為有暗香來
Came for the Subtle Fragrance
Alakazam!
Our Hua Qian really does want to be cupid for Hubby-ML and Mu Yao. They would have been together if it wasn't for her green-tea-b*tch-interventions.
Prince ML is amused that Hua Qian is flustered because of him.
Qian Zhi and Nan Feng (the servants) look like a cute 2nd CP! She glares, and he's ready to whimper.
Hubby ML took half a month off to spend it with Hua Qian. Well, she'd rather spend time buttering upa granny Grand Princess (Prince ML's grandmother; hubby ML's godmother).
[Ep6] Hua Qian giggles in her reverie of the boys fighting for Mu Yao except they're more moved by her lovely handmade noodles, which she carefully wobbles in. I also found this touching. This confuses Hua Qian. Where's her drama? Where's her popcorn? Is it because she didn't warm up for Mu Yao? I'm thinking Prince-ML was never interested in Mu Yao, at least not affectionally interested.
Easter egg: Before the wedding, Wu Shuo Mo had confirmed if Mu Yao wanted to be a concubine. Yes. He's disheartened and I am relieved that she really doesn't remember him. Just let them marry their grave.
Came for the Subtle Fragrance
Network: Youku
Year: 2023
Episodes: 30
Recap Grade: B
First Impression: 3/5
First Impression: 3/5
Mini Recaps
[Ep1] Hua Qian is the jealous scheming 2FL. In five minutes, she dies.
She's reborn. In this life, she just wants to be an NPC and collect karma. She still marries the same not-ML-husband, however.
Her soon-to-be harem:
- Hubby-ML (Zhong Ye Lan) has a non-affair with Mu Yao on the night he marries Hua Qian.
- Beggar-ML (Hua Rong Zhou) looks like he's already in love with just a glance at Hua Qian. Are they cousins?
- Prince-ML (Zhong Xi Wu) is dubious of her, and her family's greed.
Also. I don't know why this is so shocking, but everyone is shocked. She! Can! Swim! (And saves herself from drowning.)
P.S. What's up with the incense.
[Ep2] Our new Hua Qian subscribes to a celibate-wife-lifestyle. But actually, it's more like she's protecting her heart from Hubby-ML breaking it again. Aw. However, pushing him away might just be pulling him closer.
Hua Qian empathizes with the homeless because she too was beaten up and mocked, and so she steps up and protects Beggar-ML. I LOVE how she didn't give him money in public because she knows it's useless when it'll just be stolen. Prince-ML might be falling in love with her too. I see it in your slender fingers that's tapping to the beat of love.
The old Hua Qian and her father had sabotaged Mu Yao's family. Oh. We can't just let FL off the hook like this even if she's reborn anew.....
Beggar-ML is no longer a beggar. He's applying for a job, but that isn't the job that Hua Qian offered.
[Ep3] Hua Qian slaps herself in the face so that she doesn't succumb to her avarice. Hubby-ML misunderstands that she was slapped by Mu Yao. Ha! The more Hua Qian defends Mu Yao (because she really didn't slap her), the better Hua Qian looks to her hubby. Ha-ha!
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| Her: Trust me. I slapped myself! |
Meanwhile Father Hua is defending Father Mu, confusing the Prince-ML.
[Ep4] Hua Shen thinks his little sister, Hua Qian, will help him abduct a girl in broad daylight. Surprise: No. She's impartial and orders him to be arrested. Prince-ML – who's always from above – stares down admiringly at Hua Qian.
A rash no-longer-beggar-ML punches (Prince ML's) guards for insulting Hua Qian. It's as if his punch rebounds because that's how fast he's down on the ground and bleeding. He muffles his name when Hua Qian asks, and she hears Zhou Yong instead. (It's Rong Zhou! Rong Zhou!)
Prince ML wants to ride with Hua Qian. Carriage is small, she says.
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| Not. Awkward. |
Qian Zhi and Nan Feng (the servants) look like a cute 2nd CP! She glares, and he's ready to whimper.
Hubby ML took half a month off to spend it with Hua Qian. Well, she'd rather spend time buttering up
[Ep5] Hua Qian would rather be sick than sleep with Hubby ML. (Prince ML finds this all too amusing.) With the exception of her nightly duties, she performs everything else diligently like preparing for Hubby ML's birthday banquet. She also sets up a qin for Mu Yao. Unlike her last life, Hua Qian won't play and humiliate herself, but she'll allow Mu Yao to impress the boys.
Hua Rong Zhou applied to be a servant at Hua Qian's manor.
[Ep6] Hua Qian giggles in her reverie of the boys fighting for Mu Yao except they're more moved by her lovely handmade noodles, which she carefully wobbles in. I also found this touching. This confuses Hua Qian. Where's her drama? Where's her popcorn? Is it because she didn't warm up for Mu Yao? I'm thinking Prince-ML was never interested in Mu Yao, at least not affectionally interested.
Prince ML asks Hua Qian the question: "Are you Hua Qian?" How does he know her so well? Or he's just astute like that? Well, of course she is, but she can't tell him she's reborn and came back from hell, right?
Hua Shen might be spoiled, but he really dotes on his younger sister.
Hello Li Yun Rui! Even if it's just your eyes that I see. Wu Shuo Mo sneaks into Mu Yao's room. She had saved him before, and now he vows that he'll take her with him half a month later. For now, he knocks her unconscious. Hubby-ML instantly finds her the second she faints and not a second earlier. After Mu Yao is safe, he goes to find Hua Qian. His priorities.
[Ep7] Hua Qian trains. She skips. She hops. She gets herself shot. LOL. She was training to protect her Hubby ML for the assassination half a month later. She had it all planned. Except getting shot by an arrow that sure took its time. Here's how it went down: the arrow leaves its bow – Hua Qian runs towards the target, pushes Mu Yao away, shakes her head, and sighs at Mu Yao, spins around to push Hubby ML, and spins around again – at high speed, and pierces Hua Qian's squarely in the chest.
Hua Qian also completely ignored the very existence of Bodyguard-ML (was Beggar ML). Hahaha. It's so funny how she just can't see him.
Hua Qian confesses the truth to Hubby ML. This is why she wanted to save him: to make amends for her sins. He walks away from her! Understandable, though. He learns that his first love is Mu Yao and that Hua Qian manipulated him. He cooperates with Mu Yao to investigate Hua Family.
Hua Qian sees Prince ML in her nightmare. Her nightmare laughs incredulously. He's amused and she's flustered that he's real. And he really is worried about her. The doctor advises her to refrain from overusing the incense for pain relief. The dose makes the poison. It is odd that she keeps smelling the incense everywhere she goes... How is this related to her rebirth?
Prince ML is about to leave, but stops in his tracks. With a wicked smirk, he saunters back. He has a question. Why was she so calm during the assassination? He's accusing her of plotting the ambush. Hua Qian gets up from her bed, wincing from pain. Prince ML is visibly concerned (and did he leave a dent in the chair from his grip?). She defends herself that she nearly died. She wouldn't risk her life. She's almost in tears. She doesn't understand what she did wrong to be suspected like this.
Easter Egg: Prince ML paces back and forth because he was worried about Hua Qian's safety. He almost put her life above his duty.
[Ep8] Hua Qian quits her incense. Even if it's painful, she will tolerate it all. She's holding back tears but she knows she can't afford to be muddled again. But why is it that no matter how hard she tries, she can't change the opinion of others on her? Awwwwww! :(
Hua Qian also quits marriage. She offers a divorce. But Hubby ML makes excuses for her to stay as if he's reluctant about it too. Dude, you're the plague of the show. If you found your first love, move on sir. When he's out of excuses against her better reasoning, he extinguishes the candle, leaving her in pitch darkness. Cheap. Hua Qian has to blindly find her way back. Ha!
Hua Qian finally recalls how the Bodyguard ML saved her, and she gets his name right (the least she can do, lol). However, other than him, every other servant has left her quarters because she is the disesteemed wife. But she's not defeated! Bodyguard ML will help because she is his one and only master. Aw.
Easter egg: Prince ML impatiently finds a chance to ask Hubby ML about his neglected wife. He's shut down.
[Ep9] Nan Feng to the rescue! Under his orders, all the servants who abandoned his Qian Zhi Hua Qian are fired.
Bodyguard gives Hua Qian a present: a jade bangle with a hidden blade. She misunderstands that it's from her brother, but either way Bodyguard is elated that she likes it. (Meanwhile Hua Shen is too stupid to deny that the jade bangle isn't from him. Bodyguard is like "Thanks man.")
Prince calls a truce with Hua Qian. He gives her advice: don't risk her life. Yes Prince. We all risk our lives because we want to. Hua Qian misunderstands that he's threatening her life. Who can blame her? Prince ML is a walking ⚠️ sign. But when she learns that Prince went out of his way to bring her a physician, alarms go off. She briskly escapes from him. He inappropriately calls her by her full name, and catches her wrist. She begs him to leave her alone as she's down on her knees. Rumours won't affect a hair on his head, but she can be headless because of these rumours. He's shaken and leaves her alone. This entire exchange is spotted by the broody whiner Qi Ru Xin. What's her deal? Is she also in love with Hubby ML? WHY.
Hua Qian is slapped by her father for wanting a divorce. But where it hurts the most is her heart. Her parents have enabled her to steal happiness from others. They never reprimanded her. They taught her wrong. She cries to her parents, and asks if they would be satisfied with a peaceful life from now on. But no one understands her. Aw ):
Hubby ML asks Hua Qian about her slapped face. Wickedly, she hugs him right in front of Mu Yao to teach him a lesson: he can't care about both girls. She did that not to keep him, but to chuck him away. She's over with the marriage and just wants him to back off. A man who is indecisive and nice to everyone is cruelest to his dearest. Mu Yao, I feel sorry for you.
[Ep10] In the previous life, Hua Qian was in cahoots with Wu Shuo Mo to break up Hubby ML and Mu Yao, but the alliance shattered when Hua Qian's family tumbled. This lifetime, she wants nothing to do with Wu Shuo Mo, but he's actually initiating the cooperation. Is anyone surprised to learn via the flashback that Hua Qian was the city's most talented girl. I didn't see that in her at all, haha. I guess there is a reason Prince ML fell for her. Prince ML breaks up the brief bout. Unexpectedly, he gets gratuitous advice from Hua Qian that the winner of this love game depends on one's own merit. It's clearer and clearer that Prince was fighting for Mu Yao for Hua Qian.
Hua Qian eliminates the rapacious Hua Man (Hua Slow. Brother Hua Fast?). Infuriated, she launches a teapot at Hua Qian. Prince ML intercepts with his body. The hot water scorches his skin. He makes Hua Qian treat his wound. Why her and not the maid? Because his body is too valuable to be touched by a maid, he says. Yes, and so a married woman is more appropriate.
Is this his 美人计?! LOL [A honey trap. Traditionally used for women seducing men].
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| I like his cleavage. Wang Xing Yue squeezing his all LOL. |
Hua Qian snickers at his wound. The insulation in that teapot must be out of this world or the prince's skin is just this fragile. He speaks her mind, surprising her. And what's the story about him carrying medicine around? Is it related to Hua Qian? He also calls her by name now. But he can't read her mind about her advice (for Mu Yao). Hua Qian explains that she can tell he loves Mu Yao just by his gaze.. It's different from the way he looks at her (Hua Qian). Sweetie, of course. He gets up to look at her, clothes only half off. Flustered, she turns around. She wants to write off her debt of his saviour by exposing Hua Man from earlier. He interprets it rather lovingly. Hua Qian rolls her eyes and briskly walks away. He slams the door with clothes dangling apart.
Prince ML (misinterprets): How many times do I need to tell you I'm not suspicious of you.Hua Qian: It's not that I don't trust –
She turns and a bare chest is staring at her. She turns again, and a still door bonks her head. LOOL. She's so cute.
I think Prince ML is happy that she said she trusts him in the middle of that chaos.
The perceptive ones can tell that Prince ML's clothes have changed (e.g. Wu Shuo Mo and Grand Princess). Obviously, Hubby ML isn't one of them.
Wu Shuo Mo wins the fragrance contest (thanks to the hint from Hua Qian). For his prize, he wants Mu Yao. I wonder how he won in the previous life without Hua Qian's help. Hubby ML mans up and declares that Mu Yao is his woman. Hua Qian nonchalantly sips her tea. Be her guest and let the divorce begin.
Easter egg: Did you all miss Bodyguard? The servants say he's still guarding Hua Qian's door. Hahahaha.
[Ep11] Wu Shuo Mo is rejected left and right. Oh Li Yun Rui xD. Mu Yao doesn't want him. Hua Qian refuses to cooperate with him. She even locks herself in the manor just to avoid him. He doesn't seem to get the memo.
Hua Qian gives her Bodyguard days off. Life is precious. She doesn't want him to waste it on guarding her door 24/7 from invisible danger, especially when there's no one else taking his shifts. It doesn't seem like Bodyguard ML understands the concept of having his own time. Hmmmmmmm. Is he real? And now that he does, he fights. Because that's all he knows?? Apparently he tied with Nan Feng and the girls are gushing about Bodyguard, except Qian Zhi who's a little miffed. Hehe.
Wu Shuo Mo approaches Hua Shen who seems stupid enough to manipulate, but brother has an ultimate weakness trumping his stupidity: he cannot upset his precious meimei. No accessories can appease her and so he must not anger her. Awwwww. He's sweet in a cowardly way.
Bodyguard misunderstands that Nan Feng likes Hua Qian, and beats him up in a battle, revealing his hidden skills. Hua Qian gifts him a sword for winning. It's like a return gift if she knew the bangle wasn't from her stupid brother.
Grand Princess adores Hua Qian and would miss her if she was divorced. Is Hua Qian a doll ma'am? She's relieved that Hua Qian suggests taking Mu Yao as a concubine, which means she's staying. No, Grand Princess. She's making it easier to divorce. She will teach Husband ML a lesson that he can't have both. She had schemed to marry him. And in this life, she's scheming to divorce him. Marriage is so difficult.
Easter egg: Why does Zhong Xi Wu keep medicine on him again?
[Ep12] Hua Qian is so thorough with Mu Yao's wedding preparation it's as if she's marrying Mu Yao. I motion for ditching the man.
Hua Shen's servant (Da Huang, a name for dogs...) is smart to bypass Mu Yao, but no matter how smart he is, he can't fill the vacuum that is Hua Shen's peanut brain. How can something so small be so empty. His concubine committed suicide because of him and he doesn't want to take any responsibility. Hua Qian asks her Bodyguard to detain him back to Hua Family for her parents to punish him. Then she asks Nan Feng to visit the remaining concubines and bring the ones who want a divorce. Hua Qian will give them enough money for the rest of their life. She's actually impressed with the girls' bravery for independence because she has been in their shoes (demoted, inferior) before she was reborn.
At the wedding, Hua Shen is actually such an obedient brother and was even polite to Hua Qian's servant who's basically giving him orders to sit still. But Hua Shen ends up unconscious in Mu Yao's room! Meanwhile she's dishevelled and weeping in a corner.
[Ep13] Husband ML seethes with anger and is determined to kill Hua Shen. Hua Qian (Shield #1) protects her gege from the blade. But the blade still looms. Bodyguard (Shield #2) to the rescue for his beloved master! But he's down faster than he was up. Doesn't he suck too much for someone with secret martial arts?! Prince ML (Shield #3) is the charm. Life For Tip: If you're going to be reborn, reborn royal. He saves his beloved...sister-in-law... This divorce needs to be happening now so I can stop rooting for an affair.
Hua Qian's palm was injured during the havoc. Ceramic pieces have pierced into her flesh. Prince ML treats her, and he isn't gentle like the maid, but if he was, we were never going to get those pieces out. Hua Qian is still gasping at each touch
Hua Qian: Master. Please make me faint and then treat me. LOL.
Hua Qian's heart is also injured. By her mother. She begs Hua Qian to save Hua Shen (who's imprisoned), neglecting that her daughter was also injured. She doesn't care if Hua Shen is guilty or not.
Hua Shan is innocent, though. Mu Yao framed him. But he isn't innocent. The concubine who committed suicide was her maidservant (Ling Long) and a sister to her. Ohhhh. I don't think I can hate Mu Yao. If justice did not prevail then she will punish him.
Hua Qian tugs Husband ML's wrist (WHYYYYY) to ask if the Prince didn't save her, would he have killed her with his sword. Awwww. Why is she still hurt because of him! Regardless of his answer, it pains her that no matter what she does now is wrong. Can a person not change? (Also, is he cooperating with Mu Yao to frame Hua Shen?)
Bodyguard is elated that Nan Feng is interested in Qian Zhi, not Hua Shen. Dude, Nan Feng was the least of your problems.
[Ep14] Hua Qian secludes herself in her quarters. It's almost been a month. She barely eats and drinks. As she's napping, her head slides off the chair, and she's almost attacked by her arm rest had Bodyguard not used his body to guard her head. Hua Qian's like "Is my head that heavy?" Not your head, sweetie.
Husband ML visits Hua Qian. A sniffling Cui Zhu had asked him to, faking Hua Qian's orders. Oh, I think I get Cui Zhu's ambiguity now. If she fixes this marriage, then Bodyguard can give up and go to her. I see. But Hua Qian is aloof, and tells Husband ML to do as he wishes with her brother as long as his heart is at peace. Because he knows Hua Shen is at least innocent of assaulting Mu Yao?
Hua Qian finally steps out of her room to shop. Buy buy buy! Uh. Wait. I mean Save Save Save! Work Work Work! Admirable. She's counting money because she's got lots and money is good.
Prince ML has been keeping tabs on Hua Qian, and excitedly leaves to meet her. But he also has work. Gotta finish first! I like this detail about him too.
Hua Qian: Walk up?Zhong Xi Wu: How else? No private jet?Hua Qian: You walk, I'll excuse myself.No missy. He grabs her wrist to take her up.Hua Qian: How many levels?Zhong Xi Wu: 11.Hua Qian: Which level are we going to?Zhong Xi Wu: 11.
Hua Qian fake coughs. Zhong Xi Wu is amused. He braces both hands to carry her, and suddenly Hua Qian is all better. Let's go! And die by the stairs.
Finally at the top, Hua Qian sinks in the chair. She refuses Zhong Xi Wu to stand at the balcony.
Zhong Xi Wu: Are you not afraid of me at all now? Do I need to pull you here?
Up she goes, and amazed she is. The scenery at the top is breathtaking.
Hua Qian: The higher you are, the less you see.Zhong Xi Wu: What kind of logic is yours? Haven't you heard of "The higher you are, the farther you see"?Hua Qian: That's not always true. What does it matter in seeing far when you can't see what's close?Zhong Xi Wu: Still you must see it for yourself then you will know. If you only listen to what others say then you'll never see this beautiful scenery. If you're afraid of missing what's close, then increase your focus rather than being afraid from seeing again. Aw.
Hua Qian misunderstands that Zhong Xi Wu is caring because of their alliance (for Mu Yao). She's a little disappointed. She leans over the balcony, and now he misunderstands that she wants to jump off. Oh Wang Xing Yue, she's not a Bai Lu in your previous drama, lol. Hua Qian bursts out laughing at his fear-stricken face. She reminds him of his hands that are still holding her waist, but he plays it cool that everyone on this floor is his (including her?). No one will say anything. Oh? She teases him if he's motivating her to have an affair. Fidelity is overrated.
Hua Qian confirms with Zhong Xi Wu if he's still in love with her when she's already married. He stares at Hua Qian. She blushes from his burning gaze. Yes. He loves her.
Zhong Xi Wu offers her wine that can erase thousands of stress. He turns his back for shot glasses, and she's chugging down the bottle. It's hard liquor, girl. Hua Qian's jaw drops. She can't embarrass herself and so she flees, but who was the idiot that took her up a tower! Her head's spinning even more. She climbs on Bodyguard's back. He's got the most determined face heading down the stairs.
Easter egg: An inebriated Hua Qian told the Bodyguard of her rebirth. Will he understand? Will he believe her? She's also remorseful about Ling Long. Aw.
[Ep15] Hua Qian is ready to face her disobedient parents. Oh? Did our lofty prince and his lofty motivations work or was this always part of her plan? Either way, I like this. But man, parents are hard to discipline. Only at their wits end are the parents complacent with Hua Qian's plan to save Hua Shen.
Mother Hua explains to Hua Qian why it's right for her (mother) to favour Hua Shen over her (daughter). It started from the previous generation. Mother Hua's mother only had a daughter (i.e. the mother). She was the big madam but lived like a concubine because she had no son. Mother Hua was inferior to the concubine's son. And so Mother Hua, you choose the son too? Hua Qian finds this contradicting too! It's different, Mother Hua says. With Hua Shen around, her real biological brother, Father Hua will treat her better too. Moreover, Hua Shen will protect her no matter what. Hua Qian understands Mother Hua better. What an angel, 'cause I don't. It sounds like Hua Shen's existence is enough to protect Hua Qian. Doesn't explain the favouritism, ma'am.
Hua Qian withdraws all the money she can. Then she talks about Qian Zhi's marriage....and Bodyguard's pretty face (that she drunkenly slapped). Qian Zhi cries. Bodyguard blushes. Hua Qian sighs. People around her are so emotional. What's wrong with them?
With the money, Hua Qian buys all of Mu Yao's servants. Money is a good thing! She's not threatening Mu Yao with the contracts. This is a warning. *Claps* Hua Shen does deserve punishment, but Hua Qian will not let him bear responsibility for a crime he did not commit. Mu Yao can continue investigating Ling Long's death, Hua Qian promises she won't intervene. She's so cool!
Hua Qian also wrote a divorce letter. She no longer wants anything to do with Mu Yao or Zhong Ye Lan. Except Hubby ML rips the letter?! He plans to reopen Mu Family's case and once Hua Family is indicted, Hua Qian is safest married to him. Oh?!?!?! Dude. I did not want to like you. I still don't. But I'm impressed by you and feel bad for you?! He feels like her monkey. When she saved him from the arrow, that was just for him to forgive her for her lies. When she wants to divorce, she just shoves him a concubine. He's hurt because he loves her! Omg. Despite being toyed, he's keeping her safe.
Easter egg: At the tower, Zhong Xi Wu (Prince) drinks the remaining liquor. He waited to leave until Hua Qian was clear from the vicinity. Thorough and thoughtful. And then he wants to hire a seamstress...? Because he felt her clothes from that waist-grab and he didn't like the material? After all, he's going to be touching her more. Am I right?
[Ep16] Mu Yao's maid carps that Hua Shen's crimes are absolved. Mu Yao says it isn't all for naught. At least she knows who's loyal to her (= not the maid).
Hua Shen is released and is fine. Not fine. Who dressed him.
- She doesn't look rich. There's a face for that? Tell me about it.
- She just moved to Huiyang County for a month or two. Lives alone. Recently widowed. Pregnant.
- She has a foster mother. She may not appear in public though.
- At the end of all that description, we're looking for the mother.
Zhong Xi Wu generously offers to write Hua Qian the divorce letter without being asked. Impatient man in love. He also has a seamstress measuring her. New clothes to celebrate that she's marriageable again? All this while he's still talking about the divorce. Is this an appropriate conversation for so many ears?! Hua Qian is distressed. Why is he so obsessed with Mu Yao. This is her husband's backcourt. And Prince already has so many maids. It seems all that Zhong Xi Wu processed was this, "You think I have too many maids?" His ears only hear what he wants, lol.
Upsettingly, Hua Qian tells Zhong Xi Wu why it's impossible between them. His family is too noble and too powerful for him to marry a divorced woman. To be married to him is to be imprisoned in his back court. She has studied aroma since she was a child. She will not settle being a house-housewife. This is hurting Zhong Xi Wu because to him, Hua Qian is talking about herself rather than Mu Yao.
Hua Qian has an ultimatum for her father: confess his crimes before he's indicted by Husband ML. If he doesn't, then Hua Qian will turn in the evidence herself. This is why she didn't burn the statements. She is kinda ruthless. Wow.
Long time no see Wu Shuo Mo! He's still sneaking up on Mu Yao at night. Now he tells her about the parrot being his and that he was supposed to princess-carry her instead. What is your point? What is the point?
Qi Ru Xin is such a sour prune because the man she loves (Jin Lin) does not love her enough to elope with her and so anyone who is happily in love is offensive.
Easter egg: Bodyguard is not welcomed in Huiyang County by ... his relatives?
[Ep17] Neither girl wants to sit next to Husband ML at the banquet. Cooties! xD. Hua Qian is with her parents. In particular, she wants an answer from her father, but he's unresponsive. And that's his answer. He's not confessing his crimes.
Zhong Xi Wu is efficient. The divorce letter is ready and stamped with his eager approval. He's overly eager though in talking with Hua Qian that Bodyguard slips in between them, disregarding his prince status. Hua Qian excuses Hua Rong Zhou, and they leave. However, Zhong Xi Wu finds Bodyguard familiar.
Ambush! We just cannot have a gathering of everyone. That's seeking death.
There's two camps of assassins. One wants to kill Hua Qian. Hm? Hua Shen bravely pushes his sister away and takes the sword for his sister. Hello Bodyguard. Why do we hire you? The sword pierces through his chest, looking very lethal. He says meimei blocked a sword for her. It's gege's turn. Awwwwww :(
The other camp kidnaps Hua Qian. Bodyguard.... You logged in yet?
Hua Qian wakes up. She's tied to a tree, dangling in the air. If the rope snaps, she's a goner. Mu Yao wakes up too, and calmly assesses her surroundings. Hua Qian is like, "Girl! Can you act better give a regular human reaction?"
Husband ML is to choose between Mu Yao and Hua Qian. He struggles. And the only one hurt is Mu Yao. Hua Qian laughs mirthlessly. She said she didn't want to be involved, and she means it. Seeing through Mu Yao's plan, Hua Qian tells Mu Yao she owes her, and then cuts the rope with the jade bangle. But she can't see that Husband ML is wavering between them? Lol. She really is blind to love. She falls!
But.
She! Can! Swim!
Hua Rong Zhou: Big Madam, you're used to disregarding me. I'm used to it. Looool.
Hua Qian doesn't believe him when he says he asked his name four times. She smells blood from him, but he dismisses it, and continues to piggyback her. He asks what is he to call her after her divorce and that he wants her to stop pushing him to Cui Zhu because he has someone important to him. Gossipy Hua Qian goes through all the maids in her quarters, but it's none of them. She jokes that it can't be her. He's silent. She makes him reply her, and he says "Mm". But here's her bad habit again, disregarding him. That was his confession and she playfully rejects him that she doesn't like someone younger than her. Girl is blind and deaf. Can't see Husband ML's love. Can't hear Hua Rong Zhou confess.
Hua Qian wakes up in Hua Manor. She asks about her brother.
DEAD. I guess this is show's justice for the maid... Not my type of justice to have someone die from an unrelated reason.
Hua Qian reaches out to her brother in the coffin.
Mother Hua: Take. Your. Hands. Away. :OOOOO
[Ep18] Father Hua reaches his hand out to Hua Qian. She closes her eyes, bracing for the slap across her face, but Father Hua's hands are gentle on her shoulders.
Father Hua: My daughter. T_____T This is not your fault. I wasn't expecting this. At all. It's the men in this family who's making me cry. Unbelievable.
Father Hua excuses the mother's behaviour. She's just in too much pain. He's been thinking that maybe he should be grateful instead that he didn't have to clean up this mess of a son this time. At the very end, he did something unthinkable, surprising everyone. Father Hua is proud. He had ruthlessly fought for wealth and power for his children, but he should have realized sooner that his son wasn't someone who could handle the power he hoarded. Only has a daughter left. From now on, Father Hua will listen to her. If she wants to leave this city, so be it.
Bodyguard ignores Cui Zhu when she asks if he's injured. She sniffles that she didn't do it on purpose. Do what?
Hua Qian mourns. How come she survived an arrow, and her brother couldn't? Because this is your dream. You can't die, lol.
Hua Qian: I don't have a gege anymore.
Hua Rong Zhou and Qian Zhi hold onto Hua Qian, promising to be always at her side. Will they? :( Is Qian Zhi even alive if this is all HQ's dream?!
Husband ML visits a lethargic Hua Qian and presses her to attend her brother's funeral. What would others say about her? Hua Qian fumes. Did her servants die? Why did no one stop him from entering her room? She barges out of her room, but he tells her to at least comb her hair and dress appropriately. I like that he's gentle, but he's also caring about what others think more than what she thinks.
Hua Qian is lethargic, but she isn't delusional like her husband. He still thinks he can bring her back "home" after she chose to drown over him. She tells him about the divorce letter with Zhong Xi Wu's stamp. They're divorced. Celebrate the deadweight Hua Qian lost on this glorious day! She also lost her brother, that's a lot of weight too. Oops. Prettier and lighter!
Towards the deadweight Husband ML, Bodyguard has no ounce of respect. He steps between the divorcees. To get beaten up. I won't say anything. Bodyguard protects Hua Qian Hua Qian protects her Bodyguard and tells Husband (oh no, not husband) ML to scram. Hua Qian has last words to him and his new wife.
To Ex: "Since you made a decision, don't waver."To Mu Yao: "This time she owes me two lives." Is HQ counting her own life? Isn't that cheating? Lol. And how much of Hua Shen's death can be blamed on Mu Yao and Wu Shuo Mo?
At night, Hua Qian visits her brother. Receiving this news, Zhong Xi Wu excitedly leaves his quarters. But then sprees back to his desk, and then sprees back to the door. He can't forget the divorce letter. Cute. He keeps the letter close to him at all times eh.
Hua Qian didn't attend the funeral with the others because she wants to be alone with her brother. She promised that after the banquet, she'd visit him. This time she kept her words. Hua Shen won't be mad at her, right? Never for his meimei. *Sniffles*
Zhong Xi Wu patiently waits for Hua Qian. It's just been an hour. Not long. It is short compared to how long he's waited. He knew the moment she left her house, she would be here. She would never abandon Hua Shen no matter what mess he caused. Others would think she's heartless, but he knows she would definitely visit him. He knows her so well!
Zhong Xi Wu personally delivers the divorce letter. He didn't have to. But he did.
Zhong Xi Wu: [Because] I want to see you.
She briskly walks away. He doesn't persist, and just silently walks her back, lightering her way. She asks about the assassination. She thinks they're from different camps, alarming him. He's more impressed than he is suspicious, but she's thinking the worst of him again. He doesn't want her to misunderstand, and here's his bad habit kicking in again as he grabs her wrist to make her stay. She reminds him of their identities. What does he treat her for?
Zhong Xi Wu: Don't you know already? Why are you using rules to repress me?Hua Qian: Master, when have you changed your target?Zhong Xi Wu: Never. It was always you.
From the start, there was only Hua Qian in his heart.
Zhong Xi Wu knew that the other day Hua Qian used Mu Yao as an excuse to reject him. Oh really?! He also knows it's the inappropriate place and time, but he can't contain his feelings. Now that she's single, he wants to ask if her heart holds just a little love for him. If she does, he can leave everything to him. He promises that he will let her stand righteously beside him. Dude is really excited. We're doing it at a grave.
Hua Qian steps back. That's her answer. It's the grave. She's reminded she barely survived escaping one marriage, is she going to jump into another grave at a grave?
Zhong Xi Wu steps forward! This is his answer!! He extends a hand to her.
Zhong Xi Wu: Ah Qian. If you are willing, I am here.
Hua Qian wonders to herself, "This hand, can I hold it?"
Easter egg: Zhong Xi Wu stares at the medicine, and then writes the divorce letter. Let us all ignore the potential abuse of power that he can write her divorce letter and then marry her for himself. Dang, this is problematic. He uses two hands to press the stamp. The letter is so precious, he won't even let Meng Yi Fei touch it.
[Ep19] Just as Hua Qian reaches her heart and her hand out to Zhong Xi Wu, Cui Zhu flaps her way in and squawks for Hua Qian to see Bodyguard who is gravely injured. Hua Qian leaves and will pretend that she didn't hear the confession. Maybe if she moved her left hand, instead of her right, she'd have held his hand successfully. What was she planning to do with her right hand anyway? A handshake?
Zhong Xi Wu laughs at himself. Why is he so inpatient? He waited so long already. There's no rush.
Our gravely injured Bodyguard is fine, doctor says. He just reopened a wound. But he's okay. However, Cui Zhu isn't letting Hua Qian off the hook. Bodyguard injured himself because he jumped down the cliff with Hua Qian. Meanwhile Ex ML stayed firmly rooted at the top, lol. Only his mouth is worried. Bodyguard reopened the wound during the altercation with Ex ML. She had no idea. Hua Qian finally accepts that she's slow as sloth. At least it's not too late!
As a Zhong Xi Wu fan, I have to point out that Hua Qian didn't even address Qian Zhi's concern that Bodyguard is "man". And the one she thought of before sleeping was Zhong Wi Xu. A-he-hem.
Bodyguard kneels at Hua Qian's courtyard the next day to repent for the night. This guy is so dramatic. And Qian Zhi is just watching? Lack of sleep from last night, right? Unnecessary. Hua Qian asks him to recount that day at the cliff. He was injured by a masked man = Wu Shuo Mo. Wu Shuo Mo was waiting there in case it was Mu Yao who fell, eh? What did these two girls see in Husband/Ex ML to be neglecting all the better guys.
Speaking of Wu Shuo Mo:
Mu Yao silently eats with Ex ML, regretting that she didn't drown and is here suffocating herself. He is fully aware that she schemed the kidnap. He asks how she is different from the past Hua Qian.
Oh sweet Father Hua cherishes Hua Qian now! What does she want? Daddy will give her! She wants men guards. And here they are! She orders them to tail Mu Yao.
Grand Princess and Hua Qian engage in doublespeak. Essentially, Grand Princess dotes her too, but if rumours that the brothers are fighting over a woman, she cannot protect her. Hua Qian assures her that she will leave the city.
Easter egg: Bodyguard sees a mother and son flying a kite. The mother (his mother?) tells him that if he likes it, he needs to grasp it tightly. And that was the dream he had that night. He gripped with his life the person he loved: Hua Qian. Awwwwww.
[Ep20] Qi Ru Xin is a nutcase, but Meng Yi Fei is the suspicious one. She's not at all alarmed when Hua Qian reveals she's the target.
Zhong Xi Wu will never miss a chance to see Hua Qian at his manor. Ever. She's a little snappy though after meeting High BP Grand P(rincess), High Cholesterol Cuckoo Qi, and High Blood Sugar Sus Meng. Zhong Xi Wu, how do you survive in your own house? Hua Qian muses that no wonder Meng Yi Fei is his top wife candidate. She's so graceful. Zhong Xi Wu hears jealousy. Am I based? Because I hear it too, loool. He says he wanted to see her. Hua Qian scoffs that she spent 2 whole hours with Grand Princess, but here he is when she spent 2 minutes with Meng Yi Fei. More importantly, she tells Zhong Xi Wu he's thinking too simply. Their matters can't be overcome with just love. I hear love too. Zhong Xi Wu is unrelenting in his gentle lavish pursuit. He gives her his Tower!!. She can visit it any time. Hua Qian refuses. It's too high. It's too much work. I'm too naive. He only gave her the right to use his Tower, not the property itself.
Hua Qian, equipped with future knowledge, captures Wu Shuo Mo. His maidservant escapes and pleads with Mu Yao for help. Mu Yao knew she was loyal to Wu Shuo Mo in Ep16. Mu Yao also knows Hua Qian released the maid to seek for her. Mu Yao complies and visits her. Hua Qian mirthlessly jokes, "How does it feel flipping over the wall?"
Ex ML knows his ex/wives are flipping over walls for each other and not for him. Reflect, sir. Nan Feng is excessively worried. It seems even Ex ML knows about Nan Feng's cute crush on Qian Zhi and gives him an excuse to visit her. Aw....?
Mu Yao explains her intent to Hua Qian. She just wanted Ex ML to make a choice. If it wasn't her, she'd cut her feelings like she'd cut the rope. Hua Qian scoffs that they're more like lotus roots, they'll never be cut because their fibres remain attached. Bite into a lotus root, and you'll know. But this game of love for Mu Yao cost her her brother's life.
Easter egg: Under Ex ML's orders, Nan Feng stealthily led Hua Qian's guards to Wu Shuo Mo! Oh, wow. I am impressed with the depth of these MLs.
[Ep21] Mu Yao owes Hua Qian, and for this debt, Hua Qian demands her to investigate the assassins who killed her brother. I like her bossiness. Hua Qian is giving Ming Lan vibes. Both girls are slow with romance too, lol. Elsewhere, Zhong Xi Wu discovers the truth. His face is contorted with anger, but he has nowhere to vent. The enemy is powerful, and he can't use his evidence because it will reveal his pervasive spying network.
Mu Yao gets to work that night = orders the maidservant to work. Why do we need Mu Yao again?
Mu Yao is aware that Ex ML was spying on her. He wasn't ever going to reveal his presence nor speak the truth until she initiates. Why do we give him a mouth? But he wants her to know that if she needs help, he will always be there. And how would I know this if you don't speak? Mu Yao cries. But she committed a crime. Ex ML will give her a second chance. After the marriage with Hua Qian, it seems Zhong Ye Lan really learned his lesson: giving second chances, learning to forgive, cherishing what's close. In this rebirth, Hua Qian changed everyone's view of her. She should be so proud of herself! Also, I may make fun of Ex ML, but I'm finally willing to see his charm and why the girls fell for him. The other guys (minus Bodyguard) do look a little cunning and suspicious, lol. ZYL is technically the strait-laced, righteous, family looking kind of guy.
Nan Feng brings Qian Zhi the (discarded) belongings Hua Qian left behind. One, By. One. A qin on day one; chess pieces on day two; chess board on day three. There's still ink (and most likely ink brushes too). Miffed, Qian Zhi advises him that it's impossible between him and Hua Qian. Who what where. Her and Hua Qian, two peas in a pod. Nan Feng is a stuttering mess, but thankfully he saves himself and clumsily confesses the one he likes is her.
Hua Qian (the other pea) finally hears of the cute love story and demands Nan Feng to choose between his master and Qian Zhi. Nan Feng can't betray either. Plus his only master will not make him sacrifice his family. Qian Zhi is also the love of his life. He can't choose. Hua Qian and I approve(s) because Nan Feng is a loyal and honest man. Nan Feng brother-in-law! Next, Hua Qian shops for Qian Zhi's dowry. She plans to give her the store. Not my tax bracket.
Hua Qian gives money to the child who tried to pickpocket her. Bodyguard, who isn't so docile anymore, calls her a fool for pitying the child. She's a forgetful fool too. This spot is the place where they first met. I'm a little surprised/confused at his flashback when the carriage passed by. Did he always remember the first time he saw her or he just remembered after that carriage prompt? Hua Qian is like "Ahhhh!" She doesn't remember. With harsh eyes, he's like "You don't need to fake it if you don't remember." He tells her all the details of how it took half a year for him to stand in front of her and to have her remember his name.
Easter egg: Da Huang's real name is Huang Ao Tian. Hua Shen changed it because his name will steal his thunder. Hua Qian laughs at her brother's childishness. I dunno. I think that's kinda insulting.
[Ep22] Zhong Xi Wu is jealous of Hua Qian's Bodyguard. Is he only her bodyguard? Hua Qian avoids answering him because she has a more important question. Does he like lychee nectar? It's very important because he's actually allergic, which means Meng Yi Fei was insinuating Hua Qian to kill Zhong Xi Wu.
Zhong Xi Wu can tell Hua Qian anything. Anything but her brother's murderer. However, he assures her that he won't let the murderer escape. He'll be in the front. She just has to stay in the back. That's not a Hua Qian thing to do.
Zhong Xi Wu will also do everything to protect Hua Qian whether or not she likes it. He had investigated her Bodyguard, and in the cruelest way ensured that she knew Hua Rong Zhou is dangerous. (Zhong Xi Wu may not have been the one to stage the arrest, but he did order the investigation....). Bodyguard had meekly held onto Hua Qian's sleeve, but she hadn't felt it at all as she's pulled away by Zhong Xi Wu. The truth about Hua Rong Zhou:
- He isn't a Hua. He's Qi Rong Zhou.
- He killed Master Li, his owner
- He's the suspect in Wei Xian (his shifu's) death because the last person she saw was him.
Back in her room, Hua Qian reads a letter and releases Wu Shuo Mo. Father Hua sends him off, telling him to keep his mouth shut. He says Hua Qian is too gentle and soft to deal with him (Wu). Wu Shou Mo is like WTF. We talking about the same person here? LOL. But OMG DAD. What did you do!! I trusted you. Don't tell me you were part of that assassination!!
Wu Shuo Mo visits Hua Qian. He's pretty silly to be threatening Hua Qian if she hurts Mu Yao, but otherwise he's sincere in owning up to his mistake. He gave others the chance to kill her brother and will wait for a time Hua Qian needs a favour back from him. Then he visits Mu Yao. He says he doesn't like her after hugging her. (He likes her. Why.) He tells her she doesn't owe him and to not think about him. Pretty sure she wasn't going to, lol.
Cui Zhu begs Hua Qian to save Bodyguard. She confesses her sins: 1) Hua Shen was accused of sexual assault because she tipped off the maid and 2) Bodyguard couldn't save Hua Qian from being kidnapped because she held onto his legs. Ohhhhhhh. Hua Qian picks up the bangle (from Bodyguard) and takes Cui Zhu to visit Hua Rong Zhou. She learns the real truth about him:
- His real last name is Qi, but he doesn't use it. After his mother died, his father remarried with the money his mother wouldn't use to treat her own illness. Then he was sold to a rich family (Master Li) as a servant. When he was abandoned by his father, he dropped his family name. He only chose one after meeting Hua Qian.
Easter egg: Zhong Xi Wu ignores the lackey who staged the arrest of Bodyguard. Then he orders to withhold his interrogations (but Bodyguard was still beaten up??), and wait for three days (for Hua Qian to make her decision?)
[Ep23] The murder charges on Bodyguard were more self defence than first degree murder. Bodyguard was abused by Master Li, an abuser athrill in torturing children/servants. He ran away, and set fire to the house to make sure they couldn't chase him. Then he was adopted by Wei Xian, his second abuser. The night he visited her to make the bangle for Hua Qian, Wei Xian died from her own traps backfiring on her.
For the first time ever, Hua Qian takes the initiative to visit Zhong Xi Wu. He's giddy, but she's only here for her Bodyguard. She wants to locate the couple. Zhong Xi Wu's heart clutches. Will there be a day she could visit him...just for him? She too wants to know if there will be a day when he could tell her before he acts. Why must he choose such a cruel method?
 |
| If I didn't know better, the two of them holding onto furniture, I thought an earthquake happened. |
Ex ML finds the couple for Hua Qian! However, he warns her to stay away to protect herself, but Hua Qian refuses to be blind to injustice. It's the first time he knew she had a sharp tongue too. She keeps their exchange curt but courteous. He respects that and bids her farewell with a "See you again". They smile.
It was actually Mu Yao who found the couple. She's nervous to see Hua Qian, thinking that her intel was unworthy. Ex ML assures her that if Hua Qian wasn't satisfied, she wouldn't have released Wu Shuo Mo. Excited, Mu Yao asks if his horse can still run. She's eager to see Hua Qian. There has never been a man so happy his ex/girlfriends will be meeting.
With a menacing aura, our Hua Qian elicits the truth from the couple. The couple knew the kind of person Master Li was. They weren't planning to charge Bodyguard, but they were threatened. They're so scared that they can't even return home in order to keep the rest of their family safe. Zhong Xi Wu. Why so cruel.
Mu Yao meets with Hua Qian. She says she will earn Ex ML's heart and doesn't need Hua Qian to give him to her. Hua Qian sighs (these lovebrains). Ex ML wasn't hers to give. He chose Mu Yao again and again (on the night of the wedding, the day they visited her parents, and even on the cliff (the step towards her)).
Bodyguard beams at Hua Qian for everything she did for him until he hears about Cui Zhu. That smile disappeared faster than all the times he was beaten down. Hua Qian says Cui Zhu is marrying. Her other maids will marry too. It seems by the time she leaves the city, the only person next to her will be him. Will he still stay with her when she's no longer rich? Of course. As long as he's alive, whichever road, Hua Rong Zhou will follow.
Easter egg: Cui Zhu begs Hua Qian to let her stay at her side. Apathetically, Hua Qian lets her do whatever she wants. She just doesn't want to see her face. Cui Zhu follows despondently. Hua Qian concludes to herself that this is the effect of love and emotion. It makes people sin. I don't think that's the right take home message!!
[Ep24] Hua Qian visits Zhong Xi Wu, but he's shutting her out. Gasp! She doesn't leave and waits outside. Angered, Zhong Xi Wu bursts through the door, and thrusts her inside. Servant: Gasp! Doors are slammed. Bam! Zhong Xi Wu bidongs Hua Qian. She knew that he couldn't bear to let her be humiliated.
Hua Qian: Why is it that I'm here, you're still angry at me.Zhong Xi Wu: Then do you dare say you're here for me.
She's here for her Bodyguard. In exchange for his freedom, she will give up her brother's justice. Wow. She can't seek justice anyway, not with Zhong Xi Wu protecting Meng Yi Fei. She knows Meng Family is vital to our Master's CEO's Perfume Business, and nothing is more important than perfume in this world.
霸道總裁 (Overbearing CEO) overtakes our Master: Zhong Xi Wu won't let Hua Qian elope with Bodyguard. He threatens her with the letters, the letters Hua Qian burned! Yin Xin was his spy!
Hua Qian bitterly taunts him to just kill her now.
Zhong Xi Wu: You know my heart/feelings. Why say those words to pierce me?Hua Qian: Zhong Xi Wu, I never knew your heart. This is not the scene I want to hear her say his name for the first time. And dude. You lock her out, then she's forced to stand outside, and you're angry that she's hurting you. You threaten her until she says "kill me", and you're angry again that she's hurting you. I love you Zhong Xi Wu, but tell me how do I defend you.
Zhong Xi Wu will release Bodyguard, but as for her father's crimes, he wants Hua Qian to take the evidence and confess one month later in front of everyone.
She leaves him.
She also throws a pouch away. Inside was the medicine he gave her! It's so stinky, even a beggar doesn't want it. O_O This is shocking. When did she love him back? When did she realize she loved him back?! Since when has she been carrying/touching that pouch?!?
The one thing she picks up: her Bodyguard, the bodyguard that needs more saving than any bodyguard I've seen.
But she throws him away too! However, he sees through her pretence, and convinces her to let him stay.
Hua Rong Zhou: 姑娘 (guniang; my lady) said that after leaving the only city only I will remain. Please don't find a reason to leave me behind. I don't want to see you lonely. I, from the beginning to end, only have you 姑娘.
Hua Qian hasn't given up on throwing him away (for his sake) though. She'll find another way.
Yin Xin is thrown away too. We know because Qian Zhi had asked.
Hua Qian: Kicked out just like Cui Zhu. T_T. Boys were crying over Hua Qian this episode, but I wasn't teary until now. Hua Qian is so lonely eating all alone.
Hua Qian visits her brother's grave. She knows exactly who killed him, but she has to act like she doesn't.
Easter egg: In the carriage, Hua Qian stares at Bodyguard. Something's different about his face. Because he looks like a man to her now? (Nooooo, my CEO!).
[Ep25] Zhong Xi Wu wants Ex ML to retake power from Meng Family. Zhong Xi Wu knows he had diminished his powers to put Grand Princess at ease. He also knows that if Ex ML wants to be CEO, he could have taken it years ago. Ex ML is slightly astonished, though. Zhong Xi Wu, who has so much pride and bent to no one, is actually praising him, and so of course Zhong Ye Lan will help. Easy guy.
Bodyguard says he can smell the aroma Hua Qian always asks about. He's the only other person who smells it. He says it's from her and that he smelled it ever since meeting her. However, Qian Zhi says Hua Qian doesn't have any perfume. There shouldn't be any scent.
Meng Yi Fei drops the act. She wants to kill her because Hua Qian is the sinner. She's only protecting Zhong Family's backcourt, she says. Hua Qian exposes her sordid low-self esteem: Meng Yi Fei is the jealous 2FL (Hua Qian in Ep1? xD). As long as Hua Qian wants to be the Big Madam, she can. "I can turn your nightmare into reality." Right now, Meng Yi Fei is only having what Hua Qian doesn't want. Hua Qian pushes her to the ground. Meng Yi Fei struggles to retaliate. Kudos to this lady's acting. It must be hard to pretend to struggle when her hands are absolutely free to swing at her. When she retaliates, she rebounds and permanently scars her face.
Zhong Xi Wu receives the report of the fight. Hua Qian phlegmatically stares at Zhong Xi Wu as. if challenging him. Her eyes read: "Yeah I hit her. So whatchu gonna do." Hohohoho.
Confession time! Hua Qian shoulders all the crime for her father! (This is why she asked her father for the details.) Grand Princess orders the arrest. But the guards back down from Zhong Xi Wu's glower. (His intent of having Hua Qian confess was so she could be pardoned.)
Father Hua (good father that I jumped to discriminate against because initial impressions are hard to change! I suddenly get Ex ML, LOL) takes back the responsibility for his own crimes. The two heartbreakingly argue to save each other. Zhong Xi Wu has guards detain Father Hua.
Easter egg: Bodyguard is happy-go-lucky in his search for a new home with Hua Qian. He buys the perfect one that she would love and plans to make a swing for her, which should be more comfortable than her emo chair.
[Ep26] Zhong Xi Wu kneels down with Hua Qian, pleading with her to not plead for her father. Whispers wash over the room. Everyone adjourns.
Hua Qian: Are you crazy? In front of everyone, how could you ~Zhong Xi Wu: I am crazy. You made me crazy.
He paved every step and turn for her to become his wife. "Why can't you just take the step?" But did he ask for her permission? Does he know she just wants to live freely and simply? Marrying him is being imprisoned in his backcourt. He would never protect her over his family. And now he returns her the same question: "Did you ask me, though?" She doesn't need to. His position is his answer. Love will fade with time.
Zhong Xi Wu calls her a coward, afraid of trouble, afraid of fatigue. She's afraid of everything, but him. His position in her heart is so low, he's the one she abandons. Hua Qian counters, "Master, this is your choice. You chose to protect Meng Yi Fei." Zhong Xi Wu had told her many times too that he will solve this, but she never believed him. He leaves with her with his final words: "Hua Qian, I also said I will not let you leave like this." (Believe it).
Zhong Xi Wu tells Hua Qian that he's doing this for her own good. She mirthlessly smiles. She hopes that one day he will understand the true meaning of his words.
Zhong Xi Wu's plan to remove Meng Family is in action.
Bodyguard is detained too! By Wu Shuo Mo. They're both beaten up, lol. Hua Qian used the favour he owed her and sent Bodyguard to his hometown.
Easter egg: Hua Qian turns a deaf ear towards Yin Xin. It's cruel to Yin Xin because she does cherish Hua Qian. But her betrayal was crueler to Hua Qian.
[Ep27] Qi Ru Xin butts into Zhong Xi Wu's room, telling him they have the same fate: can't have who they love. And turning crazy for love. But it seems Qi Ru Xin will change that fate: she takes the blame for Meng Yi Fei's face and is ejected from Zhong Family.
Hua Qian: Let me go or let me die.
Zhong Xi Wu is dying in pain with her. He's never a choice for her, but she's his only choice. Hua Qian pointedly asks, "Then can you give up your position?" He cannot. But can't a man have power and love? No, it seems not. He uses the Bodyguard to threaten her to obey!!!. Hua Qian points the bangle-knife at her neck to protect Bodyguard. Zhong Xi Wu grips the knife with his bare hands. Blood streams down his hand. His heart is leaking too. She can jump off a cliff for Ex ML, shoulder the crime for her father, and risk her life for Bodyguard.
Zhong Xi Wu: You're not afraid of death. You just don't love me. You only don't love me. Zhong Xi Xu had asked her not to risk her life before, and now she's doing it in front of him.
He tells her, "Today is my birthday."
Zhong Xi Wu: This birthday, it seems I'm not fortunate enough to taste your birthday noodles.
He assures her he never thought of hurting the person she cares about. He meant her Bodyguard. But she cares about you too, Zhong Xi Wu. If only you weren't such a dick. He doesn't call a physician for his injuries, and treats himself with the medicine he carries. Another stab at my heart for the reminder that Hua Qian loves him back.
Grand Princess's maid sees a SPOT of blood on the butler, and immediately she knows Zhong Xi Wu is injured. That's the final stroke for the Grand Princess. (Hua Qian ran to the door, thinking it was ZXW!). Poisonous wine is served. Grand Princess throws away her buddhist pearls. No more wisdom, no more compassion.
It's too late. Hua Qian is burned to death. Zhong Xi Wu grips is fist so tight, he reopens his wound, but he can't feel that pain when his heart is shattering from within. Zhong Xi Wu touches the corpse, but doesn't unveil the cloth to confirm. Yin Xin runs next to Hua Qian to cry. When the hand falls out, Yin Xin puts it back in. Hmmmmmmmm. Did Hua Qian not die and do these two already know? Also, I don't know if Chen Yuan being away matters.
Zhong Xi Wu cries to his mother that he only ever wanted one person.
Grand Princess: I'm doing this for your own good.
Now he fully understands the meaning of this. It's bullsh*t.
Bodyguard is unconscious. But he's got Wu Shuo Mo next to him, feeding him medicine! Mouth-to-mouth! Not. I can't be the only one who thought of a potential mouth-to-mouth, hahaha. He forces open his mouth and pours it down, which is actually more effective if he doesn't choke to death.
Wu Shuo Mo: Pity, pity that he's not mine.
But then when Wu Shuo learns that Hua Qian died, he ditches him when he's unconscious. What a short-lived bromance. Wu Shuo Mo sighs that he would have rescued Hua Qian if she saved the favour for herself.
An update on everyone else: Qian Zhi cries, but she has Nan Feng. Father Hua and Mother Hua are reunited. But they lost another child, their last child. T__________T.
And no I don't need a scene of Ex ML with new wife.
Bodyguard slays his way to Zhong Xi Wu, but he's protected by his guards. Zhong Xi Wu will permit Bodyguard to assassinate him on the 5th of every month. If he beats his guards (his poor people being abused like this), he will tell the Bodyguard details about Hua Qian. So she is alive, and Zhong Xi Wu did know.
Qi Ru Xin is reunited with the love of her life (Zhang Ming En cameo). I don't care to write this, but she represents a message: Her and Zhong Xi Wu have the same fate. Maybe Zhong Xi Wu can be reunited with Hua Qian too? Qi Ru Xin couldn't stand the sight of Hua Qian until she (Qi) realized that there's someone waiting for her too. Selfish lady through and through, lol.
Hua Qian wakes up! Or she's still in her dream.
Easter egg: Eunuch finds out from Yin Xin that Hua Qian kept the same medicine on her just like Zhong Xi Wu. The Eunuch cries. He orders her never to tell Zhong Xi Wu.
Eunuch: It's less painful forgetting unrequited love than mutual love, right? Wahhh! I'm also hurting for the Eunuch for his Master.
[Ep28] Hua Qian remembers the night Grand Princess "killed" her. She had said Zhong Xi Wu cannot just live for one person; his mission is far greater and wider; he must stand tall for the world; he cannot have weaknesses. Y'all, perfume biz is serious. Hua Qian softly smiles at the thought of the stubborn lady. Grand Princess even gave her money and a house.
We have a new member to Hua Qian's harem: Xu Ming (Yang Xu Wen). He's rejected. Bai Luo (Peng Xiao Ran) laughs at him. Hua Qian also has a new neighbour: Yun Niang (Sun Yi). This is Yu Zheng flexing his connections.
An untroubled selfish Zhong Xi Wu smiles at the letters about Hua Qian, while his guards and Bodyguard are breaking bones and flaying flesh. Our CEO has been egocentric like this for two years!! Meanwhile Bodyguard has been visiting the doctor every month for all his injuries. Even the doctor is fond of his undying body now.
Qian Zhi, like Bodyguard, shares the same belief: Hua Qian is alive. These two years, she has been guarding the store, waiting for Hua Qian to return. (She didn't marry yet.)
Qian Zhi (to Nan Feng): You can't bully me. If you bully me, someone will slay a path to return just to protect me. Aw.
Meng Yi Fei is the new nutcase. Ejected!
Easter egg. The dress for the lady of the house is ready. T_T It's Hua Qian's white robe.
Zhong Xi Wu: If she wears it, she would definitely be beautiful.
It will be burned. Because he can't marry Hua Qian, his one and only wife. He heads to the Starry Tower, and drinks the spirit (he had with Hua Qian) to lift his spirit.
[Ep29] Xu Ming and Bai Luo are the bickering pointless??? couple.
For 26 months, Bodyguard never gave up his search for Hua Qian and now he has finally defeated Zhong Xi Wu's guards, but the answer he gets is that she died. If she's alive, Zhong Xi Wu would forcefully keep her at his side. But he has learned to let his love go. Bodyguard wants to kill him but stops himself because he knows Hua Qian wouldn't be happy if Zhong Xi Wu died. But Zhong Xi Wu is defeated, defeated by Bodyguard's undying devotion. He tells him Hua Qian's address.
Zhong Xi Wu withdraws his spy: Qin Yun / Yun Niang. (She burned down her husband's family. The husband is a scumbag anyway. He made her infertile so that he could marry concubines.) Qin Yun's updates will stop, and that's okay because he knows there will be someone to protect Hua Qian: Bodyguard. Zhong Xi Wu burns the letters, including Hua Qian's lantern wish: "No one knows where the Taoist priest is going, so he has to rely on a few ancient pines to relieve his sorrows."
The physician has been waiting for Bodyguard. But he has ditched you sir for someone better:
Zhong Xi Wu realizes how cruel he was to make Hua Qian report her own father, her precious father. No wonder she didn't choose him. My man. You realize this now? Now he secretly saves Father Hua, but the best news is him telling the father his daughter is still alive. "You need to take care of yourself. A reunion will come." T___T
Hua Qian has a lovely swing and a lively house. There's Xu Ming harassing Bodyguard who is now his shifu, and there's Bai Lu harassing Xu Ming. Hua Qian peacefully reads in this chaos until she learns that her parents "died". She didn't realize the family that she hated was the warmest place in this world.
Hua Qian and Zhong Xi Wu reunite! But it's short. But it's meaningful! She learns her father survived. Beaming at him, she thanks him.
Zhong Xi Wu: You believe me just like that?Flashbacks of all the times he's been there for her.Hua Qian: Yes. He really needed to hear that she trusts him T_T
Back at home, Hua Qian apologizes to Bodyguard. She had selfishly sent him away, thinking it was good for him. (She did the same thing as Zhong Xi Wu.) Bodyguard was never angry. How could he.
Hua Qian continues to read....and then she wakes up from her coma. Someone is caring for her. It's the man who loves cream robes: Zhong Xi Wu. I can't believe it took the second last minute of the second last episode to get here. How much time do we have for reality? Or let's just screw reality?!
"Master."
However, she can't separate reality from her dream.
Ex ML picks the perfect time to visit. Zhong Xi Wu takes him out. Apparently, our CEO has been working at home for the past two years. What a coincidence! Minus the CEO part. Ex ML is here to convince him to start coming back to the office. Meanwhile Mu Yao is here too, but with Hua Qian. She (unintentionally) gives Hua Qian a rude awakening to reality.
Hua Qian (cries to Zhong Xi Wu): If this is a dream, then I experienced my family's death three times. Three times!
Cue blood spit.
Cue fainting.
Hua Qian enters dream mode. She hugs Bodyguard tightly, unwilling to let go of her dream. Zhong Xi Wu implores Ex ML to speak with Hua Qian because she loves him. Aw, Zhong Xi Wu bending like this. But Hua Qian isn't responding to Ex ML who's telling her to come home. Because that's worse than reality. Mu Yao tries too: she apologizes for before. She wants to end their hatred, end their pain, and let bygones be bygones. Hua Qian is unresponsive too. Ex ML sensibly suggests to stop reminding Hua Qian of her past, and instead give her hope for the future.
Taking the advice to heart, Zhong Xi Wu tells Hua Qian there's someone waiting for her. There's so much he has to tell her: he loves her; he loved her before she liked Ex ML; he earned his mother's reluctant approval to marry her(after improving perfume revenue); he gave her the valuable roll of fabric, not Hua Shen (it was her favourite colour too and there's only one roll in the entire world).
There's also a – surprise! – childhood connection. Hua Qian was actually angelic in the past and saved a maid. Zhong Xi Wu fell in love, but she only had eyes for Ex ML who didn't care for her because he's probably incapable of love when kid is clearly acting a robot. He even walks like one. Her one-sided love warped her personality. Zhong Xi Wu regrets not stopping her.
The past can't be changed, unfortunately. But as long as she wants to change, Zhong Xi Wu says it'll never be too late. She can still accomplish her dream of roaming freely and spread her knowledge of medicinal fragrances. Escaping isn't the solution. No matter what, he'll always be with her. If she doesn't wake up...he'll be with her too.
Zhong Xi Wu: But Ah Qian, you are willing to wake up, right?
Hua Qian sighs in her dream. No wonder she's been sleeping so lightly. He's been yapping by her ear for 26 months. Hehe. She decides to wake up, and stop escaping.
She bids Bodyguard a farewell. Hua Rong Zhou knew she was going to leave when she didn't search for her parents. He knows everything about her, her every preference. Hua Qian finally knows why he's "Hua". She conceived him. In her dream. She made him into someone who will never abandon her no matter what she does. And now she's brave enough to face her reality.
Grand Princess visits. Zhong Xi Wu ignores his mother because a sleeping Hua Qian is far more important. But Grand P brought boxes of medicinal herbs for Hua Qian! That's the only reason he leaves Hua Qian's side.
"Zhong Xi Wu." It's Hua Qian calling the master by his full name (for the first time in reality).
The end. We watched a 30 episode dream.
Remarks
[First Impression (Ep1-7)] It's only the second reverse harem of the year, but already this feels like the year of harems. I really like how the FL doesn't want romance anymore but romance wants her. She just wants to stay alive in peace, but men are now revolving around her. Life, what a b*tch sometimes.
FL's harem. I don't like her husband. I like the beggar turned bodyguard (trope-tastic!). I like the scheming prince the best, though. No one can tell she has changed except him. How does he know her so well?
And what is it about the scent she keeps smelling?
[Cast&Crew] Against my will, I am liking this when I really didn't want to watch a Yu Zheng production, not until it finishes at least. I never love the second half of his dramas. It's coordinated chaos. Likeable characters fall into terrible fate. It'll never go as I like. However, for this type of story, I think his unpredictability will actually make this fun. Also, FL does deserve some reparation for her sins.
Zhou Ye's VA has subdued me. I found it so unpleasant because it was such a mismatch from Zhou Ye's face, but this VA captures all the emotions and FL's aura so much better than Zhou Ye's own voice can. Oops. Her monologues (and there's a lot) aren't dull nor exaggerated. It's just right.
[Behind the Scenes]
[Ending] Short, but happy.
[A Highlight] Ep17. The best confession. Near a grave with a divorce letter.
[Review & Rating]
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