RuYi's Royal Love [Episodes 80-81] Recap + Review

And just like that, it’s officially over.
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[@poetrysinitial572]

I looooooooove love love the hair cutting scene. I hate seeing Ruyi get harmed by the bastard ( I can't even say its name anymore). But the second she said *snip snip* I threw my shoe and cheered. That's another reason why I want to visit her burial sight. No one knows the real reason why she cut her hair in real life, but I'm pretty sure this isn't far of at all. I know she's can't answer, but I would love to just know why. It's a weird obsession I have and it hurts sometimes bc I don't know why and everything was destroyed. (I saw our reply on the previous videos about traveling to Beijing. We need to make a plan to go together some time). Also since you're coming to the end of this drama, here are some other period dramas I recommend. I'm watching one right now about Woman Emperor Wu Zetian called the Empress of China At first, the subtitles were absolute trash, but they've improved a lot and have gone back to fix the captions there. To get a different point of view on Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace, watch The Story of Yanxi Palace. The Sword and the Brocade focuses not on the emperor, but a military official and his new wife and the struggles they have trying to get to know and love each other, especially for the time period (Ming Dynasty. The main dynasty that gives me the creeps). The Deer and the Cauldron focuses on a eunuch...well not really eunuch and his friendship developing with the Kangxi Emperor (the bastard's grandpa). The Imperial Doctress, also during the Ming dynasty, so it might give you a headache, but Wallace plays a much better character in that show. Also, Li Chun plays Consort Ling. But she plays an adorable character in a show called Delicious Romance. It's not a period drama, but it just shows how amazing of an actress she is, to go from acting as someone so deranged and despicable to someone who's funny and relatable. I know I'm all over the place, I just wanted to put y'all onto some good shows.

[@dramarecaps4217]

Great recommendations! I'm gonna pin this

[@user-qe6xo9oe7h]

The truth is maybe way more horrible . She probably never cut her hair , she was framed by her own husband. After all , they were alone , she was not allowed to defend herself , we do not have her version of the story and Quialong afterwards was known as a tyrant .

[@poetrysinitial572]

@@user-qe6xo9oe7h I honestly thought this as well. I always wondered if she did it herself or was framed. But with the way he acted about it afterwards, it was miles beyond ridiculous. Even people in his court would beg him to reinstate her as his empress and he would lose his mind even more and kill whoever asked.

[@satyasyasatyasya5746]

If you don't watch her already, I highly recommend AvenueX and some of her educational history/language videos! :) she also covers dramas like almost every day haha

[@monsiourre9239]

I loveee how whenever Rong is with the Emperor she literally GAGS him, we stan a queen👑

[@meeksay]

Exactly, she’s literally the only person in the palace that can absolutely “clear” the emperor every time.

[@LittleClarinetPlayer]

She’s like “I dare you to kill me so I can finally get away from you” 😂 She also wears mostly white all the time for mourning

[@LisaDeeCanada]

The confrontation scene between Ruyi and the emperor on the boat is so powerful. She's reached her absolute limit and from this point on, she is ready and willing to leave the world. Her respect for the emperor never returns. The series is watchable from this point on because of what ends up happening to Yanwan and the emperor.

[@YannNovas]

The argument between Ruyi and the Emperor is the reason I watched the whole show. I found the clip by chance and the acting was so good that I couldn't stop watching. Wallace Huo was great but Zhou Xun was superb. The moment she looked back at the emperor after he slapped her, I knew it was over for this man!

[@ashscheesecakes2064]

That's exactly how I found out about the show too! The boat scene came up in my recommendations and I've been hooked since. It's such a good show! I wish there was an English translation still available of the book.

[@ivetgeorgieva8888]

I found it the same way! I got so emotionally invested that i had to watch the rest to understand what actually lead to that point.

[@Greyce118]

Me too!!!

[@TeroTheShortOne]

RuYi understood more about how to be royal, and how to convey the dignity and composure that the position demanded, than Hongli ever did. He was just a spoiled, petulant, jealous little boy the entire time. The quiet grace and composure when she left him on the boat makes me want to cry.

[@satyasyasatyasya5746]

The haircutting, the acting, the raw powerful emotions and narrative catharsis. I really think people who don't even watch c-dramas should see some scenes from Ruyi, its such a tour de force!

[@vikletss9802]

I keep forgetting to mention how much I love SanBao. The actor is so good and I love his contempt of Jin Zhong.

[@dramarecaps4217]

Yes!! He doesn't have a ton of scenes but he's wonderful. When RuYi was first sent to the cold palace and he said he would accompany her 😭

[@missdynofire7558]

If you pay attention to Jingse's reaction to Ruyi cutting her hair, she finally called Ruyi "Royal Mother" instead of Ula-Nara Woman.

[@dusksunsetio6042]

- 3:01 I actually noticed that in this scene there’s a (palace) performer singing a song wondering how the relationship between husband and wife became between master and slave and its just… *chef’s kiss* poetic cinema - BIG detail I also noticed is the arrangement of seating at the breakfast scene, with Ruyi’s supporters behind her and Yanwan’s only supporter on this trip (Qing) sitting next to her. - after the embarrassment at breakfast Hongli tells Li Yu to send some sweets to Ruyi. Said sweets are the sticky jelly kind that get stuck in your teeth. Basically telling her “if you know what’s good for you keep your mouth SHUT.” Ruyi immediately gets the meaning and says “no. No I won’t.” - 12:06 this scene is soooo creepyyyy, he’s massaging her shoulders and caressing her hands talking about how the prostitutes are nothing compared to her and I just,,, HOW DOES HE GET AWAY WITH BEING THIS CLOSE?? 🤢🤢 - I also also noticed that Jingse, for the first time since she came back to the palace, called Ruyi “Royal Mother” instead of just “Empress” when she saw the piece of hair on the ground. Weird, but small detail. Compared to Yanwan who’s beaming in delight when she’s leaving, she’s staggering and looking back at her dad like she feels she made a mistake. - the fight in the novel is actually so bizarre??? Hongli is flip flopping like a fish on deck, Ruyi just got slammed around and she goes “actually you know what I hate this I’m going home”, Jinbao and the guards are probably listening outside and freaking out because they don’t know when to run in in case the two try to kill each other or something. Just pure chaos - So so so nice to see our unfavourite couple being much creepier in the novel. /sarc

[@user-ix1rp9ff3p]

in the original novel the _pingtan_ performer (that was actually accompanied by her senior) was actually part of the "girlies" pimped by the local officials she was singing "The Legend of White Snake" (yes I did search the Chinese lyrics online and all results point to the specific tale), which was also the case in the original novel (part of her repertoire) Edit: I'm actually trying to have an approximate translation of the lyrics (basically the Viki version has a different interpretation) because separating and combining parts result in different translations actually, especially taking into consideration the source material... (note: non-native speaker solely reliant on others & G Translate) 夫妻原一體，何分我與君 Husband and wife are originally one body, what can divide me with my lord 哪有夫婦之間(來)論什麼恩? Where, between husband and wife, can there come arguments? 官人啦，如水流年須珍惜 You petty official(s), dearly cherish the fleeting years 莫教誤了少年身 Do not teach mistakes toward the youth

[@dusksunsetio6042]

@@user-ix1rp9ff3p isnt that the same opera Ruyi and Hongli were watching? I think it was in the “Miaoqian and Eyinzhu team up” episode or the “Ling Yunche becomes a eunuch” episode. I remember Ruyi saying she likes the white snake character because she goes all out to prove her love and not back down while Hongli dislikes her because she doesnt submit to orders

[@user-ix1rp9ff3p]

@@dusksunsetio6042 that was during the Xiaoxian Elegies™ plotline (resulting in 12th prince Yongji being placed under Hailan's care) during the performance they had -Malcolm- Zhen Huan in the middle, and the next opera was supposed to be "Over the Wall on Horseback"

[@magicwandstudio3141]

@@user-ix1rp9ff3pi love those stories, the mc”Bai Xu Xian” is a white snake Yao Guai fell in love with a scholar. I watch the drama when i was a kid and the male love interest is played by a woman (though he still male in the story) so there is a lot of lesbian subtext😂

[@user-ix1rp9ff3p]

@@magicwandstudio3141 the _pingtan_ played in this scene was Bai Suzhen (the singer) conversing with Xu Xian

[@pearlstar5323]

I burst out laughing at the siren and the "Yes, Finally Ruyi!" I love that moment when Ruyi asserts her position. And its so powerful when Ruyi cuts her hair and basically divorces Hongli, I always saw Ruyi as the story of a marriage from its youthful loving beginning to its older bitter end and I can't think of a better way for Ruyi to be the one to initiate the "divorce."

[@Stinoco]

It’s also interesting that earlier in the drama, Ruyi expressed interest in a woman starting a divorce when the European painter said that in the west, women could do that

[@Somethingwickedthisway]

​@@StinocoI always found it weird that he said that since I'm pretty sure that in most European countries women couldn't initiate divorce in this period. Maybe the creators were banking on a chinese audience not knowing that 😂.

[@Stinoco]

@@Somethingwickedthisway I think that European women *could* start a divorce. Whether the divorce would be approved was another matter. Divorces needed to be requested to the Pope. Obviously, peasants wouldn’t be able to request a divorce since they couldn’t even write and any letter they would send to the Pope wouldn’t reach him. Yet noblewomen could reach to him and ask for the divorce. Most of the times, he’d refuse it.

[@Somethingwickedthisway]

@@Stinoco that's interesting. In the UK women weren't allowed to divorce their husbands until the 1920s so I just assumed it was similar for the rest of Europe. I guess every country is different though.

[@Stinoco]

Yanwan: I’m his favorite side girl! Ruyi: I am his *WIFE!* 😂😂

[@CallieCatGaming]

I LOVED this scene. I was like YES RUYI.

[@user-ix1rp9ff3p]

@@CallieCatGaming in an interview Li Chun admitted getting awestruck with Zhou Xun's acting during this exact dialogue

[@FeliciaShen]

I am a little sad that you didn't mention the scene where Ruyi goes back to the same stall that she and the Emperor visited the last time they came to the city and had the tiaotou gao. After taking a bite, she says that it's good, but it no longer tasted the same, which is very much referring to the feeling she had the last time she had it when she and emperor were young and deeply in love. I know it's not the main point of this recap chapter, but I think it was a nice reflection moment from Ruyi and the overall show. Also, I love how much appreciation you're showing towards Consort Rong. She's one of my favorites

[@BlackBerri707]

the book really shows how tired and depressed with everything RuYi is. Beautiful writing

[@themrshorwitz]

I wish she would have talked to his mother and then asked her to come see the Emperor’s love boat. That would have ended his crap so abruptly and he would feel real shame.

[@LittleClarinetPlayer]

HAHAHAHA! Omfg can you can imagine Zhen Huan on that boat 😂

[@themrshorwitz]

@@LittleClarinetPlayer 😂 😂 right????

[@princess7jasmine]

As evil as she is, Yanwan is just so sooo impressively smart. Even Jia in her prime wasnt this cunning.

[@kyriacarica5862]

Qianlong: if you dont stop, I'll depose you! Ruyi: Alright, whatever. You suck anyway. Qianlong: wait no

[@dramarecaps4217]

8:34 Including your dead husband/wife. So this could also be interpreted as RuYi saying her husband is dead.

[@dramarecaps4217]

Also！12:00 I think I misunderstood ‘涎着脸笑’ it's more like smiling brazenly, not salivating. But you get the idea, creepy eunuch being creepy ❤ Actually this Yanwan/JinZhong part I found really tricky to translate, do feel free to point out mistakes when you see 'em!

[@devchekhov7512]

@@dramarecaps4217I have this tiktok image in my mind where yanwan and creepy eunuch create an onlyfans account where they act out BDSM within the confines of Qing dynasty's frame of decency 😂

[@amiLore]

Thank you so much for what you do. Do you have a Paetron we can support? I know this is hard work and to not get paid for it sucks. Also,do you know where I can find the English version of Ruyi Royal love?

[@TeroTheShortOne]

The Hongli she married certainly is dead at this point.

[@dramarecaps4217]

@@amiLore Honestly considering starting one where I actually watch the dramas! So many people have recommended shows that I haven't watched (or at least haven't watched in a while) so it might be fun to do reactions before the recaps. Not sure though. In any case, thanks for asking! Appreciate the support!

[@vytran5865]

i love zhou xun acting with her eyes, she conveys so much with just a glance

[@florian8599]

If I where RuYi, I would have let HongLi's reputation crash and burn. He wants me to be like Empress Langhua? I'm gonna smile and nod and let him do all the work of becoming the nation's laughing stock.

[@dramarecaps4217]

The crazy thing is that it'd still probably fall back on you for being an irresponsible wife/empress and not better counseling your husband smh. There's just no winning...

[@DevjKaiser]

I have no idea how many times I watched their argument. I just loved when she tore into him because it was a loooooong time coming and she served to to him COLD.

[@KC-ne1vi]

Notes: -Once again, karma comes for those who deserve it. Yanwan killed Shu and Ruyi's sons, and now her own sons are killed. It's poetic in a way, if extremely sad for the innocent kids caught up in it. -The same music that plays when Rong first performed in front of the emperor also plays when he enters the pleasure boat, perhaps symbolizing that in both cases, he's so taken with the women in front of him he's not thinking with the right head. -While out among the commoners, Ruyi buys a pair of 'rolled cakes' from the same vendor she bought them from a decade ago, but sadly mentions that they 'taste different', not because the recipe has changed, but because before, she was eating them with Hongli, and now she's eating them alone. -The satirical poem that the local man recites, mocking the emperor, is actually kind of funny: 'Green mountain outside the mountain/Pavilion outside the pavilion The dance and song of Lake Xi never rests They all saw Emperor Zhengde/Coming on his boat He admired the same current Lake Xi's/Merry affair at night.' (Emperor Zhengde was a Ming dynasty emperor infamous for his hedonistic tendencies: he frequented brothels, constructed lavish palaces to house exotic animals, burned down a palace by storing gunpowder in his courtyards in preparation for a festival, his harem was so far over capacity that women regularly starved to death, forced his ministers and servants to put on a fake street market for him, refused to hold court, read memorials or see petitioners, and eventually died at 29 after drunkenly falling into the Yellow River. Ironically, his era name, Zhengde/正德, means 'right virtue'). -The local courtesan wearing the dragon robe, Shui Linglong ('water bell maiden'), ends up bringing along her *six* sisters to 'join the fun'. Honestly, by my count, Hongli already had close to fifty wives, and you're still unsatisfied?! She also asks Ruyi 'which imperial consort she is' (because they don't recognize her as the Empress, but still, rude) and Rongpei rips off the shirt with the dragon on it and tells her to get the daffodil tattoo removed. AFAIK, the daffodil wasn't exclusively reserved for the Empress (I believe the peony has that honor), but it would be unseemly for Linglong to wear it, considering that it symbolizes good luck and fortune (it usually blooms around the Chinese New Year--late January/early February). This is made extra symbolic because the daffodil is also known as the narcissus, after a self-absorbed figure of Greek myth, and while Ruyi is going off on Hongli, she tells him he's a narcissist and that he 'just wants to see his own image through your daffodil you love'. -Right before she cuts her hair, and just as Hongli realizes what she's about to do, he calls her 'Ruyi' for the first time in years. I think he realized in that moment just how irreparably broken their relationship was, and that it was about to end permanently. Not only is she cutting her hair to undo the hair-tying ritual Qingying and Hongli went through to be married, she's also cutting her hair as a symbolic 'funeral' for their past selves, who have gone. -Jingse looks back at the piece of hair on the floor, and her father's face, with confusion, and I can tell her willingness to defend Yanwan is being sapped by the realization that, as much as this may hurt Ruyi, it will also hurt her father. -As Ruyi is leaving on the boat, her hair loose, she sees a flock of wild birds flying overhead---they symbolize that she's finally free, both of the Empress' position and of Hongli. It also reminded me of the scene early in Zhen Huan where, as she's entering the palace, she sees a flock of wild geese flying overhead. They're a lucky sign, but they're also highly ironic: they are free to come and go where they please, while she is forever trapped in the palace. -Langhua was right, in the end: on another river trip, another Empress finally spoke her truth and, each was deposed, one by death and one by her own choice.

[@Stinoco]

I hadn’t notice Ring’s dance song! Also the wild birds in Legend of Zheng Huan and this drama. It’s so true. This drama is full of special details

[@ObliviousEmpress]

Between Zhou Xun and Wallace Huo the acting on this scene is phenomenal. You feel so satisfied for Ruyi and just done with the Emperor. Jingse has always confused me though. Yes, I guess she got "revenge" for the first empress, but I feel like at some point she would show concern for her father or talk to the dowager about what's going on.

[@pearlstar5323]

I do think that in the moment when Ruyi leaves is when she starts to feel some remorse especially once she sees how upset her father is. Yanwan is having a hard time hiding her glee, but Jingse is not enjoying watching her enemy's "defeat."

[@its99pm]

You can already tell when the eunuch reports to Jingse that her attitude is all "Yanwan drama again? Ugh. Does that woman ever take time off?" She's tired of it, and she's not exactly rushing to go help Yanwan even though she was told it's a life or death matter.

[@user-ix1rp9ff3p]

in the original novel: 1. Jingse remains anti-Ruyi 2. during the close of the Xioaxian Elegies™ plotline Jingse becomes cold to Wei Yan'wan 3. Jingse & Fuheng actually discuss Wei Yan'wan and "wonder" how tf Wei Yan'wan knew what was about to happen; Jingse mentions this to Qianlong when they met again, mentioning her convo with her uncle specially the part of "Wei Yan'wan having such a long arm" (aka she's in the know)

[@moonstarstories1298]

I love Ying and Rong in this drama. They’re both outspoken in their own way but can’t really be punished for it. The Emperor did way too much to get Rong into his harem so he’s not going to execute her and Ying has too powerful of a familial backing to be severely punished. Love their elegance and free spirit!

[@ceyrai]

Yeah that was the most powerful breakup scene ever. I loved how calm Ruyi was all throughout tho I know she was seething. Also, bc I love bratty Jingse a lot I'd like to defend her and say this was the moment she saw the consequences of siding with Yanwan - her father's reputation going down the toilet and destabilizing his own rule by pushing his Empress so far. She definitely felt some shock and regret there (tho I'm sure she still hates Ruyi). Also Rong backing Ruyi up with her sarcasm is always so good both in the novel and the drama. Best girl 5ever

[@NinaZee]

“ThE OnE WHO CHaNgEd WaS RuyI” girl BYEEEEEEE 🤡. God the emperor infuriates me so much

[@LittleClarinetPlayer]

He was right! She did change after the hell she has been through being married to him for DECADES and he appreciates none of it. Would have been happier living as a noble woman marrying someone kind like Yunche.

[@NinaZee]

@@LittleClarinetPlayer you have a point there! Though I’d think she changed to be a better empress and he became worse instead :’)

[@CorruptedSiren]

My favorite part of the scene where Ruyi cuts her hair is when she just mic drops that in front of the emperor before walking out. It really cemented that she was done with his bullshit and there was no coming back. I was proud of her for cutting her hair, but even more so when she held it in front of him and just mic dropped that hair. Message loud and clear Ruyi!

[@user-ix1rp9ff3p]

"Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace" is the only drama so far that didn't have an overly dramatic Step Empress doing an equally dramatic haircut

[@lashonda0811]

Sanbao kicking out Yanwan's leg to get her to kneel gave me LIFE!!!!!!

[@devchekhov7512]

Ruyi's confrontation of the emperor is the second grand prize of RRLITP. The FIRST grand prize goes to what Ruyi creates under house arrest. Stay tuned, everyone--it's dark before dawn❤

[@imogencrusader6306]

I do gotta say, i disagree with all this yanwan slander, but Ruyi did *not* waste her time from this point on!

[@Monica-by4me]

5:00 lmao like the rat he is indeed

[@littleprettypatetic497]

ahhhh i hate the emperor, ruyi's worst sin is that according to the "change, he is no longer quinying his love of youth" and you know what? you are absolutely damn right seeing the embittered and democratized ruyi of now that she is always a second away from crying, it is hard for me to find the protagonist who confessed in the first chapter to having farted in an important ceremony but..... I pass by you!!! How did you expect her to be the same naive and cheerful young woman after one thousand miseries (cold palace included) that the poor woman lived for you

[@Moonstonemoonlight]

Love that when an evil consort is in power she gets sideburns (see the first empress Langhua, Jia, and then Yanwan)

[@dramarecaps4217]

The imperial hairdresser: What can I do for you today, mistress? Oh, you've gone completely evil? Not to worry, I have just the look...

[@user-ix1rp9ff3p]

@@dramarecaps4217 lol reminds me of "Robot Chicken" Palpatine's barber Alfonso

[@biancaw9162]

5:40 I replayed this at least 30 times when I first watched this drama. Me and my Roomie at the time were loud snapping for Ruyi!

[@dramarecaps4217]

Hella jealous that you have a roomie who wants to watch harem dramas with you lol

[@user-ix1rp9ff3p]

Ep. 80 notes: 1.1. *Wei Yan'wan actually believed that Ruyi had Ling Yunche killed* , which was the scene before Wangchan delivered news of 14th & 16th princes' simultaneous đəąťнş 1.2. it was *12th prince Yongji who begged for Ruyi to accompany Qianlong* in that (infamous) Southern Tour 2.1. Ruyi & Xiangjian had a conversation that was basically *Xiangjian finding out about Ruyi being a SuHang fangirl* , and even inquiring about the names of the scenic spots (Lonely Mountain & Broken Bridge) as well as the time when Ruyi & Qianlong cosplayed as "common" folk 2.2. in the original novel: 2.2.1. Ruyi notes mournfully that the (fateful) Southern Tour *coincided with Ling Yunche's 3rd ḓëąтħ anniversary* 2.2.2. upon arrival Qianlong felt "inspired" and *wrote another Xiaoxian Elegy™* but Ruyi doesn't even care anymore at this point 2.3. the scene with Qianlong & Xiangjian is basically *WTF am I playing this Pass The Message game in the first place?!* 3. the "girlies" in the original novel 3.1. it's the *LGU officials* who offered *first singing girls then þřøșтî+ụťəș* ; *neither Wei Yan'wan nor Jinzhong* are involved 3.2. specifically during the cherry scene, Wei Yan'wan told Jinzhong *she's hands off* since Qianlong liked their company in the first place 3.3. the singing girl(s) 3.3.1. her name is *Zhaorou* and she was actually *accompanied by an elder tradessister* 3.3.2. their singing is called *pingtan* , which is another form of the storytelling-by-song genre but in a more mass-friendly ribald environment *that was actively popular in SuHang region* ; there are always 2 people in a performance, hence *Zhaorou is the singer while the tradessister is the accompaniment* (the cue person to keep the audience lively) 3.3.3. the girls *performed in the Wu dialect* , and their repertoire *started with "Sui and Tang Dynasties"* , and *also included "Legend of the White Snake"* (hence the lyrics in the drama, presumably by White Snake: "夫妻原一體，何分我與君，哪有夫婦之間論什麼恩? 官人啦，如水流年須珍惜，莫教誤了少年身" (Husband and wife are originally one body, what difference between servant with its master; how can there be mercy between such a couple? You petty officials, cherish the years that are as fleeting as flowing water, instead of teaching me to cherish my youthfulness)) 3.3.4. as Wei Yan'wan predicted *Qianlong eventually tired of the duo* and sent them back (Jinzhong confirmed it to Wei Yan'wan since it was him who gave the thank-you gifts to the ladies and escorted them to Yangzhou) 3.4. Shui Ling'long 3.4.1. her original name was *Shui Muping* (and yes, it's the *same hanzi with Lu Muping* (Consort Qing) in the drama) 3.4.2. Muping was *Zhaorou's successor* 4. I have no idea on the opera with the sisters and willow branch 5.1. in the original novel it was actually *Ruyi's imaginings that the noises at Lake Hu were reaching the populace and breeding the rumors* ; there was no sneaking out, rice cake tasting, and the story-teller (that looks like it's the same person from around 10 years ago...) 5.2. in the drama version: 5.2.1. Ruyi actually nearly offended the rice cake seller by saying *it's not as good as before* 5.2.2. the story-teller was talking about *Zhengde Emperor of Ming Dynasty* : though at first capable in administration, he later led himself to personal pleasures (some historians say as a result of helpless inaction due to bureaucratic gridlock), greatly favored eunuchs, and died in an embarrassing manner by accidentally falling off during a boat ride 5.3. the issue with the daffodil/narcissus is that the flower symbolizes *the river goddess Luoshen/Luo Shen* , the Lunar New Year (hence luck & prosperity), & *a harmonious matrimonial couple (hence a happy marriage)* 6. *Liyu was actually complicit* in the entire thing, which isn't actually his fault to begin with... 7.1. in the original novel, only the *breakfast* (takes place immediately after Wei Yan'wan and Jinzhong's cherry conversation), *Liyu bringing the sticky foods* (though ostensibly a "thank you" goft from Qianlong, it was a reminder to "shut tf up"), & *Sanbao reporting about Shui Muping/Ling'long* ; Ruyi didn't actually summon Wei Yan'wan 7.2. Qianlong actually sarcastically remarks that Ruyi should join at Lake Hu nightclub 7.3. @5:41 end of ep. 80 and start of ep. 81

[@user-ix1rp9ff3p]

Edit on the lyrics and approximate translation (basically I searched for vids of Suzhou _pingtan_ , and basically the plot at this point was Bai Suzhen (titular White Snake) conversing with Xu Xian: in the drama Zhaorou (since she was the only one mentioned in the original novel) was doing Bai Suzhen's dialogue) 夫妻原一體，何分我與君 Husband and wife are originally one body, what can divide me with my lord 哪有夫婦之間(來)論什麼恩? Where, between husband and wife, can there come arguments? 官人啦，如水流年須珍惜 You petty official(s), dearly cherish the fleeting years 莫教誤了少年身 Do not teach mistakes toward the youth

[@justtofuit1635]

7:15 Tom Dick or Larry 🤣🤣🤣💀💀💀💀 I SPAT out my water when I say the captions 😭😭😭 also love the dramatic rainbow and noises when Ruyi stood up for herself against Yanwan 🎉🎉🎉

[@TheTCMfan]

The confrontation scene is so amazing and so well done! Ruyi was fed up but she still went to help.. But first he says that Wei her children’s murderer is better than and slaps her again. So why bother? For a position she didn’t want in the first place and for a man that she no longer knows or loves?

[@Jayden34209]

"You can't fire me, I quit! "😮😅😂

[@user-ix1rp9ff3p]

Ep. 81 notes, mostly original novel parts that @dramarecaps4217 missed: 1.1. by nightfall Ruyi noticed Qianlong again didn't summon any one of them, and again *spent time with the tribute ladies* 1.2. Ruyi's POV ironically conceded that *at least Wei Yan'wan courted imperial favor thru kunqu* , while the tribute ladies were using "vulgar" music 1.3. Ruyi had changed into casual nighttime wear with minimal accessories by the time she charged towards Qianlong 1.4. *Fuheng has been Qianlong's smokescreen this entire time* ,this time *he was guarding the docks* , and when one of the imperial guards asked why he let Ruyi pass despite Qianlong's instructions, Fuheng merely replies *it's the Empress Consort's right* 2.1. *there was no actual orgy* (unlike previously believed), but *at least 2 of the girls were snuggling up to Qianlong* like bar hostesses 2.2. *Liyu & Jinbao were the "guards" at the door* , and *Liyu made a nonverbal plea to Ruyi* to "stop the madness before it explodes" 2.3. *Ruyi didn't barge in unannounced* , but was *silently observing the whole scene through a curtain* , and it took one of the 7 to notice her 3.1. Shui Muping is still as arrogant as ever, but *she's not the owner of the 5-clawed dragon embroidery* 3.2. Rongpei silently attacked the owner of the dragon embroidery with scissors, and *Ruyi warned the girlie, or rather, her benefactor of the dangers of basically sucking up to the Emperor* 3.3. Shui Muping had *no daffodil tattoo* but she had *a strange flower which she stuck on her hair* as she left 4.1. the actual "argument" is rather boring, some back-and-forth, and as you mentioned sometimes Qianlong is calm and lucid 4.2. Ruyi casually mentions *"Haven't you noticed I no longer use the green plum face powder you gifted me some 13(?) years ago?"* 5.1. Ruyi had another pair of scissors on her sleeves, and when she basically asked Qianlong on whether he'll still disappoint and suspect her even if she takes him back, and Qianlong responded to the effect of 'I'm the Emperor please understand', *Ruyi cut her hair the first time* 5.2. most of the drama dialogue including the daffodil analogy *takes place after the first haircut* 5.3. Ruyi cried in the middle of their argument, and after sympathizing with every concubine who has passed away *Ruyi again cut her hair with the words "This is for Ula Nara Qing'ying who has gone."* 5.4. it was *during the 2nd haircut that Jingse & Wei Yan'wan barged in afterwards* 5.5. Jingse warned Ruyi who then *coldly threatened Jingse with the scissors on her own throat to never ever call her mother* so shut up 5.6. Ruyi's announcement of a non-Forbidden City lifetime in the next life was *Ruyi's "crazy words"* 5.7. at the same time, *Liyu was punished with exile to Yuanming'yuan* for *failing to dissuade Ruyi from interfering* ; *Jinzhong replaced him as chief eunuch* 6.1. Chongqing wasn't as fierce as Zhen Huan (she doesn't even see Qianlong's expression due to her failing eyesight) but the dialogue remains basically the same: the main argument was *in the past you and Ruyi were so openly close and affectionate, what would the people say about your sudden change of heart?* 6.2. even at this point *she's still anti-Ruyi* , saying that *if Ruyi's actions were improper then Ruyi deserved her punishment* 6.3. Zhen Huan's lecture about deposing the Empress Consort (廢后) 6.3.1. happened *during Shunzhi era* 6.3.2. *Borjigit Erdenibumba was Shunzhi Emperor's 1st Empress Consort but he never liked her from the start* , and this was mostly due to the fact that they were paired by his mother Empress Xiaozhangwen whom he hated as well (believing the rumor that she and Ingguldai were lovers) 6.3.3. Shunzhi Emperor *openly favored Lady Dong'e/Donggo* (a distant relative on her mother's side), and when *she gave birth to a son he saw the perfect opportunity* 6.3.4. Shunzhi Emperor *deposed Erdenibumba and designated her as Consort Jing* , and later *kicked her out of the Forbidden City supposedly pregnant* (she disappears from the historical records ever since) 6.3.5. predictably *the Borjigit in-laws were furious* , and Shunzhi Emperor was *forced to marry another one, Borjigit Altantseteg* (posthumously Empress Xiaohuizhang, *regent during Kangxi Emperor's minority as Dowager Empress Renxian* ); this time the *entire court opposed the emperor's attempts to get rid of her* 6.3.6 *Lady Dong'e/Donggo's son and her both died soon* , and she was *posthumously granted the title "Empress Xiaoxian" (孝獻皇后)* , in part since she also became Imperial Noble Consort and shared power with Altantseteg (note that Lady Dong'e/Donggo doesn't inherit her husband's posthumous title "zhang") 6.1. the music during The Haircut™is such mournful, since it was also used artfully during Gao Xiyue's đəąťн 6.2. I now understand why Qianlong was so mad at Ruyi, and this was after watching "The Royal Feast": *The Empress Consort has no right to publicly remonstrate her husband the Emperor* (hence the "she is his şłāʋę" dialogue); *only the Imperial Censors can outright admonish the Emperor's wrongdoings*

[@amnal3983]

I was not expecting the “Yanwan spit on him” scene 😂

[@Freya__]

The hair cutting scene was powerful, Ruyi definitely had enough with The Emperor.

[@imogencrusader6306]

honestly any shows adapting of the moment the step empress cuts her hair has always been amazing and the one to specifically tell her story did not dissapoint

[@Freya__]

@@imogencrusader6306 It surely does, her story had always been interesting and tragic to hear about it but somewhat inspiring because a woman of her time to be so bold to cut her hair is truly astonishing, it kinda tells you that she didn't care about her position as empress. If she did cared she probably wouldn't have done it but doing so it shows alot of courage.

[@imogencrusader6306]

@@Freya__ it was no doubt courageous! I don't know about smart, but definitely brave, there's a reason such a minor detail has endured all through the years for us to know about today

[@rodrigosalguerorivera6355]

"For Qingying and for Hongli who are gone" it seems that that was all, the culmination of a life together... and even at such a critical moment and although her love for the emperor was no longer the same, Ruyi could not hate him, which makes her decision to cut her hair and renounce to that love that hurt her so much, the bravest of them all.

[@SolitaryBee-wd5wf]

Yes Ruyi, cut him off completely. He never deserved your heart. Yanwan is at the peak of her power but you know what they say, when you reach the top, there's no other way forward but down. Just unfortunate that there's still one more painful moment coming up before we can finally get on to Yanwan's downfall.

[@TheTCMfan]

Awesome review! I love Rong! IMO Rong is just like Lanyi in empresses in the palace just less violent.. Ruyi was definitely a ride or die woman cause despite everything he did to her she still wanted to protect his brand/reputation.. Am I the only one that yells shut up at Jinbao? He literally stops Ruyi from killing Wei? 🤦‍♀️ I think Jingse was actually shocked at wat Ruyi did and her fathers reaction. If Ruyi truly was the conniving schemer Langhua said she was then Ruyi would be kicking and screaming to stay empress not just quit and say kick rocks..

[@dramarecaps4217]

If Ruyi truly was the conniving schemer Langhua said she was then Ruyi would be kicking and screaming to stay empress not just quit and say kick rocks. Yes! Great point! That should definitely have made it clear to JingSe that she was wrong

[@natural3362]

Manchurian women can only cut their hair if they husbands are dead. Ruyi's cutting her hair means her husband are dead and now she is a widow and thus she is no longer the empress. Ruyi is divorcing her husband

[@charliemagnebautista2902]

@8:45 tnx for the info cause i was thinking like so if a concubines got her hair stuck in a comb but has no choice but to cut does it mean she's cursing the royal family lol

[@LittleClarinetPlayer]

Honestly, at what cost did this come to Ruyi? She up and abandons her position as empress leaving her son and loved ones at risk. She was so naive to believe the emperor could ever hold one person in his heart when Zhen Huan warned her! How many people have died while Ruyi was being heart broken over a man who didn’t deserve her? Let this be a cautionary tale to women to not put up with this crap. Zhen Huan learned the previous emperor didn’t love her, but she still played the politics game to protect her sister, her loved, her children, her friends, her family, and others. I have 100X more respect for Zhen Huan than I do Ruyi. It is good to have morals and what not when you have the power to back them up. What benefit does this come to Ruyi? It came far too late I think.

[@dramarecaps4217]

This drama has honestly had such an effect on me when it comes to relationships. Obviously it's not completely the same but you always have to remember that you can never 100% know a person's heart and not to kill yourself for someone who does not see or appreciate the sacrifices you make.

[@LittleClarinetPlayer]

@@dramarecaps4217 Very much the sentiment of ‘don’t set yourself on fire to keep others warm’. This is why Zhen Huan is my fav between Yinglou and Ruyi. This series touched so many viewers because this was a real sad reality for many generations of women. Have you seen Raise the Red Lantern (1991) with Gong Li? I highly suggest it.

[@LittleClarinetPlayer]

@@dramarecaps4217 Ruyi’s relationship with the emperor is one I would not tell other girls and women to strive for. This is not the relationship to base your love life off of.

[@dramarecaps4217]

@@LittleClarinetPlayer GongLi! I haven't, but I'll definitely check it out!

[@nofacespacetasmr3008]

Girl this review is so good I just want to give a big hug 🫂

[@dramarecaps4217]

Thank you :)

[@NAVEMAN3]

Both this author and Yanxi Palace's author agreed on the things based off of real history that cause this 'divorce': The Step-Empress, Wei, a party boat, the Emperor, and a whore he wants as a wife.

[@user-ix1rp9ff3p]

what was the cause in " _Huanzhu gege_ / Princess Pearl"??

[@NAVEMAN3]

@@user-ix1rp9ff3p Never heard of that show. Sorry.

[@imogencrusader6306]

the first time i saw the clip of the prostitutes being punished i was so genuinely upset at Ruyi and her maid but omg the context that they couldn't be taken in even as chosen maids does make it all the better. Good to know they were genuinely doing the best they can as, without context, it really does look like Rongpei has gone over to the dark side in that scene xD And honestly? I feel like if, as a commoner, you had no choice to be a prostitute then being a nun might be a promotion. Not shaming sex work just the life of your average chinese commoner during these times. Also, omg, i love the book snippets where we get to hear the unsanitized version of these characters and villains are allowed to be competent. I hate to see Yanwan as a villain but love seeing her skill for it xD Also genuinely shocked to see book Ruyi take the merciful route here! I think historically she was of age to go through menopause now so....maybe it softened her? xD Also, damn, somehow the emperor is *also* even worse in the book 😳

[@shyler4444]

I actually prefer the haircutting scene from the moment the two other women walk in, better than the show version. I would have loved to see the look on Jingse's face to see what she has helped bring to fruition. She helped ruin her father with Wei Yinglou, maybe that was the point since he was awful to her mother and then made her marry far away to her awful husband. Either way...she got what she and her mother wanted.

[@NAVEMAN3]

Jingse is still a bitch though.

[@user-ix1rp9ff3p]

in the original novel Jingsr remained unapologetic as ever, her only useful contribution being warning her father about Wei Yan'wan's ambitions

[@mia_ishka]

the breakup scene was so intense, i actually cried 😭

[@ThatGmoney]

Those sideburns, everyone of them who got them sideburns…

[@charliemagnebautista2902]

Alright but does anyone also love to have a Qing dynasty style yacht aka floating palace cause wow even the french royal family wouldn't compete with the qings luxurious taste

[@christy2443]

The scene of Ruyi showing up to the boat is what started me in watching the series. I saw the clip of the entire scene without any context yet was so moved by the hair cutting. I had to figure out what lead to that moment. I love the experience and your videos recaping + novel

[@galaxylily813]

12:11 Lol it’s like that old creepy eunuch but instead he prefers to be on the receiving end

[@dramarecaps4217]

Ughhhhh🤢

[@mimienchanted9339]

Could u give details abt the scene involving Jingse? I had heard in the novel that at a point Ruyi threatens her with scissors but I've never been able to read anything abt it. It's hard to imagine Ruyi in the show doing such a thing! But it's very interesting

[@sofie6469]

I think my favorite detail about the hair-cutting scene is that at first Ruyi is holding out the cut hair as a peace offering, hoping that the emperor who was once her Hong Li will recognize it for what it is, the death of their youthful love and that neither person who they once were is still there. And only turns to unceremoniously drop it when the emperor once again insults her, putting the blame on her once again for having quote unquote gone crazy.

[@dramarecaps4217]

Well put, this whole scene is just so wonderfully acted with so many unspoken words

[@user-qk3sm5sz2x]

EARLY AND FINALLY *FINALLY* RUYI HAD ENOUGHHHH

[@avibabyo.o6738]

SHE SPIT ON HIM?😭😭 wthhh

[@dramarecaps4217]

Girl I KNOW 🤢

[@jeanettesosa7180]

the angry breathing is too relatable

[@Krose333]

Where did the knife come from? Were things so out of control on that boat at night that no protocol was followed to keep the Emporer safe from a possible attempt on his life from multiple paid and unvetted strangers in his presence? Seems foolishly risky.

[@manjumachowdhury7153]

He was like that cause deep down he knows he let fown the woman eho Loved her with everything.... What a weak ass man

[@007lisle]

Rong baby gurl you slay

[@jellybean436]

Can we take a moment to appreciate the seating arrangement of Ruyi's Team? Like damn that's a very subtle power move. Aside from being the Empress herself, Ruyi has two most influential women in the harem behind her back. If you consider their backgrounds, that's TWO PRINCESSES right behind her. Qianlong is literally obsessed with Rong and she can use that to her advantage. And Ying is quite literally the Mongolia's Top Princess, she's untouchable. Although Ling's rank is still high compared to others, she's still powerless against these three.

[@gojiberry7201]

I remember that line from the Empress Dowager for sure!

[@Lisamisamoo]

So freaking toxic and abusive the emperor is! I can't imagine being this drunk on power. I'm happy this part is over and the best is yet to come!

[@ElektrikalRush]

Have you thought about doing Story of Yanxi Palace?

[@imogencrusader6306]

she's doing it next apparently!

[@martinemariemc]

Yea I love Rong too. She is like "do what you want, I don't care" and by the way you are wrong for everything you are doing, screw you!"😂😂

[@aliciagorgont2677]

Even Jingse looked so sad when Qianlong punished Ruyi 👀

[@NAVEMAN3]

She has no regrets. If she really was feeling guilty after the hair cutting stuff, she would've confess right then and there what Wei has done and Ruyi wouldn't be punished.

[@angorarabit]

0:17 btw that cry is for her, not for her children bao yi... bao yi... 1:04 sadge :( anyway, it's always darkest before dawn with these things

[@magicwandstudio3141]

what Ruyi worried is not just his reputation but health as well, i mean look at him, he was sleepy the entire day. She still care about his well being despite everything that happened, you did not deserve her Qianlong

[@IMP14914]

I want the Emperor to die. The actor is so good to make me hate a character so much!

[@sawk1875]

Omg the music is back

[@dramarecaps4217]

How could I have music on while talking about my precious YunChe losing his sausage 😭

[@sawk1875]

@@dramarecaps4217 Not the sausage.... 😢

[@magicwandstudio3141]

I feel like many incident in the palace even the one that does not involve Ruyi, such as Qianlong suspicion with Chun and Consort Xun from the novel where she was disgusted with the emperor, Consort Rong tragic past and lamentation of her dead lover, Concubine Wan neglect, Aruo betrayal, Jia and Xiyue final wish of having a normal life in their next incarnation really foreshadowing the last arc of Ruyi story. Consort Rong tragic past and lamentation of her dead lover/Ruyi realizing the man he married is long gone and death and cut her hair. Noble Lady Xun disgusted by emperor and never love him/Wei Yanwan telling him nobody in the harem love him. (novel only) Emperor endless suspicion to Consort Chun/Emperor endles suspicion to Ruyi and Ling Yunche affair Aruo betrayal and rise to the throne only to fell hard/ Chunchan betrayal and Wei Yanwan fate. Hailan even called her Aruo no 2. Concubine Wan neglect/ Ruyi and the other concubine being neglected. Jia and Xiyue final wish/Ruyi stating his wish to the Emperor (novel only). But in the drama, this is also what she wish in the end as well but never directly state to the emperor.

[@beau_aerio]

Wait - is there an English translated version of the novel? Where can i read it?

[@its99pm]

It's not available anymore. Someone was translating it chapter by chapter on wa tt pa d but it's no longer accessible cause ppl were copying her work and posting it elsewhere without giving her credit. This is why we can't have nice things.

[@beau_aerio]

@@its99pm Darn! My soul is crushed. Why must the world be so cruel. 😭😭😭

[@amiLore]

Where can i find the book in english?

[@dramarecaps4217]

Didn't want you to feel like your question was being ignored but I truly have no idea. If someone starts translating it I'll be sure to make a post and share it with everyone

[@charliemagnebautista2902]

I heard consort Dun is part of the casts but where is she though?

[@urmummysaurus4229]

her role was deleted

[@SolitaryBee-wd5wf]

Consort Dun, named Wang Fuzhi, was cut from the series due to the ending being changed. In the novel, she is basically a taste of Yanwan's own medicine, also resembling Ruyi but having Hailan's help in knowing the ins and outs of Ruyi's character and the emperor's preferences and therefore is a much closer replacement goldfish than Yanwan (who resents this not only for Fuzhi having the emperor's favor and undermining her authority along with Hailan and the Mongolian consorts but also the fact that in resembling Ruyi, she also looks like Yanwan but much younger and therefore more attractive to Qianlong than Yanwan (especially over time, when Hailan and co's schemes and Qianlong's suspicions and punishments towards Yanwan make her become haggard over the years, which ironically mirrors Ruyi's decline)).

[@pearlstar5323]

@@SolitaryBee-wd5wf I think I read that Zhou Xun had them change the ending to have Ruyi have a more proactive role her the final plot and I prefer that rather than another replacement goldfish plotline since we've had so many of those in Zhen Huan and in Ruyi.

[@SolitaryBee-wd5wf]

@@pearlstar5323 Definitely prefer the drama ending too, since the novel has Ruyi committing suicide after Yanwan visits and mocks her downfall, which becomes the catalyst for Yanwan's own downfall as she was the last person to visit Ruyi prior to her death. Zhou Xun from what I heard had the ending changed on the basis that it sent a bad message to audiences (said message being 'suicide is a viable option to escape your abusive spouse').

[@its99pm]

@@SolitaryBee-wd5wf I respect the actress for that and agree it'd be a bad message to show on TV, but *daaaamn* if Ruyi being willing to end herself to get Yanwan in trouble isn't badass af.

[@teddymanguerra]

In the scene, how I wish Genghis Khan was revived and laid waste to this pathetic emperor! How I wish I could Dracarys Qianlong and that wh*re Yanwan, Jin Zhong, and Jingse.

[@CallieCatGaming]

I wont lie, as much as I hate Yanwan... watching her off Jinzhong was so satisfying. I hateddddddd him. And I adore Rong. I thought I wouldn't but I love how spicy she is