I haven't read the original novel, I've only watched the TV series, and I just finished watching the eighth episode.
After watching the eighth episode of Du Nian Hua, I was inspired. The Yang family is really contradictory. They are loved by the soldiers, dress frugally and praised by the people, but they are really smuggling weapons, collaborating with the enemy and treason. After being caught, they didn't even say a word of defense.
(Although it may be a matter of plot and service) However, it is so contradictory that I have to write a paragraph
Purpose: Be wary of sugar-coated bullets