It has struck me once before and it strikes me again that Ling Zisheng is a man with a knack for turning crises into opportunities. His fated connection with the indomitable Cheng Shaoshang seems to be largely a series of crisis moments that allow him access to her in ways he would otherwise not have. From the first it is his determination to get to the bottom of the armaments fraud that sets the stage for their first encounter and other subsequent encounters. Now that she’s broken things off with Lou Yao publicly, the time is ripe for him to turn the marriage issue in his favour. Openly flirting with her with her and showing outright displeasure at Cheng Shi’s intrusive presence at his residence is an unexpected turn from the normally stoic Zisheng but then he’s a man who is now at much more liberty to express those deep rumblings of affection that’s been lying dormant.
Wonderful commentary! You've brought up things I hadn't considered such as how this far and wide the Cheng family dysfunction has been displayed. While a part of me can make an effort to understand mum's entrenched position re how her opinion of NiaoNiao, you're right that the daughter is simply an emblem of a time when mum was at her weakest and the reverberations of that decision over 15-years. Stepping out of that lens, self-flagellation writ large, would be a monumental effort for anyone let alone a woman trapped by the past and by pride and by worries for the future. Zisheng, opportunistic though he might be, stands as a bulwark against the thousands of parental cuts NiaoNiao experiences daily. Add in the fact that she sees him as a challenge, not someone taken in by her winsome charm, by her cleverness or her audaciousness. Already he's a standout among men. To have such a man claim you 'faults and all' would be swoonworthy for anyone. Even NiaoNiao, who suspects people's motivations and behaviours as a matter of course.
You're absolutely right, it hadn't occured to me at all, but the emperor as de facto parent is so different from NiaoNiao's own parents. He actively supports Zisheng and wants Zisheng to have what Zisheng wants... especially if it's the love of a good woman. In that light, the emperor's and empress' reactions to NiaoNiao were charmingly kind. It was a wonderful moment to see her bask in the approval of adults -- the highest in the land, godlike even -- a first!
Loved your article, and agree with you that LBY is a strategist not an insensitive male, with regards to his approach to marriage. He speaks about being undressed and treated by SS in front of her parents and fiancee, he tricks her father out of his mansion so he can talk to her, he breaks the blockage to bring her & famiky in the city under guard - all to show there is a special relation. Also, he ask the emperor to act as his elder because he knew his father wouldn't, and knew that SS and her family might refuse him because everyone is scared of him ..so only an imperial request would guarantee the victory he needs.
However, at no time did he try to break SS engagement, bug he did tell her to make sure she makes the right choice, and that he will even try to help LY get a secure position.
This is a man who will do everything for his loved one, and as such he deserves respect and admiration and loyalty , at least.
Wonderful commentary! You've brought up things I hadn't considered such as how this far and wide the Cheng family dysfunction has been displayed. While a part of me can make an effort to understand mum's entrenched position re how her opinion of NiaoNiao, you're right that the daughter is simply an emblem of a time when mum was at her weakest and the reverberations of that decision over 15-years. Stepping out of that lens, self-flagellation writ large, would be a monumental effort for anyone let alone a woman trapped by the past and by pride and by worries for the future. Zisheng, opportunistic though he might be, stands as a bulwark against the thousands of parental cuts NiaoNiao experiences daily. Add in the fact that she sees him as a challenge, not someone taken in by her winsome charm, by her cleverness or her audaciousness. Already he's a standout among men. To have such a man claim you 'faults and all' would be swoonworthy for anyone. Even NiaoNiao, who suspects people's motivations and behaviours as a matter of course.
You're absolutely right, it hadn't occured to me at all, but the emperor as de facto parent is so different from NiaoNiao's own parents. He actively supports Zisheng and wants Zisheng to have what Zisheng wants... especially if it's the love of a good woman. In that light, the emperor's and empress' reactions to NiaoNiao were charmingly kind. It was a wonderful moment to see her bask in the approval of adults -- the highest in the land, godlike even -- a first!
Great analysis! You hit all the spots for me.
Loved your article, and agree with you that LBY is a strategist not an insensitive male, with regards to his approach to marriage. He speaks about being undressed and treated by SS in front of her parents and fiancee, he tricks her father out of his mansion so he can talk to her, he breaks the blockage to bring her & famiky in the city under guard - all to show there is a special relation. Also, he ask the emperor to act as his elder because he knew his father wouldn't, and knew that SS and her family might refuse him because everyone is scared of him ..so only an imperial request would guarantee the victory he needs.
However, at no time did he try to break SS engagement, bug he did tell her to make sure she makes the right choice, and that he will even try to help LY get a secure position.
This is a man who will do everything for his loved one, and as such he deserves respect and admiration and loyalty , at least.