A princess and a wolf man; a beauty and a beast.
Notable Actors/Actresses
Chu You Wen has successfully made her believe he never loved her. And he’s outside listening to her, meanwhile wallowing in his own heartbreak. Dude, you did this to yourself. Ma Zhai Xing cries that she still has to marry him for her family and her people. Ji Chong comforts her.
[Ep18] Ji Chong and Chu You Wen fight over who can win Ma Zhai Xing a jade butterfly. Chu You Wen is jealous and carries her away. However, the next thing he does is steal her pouch (the one present he gave her) and lets it fly in the sky. How does one let a pouch fly? When she's not around, Chu You Wen uses his ability to summon the wind to bring back the pouch. Ma Zhai Xing witnesses everything. She knows he's her Lang Zai!
[Ep23] Because of Yao Ji, Ma Zhai Xing confronts the Emperor about Ma family's death and the second prince's involvement. Ma Zhai Xing is arrested for upsetting the Emperor..
Yao Ji has this obsessed way of loving Chu You Wen. She wants him to be the cold and heartless man. Not the soft and smiling Wolf Man. This girl is pretty. She reminds me of Oh Yeon Seo.
[Ep27] Another heartbreaking episode for Ma Zhai Xing where Chu You Wen drives it home that he is her enemy. He burns her pouch and any memory she has of him as her Lang Zai. Ma Zhai Xing faints from heartbreak. Chu You Wen never did burn the pouch. She also doesn't know that he's giving her the antidote to her poison.
[Ep31] Ma Zhai Xing and Chu You Wen use their knowledge on nature (solar eclipse) to manipulate Bao Na's brother (the King) who's notoriously superstitious. Both of them want his alliance. Ma Zhai Xing thought she got the upper-hand but it's Chu You Wen who wins by claiming he can shoot the eclipse away. His wolf ears allowed him to hear the nuances in the nature.
[Ep34] In the dungeon, Chu You Wen turns into a wild wolf. There's not a trace of human left in him.
Chu You Wen and Ma Zhai Xing are back in their respective realms. Ma Zhai Xing’s reputation is tainted with Chu You Wen kidnapping her for a few days. To quell the rumours, Ji Chong declares marriage with Ma Zhai Xing.
[Ep43] Chu You Wen realizes Ma Zhai Xing is right. He also wants to free the slaves. They work together to free the slaves. One of the girls suffer an injury. Her father also died. Chu You Wen comforts her by telling her a story of a young girl he knows. This girl lost her mother at a young age. She hid in the mountains to hide her sorrows. She also lost her entire family. The man she trusted the most betrayed her. Thus, she had to grow up stronger. Chu You Wen is telling the girl Ma Zhai Xing's story to motivate her to live on.
[Ep44] Ma Zhai Xing clarifies the girl in Chu You Wen’s story isn’t strong at all. She was forced by her circumstances. She needs to run fast and faster than the rest to live.
Meanwhile on Ma Zhai Xing’s end, she’s kicking butt too. She fights off nearly all the soldiers. 
[First Impression (Ep1-12)] I forgot this existed. And then boom this plops from the sky in its entirety. I intend to keep recaps very short. I'm bracing myself that this will fail me at any instant but for now I'm in this for the romance. I like this wolf boy and princess pairing. They have chemistry. It's been a while since I felt like two people have to be with each other and nobody else.
[Actors/Actresses] Wang Da Lu (Darren Wang) purposely makes his features scary. Li Qin is an actress I've noticed way before Joy of Life. Just thought I'd throw that out there for no specific reason. Ahem. I do think she's a tad childish as Ma Zhai Xing, but still very likable. Xiao Zhan is a supporting role in this. He brings back Wei Wu Xian vibes from The Untamed.
[Ending] I knew of this ending not long after I started the drama. Personally, I prefer to know this type of spoiler because, if not, I would be too heartbroken by the end. Since I knew what I was getting myself into I paid particular attention to things that was related to death. In Ep46 when Ma Zhai Xing learned of Chu You Wen’s imminent death in half a year, she had thought of her life without him. She was going to leave an empty spot for his laundry and a bowl for his food. It was a bittersweet moment.
I don't know for certain if Chu You Wen is alive in the end. I think he died alongside Ma Zhai Xing according to Chu You Zhe's narration. Him dying with Ma Zhai Xing makes me feel better. It breaks my heart to imagine him living on without her. She was the only reason he wanted to be human and if he got to live and be human without her, how tragic would that be?
Do I regret watching this? No.
It was sad but it was worth it. I got to learn of the beautiful story between Lang Zai and Xing Er.
[Review] This is like a fairy-tale. A Princess meets a Wolf man. A beauty saves a beast. An unlikely romance blossoms. This love is strong and resilient. Fate thwarts them but their love dissolves all evil.
Actors/Characters. I love Wang Da Lu (Darren Wang) as Lang Zai. Half of it is his acting, half of it is his looks. He’s perfect for the role. He’s got such strong features that eases my belief of his Wolf-ish nature. He will scrunch up his face to keep up the wolf character. I love him for that. He also adds a touch of humour to his Lang Zai. Seeing him happy with Ma Zhai Xing reminds me of a puppy wagging its tail. He made me believe he truly loves Ma Zhai Xing. For me, Wang Da Lu is the one who sold me their chemistry. I also loved it when he turned dark. Maybe it’s also ‘cause I knew he was a softie on the inside.
Li Qin has been kicking butt for so long but drama gods have withheld it all. I love her Ma Zhai Xing. When she screamed for war, it was a moment worth fangirling. There’s a transition of her character towards independence. She’s forced to lose her innocence. The world was too dark to have such a beautiful soul as hers exist. She was able to see the beauty of a wolf when everyone else was afraid of him. Her arrival brought peace to the world.
As for Xiao Zhan, sometimes I feel like I’m the only non-Xiao Zhan fan watching this drama. I’m neutral about him. It’s undeniable he did do an amazing job as the second lead. The character was also well written. Ji Chong is a righteous man. He loves Ma Zhai Xing but he was never selfish to keep her against her will. He was just as selfless as Ma Zhai Xing and Chu You Wen. He's a hero; sometimes lovesick, but mostly lovely. However, as well as Xiao Zhan performed, his performance doesn’t outweigh that of Wang Da Lu’s. I like Xiao Zhan but I don’t like it when his fans belittle Wang Da Lu.
Notable Actors/Actresses
Li Qin: Ma Zhai Xing
Wang Da Lu: Chu You Wen / Lang Zai
Xiao Zhan: Ji Chong
Your Wolf Highness
[Ep1&2] Ma Zhai Xing has been raising a wolf man whom she calls Lang Zai. It's mutual love between the two. Cao Jun is in this! He has my underdog vote in Everybody Standby.
[Ep4] This is the reunion episode but her family is killed and she's in a trance. She doesn't know it's him.
[Ep6] They go through life and death together.
[Ep7] They're betrothed but he thinks she's using him for her gains (i.e. he's mad she's marrying him without an ounce of love).
[Ep12] Ma Zhai Xing is willing to die with Chu You Wen (it is also for her that he's imprisoned). Her words move him; she convinces him to let her help him locate the kidnapped Bao Na.
Network: iQIYI
Mini Recaps
*Ma Zhai Xing pronounces Lang Zi more like Lang Zai.
[Ep3] Years later, Wolf Man turns into Prince Charming (Chu You Wen) but there's a misunderstanding: he thinks Ma Zhai Xing hates him. She got rid of him with words like "you're a monster" for his safety but he doesn't know that.
[Ep4] This is the reunion episode but her family is killed and she's in a trance. She doesn't know it's him.
[Ep5] The real reunion episode. He hates her but he loves her and saves her from being raped. There's this RnB rap song here that is oddly addictive for this grand period drama. She finally sees him but he denies being wolf boy.
[Ep6] They go through life and death together.
[Ep7] They're betrothed but he thinks she's using him for her gains (i.e. he's mad she's marrying him without an ounce of love).
[Ep8] Misunderstandings are cleared up! Prince knows she saved him and sacrificed her knees for him (she can't kneel anymore). I like how his ears moved when he learned about her sacrifice. Very animal-istic.
[Ep9] He doesn’t tell her he’s her wolf man though. She cries that she’ll never get to see her wolf man again. To comfort her, he gives her a forehead kiss. I also love those smirks he gives her.
A touch that makes them both feel butterflies.
A lot of skinship to love this episode. I like that she loves him all over again without knowing he’s her wolf.
[Ep10] A bratty princess appears (Bao Na). She makes Ma Zhai Xing jealous. Chu You Wen bites her food which she just bit into and calls it sour. He’s teasing her for being (unnecessarily) jealous.
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| Chu You Wen: "Shoot my heart" |
[Ep11] She's even more jealous and shoots at his arms (a fake target) with her bow and arrow. Chu You Wen whispers behind her ear to shoot his heart next. Mai Zhai Xing is embarrassed he heard all her quibbles about her jealousy. It's like he heard her confession. She complains to Chu You Wen that Lang Zai (her wolf) would never treat her like so; he'll have only her in his heart. Chu You Wen smiles. He takes her hand and helps her shoot. He tells her to aim at his heart and whispers, "Perhaps in his heart there isn't a Bao Na."
Ji Chong is a Robin Hood type of character who might just be used by Chu You Gui (2nd Prince).
[Ep12] Ma Zhai Xing is willing to die with Chu You Wen (it is also for her that he's imprisoned). Her words move him; she convinces him to let her help him locate the kidnapped Bao Na.
Chu You Wen hugs her: Not all women who can be my wife will make me care for her as much as I care for you. It is because you are Ma Zhai Xing.
By the way, Ji Chong can run faster than a horse.
Ji Chong kidnapped Bao Na. Ma Zhai Xing and Ji Chong meet this episode. He's impressed with her wits but he's the slier one. Despite his slyness, he still saves Ma Zhai Xing when she's in danger.
[Ep13] Ji Chong makes Ma Zhai Xing owe him a favour for saving her twice. She uses her blood to stamp a letter with a single word: Owe. Also, Ji Chong isn't used by anyone. He knows it's Chu You Gui giving him orders. He demands a hefty sum from Chu You Gui to keep his involvement in this abduction a secret from the Emperor. He’s now the mastermind behind Chu You Gui.
Chu You Wen is freed from prison. He takes lead in finding Bao Na's abductor. She cutely reminds him the Emperor's order was for him to help her. Joking aside, she hands his sword back to him and asks her Prince to protect her well.
When Ma Zhai Xing pointed the arrow at Chu You Wen I really thought she meant it. That scared me. Ma Zhai Xing and Chu You Wen re-celebrate Chinese Valentines. Out of the eight cakes, she picks the one with the red string. That means they won't ever separate from each other. However, the happier Chu You Wen is with her, the deeper his guilt is about her father's death. The red string between them snaps. Chu You Wen turns cold on purpose.
[Ep14] Chu You Wen does the noble thing: I'm pushing you away to protect you. Yatta yatta yatta.
[Ep15] Chu You Wen is still being stupidly noble so when other men bully Ma Zhai Xing, he adds fuel to the fire. Only when she leaves does he punish those men. However, he sticks to his noble idiocy in front of her and attempts to rape her to make her hate him.
Chu You Wen has successfully made her believe he never loved her. And he’s outside listening to her, meanwhile wallowing in his own heartbreak. Dude, you did this to yourself. Ma Zhai Xing cries that she still has to marry him for her family and her people. Ji Chong comforts her.
[Ep16] Both Ma Zhai Xing and Chu You Wen are impressive this episode. Ma Zhai Xing left Chu You Wen but she comes back to save him in the coolest way. How can he not love her even more?
Ma Zhai Xing uses her body to protect Ji Chong and suffers a near fatal injury. Bao Na (who’s her fan girl now) gives her a precious medicine that can bring back the dead.
If y’all think romance will come back once Chu You Wen shows he cares about her, think again. Chu You Wen is still keeping up that farce. Ji Chong is angry at him for treating Ma Zhai Xing that way so he battles him one-on-one. He’s technically not a match for our Wolf Man though.
Ji Chong is officially in love with Ma Zhai Xing. He wants to be her second Lang Zai. Not only did she save him, she resolved the knots in his heart about his past.
Ma Zhai Xing uses her body to protect Ji Chong and suffers a near fatal injury. Bao Na (who’s her fan girl now) gives her a precious medicine that can bring back the dead.
If y’all think romance will come back once Chu You Wen shows he cares about her, think again. Chu You Wen is still keeping up that farce. Ji Chong is angry at him for treating Ma Zhai Xing that way so he battles him one-on-one. He’s technically not a match for our Wolf Man though.
[Ep17] Ji Chong tells Ma Zhai Xing that she doesn't actually love Chu You Wen. She only misplaced her love for Lang Zai onto Chu You Wen. Well.....
[Ep18] Ji Chong and Chu You Wen fight over who can win Ma Zhai Xing a jade butterfly. Chu You Wen is jealous and carries her away. However, the next thing he does is steal her pouch (the one present he gave her) and lets it fly in the sky. How does one let a pouch fly? When she's not around, Chu You Wen uses his ability to summon the wind to bring back the pouch. Ma Zhai Xing witnesses everything. She knows he's her Lang Zai!
[Ep19] Ma Zhai Xing walks to the edge of the cliff to make Chu You Wen admit he's her Lang Zai. She really jumps down and he jumps down with her. That's a big bet, girl, but a safe bet. He puts his forehead to hers just like he did so when he was Lang Zai. He gives her a forehead kiss. Yess! Ma Zhai Xing realizes the way Chu You Wen pushed her away was like how she pushed him away eight years ago. She calls both of them silly. Silly in love.
Ji Chong sadly walks away but he gets his revenge by hanging Chu You Wen upside down and stealing Ma Zhai Xing's kiss right in front of Chu You Wen. Ma Zhai Xing is cooperating with Ji Chong because she owes him. After getting all his wishes, Ji Chong leaves (bitterly) but does his best to look cheerful with a wink.
To appease an angry Chu You Wen, Ma Zhai Xing gives him a surprise kiss. She shyly walks away but he pulls her back for some more.
And more kisses because Chu You Wen got jealous again. At night, she uses his arm as her pillow. Chu You Wen has a hilarious facial expression when he couldn't sleep because his arm stiffened under her head. Haha.
[Ep20] There's a big problem now. The Emperor thinks Chu You Wen is choosing Ma Zhai Xing over him. There's now a person who knows Chu You Wen more than him and the Emperor finds that threatening.
New Character: Yao Ji. She's a wolf girl who the Emperor is releasing to tame Chu You Wen.
[Ep21] Yao Ji plants a poison in Ma Zhai Xing's body to keep Chu You Wen under control. Or so that's what she tells him. It's all a trap set by the Emperor to test if Chu You Wen would escape with Ma Zhai Xing. Chu You Wen saw through it all. There is no poison in Ma Zhai Xing. He regains the Emperor's trust and keeps Ma Zhai Xing safe.
[Ep22] Ma Zhai Xing reignites the Lang Zai in Chu You Wen. He's changing back to the innocent him for her. His disciples aren't used to playing with Chu You Wen but love the change in him. Wang Da Lu (Chu You Wen has these expressions I love; he's so into his wolf character. Yao Ji doesn't like the change though. She reminds Ma Zhai Xing that Chu You Wen is no longer the same innocent man. Ma Zhai Xing realizes she should accept the current Chu You Wen too.
Eight years ago, to save Chu You Wen after he fell from the cliff, Emperor Kui used a medication to keep him alive but that same medication will take his life slowly. Yao Ji reminds him that he cannot fall in love with a normal girl like Ma Zhai Xing. Yao Ji will even kill Ma Zhai Xing to return Chu You Wen to the heartless Prince he was. Our Wolf Man became a human to be like a human but the humans controlling him want him to be cold, heartless animal.
[Ep23] Because of Yao Ji, Ma Zhai Xing confronts the Emperor about Ma family's death and the second prince's involvement. Ma Zhai Xing is arrested for upsetting the Emperor..
Yao Ji is imprisoned thanks to Wen Yan (Night Fury). As a result, Ma Zhai Xing is released. There's a brief exchange between these women. Yao Ji warns Ma Zhai Xing to leave Chu You Wen; she doesn't know the real him; her time with Chu You Wen is a curse from the heavens. They can never be happy together. Why so ominous, Drama!
Ma Zhai Xing returns to Chu You Wen but he's unconscious from his injuries that he suffered from Yao Ji. In his sleep, he only calls out to Ma Zhai Xing.
[Ep24] Wen Yan's wugong is crippled as an exchange for his master's (and Ma Zhai Xing's) safety. Chu You Wen bows to him for his sacrifice. His Night Fury team doesn't regret helping him. They are loyal to Chu You Wen.
Yao Ji, just what is wrong with Chu You Wen being a softie (who loves to kiss)?
[Ep25] The Emperor continues to drive a wedge between Chu You Wen and Ma Zhai Xing by telling Chu You Wen that it is because of General Ma (Ma Zhai Xing's father) his dearest brother died. The Emperor wants him to kill Ma Zhai Xing. Unable to sort out his feelings, he's harsh to Ma Zhai Xing. She cries. Weak to her tears, he hugs her and comforts her. Chu You Wen can't reconcile the death of his brother but he also cannot see the woman he loves cry.
Chu You Wen forces Ma Zhai Xing to learn military tactics. He's preparing her for when he attacks her... ): Tonight is the last night he's giving her his love. She think they're only to be separated temporarily but she still will miss him so she wants an impromptu wedding ceremony. She makes him bow but he wants to skip it. His excuse is that he wants to do it with her formally. He doesn't skip the wedding kiss though.
Meanwhile Ji Chong has proof that Ma Zhai Xing's family was murdered by Emperor Kui. Our beauty and beast couple are soon to be star-crossed lovers.
[Ep26] Ma Zhai Xing is off to the military site. Chu You Wen doesn't send her off. Emperor Kui gets news of General Ma's army betrayal (since they know who killed their late General). He wants Chu You Wen to snatch Ma Zhai Xing back to be their hostage.
Chu You Wen makes Ma Zhai Xing learn it the hard way that he's her enemy from now on. Ma Zhai Xing is made to believe Chu You Wen is the one who killed her father.
[Ep27] Another heartbreaking episode for Ma Zhai Xing where Chu You Wen drives it home that he is her enemy. He burns her pouch and any memory she has of him as her Lang Zai. Ma Zhai Xing faints from heartbreak. Chu You Wen never did burn the pouch. She also doesn't know that he's giving her the antidote to her poison.
4th Prince (Chu You Zhe) cooperates with Ji Chong by being their hostage to exchange for Ma Zhai Xing.
[Ep28] Chu You Wen returns Ma Zhai Xing her bow. Ma Jing (the attendant) says Ma Zhai Xing wouldn't want it. He smirks that she would. I kind of like dark Chu You Wen. Just me? He's right. Ma Zhai Xing takes it back. There's vengeance in her eyes. She remembers she had vowed to use that bow to strike the man who killed her family. Sigh.
A bit of Ji Chong's past. He's a Prince too. Well I shouldn't say "too" because Chu You Wen isn't a real prince. He left home seven years ago and hasn't ever returned but he does so now to protect Ma Zhai Xing. He shows up looking handsome in front of Ma Zhai Xing. Finally. Now, can we also get rid of those stubs?
[Ep29] Ma Zhai Xing is no longer her innocent self; Chu You Wen is no longer the sweet Lang Zai. He gets rid of all the plants in his manor to forget Ma Zhai Xing completely.
[Ep30] There's a reunion between Ma Zhai Xing and Chu You Wen (Bao Na was trying to be cupid). Let's forget Ma Zhai Xing tried to kill his wolf.
[Ep31] Ma Zhai Xing and Chu You Wen use their knowledge on nature (solar eclipse) to manipulate Bao Na's brother (the King) who's notoriously superstitious. Both of them want his alliance. Ma Zhai Xing thought she got the upper-hand but it's Chu You Wen who wins by claiming he can shoot the eclipse away. His wolf ears allowed him to hear the nuances in the nature.
Ma Zhai Xing is given a chance to kill Chu You Wen (Bao Na is egging her to do so). Chu You Wen taunts her that she can't even kill his wolf, can she really kill him? She can't. She drops her bows and cries that she can't kill him. Aw. Bao Na glares at Chu You Wen and calls him vile. Ma Zhai Xing lost because she wasn't as coldhearted as him.
Just what is Chu You Wen's deal? He wants Ma Zhai Xing to grow stronger. He knows she's in pain because of him but he's purposely mean to her to train her independence. He can't be by her side so she has to be strong on her own. SIGH.
[Ep32] Ma Zhai Xing and Chu You Wen find themselves tied with these waist bands. It's a Khitan tradition to tie it for each other once fated couples touch these bands. They continue with the tradition to not upset the Khitan King. Chu You Wen pulls her close, an intimate moment shared. He ties it for her and when it's her turn to tie the waistband on him, she pulls it extra tightly, lol. There was a short lived sincere smile from Chu You Wen when Ma Zhai Xing wasn’t looking and then followed by a funny shocked expression because of the tightness. The maid tells them that once they have the band on, they're blessed to be together.
We learn later that Ma Zhai Xing used the maid to stall Chu You Wen's time, except he knew all along. Chu You Wen captures the fake princess Ma Zhai Xing was using to win Khitan's alliance. He tells her to kill this fake princess otherwise she'd be in trouble too. Ma Zhai Xing can't kill her. She cries and kneels to Chu You Wen to set the Princess free. Ma Zhai Xing says she can't take advantage of people. Chu You Wen had wanted to train her heart to be strong. He sneers she'd never be able to kill him then.
Ma Zhai Xing has had enough. Her waistband drops (the fated one). As he has his back turned to her, she takes her bow and arrow and strikes him. But when she pulled the arrow, she shut her eyes tightly. She can't bear to actually kill him. However, Chu You Zhe took the arrow for Chu You Wen. He's currently unconscious.
Ma Zhai Xing is punished by Khitan King. Ji Chong arrives back in time to save her. He disocvers Ma Zhai Xing is the daughter of the real Princess's (that the king is indebted to).
[Ep33] Now that Ma Zhai Xing is the Princess's daughter (meaning her father was only a god-father), Khitan King is her ally. Ma Zhai Xing has the back up she needs to contend against Chu You Wen. Her enemy isn't just Chu You Wen though, it's Emperor Kui as well for killing her birth father. Chu You Wen smirks and welcomes her declaration of war. However, once he returns to his father, he's sent to the dungeon for endangering his real son (Chu You Zhe).
[Ep34] In the dungeon, Chu You Wen turns into a wild wolf. There's not a trace of human left in him.
Ma Zhai Xing has the military power and the support of Ji Chong's father.
Ji Chong's past with his father. There were these soldiers who wanted to send Ji Chong (their General) to his dying mother but because the soldiers did that, they lost the war, and thus Ji Chong's father slaughters them in front of Ji Chong. Hence why Ji Chong ran away from home. Hence why Ji Chong provides for this village that his soldiers lived in.
Ji Chong's father isn't wrong to sacrifice his soldiers. War is war. There are responsibilities. He tells everything to Ma Zhai Xing and asks her to keep this a secret from Ji Chong. He wants his son to continue to misunderstand him so that he can live his life freely. He knows his son well, his character isn't suited to be tied down to the palace.
Ji Chong overhears everything his father told Ma Zhai Xing. He knows his father loves him. What a difference with Ji Chong's father vs. Chu You Wen's so called father.
[Ep35] Ma Zhai Xing and Chu You Wen look so cool in their respective kingdom. Ma Zhai Xing ascends to her throne as the Princess of the country. She's loved by many, especially Ji Chong. Chu You Wen recovers and returns to normal. He shows up in full armour to command his army. But there's no one to love him.
Ji Chong and Dad make up. Dad motivates his son to chase the girl he loves and after a few rounds of drinks, Ji Chong is drunk and shows up in Ma Zhai Xing's room. He tells her that he gave up his love for her when she found her Lang Zi but she still found a way into his heart. Ji Chong kisses her.
The next morning, Ji Chong has forgotten everything. Ma Zhai Xing runs in with a knife aimed at Ji Chong. When he remembers what happened, he smiles. Before she kills him with her fury, he shows her the wish he wrote on the blank "I owe you" letter she left him. His wish is to travel the world with her. He thought she was going to rip the paper but she folds it neatly and keeps it. She's accepting him. But before that: War. With Chu You Wen.
[Ep36] It's war.
Ji Chong's little happiness: a blow of Ma Zhai Xing's hair makes his heart skip a beat.
Ma Zhai Xing finds out Chu You Wen has an ultimate weakness. He's severely allergic to this Wolf Bone Flower (direct translation). Ma Zhai Xing needs an extra two days to cultivate it. She manipulates his love for butterflies – their love for butterflies – to make him wait two more days. He tells her when he closes his eyes he recalls his wolf days but when he opens them –evil smirk– he forgets it all. Seeing the butterflies, he gives her two days.
Two days have gone by. Chu You Wen and his army are ready to attack. However, a lone Chu You Wen enters the enemy's territory, vulnerable to Ma Zhai Xing.
[Ep37] Chu You Wen walks into the red zone. He orders all his men to stand behind the line. He sends his war horse back. Only he alone is walking forward well within Ma Zhai Xin's striking zone. She strikes. Her entire army strikes. Chu You Wen doesn't resist. My poor heart.
Rewind back. Chu You Zhe tells Chu You Wen everything about their brother's death. He died because of Emperor Kui, their father. Thus, the current Chu You Wen has no intention of defeating Ma Zhai Xing. He wants her to win. It was him who leaked out his own weakness to Ma Zhai Xing. Meanwhile Chu You Zhe is in the campsite with Emperor Kui ready to take his life. Chu You Zhe had asked Chu You Wen whether sacrificing his life is worth it. It is. He can finally do something he wants to do. He wants to die in Ma Zhai Xing's hand. It's his way of repaying everything he owes her. This is her chance for revenge to appease her hatred. Chu You Zhe had also asked him to consider that Ma Zhai Xing would rather love him than hate him. Chu You Wen counters that if she uses their love (the butterfly) to make him give in then he knows she's already forgotten her love for him. If she makes that decision, then he has no intention to tell her the truth. He will let her continue hating him so she can live on happily.
Chu You Wen tells his brother: This entire life I never had a choice of how to live. In the end, I didn't live like a human; I never had peace. But now I am choosing death for myself to "live" for once. I will be living for myself this time. In death does he get to live for himself. The bittersweet irony.
Who's not crying? Ma Zhai Xing isn't crying. She watches him from far above. She finds it hard to believe that person on the field is Chu You Wen. She doesn't understand it at all.
Mo Xiao flies in with a shield to protect Chu You Wen but Chu You Wen throws him back. He hollers at this army that no one, absolutely no one is to step forward. He makes Wen Yan obey his absolute command. Mo Xiao and Han Die cannot oblige but Wen Yan stays solid, unmoving from his stance. He is the only Night Fury who knows of Chen You Wen's plan; Chen You Wen also trusts him the most. No matter how heartbreaking it is to see his master die in front of him, Wen Yan stands there and obeys this tragic order.
It's time for Ma Zhai Xing's army to take the field. She enters the warzone in red. Why red??? To tell everyone to kill you? As expected, Ma Zhai Xing is in danger. Chu You Wen hears her bell sound and instinctively reacts to it. The dozens of arrows on his body don't matter, duh. He flies in to save Ma Zhai Xing. She doesn't know he's saving her instead she takes an arrow and stabs it deep into his chest, looking him right in the eye. What can I say, the more she loved the more she hated? Even then he still protects her against his own soldiers. This war needs to stop. I have no more tears. Ma Zhai Xing has no idea how much he sacrificed to protect her. She faints from her severe injuries. He takes her on his horse and gallops away.
Question: Just what does it take to kill a wolf man? I love Chu You Wen being alive and all, but how come he's not dead?
Chu You Wen brings her to a temple. He begs the monk to look at her. The monk tells him that although she's severely injured, so is he. Chu You Wen only cares about Ma Zhai Xing's life. He kneels outside to beg the skies for her health and to beg her father to watch over her. His open wounds continue to drip blood. The Wolf Bone Flower poison is also taking affect. Chu You Wen cuts himself to make sure he stays conscious. At this rate he's going to lose consciousness because of the lack of blood....
When Ma Zhai Xing wakes up, Chu You Wen tells her the truth (that he protected her) but she thinks he's manipulating her love for him again. Chu You Wen smirks and plays along. He calls her his hostage. He lies that he plans to use her to regain Emperor Kui's trust. SIGH.
Meanwhile, Chu You Zhe fails to kill Emperor Kui. Chu You Zhe is now a captive.
[Ep38] Chu You Wen takes Ma Zhai Xing to safety but she doesn't know it. He ties her to him. It's to keep her safe from the dangerous cliffs but she thinks he's treating her like a dog like how she used to treat him. He carries her over the pond to keep her from touching the dirty water that can contaminate her wounds. When Chu You Wen lets his guard down, Ma Zhai Xing cuts the rope and runs off. She doesn't get very far. He captures her again and forces a kiss on her. He calls it punishment. He takes her clothes off too. She screams and calls him a beast. However, he took off her clothes to prevent her from getting a stroke under the hot afternoon sun. Along the way, he gives her food claiming he doesn't want to drag a dead body around. He checks every fruit to see if there's bugs before giving them to her. Ma Zhai Xing can't eat infected food because of her injuries.
Everything he does is for her safety. Ma Zhai Xing misunderstands every single action of his. But Chu You Wen has injuries too! He's walking through the dirty water, sweating a lot to carry her, and eating next to nothing. Chu You Wen, what about ALL your injuries?
Chu You Wen's poison is acting up. He finds a hut for Ma Zhai Xing to stay in. While he's still conscious he fetches food for her. However, it's too late, he loses control of himself. He quickly tells Ma Zhai Xing to run away. But she hesitates on leaving. A wild Chu You Wen attacks her. He's strangling her neck. Ma Zhai Xing reaches out to cradle his face. Chu You Wen's consciousness comes back for a split second. He pushes her away to keep her safe but the impact from the tree knocks her unconscious. He faints too.
Chu You Wen wakes up first. He quickly checks on Ma Zhai Xing who's soon awake as well. He pretends to be aloof. She's curious why the Wolf Bone Flower is his weakness. He simply replies that it's to live. Ma Zhai Xing comments that she doesn't know him at all.
Chu You Wen continues to piggyback her. He uses the leaf to keep her under the shade. This reminds her of the time he took off her clothes. Then when he gave her the fruits, she notices all of them are fresh. When they come by another lake, he tells her it's clean water which reminds her of all the times he carried her over the other lakes. Chu You Wen tells her to clean her wounds. Chu You Wen, you have injuries too!
Chu You Wen takes her bell from her. He tells her he’ll keep ringing it so she knows where he is so she can comfortably take her bath. Ma Zhai Xing loses her clothes in the river though. Chu You Wen rushes over thinking she was in danger. She quickly tells him to turn away. With his back turned, he tries to use a branch to pick up her clothes relying on Ma Zhai Xing’s instructions. He’s super clumsy at it. Ma Zhai Xing can’t help but laugh at him. Ah, finally something light between these two.
Ma Zhai Xing: I miss Lang Zai. Do you miss him? I miss him!! I miss these two together so bad!
He can't reply. He drops her clothes and her bell. He leaves to make a bonfire.
Ma Zhai Xing realizes he might just not be evil. Chu You Wen holds her chin and closes the gap between them. He gives her a cold stare. He calls her disgusting for trying to seduce him. He purposely makes her hate him.
When Ma Zhai Xing falls asleep in a seated position, Chu You Wen lifts her to a blanket of hay he had laid down on the floor. He almost kisses her but restrains himself.
Ji Chong witnesses everything. He confronts Chu You Wen (Ma Zhai Xing is still asleep). He finds it odd that they easily figured out his weakness (Wolf Bone Flower) even Ji Chong finding them is odd. He strongly suspects it was Chu You Wen who meticulously led him here to find Ma Zhai Xing.
Chu You Wen tells Ji Chong the truth. However, he asks Ji Chong to lie to Ma Zhai Xing. Ji Chong doesn’t want to lie for him. It betrays his principles. However, Chu You Wen plans to return to Emperor Kui to save Chu You Zhe. It’s a death trip and Chu You Wen would rather Ma Zhai Xing never know the truth.
Chu You Wen: I know the one person who can make her happy and place her first above all else other than me is you.
Ji Chong tells him he could run, he doesn’t have to be the hero. Chu You Wen has to go back to save his brother though.
Ji Chong: If we didn't' love the same woman and aren't enemies, we could be friends.Chu You Wen: Friends? I don't think there's a chance anymore. I am destined to not have any friends.
[Ep39] Ji Chong is convinced to help Chu You Wen lie. He cuts himself to pretend that he fought against Chu You Wen to save Ma Zhai Xing. She believes him. From far away, Chu You Wen watches her leave safely with Ji Chong.
Chu You Wen: See you in my next life, Ma Zhai Xing.
Chu You Wen asks Yao Ji to take care of Chu You Zhe after he dies. However, Yao Ji doesn’t want him to die for anyone. She wants him to live. She even tells him to leave with Ma Zhai Xing. In his stead, she promises to watch over Chu You Zhe. But Chu You Wen has made up his mind. He will return to Emperor Kui.
Yao Ji reminds him they promised to live and die together. If he dies what is left of her? Chu You Wen answers her that because they promised their life, he can leave his last wish to her. He will live through her. He gives her the sword she knows she’ll love. That’s his way of accompanying her. Yao Ji vows to herself she won’t let him die. Never.
Yao Ji reminds him they promised to live and die together. If he dies what is left of her? Chu You Wen answers her that because they promised their life, he can leave his last wish to her. He will live through her. He gives her the sword she knows she’ll love. That’s his way of accompanying her. Yao Ji vows to herself she won’t let him die. Never.
[Ep40] Ma Jing catches Ji Chong reading porn (it’s pictures of girls with clothes on) and tells Ma Zhai Xing all about it. However, Ma Zhai Xing doesn’t care. Ma Jing and Ji Chong (who overhears) knows exactly what this means (she doesn't like him) but Ma Zhai Xiing doesn’t think there’s anything wrong with it.
While Ma Zhai Xing is preparing for her marriage, Chu You Wen is preparing for his death.
It’s the ceremony today but Ji Chong halts the marriage to tell Ma Zhai Xing that Chu You Wen will die today. Like right now. Her reaction is just as Chu You Wen predicted. She’s cold and calm. She smiles and holds onto Ji Chong’s hand. He squeezes her hand back and declares: "I will protect you for life. I will marry you.”
Chu You Wen is to burn to death. Fortunately, Yao Ji saves him by manipulating Emperor Kui superstitious beliefs.
Thus Chu You Wen is alive. And Ma Zhai Xing is married.
It’s the ceremony today but Ji Chong halts the marriage to tell Ma Zhai Xing that Chu You Wen will die today. Like right now. Her reaction is just as Chu You Wen predicted. She’s cold and calm. She smiles and holds onto Ji Chong’s hand. He squeezes her hand back and declares: "I will protect you for life. I will marry you.”
Chu You Wen is to burn to death. Fortunately, Yao Ji saves him by manipulating Emperor Kui superstitious beliefs.
Thus Chu You Wen is alive. And Ma Zhai Xing is married.
[Ep41] Ji Chong forces himself on Ma Zhai Xing. Sort of. They sleep on the same bed but he promises to not touch her until she loves him.
Ji Chong learns Chu You Wei is alive. He proposes to his father to save him from Emperor Kui so that he can work for them instead. Ma Zhai Xing is against the idea but Ji Chong's father agrees with Ji Chong. He reminds Ma Zhai Xing of their goal: peace. The father wants peace without blood. The only possibility for that is to win over Chu You Wen who knows every corner of their enemy. Ji Chong is a good guy.
[Ep42] Chu You Wen is sent to a labour camp for the slaves. Life is tough thee but Chu You Wen is able to live through day by day because of Ma Zhai Xing. He wants to be the Lang Zai she loves. Every night he stares at the necklace Ma Zhai Xing gave him.
Ji Chong and Ma Zhai Xing are at the camp trying to find a way to save Chu You Wen. She witnesses how Chu You Wen would sacrifice himself to save other slaves. Tears roll down her eyes. Later that night, Ma Zhai Xing sneaks into camp to convince Chu You Wen to join her side. She tells him he’s not a monster. The real monster is Emperor Kui. "Don’t waste your talent."
[Ep43] Chu You Wen realizes Ma Zhai Xing is right. He also wants to free the slaves. They work together to free the slaves. One of the girls suffer an injury. Her father also died. Chu You Wen comforts her by telling her a story of a young girl he knows. This girl lost her mother at a young age. She hid in the mountains to hide her sorrows. She also lost her entire family. The man she trusted the most betrayed her. Thus, she had to grow up stronger. Chu You Wen is telling the girl Ma Zhai Xing's story to motivate her to live on.
Ma Zhai Xing is outside the door and hears everything Chu You Wen said.
Chu You Wen secretly meets up with Emperor Kui (who’s blind). Chu You Wen wants to save his Night Fury team. Emperor Kui wonders why he hasn't learnt any bit of cruelty from him. Because he's not a monster.
[Ep44] Ma Zhai Xing clarifies the girl in Chu You Wen’s story isn’t strong at all. She was forced by her circumstances. She needs to run fast and faster than the rest to live.
Ji Chong thinks there’s something missing in their married life. He tries to kiss Ma Zhai Xing. She blankly asks him, “What are you doing?” He awkwardly stops himself. Ma Jing was peeking around and lectures Ma Zhai Xing when Ji Chong leaves.
Ji Chong complains to Chu You Wen about Ma Zhai Xing. Is this appropriate? However, Chu You Wen notes that the tea Ma Zhai Xing prepared for him is her specialty tea. She had made it for her father when she was younger. It means she cares about him. Ji Chong is slightly comforted.
The girl’s injuries worsen. Ma Zhai Xing was tending to her and Chu You Wen perfectly assists her. The two of them work meticulously together, not a word spoken but every move is well communicated. Ji Chong is obviously an outsider and he knows it.
Ji Chong complains to Chu You Wen about Ma Zhai Xing. Is this appropriate? However, Chu You Wen notes that the tea Ma Zhai Xing prepared for him is her specialty tea. She had made it for her father when she was younger. It means she cares about him. Ji Chong is slightly comforted.
The girl’s injuries worsen. Ma Zhai Xing was tending to her and Chu You Wen perfectly assists her. The two of them work meticulously together, not a word spoken but every move is well communicated. Ji Chong is obviously an outsider and he knows it.
Yao Ji informs Chu You Wen on how to save his Night Fury. He asks her why she’s always helping him. She tells him it started ever since he told her she’s not alone. Form that day on, he’s her only one. To Chu You Wen, she’s only his family though.
[Ep45] Chu You Wen saves his Night Fury with the exception of Wen Yan. Emperor Kui had given them all poison. Wen Yan gave them the antidote. However, the antidote doesn't work on him because he had lost his wugong. Wen Yan dies on his own without letting Mo Xiao and Hai Die know. Sniffle.
Chen You Gui is back to kill Chu You Wen and his Night Fury but Ma Zhai Xing distracts him. She's putting herself in danger. Chu You Wen sees this and flies in to save her from an incoming arrow. They're surrounded by Chen You Gui's men. Fortunately, Ji Chong arrives. He tells Chen You Wen it's his turn to leave Ma Zhai Xing in his care. However, Chen You Gui has more up his sleeve. Ultimately, everyone is saved by Bao Na.
Bao Na is angry Ma Zhai Xing isn't checking up on Chu You Wen at all after all he did for her. Ma Zhai Xing reminds her she can't. She's Ji Chong's wife. Ji Chong is outside the tent. He hears everything. After Bao Na stalks off, Ji Chong enters. He's had enough. He tells Ma Zhai Xing everything.
When she learns everything she asks him why he’s telling her. Ji Chong was going to lie to her but that was before he thought Chu You Wen was going to die. Now that he’s alive, Ji Chong can’t let her misunderstand him wrongly.
Ji Chong doesn't like the current Ma Zhai Xing who's filled with hate. He doesn't want to imprison her with their marriage. To Ji Chong, who wants the best for the people he loves, the current Ma Zhai Xing is the one he cannot accept.
[Ep46]
Ji Chong: I want to open this prison and free you. My entire life, I will protect you but only as a friend. Your heart knows what Chu You Wen means to you. He has you in his heart too. Between the two of you, there's this unspoken compatibility. The two of you will will risk your life for each other. He is the one who can give you happiness.
Ji Chong gives her his last request as her husband: accompany Chu You Wen through this tough time.
Ma Zhai Xing visits Chu You Wen who's sending off Wen Yan. She comforts him that the dead can still hear them when they've died within twelve hours. She asks Chu You Wen to stay with her as she speaks to Wen Yan. She thanks Wen Yan for accompanying Chu You Wen when she abandoned ihim. Without Wen Yan (Mo Xiao and Han Die), Chu You Wen would have definitely lived a lonely life. She promises Wen Yan that she will take care of Chu You Wen in his stead.
Chu You Wen reminds Ma Zhai Xing of her position. She tells him she'll soon lose that title of Ji Chong's wife. Ma Zhai Xing tells him she doesn't want to lose someone important to her anymore. She wants them to value their time together. She reaches out for his hand and smiles up at him. However, he curls his fingers, rejecting her hands. He leaves her. Ma Zhai Xing looks down on her hand. There's black blood. It's Chu You Wen's.
Yao Ji discovers Chu You Wen is dying. He has half a year left to live. Yao Ji tells Ma Zhai Xing everything about Chu You Wen. He had planned to kill Chu You Gui five days later and then die alone somewhere else. T_T. Yao Ji starts blaming Ma Zhai Xing that had it not been for her, Chu You Wen would have never taken the poison from Emperor Kui then he wouldn't be in this state. However, as much as Yao Ji hates Ma Zhai Xing, she knows that Ma Zhai Xing is the only one who could bring him happiness in the days he has remaining. Yao Ji begs Ma Zhai Xing to give this man who's full of scars the happiness he deserves.
Ma Zhai Xing hugs Yao Ji. She tells Yao Ji she was jealous of her because Chu You Wen always confided in her. However, she's also thankful of her because she's always there when he needs him. The girls arrive at a truce for the man they both love.
Ma Zhai Xing is alone with Chu You Wen. Ji Chong has sent away everyone for them to have their time together. When Chu You Wen is awake (he had fainted) Ma Zhai Xing tells him what happiness to her is. She wants to spend peaceful days with Lang Zai doing things like laundry, dishes, and having dinner together. She tells him that even if he's not here, she would want to do the same.
Ma Zhai Xing: If I'm alone, I will leave a space for you laundry. I will imagine that your clothes are still there. When it's time for dinner, I will place your bowl there and tell myself that the two of us are still having dinner together. It's just that I'll be alone. This kind of life, can I really not live like this?
Chu You Wen holds her hand and pulls her for a hug. He comforts her that he'll spend the next six months as she wishes, do thousands of laundry, eat until he doesn't want to. It's the life he dreams of everyday too. Ma Zhai Xing doesn't want him to give up on life. They still have six months to find a cure to save him.
Ma Zhai Xing cooks for Lang Zai. He laughs at her efforts. She notes that Lang Zai doesn't like smiling when he looks so good smiling. Lang Zai corrects her that he does love smiling but he only likes smiling to Ma Zhai Xing. But Ma Zhai Xing isn't always around her. Ma Zhai Xing hugs him telling him she won't leave him. He peeks over at what she's cooking. Embarrassed, she pushes him outside. Lang Zai teases her that she dares to push him just after she said she wouldn't leave him. She laughs and closes the door on him. He complains he has nowhere to go, it's raining outside too. Heh.
Second Couple: Bao Na develops a crush on Ji Chong after he coolly describes his heartbreak. Ji Chong tells her that in his palm there is one Ma Zhai Xing, but once he lets go there's "Man Tian Xing" (a play on the word "Xing" which means stars; "Man Tian Xing" means a sky full of stars).
[Ep47] Chu You Wen and Ma Zhai Xing are happily in love. She complains about Yao Ji and so on. He laughs at her. Chu You Wen finally has his turn to speak. "What about Ji Chong?" That silences her. He's just teasing her though. He loves her just the same and more.
It's almost Valentine's day which means it's been a year since they reunited. She makes the same pastry they had last Valentine's day. He knew she was making it so he prepared a red string. He ties one end to her finger and the other end to his. But he tells her that on his end, he tied a "dead" knot (the type that you can't untie), but he kept her end "alive" (an open knot). He wants her to live on happily after he's gone. Hearing this, Ma Zhai Xing gives her end a dead knot too. She's stubborn, she says. She won't love another even if he's gone. He hugs her and as she lies on his chest she finds something hard. He shows her the necklace she gave him that he has kept all these years. She calls him more stubborn than her.
The bad stuff: Chu You Gui sabotages Emperor Kui's death onto Chu You Zhe; War is starting again; Chu You Wen's fainting spells have increased its frequency.
Second Couple: Bao Na secretly enters Ji Chong's army as a soldier.
[Ep48] The way Bao Na treats Ji Chong reminds Ji Chong of how he treated Ma Zhai Xing. He's touched? However, Ji Chong complains to Chu You Wen and Ma Zhai Xing about Bao Na, it's kinda cute. He cares about her. Bao Na continues to stay on the battlefield to help Ji Chong but Ji Chong wants her back in her own territory, safe and sound.
Ma Zhai Xing locks up Chu You Wen to prevent him from saving Chu You Zhe; his body is way to weak to fight anyone. Thus, Ji Chong takes it upon himself save Chu You Zhe but he ends up shot down by an arrow.
Ma Zhai Xing has found the antidote. Or that's what she tells others. Only Yao Ji knows she's taken the same poison as Chu You Wen to increase her physicality. She wants to save Chu You Zhe in Chu You Wen's stead. Unlike Chu You Wen though, Ma Zhai Xing’s body isn’t nearly as strong. She only has a few days left. Ma Zhai Xing took on this decision to die after finding out Chu You Wen has no cure.
Ma Zhai Xing awaits for Chu You Wen in her wedding clothes. She tells him she found the cure. He asks her for the details but she lies that Yao Ji knows it better. Chu You Wen happily hugs Ma Zhai Xing and describes their future. She cries in his chest. He takes the alcohol she prepared to complete their wedding. He thanks her for being his wife. He’s not lonely anymore.
Chu You Wen: From now on I will protect you forever, never to be separated.Ma Zhai Xing: I promise you. Never to be separated. Weep. These two liars :(
She applies a red powder on her lips. She tiptoes and kiss him.
Ma Zhai Xing: Xing Er this entire lifetime could have the love of Lang Zai is a blessing. If there's a next life, you must still love butterflies. If we both love butterflies, our next life we can still recognize each other.
The lipstick she applied had a hypnotic formula. She promises that once he wakes up, Chu You Zhe will be back. Omg. This will be the last time he sees her? Show, you can't be that cruel.
[Ep49] Ma Zhai Xing holds onto Lang Zai in her arms. She tells him to cherish the days he will get to live. Omg, Chu You Wen wanted to be human for Ma Zhai Xing! What is life to him without her?
Ma Zhai Xing: If I don’t come back, promise me, don’t be stubborn. You can do anything with anyone, I wouldn’t mind. Just don’t look at butterflies. Leave all your memories about butterflies to me.
Ma Zhai Xing and Yao Ji arrive at Chu You Gui’s place demanding his presence. Ma Zhai Xing had convinced Yao Ji to secretly take her there. At the gates, Chu You Gui doesn’t let Yao Ji enter. That’s when Yao Ji realizes, Ma Zhai Xing had predicted this too. Ma Zhai Xing exchanges hairpin with Yao Ji. It’s Ma Zhai Xing’s way of letting Yao Ji be with her. Ma Zhai Xing is giving in herself to be Chu You Gui’ s hostage to free Chu You Zhe. The poison she took will help her fight Chu You Gui and his men.
When Chu You Wen wakes up, he finds her letter. She tells him to not chase her.
In the letter from Ma Zhai Xing: Xing Er's last wish is that you live well from here on. I have no regrets.
Chu You Wen chases her. He chases her with all his might. Countless arrows are aimed at him but he continues forward. Only forward. He barges into Chu You Gui’s gates.
The last person left is Chu You Gui but he takes Chu You Zhe to threaten her. To protect him, Ma Zhai Xing takes the sword Chu You Gui aims at her. The impact sends her flying backward. Chu You Wen flies in to catch her! She thanks him for arriving on time. Chu You Wen says he’s late though. No, he arrived just on time. She thought she wouldn’t be able to see him anymore. She asks him if he’s proud of her for being independent for the first time.
The douchebag Chu You Gui tries to kill them still. Chu You Wen sends a sword flying his direction and kills him.
Chu You Wen holds onto Ma Zhai Xing.
Ma Zhai Xing: If you still like butterflies the next life, please find Xing Er again.
Chu You Wen promises. SHE DIES. This is too sad for Lang Zai. This man barely had any happiness his entire life. He couldn’t choose how to live at all. People he loves keep leaving him. People keep using him. He was poisoned because he wanted to live like a human for her but now the only person he wants to live for dies before him.
Chu You Zhe’s narration: That day it started raining. It rained for three days straight.
Six months later.
Chu You Zhe has the reign and calls truce with Ji Chong’s father. A butterfly enters the court and it catches Ma Jing’s attention. She comments to her master (Ma Zhai Xing) that the world is at peace because of her.
Ji Chong visits Bao Na. He throws her the necklace she gave him and tells her how it saved him from the arrow. He mended it back and tells her he’s thanking her and apologizing to her. Bao Na thinks the apology is him rejecting her so she pretends to not understand. When Ji Chong walks back to her, she’s crying. He asks her why she gave him this necklace. She tells him it’s for protection. In tears, she reveals she's happy he wore it. He smirks. He tells her to pack her bags. She thinks he’s kicking her out again. Ji Chong smiles. He’s asking her to travel the world with him so that he can admire “man tian xing" (sky full of stars).
Hai Die and Mo Xiao accomplish Wen Yan’s vision. They have an orphanage. One of the children there is called Wen Yan.
Yao Ji no longer works for the palace. She’s a physician seeking to cure more and more people. Yao Ji is still wearing the hairpin.
Chu You Zhe has been narrating everything so far. He tells us that no one has seen Chu You Wen since he carried Ma Zhai Xing out six months ago. Like a wolf without his true love, Chu You Wen disappeared with her. But their story will be remembered. There was once a young boy and a young girl. Their existence meant everything to each other. The boy brought her into his world so that the girl could forget all her pains. Their love had began. Although fate made them hate each other, love dissolved it all. This is Lang Zai and Xing Er’s story. Chu You Zhe continues to narrate the story and wishes them forever love in the other world.
A butterfly dances on our screen. It flies to Chu You Wen. He hears the butterfly call him “Lang Zai”. When he reaches out to it, the butterfly flies away
The end.
Remarks
[First Impression (Ep1-12)] I forgot this existed. And then boom this plops from the sky in its entirety. I intend to keep recaps very short. I'm bracing myself that this will fail me at any instant but for now I'm in this for the romance. I like this wolf boy and princess pairing. They have chemistry. It's been a while since I felt like two people have to be with each other and nobody else.
[Actors/Actresses] Wang Da Lu (Darren Wang) purposely makes his features scary. Li Qin is an actress I've noticed way before Joy of Life. Just thought I'd throw that out there for no specific reason. Ahem. I do think she's a tad childish as Ma Zhai Xing, but still very likable. Xiao Zhan is a supporting role in this. He brings back Wei Wu Xian vibes from The Untamed.
[Episode 37 Update] Favourite tragic episode.
[Episode 46&47 Update] Treasure these episodes.
[OSTs] The OSTs add a level of beauty to this drama. It sounds very modern for a fantasy-wuxia genre. My favourites:
[OSTs] The OSTs add a level of beauty to this drama. It sounds very modern for a fantasy-wuxia genre. My favourites:
Stone (石头) by Haung Ren GeTian Lang Xing (天狼星) by Song Nian YuWho Am I (我是谁) by Jolin Tsai
[Ending] I knew of this ending not long after I started the drama. Personally, I prefer to know this type of spoiler because, if not, I would be too heartbroken by the end. Since I knew what I was getting myself into I paid particular attention to things that was related to death. In Ep46 when Ma Zhai Xing learned of Chu You Wen’s imminent death in half a year, she had thought of her life without him. She was going to leave an empty spot for his laundry and a bowl for his food. It was a bittersweet moment.
I don't know for certain if Chu You Wen is alive in the end. I think he died alongside Ma Zhai Xing according to Chu You Zhe's narration. Him dying with Ma Zhai Xing makes me feel better. It breaks my heart to imagine him living on without her. She was the only reason he wanted to be human and if he got to live and be human without her, how tragic would that be?
The ending scene of him reaching out to the butterfly is more thematic for me. Ma Zhai Xing is the butterfly in this scene. When Chu You Wen went to touch it, the butterfly immediately flew away. The butterfly was too beautiful of a soul to exist in this chaotic world. Her existence was a fleeting moment but a moment worth remembering. Neither of them should have existed in this world.
Do I regret watching this? No.
It was sad but it was worth it. I got to learn of the beautiful story between Lang Zai and Xing Er.
Final Review
[Review] This is like a fairy-tale. A Princess meets a Wolf man. A beauty saves a beast. An unlikely romance blossoms. This love is strong and resilient. Fate thwarts them but their love dissolves all evil.
Actors/Characters. I love Wang Da Lu (Darren Wang) as Lang Zai. Half of it is his acting, half of it is his looks. He’s perfect for the role. He’s got such strong features that eases my belief of his Wolf-ish nature. He will scrunch up his face to keep up the wolf character. I love him for that. He also adds a touch of humour to his Lang Zai. Seeing him happy with Ma Zhai Xing reminds me of a puppy wagging its tail. He made me believe he truly loves Ma Zhai Xing. For me, Wang Da Lu is the one who sold me their chemistry. I also loved it when he turned dark. Maybe it’s also ‘cause I knew he was a softie on the inside.
Li Qin has been kicking butt for so long but drama gods have withheld it all. I love her Ma Zhai Xing. When she screamed for war, it was a moment worth fangirling. There’s a transition of her character towards independence. She’s forced to lose her innocence. The world was too dark to have such a beautiful soul as hers exist. She was able to see the beauty of a wolf when everyone else was afraid of him. Her arrival brought peace to the world.
As for Xiao Zhan, sometimes I feel like I’m the only non-Xiao Zhan fan watching this drama. I’m neutral about him. It’s undeniable he did do an amazing job as the second lead. The character was also well written. Ji Chong is a righteous man. He loves Ma Zhai Xing but he was never selfish to keep her against her will. He was just as selfless as Ma Zhai Xing and Chu You Wen. He's a hero; sometimes lovesick, but mostly lovely. However, as well as Xiao Zhan performed, his performance doesn’t outweigh that of Wang Da Lu’s. I like Xiao Zhan but I don’t like it when his fans belittle Wang Da Lu.
I would have definitely loved to know more of Yao Ji's backstory.
Theme: Butterfly. Ma Zhai Xing’s existence is like spotting a butterfly – a beautiful part of nature. She flutters and catches your attention with her beautiful wings. She can stop the world with her beauty. You run to catch it but its wings change direction and you lose it. Her arrival is a fleeting moment that brings beauty to the eyes of the beholder.
Theme: Monster vs. Human. The monster isn’t the wolf but the vile thing who calls himself human. It is Ma Zhao Xing who believes in Lang Zhai and showed us his beautiful heart.
Overall. I had a lot of doubts for this drama. It wasn’t until Lang Zai became Chu You Wen (wolf to man transition) did I start paying attention. As I continued to watch more, all my doubts disappeared. There were a lot of cuts and edits but the story kept evolving and going to the right places. Their separations created enough tension for me to cherish their reunions. I believed in the story and let it take me to the end. Everyone had a closure. No one was forgotten. The ending of this drama is that Ma Zhai Xing brought peace and happiness to everyone.
[Verdict] A romance about a beauty and a beauty that’s beautifully angst-y.
Theme: Butterfly. Ma Zhai Xing’s existence is like spotting a butterfly – a beautiful part of nature. She flutters and catches your attention with her beautiful wings. She can stop the world with her beauty. You run to catch it but its wings change direction and you lose it. Her arrival is a fleeting moment that brings beauty to the eyes of the beholder.
Theme: Monster vs. Human. The monster isn’t the wolf but the vile thing who calls himself human. It is Ma Zhao Xing who believes in Lang Zhai and showed us his beautiful heart.
Overall. I had a lot of doubts for this drama. It wasn’t until Lang Zai became Chu You Wen (wolf to man transition) did I start paying attention. As I continued to watch more, all my doubts disappeared. There were a lot of cuts and edits but the story kept evolving and going to the right places. Their separations created enough tension for me to cherish their reunions. I believed in the story and let it take me to the end. Everyone had a closure. No one was forgotten. The ending of this drama is that Ma Zhai Xing brought peace and happiness to everyone.
[Verdict] A romance about a beauty and a beauty that’s beautifully angst-y.
Random Recommendation: Try something lighter like I’m Not a Robot [K]
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