In episode 29, everyone at court heads to the Hanging Temple for the Chrysanthemum viewing event. Fan Xian is somehow tasked with protecting the Emperor. Things go awry at the last minute and Fan Xian must decide who to save. Listen to our latest podcast episode on the history and significance of Chrysanthemums in Chinese history!
Feb 10
24 min
Jan/Feb 2026 currently airing Chinese dramas include modern romance Love Between Lines with Chen Xing Xu and heavy historical drama Swords into Plowshares with Bai Yu. Bai Lu and Wang Xing Yue are currently starring in Unveil: Jadewind as a Tang dynasty detective drama. There are several other shows on offer but most have not made major splashes.
Feb 7
26 min
News travels fast to the Capital about these new bonds that Fan Xian is trying to sell. The Emperor makes no comment but instead orders the Chrysanthemum viewing festival be moved up to whenever Fan Xian is available. This sends a huge signal to others in the Capital and they decide whether or not to buy Fan Xian's bonds. Listen to our latest podcast episode on episode 28 of Season 2 of Joy of Life!
Feb 3
20 min
There were a few stories that dominated the headlines these week. Two female celebrities were exposed to have engaged in activities with questionable legality. Zhang Yu Qi is accused of having one of her children born via surrogacy which is illegal in China. Jin Chen might have been involved in a hit and run. Listen to our latest podcast episode on the scoop!
Jan 30
20 min
Fan Xian takes Wan'Er to Cang Mountain for a honeymoon but it turns into an investor pitch as he tries to sell Qing kingdom bonds in order to plug the 20mm taels of silver debt from the Imperial Treasury.
Jan 26
28 min
The annual voting period for the upcoming Weibo night is underway. We explain how exactly do fans stay engaged and how that reflects fandom popularity
Jan 23
16 min
After the wedding, Fan Xian and Wang Qi Nian heads to the Hall of Joy, the business created by his mother Ye Qing Mei.
Jan 20
21 min
Well known Chinese 35yo actor Tan Jian Ci was exposed to have dated a 20y/o actress quite recently. Though he now says he's single, this is his second relationship reveal in a month. 44 yo Singaporean singer JJ Lin (Lin Jun Jie) publicly announced that he is dating 23y/o Qi Qi on social media in December. Meanwhile, Zhou Qi and Xiang Han Zhi have broken up after the news of their relationship was revealed but also when Zhou Qi was implicated with having something with influencer Si Xiao Di.
Jan 16
13 min
At long last, the Emperor has agreed for Fan Xian to be married! The two only have 3 days to prepare for the event. Lin Wan Er's mother decides to return to the capital to see her daughter once more but also give her future son-in-law a "present". Listen to our latest episode on our thoughts on the wedding and the political currents pushing the events along.
Jan 12
25 min
Jan 2026 airing Chinese dramas include: Shine on Me 骄阳似我 ft Song Wei Long and Zhao Jin Mai , The Punishment 罚罪2 ft Huang Jing Yu and Wang Chuan Jun, The Unclouded Soul 逍遥 ft Tan Song Yun and Hou Ming Hao, Glory 玉茗茶骨 ft Hou Ming Hao and Gu Li Na Zha and many others!
Jan 9
24 min
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