[Mainland Chinese Drama 2021] The Rebel Princess上阳赋

[Auniyshi S]

1 hour ago, hush puppy said:

 

 

 

@Auniyshi S  In the novel, they were separated for 3 long years after the Wedding Night.  In this drama, they shortened  it to 3 months.

 

In a way I thank the Kidnappers.  Otherwise they would not be re-united.  

 

The Emperor not only ordered the Kidnapping of Princess Wang Xuan.  But also to kill General Xiao Qi.  Which is why in Ep 10, when General Xiao Qi set out to rescue his Princess, he first had the Emperor's Envoy encircled and killed.   He is not stupid.

 

That's why I said the Emperor is equally Ruthless. Ungrateful as well.  Once he did not need you, he will not hesitate to have you killed.

 

He would not have been the Emperor, if PM Wang Lin had not helped him. The PM has Military Support. While the Emperor's 2 other brothers were also vying for the throne then.  One of the brothers is the current General Jian Ning, Second Prince Ma Zilu's biological father.

 

Thought The Emperor is the most person who love Awu!

What an unpredictable character!

Interesting plot!

 

Btw, how did the kidnapper know that Awu will go outside that night?

She never talk to other except her maid right?

And it wasnt something they plan before.

8 hours ago, hush puppy said:

(Posted on: Friday, 15 January 2021)

 

This clip summarised up "The Rebel Princess" for us. You can see :

- General Xiao Qi arriving to their rescue

- General Xiao Qi & Princess Wang Xuan has a son and a daughter in the end

 

They went through countless trials and tribulations before they could find happiness. Because everyone in the Palace is after them, want to kill them.  They have no desire to join the Palace's tussle for power.  But their opponents leave them no choice but to take actions. This is a very Beautiful & Enduring Love Story

 

 

Btw, i like when her father said, "He doesnt deserve your love!"

And she threw the hairpin!

[hush puppy]

 

On 1/15/2021 at 9:25 PM, celebrianna said:

@hush puppy, what was the emperor’s motivation to have A’Wu kidnapped? Was it his way of maneuvering Xiao Qi’s death?
 

Does her father suspect the emperor was behind it? Does the mother realize her brother schemed against her precious daughter?

 

Why does A’Wu’s brother seem to hate his wife? Is she a soy or something?

 

@celebrianna  

 

1) In ep 9, the emperor's butler asked if Princess Wang Xuan can be spared.  The emperor said only one of them can be allowed to live.  He wants Zidan to succeed him.   If Princess Wang Xuan is still alive, Zidan will be lenient towards the Wang Family. So she has to go.

 

General Xiao Qi is a very intelligent man. Ep 9 he had a drink with the Emperor's envoy Xu Shou to sound him out.  As he entered his room, he noticed Xu Shou has just burnt a letter. He asked him if he had attended his father-in-law's birthday (the PM) which was held 2 weeks ago.  Xu Shou said "no" because he was already out of the capital.

 

That means Xu Shou has been running around for some time now, arranging the kidnapping and the impending disaster. It's not only the Emperor.  Of course behind the scene, Duke Xie (Zidan's uncle; Crown Princess's father), the 2nd Prince all joined the fray and did their bits.  Because these are either the PM's enemies or vying for the Throne.

 

These people gambled that if the Helan Clan revolt, the General might die. If he dies, the Emperor will have Xu Shou read out his edict to retrieve the Military Power of  General Xiao Qi.  So that they cannot be a threat to Zidan.

 

General Xiao Qi analyse the situation and conclude that the Kidnap of Princess Wang Xuan can only adversely affect the PM and himself.   The Benefactor? Emperor. Thats how he realise who engineered the whole thing. Very Smart man.

 

2) The PM and Empress didn't suspect the Emperor. Because they thought he has gone crazy.

 

3) What do you mean by mother realise the brother is scheming against her daughter? Which mother and which brother?

 

4) Wang Yi Su (the Princess's brother):  It's a forced marriage. His wife  (Heng Yan) is from the 2nd Prince Zilu's camp. Both of them are lovers. That's why they are always having trysts making love.  The father-in-law Duke Huan is affiliated to Zilu's father, General Jian Ning.  So he  has some military controls. That is why the PM makes her his daughter-in-law.  Very risky choice.  (In my opinion - stupid.  Should Duke Huan betrayed him, which he always does, the consequences are irreparable)

 

 

 

 

[Rockman]

On 1/13/2021 at 2:55 AM, hush puppy said:

 

@Auniyshi S  I have not watched "Secret Of The Kingdoms".  Was it good?  Actually I did Not watch as many dramas as you all.  Because I'm "choosy".  Sometimes, I tried for a few minute or eps and then gave up.  Everybody complimented "The Story Of Rose & Tiger". I tried 6x.  Cannot catch on. I find it too flimsy - no solid story. Don't like the actress either.

 

I also gave up "Under The Power". Also tried many times because of the praises.

 

 

 

 

@celebrianna  Answering your question individually like this does not really throw light to the whole plot, which is more twisted, complicated.

 

1) 2nd Prince:  He is the man who is controlling everybody, leading them on a wild goose's chase - the Puppet Master.  He is not favoured by the Emperor because his mother is from a lower class.  So he is being resentful of his father and everyone.    He wanted revenge; he wanted the Throne.  So he sabotage everybody:

 

- he was the one who engineered the assasination attempt on the 3rd Prince Zidan. Thus sowing the seeds of distrust between the Emperor and the Empress.  Both the Emperor and the Imperial Consort (Zidan's mother) thought the Empress planned the assasination to prevent Zidan from challenging the throne.

 

- in this Story, it is a common notion among everyone that, the Ladies from the Wang Clan are the Emperor-Maker:  "Get Her And You Get The Entire Universe".  Because there are already 12 Empresses from that clan. 

 

- that is why the Empress planned for the Crown-Prince to rape Princess Wang Xuan. Wang Xuan's father didn't know of course. Both the PM and his sister the Empress wants Princess Wang Xuan to marry the Crown Prince - continues the tradition of being Empress.  So that the Wang Clan stays influential.

 

But again was thwarted by the 2nd Prince.  He have the Switch made.  So the Crown Prince raped the Imperial Consort's niece, Zidan's (3rd Prince) sister - Xie Wan Ru instead. 

 

Aim:  So that both the Wang and Xie Clan does not get what they want, the Throne, the Power. The Wang Family does not make another Empress.  The Xie Family does not get General Xiao Qi as their son-in-law. And start to plot against each other.  Intensifying the Enmity among the Emperor, Empress and the PM. Leaving the coast clear for himself (the 2nd Prince) to ascend the throne.

 

So the Power Struggle begins......

 

2) The Deaf & Mute Taoist Priest who is the Confidante of the Emperor is Neither deaf nor mute. He is the PM's man.  Planted there to learn of the Emperor's every thought and move. Brilliant isn't it?

 

3) The PM: Since he couldn't get his daughter to become Empress, he went for the Next Best Choice.  Which is General Xiaeo Qi. He wanted to retrieve the "Imperial Tiger's Seal" which is the Military Seal.  Whoever possesses it has Absolute Power over the Entire Military Force.  And this Seal is with the Emperor.  Interesting, isn't it?

 

4) Princess Wang Xuan:  Another reason why she married the General - is to save Zidan's life. The Empress promised not to take his life if she marries General Xiao Qi. Another excuse concorted by the Empress.  In other words the Empress is helping her brother. (Which is why General Xiao Qi told the Princess, she is a Pawn of both the Empress and the PM)

 

5) 3rd Prince Zidan: He chose Revenge over Love. That is why he didn't turn up to elope with Princess Wang Xuan.  He later changed his mind. But too late. It showed that he is quite a soft person.  Not that wise and decisive as the General.  So I'm glad the Princess (as I would for any lady) got the General instead.

 

6) Xie Wan Ru (Zidan's sister the one who married the Crown Prince): She thought Princess Wang Xuan has betrayed her brother.  So she turned Spiteful.  I don't like the Princess's maid who easily went for Zidan.  I don't like this kind of plot. So these 2 ladies will become Princess Wang Xuan's arch enemies 

 

I also don't like plots where Men binged-drink when they are upset and then made love to the wrong ladies.  It happened here with Zidan.  So I don't sympathise with him anymore.

 

7) The Emperor:  He was the one who planned the Kidnapping of Princess Wang Xuan. To thwart the PM's plan. He wanted to have General Xiao Qi killed as well. Frightening isn't it?  The emperor loves the Princess so much.  But will not hesitate to hurt/sacrifice her when needs arise.  His Hatred for the PM outstriped his Love for Princess Wang Xuan.  Again, the Princess became someone's else Pawn

 

So the only People Worth Admiring In The End Are:  Princess Wang Xuan and General Xiao Qi. Couldn't wait for the ensuing developments.....

 

 

 

I always recommend to watch the longest version of any movie or series.

 

If you are afraid to watch television series about the war of the Three Kingdoms of China that are more than 30 episodes long then I recommend you to watch the extended version of the Hongkongese movie "Red Cliff" that came out in 2 parts in 2008 and 2009.

 

Red Cliff Official HD Trailer John Woo Film :

 

 

The live-action Chinese television series "Secret of the Three Kingdoms" that came out in 2018 lacks action. The longest version of 54 episodes long.

 

Secrets of Three Kingdoms (2018 Chinese TV series) trailer with English subs :

 

All the live-action Chinese television series that I mention below who are based on the war of the Three Kingdoms of China are much better than "Secret of the Three Kingdoms" (2018) :

 

The live-action Chinese television series "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" that came out in 1994 is only adaptation of the war of the Three Kingdoms of China that goes from the uprising of the Yellow turbans to the end of the war of the Three Kingdoms of China. The longest version is 84 episodes long.

 

 Romance Of The Three Kingdoms (1994 Chinese TV series) Intro :

 

The live-action Chinese television series "Three Kingdoms" that came out in 2010 is more beautiful to the eyes but lacks Nanman rebellion and doesn't cover the events after the incident at the Gaoping Tombs thus doesn't go to the end of the war of the Three Kingdoms of China. The longest version is 95 episodes long.

Three kingdoms (2010 Chinese TV series) trailer with English subs :

 

The live-action Chinese television series "The Advisors Alliance" that came out in 2017 is cut in 2 parts :

 

"The Advisors Alliance : Part 1 : The Great Military Strategist Sima Yi : The Military Strategists' Alliance" : The longest version is 42 episodes long.

 

"The Advisors Alliance : Part 2 : The Great Military Strategist Sima Yi : Growling Tiger and Roaring Dragon" : The longest version is 44 episodes long.

 

The first part is a boring because there is not enough action for me but I became addicted to this TV series during the second part due to the action.

 

I only recommend you to watch "The Advisors Alliance" only if you have watched either "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" (1994)" or "Three Kingdoms (2010)" before as the "Advisors Alliance" skips a lot of events .

 

The Chinese actor Yu Hewei who played the role of Liu Bei in "Three Kingdoms" (2010) played the role of Cao Cao in "The Advisors Alliance" (2017).

 

The Chinese actor Tan Jianci who played the role of Cao Pi in "Secret of the Three Kingdoms" (2017) played the role of Sima Zhao in "The Advisors Alliance" (2017).

 

The Chinese singer Yu Shuxin who is a member of the C-pop girl band THE9 plays the role of an elder princess in "The Advisors Alliance" (2017).

 

The Advisors Alliance : The Great Military Strategist Sima Yi (2017 Chinese TV series) trailer with English subs :

 

The Advisors Alliance (2017 Chinese TV series) : Part 2 : The Great Military Strategist Sima Yi : Growling Tiger and Roaring Dragon : Trailer :

 

 

The Advisors Alliance : Zhuge Liang's memorial recited in English by the Chinese actor Wang Luoyong :

 

Edited January 16, 2021 by Rockman

[hush puppy]

While waiting for new eps, I rewatch ep 11, 12, 13.  So lovely to watch them both getting to know each other, falling in love.

 

Yes. ZZY and ZYW are both doing a great job.  I like it because they do not over-act.  They always apply just the right doses of emotions and affections. The results are intoxicating :

 

- ep 11 when Gen Xiao Qi told her the truth.  She was shocked, humbled and embarrassed.  Because she has initially accused him of forcing the marriage, seeking advancement.  Yet she does not over-do it.  Xiao Qi said he'll be outside if she needs him.  But Wang Xuan needed someone to hold her, console her. So she called his name.  And he came running back. (So sweet. yet not embarrassing at all)

 

After that every night Xiao Qi will wait outside her room.  Hoping to be invited in. So devoted.

 

- ep 12 Xiao Qi wanted her so much.  He has to make do with practising his sword-plays. Not drinking wine. When a drunk Wang Xuan whispered another man's name (Zidan).  He was disappointed.  Yet he carried her back into her room, to settle her down for bed - like a mother would her child.

 

Wang Xuan drunkenly protested when he tried to remove her wet outer clothes. (But she does so without being too emotional. Eventually falling asleep on his lap. A believable result)

 

- ep 13 Xiao Qi asked her to see him. She complained that his men are a bit rude.  He teased her for complaining about others after she has sobered? For the first time she flirted with him: "Come and smell if I still have any whiff of alcohol??"  He leaned over and said: "No. You don't smell of alcohol anymore".  (Such sweet and innocent bantering.  Yet not out of place at all. Not childish)

 

- ep 13 When they were chased by the assassins: I love the part when Xiao Qi turned "Horse Whisperer".  In every other drama, the man will whack the horse to make it run.  Here he whispers.  And the white horse followed suite. (These are what I call, "Meticulous, Intelligent work by the Director)

 

 

A younger actress will definitely over-act in these scenes.  Crying or waving hysterically.  Thinking these are good acting.  Whatever people want to say  of their ages - especially Zhang Zi Yi, she has done an excellent job.  Zhou Yi Wei too.  

 

[hush puppy]

On 1/16/2021 at 5:07 PM, Catleya said:

I could only watch until ep 9 because of eng sub.

 

I so hate Helan Zhen because of he humiliates Princess Wang Xuan. I can understand men's ambition and revenge. But I could not tolerate if a man rappes a wife of someone just because of he wants to get his revenge to her husband. He is as low as an animal for me. 

 

And the king is a selfish man. Just like any other king in cdramas. I am a bit happy (just a bit) because of prime minister Wang poisoned him.

 

 

@Catleya  Helan Zhen is not exactly a bad person. 

 

The Crown Prince of Helan Tribe is not a good man. He raped Helan Zhen's mother at her wedding.  So Helan Zhen is an illegitimate son.  He and his mother led a very difficult and impoverished life being bullied by people. It was only when the King's Heir was killed that they snatched Helan Zhen back.

 

Why did he hate General Xiao Qi so much?

The Helan Tribe was defeated by General Xiao Qi.  After the truce, the Helan King's Nephew disguised as General Xiao Qi's man and using General Xiao Qi's name start slaughtering Helan  Zhen's comrades and family members including babies.  The Nephew wants to make sure Helan Zhen will not be able to fight for the throne.  It was a misunderstanding.  General Xiao Qi was framed. But Helan Zhen didn't know.  (I'm sure he'll find out eventually.  Xiao Qi has already rescued him and sent him back to Helan Tribe - to fight for the Throne with that Nephew again)

 

Anyway let's get ready lots of Tissue Papers.  This story is going to be very Heart-Breaking for our Power Couple.

 

General Jian Ning has rebelled.  He was the late emperor's favourite candidate for the Throne. But PM Wang Lin (Wang Xuan's father) helped the current Emperor  win the throne.   After that General Jian Ning was sent to Jiang Nan as a Provincial Official. He has not been back for 21  years.  Now he is back to fight for the throne  again - for his son, the 2nd Prince.  The current Emperor has been hoodwinked all these while.  Don't even know that Zilu is not his son.

 

Next week will be General Xiao Qi's 1st Victory i.e. Hui Zhou.  But there will be many more External and Internal Palace battles before Peace prevails. 

 

Wang Xuan will have to make a lot of tough decisions: to stand on her family's side;  or to stand on Xiao Qi's side?

 

We'll see Wang Xuan being poisoned.  We'll see a lot of Unexpected Betrayals for both Wang Xuan and Xiao Qi 

 

Spoiler

I just read a Spoiler.  General Song Huai-en will betray General Xiao Qi in the later eps.  It will Break Xiao Qi's Heart - and ours as well.  On the wedding night, General Song Huai-en is the man who came to tell Wang Xuan that Xiao Qi had left for the borders.

 

 

[Auniyshi S]

Just finished watching ep 9 with engsub.

Thanks to all subber. Because of your hardwork, i understand whole story and it's getting more interesting.

 

In ep 9, i can see the smart, brave and knowledgeable Awu. Indeed, she's the general's wife!

Edited January 16, 2021 by Auniyshi S

[Travis Mom]

Yes, thank you all for your explanations. The conspiracies are quite intricate. Not that it matters in the older days but did Xiao Qi have an existing relationship with the 2 servant girls (that thought very highly of themselves)?  If not, how were they so confident in their positions and in disbelief that Wang Xuan would put them down? 

[hush puppy]

On 1/16/2021 at 11:18 PM, Travis Mom said:

Yes, thank you all for your explanations. The conspiracies are quite intricate. Not that it matters in the older days but did Xiao Qi have an existing relationship with the 2 servant girls (that thought very highly of themselves)?  If not, how were they so confident in their positions and in disbelief that Wang Xuan would put them down? 

 

@Travis Mom Xiao Qi did not have any relationship with any woman. Wang Xuan is his only woman. 

 

The 2 servant girls were specially selected by the Madam Lu, the Elderly Head of Staff (she is equally arrogant herself) from among her clans. I'm sure she wants to create her own clout in Xiao Qi's camp. They just help to take care of him, since he has no wife. 

 

They are not confident.  Just arrogant and ignorant. 

- Being from a small town, they have little knowledge of Protocol. 

- Since they only take care of Xiao Qi, they thought they are above those who do more routine and  menial tasks. 

- They are used to the situation where there is no Mistress (since Xiao Qi is not married) to keep them in their place.  They do what they like. 

- In those days, there were no socialisation and entertainment, girls could only think of marrying. (Just like Wang Xuan's former maid - Su Jin).

- And General Xiao Qi is such an attractive man

 

So from there, they began to harbour ambitions of being his side-concubines. 

-  The widespread news of Xiao Qi deserting his wife on their Wedding Night also did not help. 

-  Her Kidnap case further made them look down on her.

-  And at first her relationship with Xiao Qi isn't good.  Even the other girls commented that Xiao Qi seldom come visit her.

 

Thus the Confidence.   

 

I'm glad  Wang Xuan put them in their place.  And they were shocked by Xiao Qi's response.  He supported Wang Xuan without question. Complete trust in her.

 

 

Ep 14 is equally Romantic.   Xiao Qi confessed to Wang Xuan that, that day when he saved her at the hanging bridge,  at the Cliff Top (ep 11),  "the moment he held her hand, that very moment, he has decided that What They Had Then; He Will Keep It For The Rest Of Their Lives".  Aw. So Romantic and Touching. 

 

And Wang Xuan returned the same sentiments.  Which means they have made a declaration to be with each other forever.  Nobody and nothing can tear them asunder.

[Travis Mom]

Thank you @hush puppy for your replay and explanation!

42 minutes ago, hush puppy said:

 

@Travis Mom Xiao Qi did not have any relationship with any woman. Wang Xuan is his only woman. 

 

The 2 servant girls were specially selected by the Elderly Head of Staff (she is equally arrogant herself) from among her relatives. I'm sure she wants to create her own clout in Xiao Qi's camp. They just help to take care of him, since he has no wife. 

 

They are not confident.  Just arrogant and ignorant. 

- Being from a small town, they have little knowledge of Protocol. 

- Since they only take care of Xiao Qi, they thought they are above those who do more routine and  menial tasks. 

- In those days, there were no socialisation and entertainment, girls could only think of marrying. (Just like Wang Xuan's former maid - Su Jin).

 

So from there, they began to harbour ambitions of being his side-concubines. 

-  The widespread news of Xiao Qi deserting his wife on their Wedding Night also did not help. 

-  Her Kidnap case further made them look down on her.

-  And at first her relationship with Xiao Qi isn't good.  Even the other girls commented that Xiao Qi seldom come visit her.

 

Thus the Confidence.   

 

I'm glad  Wang Xuan put them in their place.  And they were shocked by Xiao Qi's response.  He supported Wang Xuan without question. Complete trust in her.

 

 

Ep 14 is equally Romantic.   Xiao Qi confessed to Wang Xuan that, that night when they were at the Cliff Top (ep 13) to escape the assassins,  "the moment he held her arms, that very moment, he has decided to be with her forever" And Wang Xuan returned the same sentiments.  Which means they have made a declaration to be with each other forever.  Nobody and nothing can tear them asunder.

I thought he had already declared the night Wang Xuan laid drunk in his arms...that he is fixated on her (in Ep. 12)?

[hush puppy]

 

 

On 1/17/2021 at 12:23 AM, Travis Mom said:

Thank you @hush puppy for your replay and explanation!

I thought he had already declared the night Wang Xuan laid drunk in his arms...that he is fixated on her (in Ep. 12)?

 

@Travis Mom  You just said it.  Wang Xuan was in a stupor.  She didn't hear it.  That's the difference!

 And I believe Xiao Qi did not have enough confidence to tell her either. 

 

-  Wang Xuan has yet to return his feelings.

-  She is still in love with Qidan

-  She still believe Xiao Qi forced the marriage for personal gains

-  She is still angry with him for abandoning her at their wedding night

-  Plus the difference in their social ranks

 

Xiao Qi has said it a few times before.  But it is verbalised  mentally.  Or said to her when she is drunk.

 

But this time, it is directly to her when she is fully awake. He looks into her eyes and tell her.  Even though he looks a bit "shy" himself.   Because he is sure she loves him too. 

 

She repeated the same affirmation.  And  after that they kiss.

 

 

[ChristineH]

I'm so hooked after only 1 episode.    I'm so glad I gave it a try when I was looking around for new drama to watch.  I love the male lead, manly and oozes charisma not some pretty flower boy.  The female lead...no need to comment, she's just awesome.  I wish I understand chinese so I don't have to wait for subs.

[celebrianna]

11 hours ago, Catleya said:

I could only watch until ep 9 because of eng sub.

 

I so hate Helan Zhen because of he humiliates Princess Wang Xuan. I can understand men's ambition and revenge. But I could not tolerate if a man rappes a wife of someone just because of he wants to get his revenge to her husband. He is as low as an animal for me. 

 

And the king is a selfish man. Just like any other king in cdramas. I am a bit happy (just a bit) because of prime minister Wang poisoned him.

 

I hope Wang Clan and general Xiao Qi can work together to save Princess Wang Xuan.

 

 

Your writings make me can't wait to watch more eps @hush puppy 

 

 

I agree. This drama needs an actress with good acting quality. I don't remember if we have any young actress with impressive acting quality like Zhang Zi Yi when she was on her 20s (Memoir of a Geisha era). This is not just a melancoly romantic drama. This is a drama with complete plots and intriques. Political plots, tactic and strategy, affairs, wars, revenges, and romance. 

I understand your feelings. As a female, I hate rape and sexual assault in any form. It really turns me off of a character. I hope that there aren’t any more scenes like those because I was honestly shocked when I saw that kind of stuff happening to the female lead. Usually women of her status are at home and/or surrounded by attendants. However, I suppose A’Wu will not be a normal woman of her times but she should at least have a female guard or something. 
 

@hush puppythanks for all the background information you provided. That almost-rapist guy seem to have more to him. Maybe my mind will change about him but it still says something about his character that he would try raping a woman. So low. If he has something against a man, how about dealing with the man directly. 

[Auniyshi S]

2 hours ago, ChristineH said:

I'm so hooked after only 1 episode.    I'm so glad I gave it a try when I was looking around for new drama to watch.  I love the male lead, manly and oozes charisma not some pretty flower boy.  The female lead...no need to comment, she's just awesome.  I wish I understand chinese so I don't have to wait for subs.

Me, too

I dropped many dramas

 

Then TRP came and i was surprise when i knew it's ZZY!

I have to gave it a try!

And it's awesome!

I'm mesmerized by all actors acting!

Especially our Awu and Xiao Qi!

 

Still long way to go to ep 68 but i hope TRP can manage its pace and storyline well

 

[hush puppy]

 

 

8 hours ago, celebrianna said:

 

@hush puppythanks for all the background information you provided. That almost-rapist guy seem to have more to him. Maybe my mind will change about him but it still says something about his character that he would try raping a woman. So low. If he has something against a man, how about dealing with the man directly. 

 

@celebrianna  I don't condone Helan Zhen's actions.  No.  No excuse.   Like everybody else I was on tenterhooks when Wang Xuan was kidnapped.  Relieved only when she was rescued.  I'm merely volunteering a background story of him that's all.

 

 

Spoiler

Some good news!  Our General Xiao Qi will have another Wedding Ceremony for her beloved Sweetheart.  To make up for his previous faux pas - even though it was unavoidable at that time.

 

[tazmin]

The level of thirst I have for Xiao is almost scary to me. I literally fangirl each time his scenes come on

 

Now with episode 10, I have to say Zitan while a beautiful Adonis who’s such a throughly decent person truly would’ve not been a good match for our A’Wu, all them scheming and shadow fights would’ve been done by A’Wu alone and I’m sure (I mean I would be) she’d grown resentful of him in the end. 

[hush puppy]

There are so much criticisms and ridicules about Zhang Zi Yi playing a 15 years old Princess Shang Yang.  Who is right?  Who is wrong?   I say - Why don't we listen to the opinions of  the Author herself?

Rebel Princess Author Supports Decision to Have Zhang Ziyi Portray a 15-Year-Old in the Early Episodes

JANUARY 13, 2021ANNE J

 

The much-anticipated Rebel Princess 上阳赋 which is Zhang Ziyi’s very first drama that she filmed back in 2018 finally premiered on January 9. However, Zhang Ziyi’s portrayal of a 15-year-old heroine when the series opened drew much discussion with some finding her too old for the role. Similar criticisms have affected other actresses in the past such as Zhou Xun who was in her forties when she played the younger version of her character in Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace.

 

With the show runners seemingly also jumping on the hype, Zhang Ziyi boldly asked the production team and media platforms to stop using her to promote a “girly feel”! She explains that she was 38 years old when she played Wang Xuan and will be turning 42 in February, which is definitely not a young girl so she asked to please stop using the topic as a marketing gimmick. 

Emperor’s Conquest Author Mei Yu Zhe Voices Her Thoughts

Recently, author Mei Yu Zhe 寐语者 who wrote the novel Emperor’s Conquest that the drama is based on, showed her full support for Zhang Ziyi.

 

She says, “Everyone knows what it means to have a 38-year-old woman playing a 15-year-old teenage girl. The easy way out is to shorten the story and simply gloss over it, an even easier way is to use a young actress to play the younger version of the heroine. Either way, it would make things easier for Zhang Ziyi. However, after several back-and-forth discussions and arguments, in the end, the most difficult and thankless method was chosen, it was also the way to preserve the integrity of the story and the characters to the greatest extent.

 

Whether in the book or in the script, Awu’s story as a young woman is not very appealing, the story that follows Awu after her transformation and her eventual team up with Lao Xiao to fulfill their goals is much more interesting. But if the story of the heroine in her younger days is not told, then there would be no foundation for the emotional connections between the characters, the drastic changes in their fates later on and the emotions that will erupt in the upheaval will seem like there was no reason for it.”

Why a Younger Actress Was Not Chosen

Mei Yu Zhe goes on to explain that it’s not impossible to change the actress, but the actress will have a different feel, thus weakening the integrity of the character. In particular, Mei Yu Zhe explains that the story and the character have a unique trait. In the book, many major events in Awu’s life happened before she turned 20 from falling in love to the loss of her mother and child.

 

She says, “If we used a young actress to play the heroine at 15 years old, what about the scenes when she’s 18 years old? If Ziyi started playing the character from age 18, will there no longer be criticisms that her age does not match the role?”

 

Mei Yu Zhe says that she does not know what went through Ziyi’s mind when she made the decision but if she didn’t love the character Awu then she wouldn’t have had to bear the pressure of playing the role. In the author’s eyes, Zhang Ziyi has successfully integrated the young Awu who will later become Zhang Wangfei into one person.

 

 

[jacquelinetan]

I believe that Wang Xuan's feelings for Xiao Qi first spark when she found out that he had sent his people to save her. He is the only one who did it. Where is her father, Uncle Emperor or even Zi Dan Ke Ke when she was kidnapped.

 

Then he rushed to save the "decoy" thinking she was her. Who can forget that moment he appeared alone surrounded by a celestial mist to save her and she called out his name "Xiao Qi"(she did not even go with his title) and warned that she was strapped with a bomb. That all it took, his wife calls and he killed everyone and saved his wife with one "ballerina" stance.

 

Then he smoothed her feelings of disappointment with her father and told her that she can remained with him and be his Princess Consort for real.

 

What a man!!

[Auniyshi S]

3 hours ago, hush puppy said:

There are so much criticisms and ridicules about Zhang Zi Yi playing a 15 years old Princess Shang Yang.  Who is right?  Who is wrong?   I say - Why don't we listen to the opinions of  the Author herself?

Rebel Princess Author Supports Decision to Have Zhang Ziyi Portray a 15-Year-Old in the Early Episodes

JANUARY 13, 2021ANNE J

 

The much-anticipated Rebel Princess 上阳赋 which is Zhang Ziyi’s very first drama that she filmed back in 2018 finally premiered on January 9. However, Zhang Ziyi’s portrayal of a 15-year-old heroine when the series opened drew much discussion with some finding her too old for the role. Similar criticisms have affected other actresses in the past such as Zhou Xun who was in her forties when she played the younger version of her character in Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace.

 

With the show runners seemingly also jumping on the hype, Zhang Ziyi boldly asked the production team and media platforms to stop using her to promote a “girly feel”! She explains that she was 38 years old when she played Wang Xuan and will be turning 42 in February, which is definitely not a young girl so she asked to please stop using the topic as a marketing gimmick. 

Emperor’s Conquest Author Mei Yu Zhe Voices Her Thoughts

Recently, author Mei Yu Zhe 寐语者 who wrote the novel Emperor’s Conquest that the drama is based on, showed her full support for Zhang Ziyi.

 

She says, “Everyone knows what it means to have a 38-year-old woman playing a 15-year-old teenage girl. The easy way out is to shorten the story and simply gloss over it, an even easier way is to use a young actress to play the younger version of the heroine. Either way, it would make things easier for Zhang Ziyi. However, after several back-and-forth discussions and arguments, in the end, the most difficult and thankless method was chosen, it was also the way to preserve the integrity of the story and the characters to the greatest extent.

 

Whether in the book or in the script, Awu’s story as a young woman is not very appealing, the story that follows Awu after her transformation and her eventual team up with Lao Xiao to fulfill their goals is much more interesting. But if the story of the heroine in her younger days is not told, then there would be no foundation for the emotional connections between the characters, the drastic changes in their fates later on and the emotions that will erupt in the upheaval will seem like there was no reason for it.”

Why a Younger Actress Was Not Chosen

Mei Yu Zhe goes on to explain that it’s not impossible to change the actress, but the actress will have a different feel, thus weakening the integrity of the character. In particular, Mei Yu Zhe explains that the story and the character have a unique trait. In the book, many major events in Awu’s life happened before she turned 20 from falling in love to the loss of her mother and child.

 

She says, “If we used a young actress to play the heroine at 15 years old, what about the scenes when she’s 18 years old? If Ziyi started playing the character from age 18, will there no longer be criticisms that her age does not match the role?”

 

Mei Yu Zhe says that she does not know what went through Ziyi’s mind when she made the decision but if she didn’t love the character Awu then she wouldn’t have had to bear the pressure of playing the role. In the author’s eyes, Zhang Ziyi has successfully integrated the young Awu who will later become Zhang Wangfei into one person.

 

 

Thank u for sharing!

 

I'm with the author.

The best answer to encounter all the negative comment about ZZY portrayed teenager.

 

 

4 hours ago, tazmin said:

The level of thirst I have for Xiao is almost scary to me. I literally fangirl each time his scenes come on

 

 

You are not alone 

[hush puppy]

 

3 hours ago, jacquelinetan said:

I believe that Wang Xuan's feelings for Xiao Qi first spark when she found out that he had sent his people to save her. He is the only one who did it. Where is her father, Uncle Emperor or even Zi Dan Ke Ke when she was kidnapped.

 

 

@jacquelinetan  Xiao Qi would not know that Wang Xuan has been kidnapped if her father the PM had not send someone to inform him. 

 

I hate to say it.  But for once, this is Xiao Qi's fault.   Yes. He had to leave the capital on the Wedding Night to avoid getting embroiled in the Palace Politics.  His presence with his army will only heightened the tensions. Possibly leading to a Blood Bath.

 

But after a month or so, he should at least tried to see Wang Xuan to clarify matters.  To seek her forgiveness. Like it or not, they are already married in the eyes of the public.  He should not leave her humiliated forever.  What if she is not kidnapped?

 

Had she been raped, I wonder what Xiao Qi will do.

 

As for the Emperor, we all know he is the one who ordered both Xiao Qi and Wang Xuan to be killed.   So @jacquelinetan  how can he send someone to help? Besides he is supposed to act crazy.

 

Zidan is a pampered spineless prince.  Incapable of any achievement.  

[jacquelinetan]

2 hours ago, hush puppy said:

 

@jacquelinetan 

 

But after a month or so, he should at least tried to see Wang Xuan to clarify matters.  To seek her forgiveness. Like it or not, they are already married in the eyes of the public.  He should not leave her humiliated forever.  What if she is not kidnapped?

 

I think he did send letters and gifts but Wang Xuan ignored them. Xiao Qi told his man to continue sending letters and gifts.