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sid_guardian2022-07-23 03:17 pm
Memories of Episode 27
Timestamp for the scene: 5:11 through 6:05
Pictures sourced at: Guardian Episode 27 Caps 1 - Kernezelda (smugmug.com)
Scene Intro: Shen Wei is walking down a sidewalk.
Da Qing is running to catch up with Shen Wei.
Da Qing: Professor Shen, thank you for letting Da Ji go.
Shen Wei: Yashou are not under my jurisdiction. (Shen Wei’s infliction comes off as very HPS here.)
Shen Wei continues: Moreover, she didn’t hurt anyone.
Da Qing: I remembered many things, and only now do I realize I had a reason for blindly seeking out the SID after losing my memories. (Da Qing looks so happy to understand his past actions, which makes sense with missing memories and such.)
Da Qing: The same goes for you too, right? (Da Qing looks so hopeful here to connect with Shen Wei)
Shen Wei looks at Da Qing and offers him a smile. (I think it starts of as something like his hide-behind-this-smile, because he doesn't possibly want to reveal why he really came to the SID, even if some of it has been revealed. Either way, for this particular smile my brain reads it as slightly different thatn the hide-me-smile. I think there's a true note of happiness for Da Qing, that he's found some of his memories.): “Let’s go, keep pace with our main forces.
And here is Da Qing’s return smile.
Then Da Qing questions: Main forces?
Shen Wei: The Master of the Merit Brush is about to appear.
And one last shot of Shen Wei with grim-serious face.
Points to Ponder:
- If Shen Wei had answered Da Qing’s question, how do you think he’d have answered it?
- Do you think Shen Wei said the bit about the ‘Master of the Merit Brush’ on purpose? To distract Da Qing from the fact that he didn’t answer the question? Not that the whole arc wasn’t leading up to this point, but for me it definitely reads as a slight distraction tactic.
- I always love Da Qing and Shen Wei’s interactions! I think both actors played it very nuanced with the missing memories, the regained memories and hinting to all those unsaid things. I wish they had even more moments within the whole series!!! What is your favorite Da Qing and Shen Wei moment? :D For me, it’s the first episode where Shen Wei sees Da Qing (I believe for the second time) in human form outside the office where Zhao Yunlan is asking Li Qian questions. After the two speak, Da Qing seems to possibly sense something or perhaps possibly has déjà vu? I just remember on my first watching I was like: Huh. That seems odd. Wonder what that was all about XD XD XD Because there was a gravity to the moment from both actors.
- The 10,000 years of sleep aside, rewatching this particular scene made me have many feels about how Shen Wei must have felt such loneliness. Which is inherently understood by my brain, but something about this scene sparked my brain to add more loneliness for Shen Wei and how hard that must have been. He can’t reveal who he is, he can’t reveal his plans, he can’t reveal his full self to Zhao Yunlan, not until the end game is in play, and even then, everything still can’t be revealed.
Thank you for taking the time to read!
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If Shen Wei had answered Da Qing’s question, how do you think he’d have answered it?
I kind of feel like Shen Wei's smile is his answer? Like, to me his smile says, "You understand me. We understand each other." And that's why Da Qing smiles back? And I love how special that must feel to Shen Wei, who said 10k years ago, "No one else has tried to understand me." Here is Da Qing reaching out, empathising with Shen Wei's care for and protection of Zhao Yunlan, and his connection to the SID as a kind of modern-day Allied Forces. Recognising him from the past. <3 <3 <3
ETA: Looking at this again, I wonder if that's why Shen Wei used the military language "keep pace with our main forces." Like, it's a call-back to their shared memories of the ancient war?
Do you think Shen Wei said the bit about the ‘Master of the Merit Brush’ on purpose? To distract Da Qing from the fact that he didn’t answer the question?
It does feel like changing the subject, doesn't it? I guess he can't talk more about Zhao Yunlan and what will happen to him, and he's so used to keeping secrets. Plus, they really do need to get going!
What is your favorite Da Qing and Shen Wei moment? :D
Ohh, no, it's impossible to choose! They're all so good. But if I have to, I think probably the pinky swear -- Da Qing being willing to take a chance on Shen Wei, despite his suspicions, and Shen Wei so bemused by the pinky swear, and taking such pleasure in their shared goal of protecting Zhao Yunlan. <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
rewatching this particular scene made me have many feels about how Shen Wei must have felt such loneliness. Which is inherently understood by my brain, but something about this scene sparked my brain to add more loneliness for Shen Wei and how hard that must have been. He can’t reveal who he is, he can’t reveal his plans, he can’t reveal his full self to Zhao Yunlan, not until the end game is in play, and even then, everything still can’t be revealed.
Aww! <3 <3 <3
I think it's probably because I'm not naturally an angst-type person, I tend to take a fairly pragmatic approach to a lot of that, heh. I think Shen Wei gets a huge amount of pleasure and companionship from Zhao Yunlan and the SID, regardless of his secrets. And before then, he had acquaintances, friends, his students and his work. Yes, he must have been painfully lonely sometimes, and there were probably occasions he missed Kunlun terribly, but most of the time, I think he just got on with whatever he was doing and was interested in the world around him, living a good life. And he's so used to compartmentalising that his secrets don't really get in the way in the present (except during the fight after the kitchen knife scene, where Zhao Yunlan is angry about them). But that's just my view of things! There's certainly a valid argument to be made for his pining a lot, too. *pets him*
Thanks again for your great post!
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It does feel like changing the subject, doesn't it? I guess he can't talk more about Zhao Yunlan and what will happen to him, and he's so used to keeping secrets. Plus, they really do need to get going! - Same same! I had similar feels like this :D But def time to throw it down with the Merit Brush Master :D Also, on a totally unrelated note, in the next scene where they're confronting him I always love the BTS where when Ya Qing appears the actress comes into scene and does a little hop to signifying her appearance and then both do a little hop to signify the two leaving XD I always assume it was to help the FX people know where to do all the special effects :D :D
Ohh, no, it's impossible to choose! They're all so good. But if I have to, I think probably the pinky swear -- Da Qing being willing to take a chance on Shen Wei, despite his suspicions, and Shen Wei so bemused by the pinky swear, and taking such pleasure in their shared goal of protecting Zhao Yunlan. <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 - It is so HARD to choose. Ahhh! But I too love the one you picked as well :D
I think it's probably because I'm not naturally an angst-type person, I tend to take a fairly pragmatic approach to a lot of that, heh. I think Shen Wei gets a huge amount of pleasure and companionship from Zhao Yunlan and the SID, regardless of his secrets. And before then, he had acquaintances, friends, his students and his work. Yes, he must have been painfully lonely sometimes, and there were probably occasions he missed Kunlun terribly, but most of the time, I think he just got on with whatever he was doing and was interested in the world around him, living a good life. And he's so used to compartmentalising that his secrets don't really get in the way in the present (except during the fight after the kitchen knife scene, where Zhao Yunlan is angry about them). But that's just my view of things! There's certainly a valid argument to be made for his pining a lot, too. *pets him* - This is true! He is so good at compartmentalizing things and putting things in a box until he has to deal with them. XD XD XD Then the box blowing up because it's named Zhao Yunlan (most times!), so I totally get what you're saying here for sure.
Ahhh thank you so much for always taking the time to comment and offer your thoughts about the metas and the write-ups. It's always so fun to discuss how we all see various scenes and moments and to catch things we didn't the first (or fifth) time around viewing things!!!! :D
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Yes, I think this one is very genuine. :D :D :D
Like Da Qing was truly extending a hand (paw)
Hee! *hearts*
It's always so fun to discuss how we all see various scenes and moments and to catch things we didn't the first (or fifth) time around viewing things!!!! :D
It really is!! I love this scene discussion/meta series so much -- getting to revel in (or pick apart) these lovely little moments. <3 <3 <3 Thank you again again for your post. Your love for the show really shines though. <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
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That is so delightful! :D
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YES! ❤❤❤
I think Shen Wei gets a huge amount of pleasure and companionship from Zhao Yunlan and the SID, regardless of his secrets. And before then, he had acquaintances, friends, his students and his work. Yes, he must have been painfully lonely sometimes, and there were probably occasions he missed Kunlun terribly, but most of the time, I think he just got on with whatever he was doing and was interested in the world around him, living a good life.
Yeah, that's exactly how I see it too.
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I think my favorite Da Qing and Shen Wei moment, apart from the pinky promise, which is great, is their first (modern-era) meeting, Shen Wei stroking the cat--it's just so sweet (especially when you think about what the gentle professor is concealing).
rewatching this particular scene made me have many feels about how Shen Wei must have felt such loneliness.
I went back and watched! After Da Qing's "you too, right?", there's a moment before Shen Wei smiles when he's staring a thousand miles away, clearly wearing the Black-Cloaked Envoy's face--as you say, a moment of all his loneliness and his secrets, how much more complicated it is for him, with all the memories the others don't have, than for Da Qing and his straightforward cat brain. Oh dear. ;(
(Also, Shen Wei looks so young in this particular outfit/hairstyle that it backs up my personal headcanon that one reason for his exquisite suits is to distract people from the fact that he's actually looked the same the whole time, undergrad/grad student/professor...).
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I went back and watched! After Da Qing's "you too, right?", there's a moment before Shen Wei smiles when he's staring a thousand miles away, clearly wearing the Black-Cloaked Envoy's face--as you say, a moment of all his loneliness and his secrets, how much more complicated it is for him, with all the memories the others don't have, than for Da Qing and his straightforward cat brain. Oh dear. ;( - Yes! THe moment before he smiles where he's doing the thousand yard stare is what tugged at my heart strings.
(Also, Shen Wei looks so young in this particular outfit/hairstyle that it backs up my personal headcanon that one reason for his exquisite suits is to distract people from the fact that he's actually looked the same the whole time, undergrad/grad student/professor...). - Oh I like this thought immensely! Like 'nothing' to see here 'nothing' to see XD XD XD He definitely presents differently when he's dressed in suit versus 'casually' dressed, even if casually dressed is still 'dressy'? :D
THank you for reading and commenting!!
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Yeah, good point! It would make sense to make himself appear older/changed by changing how he dresses. And it makes me wonder how he dressed as an undergrad ...
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Da Qing looks so happy to understand his past actions, which makes sense with missing memories and such.
Yes! I love how happy he is to have it all come together, and to discover that even when he couldn't remember him, he still found Kunlun again.
Da Qing: The same goes for you too, right? (Da Qing looks so hopeful here to connect with Shen Wei)
He looks so pleasedto me! He has both of them back, after all these years! They both found their way to "Kunlun", even when ZYL hasn't even been Kunlun yet!
Either way, for this particular smile my brain reads it as slightly different thatn the hide-me-smile. I think there's a true note of happiness for Da Qing, that he's found some of his memories.
Yes! I don’t think it's a hiding-secrets-smile either; it looks to me like if he's holding anything back it’s the intensity of his happiness, if that makes sense. His smile says Da Qing is exactly right, and he and Da Qing are on the same page. And I think that is the answer to Da Qing's question.
They both look so fond of each other. :D
And one last shot of Shen Wei with grim-serious face.
I love his HPS expression!
Do you think Shen Wei said the bit about the ‘Master of the Merit Brush’ on purpose? To distract Da Qing from the fact that he didn’t answer the question?
Not really from the question? But he's not really used to dwelling on his feelings, and he looks like he’s feeling A LOT in that moment.
I always love Da Qing and Shen Wei’s interactions! I think both actors played it very nuanced with the missing memories, the regained memories and hinting to all those unsaid things. I wish they had even more moments within the whole series!!!
100% agreed!
My favourite moment is the pinky swear; it's just delightful. They’re both so protective of Zhao Yunlan! And Da Qing is confronting the Black-Cloaked Envoy! And Shen Wei reassures him very seriously, and is so bemused by the whole pinky swear thing, but also willing to earnestly go along with whatever reassurance or promise Da Qing needs. And Da Qing believes him, despite his Ye Zun flashbacks! So much love!
The 10,000 years of sleep aside, rewatching this particular scene made me have many feels about how Shen Wei must have felt such loneliness.
For me, it's ... how do I put this? Shen Wei isn't really the type to dwell on his own loneliness or angst, so I think it's not until this moment, when Da Qing remembers fully and they're fully reunited and on the same page – it's not until this moment when the loneliness is eased, that he really lets himself acknowledge it, and he feels it in the entire weight and intensity of relief from loneliness. That's a lot! But I feel like it's there in his smile, and in the expression on his face, and in the way he can't/won't really talk about it but is so happy to have a Da Qing who remembers ... ❤❤❤ MY HEART OMG.
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Yes! It's so adorable. If it were ZYL and Da Qing, ZYL would just laugh and tease, but Shen Wei is, like you say, earnestly giving Da Qing the reassurance he needs, despite Shen Wei's own bemusement. *adores*
how do I put this? Shen Wei isn't really the type to dwell on his own loneliness or angst, so I think it's not until this moment, when Da Qing remembers fully and they're fully reunited and on the same page – it's not until this moment when the loneliness is eased, that he really lets himself acknowledge it, and he feels it in the entire weight and intensity of relief from loneliness. That's a lot! But I feel like it's there in his smile, and in the expression on his face, and in the way he can't/won't really talk about it but is so happy to have a Da Qing who remembers
Ooh, I really love that way of putting it! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
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Yes! I don’t think it's a hiding-secrets-smile either; it looks to me like if he's holding anything back it’s the intensity of his happiness, if that makes sense. His smile says Da Qing is exactly right, and he and Da Qing are on the same page. And I think that is the answer to Da Qing's question. - Yes! This totally makes sense :D
They both look so fond of each other. :D - OMG they so do! I love their interactions throughout the whole series!! :D
I love his HPS expression! - Same same!! The ease that he seems to be able to flit between Professor, HPS, Young HPS, and the mixture that is SW is so awesome :D :D WHich I know I've said before but I will shout about it every chance I get XD XD XD
My favourite moment is the pinky swear; it's just delightful. They’re both so protective of Zhao Yunlan! And Da Qing is confronting the Black-Cloaked Envoy! And Shen Wei reassures him very seriously, and is so bemused by the whole pinky swear thing, but also willing to earnestly go along with whatever reassurance or promise Da Qing needs. And Da Qing believes him, despite his Ye Zun flashbacks! So much love! - The pinky swear scene is definitely up there on my list too :D :D That Da Qing chooses to trust Shen Wei over 'the evidence' that Ye Zun has presented to him is so :happycryemojihere:!!
For me, it's ... how do I put this? Shen Wei isn't really the type to dwell on his own loneliness or angst, so I think it's not until this moment, when Da Qing remembers fully and they're fully reunited and on the same page – it's not until this moment when the loneliness is eased, that he really lets himself acknowledge it, and he feels it in the entire weight and intensity of relief from loneliness. That's a lot! But I feel like it's there in his smile, and in the expression on his face, and in the way he can't/won't really talk about it but is so happy to have a Da Qing who remembers ... ❤❤❤ MY HEART OMG. - I can definitely understand this, yes :D And yes I agree he is so happy to have someone else who REMEMBERS.
Thank you for reading and commenting, you ROCK! :D :D :D I always appreciate it and always love yelling into the void with others about our love for Guardian XD XD XD XD
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It deserves being said again and again! It's so good! :D :D :D
Thank you likewise for your excellent post and comments! It's so much fun to share the Guardian joy! ❤
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