[Mainland Chinese Drama 2019] Heavenly Sword Dragon Slaying Saber 倚天屠龙记

[Saver]

On 4/27/2019 at 4:14 PM, chipz03 said:

Well, WJ seems to me as someone who tends to keep sticking to what he knows (or thinks he know) when it comes to love matter or personal matter. He tend to take the safe route type of person and less bold compared to ZM. He prefer to stick to familiarity or comfort safe zone when it comes to love before he finally decided to be brave when it comes to love and fight for his relationship with ZM openly.

 

  I believed he himself was super confused with what's lying ahead of him: "evidences or crime scenes" planted by ZR all pointed to ZM as the culprit behind the "death" of YL. He had no other evidence to support otherwise.  He himself might not want to believe it,  but what he "had" in front of him told him otherwise. Being a naive person, he had no other choice or, I even think he might not even have the courage to believe his gut feeling that ZM is innocent. So he sticks with what he "knew". 

 

This is why I am super glad this version make him a better, more decisive character. I don't think i would like the WJ in the novel. Perhaps I am older now,  but men (and women) who flip flopped and cannot decide to whom their heart, trust, and loyalty belong to, they who cannot give a peace of mind to their partners regarding their attitudes and commitment toward their relationship irk me, just like women (and men) who always victimized themselves, who threatened to hurt themselves to keep the person they loved for themselves made me rolled my eyes so hard. So glad this Wuji (eventually) showed more backbone when it comes to his love.

 

My takes on his cheerful attitudes at Wudang. When they went to Wudang,  he was finally meeting his grand shifu and uncles,  with the "perfect" fiancee that will satisfy his extended families,  even though deep inside he was really hesitant. He puts filial piety at a great importance, especially when it comes to his loved ones. I would say it's more understandable that he can be cheery when he reunited with his Wudang family.  To see his family safe and happy would make filial son like WJ happy.. 

 

Although, he was not smiling so widely that his perfect teeth are showing proudly when the D-Day of his almost  wedding to ZR, which he didn't really want was upon him. He cannot put aside the reality by focusing on other happy things (e.g reunion with wudang family after so long).  I guess reality came crashing down that day that he would have to really let go of ZM. In contrast when he was standing with ZM in front of the "shuang shi" symbol,  where he was grinning like a mad man lol. These differences when standing in front of his bride-to-be are the most important hahaha 

 

Thanks Lauren for translating and the GIFs. On the scene where they were holding hands, where they were at/close to Shaolin, right before they saw ZR and SQS, their chemistry really shines there for me. It's an example when I said that chemistry is more than just reciting sweet romantic lines.. On the GIF of this scene,  WJ was smiling so widely as they enter the courtyard. Then their eyes met and both of them bow their heads a bit and both have that shy smiles. They really acted out the roles of two young people in love and just go public type of things naturally. These kind of bits that make me really enjoy MM and WJ chemistry in this version 

 

 

To cheer everyone up (hopefully):

On a happier note,  I found short comic strip on weibo.  Seems cute based on google translate. Credit to owner. This shouod be the same author/weibo account that Jackie shared. This piece is my favorite.

https://m.weibo.cn/detail/4361871819122564

 

I also found some post with screenshots of weibo convo between HSDS casts,  especially MM and WJ. Credit to respective owners please 

https://m.weibo.cn/detail/4363075874212828

 

Also,  cute answer from Joseph to answer about his collections (?). He mentioned that in the drama, his favorite thing is ZM gold box while in real life ate shoes (?? Sorry if this is wrong translation). Smart answer there (disclaimer: i am not sure if the screenshot is from convo with WJ.  Seems like it?  Not familiar wirh weibo. Credit belongs to the owner please. 

 

https://m.weibo.cn/detail/4365869088490515

 

Disclaimer: no ill intention whatsoever besides sharing my deeeeep interest with MM-WJ please. Also,  All links shared are credited to their respective owners

 

Peace all 

Exactly what I think.  The pasted on forced smile at his almost wedding with ZZR and the look in his eyes...so sad. Make you feel for him.  Wanting to make everyone happy even if he has to sacrifice his own heart.

 

In contrast the huge smiles and sparkling happiness when he was to bow to heaven with ZM Makes you wish they went through with it.

[Saver]

On 4/27/2019 at 4:56 PM, deminni said:

Yeah, even until now, I haven't seen those eps with WJ and ZZR. I can't stand her, and personally, I think they made her even more contemptible in this version because she is so brazen when lying to everyone, shoving all the blame on someone else without an ounce of guilt, and that whole fake suicide thing. Don't even get me started. She's just throwing a tantrum even though she knows his heart isn't with her. It was so awesome watching WJ not object to calling off the wedding lol.

 

And then when Wu Ji confronted her, she blamed it on everyone else and the circumstances rather than take responsibility. I honestly don't remember hating ZZR this much in any version (maybe the 2009 version, but only because that actress--terrible miscast--and the script/directing was RUBBISH lol) I know in most versions, I dislike ZZR, too, but maybe because I love Yukee's ZM so much that I can't even stomach watching it a first time, let alone you guys re-watching it. I commend y'all! haha

Exactly what I was thinking. 

 

Lol it is too bad I just found this show now.  Probably too late... no one is here anymore but can't help reading and responding lol  maybe there will be some late Comer like me one day wanting to read some interesting comment and see pics.  Love the gif's and pics here.  Can't find them in other places.  Kinda late but thanks all for posting

[Saver]

On 3/27/2020 at 4:58 AM, hwonhwon_stv said:

I like his performance details in the eyes. The micro expressions are connected smoothly

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks so much for posting all those pics.  Makes my day:) Really hard to find online.  Lol sorry for the late comment.  I wanted to go way back and see other comments to see how much i missed and how many treasure I can find before making my way back to most recent to comment:)  again thank you

[hwonhwon_stv]

11 hours ago, Saver said:

Me too.  So hot!!!  Thanks for pics.  I love how so many people share pics, links..etc here.  Thank you everyone!:)  Wish to read more fanfics cuz can't get enough of them.

 

 

I also love this Wuji 2019 very much 

In my opinion, Joseph is the most handsome Wuji 

 

Black&white Zhang Wu Ji

 

 

 

 

 

[Saver]

On 4/26/2019 at 6:53 PM, kur4p1k4 said:

This is cute been trying to find this with better quality, finally found it.

Everybody's holding hand walking happily only ZR is in the back, what an awesome foreshadowing lol (wonder if it's deliberate or not) Look at MM-WJ even when she's trying to fix her cloth, she didn't let go his hand only YL's hand she let go

https://www.bilibili.com/video/av25826838/?spm_id_from=333.788.videocard.27

 

Also posting this beautiful pic that probably inspire fanfic authors to go nuts Apologies if it's already posted before, I couldn't remember/find it

 

I wanna save this picture.  They look so intimate like husband and wife. So sweet.

[Saver]

11 minutes ago, hwonhwon_stv said:

 

 

I also love this Wuji 2019 very much 

In my opinion, Joseph is the most handsome Wuji 

 

Black&white Zhang Wu Ji

 

 

 

 

 

TOTALLY agree!!:)  Not just handsome.  He is my dream Wuji.   his little expression and action.  Those eyes... (swoon) I am blown away by his acting. If Wuji exist not as a fiction character, Joseph is who I imagine him to be. He gave the character of Wuji such genuine "life" (?) and Depths. 

 

Thanks again for sharing pics.  I just love it.  Can't get enough lol after reading a few comment pages I realize I am late but I am glad to know I am not the only one who can't get over this after watching it:) 

[Saver]

On 4/26/2019 at 6:48 PM, AppleBanana said:

Here are some more comparison videos.

 

This one is snake island scene fight with the persian people:

https://www.bilibili.com/video/av47698590/?spm_id_from=333.788.videocard.5

 

This one is the part with ZM and WJ spied on ErMei:

https://www.bilibili.com/video/av47516102/?spm_id_from=333.788.videocard.5

 

This one is when the bat dude dirtied ZM's face.

https://www.bilibili.com/video/av47263779/?spm_id_from=333.788.videocard.5

 

Edit: Missed a good one

https://www.bilibili.com/video/av47894996/?spm_id_from=333.788.videocard.3

Thanks for this

[Saver]

On 4/27/2019 at 5:12 AM, achng said:

Some viewers said that according to the novel, WJ was dreaming about Bat King’s threat to cut ZM’s face earlier that day. That’s why he woke up saying 我不要啊 (I don’t want)。I’ll try to find that post again and copy here if I do.

I thought so too

[Saver]

On 4/27/2019 at 5:48 AM, LaurenPanna said:

Hold hands series, so romantic 

Love the one he offer his hands to ZM when meeting RYW, seems like acknowledgement of ZM as his wife in front of RYW

 

https://m.weibo.cn/6094701322/4365733737498014

 

 

https://m.weibo.cn/6094701322/4365442934386082

 

https://m.weibo.cn/6094701322/4365418208877169

 

https://m.weibo.cn/6094701322/4365079602240216

 

And this is so funny, with mickey mouse voice

 

 

https://m.weibo.cn/1869674990/4365710488251883

Thank you for this

[Saver]

On 4/27/2019 at 8:36 AM, LaurenPanna said:

 

Yes i saw that!! Yukee also posted one in response to him

 

I thought that was very v sweet 

 

Joseph wrote, Hold hands, wandering around the Jianghu, Pugglist world together, taking good care of each other this lifetime

 

Yukee responded here:

 

https://m.weibo.cn/detail/4359628236090728

 

Since we are together (holding hands), we will not let each other down in this lifetime

So sweet

[Saver]

On 4/27/2019 at 4:14 PM, chipz03 said:

Well, WJ seems to me as someone who tends to keep sticking to what he knows (or thinks he know) when it comes to love matter or personal matter. He tend to take the safe route type of person and less bold compared to ZM. He prefer to stick to familiarity or comfort safe zone when it comes to love before he finally decided to be brave when it comes to love and fight for his relationship with ZM openly.

 

  I believed he himself was super confused with what's lying ahead of him: "evidences or crime scenes" planted by ZR all pointed to ZM as the culprit behind the "death" of YL. He had no other evidence to support otherwise.  He himself might not want to believe it,  but what he "had" in front of him told him otherwise. Being a naive person, he had no other choice or, I even think he might not even have the courage to believe his gut feeling that ZM is innocent. So he sticks with what he "knew". 

 

This is why I am super glad this version make him a better, more decisive character. I don't think i would like the WJ in the novel. Perhaps I am older now,  but men (and women) who flip flopped and cannot decide to whom their heart, trust, and loyalty belong to, they who cannot give a peace of mind to their partners regarding their attitudes and commitment toward their relationship irk me, just like women (and men) who always victimized themselves, who threatened to hurt themselves to keep the person they loved for themselves made me rolled my eyes so hard. So glad this Wuji (eventually) showed more backbone when it comes to his love.

 

My takes on his cheerful attitudes at Wudang. When they went to Wudang,  he was finally meeting his grand shifu and uncles,  with the "perfect" fiancee that will satisfy his extended families,  even though deep inside he was really hesitant. He puts filial piety at a great importance, especially when it comes to his loved ones. I would say it's more understandable that he can be cheery when he reunited with his Wudang family.  To see his family safe and happy would make filial son like WJ happy.. 

 

Although, he was not smiling so widely that his perfect teeth are showing proudly when the D-Day of his almost  wedding to ZR, which he didn't really want was upon him. He cannot put aside the reality by focusing on other happy things (e.g reunion with wudang family after so long).  I guess reality came crashing down that day that he would have to really let go of ZM. In contrast when he was standing with ZM in front of the "shuang shi" symbol,  where he was grinning like a mad man lol. These differences when standing in front of his bride-to-be are the most important hahaha 

 

Thanks Lauren for translating and the GIFs. On the scene where they were holding hands, where they were at/close to Shaolin, right before they saw ZR and SQS, their chemistry really shines there for me. It's an example when I said that chemistry is more than just reciting sweet romantic lines.. On the GIF of this scene,  WJ was smiling so widely as they enter the courtyard. Then their eyes met and both of them bow their heads a bit and both have that shy smiles. They really acted out the roles of two young people in love and just go public type of things naturally. These kind of bits that make me really enjoy MM and WJ chemistry in this version 

 

 

To cheer everyone up (hopefully):

On a happier note,  I found short comic strip on weibo.  Seems cute based on google translate. Credit to owner. This shouod be the same author/weibo account that Jackie shared. This piece is my favorite.

https://m.weibo.cn/detail/4361871819122564

 

I also found some post with screenshots of weibo convo between HSDS casts,  especially MM and WJ. Credit to respective owners please 

https://m.weibo.cn/detail/4363075874212828

 

Also,  cute answer from Joseph to answer about his collections (?). He mentioned that in the drama, his favorite thing is ZM gold box while in real life ate shoes (?? Sorry if this is wrong translation). Smart answer there (disclaimer: i am not sure if the screenshot is from convo with WJ.  Seems like it?  Not familiar wirh weibo. Credit belongs to the owner please. 

 

https://m.weibo.cn/detail/4365869088490515

 

Disclaimer: no ill intention whatsoever besides sharing my deeeeep interest with MM-WJ please. Also,  All links shared are credited to their respective owners

 

Peace all 

Totally agree.  And I think Wuji like to stick to what he knows and tries to do the "right thing" as per define by others and always want to please those he loves at the price of this own happiness because he has lost SO much and want to please those he loves so they will be around. 

 

All This poor boy ever know since he is 10 years old is pain.  One good bye after another...godfather, parents, all his Wudang uncles, Tai Sifu, first friend he ever made (ZZR), 2nd friend (brother- the guy who took him to the divine doctor)....the list just keep going. 

 

 

No stabilities or security (even his life is a great gift after he was cold posioned)  so you can't blame him if he--while still growing into himself....makes mistakes after mistakes as he selflessly try to please those he is grateful for or care for ...cuz he want to keep them in his life.  

 

He loves everyone whole-heartedly....he is the kind of person that if you gave him a hand.   He will repay you with both arms and legs if he could to show his appreciation.

 

But as he got older and as more events happen...he got wiser.   He start to realize he can't continue to do that with everyone.  That some people gave him a hand so they can trade it for both his arms and legs (control of him).. also he start to see the different type of love.  Start to realize love is not always just giving.  It is also about receiving.  

 

I think he fell in love with Zhao Min because he realize she is unlike everyone else...doesn't want anything from him but his love.  She is sly and clever, but genuine and honourable like him.  She COULD and HAVE it all and can GIVE it all for love...for him....and ask for nothing in return but a chance to be with him to show him  how much she can truly love.

 

She is the kind of person who love deeply like his parents and Buhui's mom.   He was exposed to such deep love since he was a child.  Zhao Min shows that she can give him that kind of love with her actions as events unfold.  But old habit die hard.  She is the enemy as per everyone he tried to please and care for and want to keep around declare.  So to be with her it means letting everyone go/loosing everyone he wants to hold onto.

 

But when he see more and more of what she went through...how deep and how true her love for him is...when he felt SECURE in her love for him... he went for it.  He begin to fight for their love.  Begin to disregard what people say.

 

But as a guy with principles he has to TRY to keep his promises.  I don't think he realize how people are when he make those promises. That not everyone is like him.  But some promises weight more than others.  Because he is a kind and principled man he realize Lives of millions weight more than a promise to his soulmate.  But a promise to his soulmate weight more than any promise to anyone else. 

 

As the story unfold. If you have notice...he makes more effort to keep his promises to only Zhao Min because he learn to trust her cuz she shows him that she wouldn't take advantage of him.  Yeah she does a bunch of things...but if he react right everything would work out to his benefit. Ex. The gold box and pin...she gave him the cure before the events.

 

From the beginning he recognized her genuineness in her interaction with him. Recognized she is ruthless but has a pure heart, honourable and genuine.

 

[Saver]

7 minutes ago, Saver said:

 

 

[Saver]

On 4/27/2019 at 4:56 PM, deminni said:

Yeah, even until now, I haven't seen those eps with WJ and ZZR. I can't stand her, and personally, I think they made her even more contemptible in this version because she is so brazen when lying to everyone, shoving all the blame on someone else without an ounce of guilt, and that whole fake suicide thing. Don't even get me started. She's just throwing a tantrum even though she knows his heart isn't with her. It was so awesome watching WJ not object to calling off the wedding lol.

 

And then when Wu Ji confronted her, she blamed it on everyone else and the circumstances rather than take responsibility. I honestly don't remember hating ZZR this much in any version (maybe the 2009 version, but only because that actress--terrible miscast--and the script/directing was RUBBISH lol) I know in most versions, I dislike ZZR, too, but maybe because I love Yukee's ZM so much that I can't even stomach watching it a first time, let alone you guys re-watching it. I commend y'all! haha

Exactly how I feel

[Saver]

On 4/27/2019 at 5:01 PM, jackieusa said:

Loves reading your analyzed.  One more thing I like to add is when they were visiting Wudang, WJ didn't plan to marry ZZR anytime soon, right?  She's only his fiance, so he can still smile and laugh all he want, no pressure yet.  Remember he told XX and ZR at Snake Island that he wanted to wait 3 years before marrying her due to YL (1st wife) death.    Even thought YL ending up still alive they didn't have to rush the wedding neither.  WJ always find excuses like country/peoples/goals etc. more priorities than man and woman feelings until pathetic ZZR faked the suicide then grandfather pressured him to marry her right away to avoid gossip.

Wow so true

[Saver]

On 4/27/2019 at 9:24 PM, achng said:

Not sure if posted already, but someone made a slow motion GIF of the kiss

 

Hearts!!!:)

[hwonhwon_stv]

Wuji  farewell with Wudang uncles

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Saver]

On 4/27/2019 at 10:01 PM, kur4p1k4 said:

Ok this might be a bit long. I've been reading all yours distaste for eps where ZR went to Wudang and subsequent happening until ZM comes out again, I understand that feeling but after rewatching it again especially after ending I think this episodes actually make me doubt whether ZR ever actually like WJ or she only like Zhang Jiao Zhu. This episodes also strengthen my believe that WJ never like ZR as love interest, he only likes and care for her as his sister and also regard her as his childhood saviour. Also my analysis is separate from the book or other TV version since I do believe this version develop ZR and WJ differently from what I gather.

 

Firstly, I never have any vibe that ZR when she met WJ again she likes him, I think she was happy that the sickly boy that she met years ago is still alive, that's it. Even though ZR lost her parents I do believe she was happy in Er Mei and MJ Shi Tai even with her fault she does loves all her disciples, ZR especially, even though her kind of love comes with the caveat that you obey her. And by meeting WJ she can go to Er Mei I think she is thankful for that. The one point I think where ZR start to be interested in WJ I would actually put the blame on MJ Shi Tai, she actually praised WJ for being heroic even if he's from evil sect

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This for ZR is like an approval from the person that she respect and love the most, that WJ is acceptable

Which also her biggest flaw romance-wise, ZR cannot separate WJ from Zhang Jiao Zhu.

I'm not saying WJ is not heroic but all the responsibility later on that he has to carry as Ming sect leader, rebel leader, wulin leader, they're all the hope of other people that was pushed on him, he was always reluctant at first but after he accepts he always do the best he can as Zhang Jiao Zhu. As WJ he only wants to treat people and serve justice personally while wandering around the world freely doing whatever he likes. Which somehow ZR always fail to grasp even when WJ personally told her twice since to her Zhang Jiao Zhu is WJ so for Zhang Jiao Zhu to wants to give up his position is unthinkable to her.

 

For WJ why I believe he never like ZR as love interest is because his whole attitude toward ZR especially if you compared it to ZM is like night and days. When they just came back from snake island when XX accidentally hit a person look at this, WJ backs off a step and then when he realise his mistake then he grab hold of ZR to protect her.

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When in Wudang I know they holds hand when he was announcing they're engagement but I do believe it's just for show, as you can see once the show is over look at that gap. And also when WJ tried to comfort ZR why do you have to say come, she's not a dog

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When going down Wudang and meeting Ming people they walk more like a friend rather than a lover or even 2 person that tries to be in a relationship. Even when WJ hold her hand it's so weird that even WJ has to look down and kind of make sure he holds the right hand lol. And look at that gap I could put an Orang Utan and her baby inside that gap.

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Even YX is super confused

  Reveal hidden contents

Imho WJ never like ZR as love interest at all, the whole episodes I feel like WJ is trying to act like a boyfriend that he read from a manual. There's also the part where he keeps saying thank you to ZR and he feels bad that ZR has to cook for him. He's totally reserved toward ZR, but by then I believe he wants to let go of ZM that's why he keeps forcing himself to be considerate toward ZR. 

Another scenes where I think ZR never like WJ only Zhang Jiao Zhu and WJ only love ZM is the night before the wedding. Both bride and groom was thinking different woman, ZR was thinking MJ Shi Tai, WJ was thinking of ZM. What a doomed wedding

 

And to contrast to our fave OTP, could only put a hamster there probably. They don't care whether they're alone or in front of other people they just like holding each other hands

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Sidenote: The only other girl that I do believe WJ is at least attracted to is the girl with the dog, since that's probably the first time a pretty girl is nice to him. You can see how hurt he was when he told about her betrayal to Zhu Er. After that I think he was really only intrigued by ZM.

 

Apologies for the long post. Have a Good Sunday! Cheers

Exactly!!!!  Right on!! I love this Wuji and production team...those tiny details can easily be miss but if you pay attention you will see.  So happy to know I am not the only one that notice:)  thanks for putting it so nicely. 

[Saver]

On 4/27/2019 at 10:38 PM, deminni said:

Chapter 2 as promised

 

So initially, I thought this would be a quick and painless (well, not really for Wu Ji, but you know what I mean) story that was centered around a certain plot point I wanted, but the more I wrote, the more it grew into an introspective Wu Ji that I rather like. Maybe this is my coping mechanism to how angry I was at Wu Ji at the end of HSDS, so I hope those of you who felt the same way as me can seek a little solace through this.

 

Next chapter will be edited and updated tomorrow!  She will come soon. I promise.

 

 

 

Title: Fortunately

 

Chapter 2:

 

Wu Ji’s smile warms. For now, maybe he can push away the veil of haunted dreams and thinks the day might not be so bad after all.

 

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/18594964/chapters/44167018

 

  Reveal hidden contents

Wu Ji is still. He can’t move. He doesn’t remember being immobilized by any Persians. But there she is again. Eyes fixated on him as she raises the hilt of Yi Tian Jian 倚天劍 above her head. Her eyes never leave him.

 

Wu Ji can’t move.

 

No.

 

He can’t speak either. He tries, to yell, to scream, to tell her to stop. This is dumbdumbdumb. She is the most intelligent person he knows. She can’t possibly—

 

No.

 

He is trying to activate the movements of nerves and meridians spread throughout his body; they’re on fire, but Wu Ji can’t move can’t think can’t be fast enough.

 

“NO!”

 

In one swift moment, the metal pierces through both women, and red stains Yi Tian JIan.

 

Wu Ji is released from the trappings of his own body and hot blood fills his earseyesveins. He rushes to her, Tu Long Dao 屠龍刀 gripped tightly, but as soon as he reaches out for her, as soon as she falls, all he can see are hurt eyes piercing his and she is gone.

 

No…

 

He blinks and nothing. Everything dissipates. Wu Ji looks around. Everyone is gone. It is so still.

 

A cold chill runs down his spine at the silence.

 

He blinks and a forest surrounds him. He is immobilized again.

 

Wu Ji sees red. Her Hanfu. She is kneeling.

 

He sees Ru Yang Wong, Wang Bao Bao, Xuan Ming Elders.

 

Wu Ji is still. He can’t move. Not again. Please.

 

No.

 

Her father raises his sword above his head.

 

No.

 

In one swift moment, the metal pierces through her.

 

NO!

 

Red stains her hands as she grips tightly to sharpened steel.

 

His eyes sting from tears and fury and hopelessness. He shuts them tight.

 

“NO!”

 

Wu Ji’s eyes fly open as he jolts up from the bed, awakened by a mix of cold sweat and the sound of Ping On neighing.

 

He takes a moment to catch his breath and wipes the perspiration from his face. He collects himself, evening out his inhalation as he tries to slow the rapid beating of his heart.

 

Once his hands stop shaking and he calms to a certain degree, Wu Ji pushes his tired body off the bed and walks outside. He shields his eyes. Judging from the sun’s position, he has probably only slept for a couple hours.

 

Ping On is restless as Wu Ji struggles with his harness and softly tries to calm him. The horse settles after a couple of tries, and suddenly Wu Ji realizes they are not alone. He swiftly turns around and spots the head of a young boy peeking out from behind an old tree about five yards away.

 

The boy’s eyes reflect his fears and curiosity.

 

Wu Ji stops for a second and after perceiving no danger, pets Ping On a couple of times on the nose and engages with the boy.

 

“I am Zhang Wu Ji. What is your name?”

 

The boy pauses, still hiding behind the tree, and softly answers, “I am Lin Shan. You can call me Ah Shan.”

 

“Ah Shan. That is my father’s name.” Wu Ji feels his lips curve upward slightly. “What are you doing out here by yourself, Ah Shan?”

 

“Playing. I wanted to play with your horse. I think I scared it.”

 

Wu Ji chuckles. The boy is hiding behind a tree yards away from his horse, and he thinks the horse is scared. “It’s okay, Ah Shan. It is not scared of you. It’s a really brave horse. Come.” He waves the boy over with a warm grin and continues to pet Ping On. “See? He is calm now.”

 

Ah Shan straightens up and fixes his Mongolian Garb, and Wu Ji can see the exact moment when the young boy musters up his courage, puffs out his chest, and slowly makes his way towards them.

 

“His name is Ping On. Do you want to pet him?”

 

Ah Shan nods. The boy first uses one hand to pat Ping On a couple of times on the nose, then both his hands are stroking Ping On’s face softly. “I really love horses. You have a really good horse. A little skinny, but I can tell it’s a good horse.”

 

Wu Ji feels a slight pang of guilt and jokes, “It is not easy finding food out here in the desert.”

 

This makes Ah Shan’s face light up. “I have food!” He adjusts the bag draped around his body and brings it to the front. Reaching in, the boy pulls out six mantous and offers them up to Wu Ji. “Here. You can have these.”

 

Wu Ji freezes, taken aback by the kind gesture. Wu Ji’s gratitude is probably expressed all over his face as he slowly takes the generous offering from the young boy.

 

“Don’t worry! I have plenty more at home. A hao jie jie made them for me.”

 

“If you call me hao jie jie, I will go save your Chu gu niang for you.”

 

Wu Ji pauses, still shaken, but he puts on a smile for the boy. “Thank you so much, Ah Shan. Wu Ji Ge Ge truly appreciates you.” He saves four of them in his Hanfu for later, not quite hungry yet.

 

The boy continues to pet Ping On as the horse happily eats two back to back. “You’re welcome! Now ge ge and Ping On won’t be hungry anymore.”

 

Wu Ji’s smile warms. For now, maybe he can push away the veil of haunted dreams and thinks the day might not be so bad after all.

 

--

 

After spending most of the morning listening to Ah Shan talk, Wu Ji learns that the boy is eight years old, that his parents work outdoors herding sheep and cattle, and he often gets himself into all kinds of mischief when he is not helping them.

 

It is nice to have some company and conversation again, to get away from the confines of his own mind.

 

Wu Ji listens intently as Ah Shan recounts, in detail, his visit to his dad’s friend’s house. He describes it as an adventure over the desert, past all the sand dunes, and into an oasis of lush green grasslands beside crystal clear lakes. It was the first time they had taken family trip together.

 

The way Ah Shan describes it makes it sound like the most beautiful place in this world. But Wu Ji knows better.

 

Nothing could compare to the majestic serenity of Wu Dang Mountains and the beautifully haunting snowfields of the Northern Islands, but he is happy to oblige and fancy the young boy’s tales. He would like to see what this place is all about. It would be a nice change of scenery, Wu Ji thinks as he continues to listen to Ah Shan.

 

As the day approaches high noon, Ah Shan is finishing up a story about his favorite cow giving birth to his now new favorite calf and how he got to name the calf.

 

Wu Ji chuckles and shakes his head. Ah Shan really does not tire. He looks up and realizes that if he doesn’t leave soon, he might not be able to find another shelter before it gets dark. He sadly tells Ah Shan as much and bids him farewell.

 

Wu Ji and Ah Shan wave goodbye to each other as Wu Ji rides off, feeling especially grateful and more fulfilled than he has in a while.

 

--

 

Ah Shan watches Wu Ji ge ge ride off into the distance and waves and waves until his arm starts burning. As the boy begins to walk back to his yurt, he smiles and is happy to have met Wu Ji. The man really is a nice person. No wonder that hao jie jie gave him extra mantous to give to Wu Ji ge ge.

 

--

 

The days are usually pretty standard for Wu Ji. After resting for a night, he and Ping On will head out and continue either north or west without any real directions to go off of. Wu Ji has learned that trying to find a person in the expanse of a region as large as Mongolia is like fishing a needle from the sea. In the Central Plains, he could essentially find anyone he needed with the network of people surrounding Ming Sect and their Jiang Hu friends.

 

But out here, his Ming Sect’s connections would be rendered useless.

No, not his anymore. He had given that part of his life up. The choice to leave had come rather easily once they had successfully pushed Yuan forces out of China and back to the Eurasian Steppes.

His mind had been made up long before the battle at Shao Lin even began.

 

"Fighting this war and winning as a goal of mine has not changed. Marrying Zhao gu niang as a goal of mine will also not change."

Wu Ji had completed his duties and fulfilled his promise. Now, Ming Sect just needed to keep theirs.

 

For the past couple of years, Wu Ji has gathered information from people along the way that Zhu Yuan Zhang had become the de facto leader of Ming Sect and has collected an impressive résumé of conquests and talents alike. Currently, the power struggle between Zhu Yuan Zhang and Chou You Liang is at its most heated while Wang Bao Bao presides over Northern Yuan.

 

Wu Ji knows it is dangerous for him to have made it into her brother’s territory, but Wu Ji’s ability to evade and hide from anyone possibly out looking for him has only improved with time.

 

He enjoys the anonymity.

 

Out here, there is no Jiao Zhu. No Ming Sect. No Wu Lin. No would-be throne.

 

Out here, Wu Ji is no one.

 

He thinks it is laughable they would want him to be Emperor. It wasn’t like he hadn’t thought about it. Her warnings continued to resonate long after she had left.

 

He had imagined a life of constant scheming and politics. Of struggling to trust even his most loyal friends and family just to secure a throne made of gold and dragons. These thoughts made his stomach churn. To him, an emperor’s throne was just a chair filled with burden. He had a taste as Ming Sect Jiao Zhu, leader of all of Wu Lin. Wu Ji did not care about any of that.

 

If they wanted it, they could have it.

 

All Wu Ji wants is one thing.

 

It is unquestionably worth more than any kingdom and chair and title combined.

 

He just wishes he knows where to find it.

 

 

Love love.  Please don't gave up.. 

[Saver]

On 4/27/2019 at 11:13 PM, deminni said:

 

Welp. Your post officially wins best analysis of the episodes I never watched ever.

 

I don't even need to watch it! You've dissected it for me and even had photographic evidence and visual representation. I bow to you. haha

 

But no, seriously, what you said is so significant because for both female leads, their personal wants, needs, desires, and interpretations of who Wu Ji is are so vastly different! You are spot on in saying ZZR is infatuated with WJ's title and Jiao Zhu status, whereas ZM DETESTS the Jiao Zhu title and can even throw away her ACTUAL ROYAL LINEAGE to become a commoner and live happily and peacefully with the man she loves (or just by herself! She's so badass she don't need no man).

 

ZZR seeks power because she's never had it. She needs a man who can pull her status up, and when she became a skilled martial artist, power got to her head. Her vision of a man like WJ who can give her the materialistic things she needs is shattered so she becomes resentful and ruthless.

 

On the other hand, we have a ZM whose status is literally above many and below very few, and yet she seeks a man that can match her heart and mind and future, not her status. She loves WJ for him and nothing else. The simple man with his hair in a bun who wants to travel the world with her.

 

I've always loved the fact that ZM and ZZR are foils to each other, and this drama truly depicted it well. Little details that other versions didn't enhance as much because it wasn't necessary in the plotline. I felt like other versions of ZZR actually did love WJ. '86 version was so heartbroken when she saw him at the inn before their wedding night. It was a different pain in her eyes (Sheren is an amazing actress).

Bow to both of you:)

[Saver]

On 4/27/2019 at 11:49 PM, deminni said:

 

HAHA completely agree with c-fans. I don't need nothing too steamy, just more kissing. Why couldn't they kiss when WJ barged into the inn when he found out she was still alive? SO. STINGY.

 

 

LMAO! I almost spit my water out. SO FUNNY AND SO TRUE WITH THIS FORUM  I never thought in a million years I would ever write or make fanarts again lmaoooooo

 

 

Hahaha finally learned how to do multiple quotes lol.  Just started here and going backward to see if I can find treasure and bring it to recent for new comer like me currently page 116 lol so many pages and all so good read.

 

 

On 4/27/2019 at 11:59 PM, AppleBanana said:

Definitely counting the blessings now. Its been awhile since I've seen the 2003 and 2009 version...but babies discussion and kissing on cheek with ZZR   Phew....dodged two. Thank you HSDS 19!

 

On 4/28/2019 at 12:08 AM, deminni said:

 

I know a thing or two about kissing, and that kiss was definitely clumsy and passionate and adorable because it's both their firsts <3 haha

 

HOLY MOLY. I so wish I found this forum sooner and didn't lurk for so long haha. So crazy that we are growing this thread THIS FAST even after it's over. Still blows my mind.

 

So hey, I know this drama got pretty decent success in China, and from all the fan MVs I found on Youtube, this drama has a really strong Vietnamese fanbase as well. But it's not exactly like a mega stellar hit (which I am totally sad about and have been urging my cousin to watch this), and yet all of us are gathered here and still cannot stop analyzing and re-watching and writing and reading and creating and talking about it. Is it like this for c-fans too? Would you consider this series a Cult Classic then?

 

This series lost me years ago as a fan but I rediscover it due to Yukee and fell in love with her and Joseph due to their chemistry.