Plot Synopsis
"Faithful" is an adaptation of Li Bojian's novel "Nine Righteous Men/九义人" and tells the story of a young girl named Lin Ru Lan who, despite the opposition of her dear friend Meng Wan, risks her reputation by accusing the owner of the Embroidery Tower, Wu Lian, and ultimately takes her own life toprove her innocence. Meng Wan, fueled by determination andperseverance, spends seven years secretlypreparing for revenge, gathering a groupof individuals, including Liu Xin, who are intricately connected to the case of Lin Ru Lan, forming a team known as the "Faithful" with the goal of overturning the verdict.
Despite Lin Ru Lan's brave decision to defend her honor and Meng Wan's unwavering support, their efforts to seek justice are met with resistance and isolation. In the end, Lin Ru Lan tragically ends her own life. However, Meng Wan, undeterred,patiently bides his time for seven years, accumulating evidence and allies linked to the Lin Ru Lan case, including Liu Xin. Together, they form the "Nine Righteous Men" and meticulouslyplan their revenge, seeking to overtuthe injustice. Throughout thisprocess, the struggles and battles of the young girl, who had been buried in the sands of time, gradually come to light.
Episodes Recap
- 1-4
- 5-8
- 9-12
- 13-16
- 17-20
- 21-24
- 25-
Episode 1 : Lin Ru Lan's love affair ended at the Yanyu Tower.
Episode 2 : Xu Niang Zi, upon entering the Duke's residence, Meng Wan begins her revenge plan.
Episode 3 : Ru Lan plans to sue her mentor, Wu Lian.
Episode 4 : Liu, the cripple, disguised himself to perform a play as the noble consort.
Episode 5 : Lin Ru Lan angrily beats the drum of injustice.
Episode 6 : Liu San Niang seduced the wealthy Mr.Gui
Episode 7 : Wu Niang Zi took in a concubine for her husband.
Episode 8 : Shen Dutou boarded the ship and entered the chaotic situation.
Episode 9 : Lin Ru Lan's past scandals have caused her to be tainted with a bad reputation.
Episode 10 : Feng Da skillfully sues Wu Lian.
Episode 11 : Zhao Yu Cheng, as Lin Ru Lan's lawyer, appeared in court and set a trap.
Episode 12 : Shopkeeper Huang happily presents his golden embroidery
Episode 13 : Lin Ru Lan is getting married and embroidering a red dress for herself.
Episode 14 : Li Xiucai Stole the Plum Blossom Painting at Night
Episode 15 : Qiqiao Festival, Sighing Under the Moon
Episode 16 : Night Intrusion at Qing Shui An: Tracing Fate and Circumstances
Episode 17 : Lin Ru Lan's Marriage at Yanyu Xiu Lou
Episode 18 : Liu San Niang was surrounded, and the Seven Righteous Ones cut their robes and fled in different directions.
Episode 19 : Wu Lian embroiders a new fallen plum blossom painting
Episode 20 : Everyone came to rescue Liu San Niang.
Episode 21 : In adversity, there is a chance for survival, but it's another adversity.
Episode 22 : The worldly attachments were resolved as one descended the mountain.
Episode 23 : Retrial of the Rulan Case in Huaizhou Prefecture.
Episode 24 : The righteous people held up their lamps and shattered Chang'an.
Cast & Role
Li Chun Feng
(Bai Shu)
Meng Wan
(Wu Qian)
Liu Xin
(Li Jia Hang)
Wu Lian
(Qiao Zhen Yu)
Personally, I feel that The wife of the Duke of Ningguo is defending Wu Lian because of the exquisite embroidery, Yanyu Embroidered Works. In the eyes of The wife of the Duke of Ningguo, Yanyu Embroidered Works is incredibly precious and represents an unparalleled level of craftsmanship. She doesn't want this art form to be tarnished. In her view, someone capable of creating such embroidery, like Wu Lian, must also be pure and untainted. That's why she goes to great lengths to protect Wu Lian.
Everyone knows that behind the Yanyu Embroidered Building is The wife of the Duke of Ningguo. That's why she would rather see Wu Lian die innocently than let Wu Lian face the blame and shift the attention to herself by committing a real crime.
Wu Lian's upbringing and life experiences shaped such a psychologically twisted demon. In fact, this also serves as a reminder that everyone should possess a kind heart in order to create a compassionate environment and prevent the emergence of demons like Wu Lian who harm others, thus preventing more people from becoming victims!
I truly believe that this drama holds great significance, just like the issue of teachers sexually abusing students nowadays. They take advantage of your innocence and deceive you, turning the problem of criminal behavior into a question of the victim. Does the victim have to be perfect? We shouldn't interpret ancient times with modern thinking, but the reason this drama is being aired is to encourage everyone to critically analyze the perpetrators with a modern mindset. It aims to show that in modern times, if we encounter such situations, we should be as courageous as Lin Ru Lan and the character portrayed by Wu Qian.
Mr. Wu's methods of deceiving Ru Lan are indeed clever. He approaches her under the guise of teaching his craft, initially pretending to casually put his arm around her shoulders and then quickly withdrawing, leaving Ru Lan feeling unsettled but also questioning her own sensitivity. He continues to get closer, admiring flowers, once again embracing her, and using the sound of music to generate conversation. He introduces the agreement to play a musical instrument within this atmosphere, making it difficult for a woman to not be moved. And Ru Lan falls into this trap. If it were a genuine romantic relationship, it would naturally stir emotions. However, all of this is not driven by genuine feelings. It is merely a tactic employed by Mr. Wu to deceive women, whom he sees as nothing more than objects to be admired, with no regard for any emotional connection. Qiao portrays the tenderness when Mr. Wu deceives women and the subsequent cold-heartedness after being exposed with great authenticity.
Mr. Wu's deception and coercion of girls vary for each individual. Some he deceives and keeps them trapped in the fantasy of love, while for those who have already seen the truth, he exploits the larger environment as their weakness to coerce them.
This is also the reason why he has been able to commit crimes for many years without being discovered.
In episode 13, I just felt that Meng Wan had a really tough time and had been living for others all along.
Rulan is very brave but lacks intelligence. She acts impulsively, and I don't quite understand why she wanted to commit suicide. If she could leave with Meng Wan, why couldn't she leave on her own or move the entire family? Previously, when the engagement was called off, didn't the whole family move as well?
After watching four episodes, I made a decision. I will watch the even-numbered episodes first, and then the odd-numbered ones. This suits my taste better.
I want to see the villains get taken down first so that I can watch the earlier episodes with a calmer mindset.
Otherwise, I feel like I'll get infuriated.
What it wants to discuss is the exploitation of power, age, and even the difference in perspectives by those in higher positions. They tempt the other person, creating a false illusion of mutual admiration, and then engage in a sexual relationship.
When the person in a disadvantaged position realizes this, are they considered a victim? It wants to discuss the exploitation of power, age, and even the difference in perspectives by those in higher positions.
They tempt the other person, creating a false illusion of mutual admiration, and then engage in a sexual relationship. When the person in a disadvantaged position realizes this, are they considered a victim?
The wife of the Duke of Ningguo, as Wu Lian's protector, can truly be said to be devoted and responsible!
There is a certain bond between the two. Many people say that women are more nostalgic than men, and that is exactly the case with the wife of the Duke of Ningguo.
When she first arrived in Huaizhou Prefecture, she wasn't familiar with the surroundings, but Wu Lian came into her life and gave her hope of returning to the capital city.
Throughout these years, Wu Lian has actually become a kind of expectation for the wife of the Duke of Ningguo.
As long as Wu Lian continues to embroider, remains safe, and continues to receive the Empress Dowager's favor, there will come a day when she will return to the capital city and reach the pinnacle of power.
Only by breaking the wife of the Duke of Ningguo's illusion, only by breaking everything, can we better punish Wu Lian.
Because of Wu Qian's arrival, but this Ru Lan character is really pitiful. She lacks intelligence and calmness, and it seems like she's not seeking justice but simply seeking self-destruction.
She even drags the people who care for her into suffering.
There are too many injustices in this world, and good people often have to bear a lot and sacrifice a lot out of conscience and responsibility in order to seek justice for others.
However, energy is limited, and it's better to invest it in more deserving individuals.
Although Ru Lan is unjustly treated, she is not worth it.
It's really terrifying. Most of the comments in the bullet screen either blame the female lead or blame the second female lead. They are both victims, but they made different choices based on their different personalities. I think it's understandable that the female lead doesn't speak up, as it aligns with her character, and it's also understandable that the second female lead doesn't understand the female lead's silence, as it aligns with her character.
For those who blame the second female lead for blaming the female lead, imagine if your friend knew someone around you was a bad person but didn't tell you, and then you got harmed. Wouldn't you be angry?
Moreover, the second female lead, upon finding out, continuously expressed her hatred towards the villain.
She scolded him and reported him to the authorities. How is it that, in some people's mouths, it becomes solely blaming the female lead?
In any case, we don't have the right to blame these victims for their choices. We're living in modern times after all.
This kind of storyline still involves a lot of blaming women.
In ancient times, there was a focus on preserving the reputation of virtuous women. If a man dared to have an illicit relationship with a woman and was accused of adultery by the woman, the man would be held responsible and face consequences.
In traditional society, it was common knowledge to believe women, and there was no opportunity for men to defend themselves. There's an old saying that goes, "Adultery is revealed by the lady's mouth.
Women-oriented TV dramas really indulge in fantasies, constantly portraying men as "evil" and promoting the idea of "male oppression" to cater to female viewers.
It can be quite disgusting.
The magistrate didn't dare to offend the Duke of Ningguo's mansion. The Lady of the Duke's mansion didn't expect Wu Lian to be so shameless. Secondly, she wanted to maintain a connection with Wu Lian through the Yanyu Embroidery and the palace.
Wu Lian bribed many people.
Of course, they can accuse the adulterers, but what happens after that? The men might face punishment, but what about the women? They will not only remain unmarried but also become burdens to their families.
They are left with two options: either to die or to become nuns, all to ensure that they don't bring shame upon other women in their family. I think you're being too naive about the situation.
Brother, in ancient times, there was a system of having multiple wives and concubines. You must be aware of that, right? It doesn't seem like those women were willing participants.
Wu Lian always gave them the impression that he liked them, deceived them, and then forced them onto the bed.
Even if some of them were unwilling, would he dare to shout out loudly and let everyone know?
They were all around 15 years old, and some were even young ladies from respectable families who were sent in.
Nowadays, many girls lack sexual education knowledge, let alone in ancient times. In a male-dominated society, how many women had access to knowledge?
Don't say that this drama lacks positive energy.
It's just that you only see the power struggles. Lin Ru Lan is a victim. Do you have the courage and bravery that she possesses? If you were Lin Ru Lan, would you be like the other embroidery girls, either enduring in silence or letting the matter go, risking being pushed to death?
It took seven years for the female lead and a few other righteous individuals to bring justice to Wu Lian, the villain. Have you seen the power of unity and perseverance during these years?
Wu Lian's crimes include seducing young girls, assaulting Liu Xin, killing his own maidservant, and engaging in smuggling.
Each and every one of these incidents. I don't expect you to sympathize with the victims, but you're also blaming them. Do you have even a shred of sympathy and compassion? You're the kind of person who, when someone is injured, would pour salt onto their wounds.
I have to say, this drama is pretty good. It portrays the hidden rules of the workplace, but Wu Lian is indeed too handsome. Just compare him to those old, ugly, and greasy men in real life who solely rely on their power to exert pressure.
Besides his good looks, Wu Lian can easily captivate young girls.
On the other hand, if we look at the present, when a woman hits a man, the man is even more powerless to resist compared to what's depicted in the drama.
If we say that in the drama, Wu Lian can do whatever he wants because he has a powerful backing, then in today's society with its emphasis on women's rights, women have an even more powerful backing to oppress men without restraint.
Which is more significant?
History is just a cycle repeating itself!
Let's not be too sympathetic towards the character Lin Ru Lan as a third party and overly empathize with the villain. Ancient people had the practice of taking concubines, so let's not criticize them with modern-day thinking.
From the perspective of modern people who enjoy the protection of monogamy and have access to good education resources, it is only natural to view any woman outside of the official wife as a third party. Do you think that placing yourself in ancient times would automatically make you the legitimate wife and imagine that you could control the husband's other women and illegitimate children?
It's ridiculous to criticize the pitiful women under the patriarchal feudal system from a modern standpoint and think that there is no difference between women outside of marriage and third parties.
With a single accusation of being a third party, the Four Great Beauties, Empress Wu Zetian, Empress Xiaozhuang, Consort Wang Zhaojun, Consort Yang Yuhuan, Consort Zhao Feiyan, Consort Wang Zhi, and Consort Xiang, all met tragic ends!
Among the three thousand beauties, only Empress Yuan (not the Empress Dowager) was spared. If we look at the concubines, mistresses, servant girls, singing girls, and courtesans, according to big data statistics, 90% of women were victims.
Unless you can produce a genealogy that proves a thousand years of legitimate lineage, everyone's ancestors were involved. In the old society, men held the knife while women were treated as fish meat. Can we compare this with the progress of modern society, where men and women are equal and practice monogamy without concubines, and yet some women willingly choose to be mistresses or second wives?
Instead of blaming the knife, we're now splashing the fish meat. After enduring for thousands of years, fish meat has finally managed to turn the tide and reach the shore. But the first blow is directed at the predecessors...
Wu Lian became the way he was because of his dysfunctional family background and the influence of Lady Zhang and Madam Zhang, which twisted his psyche. He was so disturbed and perverted, yet when I saw him being imprisoned, I felt a great deal of pity for him.
I couldn't help shedding tears. In the end, his fate was tragic. If his family had given him more love, like in Episode 25, he might have been able to live the rest of his life peacefully.
The members of the Jiu Yi Bureau have their regrets as well.
Liu, the head catcher, didn't dare to confess his feelings to the beautiful lady. Meng Wan's family background was far from happy. Tian Xiao Ling and Li Chun Feng were afraid to love each other openly. Feng Da remained as the leader of the gang.
San Niang and the servant had too many concerns preventing them from being together. Lin Ru Lan died with resentment. The ending of Episode 25 was really satisfying for me. I really liked it. Everyone found their place of belonging, and everyone was treated with kindness.
Lin Ru Lan also found true love. It should be a very perfect ending, don't you think?
A person should have a broad mind and not hold grudges, but there are some hatreds that penetrate deep into one's bones and cause great pain. Faced with such oppression and cruelty to one's dignity, should one choose to remain silent and forget?
In ancient times, a girl's chastity was a significant matter. Even in modern society, although it has become more open, there are still high standards for maintaining one's chastity. Girls who strive to preserve their purity still consider it a major aspect of their lives and treat it with caution.
In ancient times, once a woman lost her chastity, death could be the price she paid. I strongly support Lin Ru Lan's idea in the drama that such a heartless person should not be allowed to continue harming others and must face consequences.
However, Lin Ru Lan's bravery and determination alone were not enough. She misplaced her trust in someone and underestimated the complex relationships behind this matter, which ultimately affected her family and friends.
As for her sister, Meng Wan, her initial intention may not have been solely focused on punishing the wrongdoer. She was inclined to resolve conflicts and maintain peace. Due to the dramatic changes within her family, she had to take a desperate gamble by choosing to learn embroidery at the brothel, hoping to avoid trouble and patiently wait for the opportunity to escape her predicament.
She was waiting for the chance to become skilled and leave her suffering behind. However, due to her deep sense of guilt for her good friend and the circumstances she carried on her shoulders, she had to strategize and embark on an irreversible path of revenge.
It is often said that those with a kind heart inevitably suffer torment. This is because their innate goodness makes them feel remorseful when they act in self-interest or deviate from their principles, as they deeply care about not hurting others.
It breaks my heart to see Ru Lan giving her testimony at the yamen. I feel like crying. I don't have the right to "encourage" Ru Lan and others to bravely come forward and speak the truth because I know that even in 2023, sharing such experiences still entails facing immense public scrutiny and psychological trauma.
I simply hope that the audience can be kind with their words and show them some goodwill. I also hope that one day, individuals who have faced similar experiences won't have to worry about the judgment they might receive after speaking the truth. They shouldn't be afraid to voice their thoughts due to the potential criticism and finger-pointing they may encounter.
There are always dedicated people.
Liu, the head constable, is an ordinary person, but he has his exceptional qualities. Although he may appear to be greedy and lustful on the surface, he has a fondness for beautiful women and accepted the ill-gotten money from the embroidery house owner, Wu Lian.
However, after obtaining Lin Ru Lan's hairpin, he chose to submit the written evidence without hesitation. He didn't turn a blind eye to the matter.
Having worked as a constable for many years, he is well aware of the tricks of the trade and understands the complex relationships involved. He knows that it's not something that a single constable or yamen can resolve.
But he won't stay silent and endure it. When he received the report of the embroiderer's suicide attempt, he also investigated the matter in the building and subtly hinted at Wu Lian through his words, implying that he should be more cautious and not be so arrogant, nor should he take everyone for fools.
His words not only criticized Wu Lian but also indirectly mocked the wealthy boss with a certain status by joking about his kidney problems.
While protecting the beautiful women, he punishes the opportunistic small-time criminals and assists Lin Ru Lan in delivering the written evidence. His delicate master-servant relationship with the magistrate, his ability to maintain a network of trusted allies even after spending seven years in prison, all showcase Liu's skills as a head constable.
Therefore, he undoubtedly plays a crucial role in the subsequent development of the story. In this world, where darkness exists wherever there are people, and where there is a Jianghu, it doesn't mean that disputes cannot be resolved. Not everyone who achieves success in the overall situation is necessarily good, and their methods may not always be righteous. However, punishing great evil truly brings joy to the people.
Wu Lian is undoubtedly shameless and despicable. But are those embroidery women truly innocent victims?
Can an adult be easily deceived without any personal issues?
They were well aware that Wu Lian was a married man, yet they allowed themselves to be easily deceived and compromised their virtue. In their subconscious, they accepted it as a transaction of mutual consent. The subsequent resentment stems from the belief that they had given but did not receive what they desired, leading to lingering psychological distress.
Actions may not always have immediate consequences, but consequences are always preceded by actions. Those who are pitiable often bear some blame!
Having watched three episodes, I feel that most characters in this drama lack positive qualities and instead exhibit negative ones. They focus on manipulating others, which is not suitable for children.
Please note that these are purely my personal opinions. Please don't take offense!