Freaking amazing example of characterization creep so subtle, you don't know it's happening: each and every one of hua fei's fairly frequent victories.... start to look like emperor's failures instead.
It's suuuch a subtle shift, but as hua fei's character becomes more sympathetic, and as emperor becomes more frustrating, it pushes the switch in perspective right along. Bit by bit.
I forgot that I used to like this man, in the first viewing. Because he was kind to meizhang (AT FIRST, with the crysanthemums) and could espouse poetry at will. He was more cultured than his violent concubines, and held more respect for effort and intelligence than birth status. He seemed like a forward-thinking leader who did not care for power for power's sake.
*how did this show have me thinking this???* What sorcery is this?? When later.... LATER THIS MAN IS [incoherent sounds of rage]