#lin wan'er

[electricsoul-rpg]

LI QIN (李沁) as Lin Wan'er

Joy of Life 庆余年 s2 (2024)

[qiqi-guai-guai]

Thinking about Lin Wan'er.... Her brother is dead and he was one of her only companions during a devastatingly lonely childhood and she owes it to him to avenge him. She owes it to herself to avenge him. The Lin family's pride still stands, however fragmented, in its least viable heir. If Fan Xian lost someone he loved he would burn down the world; she would too, but she doesn't have the ability.

It doesn't matter whether or not his murder was justified. He was her brother.

[b00kwyrm7]

WELL 👏👏 22 AND 23 BROKE ME

It's official. Lin Ruofu is best dad. Top of the JOL dad list. Why? Lemme list stuff out cause I need to process too:

Literally keeping Wan'er and Dabao as his children. That scene where they're bowing to him in the flower field as he's going away, possibly to his death, and this old experienced calculating fox is tearing up over his children? Take a stab to my heart, why don't you. Even in modern society one would be judged for keeping a sick illegitimate child, or a child with disabilities. Especially with the position he holds in court, they could be sources of weakness at best, and disposable inconveniences at worst. But he loves them!! With all of his heart!! He takes care of Dabao so well, he peels fruits for him personally, he speaks to him so gently and patiently and can't bear to send him away (my Chinese is horrible but 大宝 roughly means greatest treasure I think. What a dude). And we all know Wan'er is quiet about her needs and feelings, she doesn't speak them out loud most of the time, so when earlier this season he kinda berates Fan Xian for not immediately visiting her, and mentions that she's worried, it's so subtle but like he knows her that well!! To be able to read her so accurately!! And cares about her enough to nag Fan Xian about it when she can't!! Which brings me to my next point,

He brought them up?? So well??? As basically a single dad???? Like Lin Gong's general abrasiveness aside, his children are somehow all magnificently grounded and understanding and most of all, love each other wholeheartedly??? They're the most cohesive family in the show, your honour.

He's...kinda been parenting Fan Xian really well this whole season? Take emperor and Chen Pingping for example: just toss poor Fan Xian off into the deep end and hope he can swim in the direction they want. Lin Ruofu though? I literally didn't catch it until my mom pointed it out but it's classic teacher method: my guy is asking Fan Xian questions in all of their meetings, not giving him answers but guiding his thought process to reach them. Literally tonight's episodes he brought Fan Xian along to meet the emperor just so that he can watch and learn by example, of how he's learned to play the game after so many years of court experience. What a guy, I was vibrating in my seat for that whole convo.

He's doing all of this while literally being the prime minister in this absolute cesspool of a government. Insane. You KNOW he's prob done plenty of corrupt things to get there that Fan Xian would absolutely hunt down if he had been present back then. But also you can respect him? Fan Xian has parental privilege and has made quite a few sacrifices this season, and so one can easily imagine that Lin Ruofu has to have made even worse ones in his tenure, on a much grander scale. And yet, he's chosen this small circle of people he loves to protect, to guide so that they may survive even after he's gone. And he succeeded even more than what anyone would expect out of the characters in this show, all the while somehow maintaining his power and position.

Anyway yeah. I have...so many thoughts. I really like the new character today though, even though I didn't properly catch his name yet. The fanboying def covers years of trauma.

[plumoh]

outstretch

Rating: G Wordcount: 691 words Summary: Fan Ruoruo didn’t manage to make the first incision—the fact that His Majesty appeared out of nowhere to perform this task is mortifying enough, but it is even more humiliating to think that her brother trusted her to carry out this surgery and she failed the first step. Note: AO3 link. Spoilers for S2 episode 30.

Fan Ruoruo’s hands don’t stop shaking for another incense stick time. She remains half-sprawled on the floor against the bed, listening to her brother’s light snoring while Lin Wan’er shifts and moves around the room to take care of little things (she hears cups clinking against the marble table, a blanket getting rearranged, towels being folded). Fan Ruoruo doesn’t really pay attention. She is staring at her trembling hands that are starting to become colder and colder.

She didn’t manage to make the first incision—the fact that His Majesty appeared out of nowhere to perform this task is mortifying enough, but it is even more humiliating to think that her brother trusted her to carry out this surgery and she failed the first step. She also couldn’t do it alone. She trained so much, and yet… Did she go in the wrong direction? Had she learned more about medicine beforehand, would she have been able to operate on Fan Xian without his guidance?

“Ruoruo,” Lin Wan’er says gently. “You did a wonderful job.”

Fan Ruoruo glances at Lin Wan’er, blinking several times to fully allow herself to come back to her body. Her sister-in-law is displaying such a calm and serene face, with the only remnant of her earlier anxiety being the tired lines around her eyes. But her smile is genuine.

“You should get some rest. Following all these instructions from Fan Xian must have been hard.”

Fan Ruoruo shakes her head. “Ge shouldn’t have been awake for this… this surgery, or whatever term he uses for what we’ve just done. I know that I was successful, but I can’t help thinking that I should be able to do more.”

Her brother put his faith in her, and Wu Zhu-shu also believes that she is capable of honoring the promise she made to him. Stable hands, yes; Fan Ruoruo will transform any tool in her hands into the best shield to protect her brother. But having such determination and control is almost useless if she doesn’t have the practice and actual experience.

This can’t do. She has to get over herself and see this opportunity as the eye-opening she didn’t realize she needed.

“I need to do better,” she says firmly, exhaling slowly. “And I will.”

Lin Wan’er never stops smiling, as she reaches out and places her hands on top of Fan Ruoruo’s. She squeezes once.

“This is why Fan Xian trusts you so much,” she tells her. “You don’t back down from hardships. It must be a Fan trait.”

A small chuckle escapes Fan Ruoruo. “Yes, that is most likely the case. I think the better explanation is that Ge’s own stubbornness had a big influence on me and Sizhe. His inability to give up rubbed off on us.”

What would her life have looked like had Fan Xian not come to the Capital? Would she have found something to fight for just as ardently? Fan Xian is an important person within the Palace and the political scene, but he also changed his family’s lives for the better. Every day has become unpredictable, chaotic and full of wonders that no one would have imagined possible. Fan Ruoruo wouldn’t want it any other way.

“I feel exactly the same,” Lin Wan’er laughs, rubbing small circles on Fan Ruoruo’s hands. “Fan Xian makes us want to do things we have never thought of before.”

“I’m glad that you found each other,” Fan Ruoruo replies. “You are good for him.”

Lin Wan’er doesn’t say anything in return, but her face softens and her eyes shine brighter. Fan Ruoruo doesn’t doubt that her brother often tells his wife how much she means to him, but hearing about the positive influence she has on him from someone else is probably another sentiment entirely. Fan Ruoruo doesn’t need to see them together to know that they care deeply about each other.

This is another precious thing Fan Ruoruo wants to protect—this happiness that clings on their skin, despite the threats and the malice that surround them. She has the means to help.

Her brother will not die as long as she breathes.

[heymeowmao]

庆余年 | Joy of Life S2E16 ° It's my problem. When I was learning, I liked to embroider plants and rocks. I didn't like to embroider living things.

[mira-likes]

Fan Xian wanted Lin Gong to pay for Teng Zijing's death. To prove that lives like Teng Zijing's weren't meaningless and didn't cost less because he was just a guard. Fan Xian went so far as to tell Ruoruo that he was doing it for all ordinary people whose lives shouldn't be trampled by the rich and powerful.

And then Wu Zhu murdered a courtyard's worth of guards just like Teng Zijing in order to get at Lin Gong. And Wu Zhu never would've done it if not for Fan Xian, even if Fan Xian didn't order him to do it.

And then Wan'er heard that Qing would start a war with Northern Qi ostensibly in revenge for Lin Gong's death, and worried that a lot of innocents would die. And Fan Xian asked: don't you want revenge for your brother? And Wan'er said: I don't want a lot of innocents to die.

Just. Something for Fan Xian to think about

[guzhuangheaven]

joy of life | lin wan'er

[nemainofthewater]

Do cdramas know that the blood is meant to be on the inside? Signs point to no: I'm inclined to blame the fake blood industry, who would collapse if certain conventions were abolished...

Have you had bad news? Spit blood!

Have you been hit somewhere (and if the drama is very committed to verisimilitude, in the torso area)? Spit blood!

Have you stubbed your toe? ...you know the drill by now...

And then there are those people who just... lost so much blood they shouldn't really be standing...

(and no, putting them in the Extra Pale Foundation (tm) doesn't count as medical care...)

Sometimes, the contestants in this poll can fulfil both criteria at the same time!

It's the 'Most Likely to Be Anaemic Poll'!

Propaganda, examples, and write-ins absolutely welcome!

[metisket]

Episode 12 was especially great. The triple date from hell had much to recommend it, but my favorite things were these:

Lin Wan'er is giving Ekaterin Vorkosigan vibes so strongly, and I love it. She's not loud. She's not a fighter. She is IMMOVABLE. That conversation between her and the Second Prince was amazing because you could tell that they both grew up in the palace and both became who they are out of self-defense. But where he is lashing out at any perceived threat in what seems to be a combination of terror and ambition (...the ambition may be terror-related, actually), she has drawn her line of defense internally. Probably because she went through years of what she believed was a terminal illness, she seems to see her life as something she's unable to defend. She can only defend herself, in the sense of who she is and what she believes. She is uncompromising. Which is interesting, because integrity and being true to himself are things Second Prince gave up a long time ago, if he ever dared to have them. They fascinate me! It also cracks me up that Wan'er understands him so much better than he does her.

Secondly, the First Prince. I love him. I hope he doesn't get murdered by politics, but you know, he might not? Because consider this real exchange that actually happened (paraphrased):

2nd Prince: Big brother! Did Fan Xian poison me?! Am I poisoned?! AM I ABOUT TO DIE WHAT SHOULD I DO???

1st Prince: ...Personally I would stop messing with Fan Xian.

And like. That is just solid life advice, right there. What a sensible guy. I hope he takes his semi-feral wife and runs for the border. She would love that.

[dangermousie]

The wedding is so lovely because you can see how happy they both are. I mean, when he first sees her come towards him...

And they just shine during the wedding...

I think this was my favorite moment though. And it wasn't even romantic. It's Fan Xian interrupting the ceremony to insist his stepmom sits in the place of the matriarch.

And when she tries to demur, his response just floored me. He really is a person who if you treat him well, will treat you well. It's close to unique to see a functional blended family in a costume drama or any drama and I love this.

Love Lin Wan'er smile at this because it's another confirmation of the rightness of her choice. The Lins, as bloody as they may have been to outsiders, were a rare loving family in the capital, after all.

This is just...my heart!

Seriously, he is so happy and it's been such a rare thing this season!

But of course everything has a stinger. Loved his face at the imperial "gift."

[silver-grasp]

I'm so fucked up about Lin Wan'er sobbing "why couldn't you just lie to me my whole life!?" because. Damn. Ouchy :((( Like, there's no way Fan Xian would do that - if she asks, he'll answer. He loves her too much to lie like that. She doesn't want to know... but if she really didn't want to know, she could have just not asked.

[electricsoul-rpg]

LI QIN (李沁) as Lin Wan'er

in Joy of Life 庆余年 s2 (2024)

[qiqi-guai-guai]

Watching Joy of Life.... everyone is sooooo obsessed with this dude. Fan Xian just pops up from a countryside upbringing to the Big City (obvi there's history but the mental image is funnier), unmannered and defiant and extremely intelligent, and people are like 'that's my guy', the sentiment of which ranges from mortal enmity to a desperate desire for his loyalty/friendship. The way the crown prince shows up to Lin Wan'er and Fan Xian's family picnic as his first activity after being confined for three days, the Royal Princess + Crown Prince + Second Prince taking turns to praise him loudly in front of everyone at the Qing/Dongyi/Northern Qi banquet, /Fan Xian not recognising Guo Baokun, shooting him hostile glares the whole time, who he beat up to the point of bandage mummification/. I know he holds strategic importance but it's still sooooooooo embarassing for them.

[dragoncharming]

Ji Wan'er: I like you and want to be together forever! Lin Xiyao: I think you're the greatest man. Ji Chu: I like you. This is a warning.

[miss-lurker]

Joy of Life S2 E 24

Source: MZTV Exclusive Chinese Drama | YouTube

Since I'm off today, I get to stay all caught up...

Liveblog ahead...

Living in the capital turns you into a professional liar, I swear.

I like the First Prince's outfit.

I still need a character tree. Wan'er is the Elder Princesses' daughter who is the First Prince's aunt??? So, they are cousins??? Who consider each other as close as siblings???

It's been five seconds?! How'd the emperor find out so fast? He's probably pissed.

Eunuch Hong. I still don't trust you.

Fan Xian (snacking): If his majesty executes me, I don't want to be a hungry ghost." LOL

Hong is sharing intel, but I still, still don't trust him. He's just too wily [spellcheck says this is how you spell it, but I feel in my heart is should be wiley.]

I feel like the First Prince is too naive about the capital machinations to be in a meeting alone with the emperor. Well, seems like the emperor agrees. Interesting that he lets the older and youngest stay innocent.

The Chief is worried.

Dad Fan showed up, too!

Three days to get a wedding together. Okay then. Fan Xian's happy run. LOL. Even Eunuch Hong is happy running. lol. I'm suspicious though. The emperor's not mad? He called him to tell him to get married? Is he trying to make him happy only to ruin it later?

Little Bro trying to turn the wedding into a money making scheme by any means necessary. lol

I feel like this show has more factions than most. Every time a character I've seen before pops up I struggle to remember who it is. Who is this guy in black again? Also, who has all these poor people working like slaves? Oh, the Elder Princess. Ah, it's the Prime Minister's old servant! Behead?! I don't remember the Elder Princess being evil, but boy is she. She's going to kill all those people and use their bodies as fertilizer?! Holy crap.

Warrior Ye is too straightforward to deal with the Second Prince. I don't remember the event they are talking about, so I can't tell how bad what he is learning is for Fan Xian. Darn it.

From the subtitle on the video I'm guessing it might be Uncle who's killing these guys, but why is he killing inspectors?

I don't remember Lin Gong or what he did. It's been too long. Remind me show. Remind me.

Uncle!!!!! :D

Random thought: For as much as every character has long hair, they never show them combing it.

[silviakundera]

Joy of Life Episode 23 liveblogging

This is my first watch, so don't tell me secrets ;)

Damn though, still no key!

Your father captured the Crown Prince? lmaooooooo

She really just admits to his face that she set him up. I'm impressed, this is 'emperor & chen pingping theatre to justify an invasion' level of audacity

She's really just playing this off like it's nothing and so is her bestie. What a joke, sorry I do not buy in. She doesn't deeply love the ML and she's loyal to her family over him. Understandable but don't try to gaslight me, show. I saw what I saw.

We already know ML is head over heels in love with her, so obviously he accepts what he wants to hear.

The affection and loyalty from the Lin family (including his future wife) is very conditional. But that feels period appropriate and tbh it's good that not everything works out for the protagonist. He already has 2 true supporters who care about him in dad and Chen Pingping.

LMAOOOOOOOOOOOO they're back and gonna get Crown Prince released

the indignity my new friend CP has suffered for the cause

Crown Prince wants to make up with ML, like I've BEEN SAYING for like 15 episodes that he should try to do.

He's trying to turn Prime Minister from temporary ally for benefits to a true believer. idk if that'll work out for him but he's really going for it. Putting regicide on the table and everything

Someone murdered all the incompetent mercenaries outside and all they have is Fan Xian to protect them HOW THE TURNTABLES HAVE TURNED

Second Prince?!

2P: "Don't listen to those people in there. They always say the right things" ML: "I didn't hear anything. ..The floor is slippery. Take care."

idc I love their weirdo Forbidden Bromance.

Second Prince: I'M HERE TO RESCUE YOU 🌟\o/ 🌟

The brothers alone!!!!!!!!! We see so little of this

In the face of all this toxicity in the royal fam and the Lins, I'm feeling glad that ML has his family at home and Uncle Wu who care about him (I haven't forgotten that dad came around ready to support him in cancelling the marriage & thus that career path if he truly wanted to, for love)

Finally ML is putting together the pieces that CP didn't order his death!!! I'VE BEEN SAYING. (ofc CP is capable of it, but there were so many clues that he simply didn't have a motive to make that move)

Empress Dowager has a bunch of Mom's things?! Go meet her!!!!!

Uncle Wu is so mysterious and his relationship with ML is so fascinating. Tender yet cold

Wan'er creeps me out now. Don't let her go sneaking into your house. Hold hands and make heart eyes if you need to but DO NOT TRUST THIS WOMAN

Well yeah girl, you'll have to keep walking alone if you LET YOUR FAMILY MURDER YOUR BOYFRIEND. Get out of here with those lightly teary eyes, she's doing too much lol

oh now she's saying sorry but I don't buy it. She's like barely upset. I'm not feeling any deep heartbreak & stricken by remorse from her. The screenwriter and actress need to give me a lot more than this to make me believe in her love. Very underwhelming. I feel like if he'd died that day she would have gotten over it within a few weeks and moved on with her life. (Understandable. All feels in character and plausible. Just don't ask me to ship it and invest emotions in them as a couple.)

Family meal!!!!!!!!!! Step mom AND Sister coming to the palace as backup.