Cang Xuan's character devolvement into a jealous man is what has me on tenterhooks. His feelings for Xiao Yao are finally going to explode, the previews of the future episodes look heartbreaking for all involved. Zhang Wang Yi is such a terrific actor, no other actor could have done a better job. What I have come to like about him is that once he figured out Xiao Yao's identity he did not ever treat her poorly. He looked out for her and it was reciprocated by Xiao Yao. It is just a twist of fate that his obsession took a romantic turn otherwise the bond they shared is truly amazing. Of course there will be a redemption arc for him, but this will result it Xiao Yao loosing more years with Jing.

I'm pretty sure that Xiao Yao & Ye Shiqi end up together, I'm all for it. I get why people get so mad at him, all he needed was just a little spine and he would have been a perfect character. I am not looking forward to the death of two pretty decent characters and it is hard to believe that they will be gone just like that.

Chenrong Xin Yue lost the chance to get into Xuan's good graces. Had she married him before, he would have treated her better. Now, she is here just for the prestige, her love was pretty shallow. But it is not like Xuan loves her or has the capability to do so. So, maybe they are well matched. It would suck if she doesn't pay for things that she does. I like her brother, he seems like a decent person and has been loyal to Xuan all throughout.

They went out of the way to make Tushan Jing appear weak. I'm really disappointed with the creators with regards to how they handled the final showdown between the Tushan brother. Before this, I never considered him weak, but the fight actually made it seem as if he couldn't fight at all. (I wonder if he was in a formation of some kind - I might need to rewatch the episode) But all the talk of fair fight from Tushan Hou suggests that there wasn't a formation. The fight scene should have been more charged. All the other scenes from these two episodes were more powerful compared to this one. His death seemed like an afterthought. We also finally see Fenglong do something against his conscience, taking credit for Jing's contribution. But with is last breath, he did manage to reveal the truth. I didn't want him to pay for his sister's mistakes. Despite her past, Chengrong Xin Yue had no redeeming qualities, only a brother who loved her would go to such lengths to save her life.

After completing the series, I have a new outlook on Xiang Lu. I did not like him in the first season at all, but I am not one to deny all he did for Xiao Yao. While he may not have been a good partner like TJ, he is the reason both Xiao Yao & TJ survived so far. He knew he wasn't right for her, so he did everything he could to make sure the right one ended up with her. He wasn't selfish with his love for Xiao Yao, he also made sure that she would have no regrets by leaving none of him behind. It is to be admired, the ability to love and let go. His death was gruesome and sad, I wish the rebel faction would have made better choices. But he died a hero who was loyal to his people till the end.

I agree with a lot of people, I am a bit disappointed that they treated the Xuan's killing TJ and the poisoning as an illusion, because it was in character for him to do it. I think that scene was sacrificed when the episodes were cut, so they had put in the Xin Yue's attempt on Xiao Yao's life and this scene together. It just felt that those emotionally charged scenes were all for naught. Cang Xuan's entire life was for the throne so it isn't surprising when he chose the throne over Xiao Yao. Had Xiao Yao even had any feelings for him, she would have been let down all her life.

Tushan Jing might have seemed like the safest choice for all and to some it may also feel like she settled, but Xiao Yao's love for him was undeniable. I'm pretty sure that even had she known all Xiang Lu did for her, she would have still chosen Jing. She would have felt indebted to Xiang Lu and conflicted because she did have some feelings but what she felt for TJ was far superior in her heart. Tushan Jing might not be the perfect ML that everyone wants or revers, but Like Xiao Yao I think he was gold. He was kind and ready to give up all and everything for Xiao Yao, how good for her that she fell in love with a guy like that. She needed that the most in her life.

I am bit confused about the ending though, if I got it right, XY died in their journey to compile the books. But there was no mention of TJ. I mean if XY died there's no way TJ would go on living not unless they had children. (I might have to rewatch this one again) Their visit to the Qinshui town also suggested that XY might be dead, here's to hoping that that's not the case and we get an extra episode for an epilogue.