A sassy princess seduces her austere guard.
Notable Actors/Actresses
Through the curtain, a tipsy Liu Ling thinks Shen Yan's stumbling is a form of dance. Guys, I dance all the time then. As she approaches him, he faints into her arms. She’s comforted that there’s someone just as lonely as her. Aw. She settles him down and admires his face, especially the tear-like scar under his right eye.
Shen Yan suddenly regains consciousness. He flips her over with a hand clasped tightly around her neck. Realizing she’s of no harm, he leaves, but he drops his medallion that’s inscribed with his name and his number (128). She smiles at it. I think she likes being strangled... Is that what the show is conveying?
Shen Yan stretches his hand out for his medallion. Liu Ling smiles and slips her hand in his. Hehe. She pouts that she doesn’t know of any medallion. If he doesn’t believe her, he can search her body all he wants. She twirls around him, luring him (and daring him) to touch her. He taps her neck to freeze her body. He’s had enough with her brazen seductions, but our princess doesn’t submit. She loudly cries for help. Shen Yan quickly clasps his hand over her mouth. But she bites him. Roar. I love her expressions!. Her flirty advances have defeated the great guard. He adjourns for the night, but leaves a bottle of medication for her injuries. Aw, she gets a birthday present from her birthday surprise. Her birthday isn’t that bad. 
The next day, Shen Yan is in a forest to catch Yun Yi, but the latter attacks a carriage to throw it off course in order to distract Shen Yan. The carriage belongs to Liu Ling and she’s flung out. Shen Yan saves her, and they roll down a flowery hill. This hill is so random. It doesn’t even look like the same piece of land. Once again, Liu Ling lands on top of him. She smiles seductively down at Shen Yan. 
Liu Ling wants Shen Yan to escort her to Yejing (the capital city). I like how she shot an arrow at his head before making the request... lol. He refuses the bratty princess even though he’s headed to the city as well. She tempts him with his medallion. He answers by whipping her horse. She’s sent flying forward. Liu Ling loses control of her horse and screams for help. Appearing a little conceited, Shen Yan lets his horse trot until he picks up speed to save Liu Ling. Ah, but wait, he’s not saving her. He’s riding alongside her. Haha. He offers to help after she gives him his medallion. She refuses. He reminds her that he can let her die and no one would blame him for her horse’s disobedience.
Notable Actors/Actresses
Zheng Ye Cheng: Shen Yan
Yuan Bing Yan: Liu Ling
Mi Re (Merxat): Shen Yu
Zhang Yue: Xu Shi Jin
Director:
Chinese Title
祝卿好
祝卿好
To Wish (My) Wife Well
Network: iQIYI
Recap Grade: A
First Impression: 3.5/5
First Impression: 3.5/5
Mini Recaps
[Ep1] It’s Liu Ling’s (Princess Chang Le) 20th birthday. She’s got an evil, pretentious stepmom and a bratty stepsister. But our girl is no Cinderella! If the stepmom bullies her, Liu Ling will slap her across the face. Splat! Unfortunately, it’s Liu Ling who gets the unscrupulous reputation. The guests are unimpressed but Liu Ling confidently strides through her party. She doesn’t care about her rumours and announces she’ll celebrate her birthday at the performance house instead. Scandalous. Along her way, Liu Ling hears a nursery rhyme about her:
“Beautiful skin, beautiful bones. So beautiful, but tiger-like. Pierces the father and kills the mother, Kidnaps the kids, and doesn’t spit the pits.” Liu Ling is the tiger, swallowing children whole without spitting any bones.
It doesn’t seem Liu Ling is that indifferent about her rumours. She does yearn for love, but because of her father, she doesn’t believe long lasting love can ever exist.
Shen Yan is a guard, notoriously known as Cold-Faced Yama (= Hades). Aren’t our couple a great match already? Hades and the ruthless tiger. Romantic! Shen Yan injures himself while arresting a wanted criminal (Yun Yi). He stumbles into Liu Ling’s room at the performance house.
The Crown Prince had assigned Shen Yan to investigate the robbery of Jiangzhou treasury and arrest Yun Yi. Minister Lu appears very anxious. He reiterates that the case has already been resolved. Xu Family have died for their crimes. Then the Crown Prince summons Xu Shi Jin, daughter of Xu Family. She’s the Crown Prince’s (high ranking) maid. She wants to vindicate her family and asks the Crown Prince to spare Yun Yi’s life. If he’s killed, then that’s the last of their evidence.
Liu Ling is whipped by her father for slapping her stepmother. Aw. Dad, it's still her birthday.... but she does get a birthday surprise! The same night, Shen Yan sneaks into her room through the window. Hm. How did he know how to find her so fast? He wants his medallion. But he wasn’t ready for such a naughty princess. She closes in on his space, chest to chest. Flustered, he grips her shoulders to keep her at arm’s length, but notices the injuries through her nightgown. He releases her, and looks away.
[Ep2] Shen Yan has underestimated Liu Ling. She can control the horse just fine. I’m really liking her now. She was just entertaining him since he seemed so eager to be alone with her. Heh. She promises to return his medallion after he escorts her to the capital. Unperturbed, he threatens he can steal it from her. Which reminds me that he totally can but he didn’t. I wonder why :D Liu Lin meekly admits she’s just a meek girl. *Slips medallion right in her chest*. Ha. He’s forced to concede and then gallops away. Liu Ling shouts after him
Liu Ling: No. 128! Stand right there!
Shen Yan’s lieutenant, Luo Fan, has never seen him concede to anyone. Liu Ling is the first. And he’s also the first person who’s making her hopeful of love. She was wistfully reciting the love poem in the carriage, the same poem that she ridiculed.
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| “He smiled!” |
Liu Ling is sick but still follows Shen Yan around. The guy starts fleeing on foot to escape her surveillance, lol. But Liu Ling has perseverance! She’s determined that if she does faint, she has to faint where he is! xD.
Shen Yan (snickers): You sure topple over pretty easily. Just for you!
Before Shen Yan leaves, he orders Ling Bi to make ginger soup for the princess. He cares! Liu Ling tries to give him an umbrella for the rain, but she struggles to open it. He helps her and returns the umbrella while he dashes in the rain. Liu Ling is beaming. She saw him smile again. I have to rewind to check every time. Why is his smile so hard to catch!!!!
Liu Ling follows Shen Yan into the woods. It’s raining and it’s dark. She trips and almost becomes his prey until he realizes it’s her. For the rest of the night, they find shelter to dodge the thunderstorm. Alone in an enclosed room, our princess’s dirty hands are back! She’s patting his body, particularly his chest, to make sure he’s dry. Then when he’s setting up the bed, she nimbly slips into his embrace. I love her. Shen Yan ties the blanket around her, keeping her wilful hands to herself. I finally see his smile without her telling me. Cocooned in the bed, she reminds him she’s a patient. He orders her to rest then. In his low voice, he assures her, “I will be here.” To guard her.
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| He really smiled! |
The next morning, Liu Ling and Shen Yan return to their lodge. She declares that he needs to take responsibility for spending the night with her. Their conversation is interrupted by Lu Ming Shan. Liu Ling reproves him for calling her first name. He explains that they’re about to be engaged and shows her their wedding letter. Liu Ling rips it without even glancing at it. Shen Yan looks smug! She completely ignores her supposed fiancé. She only cares about Shen Yan and continues to pester him, demanding that he cannot forsaken her. He retorts. How could he forsaken her if they didn’t even start?
Our perceptive Liu Ling notices Shen Yan’s change in behaviour. He was just warming up to her before Lu Ming Shan’s appearance. She suggestively pokes his chest, asking him if he’s jealous. He is! And isn’t it rare to have a FL to be so perceptive of the ML’s feelings?!
[Ep3] Shen Yan denies he’s jealous, but Liu Ling won’t play this game of neglect. She’ll spoil him with more love! She hires the best chefs around to make a feast for him. Too bad he’s vegetarian. And he ignores her for the whole day.
Liu Ling’s fiancé is still around and he’s had enough. He reminds Liu Ling they have a marriage. If she ruins it, it’ll affect both their families’ reputation. Perfect. Making pretentious low lives lose face is her hobby. Shen Yan is on the roof and listening. Technically not eavesdropping because they’re the ones who walked into his space. Lu Ming Shan reminds her it’s out of his kindness that she can marry into his Lu Family and if she misses this opportunity then she might never be able to marry.
Liu Ling: So what? [...] If I, Liu Ling, don’t find someone I truly love, then I would rather never marry. Ya hear that Shen Yan?!
Shen Yan smirks at Liu Ling, amused and impressed. From this conversation, Shen Yan is also certain that Lu Ming Shan is related to the case (Yun Yi). He’s not a man who’s thick-skinned enough to stay even after this humiliation. He has an agenda and this is the reason Shen Yan has been ignoring Liu Ling, so that her anxiousness for him (Shen) will upset Lu Ming Shan.
Well, Shen Yan has used the wrong person. Liu Ling stakes out in front of the washrooms. She’s not leaving her spot until she sees Shen Yan. The poor guards don’t dare poop with the princess in the vicinity. (Remember the guards had a feast. They’ve got lots of bowel movement.). Shen Yan saves his buddies’ bowels and throws Liu Ling over his shoulders to bring her inside his room.
Shen Yan: Your Ladyship and I don’t walk on the same path. Perhaps Your Ladyship is deliberately being troublesome, or finds this amusing and wants to play around, but I am not a casual person. If I choose you, then it will mean forever and ever, never to be separated. His choice of word for “choose” is recognizing her (as his bride) with certainty.
His words are romantic, but his tone and his eyes are cold. Liu Ling hits him for him to release her, but he clutches around her waist tighter.
Shen Yan (in a cruel tone): Even if you’re annoyed, tired, and had enough, I will relentlessly follow (as the shadow follows the body; 如影隨形), never will you be able to get rid of me.
Liu Ling has provoked the Hades in him. In a menacing tone right by her ear, he warns her that he’s not someone she can mess with. He orders her to dress and to scram. She runs out, trying to hold her tears back. Later that night, Liu Ling runs away from the lodge. She leaves a message for Shen Yan, “I’ve scrammed.” Shen Yan, our cold-faced Hades, is worried. The enemies are lurking, but she’s roaming around.
[Ep4] Shen Yan leaves to find Liu Ling. He had assigned Ling Bi morning wake up call duties. She’s to inform Luo Fan to continue the investigation (but he didn’t tell her to give Luo Fan the extra butt kick, lol). As for Shen Yan, he already found Liu Ling who’s strolling in the city. He’s just trailing behind her and protecting her from all potential dangers. I didn’t know walking around the street could be so dangerous.
Shen Yan smiles a little. So generous with his smiles! He replies, “Hoping you’d come back.” Ah, but Liu Ling doesn’t want to return. Her eyes dazzle at him, beckoning for an answer she wants, an answer that will arouse her heart. Well, he apologizes because he’s going to use force now. Liu Ling enters crying mode. Villagers have gathered and Liu Ling whimpers that her husband is bullying her. She manages to slip away, and once again Shen Yan is helpless to her antics. He also notices they’re being followed. But does he notice he’s being followed by more than one squad? (I think one is from Lu Family and the other is the Crown Prince...? Not too sure.)
At night, Shen Yan jumps through windows to enter Liu Ling’s room. She was also waiting for his arrival. She even drugged his drink. Girl, he’s supposed to be working! When he wakes up, he’s in bed, while Liu Ling is lying on the table. She actually didn’t take advantage of him. Surprised. The next morning, Liu Ling wakes up alone in her room. Has Shen Yan left? No, he’s outside the room waiting for her. Aw. This is sweet. He doesn’t stay in the same room as her to keep her reputation. He follows her around as she takes a stroll. She wonders if he’ll be alright. It’s so nice and warm here, she’s afraid the “Cold-Face Hades” will melt. I love how she tugged his long ponytail.
Shen Yan buys Liu Ling a pig that she wanted to save from a butcher. He’s not spoiling her. He wants the pig to be her role model because even a pig knows to run away from danger. It’s better than being a “paper-tiger”.
Shen Yan: Don’t try to be brave. If one day there’s someone who’s bullying you, you can tell me.Liu Ling (inquisitively): Tell you? If I tell you, will you always protect me?Shen Yan: No. But I will (always) consider. With a guy like this, I’d make a pig my role model any day.
Liu Ling names the pig “Ao Ao” since that’s the sound it makes. It’s related to this saying 嗷嗷待哺 (ao ao dai bu) which means crying piteously for food. She also gives the pig a surname: Shen! Our pig is Shen Ao Ao! She just made the pig his child. xD
Liu Ling and Shen Yan are back at the lodge. They receive news from a masked man (under Xu Shi Jin’s orders) who informs them their enemy is one of the top martial artists (Hu Xiao). Shen Yan’s team is nervous. Liu Ling alleviates the tensity by distracting the team to make clothes for her pet pig. Standing idly outside the door is Shen Yan. She makes eye contact with him who’s staring warmly at her. They stare like that for a while. Awwww. He thanks her. He knows she’s helping him.
Liu Ling: O woe’ are parents' hearts. I’m just afraid my family’s Little Yan will be cold. She’s clearly talking about Shen Yan, but used her piglet (Shen Ao Ao) as cover. And, she just made the pig their child.
Then everyone braces for the infiltration. Shen Yan has a request for Liu Ling. Even if the world collapses, she is to stay inside her room. She promises.
Lu Ming Shan orders Shen Yan to drop his sword. Without a second of hesitation, Shen Yan drops it. He’ll sacrifice his life for hers. Shen Yan even kneels on demand. Lu Ming Shan pierces his chest with a sword and Shen Yan doesn’t even dodge. Liu Ling tearfully begs him to leave. He won’t and so she takes her hairpin and forcefully stabs down on the Lu Ming Shan. Then she falls off the cliff. In slow motion. A-h-h-h-h-h-h-h-h-h. Liu Ling’s dying thoughts are consumed by her mother. She used to sing about 執子之手 與子偕老. It means to hold hands together until old age; even if the hair is white and teeth are lost, the couple will never be separated. Her mother had hoped Liu Ling could find a man who is handsome and brave, love her and protect her, treat her as if she's more important than his life; he will hold her hand and accompany her for a lifetime so that she'll never feel lonely.
After Shen Yan finishes bandaging his injuries, he hears Liu Ling’s cry for help. She’s falling off a tree. He flies to her rescue. He wants to take her back to the cave where it’s safer but she’s not afraid of anything, not with him around. Plus, she was picking fruits for him. As she’s rubbing them clean, she doesn’t notice he was just about to touch her forehead (to clean the dirt). She’s going to cook these fruits for him. They’re good for blood clotting. Shen Yan looks impressed, until she reaches into his shirt to fish for something in his chest. Her smile grows wider and slyer. She says she’s looking for a kindling but it's already in his hand. Still, Liu Ling has found something more amusing. He used his interior garment to bandage himself, meaning she was practically touching his skin. He shakes his head. It’s pointless lecturing her anyways, lol.
Liu Ling wants his help with starting the fire. He won’t. So petty! But I think he’s also training her to be independent. Yes? She finally gets the fire to start and as the fruits are roasting, she crouches beside him to admire his face. He wipes her face from the dirt.
Shen Yan: Are you thinking of something naughty again? Says the man whose hand is holding her chin.Liu Ling: Yes. Forever and ever. A shadow never leaving the body. Is that considered a naughty thought? (She’s repeating his words)
Then Liu Ling kisses him! But he’s still resistant towards her.
[Ep6] Shen Yan bathes in the lake. Liu Ling promises to not peek. But who is Liu Ling? Of course she’d peek! And she found herself an excuse. She’s on the lookout. Being sarcastic, he’s like Are you sure you can see from that far? Why not come down? Liu Ling jumps on the offer. Literally jumps. She dives down from the overhang and he flies to catch her again. Omg, his injury! Once she’s safely in his arms, and in the water, she sees his wound up close. It’s more serious than she thought.
Shen Yan hears footsteps. It’s their assailants. Shen Yan and Liu Ling submerge in the water. They manage to hide, but Shen Yan’s injuries shouldn’t have touched water. Now he has an infection. Liu Ling wants to search for herbs, but Shen Yan rests his head on her lap so that she can’t go anywhere. He makes a request (so that she stays). He’s curious about her rumours (e.g. tiger). And so Liu Ling shares her painful memories. Her family was once harmonious, until her father brought home Lu Qian, the eldest daughter of Lu Family (later Liu Ling’s stepmom). Liu Ling’s mother grew more and more depressed. Then news of her best friends' (Xu Parents) death devastated her. Liu Ling grew to detest her father, and her mother who wouldn’t speak up (to banish Lu Qian). Then one day her mother finally confronted her father. They argued. Afterwards, her mother’s face was really pale, but Liu Ling was too mad. She wouldn’t speak to her mother. When she looked for her again, her mother had jumped into the lake and committed suicide. Everyone in the manor said it was her who forced her mother to die. Liu Ling blames herself too. If she had comforted her mother, then......
In the middle of her story, the assassins have entered the cave. Shen Yan gives Liu Ling three arrows, which is all he has. He tells her to run away with them and he’ll do his best to protect himself. Liu Ling reminds Shen-daren that she can protect him. He thinks she’s pretending to be brave again. She’s not. For him, she’s not afraid. She can do anything. And so together, they aim the arrow at their enemy. He whispers by her ear if she has forgotten his tips on how to shoot. Their first arrow strikes down one of the assassins, but the next two shots miss the mark. He yells at her to leave, but Liu Ling is staying. She even throws her body to shield for Shen Yan (which he doesn’t need). Then she takes the arrow that killed the first assassin to stab the second. He’s dead. Liu Ling shivers in fear, realizing she killed a man with her bare hands. Shen Yan hugs her, comforting her. He asks why she didn’t leave. Liu Ling cries that if he dies, she won’t live either.
Liu Ling had thought it was hopeless to believe in long lasting love. Her mother gave her heart to her father and had it shattered. But now Liu Ling is hopeful.
Liu Ling: If I give you my heart, do you dare promise to stay faithful forever and to stay together with only her for a lifetime.Silence.Liu Ling: You don’t dare?Shen Yan: I am waiting for your ladyship to think trice (think before acting). If you want to escape from my side, now is the best chance.Liu Ling (smirks): If I don’t escape, what will happen?
Our couple is headed back to the lodge, but Liu Ling doesn’t want to go back. Shen Yan takes her hand to talk with her, but she’s still resisting. She plays with his hand under her chin to ask coyly if he wants to stay in the wild with her, away from the city of rumours. Shen Yan refuses. He won’t allow the woman he wants to marry to be in an illicit relationship with him. He will make a grand proposal, and marry her gloriously. Liu Ling’s eyes twinkle at him. But he concludes that those are within his consideration. Not that he’ll actually do it. Meanie! Bully! Liu Ling’s twinkly eyes turn into a glare, a playful one. He does assure her that he’ll be at her side when they return to the city. He won’t leave her.
Liu Ling reluctantly follows her man back to the city. She also manages to get a piggyback ride from him. She doesn’t understand how such a softhearted Shen Yan got his reputation as the Cold-faced Yama. From his profession. For every mission, he was prepared to never return. For every death (of his friends, colleagues, and masters), his heart has chilled. So, of course his face looks cold. Liu Ling disagrees, his face may be cold, but his heart is hot. Others don’t know but she does.
[Ep7] Liu Ling and Shen Yan are back at their lodge. Shen Yan stares quizzically at the Masked Man, but he can’t quite figure out what’s odd about him.
Liu Ling admires Shen Yan at work. She’s not saying anything, but her loving gaze is enough to make everyone aware of her. Her tranquility is also disconcerting the guards, lol. When Shen Yan acknowledges her, she walks forward and interlaces their hands. She bashfully asks about last night in front of everyone. Our sassy princess is bashful! Shen Yan takes her wrist and pulls her into his room. Liu Ling wonders if he’s giving her the cold shoulder because he doesn’t want to publicize their relationship. He asks, “What relationship?” What! He mocks her for believing him. Liu Ling is dumbstruck. She cries, but men being unfaithful doesn’t surprise her. She’ll think of this as a beautiful dream then. Heartbroken, she leaves.
But Shen Yan grabs her risk and backs her to a poll!
Shen Yan (in a low and quiet voice): What is it? Anxious now? Oh you naughty boy!!!Liu Ling (squirms from his grip): Shen Yan, you bullied me.Shen Yan (dares her): Bullying you? If you continue your nonsense, do you believe that I’ll prove it to everyone?Liu Ling (dares him): I don’t believe it. What are you going to do about it? Publicize the relationship!Shen Yan: Don’t believe (me), huh?He caresses her face. His thumb brushes her cheeks. He goes for a kiss, but his lips curl into a smile as he dips to the right to whisper in her ear.Shen Yan: Then forget about it. Oh my. Who turned up the heat.Liu Ling: You –
The robber case is somehow related to Liu Ling’s mother! Her death coincided with Xu Family’s. She committed suicide after an argument with Father Liu. Then immediately after, Father Liu married Lu Qian (Stepmom). Once again, it’s related to Lu Family. Luo Fan sighs. He’s afraid that once they uncover the case, it will reopen Liu Ling’s wounds. Shen Yan looks concerned.
At the palace. Liu Ling apologizes to the Crown Prince and takes the blame for Yun Yi’s death. She’s covering for Shen Yan, but he has himself covered. He reveals the jade to the Crown Prince. The culprit didn’t know the jade came in a pair. Inscribed on the jade is the 乾 (qian). All they have to do is make them drop their guard. Shen Yan is confident he’ll solve the case.
Since entering the palace, Shen Yan has been keeping his distance from Liu Ling. She, on the other hand, only has eyes for him. Even during a feast with all the royals and ministers in attendance, she’s staring at him lovingly and even sits beside him. When he’s ignoring her advances, Liu Ling angrily leaves.
Shen Yu (brother) warns Shen Yan that if he doesn’t chase Liu Ling now, who knows what the princess will do. Shen Yan is worried. Meanwhile Shen Yu looks over wistfully at Xu Shi Jin, who’s also staring at him.
Liu Ling: Which is how long? Today? Tomorrow? When you say it like that, my heart is anxious –He kisses her.Shen Yan: Will you be less anxious now?She casts her gaze down and smiles.Liu Ling: I’ll handle Lu Ming Shan’s matters (the marriage). But Shen Yan, you have to hurry up. Don’t make me wait too long.He smiles at her impatience.
[Ep8] Liu Ling pens her rejection letter. Grandpa Zhang (Liu Ling’s maternal grandfather) punishes Liu Ling. How dare she write that she’s unworthy of Lu Ming Shan! He personally writes the letter for her. Aw. I love endearing grandparents! The next day, the letter is delivered to Lu Ming Shan. Liu Ling predicted he wanted to conceal it, and so she wrote a second copy! Hahaha. Minster Lu is angry at Lu Ming Shan’s incompetence, but the son swears he’ll have Crown Prince bestow the marriage once he wins the royal crossbow match. He’s certain Liu Ling won’t be able to refuse. Liu Ling isn’t afraid. Bring on the challenge.
Liu Ling is sick. She’s love sick. The only cure is to visit Shen Yan! But Luo Fan tells her that Shen Yan has a mountain load of work. Luo Fan also gave a cute smile to Ling Bi! She waits outside, without notifying him. Hours have passed and she’s still patiently waiting. Luo Fan is finally back from his errand and informs Shen Yan, who then visits her in her carriage.
Shen Yan is back at work, but his heart isn't. A minister thinks he’s odd. Luo Fan answers knowingly: Shen Yan is sick; it’s heart sickness. Lol. Shen Yan gets off early and heads home.
Liu Ling actually visits Shen Yan's manor! But she’s stopped at the doors. She shows the steward her medallion and gets the VIP entrance – straight to Mother Shen, but she looks stern. Timely, Shen Yan is at home and now he’s summoned to speak privately with his mother. She's against the marriage between Liu Ling and Shen Yan. First, there’s the scandalous rumours between them and then there’s her marriage with Lu Ming Shan.
Liu Ling is dejected. If Shen Yan’s mother doesn’t like her, it’ll be hard to marry him at this rate.
Shen Yan: You want to marry me that much?Liu Ling: Of course! You don’t want to marry me?
Shen Yan lies to Liu Ling that his mother hasn’t said much. She just wants a daughter-in-law who is a 大家閨秀 (da jia gui xiu; a girl from a noble family who is refined, elegant and graceful). Liu Ling is offended. She pokes Shen Yan’s head. She will prove to him she’ll be a 大家閨秀 and then she marches back home.
Stepmom has arrived! She’s here to deliver the happy unfortunate news to Grandpa that Liu Ling has died. Why hello stepmom. Liu Ling is right here. Pft. Stepmom wants to drag Liu Ling away, but Shen Yan stops her. Liu Ling smiles. She’s got someone to rely on now.
It’s Shen Yan’s turn to visit Liu Ling’s grandfather with presents, while Liu Ling keeps up her 大家閨秀 act. When Grandpa is distracted with the painting, Shen Yan whispers to Liu Ling that a 大家閨秀 (a lady) wouldn't ogle at a man the way she does. She retorts that a gentleman wouldn't suddenly deliver presents to a maiden's home either. Feeling smug, she starts leaning towards him, but he dodges! Liu Ling falls to the ground. Grandpa is like, How’d you fall from standing? Hahaha. Shen Yan assures Grandpa that Liu Ling was overwhelmed by the incense. When he helps her up, he inconspicuously whispers to only her ears, “I’ll look for you tonight.”
After he leaves, Liu Ling quietly chimes. “How could I be someone who he can see just because he wants to see?” Then she sends clear orders to the servants to have her windows sealed for the night. LOL!
[Ep9] Shen Yan finds Liu Ling sealing the windows amusing. He knocks, and Liu Ling leaps towards the sound. On the other side of the room, she reminds him she’s supposed to be a 大家閨秀. LOL. She won’t let him hear the end of that. Shen Yan asks her “大家閨秀” what she wants him to do them. Liu Ling smiles. Of course it’s to enter! After all, how can she not see her Shen-daren? She’s so candid, I love her. She runs to the door to open it for him, but he’s already there waiting for her. He heard her and teases her that a 名門閨秀 wouldn’t say such words.
Liu Ling smirks. Clearly, she’s not a 大家閨秀. She tugs at Shen Yan’s collar to pull him inside. He closes the door. And she backs him to the closed doors. She’s up and close to his face. “A gentleman also won’t enter a lady’s room in the middle of the night.” Clearly, he’s not a gentleman either. Shen Yan takes the lead and firmly grips her on the waist. Liu Ling gasps. He backs her to the centre of the room. “It’s me who disturbed my ladyship.” She asks what he means. Nothing much. He means he's tired. Uh, the bed then?! Nope. They chat on the roof. Hmph.
The next day, it’s the crossbow match. Lu Ming Shan loses even when he cheats. Liu Ling wins and formally annuls her marriage with him, which is made easier with the fact that he has a mistress (Yue Ling). Yue Ling’s prospects of marrying Lu Ming Shan is nil especially with Minister Lu being furious with her. Yue Ling makes an offer to Lu Qian (Stepmom; Minister Lu’s daughter): she will ruin Liu Ling’s reputation. If she succeeds she wants to be Lu Ming Shan’s concubine. Stepmom approves.
Ling Bi and Luo Fan seem to be getting close. Nothing like a butt kick in Ep4. She delivers a present to Liu Ling that’s from Shen Yan via Luo Fan. It’s a collar for Shen Ao Ao (piggie). Liu Ling sulks that she would rather see the person than his present. But the present is thoughtful too! A collar (ling) sounds like her name Ling. But there’s also Ling Bi, and Yue Ling. Too many lings.
Yue Ling is now a servant in the manor (thanks to stupid Uncle Zhang). Liu Ling permits it too because she sympathizes with Yue Ling for being bullied. However, Yue Ling kidnaps Shen Ao Ao! Oh no, not the pig! She gives the pig to the homeless who eat her, leaving nothing but bones D: Liu Ling slaps Yue Ling for killing her pet, but all the onlookers pity the servant who's bullied by the tyrannical princess for slapping a human over a pig. Then Yue Ling clutches onto Liu Ling’s leg. Liu Ling flings her away and she miscarries. But the miscarriage was timed. She already took the abortion medication. Yue Ling’s mission to sabotage Liu Ling is successful. Liu Ling faces everyone’s vitriol alone, there’s no one to understand her. But Shen Yan is here! He holds her and comforts her. She’s the princess, so how can she let these passersby see her like this? They’re not worthy of it.
There’s a message at the end of the episode that guarantees no animal abuse actually happened. After Marvellous Woman, I guess other dramas are on high alert. If you don’t know, in MW, a cat was allegedly or not allegedly electrocuted. I don’t know what’s real but the general belief is that animal abuse did happen in the drama.
[Ep10] Liu Ling doesn’t need to explain anything and Shen Yan will believe her. He knows she didn’t bully the homeless. He knows Yue Ling provoked her. He even has a present for her. It’s the meteor shower. Liu Ling admires the beauty of the falling stars, but it also reminds her that all things beautiful seem to be momentary. Will Shen Yan’s love also be like that too? Short-lived. He kisses her forehead to fix up the brain that’s making all these silly thoughts.
Minister Lu’s son-in-law (Liu Ling’s father??) asks for more money. Minister Lu is upset, but the servant reminds him it takes money to manufacture this Godly Arrow, and with the reinvestigation into the Jiangzhou robbery case, they need to be ready. Essentially, he’s threatening Minister Lu for money. They’re planning to rebel? Liu Ling’s father is evil?!
Minister Lu orders Lu Ming Shan to kill Yue Ling. The next morning, Yue Ling's corpse floats in the water. Shen Yan performs autopsy to confirm their case is a homicide, not a suicide. With this, he has a legitimate reason to search his manor to find more leads on Yun Yi’s case.
Liu Ling’s romance is met with obstacles. Grandpa is against it. Shen Yan's career is dangerous. For every mission, his life is on the line. To marry him is like asking to be a widow.
Even Xu Shi Jing is worried for Liu Ling, but for a different reason. She wants to know if Liu Ling really loves Shen Yan. All these years, she never loved a man, how come Shen Yan is her exception? Can she really be as the saying goes 執子之手 與子偕老 (Ep5)? Liu Ling hesitates on answering. Her love is sincere but she can’t promise about the future to be together forever. She’s traumatized by her mother’s death. After answering, Liu Ling turns around to see Shen Yan, who leaves without another word.
This was Xu Shi Jin’s plot, to have Shen Yan hear Liu Ling’s answer. Xu Shi Jin wants Liu Ling to end her relationship with Shen Yan if she isn’t sure about her feelings. Shen Yan (who is sure of his) could sacrifice his life for her over the conflict between Liu and Lu family. And once that happens, it’ll be too late if Liu Ling regrets it.
Liu Ling deliberates all night. Does she love Shen Yan? She doesn’t know how to confirm. Ling Bi has an advice. She heard from a madam that love will make her cry when she thinks of the man whom she can’t see. Enlightened, Liu Ling decides she won’t see Shen Yan. Once she cries, she’ll be able to prove that she loves him. Oh, silly Liu Ling.
Liu Ling doesn’t dare to see Shen Yan when she hasn’t found the answer to her heart, but that all changes when she learns Shen Yan is demoted because he’s been upsetting the lords (for investigating into Lu Family).
Liu Ling indirectly helps Xu Shi Jin and Shen Yu solve Yun Yi’s puzzling identity. He’s actually Lu Lian Shan, who, on record, died. He faked his death to become Yun Yi (with the help of Minister Lu). Then he went to serve Xu Family for a few years. That’s when the robbery happened and the crime was pinned onto Xu Shi Jin’s parents. Now then, where is the treasure? If Yun Yi is Lu Lian Shan, then the treasure will most likely be in Xuanwu Village where his master (Lu He) resides.
Shen Yan, who’s demoted, works under Luo Fan. He’s diligent and respectful at work, which makes Luo Fan restless. Lol. Poor Luo Fan for being his superior xD. Luo Fan tells him to rest and serves him tea, which is from Liu Ling. Shen Yan refuses everything. He wants to see the real person, not the items from her. Finally, he asks his guards for an update on the princess. She’s busy with your business!
Liu Ling is off with Xu Shi Jin and Shen Yu to confirm that Yun Yi is Lu Lian Shan by examining his coffin. Shen Yu does the digging and the autopsy. The logic of how they proved YY = LLS escapes me, but okay. Moving on. Shen Yu is also the one closing up the coffin and piling on the dirt again. Why are the girls there? And they want equality. My gosh xD.
[Ep12] Liu Ling reminisces. If the robbery never happened, then Xu Shi Jin and Shen Yu could have been married. Xu Shu Jin doesn’t ponder on “ifs”. She had to end their relationship. She has to avenge her parents and for that, she has to enter the palace. She knows Shen Yu prefers to be carefree. She doesn’t want to implicate him. She wants him to be happy. Liu Ling reflects on her own love. In comparison to Xu Shi Jin, who’s so considerate and self-sacrificing, her love for Shen Yan seems meek.
Liu Ling drinks alone in her room. Shen Yan visits through the window! (Thanks to Shen Yu making his brother worried. Good wingman.) When Liu Ling sees him, she thinks he’s her imagination. Naturally, she hugs him and touches his face.
Liu Ling: Didn’t we agree on not seeing each other? How come you’re in my dreams again? If I see you like this everyday, how would it be possible for me to cry when I think of you? Hm?
Liu Ling wakes up in the morning, and wants to dream some more, but Xu Shi Jin updates her on Shen Yan/Yu's plan of combing Lu Family for the jade during a banquet. The boys will need help to distract Lu Family and who would be better at making a scene than Liu Ling? Oh but it seems that Lu Ming Shan was onto their plan and has locked Shen Yan in the study room. Uh oh. Liu Ling won’t surrender like that. She’s our rumoured tyrannical personality. She guards the study room while ordering her servants to beat up Lu Ming Shan (in his own manor). During the beatings, a mysterious man (in servant clothes) picks up a jade (the other pair) that has fallen out of Lu Ming Shan’s clothes.
Lu Ming Shan is about to hit Liu Ling, who’s guarding the study room to protect her man, but her man appears before her eyes to protect her. He’s not locked up. So who’s inside? It’s Liu Xiang (step sister). Shen Yan explains his plan to Liu Ling. He had repeatedly searched Lu Ming Shan’s manor so that he’d keep the jade to himself, which allows Shen Yu to pick up the jade.
Shen Yan doesn’t want to talk about business with Liu Ling anymore. Hesitantly, Liu Ling excuses herself. She doesn’t want to talk about their relationship. Shen Yan chases after her. He’s leaving tomorrow for a mission. He wants an answer tonight. Liu Ling has tears in her eyes; she doesn’t have an answer for him or herself.
Ling Bi worries for the couple who aren’t opening their hearts. Luo Fan tuts. The couple are connected at a deeper level. There’s no need for words right now. 此時無聲胜有聲. “At this precise moment, no sound surpasses sound” because that’s when the sound of the heart is clearest. And you, sir, are very perceptive. Ling Bi and Luo Fan glance at each other and then shyly look away. Omg, so cute. Their heart sounds are loud and clear too :D
Shen Yan makes a red string bracelet for Liu Ling. She doesn’t accept it. She can’t accept it. (But he tied it to her wrist anyway). She can’t promise him forever. She never came out of her trauma. She’s unworthy of him. She can’t hold him like this so selfishly. Shen Yan laughs at her for being so different compared to last night. Realizing her dream wasn’t a dream, Liu Ling is flustered. Their conversation is interrupted when his guards interrupt with pressing matters: there’s a jailbreak. Liu Ling tells him to go, but Shen Yan wants her to go with him
Shen Yan: You know Shen Yan, but you don’t know the Cold-faced Yama. You just said you’re unworthy of me, then let me take you through my underworld, then we’ll discuss this again.
Shen Yan takes Liu Ling's hand (the one with the red fated string) to lead her to his world. She’s in his arms while he’s flying across the roof. They keep looking at each other. Glad there’s no traffic up there. Soon, he lets her down. Liu Ling consciously asks if she’s too heavy. No. It’s because she’s hugging him too tightly. Then he spots the inmates. He flies down to lacerate the prisoners. Liu Ling watches his brutality from above. He returns to her to show her his hands that are stained by blood, so much blood that he’ll never wash off. He has killed many and he is ready for his own death. Waking up to the sunrise doesn’t guarantee that he’ll be alive by the sunset. This is life as the Cold-faced Yama. “Such a person like this, your ladyship, do you still think you’re unworthy of him?”
Liu Ling’s knees have caved. She’s seated on the roof. Tears well up in her eyes. It’s the first time she’s seen him like this. She reaches out to wipe the blood from his face, but he turns away. He tells her to leave since she’s afraid. Liu Ling refuses. His might be scary, but he told her to wait, and so she’ll always wait for him.
Liu Ling: Shen Yan, although I’m unworthy of you (aw she still thinks that), but I can’t bear it that you’re alone, wandering between life and death. With me at your side, you won’t be lonely. Even though I cannot promise you forever, before you find that person that can give you forever, then perhaps... I can. I love that this confession is from her. Girls can be romantic too!!! And he really needed to hear this – her sincerity.
Second couple: Xu Shi Jin is wandering the streets on the night of Chinese Valentine’s Day. She comes across a poem, “Milky way, the way back, is where?” Right there behind ya. Shen Yu has been following her, staying behind her, waiting for her. Xu Shi Jin is never truly alone. He even buys fireworks for her to give her a surprise.
[Ep13] Luo Fan wants to give Ling Bi the hairpin, but she’s distracted by the next new thing. He misses his chance.
Liu Ling and Shen Yan are on the roof, watching the fireworks. She asks him what kind of love he finds the most beautiful because she wants to give him that. She can do anything for him. Shen Yan disagrees with this notion. Loving someone isn’t pleasing the other whilst sacrificing oneself. He doesn’t want her to change for him. Like her, he also can’t promise forever. He could die on a mission. Liu Ling covers his mouth with her hand. She doesn’t want to hear death from him. He takes her hand and kisses it.
Shen Yan: I’ve thought about it. [Instead of promising forever] let's walk forward together (shoulder to shoulder) and not look back. Wouldn’t that be better?
He promises that if she does not leave him (不離; bu li), then he will not abandon her (不棄; bu qi). 不離不棄 (bu li bu qi). To be there for each other, steadfast loyalty. Liu Ling gives him a big hug. She agrees and repeats after him: “I won’t leave and so you cannot abandon.”
Shen Yan and Liu Ling make wishes on water lanterns. She’s curious about his wife. He easily tells her. He wants to marry her. Liu Ling’s eyes twinkle. But Shen Yan continues, “Too bad I said it because now it won’t come true.” Shen Yan, you meanie!!!
Time to release those lanterns. Liu Ling gushes at the beautiful twinkling lake. Shen Yan agrees at the beauty, but he’s admiring Liu Ling who’s twinkling in his eyes. Then her expression turns a shade gloomier. She remembers that he has to leave tomorrow. He tells her to smile for him. She can’t. Here it is, Love! He’s right in front of her and yet she’s crying just at the thought of missing him. He kisses her hand, the one he tied a red string to, and promises that when he’s back, he’ll marry her.
Liu Ling couldn’t sleep at night. It bothers her so much that she doesn't know Shen Yan’s wish that she searches for it in the lake and although they all look the same, she can recognize his. She finds it:
祝卿好* (Wishing my wife well)I dare not hope that you get everything you want, but I hope that once you have it, that you won't ever lose it. Wishing you a life without worries**.
*卿 is an old term of endearment between spouses. Since he’s the one saying it, I translated it as wife.
**Interestingly, we have a new character, Princess Wu You which means without worries. Hopefully this princess is like her name and she isn’t a love rival. (By the way, Liu Ling is Princess Chang Le, where Chang Le means happiness for a long time to come).
Liu Ling smiles at the wish. Her eyes tear up, blissfully. She takes his written wish back home. But, but, but. Is that auspicious? Or screw that? xD I’m way too superstitious to do that.
Shen Yan has left, but Liu Ling isn’t idling around. She appeals to Madam Shen, but Madam Shen already has a prospect for her daughter-in-law: Princess Wu You, Qin Ning. Subsequently, Liu Ling summons Luo Fan to speak who accidentally elaborates too much and reveals Qin Ning and Shen Yan had a prior engagement. This princess is even more reckless than Liu Ling. More reckless than Liu Ling!! The engagement was cancelled a few years ago because Qin Ning left for a trip. They say she learned martial arts and is traveling jianghu. They also say she fell in love with a brilliant martial artist and wanted to elope with him. Yang Ye!!! That’s why he has so much screen time in this conversation. LOL. I love this twist. Despite all these rumours, Madam Shen still adores Qin Ning because she watched her grow up.
Liu Ling is on the streets in search of her love rival but becomes friends with Qin Ning instead. Unsurprisingly, the reckless princesses hit it off. Liu Ling particularly likes her when she calls her “sister-in-law”. She really is Princess Wu You. No need to worry! Qin Ning reveals that she’s looking for her own lover. From the description of the man, Ling Bi is immediately reminded of Yang Ye, but it can’t be! The girls promise to help each other, but Qin Ning needs proof that Shen Yan does love Liu Ling. It’s particularly suspicious to Qin Ning when Liu Ling doesn’t even know Shen Yan’s courtesy name is “Chang Ming”. Interesting. Liu Ling is Chang Le and he’s Chang Ming. She's “happy” (le) and he’s “bright” (ming). Liu Ling takes out Shen Yan’s medallion, which is enough for Qin Ning, who will gladly help.
This is how Qin Ning helps: She disdains Liu Ling in front of Madam Shen. Huh? Then she feels nauseated and runs out. Liu Ling chases after her, confused and worried. Qin Ning reveals she’s pregnant with Shen Yan’s child. Impossible, like impossible! Liu Ling doesn't believe that. But Qin Ning argues that Madam Shen will believe her over Liu Ling. But! Madam Shen is listening to this conversation. She’s furious at Qin Ning for using her affection and her son. Madam Shen ends Qin Ning’s hopes of marrying Shen Yan by lying that he’s already promised to Liu Ling. Now Liu Ling is getting the plan. This princess is definitely more impulsive than Liu Ling. LOL. When Qin Ning leaves while “crying”m she winks at Liu Ling. Mission complete! Liu Ling catches up to Qin Ning and wonders if it’s okay to hurt Madam Shen like that. Qin Ning has her sights set far. She’s doing this for Madam Shen to have a good daughter-in-law. She also orders Liu Ling to treat Madam Shen well, or she’ll take her life. Liu Ling promises.
An update on Shen Yan: He’s looking for Lu He (Lu Lian Shan / Yun Yi’s master). Xu Shu Jin and her Masked Man are there too. Unfortunately, Hu Xiao (who works for Lu Family) is there as well. And unfortunately, they’re caught in Lu He’s trap and now everyone is stuck in a cave.
[Ep14] Lu He gives the box (the “treasure”) to Xu Shi Jin and apologizes for his disciple who destroyed her family. (Masked Man is very weak after protecting Xu Shi Jin with all his might from Hu Xiao). The three of them are on their way home.
Qin Ning meets the man she loves. It is indeed Yang Ye. His real name is Yuan Zhe Lin. Hugs and kisses! Nope. She slaps him and almost kills him. For three whole years, he disappeared without any news or even a letter. Liu Ling speaks up for Yang Ye. Even if he tried writing Qin Ning a letter, she was roaming jianghu. There’s no address! Also, they already lost three years together, is it really time to be angry and vengeful? Yang Ye has been Liu Ling’s bodyguard for three years because she saved him and he is looking for a chance to repay her. Right now, it’s more important that they find a way to free Yang Ye of his debt. Qin Ning thinks that’s a clever idea. And so the next day, Qin Ning makes multiple suggestions for Liu Ling to attempt to die so that she can save her and Yang Ye’s debt till be transferred to her. Omg LOL. Let’s not kill the princess by accident now.... Liu Ling gulps, but since Qin Ning helped her with Shen Yan, she will do her best to help. And so she jumps into the pond. LOL.
Tuoba Lie (prince of Yigu, a neighbouring state) saves Liu Ling. He falls in love with her at first sight (which is much thanks to stupid Lu Ming Shan). He’s visiting the country because he wants a marriage alliance and now he has settled on Liu Ling. The Crown Prince can’t quite object because that would incite war (but actually Yigu wants war and Tuoba Lie is simply testing the waters).
Grandpa and Liu Ling kneel at the palace doors, but the Emperor refuses to see them. Liu Ling is worried about Grandpa’s health, but he assures her he’ll be fine. This isn’t something she can handle alone.
Other happenings:
→ Liu Ling’s father is indeed the villain?!?!
[Ep15] Canceling the marriage isn’t something Grandpa can handle either. He falls ill. Liu Ling still has to marry. And now aunt-in-law has convinced the uncle to strike while the iron is hot and make the Grandpa sicker so that they can take over the manor. The uncle was just worried about his father and now he’s excited about harming him. Ergo Liu Ling is mistreated in the manor. She’s forbidden to see her grandfather. She isn’t even served food. Ling Bi has to lift a bowl of water over her head the whole night to beg for food. *Sniffles* Liu Ling at least has Ling Bi.
Liu Li Shan (Liu Ling’s Father) arrives at Grandpa’s manor. He’s furious at the mistreatment of his daughter. Although he cares about her (hmmm), he’s here to convince her to marry because he has an alliance with Tuoba Lie for a rebellion. He reminds Liu Ling that her refusal to the marriage could implicate Shen Yan. Liu Ling ignores her father. Then Liu Li Shan visits the feeble grandfather. Grandpa realizes Liu Li Shan never gave up his ambitions for the throne. How can he? He was the one who won all the wars, and yet when he returned from a battle, he learned his father died, and the throne belonged to another brother.
Shen Yan has returned! The first thing he does is visit Liu Ling (through the window, ofc). He gives her a tight hug but Liu Ling doesn’t return it. She holds back her tears and keeps her voice strong while her heart is breaking. She tells him she won’t marry him. She’s marrying someone else. Liu Ling lies that she’s bored of playing with him. He asks her once if she means it, and twice if she means it. He grabs her wrist with the red string and demands the truth from her. She gives a convincing answer that he can’t give her forever. He flings her away. Then Liu Ling takes off the red string and throws it to the floor. T_T. He warns her to not provoke him. He won’t give her a second chance. With that, he leaves. Without the red string. Liu Ling cries. She drops to the floor and looks at the red string that she threw away. Didn’t Shen Yan say that once she provoked him, he’ll never leave her like a shadow to a body D: But Shen Yan also showed her what love meant to him at the bridge. If she abandons him, he’ll leave her.
Xu Shi Jin finds a treasure map in the box (from Lu He). The treasure is located in Yigu. This might be the chance to save Liu Ling from her marriage. But it’s dangerous. It will enrage the Crown Prince.
Ling Bi visits Luo Fan, who’s giddy to see her, ready to give her the hairpin, but loses his chance yet again. Ling Bi is desperate for his help. Her princess doesn’t eat or drink. All she does is stare at the window, thinking of Shen Yan. Although Ling Bi will be accompanying Liu Ling on her marriage to Yigu, it’s nothing compared to seeing Shen Yan one more time. This shocks Luo Fan. Her Ling Bi is leaving! He’s got to stop the marriage too, and so he tells her Shen Yan will be attending a wedding. Excitedly, Ling Bi runs away to share the news with Liu Ling. And once again, Luo Fan’s hairpin is still stuck with him, haha. Third time will be the charm?
At the wedding, right when the groom and bride bow to each other, Liu Ling and Shen Yi “coincidentally” see each other.
[Ep16] Liu Ling has presents for the groom. She wishes the couple to be together until old age. That’s her wish for herself and Shen Yan. During the banquet, Liu Ling has her own table. She’s only consuming alcohol. The wingmen (Shen Yu and Luo Fan) drag Shen Yan over to her table. Neither of them speak, though. Fortunately, a drunk groom walks over to ease the tension and introduce the two of them. When the groom is pulled away, Liu Ling takes her wine cup and greets Shen Yan (since the groom introduced them). Shen Yan stops her from drinking another cup. It’s bad for her health. She advances on him and sits over on his chair. Is she drunk? He wants to leave, but Liu Ling grabs his wrist and steps on his foot to stop him. I love that she steps on him too.
Liu Ling: You don’t want to care about me, but I’ve thought through it all. Before I leave, I’ll give you everything.
Their noses touch. He’s holding her hand. But then he’s reminded of how cruel Liu Ling was. He calls over Ling Bi to have her take a drunk Liu Ling home. Liu Ling cries. If he says he’s drunk, then she’s drunk, but a wine that makes her this drunk, there won’t be another one. = this is her last chance to see him. She takes her hand out of his strong grip and leaves.
Shen Yu wakes over to comfort Shen Yan, who’s eating with the chopsticks that Liu Ling used, and drinking with the cup that Liu Ling drank from. On the floor, Shen Yan finds the red string. The knot came undone.
The next morning, Xu Shi Jin asks Liu Ling if she wants her help. No. Liu Ling will accept her fate. She also knows why Xu Shi Jin asked. If she had a way to help her, she would have done it already without asking. This plan must be risky. That’s why she’s asking. And once Liu Ling answers yes, then Xu Shi Jin will have a reason to put everyone at stake for her. And this. is why Liu Ling said no. Omg! What is this friendship! So touching. It’s making me cry so much. Liu Ling wants Xu Shi Jin to be happy too. She deserves it. The girls hug. Xu Shi Jin, however, isn’t watching her friend fall into despair when she can stop it.
Liu Ling leaves for Jiangzhou (her house), but before that, she hires a painter.
Xu Shi Jin, who’s determined to help Liu Ling, visits Shen Yan. She shows him the map. But he refuses to help. Shen Yan says he will forget Liu Ling. Xu Shi Jin questions him. Doesn’t he know that Liu Ling doesn’t want to marry? What Shen Yan knows is the path that Liu Ling had chosen, is something he cannot give her. Xu Shi Jin interrogates him. How does he expect Liu Ling to choose (when there’s no choice)?
Shen Yan: She chose. She didn’t give me a choice. She let go of me. She chose to abandon.
Xu Shi Jin knows that with his proud (and arrogant) personality, he won’t turn back easily, but if in 7 days he regrets it, then he can seek her.
Other happenings:
→ Liu Li Shan does/did love Liu Ling’s mother??
[Ep17] Shen Yan and Liu Ling are in different cities, but even walking on an empty street, they can imagine seeing the other.
Shen Yu drinks with the depressed Shen Yan. The kind brother plays the song 執子之手 與子偕老, tugging at Shen Yan's heart that’s already breaking. Shen Yu lectures him for stepping back when he should be advancing, for watching with folded arms, when he should be redeeming himself. What an eyesore.
Shen Yan (mutters): 五十步笑百步 (The one who has retreated 50 steps laughs at the one who has retreated 100 steps). LOL, Shen Yan roasting his brother. Shen Yu is the one who retreated 100 steps and he dares to criticize Shen Yan who took 50 steps back. It’s the pot calling the kettle black.
The guqin snaps and the music stops. Shen Yu gives his brother advice. The string can snap easily, but feelings don’t. “If you’re wound too tightly and one day you snap, and at that moment you want to forget, you wouldn’t be able to.” Shen Yan, don’t regret it! Shen Yu tells him that it’s not too late right now.
Later that night, a drunk Shen Yan enters Liu Ling’s room. She’s not there, of course. But she left behind a portrait for him. All the memories of Liu Ling fill his heart and mind. He cries. T_T. Shen Yan, it’s not too late! And he visits Xu Shi Jin! He admits to her that he regrets it. Shen Yan, you came through! Plan commences! The next day, the Crown Prince assigns him to escort Liu Ling to Yigu for her marriage.
The owner congratulates Shen Yan and tells him the cost of the jade that Liu Ling ran away with. But Shen Yan is kind of lost in his own world. And he actually doesn’t pay?!?! And now he’s arrested and she’s arrested! He’s not paying because he doesn’t want to elope with her, hahaha. He’s going to marry her gloriously with their parents' approval! At the prison, Liu Ling requests to be in the same cell as Shen Yan, but this isn’t a hotel where she can make requests. The guard doesn’t believe she’s a princess either. Now she’s locked in the cell across from Shen Yan.
Shen Yan laughs at Liu Ling from being confined. The lightheartedness is back! *Sniffle* He shares that he’s here to capture her who fled from him. The romance is back! Let’s ignore the bars, lol. Liu Ling can’t believe her ears. Is he really eloping with her? What about his family? Shen Yan assures her he’ll marry her, but it won’t be eloping with her. Liu Ling excitedly asks for his plan, but he can’t tell her. Xu Shi Jin had warned him that if Liu Ling hesitates, then their plan could fail. Shen Yan asks Liu Ling if she trusts him. She does.
Shen Yan: If you trust me, then don’t ask anything. I will marry you. Now it’s my turn to ask. Are you still willing to marry me?Liu Ling: Shen Yan, do you love me?Shen Yan: I don’t know what love is, but I know that you are the only one in this world who makes me deeply worried, who makes me completely helpless. I want to marry you. I can give up everything to exchange for your lifetime’s accompaniment. Do you think this counts as love?
Liu Ling smiles. He asks if something’s funny. Nothing, just that romantic words from a cold-faced ruler of the underworld can be very sweet too.
Shen Yan imposingly demands from Liu Li Shan that from now on the princess will have nothing to do with her father. Shen Yan threatens to expose all his secrets. And he’s got a lot of secrets. Then Liu Ling takes Shen Yan’s hand to guide him away from her father. She’s leaving with Shen Yan. Liu Li Shan asks her if she’s really choosing this path. Liu Ling lifts Shen Yan’s hand that’s in hers. She is.
The next day, Liu Ling dresses up prettily in her wedding dress. She’s marrying Tuoba Lie, but her beauty is only for Shen Yan. It’s also a reminder to him that if he doesn’t try hard enough, this beautiful bride will be marrying someone else. Hehe.
On the way to Yigu, Qin Ning joins the escort. Shen Yan had asked her for help. Liu Ling grows jealous. How come Qin Ning knows, but she doesn’t? She calls out to Shen Yan multiple times but he ignores her. Hahaha. Liu Ling pouts and whines and mulls. How come she doesn’t know the plan! She’s so cute! Well, Liu Ling isn’t that easy to tease. She flirts with Tuoba Lie. Do not mess with princesses, haha. Oh, but that’s also part of the plan, not the flirting per se, but to have Liu Ling slow down the trip.
Liu Ling finally gets Shen Yan to speak with her. She wants to know the plan, but he reminds her that she’s the one who said she’d go to the underworld with him if she had to and now she’s going back on her word for asking about the plan? Liu Ling lies that she’s just curious. Shen Yan asks if it’s curiosity or jealousy. Liu Ling smiles and answers: Jealousy.
[Ep18] Although Liu Ling cooperates with the plan, she continues to be naughty and flirts with Tuoba Lie. It’s just Liu Ling is the one who’s more upset when Shen Yan is expressionless. His face looks stony, but rest assured, his heart is burning.
Shen Yan exits the tent with a soft smile. Ling Bi is amazed at his speed. I don’t know what she thought happened in that tent.
Luo Fan chats with Shen Yan. If the princess leaves, then they’ll be separated. Shen Yan quibbles that they’re not the only couple that is separated. LOL. Shen Yan has a task for Luo Fan and if he does well, then both Liu Ling and Ling Bi will return with them. Luo Fan brightens up. Yes sir!
Other (important) happenings:
→ Lu Ming Shan betrays his father and reports to the Crown Prince of the alliance between Minster Lu and Tuoba Lie.
→ Shen Yu submits proof to the Crown Prince that Minister Lu is the mastermind behind the robbery case.
[Ep19] Minister Lu is charged. Lu Ming Shan testified about his father’s crimes but deliberately left out Liu Li Shan’s rebellion. The next problem is the whereabouts of the treasure. Xu Shi Jin reveals the treasure is already with Shen Yan. She will give the Crown Prince the plan to retrieve the treasure and all she asks for is a marriage for Shen Yan and Liu Ling. He’s displeased but agrees.
According to the plan, Tuoba Lie learns the treasure is with Shen Yan. In the middle of the field, our team braces for the onslaught.
Ling Bi is shaking in fear. Luo Fan finally gives Ling Bi the hairpin (third time’s the charm). He doesn’t know if they’ll survive, and if they do, he asks if she’s willing....(unsaid: marry him). His sentence trails off, but Ling Bi wears the hairpin. It’s a yes!
Liu Ling is nervous too, but keeps calm. Shen Yan has reassuring words for her, but she doesn’t let him finish. She won’t let him tell her to leave him. No matter life or death, she will go where he goes. She had agreed that if she doesn’t abandon then he won’t leave her. They hold hands. Liu Ling’s red string peeks through her sleeve.
Tuoba Lie’s soldiers are fiercely galloping towards them. Our team is clearly outnumbered. But they’re not! Yang Ye (bodyguard) and his sect are here to protect them. Where’s Qin Ning! And this is what Shen Yan wanted to tell Liu Ling, but she wouldn’t let him speak and he’d be a mood killer if he did say it. Haha. Sly. Now that Yang Ye has repaid Liu Ling, he bids farewell.
Our besties are united! I wish we had more scenes of their friendship. But Xu Shi Jin informs Liu Ling that she’ll be leaving after the marriage. Liu Ling is tearful, but she knows that Xu Shi Jin will be happier far from the palace.
Shen Yan interrogates Minister Lu who deliberately hints that Liu Li Shan is the one who wanted the treasure and covered up Lu Qian's (stepmom) murder of Liu Ling’s mother, and now he wants to rebel. Shen Yan is forced to investigate Liu Li Shan, Liu Ling’s father.
Grandpa is frail, but hearing about Liu Ling’s marriage makes him feel at ease. Liu Ling tells Grandpa that she can marry tomorrow if that makes him feel better. Shen Yan peeks at her. He knows Liu Ling wants to marry early for herself regardless, lol.
[Ep20] Shen Yan addresses Liu Ling’s grandfather the same way she does. It’s against the rules when they’re not married yet, but he’s doing it for Liu Ling who’s worried about Grandpa’s health. They even give three full bows. Grandpa is very happy.
Shen Yan wants to marry in two months, not six (because of the investigation with Liu Li Shan). Shen Yu helps his bother convince their mother by first calling him dark with a murderous aura (i.e. if he doesn’t marry asap, no one’s going to want him) and then by saying he can’t lose to their friend’s son who’s stupid and marrying in three months. Mom is convinced. Shen Yu is like You’re welcome.
Liu Li Shan gifts Liu Ling wedding robes with the design her mother loved.
Shen Yu visits the groom bright and early in the morning. Shen Yan walks in while holding his back that seems to be aching. Lol. The brother is here to ask for medical reimbursement because his servant was exhausted the whole night for serving the newlywed who seemed initially depressed beyond words, but then at midnight, ou.
Enough with the tease, though. Shen Yu is here for a more pressing matter. It’s related to Xu Shi Jin. It seems the Shen brothers have predicted the Crown Prince will use all means to keep Xu Shi Jin in the capital, even if it’s accusing her of poisoning him. Shen Yan quickly arrests her in prison – where it’s safest. Then Shen Yu puts on his mask, and breaks into prison to save her. For the first time, Xu Shi Jin learns her masked man is her “Shen Xiao Yu”.
Now that they have escaped the prison, how will they escape the city? Thanks to their grand/fathers! They’re the red herrings who allow Shen Yu and Xu Shi Jin to leave inconspicuously as Liu Ling’s servants.
The Crown Prince’s head hurts. His trusty ministers are shamelessly quarrelling and blaming the other for running away when the guards were chasing them. So cute, hahaha. And they’re so supportive of their grand/children eloping eh. But isn’t Shen Family in big trouble?! One daughter-in-law is a convict; the other daughter-in-law has a father who wants to rebel. An irritatedly helpless Crown Prince dismisses them. Then Father Shen complains to Minister Yu about his sons. So troublesome. Minister Yu agrees. Daughters are better. But then Father Shen disagrees. Heh. Still prefers his sons.
The Crown Prince is lenient on Shen Family because he needs Shen Yan to arrest Liu Li Shan. Liu Ling doesn’t hate Shen Yan for it, which doesn’t mean she hates her father. It’s just that he should take responsibility for his crimes.
Shen Yan and Liu Ling arrive at Jiangzhou. Shen Yan senses a snare behind the doors. Timely, Liu Ling wants to take him somewhere else. Shen Yan is relieved until she takes him to the performance house and she’s admiring the dancing men. Shen Yan pokes her forehead with an itty bit of force, lol. After they’re in the room, he asks how she knew about the ambush. She didn’t, pft. She just wanted to bring him here since it’s where they met each other. She wants to spend a proper night without him escaping through the window.
Shen Yan kinda still escapes from the performance house that night. He goes back to the manor to eavesdrop on Liu Li Shan’s meeting with Tuoba Lie and Lu Ming Shan. Tuoba Lie has two conditions to support the rebel: 1) he wants two more cities, making it eight, and 2) he wants Shen Yan dead. Liu Li Shan easily agrees to the first condition but not the second. For his daughter? Later that night, Shen Yan meets with Liu Li Shan to convince him it’s not too late to turn around now. Liu Li Shan seems to waver. He will consider it and give him an answer tomorrow on his wife’s death anniversary.
The next day, Liu Ling takes Shen Yan home to her swing, the place where she asked her mother about the poem (執子之手 與子偕老). Her mother didn’t lie to her; Liu Ling did find a man who would protect her forever. Shen Yan pushes the swing harder. This way, when she’s reminded of the swing, she’ll think of him too. Then they take the nu’er hong (a wine for daughters) that her mother left for her to visit her grave.
At the gravesite, Shen Yan drinks the alcohol. But it’s poisonous! Liu Li Shan and his soldiers have surrounded Shen Yan and Liu Ling. They run. And omg, it’s another cliff. At the edge of the precipice, he promises he’ll be back for her. Her father won’t kill her. Then he pushes her away and he falls down the cliff. Liu Ling is caught by the guards. Shen Yan has fallen down the depths.
But Shen Yu is there, watching, calmly.
[Ep22] Liu Ling cries alone in her room, but she remembers her promise with Shen Yan: neither will abandon nor leave the other. She will wait for Shen Yan whether it’s a day or a year. Then someone calls her “Ah Ling”. It’s her imagination. Then again, someone calls her name. He kisses her. It's the real Shen Yan. In their embrace, she’s crying and hitting him for scaring her.
Shen Yan apologizes to Liu Ling. This was her father’s scheme to “kill” him but keep him alive. The night before, Shen Yan had Luo Fan spy on Liu Li Shan and knew the alcohol was poisoned. It wasn't lethal, just anesthetics. At the bottom of the cliff, there was a net, which is so extra. We all know no one dies from cliffs. Liu Li Shan kept him alive for Liu Ling. He isn’t coldhearted but his desire for power consumed him.
Shen Yan also needs to leave now. He has three days to devise a defence layout. He only returned to make sure Liu Ling knew he was safe. Liu Ling hugs him tighter. He begs her to behave. She finally releases him but threatens him that if he lies to her, then she’ll never forgive him. He promises to be back and then he’ll never be separated from her.
Shen Yan returns to the prison where Shen Yu is replacing him. They’re pretty chill as they discuss how to use their 3000 soldiers to fight Liu Li Shan’s 20 000.
And now the battle is even.
Liu Ling points with a feather duster, and hollers at her son to come down at once. He’s Shen Chen Xi, currently five, and currently on the roof. They already had to fix the roof three times because of him. (By the way his name 晨曦 (chen xi) means the first glimmer of dawn) Liu Ling demands in anger who he takes after. The rascal replies, “You gave birth to me, so of course I’m like you.” He describes her notorious reputation in the capital: “The devil incarnate that gods find irritating and ghosts find worrisome.” Ha. Shen Chen Xi continues, “I can't be like dad (either). I gotta be a real man.” Shen Yan just arrives home and yells, “Who you yelling at?” Hahaha!
It’s so cute how Shen Ao Ao has a character poster too. But where’s her dress? Papa, mama, Ao Ao naked! Shame.
[Actors/Actresses] Love the main actors. I also think they should have moved on to bigger and better dramas by now, but hey, I’m not complaining. Drama is displaying the best of Yuan Bing Yan and Zheng Ye Cheng but this isn't their ceiling. This is them in their comfort zone, and they’re nailing it, especially with the chemistry.
[Behind the Scenes] Actors: Zheng Ye Cheng (as Shen Yan), Yuan Bing Yan (as Liu Ling), Mi Re (as Shen Yu), and Zhang Yue (as Xu Shi Jin)
Battle. Shen Yan kills Lu Ming Shan.
Liu Li Shan’s army falls. Lol. Show tried with the action scenes, I guess.
After the defeat, Liu Ling and Shen Yan find Liu Li Shan at her mother’s grave. He's drinking from the nu’er hong. It’s his first time here. He was always afraid her mother wouldn’t want him to visit. Liu Ling shakes her head. She knows her mother was always waiting for him. She asks his father to return with her. The Emperor wouldn’t kill him. Liu Li Shan refuses. Liu Ling cires, too sad to leave her father. Liu Li Shan shouts at Shen Yan to bring her away. Not long after, Liu Li Shan drops the jug. From a meter away, Liu Ling hears the clatter. She knows. Liu Ling's eyes well up with tears. She struggles to turn around to confirm. Shen Yan hugs her to stop her from witnessing her father’s death.
Third Couple: Luo Fan invites Ling Bi out. He’s very shy. She’s a little cheery. They both have something to say. Ling Bi speaks first: the princess found a marriage prospect for her! He’s better than Luo Fan in every way possible, even whiter. (Shen Yan will be offended too :P) Luo Fan is depressed but tells Ling Bi that if her husband ever bullies her, he will risk his life to protect her. Because he cherishes her like a sister. Now this is enraging. Ling Bi rips out the hairpin from her hair. “Who says I want to be your sister?” She calls him an idiot who will never find a wife. The idiot picks up the cue and grabs her back for a kiss.
Second Couple: Shen Yu saw the entire exchange between Luo Fan and Ling Bi and is laughing his way to Xu Shi Jin. She has a present from Liu Ling. It’s a love knot, a blessing for couples to stay together until old age. Our shameless cutie, Shen Yu stands up, ready for her to put it on him. He also has a present from Shen Yan. I think it’s an emblem that protects them from being arrested?? Shen Yan had said the Emperor bestowed it to him, but Shen Yu knows his brother begged for it. Sweet brothers. Xu Shi Jin and Shen Yu hold hands and depart (for jianghu?). Which reminds me that I miss Qin Ning and Yang Ye or whatever his real name is. And did our second couple drop something red on the floor? :/
Five years later.
Liu Ling complains to her husband. She just tamed one cold-faced Yama and now she has a little Yama. Shen Yan disagrees. He thinks Shen Chen Xi is a little devil incarnate. I agree! Liu Ling has another complaint. After having the rascal, Shen Yan doesn’t love her anymore. Shen Yan counters. How does he not love her? Everyday he makes a fuss with her over nothing. The idiom he uses: To not have a disease but to moan and hum about it. It’s in days of peace that we can fuss over nothing.
They kiss. Um, little devil incarnate is still on the roof... ^^
The end!
Remarks
[First Impression (Ep1-7)] I instantly fell in love with this. How can I not? A bold and flirty princess. A stoic ML in uniform. Chemistry!!! The plot moves quickly, granted there’s only 22 episodes. Happy oink!
I was crying and laughing at the cliff scene (Ep5). It was so bad. My leads don’t deserve such cheap editing! (Thankfully, the drama doesn’t butcher Zheng Ye Cheng’s action scenes.) Anyway, I am now a strong advocate of banning cliff scenes from Cdramas. This trope is overused and abused. It’s a cheap way to get out of danger.
Ep7 – I love how he’s flirting back and he’s actually better than her?! I’m also anticipating the reveal of their childhood. I like how inconspicuous it was that he recognized her by appearance in Ep1. Or else how would she know where to go to look for his medallion.
[Actors/Actresses] Love the main actors. I also think they should have moved on to bigger and better dramas by now, but hey, I’m not complaining. Drama is displaying the best of Yuan Bing Yan and Zheng Ye Cheng but this isn't their ceiling. This is them in their comfort zone, and they’re nailing it, especially with the chemistry.
Zhang Ye Cheng is in a familiar role (e.g. The Sleepless Princess). In this one, I’m very impressed with the control he has on the degree of brightness in his smile. There’s a difference! Each time he smiles, he’s happier. He also gets to display his athleticism.
Yuan Bing Yan has a natural, gentle aura to her and mix that in with her playful coyness, and she’s a refreshingly flirty princess who can also be demure. I also like how vulnerable she can play her character.
Unrelated to drama. I’m generally pretty upset with the way Yuan Big Yan’s agency is managing her. She’s the female lead of the massively popular 2020 xianxia Love and Redemption (whether or not you love it, it was popular, okay). Even the supporting characters of L&R have had a few dramas released and yet this is the only new Yuan Bing Yan drama since then. It's dumb that her agency didn't banking on her popularity unless her agency wants her to fail, which might just be the case with how she was treated in L&R’s post-concert. Ranting done.
[Title] Chinese title explained in Ep13.
[Behind the Scenes] Actors: Zheng Ye Cheng (as Shen Yan), Yuan Bing Yan (as Liu Ling), Mi Re (as Shen Yu), and Zhang Yue (as Xu Shi Jin)
- Our leads dance! They’re doing the 小鸡恰恰舞 challenge. I like Round 4 the best. ZY is so good at dancing!
- The actors are watching their kiss scenes (what an awkward thing to do, lol).
- ZY teases the main CP how long the one in Ep18 took. YBY is like “Just the whole day.” That’s all. LOL. ZY then asks ZYC if he did it on purpose. YBY also explains with her fingers how the director wanted them to fall this way and that way, which explained why it took that long. Poor girl, haha.
- ZY asks YBY if she was truly shy during a particular kiss scene. YBY’s reply is so cute: “I’m still shy.”
- Finally, when it’s the kiss between ZY and MR, our main couple go “OUUUUUUU” just to get back at them.
- So many extra kisses that weren’t in the drama!
- The fall (away) from the big bed always gets me laughing (Ep18). Afterwards, YBY and ZYC were both recalling why the bed felt so far away and before they knew it, they were on the floor xD
- I also like the part where YBY asks the crew how to properly hold the arrow (Ep4) meanwhile ZYC is just busy playing. Boys.
- Livestream with ZYC and YBY:
- One line from ZYC acknowledging that he knows how important this drama is to YBY almost makes her cry. *Sniffles*
[Glossary]
[Ending] Happy!
(I was hoping Shen Yan would tell Liu Ling about their childhood memories together.)
[Review & Rating]
(I was hoping Shen Yan would tell Liu Ling about their childhood memories together.)
[Review & Rating]
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