April 2, 2022

Decreed by Fate | Recap and Review

Decreed by Fate
A princess flees from her marquis groom. 
Notable Actors/Actresses
Li Jiu LinLu Tian Xiao / Yin Si Shen
Chen Fang TongYe Rong’er / Wen Ren Jing 
Director
Chinese Title
千金難逃
The Princess Can’t Escape
NetworkiQIYI
Year2022
Episodes: 16
Recap Grade: A/B
First Impression: 3/5




Mini Recaps


[Ep1Ye Rong’er, a princess of her county, doesn’t want to marry because she’s certain anyone chosen for her is the wrong one. There’s also not a lot of suitors who want to marry her anyway. Rumours have it that she cursed her parents to death. She also has the reputation of being the female Zhang Fei (a real general. Google Image the name and you’ll know). But on this day, Ye Rong’er meets two potential suitors! 

First, Ye Rong’er meets a Chivalrous Man. He helps her arrest a groom who’s beating up his bride. This incident gives Ye Rong’er positive reinforcement that arranged marriages are bad. 

Then Ye Rong'er meets an Alluring Man at a performance house, a place known for its beautiful men. (This Sexy Man(’s servant) bought the entire place to bathe. Yes, to bathe.) Ye Rong’er walks in on the Alluring Man bathing. He gives her a bidongBecause - romcom! She tells him to remove his hand, until she realizes she’s the one who's groping his chest. Badump-badump. His chest expands and relaxes. Her hands rise and fall. Ye Rong’er slowly releases, but her fingers tingle as she remembers the texture and the firmness. “Wow”. She’s not embarrassed much at all, and asks the Alluring Man for help to sell her frivolous image to her marriage prospect, Jia You Cai (You Cai means ‘have wealth’. Jia means ‘fake’). The Alluring Man refuses the money, but helps her anyway. 
Our Alluring Man plays qin – swoon – making Ye Rong’er dazed, but Jai You Cai keeps yapping beside her, ruining her admiration of the beautiful man. She glares at Jia You Cai, but the Alluring Man speaks softly, calling her attention. “You once swore by my pillow to grow old together with me. It can’t be a joke, right?” When Jia You Cai hollers at the Alluring Man, he pretends to be meek and soft. He even nervously scratches the wooden door with a finger to sell his timidness. LOL. Then ever so softly, he mumbles behind her, “He’s scaring me.” Cue our female Zhang Fei!  Our manly Ye Rong’er protects our demure Alluring Man. 
Alluring Man: “Ah, my heart!”
Ye Rong'er thinks Alluring Man is overdoing it. With his seductive voice, he whispers in her ear that if they’re going to act, they should go all in. It works. Ye Rong’er successfully ruins her date with Jia You Cai. Hurrah! No more marriages! 

The next day, Jia You Cai is hung up in the middle of the street with just his boxers. Who could have avenged Ye Rong’er? Could it be the Chivalrous Man? Or the Alluring Man? But that’s not important right now! Ye Rong’er receives an imperial decree to marry Yin Si Shen, Marquis of Jing’an. 

[Ep2] Ye Rong’er marries today! She’s in her wedding dress, taking her step into Yin Si Shen’s manor. She trips at the door. Her groom gently saves her from the fall. She wants to lift her veil and take a peek at him during the bows, but his tender hands stop her each time. She fails to take a glimpse and now she’s in the chamber. Her plan was to escape, but she’s wavering because her groom seems so considerate. However, that image shatters when she learns he was dealing with another woman (who’s crying about loving him) on their wedding day. She runs away from her groom. Once he finds her missing, he covers up the news so that no one, besides the family, will know. Show wants to be mysterious about the groom’s face, so I’ll pretend to be clueless too

Ye Rong’er runs to Pingyang City because there’s a Lord Song who could help her get an amicable separation from her General husband. She also uses an alias, Madam Wen Ren Jing, to open Boqing Inn, offering services to women and promoting independence (+ divorce). Wen Ren Jing: (wenren means famous person) + (jing means calm) = Famously Calm. It’s in direct contrast with her lady Zhang Fei reputationBoqing Inn: boqing = fickle, inconstant in love.

Three months later, Yin Si Shen finds his bride’s location. He will make it so that she is willing to leave with him. Scene cuts to Chivalrous Man who has arrived in Pingyang City. Oh, and Alluring Man is here too. Which of these two is Yin Si Shen? 
Ye Rong’er meets Chivalrous Man first (again). These two still keep their fun “master” and “disciple” relationship where she is his master when he’s the better fighter. He introduces himself as Fang Xian Xun. They’re separated when she runs away from her business rivals.

There’s more problems for Ye Rong’er. Liu Zhan demands proof that the director of her inn is Lu Ting Xiao, a first class matchmaker as she claims. Otherwise her inn is invalid. And so Lu Ting Xiao appears! He’s the Alluring Man. 
[Ep3] With a fan that says Lu Ting Xiao is Lu Ting Xiao, the bullies (Liu Zhan, self-declared No.1 Matchmaker of Pingyang and Zheng Lin) back off. 

Ye Rong’er is confused about this Lu Ting Xiao. Is he the alluring guy from the performance house pretending to be Lu Ting Xiao or vice versa? She tries to drug him but that fails. He suavely allows her to ask him directly. She holds his hand takes his pulse as she asks the first question. Is he Lu Ting Xiao? “No.” He explains that even if he said yes, she wouldn’t believe him so he might as well just say no. It’s his turn to ask. He takes her pulse too. Why did she use his name to open a matchmaking service? She answers that Lord Song couldn't approve of her amicable divorce so she might as well be a matchmaker and file her own papers. Apparently, her groom is unfaithful, a fickle man (= boqing; the name of the inn). This piques Lu Ting Xiao’s interest. 

Ye Rong’er thought she could convince Lu Ting Xiao to mind their own businesses. Wrong. He’s very involved in her business. His excuse: he can’t have her ruining his name as a first class matchmaker. 

Fang Xian Xun is in Pingyang to investigate Chong Lou, an organization that cultivates women as spies to inflict the officials. It seems Lu Ting Xiao is here in Pingyang for a similar reason. 
The next day, Ye Rong’er is fed up with serving Lu Ting Xiao. She takes back what's hers, like the bed. To force her off, Lu Ting Xiao lies on the bed with her. Not working. He proceeds to strip. She pretends to be unaffected. When she sees the opportunity, she bites him so that she can sit on top of him on the bed. Well. 

Other happenings:
→ There is a minor character, Madam Ma, who introduces herself as Gao Yuan Yuan. The name belongs to a real actress. Very pretty. Married to Mark Chao

[Ep4*Knock knock* Someone’s at the door. Lu Ting Xiao hides Ye Rong'er in bed by hugging her under the blanket. Being so close to him, she finds him familiar. She asks, “Have we seen each other before?” He doesn’t answer her. 

Ye Rong'er is stuck in the woods (sabotaged by Zheng Lin). She’s saved by Lu Ting Xiao. It’s late and Lu Ting Xiao makes a bonfire. Our stubborn Ye Rong’er won’t sit next to Lu Ting Xiao and so he carries her there and feeds her the chicken he roasted. She reluctantly thanks him for saving her. Then he makes a bed for her. They’ll have to stay for the night. There’s no stars in the sky. He can’t tell his north from his south. She thinks it’s better there’s no stars anyways. She hates stars the most. Before they sleep, Ye Rong'er draws a clear line, dividing their haystack bed. He teases her. “You think I’ll take advantage of you?” Nope. She’s afraid she’ll take advantage of him. 

Ye Rong’er shivers in her sleep. Lu Ting Xiao rubs his hand so that he can hold hers to keep her warm. Then she attacks him. She was right about herself taking advantage. In her sleep, she throws her arm and leg over him. Lu Ting Xiao, resist!

The No.1 Matchmaker in Pingyang, Lu Zhan falls in love with Ah Ling (Ye Rong’er’s maid) after she heroically saves him from being beaten. 
  
[Ep5] Since Ye Rong’er wants to be a first class matchmaker (in order to file her divorce), Fang Xian Xun helps her find clients. As he’s helping her, he’s also investigating Chong Lou. Somehow someway, they overhear that a girl (Qiu Liu Yun) is being held hostage by Lan Que who works for Chong Lou. 

Fan Xian Xun and Ye Rong’er are in their hiding spot. She moves closer to listen and unconsciously, her hand slips through his clothes into his chest. What kind of habit is this? She lays her ears on his chest to hear the conversation metres away but it seems she’s deaf to the sound of his heart accelerating less than an inch away.

[Ep6] Fang Xian Xun keeps Lan Que captive in his prison. Then he sends Ye Rong’er back to her inn. Jealous Lu Ting Xiao shuts the door on Fang Xian Xun. And so, the next day, the jealous Fang Xian Xun throws a deed at him. Fang Xian Xun is their landlord and he wants to move in! Ye Rong'er is in support but since Lu Ting Xiao is against it, they settle on a competition on who can drink better. Lu Ting Xiao wins! But he falls drunk the next second. 
Ye Rong’er puts the men to sleep in the same bed. Our drunk Lu Ting Xiao tells her to get lost. "I already have someone I like. Other girls, don’t even dream of touching me.” She curiously asks him who he likes. He replies by hugging her and trapping her between him and Fang Xian Xun. Fang also throws his hand over. Now the boys are hugging each other with Ye Rong’er crammed in the middle. I love this trio already!

Ye Rong’er escapes the men’s embrace. But why? :D While they’re drunk, she asks who’s prettier between her and this courtesan. They both choose her. Satisfied, Ye Rong’er believes they’re telling the truth. Then Lu Ting Xiao says he’s a general. Shocked, Ye Rong’er asks what kind but then it’s Fang Xian Xun who replies. Ye Rong'er is convinced they’re both just lying drunks. 
Ye Rong’er finds a jade in the men’s clothes. She recognizes it’s from Qin Zhao who worked with her father. Qin Zhao had a nickname, “Fragrant Princess”, and his talent was face morphing. She examines the boys. Who is Qin Zhao? As she closely inspects Lu Ting Xiao, she finds him fragrant. Ah, this must be why he’s called Fragrant Princess! 

Lu Ting Xiao wakes up first. Ye Rong’er asks if he’s Qin Zhao. He doesn’t deny it, and so Ye Rong’er assumes he is. She tells him about Chong Lou. Then she takes him to Lan Que who will cooperate if they find someone for her. 

[Ep7] Lu Ting Xiao and Ye Rong’er’s investigation leads them back to Qiu Liu Yun where all of Lan Que’s belongings are. Qiu Liu Yun tells them how she was almost kidnapped to Buletu (Northern State) and so it seems Chong Lou is related to the Northern State.  

It’s late, and without horses, Lu Ting Xiao and Ye Rong'er stay at a lodging. A waiter tells them there’s only one room left, but the waiter says that to every couple. Pft. They’re not only stuck in one room together, their hands are tied by a gimmicky vine that has a life of its own. No matter what they do, they can’t cut it. The waiter eavesdrops and he misunderstands that our couple is into BDSM. 

Ye Rong’er asks Lu Ting Xiao (who she’s convinced is Qin Zhao) about her father without revealing that she’s his daughter. (He knows, though.) King Lian (the father) had spoken of his daughter: she seems reckless, but she’s actually pure and kind. Ye Rong’er cries. She says the daughter is bad, very bad. He died because she asked him to catch the brightest star for her. To comfort her, Lu Ting Xiao brings her to admire the starry night sky. He catches a firefly for her and tells her that stars can be captured. When people die they become stars and they will be gazing down on those they cherish. Ye Rong’er feels better. 

As they walk back to their lodging, assassins attack our couple. Lu Tian Xiao tells her to flee, but how? They’re stuck together. He’s willing to chop off his arm for her! Omg. Good thing they’re saved by Fang Xian Xun. 

Ye Rong’er ogles at the scene of Fang Xian Xun rubbing ointment on Lu Tian Xiao's abs. He glides his hand over his chest (even the nipples!) Omo, I don't think this is appropriate for my tame blog. Then we exit Ye Rong’er imaginations, and we see an irritated Fang Xian Xun flicking the powder at Lu Tian Xiao. 
Fang Xian Xun’s hand warps around Ye Rong’er’s hands that's wrapping Lu Ting Xiao’s hand.
Fan Xian Xun is also annoyed at the rope that’s tying their hands. He touches it, and the magical vine latches onto him too. They’re a trio now! Since there’s nothing to do, our trio play a game of truth. After Ye Rong’er passes out, the boys ask the other why they must enter Boqing Inn. Both their replies are the same: it’s for Ye Rong’er. 
Inebriated, Ye Rong’er calls Fang Xian Xun “Husband!". Lu Ting Xiao is furious. Then she turns to Lu Tian Xiao to finish her sentence, “Husband, it’s you!”. Lu Tian Xiao smiles, but then she shouts, “All pretty men are my husband!” We enter her dream of marrying both men and showering with both men...hahahaha.
[Ep8] In the morning, the waiter is surprised that the BDSM couple came out as a threesome. Ha! Being in the middle, Ye Rong’er is pampered by the boys. Lu Ting Xiao feeds her grapes on her right. Fang Xian Xun catches the skin she spits out on her left. Then he wipes her mouth, which is followed by a sip of tea from Lu Ting Xiao. It’s blissful, but she sighs. Although she’s served by two men, it’s so tiring. She can’t even poop. Fang Xian Xun agrees. Even though he still has one hand, it’s useless. He can’t go to the washroom either. 

Our trio updates Lan Que of her mother’s whereabouts: she committed suicide. Lan Que is furious. Chong Lou promised her that if she was obedient, they’d take care of her mother. She runs out of prison. Our trio is useless because they’re clumsily tied together. Good things the rope automatically undoes it itself after half a day. Potty freedom! 

Ye Rong’er and Fang Xian Xun look for Lan Que but are caught in a trap instead. They’re locked in a cage and water is filling in. His feet are snagged at the bottom. He lifts her up in the water (without sinking himself) to let her catch onto the bars at the top. He jokes that he just wanted to hug her. Then sincerely, he confesses. All these years he thought he lived freely, but after meeting her he realized how meaningless his life was. He wants to leave a mark on her life so that even when she marries, she can’t forget him. He laughs that he’s selfish. He gives her a last hug and then sinks under the water. 

Other happenings:
→ Ah Ling finds out Yan Wu (Lu Ting Xiao’s lackey) is from the Northern State. He doesn’t understand why they need to be divided by north and south. His parents were murdered. That’s all we know. 

[Ep9] Ye Rong’er and Fang Xian Xun are saved by Yan Wu who was ordered to protect them by Lu Ting Xiao. 

Ye Rong’er wonders if she should repay Fang Xian Xun with love? (No) Meanwhile, Lu Ting Xiao thanks Fang Xian Xun for saving Ye Rong’er. He’s not jealous that Fang has the advantage because nothing can compare to Ye Rong’er's life. But can he be so certain after she hugs Fang Xian Xun right in front of him? Lu Tian Xiao  subtly displays his jealousy as he separates the two by patting their shoulders, reminding them it’s late. Girl, stop hugging another man in front of your husband! 

During breakfast, Ye Rong’er eyes are glued to Fang Xian Xun. As for Fang Xian Xun, he only has eyes, glaring ones, for Lu Ting Xiao who’s staring lustfully at Ye Rong’er. Ha! But after a while, Lu Ting Xiao feels neglected. He tells her to wipe her saliva that’s drooling so much it’s touching the tables. It’s not, but Ye Rong’er actually wipes her mouth, lol. Fang Xian Xun suggests shopping. Ye Rong’er takes the offer immediately. Lu Ting Xiao sulks, “Fine, you guys go first, I haven’t finished eating. You guys don’t need to care about me.” They don’t care about him and leave. LOL. Omg. Am I still watching Li Jiu Lin playing a 2ML role?!!? xD Are we sure he’s the lead?! 

During a banquet, Zheng Lin (annoying guy) accuses the trio of their indecent relationship that’s tainting the reputation of their city. Ye Rong’er and Fang Xian Xun have a telepathic moment (to complain about Zheng Lin). Jealous Lu Ting Xiao grabs the telepathy in midair and chucks it away. Ha

In reply to the indecent relationship, Ye Rong’er decides to faint. She falls on Lu Ting Xiao’s shoulder and so he takes the chance to lift her up in his arms. He makes his announcement: Ye Rong’er is his wife, and Fang Xian Xun is his brother-in-law. Fang Xian Xun is forced to spit out “Sister” to sell the lie. Hahaha. This scene is stupidly cute and funny
Lu Ting Xiao and Ye Rong’er retreat to their room. They continue their act so that Zheng Lin (and Liu Zhan) are convinced and soYe Rong'er leans over to feed Lu Ting Xiao the wine. He covers his lips to stop her. She insists and so he breaks the chair so that the both of them lose balance. She falls over him. Flutter. Then he gently rests his hand on the crest of her hip to pull her closer. FlutterFlutter. Ye Rong’er stares into his eyes. Flustered, she quickly gets up. The next second, she’s lifted off her feet. Lu Ting Xiao carries her to bed. She shouts, “Oh, Husband, don’t!” The act is complete.  

The next day, Ah Ling asks for details. Nothing. There was nothing afterwards. Ye Rong'er seems disappointed, lol. Ah Ling is angry for Ye Rong’er. “Already like this, and nothing happened?!” Does Lu Ting Xiao look down on the Princess? If she no feminine enough? Lol. Not insulting her princess at all

Ye Rong’er is confused about her feelings and she’s even more confused when she’s in close proximity with Fang Xian Xun, but she feels nothing. Both men saved her life, but only one of them makes her heart flutter. She has an inkling of her feelings and avoids going home (because Lu Ting Xiao is there), but he was keeping an eye on her for her safety. Surely enough, there are assassins after her (and Fang Xian Xun again). Lu Ting Xiao saves them. He pushes Ye Rong'er away and is subsequently stabbed by a sword through the gut. 

Other happenings:
→ Chong Lou is controlled by Hong San Ye and Wang Yi Zhi.  The girls obey them because of the Love Poison (and threatening their family’s safety). 
→ Fang Xian Xun’s loyal soldier dies. 

[Ep10] Our team fends off the assassin. Ye Rong’er worries for the injured Lu Ting Xiao. As he’s sleeping, she holds his hand. He’s up the next day and feels better, but he notices he’s got her concern. And so what does a guy do? Exaggerate his pain! He’ll even drink her nasty congee just because she made it. 

Ye Rong’er is poisoned! Qin Yi Yi (the courtesan) was ordered by Wang Yi Zhi (Chong Lou Leader) to poison her. 

Fang Xian Xun is jelly that Ye Rong’er is caring for the injured Lu Ting Xiao. He punches out anyone whose surname is Lu to take out his anger. Pft. Then Fang Xian Xun provokes Lu Ting Xiao enough that he storms across the room, which exposes his full recovery. I love the way Fang Xian Xun was posting at Lu Tian Xiao. It’s sort of like a windshield wiper, lol.

Lu Tian Xiao sees Fang Xian Xun kissing Ye Rong’er, but it’s just a case of bad angles. Fang Xian Xun was whispering in her ear. He knows she likes Lu Tian Xiao. Later that night, all three of them are tossing around, unable to sleep. 

The next day, Lu Tian Xiao meets Ye Rong’er and gives her a present. It’s makeup. I thought it was a ring because of the box, lol. She asks him if Fang Xian Xun said anything weird about her. Lu Tian Xiao misunderstands that she likes Fang Xian Xun. She quickly corrects him, “It’s you who I care about!” He smiles and replies smoothly, “I only believe in you.” Ye Rong’er smiles but then she suddenly feels cold (when the weather is so warm). Lu Tian Xiao takes the cue to kiss her. #1 way to warm up someone!

The editing of this episode was so weird. I thought it was a dream because of the filter and scene transition. There’s also NO buildup for this moment. 

Other happenings:
→ Fang Xian Xun is led on by Wang Yi Zhi to believe that it’s (only) Hong San Ye behind the murder of his soldier. He kidnaps Hong Zhong, the son. 

[Ep11] Our team saves the girls who were kidnapped by Chong Lou. Fang Xian Xun gets revenge for his soldier by killing the assassin. Lu Tian Xiao saves Yu Wan Yi, his cousin. Ye Rong’er misunderstands the two but Lu Tian Xiao quickly explains, leaving no room for misunderstandings. She smiles and tells him she didn’t ask. 

Lu Tian Xiao: Even if you don’t ask, I will still tell you. My heart is with you. 
Ye Rong’er treats Lu Tian Xiao's wound that has reopened. She doesn’t want him to move recklessly until he has fully recovered. He doesn’t think it’s a bad idea to have her care for him each time. She hits him playfully, but he grabs her small fist in his large hands. He notices she’s cold. She thinks he’s changing the topic, which she won’t let. She confesses that she’s Ye Rong’er, and not “Jing’er.”  She needs to get a divorce and asks him if he minds that she will be a divorcee. If he does, she won’t bother him anymore. 

Lu Tian Xiao: If I say I don’t mind? 

Ye Rong’er beams. She adds that she hates being lied to. He vows that he won’t lie and that he’ll only believe whatever Jing’er tells him. He’s about to say the oath (e.g. lightning strikes), but she stops him, afraid of anything bad that could happen to him. She kisses him on the cheek. As he’s just about to tell her his identity, she faints. The Love Poison is acting up (because she’s in love). 

Yu Wan Yi recognizes the Love Poison. Whenever Ye Rong’er’s love grows deeper, the effects of the poison aggravate. The next day, when Ye Rong’er wakes up, she’s fine. Everything is as normal, it’s just that her eyebrows are a bit white and no one will tell her where Lu Tian Xiao is. 

Fang Xian Xun is General Lin Xie from the Northern State! He visits Wang Yi Zhe who is also from the same state. It’s ambiguous if they’re on the same team, but one thing is certain: Fang Xian Xun wants the antidote. Wang Yi Zhe has none. He plans to escape. 

To seek a physician to save Ye Rong’er, Lu Tian Xiao is severely injured. The physician agrees to help if Lu Tian Xiao becomes his lab rate for all his poisons. 

[Ep12] Yu Wan Yi lies that Lu Tian Xiao is marrying her to make Ye Rong’er give up on him. Yu Wan Yi knows the pain of the poison all too well. She doesn’t want Ye Rong’er to be in pain.

Fang Xian Xun captures Wang Yi Zhi before he flees.

After being the lab rat, Lu Tian Xiao has convinced the Physician to cure Ye Rong’er. The physician has arrived at the inn, but Lu Tian Xiao is nowhere to be seen. 

The Physician needs this rare herb located in this dangerous place. It’s practically lethal to retrieve. The other option is to temporarily treat Ye Rong'er with a thousand year ginseng. Ah Ling is stressed out. She decides to ask Liu Zhan, since he’s flaunting around her with nothing else to do anyway. Liu Zhan’s friend has the ginseng, but since he hates Ye Rong'er, he won’t give it. 
Ye Rong’er arrives at the wishing tree and hangs her wish on a branch. She bitterly criticizes Lu Tian Xiao for disappearing, for being heartless, for being unfaithful. Then she turns around to the man behind her who should have been Fang Xian Xun, but it’s actually Lu Tian Xiao. She takes off his mask. She knew it was him. Her words were for his ears. 

The next day, everyone is out for grocery errands. There’s nothing much to buy and not everyone needs to go, it’s only because everyone is afraid of Ye Rong’er’s wrath. They’re all guilty for lying to her. 

At breakfast, a suffocating one, Ye Rong’er reminds Lu Tian Xiao that he promised to not lie to her. He said he would never. Uh. It’s true he never said a lie, but is keeping the truth not a form of deceit? She reprimands everyone for helping him lie. Lu Tian Xiao attempts to explain but... 

Ye Rong’er: Explain what? Did you want to say I have this terminal disease and the only treatment is for you to avoid me. Ding-ding-ding!

Lu Tian Xiao picks up his bowl to shovel rice into his mouth. Fang Xian Xun and Ah Ling do the same. No one can tell her the truth. But why not! Ye Rong’er orders Lu Tian Xiao to step out with her. He obediently follows her, and then she turns to hug him. She wants him to promise to never leave her. Aw! He promises. 

The next day, Lu Tian Xiao and Ye Rong’er go on a date. What happened to her poison? She knows he’s hiding something, but she thinks it’s him with the terminal illness. He still hesitates to tell her, afraid the truth will hurt her. Ye Rong’er complains. “You men are always so weird. When you disappear soundlessly like that, then am I not heartbroken?” She knows that he won’t abandon her when she’s in need and it’s the same for her. She won’t abandon him. 

Lu Tian Xiao: Jing’er, I thought I understood you well, but I realize I don’t understand you enough.” He wants to know her more and more :D
Ye Rong’er: I don’t know what’s troubling you, but if you don’t want to say it, I won’t ask. But no matter what, I want to face it together with you. 
He hugs her. In the midst, a paper drops from her clothes. It’s her to-do list with him, with things like kissing until they fly, ha. She covers her face in embarrassment. She tells him he can laugh all he wants, but she’s serious. Aw. He won’t laugh. There’s more things he wants to do with her too. He hugs her and kisses her forehead. Poison is on hiatus
 
Liu Zhan retrieves the ginseng for Ah Ling. 

Lu Tian Xiao and Ye’Rong’er start checking off her to-do list. They fly a kite together. There’s a scene where he’s running on the spot and she’s standing still, but they’re both in the same frame. Did one get the wrong cue? xD. It looks so funny. Then without any cue... 

Ye Rong’er: Let’s get married. 
Lu Tian Xiao (is shocked and laughs): How can a girl propose?
Ye Rong’er: It’s obviously because she met a man she really loves. Why does it matter who proposes first? So do you agree or not?! 
Lu Ting Xiao (in his mind): I do. For this day, I’ve waited for a long time. 

Ye Rong’er gives him a bouquet. It’s a little simple, but she summoned all her courage to propose. She asks him if he likes it. He calls her silly. Anything from her, he likes. She reminds him that if he mistreats her, she will divorce him. 

Lu Tian Xiao: My wife, I won’t give you this chance. 
Petals flutter down on our engaged/married couple. One falls on her neck, beckoning his lips to meet her bare neck. With the petal between his lips, she bites it from him. 

[Ep13] When the petal falls from Ye Rong'er lips, Lu Ting Xiao takes over. He kisses her until they’re flying! LOL. This was on her to-do list!! xD So cute.

Fang Xian Xun (as General Lin Xie) has orders from the Northern State to kill Yin Si Shen (= Lu Ting Xiao) :O

Ye Rong’er misunderstands that Lu Ting Xiao is dying and he needs ginseng as medicine. As she’s collecting herbs on her own, Wang Yi Zhi’s men capture her. Lu Tian Xiao arrives in time and is willing to kill himself in exchange for her safety, but she chooses to fall off the cliff. Lu Tian Xiao jumps after her and they both fall down. She wakes up first and gives him rescue breaths. It’s not working. She cries and wails for him to wake up. There’s still a lot of things they haven’t done. Slowly, his hand moves. In his raspy voice, he tells her that if she doesn’t want him dead, he won’t die. It turns out he heard everything she said. He was awake before she gave him the kisses. You see, he wanted more. 
Lu Tian Xiao: I’m at fault. I shouldn’t tease you. 
Ye Rong’er (pouts): It was me who liked you first, but does that mean you can make fun of me like that? 
Lu Tian Xiao: Jing’er. It’s not that you liked me first. It was me who liked you first when I first saw you. From that day on, my eyes couldn't hold anyone else. This is why I traveled so many miles to Pingyang, I will use my entire life to protect you at your side. Jing’er you must believe me. If you are ever in danger, I will use my life to save yours. If you don’t leave or abandon me, my life and death will be interconnected with yours. 

Lu Tian Xiao confesses that she’s the one with the Love Poison. Ye Rong’er laughs. It’s a genuine laughter. She’s relieved that it’s not him who’s in danger. She kisses him. She’s so sweet. They’re interrupted by the appearance of a frightening masked general. Ye Rong’er thinks he’s Yin Si Shen and declares her love to Lu Tian Xiao. The general drops his sword. He takes off the mask and it’s Fang Xian Xun. He asks her to stop talking or else his heart will really break. Awwwww! Over here! I’ll comfort you :D 

The next morning, Ye Rong’er has amnesia!! She doesn’t remember Lu Tian Xiao. Her memory is stuck at Ep2. Lu Tian Xiao asks the physician that if Ye Rong’er forgets the person she loves, then is the love poison ineffective? Logically, yes, but Lu Tian Xiao doesn’t want to take chances. He will leave to find the rare herb. 

In the afternoon, Fang Xian Xun follows Ye Rong’er as she shops around. He hugs her and asks if she’s willing to go to the West State with him. She cries. He was testing her. He knows she’s  not amnesiac

Lu Tian Xiao stays for one more night to celebrate Ye Rong’er’s birthday, which infurirates Fang Xian Xun who knows the truth. He yells at Lu Tian Xiao that if he was going to leave, then leave faster, leave right now. The longer he stays, the more painful it is for Ye Rong’er. And now the truth is out. Lu Tian Xiao knows she faked her amnesia. Ye Rong’er explains. She didn’t want Lu Tian Xiao to leave her (since his presence aggravates her poison). She’s just so sweet. Unfortunately, her health meteorites. She’s bedridden, and of all times, Fang Xian Xun disappears without a sound. 

The physician reveals there’s another method to save Ye Rong’er (other than the rare herb) but it’ll require Lu Tian Xiao to be a lab rat again. 

[Ep14] The physician can transfer the Love Poison to Ye Rong’er's lover, which means Lu Tian Xiao can receive it. Since he’s still recovering from his injuries, his condition will be worse than hers. He asks the physician to keep it a secret. 

That night, Lu Tian Xiao stays by Ye Rong’er's side while she’s sleeping. There’s one thing he never understood. Why did she run away? After meeting her, he had asked the Emperor to bestow their marriage. Although he’s been in countless battles, he has never been so afraid, afraid that everything was a dream. He wanted to live with her forever, together. When she ran away, he hated himself for being so rash. Why didn’t he take it slowly? Now he realizes it doesn’t matter whether or not she marries him. He just wants her to be happy even if it means sacrificing his life. 

Ye Rong’er wakes up in the morning. She smiles at Lu Tian Xiao who's lying beside her until she realizes how cold he is. She thought he died and cries that no one asked her permission if she was willing to use his life for hers. When Lu Tian Xiao wakes up, she’s still sobbing and hugging him, happy that he’s fine. She doesn’t know he took her Love Poison.

Ah Ling learns Liu Zhan sold his matchmaking business for the ginseng. She protects his store from being taken down by Zheng Lin. 

Ye Rong’er is kidnapped by Wang Yi Zhi. Lu Tian Xiao is too weak and he’s caught too. His identity as Yin Si Shen is exposed. Wang Yi Zhi laughs at Ye Rong’er that Yin Si Shen has a wife already. Ya, she knows now, and you sir, just kidnapped her. Ye Rong’er tries to buy time to escape, but then realizes Lu Tian Xiao took her Love Poison. She calls him a bastard. She would rather die with him. But there’s no time for this argument! Wang Yi Zhi hits her. Lu Tian Xiao enters hulk mode. He breaks the ropes to save her. Fortunately, Fang Xian Xun is back! The boys team up against Wang Yi Zhi, but the latter has the upper-hand. Why? It’s 2 against 1. Oh, is Fang Xian Xun weak from retrieving the herb? Wang stabs a sword through Fang Xian Xun’s shoulder and twists the blade in his flesh. Lu Tian Xiao recovers from his injuries to help Fang Xian Xun. Together, they kill Wang Yi Zhi. 

Lu Tian Xiao and Fang Xian Xun are unconscious. Fang Xian Xun is poisoned and fatigued from retrieving the herb for Ye Rong’er, which can now be used to save Lu Tian Xiao. As for Lu Tian Xiao, he's low on blood count. Since he had a blood transfusion with Ye Rong'er, she can give her blood to him. This logic is like since the initial blood transfusion didn’t kill him that means it works. The physician warns her that she’s weak too. She doesn’t care. She will give him her blood. 
The boys wake up! They’re injured, naked, and sleeping next to each other. When they wake up, they’re so angry, they fight, and by fighting, they take turns slapping each other. Ahahaha. They’re healed! 

[Ep15] Fang Tian Xun is enraged that the herb he risked his life for was to save Lu Tian Xiao. LOL. Lu Tian Xiao respectfully thanks him. Fang Xian Xun doesn’t need it. He wants Lu Tian Xiao to go and prick himself with thousands of poisons too. Haha.  Ye Rong’er wants Lu Tian Xiao to go easy on Fang Tian Xun since he traveled on road for three days and his inner thigh is all bruised. Lu Tian Xiao anxiously asks who applied the medication on the thighs. Fang Tian Xun giggles. The physician fills in that he did. LOL. Fang Xian Xun’s expression xD. He also explains how grave his upper thigh injuries were. Hesitantly, Fang Xian Yun starts asking...... The physician assures him that his most vital part is still active. Fang Xian Xun relaxes. Lu Tian Xiao smirks. 

Ah Ling promises to get Liu Zhan's store back for him. He’s bashful, but there’s something else he wants more. Bluntly, she asks if he wants her life (her body). Liu Zhan can feel his heart explode. He can’t handle it and runs away. Ah Ling grins. She thinks he’s righteous for not wanting her life. Ha! That worked out!
Ye Rong’er feeds Lu Tian Xiao medication. He whines about it and so she feeds him by mouth. Well, now he wants more. And they seemed to have forgotten someone... 
...Fang Tian Xun is still in the same bed with Lu Tian Xiao! He’s just sleeping on the opposite end! These two completely ignored him. He wants medication too. Lu Tian Xiao volunteers to feed him, hahaha

Lu Tian Xiao realizes someone is tailing him. It’s Lord Su’s men. Oh, but Lord Su isn’t Lord Su. He’s the real Qin Zhao! This twist. He’s here to ask Genera Yin Si Shen why he’s coincidentally in Pingyang with General Lin Xie. Could it be that they have an alliance? Lu Tian Xiao swears he’e loyal and so he gets an edict to capture General Lin Xie of the Northern State. Uh oh.

During dinner, when everyone is drunk, Fang Xian Xun attacks Lu Tian Xiao. But Lu Tian Xiao and Ye Rong’er were aware of his plans. The boys battle. Eventually, Fang Xian Xun confesses he’s the one who killed Ye Rong’er's father, which means he knows she’s not Wen Ren Jing. He (lies that he) wanted to make her fall in love with him to get information from her. Angered, Ye Rong’er stabs him in the chest. Fang Xian Xun falls off the cliff. 

Qin Zhao’s men have been watching in the background all along. They have been fooled! Fang Xian Xun is alive and well. Because even drama characters know fall cliffs have a 100% survival rate. Rewind to how this all happened: Ye Rong’er had slipped him a message during their farewell party, notifying him of the plan. Lu Ting Xiao gave him the map of the Southern State defence layout. The physician and Ah Jing gave him a chest wrap where once it’s poked in the front, a sword will pop out from his back and the blood bag will burst. Ohhhhh

To the Southern State, General Yin Si Shen killed General Lin Xie. To the Northern State, General Lin Xie has found the defence layout and he won’t be punished for not killing Yin Si Shen. 

It’s truly a farewell. 

Lu Tian Xiao asks Ye Rong’er to return to the capital with him. They still have important things to do. She’s shy and turns away. He hugs her. 

Lu Tian Xiao (alluringly): Didn’t you say that you wanted to amicably divorce your General Yin to officially be with me? 

Lu Tian Xiao whispers in her ear for being fickle. Ye Rong’er stands up, annoyed that she’s being teased. She’s still calling him Lu Ting Xiao. He corrects her. It should be ‘Husband”. He hugs her in his arms, but the Physician interrupts. There’s a lot of people knocking at their doors. 

[Ep16] Zheng Lin is here to apologize to General Yin Si Shen, tugging on his forelocks. Ye Rong’er takes advantage and asks for something practical, y'know, like Liu Zhan’s store. 

Ye Rong’er is afraid of returning to the capital. She ran away, made a scene, and ruined Yin Si Shen's parents' honour. Actually, more than afraid, she's sorry. Yin Si Shen assures her it'll be alright. He'll protect her. I might as well call him by his real name now otherwise I won't have a chance. 'Tis the only drama that doesn't use all of its main character's name for 90% of the drama. He also needs to return quickly because the map that he gave Lin Xie (Fang Xian Xun) is real. He needs to change it asap. And so our couple leaves Pingyang. Liu Zhan is sad that Ah Ling is gone. It's cute how the Physician is sad too

Ye Rong’er meets the parents! And we learn that Mom Yin is born with an awkward smile and that Dad Yin has a resting frowning face. LOL. In Ep2, I thought they were dissatisfied with Ye Rong'er, but it turns out this is their really happy face?! After spilling tea, all over Dad (who's actually very happy and isn't bothered at all no matter how grumpy he looks), Ye Rong’er nervously waits in the chamber. Yin Si Shen assures her that everything is fine. 

The maids file in with food. There’s hongzao (red dates), huasheng (peanuts), guiyuan (longan fruit), and lianzi (lotus seed). Together, it means to have children sooner! 早生貴子 (zao sheng gui zi). Then he asks her if she knows what all this reminds her of. Their wedding night. This makes her upset at herself for running away. She takes her 'wedding' wine and so does he. Then he kisses her on the bed. Marriage sealed. But the bed collapses. LOL.

Mom Yin summons Ye Rong’er, who has prepared herself to be scolded. But actually, she's not angry. For the past three months Mom Yin was praying for her safety. She sympathizes with Ye Rong’er who grew up as an orphan. Mom Yin is grateful that she’s back and safe. 

While the ladies bond, Yin Si Shen asks his father for a favour. Initially Dad Yin refused, but later relented. As Dad Yin is sipping his tea, the corner of his lips curl up. Yin Si Chen glances at his father and tells him to stop hiding his smile. Father Yin’s lips twitch. xD

Liu Zhan arrives at the capital for Ah Ling! He's shy and lies that he's here to expand his business but he hasn't even found a store yet. Right now, he wants to know where she lives first. Ah Ling also has important questions for him. 

Ah Ling: Are you still leaving? 
Liu Zhan: Hm? 
Ah Ling: Are you still leaving! 
Liu Zhan: I want to be with you forever. 
Servant: Eeeee(w)! hahaha. These two are cute!

Ye Rong’er returns home to find a surprise: Yin Si Shen has decorated the home to emulate their wedding night. The entire manor is theirs tonight. He keeps staring at her. He can’t help it. The more he stares at her, the more his heart is moved. He lifts her up to their new bed (I almost forgot their bed broke, lol), which he set up in the yard. Under the full moon, they officially become husband and wife. 

Ye Rong’er: Do you think in our next life we’ll still be husband and wife? 
Yin Si Shen (smiles): My good wife, in our previous lives, you also asked this question.  Jot that down, guys! Clever answer.
Too bad, Yin Si Shen is dispatched to a battle! He wonders how to explain to Ye Rong'er for leaving her when they're still newlyweds. There’s nothing to explain. Ye Rong’er will leave with him! They’ll fight together. They look cool together! 

The end!


Remarks



[First Impression (Ep1-6)] Cute! Easy, fluffy romcom. And congratulations to Li Jiu Lin for breaking his 2ML chains! For now. I’m starting to wonder if he’s really the ML when his screen time is equal to the 2ML. Pft. It might just be like that now because Show is trying to be evasive about the groom’s identity.

This is about two generals crushing on a princess. One of them is her mysterious groom determined to win her heart. The three of them together are funny. The main couple together is sweet. That’s all I ask for. 
[Actors/Actresses] I really like Li Jiu Lin in this. He adds a softness to his General character. He’ll smile lightly and gently. He’s not childish or too cold. And he can be demure! So good. Ep1 where he scratched the wooden pole and hid behind the FL, I was grinning.

Wu Chong Xuan is another typecast for 2MLs. I find him charming in this one, a worthy rival to the ML. 

Chen Fang Tong. It’s tough for her to stand out when there’s so many actresses like her, but her acting is very consistent. She’s cute and pretty in this, the prettiest I’ve seen in all her dramas I’ve watched. 

[Glossary
早生貴子 zǎo shēng guì zǐ – Give birth to a child soon. This is a wedding blessing and is why Traditional Chinese weddings will have hongzao (red dates), huasheng (peanuts), guiyuan (longan fruit), and lianzi (lotus seed). (Ep16) 

[Ending] Happy! (I love the parents, they're so awkward)

[Review & Rating]
Low budget drama delivering the charm! But because it's low budget, the editing.... Well. The editing isn’t something I’d call choppy because there has to be editing for that. Seriously. It’s obvious an entire arc is lifted from some episodes. I don’t know why this had to be trimmed to fit 16 episodes. The story isn't that bad. 

For the kind of drama this is though, I love it. Straightforward. Cute. Show knows how to please its audience. Those suggestive scenes, yum! The couple is romantic, the trio is hilarious, and the guys are both so wholesome. The female character is written well too. She’s unvarnished in expressing her love (once she’s in love). And of course, Li Jiu Lin is alluring. 

Random Recommendation: Oh! My Sweet Liar

Rating: 3/5

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