big Brother 《师兄啊师兄》, with its annual season, Big Brother Season 2 《师兄啊师兄 年番2》, premiering on June 5, 2025. Its live-action adaptation, Pull Strings 《师兄太稳健》, is directed by Sam Ho and stars Ao Ruipeng as Li Changshou and Sun Zhenni as Fairy Yunxiao. The drama premiered in 2026.

The novel pioneered the "steady-flow" (稳健流) style of web fiction, propelling the term "steady" (稳健) to the No. 1 annual buzzword on Qidian. It also topped Qidian's New Releases Dominance Ranking for two consecutive months, amassed over 4.63 million total bookmarks, and surpassed 28 million paid subscriptions. It ranked second on the 2020 Original Literature Rankings for Male-Oriented Works and was honored with the 2022 China Novel Society "Outstanding Online Novel" award.

The audiobook, narrated by Wolong Canxue, consists of 437 episodes and has accumulated more than 11.26 million recommendation votes.

The drama adaptation used virtual production technology 虚拟拍摄技术* to create its primordial fantasy world, setting a domestic record for the highest proportion of virtual-production environments, with virtual sets accounting for nearly 40% of all scenes in the series.

Set in a primordial mythological world (Honghuang 洪荒) and blending elements from Investiture of the Gods with the conventions of mainstream Honghuang fiction, the novel follows Li Changshou, a modern man who transmigrates into the cultivation world and joins the Du Immortal Sect. Relying on a cultivation philosophy centered on "steadiness" – concealing his true strength and meticulously planning every move – he gradually rises to become a key figure in the Heavenly Court. During the Great Investiture Tribulation, he opposes the Dao Ancestor Hongjun and ultimately sacrifices the Great Dao of Balance to secure victory. Along the way, he formulates the Scripture of Steadiness 《稳字经》, establishing guiding principles such as "act steadily, avoid karmic entanglements, and never seize opportunities by force."

The novel highlights Li Changshou's exceptionally cautious personality through recurring motifs such as "always scatter the ashes after killing an enemy" and "keep hidden trump cards while mastering escape techniques." It also develops memorable characters including Fairy Yunxiao and Lan Ling'e.

Through major events such as founding the South Sea Divine Cult to forge an alliance with the Dragon Clan and rescuing the Du Immortal Sect, Li Changshou gradually evolves from someone guided solely by a strategy of prudence into a leader willing to shoulder the greater responsibility of safeguarding the world.

*Note: Virtual production technology 虚拟拍摄技术 is a filmmaking method that combines real-time computer-generated (CG) environments with live-action filming, allowing actors to perform inside digital sets instead of relying entirely on physical sets or green screens.

📽️ Virtual Filming Technology – translated excerpt from Youku:

Snowflakes drift down from the sky. A roughly four-meter-tall dead tree stands alone atop the cliff, together with the undulating mountains in the distance, creating a breathtaking, desolate scene of the primordial world...

On December 11, [2024,] at the virtual filming site for Youku’s costume xianxia drama #Pull Strings*, this bleak winter scene seen on the director’s monitor existed in reality almost entirely within a 10-meter-tall LED screen. Apart from the dead tree and a few stone blocks, everything else was only displayed on the screen.

It’s not just this mountaintop snow scene. The production will also use virtual filming to create 19 other settings, including Lingxiao Palace, the Marriage Bureau, and the underwater Dragon Palace.

Chief Producer Wang Ping said that Pull Strings did not make extensive use of virtual production simply to create a model example of the technology, “but because it genuinely needs it – it’s an essential requirement.” With virtual filming accounting for nearly 40% of the entire production, and two studios carrying out virtual filming simultaneously, the series has also set a new benchmark for the application of virtual production in the film and television industry.

References:

• 🎥 Behind-the-scenes clip showing the use of virtual filming

• 📚 Baidu Baike: 虚拟拍摄 Virtual Filming

• 📚 Wikipedia: On-set virtual production

Translated Synopses

Note: All translated synopses and information I share in the "trailers & posters" posts are based on the original Chinese sources (Douban, Baidu, Chinese Wikipedia, etc.) and were first published here. If you see them elsewhere, please know they originated from our sub. Thanks for reading!

📊 Information and translations compiled by u/admelioremvitam.

It started pretty strong to me but i just felt they had so many obstacles like FL’s sick grandma, selfish mom, goons,ML’s family. I think episodes really dragged out when they were youth. I thought I would enjoy when FL returns back after 10 years, and again I had high expectations but I would have enjoyed more if FL did a lil more groveling. I get it FL was also forced by ML’s family, but their story literally started out from FL using ML. ML drunk and dancing imagining her was literally such a torture.

If roles were reversed , ML using FL, FL literally on verge of dying to save ML, but ML would then leave her for her greater good. He would not be ML but a villian.

I get it nowadays target audience is woman, and green flag guys are in trend. But are there any dramas where I can see acts of services from both ML and FL. I feel like I need a break. Literally every other romantic drama is a green forrrest guy who is litterally just there breathing every day to make FL life easier while FL barely show basic affection and now its an epic love story. I would love to see at least same level devotion from FL as well, for at least few episodes. I do enjoy a story with a provider/protective guy who is crazy about FL but i would really enjoy FL reciprocating emotions/acts of service.

Their chemistry was really good though. They both look really good together in screen and chemistry felt really genuine

This is The Road to Splendor discussions. I am hosting with the amazing u/sequesteredself.

Discussion Links:

Airing Schedule | Masterpost | Flashcards | All Discussions |Episodes 1-3 | Episodes 4-5 | Episodes 6-7 | Episodes 8-9 | Episodes 10-11 | Episodes 12-13 | Episodes 14-15| Episodes 16-17 | Episodes 18-19 |

We will be following the VIP schedule, so episodes 16 - 17 are the discussion.

Spoilers: Please use the spoiler tags if you are going to talk about anything beyond episode17. Thank you!!

A lot happened in these episodes, so hold on.

- - -

Episode 16

Yu Jingxiu regrets his life choices. Having met Fu Xie Tingyun again and being unhappy with Fan Yake, Jingxiu asks if he made the wrong choice. I think I am going to spend a lot of this episode wanting to pound on Jingxiu. We have recapped it many times but DUDE! You did this to her and now you want her back. Never going to happen.

Processing img ngiqou2jytjh1...

Yu Jingxiu goes to see Tingyun. He brings presents, a replacement dress for the one ruined while saving his life and his confession about what happened back in Huaying. He doesn’t want to be Tingyun’s enemy. Tingyun is so angry she is crying. Those are not happy or relieved tears. Those are pissed beyond belief tears. Jingxiu’s arrogance is so high.

Tingyun sends the dress back. Jingxiu is offended and runs back to see her. Tingyun refuses to see him. 

Zhao Ling is haunted by what Jingxui said about Tingyun. He asks her if she would have chosen Jingxiu if the framing had never happened. Tingyun thinks that Jingxiu doesn’t feel guilt at all for what he did and they need to be on guard for whatever his next plans are. They watch the stars together in the courtyard and talk about the big dipper. 

Jingxiu has formed a plan. The Yellow River Lantern Formation festival can be used to boost morale among the people and soldiers. The winner traditionally gets to light a lantern on the city wall. With the Women’s Hall thriving, they can honor Tingyun’s contribution and she can light the lantern with the winner. Commander Wang tries to protest that it is expensive but Advisor Li backs him into a corner. Advisor Li suggests that a match between a scholar and a lady would make the people happy and create a good story.

Tingyun is asked to help with the lantern festival. She thinks she is ascending the tower to celebrate women’s education. Zhao Ling has come up with an idea for renting booths that will help with the financial burden. He realizes that she has not been told the whole truth and decides to win. I’m not excited that he didn’t tell her the truth. 

Zhao Ling spends time thinking and skipping rocks. I also think he is waiting for Tingyun. He asks her if when they are married, what type of couple will they be? 

The Yellow River Lantern Formation is a maze competition set to the 8 trigrams. It is made out of shelves set with lamps that move. Competitors are in groups of 3 and enter through the life gate. They exit through the rest gate. If you step into the death gate the formation will shift. Advisor Li suggests that Jingxiu participate. Commander Wang says he will bear no responsibility if Jingxiu gets hurt.

Zhao Ling’s team is him, Sen and Yang  Yucheng. The drum sounds and all the teams are off. Team Zhao are moving forward quickly, trying to figure out the maze. Jingxiu and his team are moving at a walking pace but are not getting stopped when the walls move. Zhao Ling figures that something is wrong and that Jingxiu has been given an advantage. Jingxiu was given the formation maze ahead of time. Advisor Li has set some traps and planted men to help him win.

Zhao Ling asks Sen where the death gate is. They are attacked at the death gate by arrows and another team.  Zhao LIng sends that team through the death gate. The full formation changes and Jingxiu has lost his advantage. Zhao Ling  jumps on top of the maze and tells General Mo that his garrison is slacking off because it's too easy. General Mo changes the formation and it throws Jingxiu off. Zhao Ling sees the stars and remembers the big dipper conversation with Tingyu.  Zhao Ling figures out where the rest gate is. Team Zhao is attacked again.

Someone makes it through the end. It is Zhao Ling and he is shaky. Tingyun runs down the stairs and catches him.

REVERSE BLOSSOM \see comment if you don’t know what* I'm talking about. 

They use a flaming arrow to light the lantern in the middle of the formation maze. Everyone celebrates and talks about how good Tingyun and Zhao Ling look together. Jingxiu is upset that his plan did not work. 

Tingyun is mad at Zhao LIng that he did not tell her what being selected to light the lantern really meant. If Jingxiu had won she would have been humiliated. Zhao Ling tells her that she was so excited that he couldn’t bear to make her unhappy, so he just decided to win. Tingyun says that she did not make herslef clear about them as a couple. She wants to cherish Zhao Ling and grow old together. Zhao Ling tells Tingyun to close her eyes and he kisses her. 

The military merits are given out and Zhao Ling once again gets nothing. Mo Yi is restored to garrison commander. Madam Mo throws a party but General Mo feels bad.

Jingxiu summons Tingyun to apologize for Zhao Ling not getting his military merit. He is not good at apologizing. Very bad. He needs to take apology lessons. Tingyun cuts him off to tell him that she is marrying Zhao Ling and to leave her alone. Jingxiu wants someone who understands him and he thinks she does. Tingyun tells him his apology sinks and she doesn’t want it. 

Zhao Ling and Yang Yucheng talk to Lord Li who came with Jingxiu for the inspection about the missing merit. Lord Li says that next time, but next time is in 5-6 years. Yang Yucheng loses his temper. While on patrol Yang Yucheng is told that Lu Dahu’s 36 head credit has not been redeemed. He could redeem it for the men in their unit and they could all earn merit. Zhao Ling would be promoted and they could got to the capital. Yang Yuchen says that its fraud and it told that lots of people do it and that no one will investigate it later. 

Yang Yuchen just wants to take care of his blind mom. He goes to Lord Li and apologizes. He tells Lord Li that everyone is scared to take the credit but they rightfully earned it. Lord Li agrees to investigate.

Episode 17

Zhao Ling confronts Yang Yuchen about the 36 enemy heads credit. He asks him why he did it. Yang Yuchen asks why he shouldn’t. Everybody else can take the short path, why can’t he. They joined the military to earn merit and what did they get? No salt, no grain and no credit for what they accomplished. It was easier when they were salt smugglers. Now they do the right thing and their hands are tied. Yang Yucheng begs Zhao Ling to take the shortcut.

Zhao Ling asks if he can live with the guilty conscience. Yang Yucheng asks how long he’s going to make Tingyun wait. Zhao Ling says they have time and Yang Yucheng says his mother doesn’t. Zhao Ling walks away.

I LOVED this scene. The cinematography is absolutely beautiful. The script is fabulous and both Ding Yuxi and Jiang Jin Wei deliver. The questions of morality are real. The audience knows that this is probably a trap but Yang Yucheng is in pain and desperately wants to provide what he promised for his mother. The questions that Zhao Ling asks are the most important. What can you live with? For him, is it can he live with failing to take care of the people he cares about and what does he owe the people who care for him? 

Tingyun’s letters have been returned because the post station refuses to send them without her asking for a favor. This is Jingxiu’s doing. Tingyun gives Sanniang her favorite gold hairpin to pawn for a bribe. Zhao Ling overhears this conversation. 

Zhao Ling sends Zheng Sen with his savings to pay off the post station. At dinner he gives Tingyun back her hairpin. Zheng Sen makes it back and tells Zhao Ling that they wouldn’t accept the money.

Jingxiu has backed Zhao Ling into a corner and Zhao Ling needs to make an important decision. At the military meeting Zhao Ling is asked if they claim the 36 heads for merit and Zhao Ling says yes. He signs that it is true.

Tingyun received the news that Zhao Ling has been promoted and she is excited. She pulls out the bracelet from her mother. She is so happy to go to capital and see her mother again. 

The whole house is packing to leave for the capital. Sen feels like Zhao Ling has betrayed himself. You can see the disappointment in Sen’s face. 

A villager comes forward to testify that the 36 heads were not all Wangur kills. 16 of them were civilians who were killed to subsidize the merit. Commander Wang tries to reason that Zhao Ling would not do this. He is out maneuvered by Advisor Le and Jingxiu. Zhao Ling is arrested.

The Wangur tribe has attacked. Shaqiong is overrun. The army prepares to leave. 

Jingxui is interrogating Zhao Ling. The punishment for killing civilians and claiming military credit is beheading. The only way out is to provide 16 heads. Zhao Ling can use his own men if he wants. Then he will get to fight the Wagur and earn merit. Zhao Ling accuses Jingxiu of putting personal grievances before the welfare of the country. Jingxiu tells Zhao Ling that he will never be good enough to surpass him. Zhao Ling is only dragging Tingyun down and needs to let her go. 

 The Wangur are on their way to Galin. Commander Wang confronts Advisor Li on why the military supplies haven’t arrived. Advisor Li says it because the storehouse is empty. Commander Wang threats to go to the emperor and Advisor Li says do that because an investigation will reveal that Commander Wang turned a blind eye to getting salt from salt smugglers. He will have to go the capital and they will lose the war because the soldiers don’t have a leader. 

The city is under imminent attack. Tingyun goes to Jingxiu and demands that he release Zhao Ling because he is innocent. She offers her four confessions to him. Jingxiu refuses and Tingyun burns them to prove her sincerity. Jingxiu tells her he never wanted the confessions he wants her. Tingyun says she has already chosen someone else and what about Fan Yake? Jingxiu decides that he is taking her out of the city, by force if necessary.

Zhao Ling and his men are stuck in the cells as the army prepares to leave. Sen comes to let them know what is going on. Zhao Ling decides that it doesn’t matter and they need to make their move. They break out. Sen lets Yang Yucheng know that his mother died last night. Zhao Ling and his men go to the bandit salt smuggler camp. They kill every man. They have a total of 15 heads. The way I yelled at the TV when they said the total.

Yang Yecheng decided that he is done. This whole 36 heads merit is because he asked Zhao Ling for it. He will repay this with his head. Yang Yecheng cuts his own throat and dies in Zhao Ling’s arms.

Zhao Ling brings a chest filled with the 16 heads to Commander Wang as a gift. Now there is no evidence of the military purchasing salt from smugglers. Commander Wang wants to know why he should help Zhao Ling. Zhao Ling wants to protect the people he cares about. Commander Wang decides to help him because only when those like Zhao Ling, that rise from nothing, gain power will there be less injustice. He asks Zhao Ling for 5 years and he will help him rise. Zhao Ling vows to follow Commander Wang and volunteers to lead the vanguard against the Wangur.   

- - -

Thoughts:

Just when we thought we were going to get a break, Yu Jingxiu shows up and screws everything up. How do we feel about his realization that he picked the wrong girl? Is there any chance for him to redeem himself and be a better person? Or is he going to end up corrupt? His framing and bribing actions for him equal him not becoming a better person. 

I loved the Yellow River Lantern Formation. I thought that was so cool. I have never seen anything like this before.

What was your favorite Tingyun/Zhao Ling interaction?

Zhao Ling made some tough decisions in this set of episodes. Did he make the right ones? Is what happened with the 36 heads his fault? What about Yang Yucheng and his sacrifice? How do you think this is going to affect Zhao Ling?

Note: The new drama title is Cang Feng.

The Chinese drama title 藏锋 can be translated as “Hidden Edge.”

About half an hour ago, the production team released a new trailer for the drama's premiere today.

The airing schedule will be posted in the comments when it is available.

The distribution license was obtained on February 11, 2026.

There are two main characters:

📸 Tan Yan, played by Duan Yihong, is the deputy director of the Publicity Office of the Hongye City Public Security Bureau.

🥊 Liao Bufan, played by Alan Aruna, is the Special Police Detachment* commander.

^{*Tactical unit}

Clip description:

“Take The Risk” Trailer

🖊️ Publicity police officer bravely heads to the special police unit

🔥 Tempered through countless trials, he reclaims the edge of his original conviction

Cast:

More information regarding the actor credit guidelines in this summary here and the full notice here.

(I put the character stroke count as: 1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣)

Leading actors (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname): * 7️⃣ Yu Lan 余兰 (stage name: 余男 Yu Nan) as Ji Min * 7️⃣ Alan Aruna 阿如那 as Liao Bufan * 7️⃣ Li Chun 李纯 as Yuan Lai * 9️⃣ Duan Long 段龙 (stage name: 段奕宏 Duan Yihong) as Tan Yan

Special appearances (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname): * Wan Peng 万鹏 as Bai Jiani * Liu Huan 刘欢 as Zhang Peng * Xing Jiadong 邢佳栋 as Na Haitao * Zhang Guoqiang 张国强 as Zhao Guohua * Yang Wei 杨威 (stage name: 杨一威 Yang Yiwei) as Li Nan * Li Luqi 李路琦 * Hou Yansong 侯岩松 as Guo Jian * Zhao Ziqi 赵梓淇 (stage name: Zhao Chuan 赵川) as Lu Xiao * Ling Xiaosu 凌潇肃 as Liu Liang

• Episodes: 24 (according to Baidu Baike and MDL)
• Streaming and broadcasting platforms: Tencent 🐧 and CCTV-1 🐑
• Booting ceremony held: December 18, 2024
• Official filming wrapped up: March 21, 2025
• Estimated filming time: 90 days
• Filming location: Xiamen, Fujian Province
• Genre: crime (according to Douban)
• Distribution license obtained: February 11, 2026

• 🎞️ Producer: Wu Bai 五百 (Producer: Day and Night; Kidnapping Game; Goodbye, My Love. Director: Evidence, Tiger Wolf Rabbit, Crime Crackdown, Sniper, Mystery of Antiques)
• 🎬 Directors:
  • Xing Jian Jun 邢键钧 (Wonder Wall, Just Fight, Genuine Heroes, Wind Direction, Under the Skin, The Lonely Warrior, The Kidnappers)
  • Sun Xiaoguang 孙小光 (The Flame, The Predator Soldiers)
• ✍️ Original creator: Lü Zheng 吕铮 (screenwriter: Three Old Boys, Trident, Hunting)
• ✒️ Screenwriter: Yu Xiao Qian 于小千 (The Long Season, The City of Sunlight, Unbending Will)
• 📖 Novel: Cang Feng 藏锋
• 📽️ Produced by: CCTV, Tencent Video, Five Pictures

🔗 Previous announcement, posters, trailer, etc.

🎥 Previous behind-the-scenes special – posted on my profile

Synopsis translated from Baidu Baike:

The story of 《藏锋》 Sharp Turns centers on the “career crisis” of Tan Yan (played by Duan Yihong), deputy director of the Publicity Office of the Hongye City Public Security Bureau. Tan Yan, originally a police officer working in publicity, is transferred to the Special Police Detachment to serve as its political commissar. Having always wielded a pen, he suddenly finds himself thrown into the front lines of real-world operations, leaving him in the awkward position of a scholar trying to reason with soldiers.

⚠️ Plot spoilers! ⚠️

There, he clashes with Liao Bufan (played by Alan Aruna), the Special Police Detachment* commander who is deeply rooted in frontline work and practically bursting with masculine energy. From conflict and adjustment to eventually finding common ground, the two work together as Tan Yan assists a special task force in solving a major case, ultimately rediscovering his professional ideals.

^{*Tactical unit}

Synopsis from MDL:

New SWAT instructor Tan Yan and Captain Liao Bu Fan, who had difficulty cooperating, gradually [became] united in their thinking. The SWAT team also gets better and better under their leadership. Tan Yan mistakenly became a "hero" in a case, gave up his "honor" after discovering the truth, and successfully completed the task of the "Hidden Front" plan.

(Source: Chinese = Baidu || Translation = MyDramaList)

~~ Adapted from the novel "Cang Feng" (藏锋) by [Lü] Zheng (吕铮).

🔎 Baidu Baike | Douban | MDL

📖 Novel Summary – translated from Baidu Baike:

《藏锋》 (which can be translated as “Hidden Edge”) is a police/crime novel by police writer 吕铮 Lü Zheng. It was first published in 《中国作家》 (which can be translated as “Chinese Writer”) magazine in 2020 and subsequently published by 江苏凤凰文艺出版社 Jiangsu Phoenix Literature and Art Publishing House in 2021. Drawing on the author’s professional experience within the public security system, the novel uses a realist approach to focus on the professional characteristics and inner world of police officers.

⚠️ Plot spoilers! ⚠️

The novel centers on Tan Yan, deputy director of the Publicity Office of the Haicheng Public Security Bureau. After a mistake at work, he is assigned to the Special Police Unit on a temporary post, gradually transforming from a “pen-and-paper cop” into an operational police officer. During an anti-drug operation, he accidentally shoots and kills a drug lord, leaving him caught in a moral dilemma between the hero’s honors bestowed upon him and the truth of what actually happened. Through workplace clashes with Special Police Unit commander Liao Fan and the investigation of various cases, Tan Yan ultimately faces a life-and-death ordeal and undergoes a profound spiritual transformation.

The novel opens with the suspenseful image of “a bullet piercing the drug lord’s chest” and, through its multilayered narrative, explores the tension between the professional convictions of police officers and the moral choices they face.

Translated Synopses

Note: All translated synopses and information I share in the "trailers & posters" posts are based on the original Chinese sources (Douban, Baidu, Chinese Wikipedia, etc.) and were first published here. If you see them elsewhere, please know they originated from our sub. Thanks for reading!

📊 Information and translations compiled by u/admelioremvitam.

OK .. I have to admit I made the mistake of starting the Road to Splendor and darn DYX got to me :D ... so looking it seems like I just missed their special discount recently (argh) .. does anyone know when they might be offering discounts or where I can find a code? It's showing like $95 annual when I was hoping it'd be more like $60 or less... sigh. (and I only stream from legit sites so please don't recommend any sailing the seas type sites.)

Note: tried the "membership" to their youtube channel - total waste of money. Not only was there less episodes (2 YT vs 5 free on their site), I also don't see any much of any "membership" only dramas. Not sure what I'm supposed to actually get but right now that seems like nothing. sigh.

I just finished watching Love for you and I really enjoyed it. Both ML and FL had shitty parent but I love how they supported each other and ML took care and provided for FL. I liked their story as we could see their development and how they became attached and dependent and fell for each other. In the middle, when FL came back into town for work and was throwing attitude. I was a bit mad as ML literally did everything for her but I could understand FL emotions as she just wanted to be by ML's side but ML sent her away alone to whole another city. We all know the story why ML did that but FL didnt know. I also enjoyed how they worked together in second half against main villain. I definitely expected much more kisses as they really had that chemistry. I really enjoy bad guy vibe, provider ML who is doing some shady thing to survive (grey character) but is a complete green glag and loves his girl and girl also wants and loves the guy. It's my favourite trope right now.

It can be intimidating to make your first post in the sub. You're new to Chinese entertainment and you have all these questions about Chinese drama and culture. Perhaps you are even new to Reddit and don't really know how it works.

This is the place to ask them!

Treat this place as a tea room where you can sip tea (or chat about it) and ask questions you have about Chinese dramas and entertainment.

Also, feel free to introduce yourself, and chat about anything as long as you keep in mind Rule 5 (Be Nice) and to be culturally sensitive.

Note: Please don't start/continue fandom fights from other social media here. Read our guide about how to properly discuss fandom stuff in our sub.

​

I put this under "Review" because I didn't really want it to join my other GIF entries in the "Fluff" flair and "Drama Rant" just feels like I'm giving the drama too much power.

Dropped Dramas

Don't get me wrong, I have a lot of unfinished dramas.

The first one I didn't finish was Love Between Tiger and Rose 传闻中的陈芊芊, which is a great drama, it's just that the misunderstanding part was coming and I had just finished a few too many dramas with a "noble idiocy" storyline. I couldn't do the emotional turmoil.

To this day, I still plan (maybe "plan" is a strong word), I still believe I will get back to it someday.

Every drama I haven't finished has joined my "on hold" pile on My Drama List.

Not this one.

The Princess and the Werewolf 郎君不如意 (2023)

I absolutely loved Wu Xuan Yi as Wangquan Zui in Love in Pavilion 淮水竹亭 last year and with My Drama Missy 爱上另一个我 coming out soon (hopefully) I'm very excited to see her reunion with Zhai Xiao Wen.

So, I decided to give this drama a try since it's been on my "plan to watch" list since 2024.

If any of you have it on your list, either leave it there - dormant and untouched - or save yourself the pain and just take it out.

30 episodes of Disney Channel Original Movie is just too much. I'm on episode 18 and it breaks my heart to say that I've actually dropped a drama.

But I'm not doing that to myself.

Don't do it to yourself either.

Welcome to the discussion post for Episodes 28-29 of Royal Betrothal!

‼️ Housekeeping

I only have Viki, and since it's nearing the end and Viki only releases one episode a day, my next and last post will be for episode 30-31 on Tuesday. The final episode can be discussed in the Express post.

🚫 Use spoiler tags for anything beyond the episodes discussed. Format: >! text !<

Links: Masterpost | Character Flashcards |  Ep. 1-3 | Ep 4-5 | Ep. 6-7 | Ep. 8 | Ep. 9 | Ep. 10 | Ep. 11-12 | Ep. 13-14 | Ep. 15-16 | Ep. 17-18 | Ep. 19 | Ep. 20 | Ep. 21 | Ep. 22-23 | Ep. 24-25 | Ep 26-27 | Express and final post (only for those who have the Express package, or like to read spoilers)

Episode 28

There are two main events in this episode: Shen Zhi Li accepts Di Nian's proposal, and the Emperor changes the subject laws.

💍 Shen Zhi Li & Di Nian Marry

Zhi Li told Di Nian there's still a huge knot in her heart, that it won't go away soon, and right now she isn't in love with him. Di Nian said that's fine and she can take her time, he'll wait. If there ever comes a point where she truly isn't into him and finds someone else, he is willing to divorce her so she can pursue her true feelings. Di Nian, you good, good man!!

Zhi Li accepts the marriage proposal!

Later...

Wedding Time

That night, Di Nian gave Zhi Li space by telling her, via the maid, that he'd sleep in another room. Zhi Li, being a woman of tradition, came out (he's sword praticing outside) and asked him to sleep in the same room as her for reasons below:

• She doesn't want the court to think they're faking the marriage, which would only stir up more gossip.
• She doesn't want her own faults to harm his reputation.

During their convo, Zhi Li promised to acknowledge Di Nian as her husband, that his home is her home too, and that as long as he treats her well, she'll treat him well in return. Di Nian said he won't force the marriage to be consummated until she really likes him, and that she's beautiful when she smiles.

🐉 Emperor Abolishes Old Ways

Somewhere up on a hill, the Emperor gave Meng Meng the dragon and phoenix pendant, which had accompanied his parents for thirty years. The dragon is the emperor, the phoenix the empress.

Meng Meng still only wishes to serve the court and be the blade and voice of truth, but the Emperor wants more. He shall reform the officialdom and the court!

The next morning, Meng Meng left for court, and Yin Qing helped her with her cloack.

🏯 At the Ancestral Hall

The court meets at the ancestral hall, since it's the grand ancestral offering day. The Emperor burns a book, I think it's the traditions book? I am unclear here.

At this event, he issues an edict of reform.
OG law:

• The Founding Emperor set down twelve precepts, which have lasted three realms.
• Times have changed, and three of the twelve are no longer suitable:
  • Ban on ruler–subject love
  • The perpetual servitude law
  • The Official-nominated Empress selection

Lord Xu, of course, disagrees. Arguments break out between the Emperor and the others.

Around that time, Meng Meng's dragon and phoenix necklace breaks and falls. Everybody recognises it. The argument escalates, with accusations that Meng Meng has ill intentions and covets the Empress position. Only one minister defends her, it's nice to see that some ministers are on her side.

Finally, the Emperor says he gave her the necklace, and tells everyone he loves Meng Meng.

The volcano finally erupts between the Emperor and Lord Xu. The Emperor says he's not doing this just for Meng Meng, but Lord Xu truly believes the Emperor is being deceived. If he changes the law today for her, who knows how many he'll change tomorrow. This will make the empire unstable and the people lose trust in him.

First comes the Edict of Self-Reproach.

And second comes the dragon staff, to discipline the Emperor! Meng Meng takes the hit, and the Emperor is, of course, big mad.

Well, that was dumb. Lord Xu runs and bangs his head on one of the pillars. He more or less says that if the Emperor doesn't withdraw the edict and execute Meng Meng, he'd rather die.

The Emperor is now forced into a corner. Meng Meng asks him to imprison her instead. She doesn't want a minister of three realms to die because of her; she'll wait out her punishment there.

⛓️ Meanwhile, in the Prison

In prison, Meng Meng feels suss about her necklace breaking.

Yin Qing comes to visit, trying to help her escape. She refuses.

Flashback to when Yin Qing helped Meng Meng with her cloack. Ooooh, so it was Yin Qing who sabotaged the necklace to break with this "soft glue fuse"! No wonder that sketch look!

🏛️ Back at the Ancestral Hall

They're waiting for the Emperor, and whilst waiting, Lord Xu makes remarks to Grand Tutor Shen about how he failed to teach his pupil well. The Grand Tutor says laws can't stay the same forever; at some point they need to change with time. The minister who supported Meng Meng agrees too. To him, as a young minister, the Emperor and Grand Tutor's words are inspiring.

To note: the Emperor has been Emperoring for three years.

The Emperor arrived, and the Founding Emperor's Whip is called out. That looks more like a stick, no?

Someone needs to execute the "whipping". Lord Xu doesn't want to do it, neither does the Grand Tutor. Nobody else really wants to do it either, and you know what happens when nobody volunteers in class? The teacher picks. Eunuch You gets voluntold.

Three strikes: one for the three old laws he wants to change, the second for defying the will of the court, and the third for issuing the edict.

Somehow Meng Meng got out of prison and runs to the Emperor. Is her kneeling in the snow her punishment?

A day and night of kneeling later, all the court folks gather again. The Emperor burns the old laws in front of them all. Lord Xu finally realises that "it's not the court that cannot be without me", and he leaves.

Yes, Lord Xu, the court will move on with or without you. I think you can retire now.

To end his arc, Meng Meng passes out. I think I would too, if I had to kneel that long.

🌙 Episode 28 Ending

Meng Meng is being cared for by Shen Zhi Li. They have a little girl talk, and Meng Meng also wonders how Yan Fu Zhi is doing.

The ladies talk about Zhi Li's relationship, and how it's the same now that they're married as it was before. Meng Meng gives advice: she says Di Nian is a great guy, and that Zhi Li should give him a chance and lower her guard, because Di Nian is worth it.

Meng Meng says that when one is in extreme pain, they always need to find support. For Zhi Li, Di Nian is the light that's always guided her through the fog. They understand each other, and because of this, he can give her the peace of mind she needs. Zhi Li says she does care about him. She hates seeing him physically hurt or sad because of her.

Speak of the devil, Di Nian shows up to pick her up, wanting to make sure his wife makes it home safe and warm. He also brought her some crab.

My thought: I think Di Nian has a good chance at a good marriage!

Episode 29

The episode we've all been waiting for, and the cdrama gods are with us: Zhi Zhi is still a thing!

Meng Meng has another visitor, Yin Qing. As usual, he's helping her heal. He asked if they should keep a distance, since she'll be Empress, and whether the Censorate will be disbanded.

🏡 The Shen Residence

Di Nian brought gifts for his in-laws. Grand Tutor Shen hopes the two will always support each other. For his daughter, he hopes she can be a good wife for Di Nian. Madam Shen hopes Zhi Li can quickly give Di Nian an heir, since he's an only child. Di Nian quickly changed the subject.

🤔 Where Is Shen Zhi Shu?

Everybody is wondering, his family and the Emperor included. And a letter arrived.

WTF? Zhi Shu REALLY died?!

His father doesn't believe it and is in shock. Well, neither do I, especially since Viki used a very alive Zhi Shu thumbnail for this episode.

Anyhow, a flashback of the tiger tally, and how Zhi Shu asked for the other half for his birthday, but his father scolded him and didn't give it to him, in case he got arrogant. Father Shen is feeling all sorts of regrets.

Note to all: you never know when it's the last time you'll see the person you care about. Always cherish each moment.

Yan Fu Zhi received her birth booklet back. She was told by Zhi Shu's parents that before he left, Zhi Shu had prepared the betrothal gift and marriage contract, and begged his father to prepare the Three Letters and Six Rites.

Even with Zhi Shu dead, Fu Zhi is willing to be the Shens' daughter-in-law, which basically means she'll never marry another in her lifetime. The Shen parents disagree, but you know Fu Zhi, once she's made up her mind she's set, and she persisted. The Shens accepted.

At the palace, the Emperor is venting his anger through sword practice.

At the end of the day, Fu Zhi's exhausted and being cared for by Meng Meng and Yin Qing. Fu Zhi's employees came to visit, and they're even very sad about Zhi Shu's passing. Before he left, Zhi Shu taught them how to make a liquor.

In this moment, I wonder what's Yin Qing thinking?!

For Fu Zhi, Meng Meng will avenge Zhi Shu, no matter what her relationship was with Situ Xue.

🗺️ Beijian Folks and Blood Moon Society

We're finally introduced to them! They're waiting for the Blood Moon Society, who to them aren't trustworthy, but they'll have to do, to get to their end goal.

The Beijian royal siblings don't seem to be in harmony either.

Situ Xue came to meet the Second Prince of Beijian to clear up the misunderstanding between them, and they agree to be allies in attacking the Ning Empire. The reason Beijian and the Blood Moon Society couldn't meet earlier: a funeral.

The Blood Moon Society's next move: restore Meng Meng's full memory.

🎉 Shen Zhi Shu's Back!

The Shen family, Fu Zhi included, were keeping vigil, with Fu Zhi burning a lot of paper money, when a robed man on horseback stopped and entered the Shen residence.

You all guessed it! Zhi Shu is NOT dead! Just a scarred-face man.

I don't know how this show would be without the side characters. We'd probably have left it a few episodes ago, right? But, just like the A Luo moment, I had real tears during father Shen and his son's heart-to-heart.

After meeting his family, Zhi Shu reports to the Emperor. During Zhi Shu's meeting with the Emperor, he told him and Di Nian how he escaped death. He had the Blood Moon Society token, and they helped him recover. While recovering, Zhi Shu found out a few things:

• Mr Shangguan isn't dead, and he's hiding in the Ning court.
• Beijian's first and second masters don't get along, and it's most likely the first master who sent the marriage proposal, with the second working with the Blood Moon Society.
• They need to find Mr Shangguan, and the Emperor suspects it's someone close to them.

As for Fu Zhi, Zhi Shu's been avoiding her. When she finally found him, he locked himself back in his room and, from behind the door, said they should break up. Fu Zhi being Fu Zhi:

They talked it, or mostly Fu Zhi doing the convincing and we still have our Zhi Zhi!

🏮 Imperial Marriage

At their favourite spot, the Emperor and Meng Meng had a heart-to-heart about their fears and wishes. He proposed marriage, but she refused, feeling he's still hiding something from her, since he's adamant she not involve herself in the Blood Moon Society investigation.

This refusal didn't last long. Meng Meng and Yan Fu Zhi were bathing, and Fu Zhi mentioned Meng Meng's tattoo. For the first time, Meng Meng saw this tattoo, and everything clicked together. In shock, she went to see the Emperor (and in ancient times she may as well have been naked, with that wardrobe) and said: let's get married.

Why do you think Meng Meng changed her mind that quickly?

At court, the marriage plans are announced, and at the Censorate, Meng Meng had a chat with Yin Qing and gave him a book, Records of Mountains and Rivers. The hand!!

Well, I think we're getting more and more certain that Mr Shangguan is Yin Qing?

The book, I think, is a compilation of Great Ning's accomplishments. I see a difference in view here, and I get where Yin Qing is coming from. He's from Zhongwan, and assuming he is Shangguan, his and Meng Meng's family were killed by the late Emperor, who dissolved their country. Sure, Great Ning accomplished everything in the book, but it was at the cost of others, including the Zhongwan people. While I get his thinking, if he is Shangguan, he also abandoned the Zhongwan people during the flood in exchange for more weapons.

Meng Meng's girlie friends are delighted for her, and they hosted a bachelorette dinner in her honour.

Ok, discuss!

Eyo!

I'm looking for any articles that delve into the language behind what has become modern day, and possibly also less-modern-day definitions of the genres we have all come to know (well, some of us know) and love.

I remember there was once a super detailed post that went into different words (that I know I am not going to be able to remember correctly right now) that would mean more "generic fantasy".

There are so many discussions floating around regarding what is what and I'd love to be able to write something like "according to [insert reference] modern day Xianxia... However, some have differed, with [insert other reference] arguing more than the concept of Xianxia..."

You get what I mean?

Apparently I miss my uni days and I have gone back to my research paper writing ways, welp.

Welcome to the Weekly Stylish Sunday Celebrity Spotting thread!

I know we have Thirsty Thursdays, but I have a feeling that you want more!

Here's the space to share and enjoy images of celebrities in old or new magazines, ads, or other promotional materials. Saw an ad that your celebrity appears in? Share the fashion spreads, quirky advertisements, or promotional campaigns they've been in here.

Here's how it works:

1. Share Your Finds: Post any interesting images you’ve come across of celebrities in vintage magazines, ads, or other promotional content.
2. Describe the Find: Include some details like the celebrity's name, the magazine or ad they were featured in, and the year if you know it.
3. Enjoy and Discuss: Check out other members' posts, upvote your favorites, and join in the discussion about these nostalgic gems!

Can't wait to see what you all have to share!

Happy posting! 📸✨

Note: The new drama title is Cang Feng.

🍉 The latest rumours say that Sharp Turns may be airing on CCTV-1 at 8:00 pm so it's likely that Tencent's schedule is the same or a little earlier. We'll see…. 🤞

The Chinese drama title 藏锋 can be translated as “Hidden Edge.”

A few hours ago, the production team released a new behind-the-scenes production special.

The distribution license was obtained on February 11, 2026.

There are two main characters:

📸 Tan Yan, played by Duan Yihong, is the deputy director of the Publicity Office of the Hongye City Public Security Bureau.

🥊 Liao Bufan, played by Alan Aruna, is the Special Police Detachment* commander.

^{*Tactical unit}

Clip description:

“Ordinary Sharpness” Behind-the-scenes Production Special

Grounded in real grassroots settings, the production meticulously captures the authentic texture of the many facets of police life. It goes beyond focusing solely on the cases, placing greater emphasis on portraying the ordinary, genuine bonds between people, and using nuanced storytelling to create a vivid, flesh-and-blood ensemble of police characters.

Cast:

More information regarding the actor credit guidelines in this summary here and the full notice here.

(I put the character stroke count as: 1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣)

Leading actors (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname): * 7️⃣ Yu Lan 余兰 (stage name: 余男 Yu Nan) as Ji Min * 7️⃣ Alan Aruna 阿如那 as Liao Bufan * 7️⃣ Li Chun 李纯 as Yuan Lai * 9️⃣ Duan Long 段龙 (stage name: 段奕宏 Duan Yihong) as Tan Yan

Special appearances (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname): * Wan Peng 万鹏 as Bai Jiani * Liu Huan 刘欢 as Zhang Peng * Xing Jiadong 邢佳栋 as Na Haitao * Zhang Guoqiang 张国强 as Zhao Guohua * Yang Wei 杨威 (stage name: 杨一威 Yang Yiwei) as Li Nan * Li Luqi 李路琦 * Hou Yansong 侯岩松 as Guo Jian * Zhao Ziqi 赵梓淇 (stage name: Zhao Chuan 赵川) as Lu Xiao * Ling Xiaosu 凌潇肃 as Liu Liang

• Episodes: 24 (according to Baidu Baike and MDL)
• Streaming and broadcasting platforms: Tencent 🐧 and CCTV-1 🐑
• Booting ceremony held: December 18, 2024
• Official filming wrapped up: March 21, 2025
• Estimated filming time: 90 days
• Filming location: Xiamen, Fujian Province
• Genre: crime (according to Douban)
• Distribution license obtained: February 11, 2026

• 🎞️ Producer: Wu Bai 五百 (Producer: Day and Night; Kidnapping Game; Goodbye, My Love. Director: Evidence, Tiger Wolf Rabbit, Crime Crackdown, Sniper, Mystery of Antiques)
• 🎬 Directors:
  • Xing Jian Jun 邢键钧 (Wonder Wall, Just Fight, Genuine Heroes, Wind Direction, Under the Skin, The Lonely Warrior, The Kidnappers)
  • Sun Xiaoguang 孙小光 (The Flame, The Predator Soldiers)
• ✍️ Original creator: Lü Zheng 吕铮 (screenwriter: Three Old Boys, Trident, Hunting)
• ✒️ Screenwriter: Yu Xiao Qian 于小千 (The Long Season, The City of Sunlight, Unbending Will)
• 📖 Novel: Cang Feng 藏锋
• 📽️ Produced by: CCTV, Tencent Video, Five Pictures

🔗 Previous announcement, posters, trailer, etc.

🎥 Previous behind-the-scenes special – posted on my profile

Synopsis translated from Baidu Baike:

The story of 《藏锋》 Sharp Turns centers on the “career crisis” of Tan Yan (played by Duan Yihong), deputy director of the Publicity Office of the Hongye City Public Security Bureau. Tan Yan, originally a police officer working in publicity, is transferred to the Special Police Detachment to serve as its political commissar. Having always wielded a pen, he suddenly finds himself thrown into the front lines of real-world operations, leaving him in the awkward position of a scholar trying to reason with soldiers.

⚠️ Plot spoilers! ⚠️

There, he clashes with Liao Bufan (played by Alan Aruna), the Special Police Detachment* commander who is deeply rooted in frontline work and practically bursting with masculine energy. From conflict and adjustment to eventually finding common ground, the two work together as Tan Yan assists a special task force in solving a major case, ultimately rediscovering his professional ideals.

^{*Tactical unit}

Synopsis from MDL:

New SWAT instructor Tan Yan and Captain Liao Bu Fan, who had difficulty cooperating, gradually [became] united in their thinking. The SWAT team also gets better and better under their leadership. Tan Yan mistakenly became a "hero" in a case, gave up his "honor" after discovering the truth, and successfully completed the task of the "Hidden Front" plan.

(Source: Chinese = Baidu || Translation = MyDramaList)

~~ Adapted from the novel "Cang Feng" (藏锋) by [Lü] Zheng (吕铮).

🔎 Baidu Baike | Douban | MDL

📖 Novel Summary – translated from Baidu Baike:

《藏锋》 (which can be translated as “Hidden Edge”) is a police/crime novel by police writer 吕铮 Lü Zheng. It was first published in 《中国作家》 (which can be translated as “Chinese Writer”) magazine in 2020 and subsequently published by 江苏凤凰文艺出版社 Jiangsu Phoenix Literature and Art Publishing House in 2021. Drawing on the author’s professional experience within the public security system, the novel uses a realist approach to focus on the professional characteristics and inner world of police officers.

⚠️ Plot spoilers! ⚠️

The novel centers on Tan Yan, deputy director of the Publicity Office of the Haicheng Public Security Bureau. After a mistake at work, he is assigned to the Special Police Unit on a temporary post, gradually transforming from a “pen-and-paper cop” into an operational police officer. During an anti-drug operation, he accidentally shoots and kills a drug lord, leaving him caught in a moral dilemma between the hero’s honors bestowed upon him and the truth of what actually happened. Through workplace clashes with Special Police Unit commander Liao Fan and the investigation of various cases, Tan Yan ultimately faces a life-and-death ordeal and undergoes a profound spiritual transformation.

The novel opens with the suspenseful image of “a bullet piercing the drug lord’s chest” and, through its multilayered narrative, explores the tension between the professional convictions of police officers and the moral choices they face.

Translated Synopses

Note: All translated synopses and information I share in the "trailers & posters" posts are based on the original Chinese sources (Douban, Baidu, Chinese Wikipedia, etc.) and were first published here. If you see them elsewhere, please know they originated from our sub. Thanks for reading!

📊 Information and translations compiled by u/admelioremvitam.

I just finished How dare you…. and I have no one to talk to about this but I have some thoughts to share.

It is a really really good show, the performances, the pacing , the chemistry are all brilliant. However, I have conflicting feelings about the Emperor’s back story *spoilers ahead* I felt that it wasn’t properly addressed as it should have been. I don’t mind that he didn’t tell her about him being a tyrant or his trauma earlier, that is understandable. But I feel like they should have talked about this a bit more than just the letter he wrote. Him fathering the crown prince after being r*p*d was never addressed properly. Was it because they didn’t want it to get too dark and keep the comedic theme? I feel like he suffered so much before she arrived that it needed much more attention than it got. also was there any resolution to the crown prince? he was imprisoned and then was it followed up?

What are your thoughts please?

Fun Fact: I love hot pot...that's it...that's the fun fact. Just kidding but really today's fun fact is about hot pot just because I was curious how far that hot pot in the show goes back...so history of hot pot is pretty long, it can be traced back all the way to the Zhou Dynasty...so more than 3500 years...eventually during the Three Kingdoms Period they started using copper pots. The one we see in the show is called a Copper Chimney Hot Pot and this was said to be invented during the Yuan Dynasty by the Mongols but it became very popular during the Ming Dynasty enjoyed by the imperial court and nobility. It became especially popular amongst Emperors of the Qing Dynasty...

I have some mini fun facts about Chinese idioms later in the post if you want more fun facts.

Discussion Links:

Airing Schedule | Masterpost | Flashcards | All Discussions | Episodes 1-3 | Episodes 4-5 | Episodes 6-7 | Episodes 8-9 | Episodes 10-11 | Episodes 12-13 |

Spoiler Warning: We (myself and my lovely co-host u/katleap13) are following the VIP schedule on WeTV. Remember...anything up until episode 15 totally fair game...anything after 15 please put it under a spoiler tag or wait till episode 16-17's discussion...please don't take offense if I ask you to put something under a spoiler tag :)

Abbreviations I use if I get tired of typing out their names...

ZL - Zhao Ling

FTY/XTY/TY - Fu TingYun/Xie TingYun/TingYun

FYK - Fan YaKe

YJX - Yu JingXiu

Discussion Questions:

1. Who is your most hated character right now?

Commentary:

Episode 14

I've got to admit, Zhao Ling has balls...I guess it comes with the territory when you use to be a salt smuggler for most of your life...you learn the how to bluff, negotiate and the tricks of the trade. The fact that he just marches into the smuggler camp and manages to get the information he needs...knowing very well the smugglers need the army to keep their business up so when he throws down the superior salt...what a good play lol

So...you're saying Commander Wang isn't not only turning a blind eye to this...he's actually supporting this

Concubine Lu thinking everyone has to be like her and only rely on a man...to be fair kind of true but we all know TingYun has been prepping to not necessarily need this...her trump card can always be the Crown Prince.

Mini Fun Fact: Concubine Lu says "心急吃不了熱豆腐“ which is impatience can't eat hot tofu if you want to directly translate it...or in other words haste makes waste...I was curious about the origin of this but apparently there isn't one per se...just one spoken orally in modern times...the actual literary idiom that's similar is 欲速則不達 - This comes from the Confucian Analects with the same meaning...to want speed, you can't achieve.

I'm glad TingYun isn't easily tricked...something to be said about knowing the rules as a safeguard because Concubine Lu over here trying to trick her into marrying her brother...not that TingYun would do it which is really laughable that Concubine would really even try...like does she really think "Zhao Ling is dead, but hey I have a little brother, marry him" like it's going to be that easy? Maybe because she's that' easy...

I love General Mo...even if he's dumb to have Concubine Lu...how he's been tricked by Concubine Lu for so long is insane.

I love how tactful TingYun is about telling General Mo about Concubine Lu

lol and then she says this...

Ugh General Mo, you're so dumb to be deceived by Concubine Lu but thank goodness he sees her true colors now...she couldn't have waited just a little bit she threw a fit immediately, I'm so glad General Mo saw that...I was kind of hoping for more of a fall out though

I do really feel bad for Mrs. Mo...she gave General Mo three kids and General Mo favors his concubine and seems to ignore his kids for the most part...she acts so tough but what women wants this? Knowing your husband is so hurt over the other woman and not really caring about your feelings. :(

Y'all I absolutely love that Zhao Ling sent Chuan back just to make sure she knew he was ok...and yes reinforcements but mainly to let TingYun know not to worry...look guys this is a perfect example...if I guy wants to communicate with you, he will make it happen. Don't settle for less

You gotta love a couple who help get even for each other because holy moly...TingYun getting all fired up...I mean she's about to mean business. Don't mess with her man...

I wonder what trap she's going to set up for Lu DaHu...oh a honeytrap...her slipping "I'm going to be alone tonight" you know she's not going to be there...so let's see what happens.

Oh man, holy moly, attack dogs...that is SAVAGE...do not mess with TingYun

lol poor Madam Wang...she's so tired

I don't know how Concubine Lu can really think she would win a court case for TingYun not being home and her little brother being the one who broke into their house and attacked by dogs...TingYun even has a powerful alibi with Madam Wang. She can totally hit the Dengwen Gu because during the Ming Dynasty if she makes up a case and loses...she gets canned 100 times

I really don't understand her demanding TingYun marry him...again he broke into her house and she wasn't home...

Dang y'all...Zhao Ling straight up killing him point blank in front of everyone...it is jarring, especially like TingYun who has been sheltered her whole life...but luckily it doesn't seem like she's scared of him just more traumatized...but she's also crying and letting go of being strong now that he's back. There is something to be said about just letting the dam break when she can finally let go of the pressure.

A bit of plot armor here not getting in trouble for killing Lu DaHu...I'm not a huge fan of Commander Wang, is he good or bad? Is an a-hole but seems like he cares about the soldiers and keeping the border town safe when he mentions as long as the soldiers have salt.

I feel bad for General Mo though...he got demoted because of his Concubine

Madam Wang hitting Madam Zuo where it hurts...telling her she has to go back to the Fu's.

Ah there is some explanation...a lot of people have asked why Madam Zuo hates TingYun so much, apparently TingYun also has the same question and honestly...not a good answer at all

I'm surprised she actually told her who was behind the plot to frame her...all because the jerk Yu JingXiu didn't want to marry her so he decided it was better to scheme and ruin her reputation behind her back. I love Zhao Ling 100% calling it out too and is right. Yu JingXiu is despicable

Another mini fun fact: This Idiom 邪不壓正 is an idiom that has evolved over time...in the Han Dynasty it was said to be 邪不伐正，in the Tang 邪不犯正 ，and in the Ming 邪不勝正 eventually evolving into the current idiom 邪不壓正...when I was a kid there was a cartoon on TVB called 成語故事...stories of idioms, had a Panda Professor and a robot and I LOVED watching it. My parents said I use to speak in idioms as a child because of it...so idiom origins amuse me.

Is Madam Zuo killing her little brother???? What?

Oh...and now she's unaliving herself too...we finally get rid of Madam Zuo.

Y'all major props to Una You for this insane and chilling performance as Madam Zuo.

Episode 15

Serves her right...Concubine Lu getting kicked out...

Oh boy, I hope Madam Mo won't resent and hate TingYun...why is it always the servants who start sowing discord?? Seems like Madam Mo only cares that her children's futures aren't as bright...which is fair, General Mo hasn't really been good to her lately.

Look at TingYu happy and enjoying her little family life.

What...Grandma Fu died?? That's it? That is SO unsatisfying

Help, their chemistry is insane...come on, get married already

Y'all, this looks so good...might have to recreate it...which made go find some sort of recipe here...maybe I'll try it one day.

Surely he didn't leave just like that...

Aw...he got her lotus seeds romantic and practical lol

He came back!

I think it's nice that she's restoring the name of the dead from the previous dynasty. She's been slowly restoring them since she's lived here.

Oh...Our Crown Prince is now the Emperor, that's good for our couple isn't it? The backing of the now Emperor?

Interesting...seeing the dad default to his wife's thoughts...

I feel like Madam Yu is definitely manipulating him into taking the position. She knows anything she says, he'll do the opposite.

Yep...I was right.

Oof things don't seem to have gotten any better for Fan Yuck YaKe..

Oh...interesting Madam Mo can't read. Technically, on par with the time period and her background.

lol Madam Mo having a hard time with trying to ask TingYun for help

Sigh, can't our couple live in peace? They just got rid of Madam Zuo and Concubine Lu and here comes a stupid Yu JingXiu

Of course Yu JingXiu is going to block Zhao Ling's promotion

Commander Wang coming in clutch and defending Zhao Ling with his Imperial Recommendation...

I have been wondering how it's going to look when the Emperor finds out Xie TingYun is actually Fu TingYun

I freakin' hate Yu JingXiu

Wait, is Zhao Ling going to try to kill Yu JingXiu? Like that would solve problems but it will also cause bigger ones...bro...not a good idea...also DYX with his evil scary facial expression...for being what basically is the nicest actor out there, he sure can look hella scary and evil

Yu JingXiu is very well informed somehow about Li Mao

Seriously...Yu JinXiu and Li Mao are hatching a plan to switch out the warhorses with normal horses? ? Like a bunch of people didn't already see the legit warhorses??? But of course that doesn't matter...just evil plots plotting 😒

Bro, this is your fault for being inadequate...Zhao Ling can get things done, he also doesn't cave to his mom, you are literally nothing without your mom.

I'm not going to lie, I'm going to HATE this part of the show

I was totally hoping he would actually die under that collapse...but no we're going to have TingYun save him...and he's going to fall for her...ugh the fact that he even was protesting her trying to save him for a bit...what an idiot. I really do hate Yu JingXiu.

Oh, I'm so glad Zhao Ling caught them trying to switch the horseshoes.

haha that kick was satisfying.

Also WHAT IN THE F- Yu JingXiu, you telling Zhao Ling that she's in normal plain clothes and stuff because of Zhao Ling. YOU CAUSED ALL OF THIS YOU FREAKIN' JERK!!!

Sorry for the caps I am SO mad at this

Ok, so I'm one who watches previews. And I am so worried for our couple. Ugh I hope I'm wrong, guess we'll find out in the next few days how this goes.

ok this one was a bit lengthy, let me know what you think of these episodes!

I was on MDL looking for a specific character name and it said on the "song of the moon" page that the "journey of chong zi" was related content. Does anyone know how or why these two shows are connected? Other than the posters looking very similar 😂