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sid_guardian2026-02-02 12:54 am
trobadora) wrote in sid_guardian2026-02-02 12:54 am
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Slo-Mo Rewatch: Guardian episode 10, part 2
Hi, welcome to this week's instalment of the Guardian drama Slo-Mo Rewatch! Watch half an episode a week, and then come and chat about it here in comments. Or you can just jump into the comments without rewatching, of course!
Here is last week's half-episode. On to the second half!
Episode 10, from 22:09:
Summary: Zhao Yunlan and the Envoy run into some Youchu, whom the Envoy fights. He can't find the way to Wang Zheng with black energy, though, so Zhao Yunlan brings out the Sundial. The Envoy chides him about the danger, and Zhao Yunlan is reminded of a friend of his. :D The Sundial leads them to Wang Zheng, who is now bound to Sang Zan's pillar, and she tells her story: as Ge Lan, she was the daughter of the Hanga tribe's patriarch, and Sang Zan was a slave. They fell in love even though Ge Lan's father and brother were responsible for the death of Sang Zan's brother and sister. During a slave rebellion, Sang Zan killed Ge Lan's father in front of her and becomes the new patriarch. He kept protecting her even though the tribe hated her as the daughter of the old patriarch. Ultimately they decided to execute her in front of him. He tried to revive her with the Mountain-River Awl, but it doesn't have that kind of power. And from that day on, Sang Zan changed. Zhao Yunlan, without having heard the details, 100% understands the hatred Sang Zan must have felt - and so does the Envoy.
Quote:
Revolutionary Sang Zan:
"Anyone who's been tribe leader for so many years is no longer a human being. He is a symbol of authority. Why does only one person have authority over the entire Hanga tribe? Everyone has the right to make decisions for themselves."
Detail:
When the Envoy can't trace Wang Zheng with black energy because the cave labyrinth is protected by a Hallow, Zhao Yunlan complains: " Weren't the Hallows created to defend against Dixingren? And now they're a stumbling block for us."
He's apparently forgotten that one of "us" - the very person trying to search with black energy! - is also Dixingren!
Questions: What's your favourite part of this half-episode? Do you like the Ge Lan/Sang Zan flashback show? Any thoughts about this in comparison to the novel? How did Sang Zan develop his revolutionary ideas? If they'd run away together like they wanted, do you think they'd have been happy together long-term? What's going through Zhao Yunlan's head when he watches the Envoy fight Youchu, and then claps? When Zhao Yunlan says, "You sound exactly like a friend of mine," how many feelings does Shen Wei have about being compared to himself? When Shen Wei explains how the Awl can strip away an energy body, how does he know about this? Do you sympathise with Sang Zan's hatred, like Zhao Yunlan and Shen Wei do? Why do you think Shen Wei is so emphatic about it? How much is Zhao Yunlan's view of the Envoy changing through all of this?
(These are all just conversation starters - feel free to answer all, some, or none, and to say as much or as little as you like! You don't have to be keeping up with the rewatch to join in!)
Here is our schedule for the next batch of episodes - please do sign up to host a post if you can!
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(They don't know what he actually did yet, and they may not agree with the details of that, but the basic reaction - they both agree that they'd feel the same.)
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Zhao Yunlan's "Wow!" with the dramatic applause and grinning (after he watches the Envoy fight Youchu) always strikes me as so theatrical. It's clearly covering for a reaction - but I'm never sure what exactly his actual reaction is. He seems very impressed and taken aback at the same time ... (Is he just turned on? *g*)
I wondered whether, surrounded by multiple youchu, ZYL was convinced they were going to die, and so is super-relieved as well as impressed. Also, he hates being helpless (and yet still isn't taking out his gun).
When Zhao Yunlan says he only wanted to scare the Youchu and wasn't planning to fire his gun, is he worried the Envoy will object to the black energy gun? He clearly doesn't object to fighting Youchu ...
Yeah, I'm not sure about that either. Either worried about the Envoy's reaction or excusing himself for not firing.
Parallels! Wang Zheng is bound to Sang Zan's pillar like Shen Wei will be to Ye Zun's pillar in Dixing.
Oh, great point! Somehow I missed that.
When Shen Wei says, "This place blocks my energy to some extent, so I cannot tell what is true or not" - does that mean that under ordinary circumstances, he has a truth-telling power?
That would make sense to me! It would fit with all his knowing when ZYL is bullshitting, too. (Ooh, how does the liniment scene play if he has a lie-detector power?)
When Sang Zan tells Ge Lan, "I hear the flowers saying they don't belong to anyone. They belong to everyone" - does that mean he's met a Flower Yashou? *g*
LOL! I thought he was speaking metaphorically.
The Hanga tribe was really terrible, going by everything that happened to Sang Zan's family! And Ge Lan was so sheltered that she didn't know anything about it.
And so sheltered that Sang Zan didn't know her name, either.
Sang Zan about the Awl: "This is a treasure I got unexpectedly. They said this is a holy tool. Since it's a holy tool, surely it can save a life." - I always wonder who "they" are.
Right? How did the Hallows get disseminated so widely?
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Yeah, that all makes a lot of sense!
Yeah, I'm not sure about that either. Either worried about the Envoy's reaction or excusing himself for not firing.
Come to think of it, on balance, I think it's mostly him covering for not firing. I can't imagine he wants the Envoy to know he's been unable to bring himself to use the gun.
It would fit with all his knowing when ZYL is bullshitting, too.
Aw, but it's so much better if he knows simply because he knows ZYL that well!
Ooh, how does the liniment scene play if he has a lie-detector power?
What did you have in mind? *curious*
LOL! I thought he was speaking metaphorically.
That's more likely, yeah, the phrasing just hit me. *g*
Right? How did the Hallows get disseminated so widely?
The Hallows going wherever they please is not that weird to me, given everything else they do, but there being people around who know about them is more mysterious to me. *g*
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Yeah, I don't think he wants anyone to know that, but especially not someone he has such a complicated relationship with (always having to feel out whether they're on the same page, etc).
Aw, but it's so much better if he knows simply because he knows ZYL that well!
That's true! I take it back. ;D
> Ooh, how does the liniment scene play if he has a lie-detector power?
What did you have in mind? *curious*
Connected to the above, I thought Shen Wei's headshaking at ZYL's bullshit, etc, could be driven by his power rather than knowing him. But I take it back!
That's more likely, yeah, the phrasing just hit me. *g*
True, it does read differently in a world where some flowers are literally people. *g*
The Hallows going wherever they please is not that weird to me, given everything else they do, but there being people around who know about them is more mysterious to me. *g*
That makes sense. I tend to assume they were stolen by some Dixingren and taken to the surface, and the thieves had done some research. But they could just as easily be self-propelling.
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But I take it back!
♥ ♥ ♥
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Great post!! \o/
"Anyone who's been tribe leader for so many years is no longer a human being. He is a symbol of authority. Why does only one person have authority over the entire Hanga tribe? Everyone has the right to make decisions for themselves."
This made me go, ahh, THE REGENT!!!! ;-p
Just a few notes this week:
What's your favourite part of this half-episode?Haha, the Envoy explains his youchu lore in such a very Professor Shen way. <3
I'm not sure what the chest clutch is about at 23:02. Shen Wei looks like he's suffering ill-effects, and ZYL even asks if he's okay, but then immediately asks him where they're going, so Shen Wei uses his dark-energy vision.
I wonder how ZYL interprets Shen Wei's reaction to "You're just like a friend of mine." Does he think the Envoy feels teased? Is that why he laughs?
I notice that Shen Wei doesn't ever take the Dial off ZYL, despite openly disapproving of him carrying it around.
Does the "We can't easily believe Wang Zheng's words" conversation actually pay off? I thought she was pretty candid in recounting her tale, but maybe it's all a trick?
I always feel so sorry for Ge Lan's bodyguard. ;-p Also, Sang Zan lists all his family trauma, and Ge Lan's first reaction is still "you're pretty!" /o\
Ge Lan: Dad, are yo not at the front line? - so, is there an actual war happening? And then it all gets very Shakespearean, with the stabbings and everything.
Sang Zan breaks his chains and runs to Ge Lan, and no one tries to stop him.
When ZYL says, "He changed. [...] I just know people like that. A very brave and intelligent man. You can kill him but never insult his dignity. The most basic dignity of a man is to ensure that the person in his heart stays safe." I kinda wonder if he's talking about his father. (I can't think who else he could be referring to.)
I am pretty ambivalent about them bonding over hatred and vengeance. I mean, bonding, yay! But I'd prefer if it was over mercy and compassion or something. ;-p
Zhao Yunlan fanboying the Envoy and being so happy to be rescued
like a damsel in distress. (OMG, it's like the mugging in reverse! g)Do you like the Ge Lan/Sang Zan flashback show?
It's very emotionally twisted, and Ge Lan's privilege is painful, but she's so sweet and well-intentioned I kind of love her anyway. I do wish Sang Zan's revolution had had a happier ending though, just for the sake of political optimism. ;-p
If they'd run away together like they wanted, do you think they'd have been happy together long-term?
I think so. I think Ge Lan would have befriended everyone they met, and the world would consequently have been quite kind to them.
When Shen Wei explains how the Awl can strip away an energy body, how does he know about this?
Maybe he started to research the Hallows after the Sundial showed up (but the Merit Brush material was missing).
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Oooh, excellent point! :D
Haha, the Envoy explains his youchu lore in such a very Professor Shen way. <3
Oh, you're right, he really does!
I'm not sure what the chest clutch is about at 23:02. Shen Wei looks like he's suffering ill-effects, and ZYL even asks if he's okay, but then immediately asks him where they're going, so Shen Wei uses his dark-energy vision.
Yeah, it doesn't seem to stop him from using his powers. I think in that moment, what it looks like isn't him being weakened, but him suffering some kind of backlash? Huh. I'd never considered it like that before ...
I wonder how ZYL interprets Shen Wei's reaction to "You're just like a friend of mine." Does he think the Envoy feels teased? Is that why he laughs?
Very good questions all! I don't think he knows what to make of the Envoy's reaction - he definitely notices there's something going on. Maybe his laugh is covering his uncertainty?
I notice that Shen Wei doesn't ever take the Dial off ZYL, despite openly disapproving of him carrying it around.
Yeah, they never try to stop each other from doing dangerous things, even when they very much don't like it! I love that about them.
Does the "We can't easily believe Wang Zheng's words" conversation actually pay off? I thought she was pretty candid in recounting her tale, but maybe it's all a trick?
IIRC it doesn't pay off at all, so it sits there very weirdly. I have no idea what's up with that. Maybe we'll figure it out when we rewatch more? Every rewatch, we discover new things!
Ge Lan: Dad, are yo not at the front line? - so, is there an actual war happening?
Yeah, I noticed that too. IMO that line makes it sound like the slave revolt has turned into an all-out civil war amongst a population MUCH larger than the handful of people we see!
I kinda wonder if he's talking about his father. (I can't think who else he could be referring to.)
At least in part, he has to be talking about himself, and how he feels he might react under such circumstances ...
I am pretty ambivalent about them bonding over hatred and vengeance. I mean, bonding, yay! But I'd prefer if it was over mercy and compassion or something. ;-p
I know what you mean, but IMO they're bonding over sympathising with Sang Zan, not the actual vengeance. They haven't heard yet what he actually did afterwards, after all (and would very much not approve).
Zhao Yunlan fanboying the Envoy and being so happy to be rescued like a damsel in distress. (OMG, it's like the mugging in reverse! g)
OHHHHHH what a great parallel you just found! :D :D :D
Ge Lan's privilege is painful, but she's so sweet and well-intentioned I kind of love her anyway
Yeah, that's how I feel too. And she's willing to listen instead of doubling down on her initial views about her family. She loves her family, but she believes Sang Zan, and she wants that injustice to end, too, even if she's naive enough to think she can get her father and Sang Zan to talk and make peace.
I do wish Sang Zan's revolution had had a happier ending though, just for the sake of political optimism. ;-p
I feel you on that! But then Wang Zheng and Sang Zan wouldn't be part of the SID in the present. *g*
Maybe he started to research the Hallows after the Sundial showed up (but the Merit Brush material was missing).
Yeah, that would make sense!
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Oh, that works well with what we see (though I have no idea of the mechanism, unless the Treaty has quite impressive inherent powers!).
Very good questions all! I don't think he knows what to make of the Envoy's reaction - he definitely notices there's something going on. Maybe his laugh is covering his uncertainty?
I thought maybe he thinks the Envoy understands he's being teased but isn't playing along or reacting as expected, and this makes ZYL feel rather awkward, so he covers?
Yeah, they never try to stop each other from doing dangerous things, even when they very much don't like it! I love that about them.
<3 <3 <3 I think the closest they get is during the blindness arc, when ZYL decides to return his eyesight, and Shen Wei puts a hand on his shoulder.
IIRC it doesn't pay off at all, so it sits there very weirdly. I have no idea what's up with that. Maybe we'll figure it out when we rewatch more? Every rewatch, we discover new things!
True! I'll keep an eye out. :-)
Yeah, I noticed that too. IMO that line makes it sound like the slave revolt has turned into an all-out civil war amongst a population MUCH larger than the handful of people we see!
You'd think there'd need to be more government then. Maybe there are just still some skirmishes, but they talk about it like it's a full-blown war.
> I kinda wonder if he's talking about his father. (I can't think who else he could be referring to.)
At least in part, he has to be talking about himself, and how he feels he might react under such circumstances ...
So he's calling himself "a very brave and intelligent man"? He does say, "I just know people like that." I mean I think he understands and has some sympathy for the feeling, hence the bonding. But I think it also applies to ZXC.
I know what you mean, but IMO they're bonding over sympathising with Sang Zan, not the actual vengeance. They haven't heard yet what he actually did afterwards, after all (and would very much not approve).
That's true. They only have half the story so far.
Yeah, that's how I feel too. And she's willing to listen instead of doubling down on her initial views about her family. She loves her family, but she believes Sang Zan, and she wants that injustice to end, too, even if she's naive enough to think she can get her father and Sang Zan to talk and make peace.
She is frighteningly naive.
I wonder how many bodyguards she's had executed through her blithe conviction she can convince her dad that they don't really have to do their jobs. ;-pBut yes, humility and willingness to learn are her saving graces.But then Wang Zheng and Sang Zan wouldn't be part of the SID in the present. *g*
True! *snugs them*
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I always wonder about the gravity part. Maybe there's some way gravity interacts with black energy and created a backlash if it's too strong? *ponders*
I thought maybe he thinks the Envoy understands he's being teased but isn't playing along or reacting as expected, and this makes ZYL feel rather awkward, so he covers?
Hmmm, I'm not sure ZYL would expect the Envoy to play along with being teased? It makes more sense to me that he's seeing the reaction but can't figure out why the Envoy is having any reaction at all, rather than just ignoring the teasing.
I think the closest they get is during the blindness arc, when ZYL decides to return his eyesight, and Shen Wei puts a hand on his shoulder.
I don't think that's him trying to stop ZYL either; it's him having an emotional "OH NO DNW" reaction.
So he's calling himself "a very brave and intelligent man"? He does say, "I just know people like that." I mean I think he understands and has some sympathy for the feeling, hence the bonding. But I think it also applies to ZXC.
I see what you mean, but would he really be so complimentary about ZXC? I don't think so, given how he reacts at the mere mention of his father a few episodes later.
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But then wouldn't we see it more often? (We know there's an interaction with magnetism, because that's how the security shield works. Ep 20: "When dark energy and a magnetic field go head-to-head, it forms a protective film.")
Hmmm, I'm not sure ZYL would expect the Envoy to play along with being teased? It makes more sense to me that he's seeing the reaction but can't figure out why the Envoy is having any reaction at all, rather than just ignoring the teasing.
Fair enough!
I don't think that's him trying to stop ZYL either; it's him having an emotional "OH NO DNW" reaction.
Yes, exactly! Even then he's not trying to stop him. But he does actually do something, where usually he has himself under tight control (like during ZXC's kidnapping).
I see what you mean, but would he really be so complimentary about ZXC? I don't think so, given how he reacts at the mere mention of his father a few episodes later.
That reaction might be contextual. But yeah, idk. I don't know who else he could be referring to (and objectively, the "loved one killed; in consumed with rage/vengeance" does apply to ZXC; even the "under the system I established myself" part applies, given ZXC is the founding chief of the SID -- ZYL could understand that, while still resenting and hating what ZXC became and who he was as a father. But yeah, you'd expect more of a complicated emotional reaction, if that was what he was thinking about).
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Zhao Yunlan's mother was killed by a Dixingren. Zhao Yunlan suspects Shen Wei of being Dixingren. Zhao Yunlan seems to have made peace with this (ie, is becoming less prejudiced). But in some ways, like it or not, the Black-Cloaked Envoy represents ALL Dixingren in Haixing. So I think Zhao Yunlan needs to hear Wang Zheng's story (of a girl who understands and loves her father's killer) before the Envoy reveal -- not so he can love Shen Wei when he finds out (he already does), but as part of accepting Dixingren generally (ie, being able to love the Envoy and all he represents, and creating a space for Shen Wei to express his love in return). Does this make any sense? It works in my head.
Meanwhile, Sang Zan's side of the story is foreshadowing Ye Zun's backstory, since we won't even start to find out about that until YOHE.
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Oh, interesting question! I do think most of what their story does in the wider narrative is provide a mirror for Shen Wei/Zhao Yunlan (separation and reunion, death and after-death) and Ye Zun (pillars, masks, slavery, vengeance), and it's placed here at least in large part due to the novel's Hanga storyline being in this place. But I think you're completely right that there's a reason that it's here, in this context, that we're first introduced to Zhao Yunlan's traumatic loss!
If they'd introduced it earlier - if this had been what Zhao Yunlan had thought of when confronted with other Dixingren - it would have been an obstacle in his warming up to them, and it would have stood between him and Shen Wei. Instead, it's only brought up here, where a whole bunch of things come together: Zhao Yunlan and the Envoy teaming up properly for the first time; bonding over empathising with Sang Zan; and - as you say - Wang Zheng's relationship with her father's killer. And so all of that makes sure (makes clear to the viewer, too) that no matter how badly affected Zhao Yunlan is by what happened to his mother, it cannot come between him and Shen Wei. ♥
But in some ways, like it or not, the Black-Cloaked Envoy represents ALL Dixingren in Haixing. So I think Zhao Yunlan needs to hear Wang Zheng's story (of a girl who understands and loves her father's killer) before the Envoy reveal -- not so he can love Shen Wei when he finds out (he already does), but as part of accepting Dixingren generally (ie, being able to love the Envoy and all he represents, and creating a space for Shen Wei to express his love in return). Does this make any sense?
Yes, that makes a lot of sense to me! And I think Wang Zheng's and Sang Zan's complicated relationship with their tribe also to some degree mirrors Shen Wei's own complicated relationship with Dixing, which Zhao Yunlan will soon discover.
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Oh, yes, great reframing!
If they'd introduced it earlier - if this had been what Zhao Yunlan had thought of when confronted with other Dixingren - it would have been an obstacle in his warming up to them, and it would have stood between him and Shen Wei. Instead, it's only brought up here, where a whole bunch of things come together: Zhao Yunlan and the Envoy teaming up properly for the first time; bonding over empathising with Sang Zan; and - as you say - Wang Zheng's relationship with her father's killer. And so all of that makes sure (makes clear to the viewer, too) that no matter how badly affected Zhao Yunlan is by what happened to his mother, it cannot come between him and Shen Wei. ♥
Yesssss! <3 <3 <3
And I think Wang Zheng's and Sang Zan's complicated relationship with their tribe also to some degree mirrors Shen Wei's own complicated relationship with Dixing, which Zhao Yunlan will soon discover.
Ahhhhh, yesssss! That's awesome!!
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What a wonderful screencap, heeeee, I LOVE HIS FACE. :D
- I love how vaguely awkward the 'wow!' scene is - Zhao Yunlan is all 'oops I really needed saving here, and also this was hot', and Shen Wei is explaining things about the Youchu that don't have much to do with anything? xD Like, is he downplaying what he did and saying that they're easier to defeat than they seem? Or is he just explaining random facts
because this was hot and he's changing the subjectbecause he's having 'Zhao Yunlan was in danger'/YOHE feels?- And then it gets even more awkward (but in a sad way this time) when Zhao Yunlan is all 'I'm not scared to fire my gun, I simply never intended to fire it at all', aw.
- The novel red herring when Zhao Yunlan stomps on the Youchu (why does he do that btw? more awkward posturing I guess?) and Shen Wei turns away! It looks so much as if he's really emotionally affected (because he's not different than a Youchu) and only uses the physical limitations as an excuse for his strong reaction.
- Wang Zheng and Sang Zan trying to protect each other from Zhu Jiu reminds me so much of this silly Weilan comic. xD And also obviously this entire scene is SUCH a Weilan parallel! ♡
- The Hallows ward off Dixingren? Like, in addition to the fact that Zhao Yunlan is talking to a Dixingren right now, lol (I wrote this before I read the post! :D), I never got this impression to begin with? Like, the first thing Zhao Yunlan finds out about the Hallows is that a Dixingren (the Shadow Man) is super drawn to the Dial, so I'm not sure where this information comes from? :P
- The Envoy sounds like Zhao Yunlan's friend, hee. :D Shen Wei's like 'is my identity revealed now because I'm too protective??', and then just a few episodes later he reveals it on purpose because that's how protective he is. ♡♡♡
- The arm grab! ♡
- I totally forgot that the pillar IS (the body of) the Awl, just like in the novel. And now this is making me wonder what Ye Zun's pillar is.
- Hah, the Envoy has indeed studied Wang Zheng's file, when he studied everyone's files after meeting Zhao Yunlan. :D
- Ge Lan's surprise that slaves aren't ugly could be so annoyingly clueless, but I actually like where it leads - she immediately has this one thing that she was definitely lied to about, and it's much easier for her to understand that she was lied to in general.
- I also really like how it immediately cuts to to present-day Wang Zheng saying that Sang Zan was quiet with a lot of thoughts hidden in his heart - she sounds infinitely more mature here. (And then this is obviously one of the many Weilan parallels, and Shen Wei is having feelings about it. :D ♡♡♡)
- The fact that no one stops Sang Zan is kinda weird, but then again there's probably no point when Ge Lan is already dead.
- Zhao Yunlan comparing Sang Zan to his father (or at least that's what I'm pretty sure he's doing), OUCH.
"What's your favourite part of this half-episode?"
Protective Heipaoshi. :D Not really one specific moment, just in general. ♡♡♡
"Do you like the Ge Lan/Sang Zan flashback show? Any thoughts about this in comparison to the novel?"
I do, especially because I like the aesthetic. :D
The story is more gruesome in the novel, but on this rewatch it was interesting to see how similar it actually is and how much of the gist they got to keep! I especially forgot that the drama does have this tiny mention of the other girl whose death was blamed on Ge Lan.
Speaking of gruesomeness - I also keep forgetting that drama Wang Zheng has kept her head. (Which is a good thing because this is really not the best or quickest way to behead someone! :P) And they gave her the bruise as a nod to the stiches that her ghost form has in the novel!
"How did Sang Zan develop his revolutionary ideas?"
Sometimes you're just so disillusioned and traumatized and angry that you go 'this is not fair' regardless of how you were raised.
"If they'd run away together like they wanted, do you think they'd have been happy together long-term?"
I think so, yeah - as long as they got a safe, quiet life somewhere, they would be okay. :) And they did get it at the SID after all those years. :D
"What's going through Zhao Yunlan's head when he watches the Envoy fight Youchu, and then claps?"
mostly. :P
"When Zhao Yunlan says, "You sound exactly like a friend of mine," how many feelings does Shen Wei have about being compared to himself?"
Hee, in addition to all the feels that this alone gives him, I also like to think that Shen Wei can see through the fact that 'friend' is the only thing they get to call each other, and can see it for what it is - 'you sound like the guy I'm completely smitten with'. xD
"When Shen Wei explains how the Awl can strip away an energy body, how does he know about this?"
This makes me realize that I'm not quite sure what exactly Shen Wei knows about the Hallows pre-canon? This part of the story is so different from the novel.
"Do you sympathise with Sang Zan's hatred, like Zhao Yunlan and Shen Wei do?"
I personally wouldn't have an opinion at this point, before knowing what he did (though I'm quite sure that this part is also less gruesome than in the novel - I don't remember the exact details before rewatching the next episode; but either way they can't know that yet), but I do like that they're so firmly on the same page. :D
"Why do you think Shen Wei is so emphatic about it?"
Every time I rewatch I'm not sure about this. It's not directly related to his story or Zhao Yunlan or Ye Zun, is it?
"How much is Zhao Yunlan's view of the Envoy changing through all of this?"
I think he's mostly becoming more comfortable around him as he gets to know him as a person. Like, the Envoy was mostly just fascinating before, and now he's fascinating and likeable. :D
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There's no such thing as late! <3 <3 <3 But also, we're all under a bit of time pressure atm, so we've just added a couple of catch-up weeks to the schedule, after this weekend. (We'll finish episode 12, then take a two-week break.)
- I love how vaguely awkward the 'wow!' scene is
Hee! They're both pretending to be completely cool. Such dorks. *hearts them forever*
And then it gets even more awkward (but in a sad way this time) when Zhao Yunlan is all 'I'm not scared to fire my gun, I simply never intended to fire it at all', aw.
You're so right!! That explanation is super unintentionally telling. *pets him*
when Zhao Yunlan stomps on the Youchu (why does he do that btw? more awkward posturing I guess?)
Yeah, that's how I read it. He couldn't shoot, but he needs to look at least a little bit tough.
and Shen Wei turns away! It looks so much as if he's really emotionally affected (because he's not different than a Youchu) and only uses the physical limitations as an excuse for his strong reaction.
I think that works for a novel reading. In the drama, I think the youchu are completely different from Dixingren, though?
Wang Zheng and Sang Zan trying to protect each other from Zhu Jiu reminds me so much of this silly Weilan comic. xD
LOLOL!! Yes!! :D :D :D
The Hallows ward off Dixingren? Like, in addition to the fact that Zhao Yunlan is talking to a Dixingren right now, lol (I wrote this before I read the post! :D), I never got this impression to begin with? Like, the first thing Zhao Yunlan finds out about the Hallows is that a Dixingren (the Shadow Man) is super drawn to the Dial, so I'm not sure where this information comes from? :P
Is it just the Awl? Maybe it's just the Awl in pillar form? But even then, Ye Zun's pillar doesn't seem to be shielded in the same way, so maybe the combination of the Awl and the pillar. Yeah, idk. (I think the Shadow Man was sent after the Dial by Ye Zun and/or Zhu Jiu, so I don't know that he's drawn to it so much as trying to steal it for them. But yes.)
The Envoy sounds like Zhao Yunlan's friend, hee. :D Shen Wei's like 'is my identity revealed now because I'm too protective??', and then just a few episodes later he reveals it on purpose because that's how protective he is. ♡♡♡
Hahaha, so true!! *hearts*
I totally forgot that the pillar IS (the body of) the Awl, just like in the novel. And now this is making me wonder what Ye Zun's pillar is.
I find that so confusing. I feel like the Awl is the Awl, but you're right, Shen Wei says the pillar is its body. o.O
Ge Lan's surprise that slaves aren't ugly could be so annoyingly clueless, but I actually like where it leads - she immediately has this one thing that she was definitely lied to about, and it's much easier for her to understand that she was lied to in general.
That's a great point, yes. She's ultimately very open-minded, and that must be where it starts.
I also really like how it immediately cuts to to present-day Wang Zheng saying that Sang Zan was quiet with a lot of thoughts hidden in his heart - she sounds infinitely more mature here. (And then this is obviously one of the many Weilan parallels, and Shen Wei is having feelings about it. :D ♡♡♡)
Ooh, yes, the contrast between backstory!Ge Lan and present day Wang Zheng is so dramatic.
Zhao Yunlan comparing Sang Zan to his father (or at least that's what I'm pretty sure he's doing), OUCH.
That's how I read it, too. *high fives*
Protective Heipaoshi. :D Not really one specific moment, just in general. ♡♡♡
<3 <3 <3
HEE! I love the gif. *g*
Hee, in addition to all the feels that this alone gives him, I also like to think that Shen Wei can see through the fact that 'friend' is the only thing they get to call each other, and can see it for what it is - 'you sound like the guy I'm completely smitten with'. xD
Haha, yes, totally! "Friend". :D
I think he's mostly becoming more comfortable around him as he gets to know him as a person. Like, the Envoy was mostly just fascinating before, and now he's fascinating and likeable. :D
*nodnodnod* I can see that! :D :D :D
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Omg, that's wonderful to hear!! It's such a weird coincidence that all of us are falling behind at the same time, and a bit of a breather is really needed, agreed! ♡♡♡ (I'm 99% sure this will let me fully catch up too. :D Maybe even on some comments, though I don't have that much hope for that, and definitely on the episodes. :D)
"That explanation is super unintentionally telling. *pets him*"
Ohhhh, now I realized that the very first time Shen Wei met Zhao Yunlan, he was literally shooting his gun to save Shen Wei. Idk exactly what kind of feelings he has about that right now (and he has to be able to see that Zhao Yunlan is making excuses!), but I'm sure he has A LOT of them. :D
"Yeah, that's how I read it. He couldn't shoot, but he needs to look at least a little bit tough."
Oh, true, it has to be related to the gun anxiety. *pets him* It's such a weird way to try to save face/impress someone, but I get it why he would do that.
"I think that works for a novel reading. In the drama, I think the youchu are completely different from Dixingren, though?"
Oh, absolutely, I just love the red herrings the drama keeps putting in before the viewer knows what exactly is happening. :D This looks like his reaction could be emotional and Youchu-related, but he really is just physically unwell from being on the surface. Which leads so wonderfully to the post-reveal collapsing and coughing up blood. ♡♡♡ Which incidentally is the moment when I went 'my soul belongs to Guardian now' during my first watch, lol, I literally paused the video with Shen Wei on the ground just to process all my feelings. :D :D
"Is it just the Awl? Maybe it's just the Awl in pillar form? But even then, Ye Zun's pillar doesn't seem to be shielded in the same way, so maybe the combination of the Awl and the pillar. Yeah, idk. (I think the Shadow Man was sent after the Dial by Ye Zun and/or Zhu Jiu, so I don't know that he's drawn to it so much as trying to steal it for them. But yes.)"
Yeah, I'm confused if it's actually true (which I don't think it is, for all of these reasons?) and also why Zhao Yunlan would say it this way ("But aren't they meant to ward off Dixing people? How come it's now a stumbling block for us?") when his experience so far seems to be the opposite. But otoh I like this line a lot because the Envoy is "us". :D :D
"I find that so confusing. I feel like the Awl is the Awl, but you're right, Shen Wei says the pillar is its body. o.O"
Lol yeah, it is confusing! Probably just one of the tiny nods to the novel that don't have to make too much sense? And hey, the Hallows work in mysterious ways, maybe they can possess random objects and have multiple bodies. :D (And now I feel like this concept has infinite fic potential! xD :D)
"That's how I read it, too. *high fives*"
*high fives!* These parts of Sang Zan's and Zhao Xinci's stories are so similar that I'm not even surprised that he went there.
"Haha, yes, totally! "Friend". :D"
xD :D :D
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Yay, so glad that works well for you too! Hopefully it'll give all of us a bit of breathing room. *hugs*
Ohhhh, now I realized that the very first time Shen Wei met Zhao Yunlan, he was literally shooting his gun to save Shen Wei.
OH! I hadn't thought of that either, wow! Yeah, he must have a lot of feelings about that!
And hee, perfect choice of gif! :D :D :D
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Yayayay!!! I really hope (for your sake) you have a chance to catch up!! (And also for my sake: I want to see your reactions!! <3 <3 <3 ,3 <3)
Ohhhh, now I realized that the very first time Shen Wei met Zhao Yunlan, he was literally shooting his gun to save Shen Wei. Idk exactly what kind of feelings he has about that right now (and he has to be able to see that Zhao Yunlan is making excuses!), but I'm sure he has A LOT of them. :D
Oof, such a great point! Yes, yet another difference between who ZYL is and who he'll become. <3 He's getting to see the growth firsthand, and love him at every stage. <3 <3 <3
Oh, absolutely, I just love the red herrings the drama keeps putting in before the viewer knows what exactly is happening. :D This looks like his reaction could be emotional and Youchu-related, but he really is just physically unwell from being on the surface.
Oh, right, gotcha. Yes, that's very cool!! *more gift baskets for the writers* :D :D :D
Which leads so wonderfully to the post-reveal collapsing and coughing up blood. ♡♡♡ Which incidentally is the moment when I went 'my soul belongs to Guardian now' during my first watch, lol, I literally paused the video with Shen Wei on the ground just to process all my feelings. :D :D
Heee! *hearts you so much* <3 <3 <3
But otoh I like this line a lot because the Envoy is "us". :D :D
Yesssss! <3 <3 <3
Ahhhhhh, that gif!!! asklfas;dkfads :D
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Yes! I love that so much! :D
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Yes! Aw, Zhao Yunlan. *pets him*
I find that so confusing. I feel like the Awl is the Awl, but you're right, Shen Wei says the pillar is its body. o.O
Right? It's very weird! Probably just a nod to the novel, since it never comes up again ...
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*HUGS* It's really funny how it's hit all of us at the same time, right?
I'm definitely looking forward to you joining the conversation again properly, but yay for the rewatch still making you happy! Glad you can find some time for it, and the great thing about DW is that you can join into those conversations whenever you get there, they'll still be here! ♥
I love how vaguely awkward the 'wow!' scene is - Zhao Yunlan is all 'oops I really needed saving here, and also this was hot', and Shen Wei is explaining things about the Youchu that don't have much to do with anything? xD Like, is he downplaying what he did and saying that they're easier to defeat than they seem? Or is he just explaining random facts because this was hot and he's changing the subject because he's having 'Zhao Yunlan was in danger'/YOHE feels?
I think he is saying "they're not actually hard to defeat", and also giving Zhao Yunlan tips for the next time he encounters a youchu, just in case he's not there to jump into the fray himself. *g*
'I'm not scared to fire my gun, I simply never intended to fire it at all', aw.
RIGHT???? *pets him*
The novel red herring when Zhao Yunlan stomps on the Youchu (why does he do that btw? more awkward posturing I guess?) and Shen Wei turns away! It looks so much as if he's really emotionally affected (because he's not different than a Youchu) and only uses the physical limitations as an excuse for his strong reaction.
Oh, that's a great point! When you're coming from the novel, of course it looks like it might mean something, I didn't think of that at all.
Wang Zheng and Sang Zan trying to protect each other from Zhu Jiu reminds me so much of this silly Weilan comic. xD And also obviously this entire scene is SUCH a Weilan parallel! ♡
YES to all of that! Thanks for the link, that is delightful amd so completely them! :D
The Hallows ward off Dixingren? Like, in addition to the fact that Zhao Yunlan is talking to a Dixingren right now, lol (I wrote this before I read the post! :D), I never got this impression to begin with?
What ZYL says is they were created to restist Dixingren. And Ma Gui initially made them to help fight the (rebel) Dixingren in the ancient war, so that's what he means, IMO.
Like, the first thing Zhao Yunlan finds out about the Hallows is that a Dixingren (the Shadow Man) is super drawn to the Dial
Huh, I never thought of the Shadow Man as drawn to the Sundial - I thought he was one of the people Zhu Jiu sent after it.
Shen Wei's like 'is my identity revealed now because I'm too protective??', and then just a few episodes later he reveals it on purpose because that's how protective he is. ♡♡♡I totally forgot that the pillar IS (the body of) the Awl, just like in the novel. And now this is making me wonder what Ye Zun's pillar is.
Yeah, very good questions! The Awl is inside the pillar, but also the pillar is its body? I have no idea how that works. Are the other Hallows also able to manifest pillar bodies like that, maybe? *scratches head*
Hah, the Envoy has indeed studied Wang Zheng's file, when he studied everyone's files after meeting Zhao Yunlan. :D
He knows things about her that the SID's file doesn't, though, and I really wonder how he could know her death date! Does he have a death-date-determining power? *g*
Ge Lan's surprise that slaves aren't ugly could be so annoyingly clueless, but I actually like where it leads - she immediately has this one thing that she was definitely lied to about, and it's much easier for her to understand that she was lied to in general.
OHHH that's a great way to put it, yes! She's so willing to listen to Sang Zan, and you're totally right, it's because she's already seen proof that some of what she thought definitely wasn't true. That's really well done!
The fact that no one stops Sang Zan is kinda weird, but then again there's probably no point when Ge Lan is already dead.
True! They seem to have convinced themselves that it's all Ge Lan's fault, and once she's dead he'll come to his senses, so presumably that's why they don't bother.
Protective Heipaoshi. :D Not really one specific moment, just in general. ♡♡♡
:D :D :D
it was interesting to see how similar it actually is and how much of the gist they got to keep! I especially forgot that the drama does have this tiny mention of the other girl whose death was blamed on Ge Lan.
Yes! They really got a lot in. And I don't mind at all that it's a lot less gruesome. Part of the genre shift, I guess; most of the horror aspects are toned down in the drama.
And they gave her the bruise as a nod to the stiches that her ghost form has in the novel!
Oh, you're right, they did!
This makes me realize that I'm not quite sure what exactly Shen Wei knows about the Hallows pre-canon? This part of the story is so different from the novel.
Yeah, it's very different! And we know that later he needs to find info about the Brush, so he doesn't know very much about that one, but it seems he knows much more about the Sundial and the Awl. (No idea about the Guardian Lantern, since he's not around when most of the exposition around it happens. It would have been so interesting to get his perspective on that!)
I personally wouldn't have an opinion at this point, before knowing what he did
I think it's possible to sympathise with his feelings regardless of what he actually did - even condemning what he did. He had every reason to hate the people who conspired to kill Ge Lan regardless.
I do like that they're so firmly on the same page. :D
Yes, that's great! :D
Every time I rewatch I'm not sure about this. It's not directly related to his story or Zhao Yunlan or Ye Zun, is it?
Ha, glad it's not just me!
Like, the Envoy was mostly just fascinating before, and now he's fascinating and likeable. :D
Hee! :D :D :D
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That makes sense! :D
He knows things about her that the SID's file doesn't, though, and I really wonder how he could know her death date! Does he have a death-date-determining power? *g*
/o\ That sounds like a horrible power to have. /o\
I think it's possible to sympathise with his feelings regardless of what he actually did - even condemning what he did. He had every reason to hate the people who conspired to kill Ge Lan regardless.
That's a great point, yeah.
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Maybe it only works on people who have already died. That wouldn't be bad!
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