A woman who needs protecting and man who vows to protect her.
Notable Actors/Actresses
Luo Yun Xi: Shang Guan Tou
Chen Yu Qi: Zhong Xue Zhi
[Ep5] Shangguan Tou catches fireflies for her. (Taking her advantage) He takes her hand and gives her the fireflies. He reminds her that no matter how dark it is there will always be light to brighten her path. By the way they've hit a dead end with finding the scroll and there's a new murder involved.
[Ep10] When Zhong Xue Zhi starts showing interest in Shangguan Tou that's when he backs off. Now that's a bastard move. It doesn't stop him from protecting her though. He makes her take a pill that will allow her to be invulnerable to all poisons. She's being difficult and engages in a finger wrestle with him. If she loses, she'll take the pill. She loses. After taking the pill, she immediately spits out blood. His worry for her changes him back to the caring Shangguan Tou we’re all used to but when she makes her feelings obvious again he reverts to the uncaring Shangguan Tou. Ugh. She accidentally confesses; he makes a clear rejection. He's got family trauma you see. He's afraid of commitment and hurting Zhong Xue Zhi...
[Ep12] They find the scroll thief and the suspicion on Zhong Huo Palace is lifted. However, it doesn't matter what proof they have, jianghu people will still want Zhong Xue Zhi's life. Shangguan Tou flies in to protect her but she refuses his protection because she doesn't want his kindness if there's no love in it. Her rejection of his protection makes him cry. Is it just me or is this emotionally heavy scene too soon? We're already getting flashbacks and we're only a quarter into the drama. Regardless, he continues to do all he can for her. Since she won't let him protect her, he gives her all his cultivations. He is now powerless.
[Ep18] Zhong Xue Zhi learns that her father went ballistic because he only trained the Nine Forms of Lotus God completely neglecting to train his mind with the Hibiscus Heart. Take my translations with a grain of salt. I have no idea if my translations are correct for these mantras but I don't care anymore. The mystery is revealed for Mu Yuan's father's death. He sacrificed his life to save Zhong Xue Zhi's father (therefore no one killed the other). Later, Zhong Xue Zhi's father took his own life because of guilt.
[Ep21] Lin Feng Zhi's master pushes her to confess to Shangguan Tou to pull apart Zhong Xue Zhi and him. Jianghu evil people don't want these two power forces together. That's when Zhong Xue Zhi learns that Shangguan Tou and Lin Feng Zhi had "slept" together and that's why he was ejected from their sect. I pity Tian Yi Tong for being given such a stupid and gullible character. Thus Zhong Xue Zhi breaks up with Shangguan Tou, and Xia Qing Mei turns evil for good to defeat Shangguan Tou.
Lin Feng Zhi is fooled again by her master to profess her love to Shangguan Tou again. This is all to prevent Shangguan Tou from helping Zhong Xue Zhi fight the other sects who plan to demolish her sect. However, the master's plans are foiled when she loses a fight against Mu Yuan. Later, Shangguan Tou and Lin Feng Zhi see her injured. Thinking she's at the brink of her death, the master confesses that she's the one who drugged their alcohol that night. She wanted to oust Shangguan Tou because he might have seen her secretly meeting Feng Cheng (Hua Shan Sect Leader who is the mastermind behind every single spy just to get his hands on the nine Forms of Lotus).
[Ep25] Liu Li dies while protecting Zhong Xue Gong. Zhong Xue Zhi feels betrayed after learning her identity but understands that Liu Li was still loyal to her. And she can't understand Shangguan Tou? Okay. Other stuff this episode: Feng Cheng (father) and Feng She (son) meet.
[Ep27] Guys, this palace stuff is really boring.
[Ep33] Zhong Xue Zhi finds Shangguan Tou again. But their timing is always so off. He doesn't want her near him now that he's Lu Prince's target. To push her away, he tells her the harshest words he can conjure. He's planning to save his father from death and that's going against the Emperor /Lu Prince. He's putting his life at risk and doesn't want Zhong Xue Zhi involved. However, Zhong Xue Zhi knows he loves her and had staked out to find out why he's pushing her away. She gives him a kiss and Shangguan Tou gives in. What a tame kiss between these two. It's like two feathers tapping each other. Tap.Tap.
[Ep41] Xia Qing Mei's pride cannot allow himself to be poor especially not in front of the woman he loves. He's tempted by Lu Prince and now accepts his bribery. Whatever Mu Yuan did for him was useless. Xia Qing Mei was just meant to be evil.
[Ep44] Xia Qing Mei is tarnishing Zhong Xue Zhi's name by framing her as the murderer. Zhong Xue Zhi is done with being passive. She's going to fight against Xia Qing Mei head on.
[Ep46] Zhong Xue Zhi learns that Mu Yuan isn’t evil. Shangguan Tou also knew of Mu Yuan’s intentions way from before. It was Mu Yuan who “saved” him when he killed him. By pretending to kill Shangguan Tou, Mu Yuan can also gained Lu Prince’s trust. The two men have a man to man talk. Shangguan Tou asks Mu Yuan why he didn’t confess to Zhong Xue Zhi earlier. To Mu Yuan it’s not that he didn’t want to profess his love but he was always trained to protect her. He got too used being her armour and protector. He also loved protecting her because that allowed her to be free-spirited.
[Ep47] In his last breath, Mu Yuan tells her he never regretted being her armour. Lu Prince also captures Lin Feng Zhi so that he can use her father. The father then gathers all the jianghu leaders in one place allowing Lu Prince to poison them. Where are my fight scenes? This is it? His dictatorship is almost fruitful ('cause only the leaders matter, their underlings can’t do a thing). Shangguan Tou makes his appearance and "tells" him all his plans are foiled. He has Proof. I ask again, where are my fight scenes? This is it? Is this whole ending winding down just to find 'Proof'... A piece of paper. A witness. You kidding me, show?
[First Impression (Ep1-6)] I didn't finish Ashes of Love (I tried twice) but I do recognize the three main characters in this. It's sort of an odd recombination of them. Anyways. This time Luo Yun Xi will get his love (if it's a happy ending that is). I wasn't expecting him to be so flirty. As a result of that their relationship is moving quickly. That makes me uneasy. I have a tendency to drop dramas especially long ones when the couples get together very soon. I don't think there's a strong chemistry between them. Luo Yun Xi is doing a mighty fine job, I think it's Chen Yu Qi who's failing me. I love her but she's the exact same as her previous roles so I'm unimpressed. There's also not a lot of buildup of the romance or the characters. I don't know why he's so infatuated with her. As for the story, I can see where it's going and I'm not quite looking forward to it. Frankly, this drama didn't wow me. Perhaps it's too soon to judge?
[Actors/Actresses] Luo Yun Xi impresses. He's been in so many white robe roles and this time he really gets to flaunt in it to his heart's content. He doesn't have to be restrained, or evil, or sickly. He gets to be healthy, flirty, happy, and most importantly smile his godly smiles every chance he gets. Chen Yu Qi is pretty, that's it.
[Episode 8 Update] This episode leaves me baffled. After all that flirting the guy is like I only treat her like a sister. HUH. I'm also finding the drama a tad slow. It's quite predictable. Not that I can see the end but just within the episode I can guess the next move and I'm just sitting here waiting for it to happen.
[Review] I don’t blame the story for being basic but I blame it for being boring. I could have totally ignored the burning loopholes (and there were a lot) but at least make it more entertaining. I liked the chemistry in the beginning but the drama plummeted after he told her he never loved her when he obviously does. At that point my brain stopped working for this drama. Thus I made the decision to only watch it for the pretty Chen Yu Qi and Luo Yun Xi scenes. They satisfied me initially but soon they too disappointed me as their romance supposedly grew deeper. Although their scenes make very pretty screencaps, it was way too superficial, like they were only posing for the perfect shot. Zero emotions. I think I’m pretty lenient with my dramas but there’s one thing I cannot forgive: a drama that values pretty packaging over substance. Their kiss scenes are perfect examples of this. They're like feathers brushing against each other; there’s no weight, no substance, no feelings. And yet I didn’t drop this drama. I question myself why all the time.
Notable Actors/Actresses
Luo Yun Xi: Shang Guan Tou
Chen Yu Qi: Zhong Xue Zhi
Director:
Chinese Title
月上重火
月上重火
Network: Tencent Video
Mini Recaps
[Ep1] Zhong Xue Zhi is the ruler of Zhong Huo Palace (Fire Palace). She's set to rectify her's father's tarnished name in the pugilistic world by taking part in the hero's conference. Her father had killed countless innocent lives after losing control of his powers when he honed the "Nine Forms of Lotus God. On her way there, she's attacked. It's Shangguan Tou who saves her but her eyes are covered with sand so she can't see him. Too bad because he makes a pretty grand entrance. She also doesn't know he's bestowing her with godly smiles and gleaming eyes. She wants to repay him but he doesn't need it. There's not a lot in life he wants except to protect a certain someone. Her. He approaches her to wipe the crumbs on her lips and that jostles her entire body. When she regains her sight, Shangguan Tou has already left but he sent her help signal so that Yu Wen Mu Yuan could find her. Mu Yuan is like a brother to her. He takes her safety as his top priority because he is her protector.
Mu Yuan and Zhong Xue Zhi come across a child who's selling his paintings. From the kid, she hears about Shangguan Tou for the first time. He's known to be a womanizer but fell in love with his sister disciple hence he shaved his head. There's an added layer of humour here. If you just say the last two character of this name "Guang Tou" it means bald. Meanwhile the painting of her (the rumored Lord of Fire Palace) looks like a mad grumpy scientist. The kid doesn't know he's offended the real person.
[Ep2] Mu Yuan happily buys the overpriced painting of Zhong Xue Zhi. The painting also falls into Shangguan Tou's hand and he smiles knowing who it's supposed to be.
It's the Hero's Conference. Both Zhong Xue Zhi and Xia Qing Mei ("Ling Jian" / Spirit Sword Pact) bring their volumes of the mantra "Nine Forms of Lotus God" which happens to be the prize for this conference. There's also a surprise visit from Shuangguan Tou. This conference, though, is rigged by Hua Shan Pact. He wants the sacred mantra all to himself. That's not the only shady thing in this grand conference. The teas are also drugged.
When Zhong Xue Zhi is called to battle by Xia Qing Mei she almost loses at his sword but Shangguan Tou saves her in the nick of time. Shangguan Tou fights in her stead; his paper fan against Xia Qing Mei's sharp sword. The paper fan wins. However, he leaves the stage before the incense is burnt. Therefore the winner is Xia Qing Mei except he's poisoned from the drugged tea that was meant for Zhong Xue Zhi. Luckily, he's saved by Zhong Xue Zhi's maid. After regaining consciousness, as the winner, he returns his mantra to Zhong Huo Palace, the rightful owners. None of the other tribes agree though.
[Ep3] The distribution of the volumes aren't the only problem. The scroll that Xia Qing Mei owned was switched to a blank one. Every pact is blaming it on Zhong Huo Palace. While Mu Yuan is off to solve the blank scroll problem, Zhong Xue Zhi is off to find her saviour: Shangguan Tou. She thinks he can help her find the missing scroll. At first she outright asked peasants where he lives but everyone's trying to scam her of her money instead. Thus she changes up her question and asks for the whereabouts of the most promiscuous man. Shangguan Tou watches her from afar with amusement. After causing a little scene, Shangguan Tou allows her to meet him. He denies he saved her just to see her reaction. He asks her if she's finding her saviour just because she wants to repay the favour (I guess he wants something more). Upset that he was being deceitful, the next day she gets her petty revenge. She hires the kiddo-painter to redraw Shangguan Tou (to an ugly man). Her petty revenge wins and he is at her door. He admits he's her saviour but now she wants proof, ha. He's being played to her tune now which makes her even more amusing to him.
However, he's got a motive too that surrounds the "Nine forms of Lotus God". We don't know what it is yet but he gets on her good side first. He sends an apology letter to Zhong Xue Zhi who is more than happy to accept it. She tells him she must repay her favour to him (she promises to help him protect the person he was requested to protect) but she has priorities. She suggests that he should first help her find the scroll then she can repay her favour. He plays along and helps her. I wasn't expecting Shangguan Tou to be so flirty and lively. I like it. However, if he finds the scroll for her she will owe him another favour. In return, he wants something that's the most important to her. She agrees without any hesitation.
They spend Chinese Valentine's together. He's so obviously flirting with her. He takes out a rabbit lantern to allow her to make a wish. He knew that she was born in the year of the rabbit. After she made her wish, he leans in right by her ear to tell her who he is protecting.
[Ep4] He tells her truthfully, it is her that his saviour had requested protecting. He promises her he'd protect her and not let anyone hurt her. That seducing smile of his.
However, he's got a motive too that surrounds the "Nine forms of Lotus God". We don't know what it is yet but he gets on her good side first. He sends an apology letter to Zhong Xue Zhi who is more than happy to accept it. She tells him she must repay her favour to him (she promises to help him protect the person he was requested to protect) but she has priorities. She suggests that he should first help her find the scroll then she can repay her favour. He plays along and helps her. I wasn't expecting Shangguan Tou to be so flirty and lively. I like it. However, if he finds the scroll for her she will owe him another favour. In return, he wants something that's the most important to her. She agrees without any hesitation.
They spend Chinese Valentine's together. He's so obviously flirting with her. He takes out a rabbit lantern to allow her to make a wish. He knew that she was born in the year of the rabbit. After she made her wish, he leans in right by her ear to tell her who he is protecting.
[Ep4] He tells her truthfully, it is her that his saviour had requested protecting. He promises her he'd protect her and not let anyone hurt her. That seducing smile of his.
[Ep5] Shangguan Tou catches fireflies for her. (Taking her advantage) He takes her hand and gives her the fireflies. He reminds her that no matter how dark it is there will always be light to brighten her path. By the way they've hit a dead end with finding the scroll and there's a new murder involved.
The next day Shangguan Tou is invited by his sister, Shangguan Zheng, into the palace. She's the Prince's royal consort. Shangguan Zheng extends the invite to Zhong Xue Zhi. She's interested in her brother's favourite girl. She's also worried for him because he's involving himself with the pugilistic world while he's worried for her being involved in palace affairs. As a drama-fan, I agree. both places are equally dangerous.
Zhong Xue Zhi sprains her ankle. I swear it's a small strain for someone with skills like hers but Shangguan Tou won't let her walk and personally tends to her ankle.
[Ep6] It's now her wrist that is sprained. An angry Shangguan Tou wraps Zhong Xue Zhi's injured hand hideously. It's revenge for not telling him of her injuries sooner. She retaliates that she did – with her eyes. The way he mimics her eyes with sarcasm made me laugh.
She tells him she needs to return to Zhong Huo Palace. She mulls that although he can protect her now, it's not like he can protect her forever. She glances at him. She wants him to refute it. Shangguan Tou smiles knowingly. The next day, before she leaves him, he leaves her. Before he leaves though, he watches her looking for him with amusement. This man doesn't realize the moment he leaves her, she will be in dire circumstances.
Zhong Xue Zhi is suspicious of her disciples. There's a mole in her team (it's Hai Tang). Meanwhile back in Zhong Huo Palace, Mu Yuan's grandfather is planning an upheaval in order to make Mu Yuan the ruler instead of Zhong Xue Zhi. The grandfather wants to bring Zhong family down because it’s Zhong Xue Zhi's father who killed his son (when he was overwhelmed by the "Nine Forms of Lotus God"). Therefore grandfather ambushes Zhong Xue Zhi before she reaches home. ZXZ falls off a cliff.
She tells him she needs to return to Zhong Huo Palace. She mulls that although he can protect her now, it's not like he can protect her forever. She glances at him. She wants him to refute it. Shangguan Tou smiles knowingly. The next day, before she leaves him, he leaves her. Before he leaves though, he watches her looking for him with amusement. This man doesn't realize the moment he leaves her, she will be in dire circumstances.
Zhong Xue Zhi is suspicious of her disciples. There's a mole in her team (it's Hai Tang). Meanwhile back in Zhong Huo Palace, Mu Yuan's grandfather is planning an upheaval in order to make Mu Yuan the ruler instead of Zhong Xue Zhi. The grandfather wants to bring Zhong family down because it’s Zhong Xue Zhi's father who killed his son (when he was overwhelmed by the "Nine Forms of Lotus God"). Therefore grandfather ambushes Zhong Xue Zhi before she reaches home. ZXZ falls off a cliff.
[Ep7] Hai Tang although is the mole, she was forced to do Grandfather's bidding. Her twin sister is his hostage. Feeling guilt for Zhong Xue Zhi's demise, she writes a letter to Mu Yuan detailing everything but Grandpa switches out the letter making every disciple misunderstand she killed Zhong Xue Zhi. With Zhong Xue Zhi supposedly dead, Mu Yuan has risen to be the new leader of Zhong Huo Palace.
Zhong Xue Zhi isn't died. She was saved by a passing villager but she still isn't safe. The girl should have heeded to the advice of not sharing her identity. The villagers' son was killed by her father. They knock her unconscious and bury her alive. The villagers discover she had found the hard-sought herbs that can cure the villager's limp. Will her sincerity touch their hearts?
[Ep8] Her sincerity doesn't change their malicious mindset. Luckily Shangguan Tou appears. He personally escorts her back to Zhong Huo Palace. Zhong Xue Zhi doesn't want to bring danger to him so she leaves him while he's asleep. The girl had to say her thoughts out loud and that wakes him up. He won't let her leave without him. The two change their course when they find out everyone thinks she's dead. He takes her to hide in a brothel that's ran by his friends. They call him
"Baldie" (Guang Tou) and Zhong Xue Zhi asks why. The rumours were true, he did shave his head, not for a sister disciple but to cut ties with his family.
"Baldie" (Guang Tou) and Zhong Xue Zhi asks why. The rumours were true, he did shave his head, not for a sister disciple but to cut ties with his family.
When the friends pour her alcohol, Shangguan Tou (now everytime I type his name I laugh a little at his baldie name), takes it for her. He's punished by his friends to take thirty more shots. This guy just wants to look cool in front of her. The next day he clarifies to his friend that he only treats Zhong Xue Zhi like a sister. What.
[Ep9] Shangguan Tou takes Zhong Xue Zhi to her Godfather, the man who had requested him to protect her.
[Ep10] When Zhong Xue Zhi starts showing interest in Shangguan Tou that's when he backs off. Now that's a bastard move. It doesn't stop him from protecting her though. He makes her take a pill that will allow her to be invulnerable to all poisons. She's being difficult and engages in a finger wrestle with him. If she loses, she'll take the pill. She loses. After taking the pill, she immediately spits out blood. His worry for her changes him back to the caring Shangguan Tou we’re all used to but when she makes her feelings obvious again he reverts to the uncaring Shangguan Tou. Ugh. She accidentally confesses; he makes a clear rejection. He's got family trauma you see. He's afraid of commitment and hurting Zhong Xue Zhi...
[Ep11] Mu Yuan and Zhong Xue Zhi reunite. He wants to take her home but Shangguan Tou is suspicious of him and won't let him take her. These two would have dueled if Godfather hadn't intercepted. This gives time for Mu Yuan to explain and he regains the trust of Zhong Xue Zhi and Shangguan Tou. Mu Yuan intends to return the leadership of Zhong Huo Palace back to her.
As for Shangguan Tou and Zhong Xue Zhi, they're awkward as hell. Yawn.
[Ep12] They find the scroll thief and the suspicion on Zhong Huo Palace is lifted. However, it doesn't matter what proof they have, jianghu people will still want Zhong Xue Zhi's life. Shangguan Tou flies in to protect her but she refuses his protection because she doesn't want his kindness if there's no love in it. Her rejection of his protection makes him cry. Is it just me or is this emotionally heavy scene too soon? We're already getting flashbacks and we're only a quarter into the drama. Regardless, he continues to do all he can for her. Since she won't let him protect her, he gives her all his cultivations. He is now powerless.
Mu Yuan has utmost loyalty to Zhong Xue Zhi. When no one supports her to reestablish her throne, it's Mu Yuan who backs her up. However, that's about to change when Mu Yuan learns his father was killed at the hands of her father.
[Ep13] Nevermind. Mu Yuan still stays loyal. Zhong Xue Zhi doesn't think she has the right nor the ability to become the leader of Zhong Huo Palace. She wants to relinquish her powers to Mu Yuan but he won't accept it. He tells her she's running away from responsibility and motivates her to be courageous. He assures her he'll be at her side to support her. Aw. However, that's not his plans. He intends to leave Zhong Huo Palace because he learned of his grandfather's murderous attempts at Zhong Xue Zhi. Someone has to take responsibility for it and he bears it on himself.
Shangguan Tou learns of his birth mother (Bai Lu). It's his first time hearing his current mother isn't his birth mother. She had fallen in love with his father and was pregnant but that's when she learned that his father was already married with a daughter. His mother died after giving birth and also from heartbreak. After learning the truth, he puts a sword to his father's neck. Huh. I mean, he never even met his mother and now he's getting revenge for her on the father he knew ever since birth? He doesn't kill his father though.
[Ep14] Xia Qing Mei saved the monk who stole the scroll. Since Zhong Xue Zhi burnt the other one, there is no scroll left. Xia Qing Mei wants to master the Nine Forms of Lotus God in order to beat Shangguan Tou. His goal is to win the love of Ling Feng Zi who only has eyes for Shangguan Tou.
A year has passed and neither of our main leads have seen each other since. During this time Zhong Xue Zhi has upgraded her powers immensely. However, she still doesn't know her powers were from Shangguan Tou.
[Ep15] Shangguan Tou and Zhong Xue Zhi have each individually set their eyes on the rabbit lantern that’s being sold. However they never get to see each other. Fortunately they meet at the quarantined village. The way they stare at each other hold so much feelings and yet they can’t be together for reasons I don’t know.
Zhong Xue Zhi realizes Shangguan Tou lost his powers for her. She tells him his sacrifice makes her feel guilty.
[Ep15] Shangguan Tou and Zhong Xue Zhi have each individually set their eyes on the rabbit lantern that’s being sold. However they never get to see each other. Fortunately they meet at the quarantined village. The way they stare at each other hold so much feelings and yet they can’t be together for reasons I don’t know.
Zhong Xue Zhi realizes Shangguan Tou lost his powers for her. She tells him his sacrifice makes her feel guilty.
SGT: If you’re guilty then repay is slowly.He tells her she really doesn’t have to feel guilty because she’s worth his protection. When she had answered him so briskly and confidently that she’ll give him her most important item he knew she was special.
[Ep16] Shangguan Tou confides in Zhong Xue Zhi that he’s forgiven his father and he’s willing to try to love someone. He glimpses at Zhong Xue Zhi. Their moment is interrupted by ZXC’s disciple who informs her Mu Yuan is infected. To retrieve the antidote, Shangguan Tou and Zhong Xue Zhi enter this cave that’s lament with poison. However, it’s too late to save Lang Ya (Shangguan Tou’s good buddy and Hong Shou’s lover). In the process, Zhong Xue Zhi adopts a new disciple Fang Zhi, the man who can make the antidote.
[Ep17] Xia Qing Mei is at level five of the Nine Forms of Lotus God but no one knows it. Zhong Xue Zhi is also at the same level and everyone knows it. She's also found the antidote for the infectious disease. Her poor reputation is taking a turn for the good. Jianghu people aren't happy with that one bit.
[Ep18] Zhong Xue Zhi learns that her father went ballistic because he only trained the Nine Forms of Lotus God completely neglecting to train his mind with the Hibiscus Heart. Take my translations with a grain of salt. I have no idea if my translations are correct for these mantras but I don't care anymore. The mystery is revealed for Mu Yuan's father's death. He sacrificed his life to save Zhong Xue Zhi's father (therefore no one killed the other). Later, Zhong Xue Zhi's father took his own life because of guilt.
Zhong Xue Zhi learns that the Hibiscus Heart she's mastered can help Shangguan Tou with his injuries and his low cultivation. However, it will take a long time to transfer it to him. Thus Zhong Xue Zhi leaves her Zhong Huo Palace under Mu Yuan's leadership to take care of Shangguan Tou. She wore the red clothes that Shangguan Tou had bought her to meet him. He was enjoying a bath with his clothes on but upon seeing her, he immediately stands up (with clothes on). She screams as if she saw him naked.
Shuangguan Tou is back to being a flirt. When she tells him to dress in something warmer, he replies that with her here, his heart is all warm. The doctor, Yin Ci, takes his pulse rate and diagnoses that it's not just warm, it's practically boiling. Shangguan Tou dismisses him and assigns a room for ZXC. She asks him why there's a girl's room and he tells her it's hers. He didn't know she would come but he tells her that he was hoping she would come. He wants to start anew with her because he's ready to love but she reminds him of the heartbreak he gave her. She's also got baggage of her own (her poor reputation); she doesn't want to drag him down with her. He reminds her that he's no better. He suggests that they form a "companionship" to help each other. The characters he chose to say "companionship" sounds like what two men would swear upon to be brothers but because this is between a man with intention to the woman he loves it's sort of like he's proposing. She asks him what if she becomes a devil like her father. He replies that he'll just go to hell with her. She smiles. Companionship formed.
The extent of Shangguan Tou's injury makes the transfer of her powers almost futile to his injuries. The doctor, Yin Ci, concludes that they need to change the way it's delivered. Thus, instead of through air (i.e. sitting across each other), the power needs to be transferred through water. Essentially, they need to bathe together. Alright story, do whatever you want.
Second couple: Che Qu and Zhu Sha like each other but now there's a second guy involved (Feng She, the antidote guy). He's trying to be the cupid though.
[Ep19] After bathing together, they're talking about marriage and she's accepting of it. She calls him Tao Ge Ge now and he calls her Zhu Er. He's also unrelenting in his sweet words, line after line he's making a move on her. He tells her she not only curing his body, she's curing his heart. He finally asks for the favour back (where she's supposed to give him something that's important to her). He wants her every moment; he wants her forever. He uses really pretty words to describe this that's sort of lost in translation. As long as she approves, he tells her he is hers. At night, he flies her to the sky to show her that he's all better. They also enjoy a kiss under the moon.
Second couple: Che Qu and Zhu Sha confess to each other. It's especially cute when they realize they were scammed of all their money by Feng She.
[Ep20] Xia Qing Mei and Lin Feng Zhi are getting married. Zhong Xue Zhi needs to leave Shangguan Tou to attend the engagement party. This pair can't even bear this small separation. He has decided to bring her to meet his father after the engagement party. After much deliberation, he also attends the engagement party with her. He doesn't like being at Ling Jian sect though because he used to train under there but left for an unknown reason.
Xia Qing Mei's master is unwilling to teach him anymore of the Lotus mantra because he's distracted with marriage and love. Still, Xia Qing Mei chooses Lin Feng Zhi.
[Ep22] The past is revealed and we learn that Shangguan Tou didn't sleep with Lin Feng Zhi. Her father misunderstood this and almost killed Shangguan Tou which is how Zhong Xue Zhi's Godfather had a chance to save him.
In the current time frame, Zhong Xue Zhi is accused of murder.
[Ep23] Shangguan Tou learns that Huan Er (Liu Li) is his cousin. She is forced to spy on Zhong Xue Zhi by her Emei sect (that evil old lady who only shows up on screen to scheme for stuff but doesn't do anything threatening or the least bit interesting).
Zhong Xue Zhi is barely giving Shangguan Tou a chance to explain about Lin Feng Zhi but when she does give him a chance she's summoned to court for the murder.
[Ep24] Shangguan Tou finds the real murderer, freeing Zhong Xue Zhi from suspicion. Mu Yuan wants to repay him. He adds that he can give him anything but "Zhi Er". Shangguan Tou replies that he lacks nothing but Zhi Er. The men are saying this stuff right in front of Zhong Xue Zhi.
Lin Feng Zhi is fooled again by her master to profess her love to Shangguan Tou again. This is all to prevent Shangguan Tou from helping Zhong Xue Zhi fight the other sects who plan to demolish her sect. However, the master's plans are foiled when she loses a fight against Mu Yuan. Later, Shangguan Tou and Lin Feng Zhi see her injured. Thinking she's at the brink of her death, the master confesses that she's the one who drugged their alcohol that night. She wanted to oust Shangguan Tou because he might have seen her secretly meeting Feng Cheng (Hua Shan Sect Leader who is the mastermind behind every single spy just to get his hands on the nine Forms of Lotus).
[Ep26] Shangguan Tou lends money to a debt ridden Zhong Xue Zhi who's in the midst of rebuilding her Zhong Xue Gong. Zhong Xue Zhi begrudgingly takes it. If she had a choice, she doesn't even want to look at him. Other stuff this episode: Shangguan Tou is a chess piece caught in between the power struggle of the Princes to control jianghu.
[Ep28] Feng She dies (?) at his father's hands after failing to save Zhong Xue Zhi. Shangguan Tou was ready to kill himself to exchange for her life. Mu Yuan kills Feng Cheng thinking he killed her.
Shangguan Tou mouth feeds Zhong Xue Zhi medicine. She's unconscious in his arms as he tightly embraces her. He's grateful she's alive. Mu Yuan takes her back though. When she regains consciousness, Mu Yuan doesn't tell her that it was Shangguan Tou who saved her. Shangguan Tou also has no intentions of letting her know he almost died for her because he loves her that much. There's also physical proof he loves her: the hibiscus flower on his arm. The marking only appears after going through life and death.
[Ep29] Shangguan Tou has deduced that in three years time, Lu Prince has infiltrated his army to spy on almost each and every jianghu sect. Shangguan Tou's father draws a line between him and the Crown Prince; he's unwilling to help the Prince and his greedy endeavours. It's a forbidding sign for dad's life. As for the romances: Mu Yuan confesses and Shangguan Tou learns from his sister that Zhong Xue Chi still loves him otherwise she wouldn't have protected him (the last time she was in the palace and refused Lu Prince's involvement in her sect).
[Ep30] Shangguan Tou is determined to investigate Lu Prince because he won't allow anyone to hurt Zhong Xue Zhi. However, she finds herself in another trap. Someone stole the swords that she was supposed to transport to the palace. They have one day to find them and Mu Yuan offers himself as wager. Mu Yuan is sacrificing himself so that Zhong Xue Zhi can take her disciples and run away because there's no way she can find the swords when Lu Prince is deliberately making it impossible. She doesn't run away though and they're almost beheaded. It's Shangguan Tou who secretly helps them but once again he doesn't reveal it because he's in murky waters himself. He's standing face to face against Lu Prince.
Mu Yuan's grandfather commits suicide after Lu Prince's people are forcing Zhong Huo Gong to surrender.
[Ep31] Lu Prince forces Zhong Huo Gong to dismantle (he finds Zhong Xue Zhi's existence a threat to his jianghu domination plan hence he wants her to disappear). Zhong Xue Zhi and Mu Yuan are off to travel jianghu together. Although she's spending peaceful and happy days with Mu Yuan, at night she recalls her Tao Ge Ge.
[Ep32] A fortune teller predicts a love ridden with obstacles for Zhong Xue Zhi. Mu Yuan is at her side and becomes more anxious than her. The fortune teller writes a word that embodies her current woes, "Wait", which is exactly what she's always doing with Shangguan Tou: waiting. And Mu Yuan is always waiting for her. That night, Mu Yuan not only confesses but also proposes to Zhong Xue Zhi. There's tears in her eyes but she doesn't refuse the proposal. To Mu Yuan that's an acceptance. He smiles and hugs her. Does he not see tears in her eyes? Or he does but he just wants her too much. However, that night she also bumps into Lin Feng Zhi's master. She tells her the entire truth from Shangguan Tou's innocence with Lin Feng Zhi to his sacrifices to save her from Feng Cheng. Mu Yuan overhears this too and sees Zhong Xue Zhi's reaction. He knows he lost her.
Shangguan Tou's father is arrested for colluding with Zhong Huo Palace. He's to be punished by death. The father intends to take all the blame to protect his son. His son is also saved by the Crown Prince. His daughter, however, is pregnant with the son of her father's soon-to-be-murderer, Lu Prince.
[Ep34] The plan to save Dad fails. Shangguan Zheng uses her own life to threaten Lu Prince to free Shangguan Tou and Zhong Xue Zhi. At least Lu Prince actually loves Shangguan Zheng. Although they've escaped his grasps, Zhong Xue Zhi is poisoned. I thought she took a pill that made her invulnerable to all poisons... Shangguan Tou plans to retrieve the antidote from Lu Prince. Zhong Xue Zhi doesn't want him to risk his life for her again. She just wants to live the rest of her life with him, whatever that's left of it that is. Shangguan Tou can't bear the idea of living without her so Godfather takes on the task to fetch the antidote. Lu Prince is technically his nephew after all.
[Ep35] Zhong Xue Zhi only has half a month left. She wants to learn how to play guqin from him. He plays her "Xin Zhi". "Zhi" is from her name and Xin represents his heart that will always yearn for her. She tells him she's keeping his words to him that she will give him something that is most precious to her. She's giving him the rest of her life to him. She asks him if he remembers what he said to her at this particular place. He remembers, "As long as you nod then I am yours."
[Ep36] Lin Feng Zhi has the antidote to save Zhong Xue Zhi. Shangguan Tou begs her for it. She has two conditions: hug her and marry her. He does the first one but he reminds her that even if he marries her, his heart will only ever be for Zhong Xue Zhi. She knows. Thank god the girl knows. She gives him the antidote and tells him she doesn't want him to be sad. She's given up on him.
One girl is to be saved, another girl is to die. Shangguan Zheng commits suicide and Lu Prince thinks it's all because of Shangguan Tou. That logic.
[Ep37] Xia Qing Mei and Lin Feng Zhi are getting married again. Xia Qing Mei is still hopelessly in love with her. At the same time he also wants to be the best fighter. He accidentally kills the monk who's been training him and discovers that the scroll was never burnt. He can now practice master the Nine Forms of Lotus all by himself.
Mu Yuan thinks he's got the antidote from Lu Prince but it's more poison. Luckily, Shangguan Tou saves her first. Zhong Xue Zhi is back alive. They reconfirm their love. She learned that he would die after her if she died and he learns that she would do the same. Love aside, they need to tend to business now. Lu Prince is after them because they're an obstacle to his world domination plans. The only solution is for them to collaborate with jianghu to retaliate against Lu Prince.
[Ep38] Shangguan Tou secretly leaves Zhong Xue Zhi because the Crown Prince has called upon him. Shangguan Tou accepts the request because he has to repay the favour for saving him and his family last time. Shangguan Tou left her a message that he will be back in three days. When he's still absent by the third day, she leaves to find him.
Mu Yuan has formed an allegiance with Lu Prince using Zhong Huo Palace's name. I assume he's working internally as a spy to bring down Lu Prince. If he didn't betray Zhong Xue Zhi when he thought her father killed his father, there's no way he'd betray now.
Xia Qing Mei and Lin Feng Zhi are walking down the aisle. Hua Shan Sect make an appearance and interrupts their marriage. Are they just not meant to be? Their appearance was anticipated because this wedding ceremony was to gather all the jianghu leaders to discuss Lu Prince's unnecessary involvement in their world. Speaking of coincidences, Lu Prince graces his presence to the wedding. Lu Prince reveals to Lin Feng Zhi's father that Xia Qing Mei, his current son-in-law, had secretly learned the Nine Forms of Lotus God.
[Ep39] Shangguan Tou makes a grand appearance as well to reveal all of Lu Prince's intentions for taking over jianghu. However, he doesn't have proof and Mu Yuan doesn't take his side. Lu Prince's people surround him and so he takes Lin Feng Zhi's father as hostage with a paper fan. Really. The father is helping him escape. After that commotion is over, Qing Mei is punished by his master but Lin Feng Zhi begs her father to pardon his life. Qing Mei tells her that he did everything for her. She forgives him. I hope they stay happy because as long as they do they'll stop bothering Zhong Xue Zhi and Shangguan Tou.
Mu Yuan is now working for Lu Prince and under his orders he's to kill Shangguan Tou. Mu Yuan stabs a sword into his chest and he falls off the cliff. Zhong Xue Zhi witnesses everything. She wants to avenge for her Tao Ge Ge but she's no match for him (she's still recovering?). Luckily, her godfather appeared to save her. He didn't see Lu Prince though because he went into hiding. But how can he not see a big fat carriage there?
Shangguan Tou didn't die. Falling off a cliff was within the Crown Prince's plans to fool Lu Prince. It also fooled a devastated Zhong Xue Zhi.
[Ep40] Xia Qing Mei is banished from Ling Jian sect. Lu Prince tempts Xia Qing Mei to join him. He currently has no money to buy Lin Feng Zhi her medicine. Mu Yuan helps Xia Qing Mei by giving him money, hoping he'll stay away from Lu Prince.
Zhong Xue Zhi wants to avenge for Shangguan Tou's death and reclaim peace in jianghu. Her target is Lu Prince. Shangguan Tou isn't with her but he's on the same mission as her to take down Lu Prince for jianghu and for his sister.
Shangguan Tou shows up in front of a drunk Zhong Xue Zhi. However, he tells her he's Yu Chu Zhi. What is this bogus. She doesn't believe it but he insists. Everyone else around her are gaslighting her as well fooling her that this guy who looks, sounds, and smells the same as Shangguan Tou isn't Shangguan Tou.
[Ep42] Xia Qing Mei is officially crazy now that he's mastered the Nine Forms of Lotus God with the "help" of Lu Prince. With that, he's under Lu Prince's control.
Zhong Xue Zhi burns the red string Shangguan Tou had given her right in front of the current "Yu Chu Zhi". She tells him now that he's left there's no use in keeping the red string. She also informs him she'll be leaving this place tomorrow and bids him goodnight. When she leaves, he quickly picks up the red string from the fire pit.
[Ep43] The next day "Yu Chu Zhi" happens to be leaving as well and happens to be going in the same direction as her. Thus they travel together. They come across Hua Shan Pact who popped out of nowhere and they injure her eyes. Shangguan Tou flies in to save her and takes her back to a cave. Her eyes are once again blinded. She grows suspicious of his identity and orders him to open the fan for her. She's able to recognize the sound of it because no one else can produce the same fan opening sound. O-kay. She accidentally falls over him but he reminds her he's not Shangguan Tou. Later that night her vision recovers and she finds the red string on him. Instead of exposing him, she runs away to a cliff. She jumps off so that he exposes himself.
Shaugguan Tou had hid his identity from her because only if she's sad will Lu Prince believe he's actually dead and only that way can he protect Zhong Xue Zhi. When all his act falls through, he tells her that there was one thing he yearned to do since he saw her. He kisses her. Feathers.
[Ep45] Xia Qing Mei loses the battle with his ninth level. It's because he didn't learn the mind art of it. After losing, he is now converted to the good side. Not really. His red eyes are still there. When Lu Prince uses Mu Yuan to threaten him for the mantra he goes crazy and accidentally kills Lin Feng Zhi. He's back to his senses, realizes what he has done, and commits suicide. But she's still alive! Wha...so he just died without confirming if she's dead?? She's also pregnant.
Zhong Xue Zhi and Mu Yuan finally meet. She's utterly disappointed in him and cut all their ties.
Mu Yuan’s intentions are to kill Lu Prince. His plans fall through and he’s captured by Lu Prince instead. He dies protecting Zhong Xue Zhi.
[Ep48] Crown Prince shows up to catch Lu Prince but instead he becomes the perfect hostage for Lu Prince. He escapes to Shangguan Zheng’s grave. There’s really no where to escape to, it's just the last scene for him to cry a bit and win some pity. He's met his doom because they got Proof. And that’s it. Lu Prince is defeated.
Shangguan Tou and Zhong Xue Zhi ate happily together. No, not yet. Zhong Xue Zhi wants to rebuild her Zhong Huo Palace. Shangguan Tou is disappointed. It’s almost like she has to choose between him and her responsibilities. I’m confused. These two went through life and death together and now they’re facing separation for this? After arriving at Zhong Huo Palace, she finds a letter and a present left by Mu Yuan. The letter essentially frees her of her responsibilities. Thus, after reestablishing her sect, she passes the leadership to Zhu Sha.
The next scene we see Zhong Xue Zhi in wedding clothes. However her groom ran off. She goes to find him at their favourite place but he’s not there. She’s crying and that’s when he appears. She’s angry but one sentence from him erases all her tears: “In this beautiful moment I only want to spend it with you. Zhi Er, I love you.” The end. Happily ever after.
Remarks
[First Impression (Ep1-6)] I didn't finish Ashes of Love (I tried twice) but I do recognize the three main characters in this. It's sort of an odd recombination of them. Anyways. This time Luo Yun Xi will get his love (if it's a happy ending that is). I wasn't expecting him to be so flirty. As a result of that their relationship is moving quickly. That makes me uneasy. I have a tendency to drop dramas especially long ones when the couples get together very soon. I don't think there's a strong chemistry between them. Luo Yun Xi is doing a mighty fine job, I think it's Chen Yu Qi who's failing me. I love her but she's the exact same as her previous roles so I'm unimpressed. There's also not a lot of buildup of the romance or the characters. I don't know why he's so infatuated with her. As for the story, I can see where it's going and I'm not quite looking forward to it. Frankly, this drama didn't wow me. Perhaps it's too soon to judge?
[Actors/Actresses] Luo Yun Xi impresses. He's been in so many white robe roles and this time he really gets to flaunt in it to his heart's content. He doesn't have to be restrained, or evil, or sickly. He gets to be healthy, flirty, happy, and most importantly smile his godly smiles every chance he gets. Chen Yu Qi is pretty, that's it.
[Episode 8 Update] This episode leaves me baffled. After all that flirting the guy is like I only treat her like a sister. HUH. I'm also finding the drama a tad slow. It's quite predictable. Not that I can see the end but just within the episode I can guess the next move and I'm just sitting here waiting for it to happen.
[Review] I don’t blame the story for being basic but I blame it for being boring. I could have totally ignored the burning loopholes (and there were a lot) but at least make it more entertaining. I liked the chemistry in the beginning but the drama plummeted after he told her he never loved her when he obviously does. At that point my brain stopped working for this drama. Thus I made the decision to only watch it for the pretty Chen Yu Qi and Luo Yun Xi scenes. They satisfied me initially but soon they too disappointed me as their romance supposedly grew deeper. Although their scenes make very pretty screencaps, it was way too superficial, like they were only posing for the perfect shot. Zero emotions. I think I’m pretty lenient with my dramas but there’s one thing I cannot forgive: a drama that values pretty packaging over substance. Their kiss scenes are perfect examples of this. They're like feathers brushing against each other; there’s no weight, no substance, no feelings. And yet I didn’t drop this drama. I question myself why all the time.
[Verdict] Save some brain cells. If you really want to watch this for the actor’s visuals, understandably so, here are the episodes: 1-8, 18-20, 33-38, 41-43, and 48 (last 5 minutes).
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