I started this because I was sort of curious about what DiDi’s chemistry with Yukee would be like. Because I actually watched Never Gave Up first and their different relations in there.
Main Cast:
- Dylan Wang (王鹤棣) as Xiao Duo (肖铎) / Xiao Cheng (肖丞). Head of the Zhaoding Bureau, a fake eunuch who took on his brother’s identity to investigate and avenge his brother. He was seemed as cold and ruthless, only knowing how to carry out the commands, not caring to take other factors into consideration. However, beyond all of those layers, he was seemed as someone who was laying low, waiting for the right moment to strike because he promised to avenge his brother’s death. He also was carefully investigating the matter so he couldn’t make the wrong move by involving himself with unnecessary matters. However, he got dragged in whether he wanted to or not. It was revealed later he had such a soft heart and cared more than others realized. He wanted to protect those who he loved and cared for. I thought Dylan did well bringing out his character. Unlike the continuously complaints about his acting, I felt he had been consistent with his acting regarding various characters. This one was no different. He allowed me to enter his world and understood the character more. I could see it when he was the all powerful leader of the group, his eyes all fierce and his composure that fitted the scene. Then there was the gentle expressions when he was with Bu Yin Lou or the protectiveness toward her.
- Yukee Chen (陈钰琪) as Bu Yin Lou (步音樓). Growing up in a complicated household and belittled by her own family (except her mother), she was always ready to fight her way out of situations and survive. So, it made sense she was practical regarding matters and didn’t seem to care about stuff. So she seemed cunning on the surface yet cared deeply for others. She was quite strong-willed but it mostly had to do with the fact that she was always on survival mode. Yet she could be soft-hearted at times too. I haven’t seen her since HSDS yet I had mixed feelings throughout. Not because of her characters because I did take into account how the inconsistent of the plot failed her like some others in here. What I meant was how she kept opening her eyes really wide during some scenes. (Yes, one of my favorites does that too and it became one of things I wish people could stop too.) Sometimes, it was suitable because she was indeed shocked because of what happened. But other times, it became repetitive and overkilled.
- Shentu Han Qiang (申屠韩茜) as Young Bu Yin Lou (少年步音樓).
- Peter Ho (何潤東) as Mu Rong Gao Gong (慕容高鞏). Was this Peter’s scariest role up to date? Because he scared me so bad I was shivering for days after. It wasn’t an exaggeration either. The way his character was just a somewhat silly person, trying to keep his head down and survive through the turmoil of the palace to an evil emperor who didn’t know when to stop. It didn’t matter if he was trying to be the best emperor or whatever. From personal matters to court officials, whether good or bad. He didn’t care. He just wanted his way. And he was so badly cast. Yes, he did fulfill his role as the creepy emperor. However, flashbacks and the context of the story showed that he was around Bu Yin Lou’s age yet he didn’t look like it in the grown-up version. Having watched TVB try to pull the whole casting of super old people for young roles, I thought it was only fair to point it out. (And some of those were my favorites too but I know they should portray characters closer to their age if they can’t do it convincingly. No point in trying to act cute or young when it is way over.)
- Zeng Li (曾黎) as Empress Rong An (榮安皇后). I haven’t seen a role of hers where she was the villain, so this was refreshing in that sense. She was also scary but another level of scary that differed from Mu Rong Gao Gong. It would have been fun to see those two go against each other more, instead of some side plot that lost the thread along the way. Because she was as equally convincing–or possibly more–than Peter’s portrayal of Mu Rong Gao Gong. She was someone who knew her way around and knew when to strike. She could be someone’s best friend one day and backstab them when she finally had power. And yet, she was also the product of her surroundings, having lived and survived all those years in the creepy palace. Everyone was locked up all the same, it was a matter of survival for them all. They were all pawns one way or another. So, she had to climb and get rid of her enemies, as she thought. What was more? She also lost control of her schemes and it led to her downfall. No one would rule forever and she was both pitiful and hateful–if that was possible. Because there were some things she couldn’t control either, no matter how much power she managed to posses or how intelligent she was with her schemes. I thought Zeng Li did really well. Bringing out he insanity of her character as well as the helplessness at times.
Supporting:
- He Nan (鹤男) as Tong Yun (彤雲). Bu Yin Lou’s palace maid. She was assigned to Bu Yin Lou when Bu Yin Lou entered the palace and was granted her title. Yet she became really close to Bu Yin Lou and was really loyal to her, willing to stick her neck out for her at times. It was touching because I would have understood if she was a maid who grew up with her and were close. But this situation was different and I would have understood if she looked out for herself only or tried to distance herself from Bu Yin Lou after what happened. But she treated Bu Yin Lou better than her own family (minus her mother, obviously), which was touching and possibly another reason for Bu Yin Lou to hang on (even if she did didn’t say it out all the time).
- Wang Yue Xin (王栎鑫) as Cao Chun Ang (曹春盎). Xiao Duo’s godson. He was seemed strict at times but hilarious in private. It made sense because he and the others were surrounded by danger all the time. They had to be careful.
- Li Dong He (李东赫) as She Qi Lang (佘七郎). Xiao Duo’s righthand man at the Zhaoding Bureau, a good friend of Cao Chun Ang yet might not admit it outright because of his tough reputation at the bureau.
- Guan Chang (关畅) as Mu Rong Jun (慕容鈞). Nickname: Wan Wan (婉婉), Mu Rong Gao Gong’s younger sister. I liked her initially because of her spunk and outspoken nature. Yet I became disappointed in her when she forced Bu Yin Lou to accept her brother as well. I got it, she was in a hard place because it was her brother after all. But she proved Mu Rong Gao Gong right by only caring for herself.
- Han Hao Tian (韩浩天) as Yu Wen Liang Xu (宇文良序). Prince Nanyuan’s younger brother, Bu Yin Lou’s senior. He was hilarious and a contrast to his brother. At first, I suspected him too, thinking he couldn’t be that goofy or oblivious, thinking he was also in the conspiracy with his brother. Because seriously, everything surrounding the royal family was dangerous one way or another. Yet he was really innocent and had a pure heart, which was rare. He could be cunning at times but it was somewhat more of immaturity than evil intention, etc.
- Shi Yu (施羽) as Sun Tai Qing (孫泰清). A loyal eunuch who worked for Mu Rong Gao Gong. He was by the prince’s side throughout and witnessed the latter ascend the throne, and even taught him many things, allowing him to have so much confidence. Yet he was also a terrible advisor. It wasn’t just because he caused his own downfall in the end. Yet he didn’t care to acknowledge anyone else’s well-being, aiding and pushing Mu Rong Gao Gong to make bolder moves. He even told the latter that he was never wrong because he was the emperor. Sure, he felt bad for the prince and later emperor because of his traumatized past and how scary it was living in fear all these years at the palace. But he didn’t have to stretch the truth so much. So, his ending was justified and he realized that too late.
Others:
- Zhang Zi Jian (张子健) as Bu Yu Lu (步馭魯). Bu Yin Lou’s father. One of the most despicable characters in here. Perhaps, even more despicable than Mu Rong Gao Gong. Because Mu Rong Gao Gong was enabled and became insane overtime. Bu Yu Lu actually could take control time and time again yet he never did. He only acted in his interest and was selfish to the hardcore. He didn’t care for anyone or anything around him, always making excuses or justifications. He regarded himself so highly and would sacrifice his family to reach his goals. Even more despicable than Yu Wen Liang Shi, whom pimped out his wife to the emperor to set his plans in motion. Because Wu Yen Liang Shi, at least, stopped or attempted to stop to save his brother, even if he didn’t want to. So, the ending didn’t make sense when he suddenly had a moment of guilt and/or regret, hence telling his daughter to run away and seek her freedom.
- Xu Rong Zhen (许榕真) as Mrs. Bu (步夫人). Bu Yu Lu’s wife, Bu Yin Ge’s mother, Bu Yin Lou’s step-mother. She was despicable and scheming in many ways. Sure, she had every right to love and care for her daughter. But she went beyond that, wanting to harm everyone else against her and her daughter because she was enabled by her husband. She totally earned the evil step-mother title and wore it proudly.
- Yang Ming Na (杨明娜) as Ms. Chen (步陳氏). Bu Yin Lou’s mother. She was considered too lowly in status for an official title in relation to their so-called proper, upper-class family. Yet somehow, she fell in love with such an asshole and was conned by him to stay loyal to him for so long. She later gave up hope and only lived for her daughter. Then she was used a hostage to force her daughter to go into the palace. She died a silent death and tragically, not being able to see her daughter for the last time or knowing her well-being. It was really tragic and seemed endless with her suffering. Although they didn’t show it too much, it was really frustrating to see her never getting any justice.
- Cheng Zi (程梓) as Bu Yin Ge (步音閣). Bu Yin Lou’s older sister. She was a spoiled brat and her parents made sure she became the worst person ever. Her ending was interestingly more convincing than some people in here. Was she spoiled from little? Yes. Was she jealous and scheming against her sister? Yes. But she managed to understand at long last, even if it was too late, the core evilness of Mu Rong Gao Gong. She attempted to warn them at the last moment, and the message was heard. This was a much more complex character Cheng Zi portrayed versus the silly role in Never Give Up, and I was somewhat impressed that she pulled it through.
- Kang Kang (康亢) as Yu Wen Liang Shi (宇文良時). Prince Nanyuan, Yu Wen Liang Xu’s older brother, Bu Yin Ge’s husband. He was in conspiracy with Empress Rong An at one point. He was scheming and despicable and was indeed patience. Too bad for him, he thought wrong. But if in a rare chance that he succeeded, I swear he would be overthrown by Bu Yu Lu, because that dude was another level with the loyalty thing. He could just betray anyone to save his own skin and was greedy that he never knew when to stop.
- Sheng Lang Xi (盛朗熙) as Li Ping Ru (李萍如). Consort Li, the previous emperor’s concubine who was sent to guard the royal tomb. She was initially picked to accompany the late emperor in death yet escaped because she faked sickness along with Bu Yin Lou, so she was spared. She reunited with Bu Yin Lou at the royal tomb and was happy for a while before she was captured and raped by Eunuch Liu. She hated Bu Yin Lou for breaking the promise to protect her and attempted to kill Bu Yin Lou through the goading of Eunuch Liu and Mrs. Bu. Yet she later revealed the truth about Mrs. Bu’s schemes to Bu Yin Lou after Bu Yin Lou spared her from Xiao Duo’s wrath. Xiao Duo and Bu Yin Lou arranged for her to reunite with her family and escape from the royal schemes, finally being able to start over.
- Ariel An (安唯綾) as Meng Jie Yu (夢解語). Dream Cottage’s owner, a local famous courtesan, Bu Yin Lou and Yu Wen Liang Xu’s master. She was the master of seduction yet only sold her talent, not her body. She was a graceful dancer and initially didn’t want to accept Bu Yin Lou as her disciple but wanted to take on the challenge. She also accepted Yu Wen Liang Xu because he succeeded in his half-wit attempts and some poor advice from Bu Yin Lou. She found it interesting.
- Li Xi Zi (李熹子) as Young Master Lian Cheng (連城公子). Bu Yin Lou’s cousin, an artist of Ningding Pavilion. He was seriously unlucky. He was suspicious of Xiao Duo at first yet still tried to help Xiao Duo escape from the poison incident. He was sent away by Xiao Duo for his safety from Prince Nanyuan’s revenge. Yet the emperor managed to find him and tortured him to the brink of death. On top of that, he was almost killed by Bu Yin Lou via the emperor’s hands forcing her (literally). Luckily, he was still alive and was rescued by Xiao Duo once again.
- Zhang Shao Gang (张绍刚) as Yan Sun Liang (閆蓀琅). An eunuch in charge of various affairs of the Zhaoding Bureau. He was actually secretly working for Empress Rong An and was later executed by her because he failed in his missions.
- Li Zhuan Ying (李传缨) as Eunuch Liu (劉公公). The lead eunuch of the royal tomb. He was greedy and despicable all in one package. He abused his power and bullied all the concubines who were sent there to guard the royal tomb.
- He Xing Yu (何星雨) as Yu Zun (于尊). Royal imperial guard.
- Zhai Yi Qing (翟一青) as Yi Lan (漪蘭). Empress Rong An’s maid.
- Yan Ke Xin (闫可欣) as Ruo Lan (若蘭). Wan Wan’s maid.
- Xu Xiu Qi (徐修齊) as Rong Bao (容寶). Prince Nanyuan’s loyal butler.
- Zhu Ya Ying (朱亚英) as Empress Dowager (太后). The late emperor and Wan Wan’s mother. She was equally despicable as the rest of the royal family. Because of how she dismissed Consort Shao and the young prince’s deaths as if those were nothing. She justified the behaviors of others and lifted some up just because she saw fit. She definitely acted like royalty as expected when she didn’t lift a finger to contribute to anything. So, she was just really, really privileged and only aided those she thought deserved it. So, I didn’t care how she was treated later. Yeah, evil of me to think that, but considering how she didn’t care for others, I didn’t think she deserved any respect or concern from others either.
- Hu Ran (胡然) as Consort Shao (邵贵妃). She was a favorite concubine of the late emperor, so she was killed by Empress Rong An due to both jealousy and wanting to snatch the Empress Dowager title–if her son became the king.
Likes:
- The strange theme of the plot. I didn’t hunt down information regarding this series before diving in. I only knew that Dylan and Yukee were in it and wondered how they would fend, especially more than ever after watching them in Never Give Up. However, I was stumped at the intro scenes to find out Dylan’s role was an eunuch. It took awhile to get used to yet it was soon revealed he faked it, so he could seek revenge for his brother. It made more sense if they included the romance, even if it would get tricky, and it did.
- The strange yet somewhat suitable chemistry between Dylan Wang and Yukee Chen. I didn’t know what to make at first. But I thought they worked very well against one another. Some scenes were ridiculous but others were fun and some touching.
- Tong Yun and Cao Chun Ang’s craziness. I didn’t think they would end up together but I was glad. Because both had suffered a lot because of the circumstances they’d been through. They needed a happy ending too, not just the main couple.
- Cao Chun Ang and She Qi Lang’s strange friendship. The story didn’t focus on their friendship as strongly as other subplots. But their disagreements at times in front of Xiao Duo or others made it funny. No one would believe they were friends. Yet when they thought Cao Chun Ang was going to die, She Qi Lang actually cried. Then he wanted to kill the guy because he played them big time. It was bizarre yet somehow worked for the scene. It brought out the relations between them all. They might not realize it but Cao Chun Ang was the glue to their different bonds.
Dislikes:
- The hypocrisy of the royal family in general. It wasn’t surprising that they set standards for others yet they, themselves, got away with everything. Yet this kicked it to another level and reminded me why I hated palace dramas in the first place. I made the exception this time for DiDi and it was a mistake. Anyway, I already mentioned several instances above. But also wanted to point out something else here. The part where Sun Tai Qing suggested Xiao Duo sent Bu Yin Lou to the brothel to learn from those girls, I lost it. I meant it was already ridiculous, but seriously? They preached this and that about proper and decorum and much more, but then suggested something like that? So, it was all a matter of knowing the art of seduction, right? Nothing else but a bunch of shells to please the king, just because. I know it sounds vulgar, but I always felt the empresses and consorts were actually just royal prostitutes to the emperor. (Yes, I said it, I’m tired.) This scenario proved it even more. I’m not saying the women were at fault, but the way it was set up and all, they (the ones who created this system in the first place or those who continued to carry this tradition on) might as well outright say it instead of wrapping it up in such nice packages with the royalty and riches or whatever else. Because the women were all trapped inside, never having control over their lives, not ultimate control. Maybe they were in a worse situation than prostitutes because they couldn’t leave regardless, unless they die but still, that’s just a form of escape, not truly freed since they had no say in the way they were buried either.
- The inconsistency of the plot. I heard there were cuts hence leading to such chaos. And for once, I agree with the majority of the criticism regarding the cuts that made the plot unbearable at times. They kept jumping between the creepy king versus the pitiful king regarding Mu Rong Gao Gong. It was like the production team were scared people would hate Peter so much he couldn’t recover from the backlash or something. Seriously. Because they couldn’t decide if Bu Yi Lou should stay away from him as much as possible or pity him during others. I know she had a soft heart and pitied him after some stuff happened, but it made it like a joke when she downplayed her own pain by interacting with him more. It was like they wanted her to fight for her freedom (aka the escape from the palace) but also wanted her to be the perfect girl, regardless or something. They were trying too hard with not wanting viewers to hate her yet made it quite inconsistent during those other scenes.
- What happened to the revenge? Yes, I got it that he couldn’t just kill Bu Yin Lou’s father and he in some ways got away with it. They did paved it nicely and convincingly of how he was willing to let go. Yet I felt it was severely wasted. Maybe make someone else the villain instead? Because it was some way too choking.
- The ending. No, I liked that they finally escaped. But the I felt the wrap-up could be a little more than just the two of them running out of there. The production team included a lot of the unnecessary stuff, mostly the justifications for Mu Rong Gao Gong’s character. Yet they couldn’t put together a decent ending for everyone? Like having them meet up somewhere?
Discussions:
- DiDi being Wang Yue Xin’s godfather got me going for a while. Yes, I couldn’t stop laughing when I realized their age difference. Yes, Wang Yue Xin did look young. Yes, it didn’t have to make sense with the power dynamic within the bureau because Xiao Duo fought his way to the strongest. But seriously? That was funny.
- The fact that the majority of the cast was also in Never Give Up together. It was hilarious seeing the different relationships between the two productions. The fact that I liked the chemistry between Dylan and Yukee more than hers with Zheng Kai made it funnier. I meant I really liked the other two in Never Give Up but after watching this one, I jumped ship just like that. It was strange and funny, like I said.
- Mu Rong Gao Gong had no say regarding morality when it came to Xiao Duo and Bu Yin Lou’s affair. Seriously, this wasn’t the fact that I liked their strange chemistry. This was the fact that the royal family in general and him later on spouting traditional values and decorum, etc. YET ignored the greatest flaw of it all. If he wanted to be technical about stuff, he stole his brother’s wife. Even if the late emperor was too sick to visit her and they never even met, it didn’t matter. They were considered married in name. (And yes, I do know the evil stepmother schemed to switch her daughter with Bu Yin Lou, but what happened has happened.) So, who was Mu Rong Gao Gong to say stuff about Xiao Duo snatching his “wife”, which was something he made up because no one liked the idea either, whether it was Bu Yin Lou herself or the rest of the royal family along with the court officials. No one acknowledged her as having an association with him–whether it was because of his late brother or because of her supposedly lowly status. Being attached to him was her worst nightmare. She begged for her wish to be fulfilled early on (with wanting to leave the palace and live her life in peace, with no other greedy demands like riches or whatever). She pleaded time and time again that she wasn’t worthy, etc. That was letting him down gently (considering his lack of confidence at first and his fragile ego later). Each time, she tried hard to be heard and known, never wanting to give up on her life, the life her mother sacrificed so she could one day live free. Yet he never cared, only cared about his feelings and how much he dedicated himself to her. If he wanted to say stuff about knowing her longer, he didn’t. He practically stalked her since they were kids and then growing up. So, he was a professional creeper in the making from the start, stalking at first and then trying to possess her later. When all failed, he raped her, which he was unsuccessful only because she fought him off and he was hurt. If not, would he stop? So, imagine after all of that stuff happening, how could she ever be touched by what he did (as he credited himself time and time again with the list of things he did for her)? This was one of the top reasons why I never liked the prize-winning trope. Even if he wanted to count, Xiao Duo did even more for her (which was effective and was actually what she wanted) and sacrificed for her. So, by his logic, it was only right that she ended up with Xiao Duo.
- The novel. I’m not going to read. I heard some very disturbing stuff about it and after regretfully trying to read the Advance Bravely novel, I decided it was about time I learned not to jump into those really heavy, disturbing ones. I’m good with the adaptation. It was already disturbing enough with the evil emperor. I didn’t need to hate the main characters too.
Recommended? Not really. It was something to kill time, lol. Yes, I had to be honest about it. Because if you weren’t a fan of DiDi, it wasn’t really worth it.