Nirvana in Fire ep 24 ramblings
1. Hmmm do you think it was the emotional Lin Shu or the cold Changsu telling Jingyan that it was lucky he was not in Da Liang or he would have been caught in the crossfire? Because Lin Shu would be grateful Jingyan is alive because it is his water buffalo cousin but Changsu would be grateful because then Prince Jing could be in a position of power to assist in overturning the verdict in the Chiyan rebellion case. It is also entirely possible that I am overanalysing this bit, lol.
2. Also, what the - Changsu, is this a test for Jingyan? Why are you advising him to let it go? With a formal bow and an imploring “Do not investigate further”? This must be a test right?
Loyal honourable water buffalo Jingyan will not give up or give in. “But if I really gave up, there will be no ties of friendship or loyalty to speak of.” “If I don’t figure it out, I shall never rest in peace.” And now it is Jingyan’s turn to formally request Changsu’s assistance.
And he is steadfast in this, despite the endless troubles it may bring, despite the lack of benefit to his current plan, despite the difficulty in getting the Emperor to admit his own mistake. Because he wants to clear their names. Because it was his brother who died at the hands of corruption and lust for power. Because it is the right thing to do.
It is moving. Even Changsu is moved. I think Jingyan passed muster on his test. And Jingyan is not entering this with eyes closed because Jingyan is now aware of the challenges that lie ahead. Changsu has made sure of that.
Oof that pledge of loyalty and allegiance. And the most utmost sincere gratitude for it.
3 Oh no, their expressions of alarm, worry and subsequent devastation at the realisation of Grand Empress Dowager’s passing. It is gutting. Luckily Prince Jing leaves quickly before he sees Lin Shu’s grief.She was his great grandmother too. But no one knows. Li Gang and Zhen Ping worried at Changsu coughing up blood. A run of emotional upheavals not doing his health any good.
4. Changsu’s little funeral for Tai Nai Nai, Fei Liu loyally by his side. His explanation to Fei Liu about what is happening - I feel sad thinking about who will explain to Fei Liu once his Su gege is gone and won’t be coming back.
And Li Gang and Zhen Ping worrying about Mei Changsu and his observation of the rituals and the consequences on his health. The backshot of them both, sitting to the side.
5. The comparison between the pomp and circumstance of the royal funeral compared to the little one Lin Shu held, but the healthy Princes eating instead of fasting as per the ritual compared to sickly Lin Shu fasting for 3 days to the worry of his subordinates.
Cai Quan and Shen Zui - gradually inching towards team Prince Jing. A silver lining for all the sorrow. Also, 30 days have passed(!)
6. Nihuang, how I have missed you! Another silver lining.
7. Fei Liu folding origami? (an allusion to his origin story as per the novel?) with the funeral papers, and his adorable frustrated frown when the papers tear. Li Gang getting Fei Liu to leave to accord his Su gege some privacy when Nihuang arrives although Fei Liu is not pleased judging by how he pulls his arm away from Li Gang as they were leaving.
8. The anticipation on Lin Shu’s face to hopefully hear Tai Nai Nai was peaceful. His sorrow at not being by her side during her last journey. Guilt. Dashed hopes of a joyful reunion.
He was her favourite and she protected him (even in Meiling according to the novel).
“Whenever I think about the things in the past, I feel like an iceberg being roasted by a fire. Sometimes it’s warm, sometimes it chills to the bone.” The capital is full of reminders of the past Lin Shu. It will not get better.
And perhaps one of the most honest he has been to Nihuang with regards to his health. “If you don’t have me in your future, you’ll do well too, you’ll fare very well.” Hmmm, he might have tailored his future lies to her based on her reaction to this.
Oof, She does not want distance between them, but he cannot afford the distraction and the compromise is that she will guard at Tai Nai Nai’s wake. They are in every way a couple in their actions towards one another. The way she asks if he allows it - I cannot picture General Mu Nihuang doing the same to any other person. How he caresses her face and how she leans into him. Just, my feels.
9. Xie Yu being led to exile. I forgot he was also a consort prince via his marriage to Liyang. Jingrui, Xie Bi and Liyang sending him off.
I remember reading commentary about how Liyang is always dressed in sombre colours now, and it is so true.
Also, Changsu never ceases working. His multipurpose plans. Protecting Xie Yu while obtaining a written confession about the treason behind the Chiyan massacre, Prince Qi’s execution and Xia Jiang’s hand behind it.
10. Prince Jing visiting Changsu to debate military strategies. Jingyan distracted and reminded of Lin Shu because of how Changsu uses his hands to illustrate his points. That little disbelieving snort of his when Changsu redirects his attention hurts my heart. Like it was an I-cannot-believe-I-just-thought/hoped-that kind of disbelief. Although at this point in time, I think Jingyan is thinking more along the lines of maybe Changsu knew Lin Shu from the jianghu rather than maybe Changsu is Lin Shu.
Changsu’s reaction at Jingyan’s question is so telling. They always are whenever Jingyan brings up Lin Shu in Changsu’s presence.Also, Prince Jing considers Changsu a great friend now.
Changsu, always with a reason for every question Jingyan asks. But he is worried, as evidenced by his fisting of his robes.
11. Xie Yu just completely ignores Jingrui. How hateful. Also, the relationship between Liyang and Xie Yu is interesting. Does she not hate him for what he did to her? Or is it because she hates Mei Changsu more that she is agreeing to what he asked of her? Or did she really come to love him? To me, he seemed to view her as a possession of some sort, and that love means ownership to him.
12. Xia Dong is intimidating (which I love). Smart and subtle with tact with well earned respect. Hah, Mei Changsu only protecting Xie Yu from Xia Jiang and no one else.
Also, how can she sound so threatening with such polite words? But legit scary at “some circumstances are worse than death.” Hoo boy. She is amazing.
13. Eurgh the Emperor is like a child, throwing tantrums about cicadas! CICADAS! Of all things.
Hmmmm, Gao gonggong suggesting a visit to Consort Jing’s for her birthday. He is quite the advocate for Consort Jing. Interesting.
14. Jingyan smiling at eating his mother’s cooking. Aww. So adorable. And little-boy-ish.
What timing to the Emperor’s entrance lol. It must be coincidental but man, the lucky stars must have been shining down on Consort Jing and Jingyan for the Emperor to be reminded that Jingyan cannot visit his mother as he pleases.
For some reason I find Jingyan kowtowing in apology even before his mother greets and apologises to the Emperor quite funny. Although it actually is sad that he expects anger and punishment for such a small dereliction of duty.
The Emperor is so volatile. Eurgh.
Also, Consort Jing’s face at her stubborn stubborn son, lol. It’s like please stop speaking while you are still ahead. Please.
But hey, the Emperor approves. Success!
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