We learn that Mu Jingxu is actually his san ge/the Third Prince. While their Crown Prince gege died, his wife was able to give birth to a son, Yuanyuan. And we find out at the end that Master Huiman is their er ge/the Second Prince. Su Huaijing was able to gain some of his family connections instead of losing them all.

It's revealed that Rong Tang was brought from his world into this novel world by the World Consciousness of the OG novel in order to prevent ML from destroying all of Dayu in his revenge. Rong Tang is supposed to act as the Heavenly Way and that's why he had those system cheats before in his past 2 lives. However the new Heavenly Way replaced Rong Tang and wants to usurp power by having the protagonist win finally win instead. So Rong Tang forgot his original mission and was given falsified info by the new Heavenly Way.

"The moonlight and the evening breeze could all bear witness; the cicadas were their attendants, and the sky and the earth were their grand hall."

"According to his imperial mother, he is the most powerful little doctor, but it seems he is unable to save Rong Tang."

"Rong Tang lifted his gaze under the lamplight, whispering, "Ask me again."

If you ask me again, this time, I'l definitely go with you.

Only with you."

it's only happened twice so far, but why is it that when the ML gets angry at MC, his first, knee-jerk reaction is is to strangle MC?? The first time I was freaked out but understood - he didn't trust MC and was suspicious because of what happened prior. But the second time??

The 2nd time is after they get married and grow closer. They're not together but the ML dotes on MC. those two at this point are like the beginning stages of a deep love but before it gets too intense, still a bit light, but there's something.

this time, when ML tightens the MC's cloak, as if to strangle him, MC senses danger but doesn't understand what he did wrong because the reason is too small to warrant being strangled! By his own LEGAL SPOUSE! with whom he has a good relationship!

Like, I get it. The ML trusts no one, is suspicious of everyone, and is cunning. But why, when the person that you know cherishes you and treats you well that you yourself spoil and care about, your first instinct when they make you mad is to strangle them? to threaten them with the fear of death to apologize for something that doesn't justify such an extreme reaction?

that kind of subtle but dangerous violence coming from the ML is so off-putting for me, and I'm very understanding of trauma-related responses. if they weren't as close I would keep reading to see how their relationship changes for the better, but... it really gives "stabbed when you least expect it by the person you're closest to" vibes and I hate it. at this stage they don't competely trust each other, nor are they totally open with each other, but they like each other (in a non-specific way) a little too much for me to... not be disappointed in the ML for this.

But I did not mind as we were following MC who is not too immersed in all the fighting.

and brother. His relationship with Mu Jingxu is one of my favorite parts of this whole novel. I adore their little family of schemers, including their er ge.

I want to know how their nephew Yuanyuan became the Crown Prince of a different country during those ten years, and where his mother (their older brother’s wife) went?? I might’ve missed the part that explained what happened to her.

And the sense of urgency comes from the MC himself. He's always referring to his past do-overs and referring to the novel's plot that he got transmigrated to. He's also always worrying about the villain ML but it comes off as smoke and mirrors therefore, there's really no reason to worry. But that feeling is still projected to the reader without a good outlet.

Rong Tang remained silent, recalling those two lifetimes that unspooled like old film reels. Finally, he whispered, "You are you."

You are salvation itself.

You are the one I gravitate toward even when I'm helpless, even when defiance feels impossible.

You are the quiet refuge beyond high-pressure missions and intricate schemes.

You are the crossroads where paths repeatedly converge and part-a tree under which there's always a pot of sake, shared beneath moonlight or the glow of dusk.

Rong Tang concluded softly, "You are irreplaceable."