First thoughts on the Legend Of The Female General drama, as a novel reader.
I just finished ep 14 and honestly the only problem with this drama FOR ME is the budget, which honestly could've been a bit better and i'm not talking about the styling which honestly is VERY GOOD, i'm talking on general editing and even some effects (the fight scenes are also good idk if im making it clear what i think it's missing sorry). BUT considering the troubles we had with that one actor the fact that it managed to air is a miracle in itself.
I get that people can be upset over novel changes but honestly that's something you need to expect because there's not a single time the adaptation is 100% like the novel but in lotfg case i have enjoyed the novel changes made so far and some even make me more excited for the future eps (for example the change of the qinglang sword being given to He Yan by Xiao Jue's father and then XJ taking it from her when he thought 'He Rufei' purposely delayed the help that ended on his fathers death, it's a perfect chance for him to hand her the real sword back to expose he rufei later).
Anyways the novel changes made aren't terrible at all and they have to make sense considering the censorship of the rebirth aspect, which imo so far they have been doing a very good job. I didn't read the Marriage of Di Daughter and as i watched The Double i saw many people say that a lot of things were changed from the novel but with Reborn Noble Girl i've read it before the Glory drama aired and can say i absolutely disliked the way they changed things and basically made an entire different plot which i don't see in ROSG to LOTFG because it embodies the novel vibes really well.
On sns i've seen people upset that He Yan "doesn't give the army general vibe" and i can tell they either haven't read the novel (which is fine) or simply think for a female character to be strong she can't be funny or lovable like He Yan. In the entire novel we get to see her funny and cheeky side as she is, in my opinion, the most different QSCK female lead in terms of emotions, He Yan as a warrior has more of a sentimental side compared to the QSCK female leads universe who usually are on the colder revenge side but not for a minute watching her scenes i felt Zhou Ye's portrayal of her inferior to what a read in the novel, she is the exact amount of funny, emotional and courageous as she needs to be.
We are now heading to the Jiyang arc from the novel and i'm still so excited and happy to see the upcoming episodes.
A final note, since there's been announcement of Tencent acquiring the rights to adapt two other QSCK novels: Deng Hua Xiao and the most popular Rebirth of Malicious Empress, i'm thinking on doing a rereading of both here as i did w ROSG (this time i think i can finish cause lotfg suddenly announced the airing before i finished lol) but just keep in mind that especially ROME will be severly chopped to pass censorship, that if one day people decide on who the leads will because i've seen SO many people on the melon rumours that gets hard to believe people will be pleased :(
Chapter 83 Quote: The news I want to buy is that the Prince Yu residence is seeking to rebel but this news is not bought for myself but for the Imperial family of Ming Qi. Does Manager Ji understand?”
Chapter 82 Quote: Shen Miao glanced at him and said, “The sisters of the Chen family disappeared at JiangNan’s Yu province but were in fact abducted by others. The mastermind of the abduction of the sisters is currently the brother of His Majesty, Prince Yu of the First Rank.”When the words were spoken, the three persons in the tea room became silent. In the secret room next to the tea room, two people were also stunned. The white clad gentleman’s voice even broke, “Prince Yu of the First Rank?”The purple clad youth was gently stroking the jade cup when his lips suddenly raised to a smile as he said, “Interesting
jiao jiao is so smart everyone is left gagged
Chapter 84 Quote:Everyone looked at the direction of Shen Yue’s eyes and there from the door walked in a young male, wearing a stone green long robe. This male looked upright and upon closer inspection, looked a sixth or seventh similar to Shen Gui but there was a touch of pride in his brows.
This was not anyone else but the Shen family’s Second household’s eldest Di son, Shen Yuan.
Now i have a casting option for Shen Yuan: Chen Heyi (the princess Royal )
imo he looks evil and scheming so he is perfect for the role.
Chapter 85 Quote:Shen Miao calmly looked at him, Shen Yuan’s eyes were probing sinisterly, as if they were a poisonous snake slithering in the marsh and tightly wrapping around that made one feel crept out. She smiled lightly, “Second Older Brother stayed the same as always.” SINISTER
Chapter 85 Quote: “Shen Yuan seems like not an ordinary person.” Ji Yu Shu suddenly remember something, “Is he not Fu Xiu Yi’s people?”“Only a small little bandit.” Xie Jing Xing suddenly spoken and lazily glance below, “A little clown jumping around can attract your attention.” Clown GHJHFGHHFGJHJJJ
Chapter 85 Quote:
What kind of song was that?
It was a song that sings about how the virtuous and wicked got their just rewards and how the heavenly laws were cyclical
You gotta applaud the plan ... Among schemes this one is so well laid out ofc she used her knowledge from the past life to it but nonetheless is such a good plan
chapters 86- 88: prince yu had It coming but the highlight is XIE JING in the verge of killing Shen Miao.
Chapter 88 Quote: Time suddenly stopped strangely in that moment and everything seemed to have lost its sound. The entire room of burning torches, it was less comparable than that person moving eyes. It was clearly an intimate appearance, a lover whispering ambiguously but in a twinkling of an eye, it was filled with a thick intention to kill.
Chapter 88 Quote: As if one could see people’s heart, his words attacked the most worrisome things in Shen Miao’s heart. In this rebirth lifetime, Shen Miao only seek that the Shen family’s first household would be safe and sound, and all of her schemes were just nothing more than revenge. If one were to die here at this place, everything will be stopped abruptly.
This scene!!!!!!!! This is what they were meant to be
Chapter 90 Quote:Shen Miao looked at her gently, “Everyone in our residence know how much Second Shen doted on Seventh Younger Brother. If because of you, Seventh Younger Brother need to be compensated, why do not you guess if Second Shen is willing to take this risk? In fact, I also look forward to knowing the answer. Not sure if Eldest Sister is able to answer it for me?”
shen Miao kidnapped 😱
Chapters 90-95 : more plots devise not much to comment apart from XIE JING inserting himself everywhere lol
Chapter 97 Quote:With regards to Shen Miao, this new year was considered quite good. No Fu Xiu Yi, no Prince Yu and even no Ren Wan Yun and Shen Qing. Some things were after all changing a step at a time.
empress Shen clears the Path
jing Chu Chu ... tbh even tho i consider rebirth of ill fated consort the novel with most violent scenes graphic described i think chu chu's fate is around top 3 of more cruel (she schemed w old Shen furen tho só she also had It coming)
Chapter 97 Quote: "Nothing was more poisonous that a woman’s heart. But Shen Miao found that this rabbit like docile face in front of her, was more poisonous and sinister than a snake. Even though Shen Qiu did not like her, after marrying Jing Chu Chu, he still treated her sincerely. With Shen Qiu’s character, he would absolutely not let Jing Chu Chu suffer."
Some yrs ago id read this and disagree w the first line but qsck makes sure to remind you evilness sees no gender.
Chapter 99 Quote: Shen Miao’s eyes hanged down as she murmured with a voice that only she could hear, “Sun Cai Nan, Jing Chu Chu, Bengong personally pulled your fates together in this lifetime, so one must not disappoint.”
Chapter 42: The entire capital having the image of an idiot when they see Shen Miao bc of the aunts work, she was so valid for putting them back in the place.
Chapter 42 Quote: "That purple clad young female who was immersed in the chess game raised her head and looked straight at the person on stage with clear bright eyes. Her expression did not seem to fluctuate and there were no mistakes in her actions as if this earth-shattering sentence was just a casual greeting that she need not answer.
Chapter 43: I love how in the reborn life Shen Miao takes pride and her main goal is to protect her family, i know in the first life she was led by the nose to that outcome but in her shoes she was also to blame for that and there's absolutely no chance she will watch it happen once again.
Chapter 43 Quote:
"These people’s words were all mocking Shen Xin and they really thought that she was the weakness of the First Household of the Shen family. Before the anger that was accumulated finally burst forth, she looked at Cai Lin who was enjoying this good play and swept her eyes across the people in the banquet who were mocking.
The Shen Miao that was reborn could tolerate, but the mistress of the Inner Palace, Empress Shen had a temperament of seeking revenge for the smallest grievance.
She coldly said, “My father fights in bloody battles in foreign lands to guard families and defend the country so that the Chrysanthemum Banquet like today’s can be held and students can compete.” There was a flash of mockery in her eyes, “The win in today’s competition does not mean anything. The outstanding people are the ones that have killed on the battlefield. As for the rules you set, why would I not dare?”
Chapter 44 Quote: “I am here. Do you dare to kill?”
Chapter 45 Quote:
I am here. Do you dare to kill?
You dare not.
I dare.
She smiled lightly and that bright pair of cub-like eyes held a trace of ruthlessness. Coupled with her currently slightly naive face, it was strangely beautiful.
“Now it’s my turn.”
Chapter 46: Shen Miao taking jabs at the officials I LIVEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
Chapter 46 Quote:
She said, “Cai Daren, just now I bet my own life and now it is Cai Lin’s turn to bet his life. The life and death agreement has been established. The white paper and black words states it very clearly, even if I shoot him to death today, there would not be any relations. When one agree to the bet, one must accept to lose.”
Not waiting for Cai Daren to speak, she continued speaking, “One would not have trust if one does not follow what was established. These rules were set by Cai Lin and for you to now object, does it mean that Cai Daren is also like this in the official circles? Once the situation looks wrong, you will immediately change the rules?”
Chapter 47-53 is the aftermath of SM obviously winning but also sending a message to the nobles and the royal family. Also there's xie xing getting on this "brothers", btw if you read other qsck you will realize she isn't a big fan of concubines and shu sons and daughters, in other novels there's usually not such a clear difference but on hers she makes sure the readers know she hates the sheer idea that's why she makes them evil and scheming.
Chapter 54: and here we can see more of qsck disdain for the the father side of the family where everyone is evil ... plotting against a young girl wanting to ruin her life
Chapter 54 Quote: Shen Miao lightly said, “What is there to be afraid of? What idea he is playing with, would have to depend if he has that ability.”
Chapter 56 Quote: “Gao Yang, your foresight is as usual that bad.” Xie Jing Xing raised an eyebrow, “It is not good to provoke that girl from the Shen family.” Dont we love when a man knows his future wife is not the one to mess around with?
Chapter 57 Quote:
She asked with a smile but her eyes had a touch of joy like meeting an old friend.
The commanding officer of the guards, Mo Qing of the previous lifetime… Trust that you were well since we last met.
Chapters 58 -61: ren wan yu actually had the guts to plan that and it backfired SO fucking bad we love to watch it happen.
Chapter 61 Quote:
“Young Lady, what can be done now?” Seeing Shen Miao not answering her, Jing Zhe can only change the question.
“Wait.”
“Waiting for what?”
The eyelashes of the young female slightly fluttered as her lips slightly hooked up.
“Wait for the night beneath the raven moon when it is time to kill and rob.”
Chapter 62 Quote: “Is it possible to let my bodyguard go.” Shen Miao voice was cooler than the autumn wind outside, “Thanking little Xie Marquis.”
TBH xig jing being nosey is actually so entertaining, shen miao does not need his help but he still will insert himself on her business w some pretenses .... he's so ridicilous in these early chapters lol
Chapter 63 Quote:
Little Marquis seemed to know what to do.” She said after a moment of silence.
Xie Jing Xing’s lips hooked up to a smile as he got up to leave and did not pay attention to the intention of this group of people.
“Can you lend a helping hand?” She asked.
Xie Jing Xing turned back and after some pondering, he nodded his head, “It’s not that it cannot be done but… If you beg me, I will then bring you all out.”
Chapter 63 Quote:
“I would wash one’s ears and listen with great respect if you are willing to say.”
“Insult a person and one will humiliate back. A tooth for a tooth, an eye for an eye.”
Chapter 64: The nerve on ren wan yun to blame sm when SHE schemed it. I know some people who read this novel thought it was too graphich and shen qing paid for her mothers schemes but i'll defend shen miao thru water and fire, in her place i'd do the same bc shen qing wasnt an innocent little girl either.
Chapter 65 WHOLE family ganging up against her like omfg bunch of terrible people
Chapter 68 Quote:
“He would think that since he has already betrayed, he might as well betray all the way and get more money out of it to be worthy of his betrayal. He would continue to do so until his master discover his betrayal but till then, he would keep up with this lie.”
Gu Yu was surprised for a moment and could not tell what kind of feeling she had in her heart. Since when did her own Young Lady was able to tell what others thought in their hearts. “But,” Gu Yu was puzzled, “By maintaining this lie, what is it for?”
Whatever for?
Shen Miao laughed, “Let Mo Qing to tell Chun Tao to take good care of Eldest Sister’s pregnancy. The better the pregnancy is, the more favourable it is for us.”
SDKDKSKSJ pls i love how shen miao is just toying around while ren wan yun is losing her mind. soon we will be introduced to fuckass shen yuan and i do have the perfect cast for him!
Chapter 69: Shen Miao already plotting to divide the family ... you gotta respect her broad mind.
Chapter 71 Quote:
“If Little Marquis do not want to be implicated, then leave first.” She coldly said.
“There is no one under the skies that can implicate me.” His words were arrogant as if it was true.
“Since you want to be buried with the dead, then I have nothing to say.” Shen Miao turned around.
Chapter 72 Quote:
“If you were a female, you would be crying and begging for my help.” Gao Yang said, “Take it, this medicine is very expensive. One bottle is worth a thousand gold taels.”
Xie Jing Xing glanced at him and a look of disdain appeared on his lips, but he suddenly thought about the scene where a young female in a sea of fire, did not hesitate to use the burnt ancestral tablet to burn her own arm.
Leaving a scar? That would not necessary be.
After pondering a while, he reached his hand out and kept the bottle of medicine.
Chapter 73 Quote: In all fairness, Shen Qiu as an older brother, really did his best. At first no matter how cold she treated Shen Qiu, he would always be warm to her. Afterwards something happened and Shen Qiu had smeared some young lady’s innocence and was forced to marry that young lady as a wife. With that, everything changed. Mistakes were often made in his military work and afterwards he fell down from the horse and broke his leg. Fast-forward, that young lady made Shen Qiu wear a green hat (cuckold). In a fit of anger Shen Qiu killed that adulterer but who knew he was the only Di son of the Minister of Personnel. The Minister submitted an Imperial report and Shen Xin spent most of his fortune to protect Shen Qiu’s life but at the end Shen Qiu was found dead in a winter morning. Someone discovered his corpse in the middle of the pond. SHEN MIAO WILL HANDLE THAT TOO
Chapter 74 Quote: (personally one of my favorites so far) Justice and fairness was not even worth more than straws. Justice was restricted from the weak and for those who are strong, they were the justice. In those years in the Inner Palace, she understood lots of principles. It was not that there were not any kind and good females, it was that these females were like the flowers during winter, too weak and could not withstand the wind blowing and would be crushed into the soil. Since she was taking a dark and bloody route, then the means and methods used during that route would not necessarily be those that could see the light.
Chapter 75 Quote: Not waiting for Luo Xue Yan to speak, Shen Xin himself first shouted, “Jiao Jiao, Father do not agree with your words. No matter who we the Shen family match with, you can claim connections. Which one of the sons of Ming Qi dare to abandon you, even if…” pls i love shen xin i still cant find a good actor to play a rough and big military man who dotes and is willing to die for his precious daughter.
Chapter 76 Quote: Every single brick and tile in this place were deeply engraved in her heart that even if she were to close her eyes, she would still know her way. All those tedious Palace ceremonies were done day after day that they were almost engraved to her bones. In this hall when she closed her eyes, she could almost see Wan Yun asking her to eat snacks and Fu Ming shaking his head as he memorises the country’s policies. Love and hate were both heavy, bitter and sweetness were mixed. To once again enter here, she had mixed feelings. Her heart was burning up but it was from the flames of revenge!
Chapters 76 to 80: actually plotting on her family and the imperials ... shen miao got the GUTS speak nicely to the empress!
Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage Rereading
Chapters 21-41!
Chapter 21 - We learn about the reason why first life Shen Miao fell for Fu Xiu Yi and honestly i don't blame her, away from her parents and the people in the residence all wanted her to suffer but played nice in front of her, it's no wonder the small gesture fell as kindness upon her gaze.
Chapter 22 - Shen Miao picks a purple naterial for her dress at the banquet, her color pallet being purple and red is honestly so fitting.
Chapter 22 Quote:
"Holding on to the money from their household but treating her like this. Such shameless people can only be found in that Old Furen’s family.
She must find a way to separate the family out."
HERE SCHEMING JIAO JIAO GOES.
Chapter 23 - as i was reading since the first time i kept wondering how everyone in the residence except her own maids which were picked by her parents were against her, even her wet nurse who watched her grow up was turning against her.
Chapter 24 - In this chapter Shen Miao's hairstyle for the banquet is described as a cloud topknot, i've searched a lot but couldn't find to which dinasty of period it could be related to so for now i'm keeping my guess on the song dinasty styling for better view (i'm a person who needs to visualize the story). Shen Yue's hair is described as a flying immortal hair which in research could be attributted to the tang dinasty which is close to the song so that's why i'm keeping it
Chapter 25 - Shen Miao's memories about her daugther are very painful, everytime she thinks of the children she couldn't save in the novel is very sad.
Chapter 25 Quote: "Why not watch how a dog would bite another dog? Shen Miao’s lips slightly hooked up."
Chapter 26 - Shen Miao returns to the palace and GAGS IT.
Chapter 27 - Here we also understand why Shen Miao ran from home and pushed for her marriage ewith prince ding, bc the old furen wanted to marry her off the the that pervert prince yu. Although she was foolish and fell for prince ding in the first life, you can't say she wasn't pushed to it by her 'family'.
Chapter 28 - EW PRINCE YU IS A DISGUSTING CREEP
Chapter 28 Quote: "In the last life, this man grant her with an intact corpse. In this lifetime, she want this person die without an intact corpse!
Fu Xiu Yi, Bengong has returned!"
Chapter 29- Her time as empress allowed her to know all the secrets from the imperial family, such as the trick with the music, if Shen Miao wasn't outstanding she wouldn't even remember that tbh.
Chapter 29 Quote: "But at the end Shen Miao’s move had attracted some people’s attention. Over at the dedicated male area, Fu Xiu Yi and Pei Lang looked over at the same time."
Chapter 30 - Fu Xiu Yi starts suspecting Shen Miao this early on, she draws painting to the academy exams.
Chapter 31 - Shen Yue and Shen Qing will have it coming.
Chapter 31 Quote: “I don’t like enduring.” Shen Miao looked at the chess game in front. Don’t endure. Don’t look back. Don’t be soft-hearted.
“Don’t endure. Must kill.” She picked up a chess piece and placed it on the chess board.
Chapter 32 - Shen Miao is already plotting.
Chaper 33 - (there's not much to comment on these chapters as i believe only reading gives you a proper view), we are in the early chapters so the scheming is not THAT big even tho she's already playing at the imperial family face.
Chapter 34 - Pei Lang will be snatched to her side bc he owes it to her OUUUU.
Chapter 35 Quote:
"Look, the Shen family risk their lives to achieve meritorious services, the Shen family used their lives to defends the walls of Ming Qi. The peace and prosperity that you noble youths were enjoying now were all built on the blood and flesh of those that were cut down in the battlefield!
Trampling on the blood of the soldiers, did the Ming Qi Imperial family still dared to suppress them with great fanfare?
If you dared then don’t be afraid of the eyes of everyone in the world!"
Chapter 36 - little xie marquis is back!
Chapter 37 - i like how before xie jing calls her shen jiao jiao he calls her 'little shen girl' like imagine being an empress w the mind of a 30+ yr old and hearing a teenager call you 'little girl' i know she was pissed!
Chapter 38 Quote:
"Shen Miao’s voice seemed to be somewhat bewitching as she said, “It has been a long time. Don’t tolerate it.”
Don’t tolerate it…
He lowered his head and looked at the person in close proximity. That young female had a light scent of delicate fragrance just like herself, looking pure in appearance but in actuality, cold and indifferent. He obviously knew the purpose of the suggestion but one was unable to refuse it.
His lips hooked up to a smile and with a sweep of his sleeves, the begonia flower fell onto his palm. In the next second, where the begonia flower was before, there was now a small jade begonia in its place.He smiled a smile that was not a smile as he picked up the flower and spoke with an ambiguous tone, “You are interesting. This flower is bestowed upon you. The suggestion is not bad. Many thanks.”
Chapter 39 - Shen Yue was actually such a fool.
Chapter 40 - Shen Miao later discovering Gao Yan is actually from xie jing's side lolz.
Chapter41 - the little boy challenging shen miao bc of Shen Yue was actually sooooo funny, this will be such a good scene when adapted to the drama.
Under the cut to avoid timeline clogging, forgot to say on the last post but i'll be reading the translation from chubbycheeksthoughts (the most accurate i could find AND completes w the side stories). I will also be giving my ideias for the drama plots considering censorship.
At the end of the posts there will be an actor/actress i'd cast for specific caracters.
Please excuse eventual typos, usually don't proofread and english is not my native language.
Chapter 1 - Deposing the Empress: Our introduction to Shen Miao, the novel mentions her being on her 30's (i guess around 35 considering her daughter was already sent off to marriage and in ancient times marriageble age was around 16). One thing that i admire about this novel is that Shen Miao was used and betrayed but she herself was foolish for falling for Fu Xiu Yi, ofc she was pushed to it but as you read the novel you realize how much she blamed herself for this mistake.
Chapter 1 Quote: "Her son, her daughter, her parents, brothers, sisters, servants. Everyone in her Shen family was harmed.Fu Xiu Yi, Mei Furen, Shen Qing, Shen Yue, all the people who harmed her and harmed her loved ones, if there was an afterlife, a debt of blood must be paid in blood!"
Chapter 2 - Shen Miao reborn back in time when she was just 14, sees her maids (which had ALL died protecting and helping her) and realizes she was given a second chance.
Chapter 2 Quote: "She pinched herself ferociously and two tears fell.
The Heavens did not turn its back on people. The Heavens did not turn its back on her!
She had returned!"
Chapter 3- the introduction to her evil cousins, aunts, uncles and 'grandmother'. She starts planning her revenge.
Chapter 3 Quote: "She will definitely let their wishes come true. Second and Third Household’s blood debt to the entire Shen family would be repaid from this moment onwards."
Chapter 4- you oughta have patience with how irriating the old Shen furen is
Chapter 5 - you also have to have patience and admire her brilliance while dealing with the aunts who take advantage that her parents and Elder brother are away to plots against Shen Miao
Chapter 5 Quote: "Shen Miao sneered in her heart. They wanted to trample on her reputation, so she brought out Shen Gui’s and Shen Wan’s heads to bet. Did her Second and Third Shens understand? Was it worth it? Did they dare?" I DARE, DO YOU?
Chapter 6- Shen Miao WINS her first face off w the evil aunts HA
Chapter 6 Quote: "She saw Fifth Young Lady looking at her. That round face, round eyes, and round nose, coupled with the timid appearance, used to easily leave an impression of stupidity and foolishness.But now it was otherwise. She did not know when the timid appearance had disappeared to be replaced with solemnness. Not quite a sudden pressure of seriousness, but it was a slight feeling of distance. There was a moment when Chen Rou Qiu suddenly felt that the person in front of her was not the stupid and foolish daughter of the First household but some mistress of higher status and power, the kind that would make smarter and sharper people shiver."
Chapter 7- i like the chapters in the academy bc Shen Miao is technically at the age to be the mother of these kids yet she hás to deal w their pettiness, i'd be so pressed.
Chapter 7 Quote: "They saw a young female walking slowly from the door, wearing a dark red outfit with cloud and geese embroidery and a dark blue, embroidered cloak. These colours would normally be too old for young females, especially since Shen Miao was a little rounded. If she was not careful, she would look like a child who had stolen an elder’s clothes to wear."
Chapter 8 - She stays putting children back in their places lol
Chapter 9 - Pei Langs debut, her is such a complex and interesting character
Chapter 10- XIE JING XINGS DEBUT (prepare to be sick of qsck overly describing him as gorgeousstunninghandsome) ... Oh to finally find a match as scheming as you
Chapter 10 Quotes: "The youth sat on the horse’s back, wearing a black embroidered robe with a dark purple mink coat worn on top. His right hand lazily played with the horse whip. Hiis facial features were sharp and handsome, the corner of his lips was slightly hooked up, as if smiling yet not, and the gaze is his eyes was very cold."
"It was such a pity, Shen Miao’s heart sighed. This kind of outstanding young man, in the end, had arrows shot into his heart and his body hung out after his skin was peeled off, such a tragic ending.Perhaps her pitiful gaze was too obvious causing the young man to suddenly look over and his eyes, which were as deep as the stars, flashed as though as he did not understand her gaze."
Chapter 11 Quote: "But what kind of person was Xie Jing Xing. He followed his father and travelled extensively, fought battles and killed people so he has a trained pair of eyes. That girl was only pretending to admire him. It was unfortunate that she did not know that her eyes were like a pool of stagnant water, without a single ripple."
Chapter 12 - Gui momo ... Shen Miao starts her revenge list
Chapter 12 Quote: "Once disloyal, one cannot be used for a hundred times. Moreover, with such a person as Gui Momo, who was a hundred times disloyal, Shen Miao naturally had to tidy things up. When dealing with a dog that ran to others, might as well kill it rather than continuing to rear it."
Chapters 13 to 15 - and the scheming games Begin!
Chapters 15-20: not many Quotes to save, XIE JING suspects Shen Miaos intentions and she starts planning and guarding against her aunts
Drama Input: Considering the censorship around rebirth they will have to get extremely creative especially considering Shen Miao had 2 children which are the base of her revenge alongside her family, my suggestion that is not exactly a "dream" like blossom and SPOILER alert in case you havent read the novel: bring her encounter w the taoist monk to the early episodes, the drama should start with naive and young Shen Miao who's tricked by her aunts and cousins to be a fool and crosses paths for the first time with the monk when he does the first divination as a warning for her future if she keeps on that path, she doesn't believe on his prediction at first but things happen as he told her and he even warns her about being thrown in the water which indeed happens and she stays in a fever like the start of Chapter 2, during this time she has visions of the life where she is the unfavored empress, my suggestion is that only a glimpse is shown on this early eps and as the story goes more of these visions are shown to her as flashback in a way for her to change the traject of the story. I'll get back to Pei Lang at some point to tie his story.
I'm also a bit conflicted at what period of time the drama should base it off for the styling since qsck is a bit vague, my inicial guess would be song dinasty but let's see if i change my mind as i read again.
After much consideration i picked actress Lu Yuxiao as Shen Miao and the reason for it apart her fitting the description of the deer eyes extremely black and expressive eyes is that i think she's an actress capable of handling a character like her, i'll leave some pics for visual board:
the last set is how i imagine naive Shen Miao dressed with tacky and overdone jewelry which is guided by her aunts.
"In the bronze mirror, the young lady’s face was round with a full forehead, a pair of large almond eyes that were slightly red, a rounded nose and a small mouth. It was still a child-like face and was not very beautiful, but it was lovely and refreshing and had a well behaved, shy appearance."
note that even tho qsck says "not Very beautiful" but Shen Miao still is gorgeous and this is bc she is just a teen on her mid 10's, i consider LYX this beautiful and especially the aura is what makes her the perfect SM to me, w the correct characterization she would look presentable as 18 (they always change the young age from novels to drama to not shock audiences) and as 35 yr old in the flashbacks.
