Mofa Gongzhu de Xiao Fannao [Season 1 Episode 16]

The Fated Magical Princess: Who Made Me a Princess – Episode 16 Review

If you’ve been keeping up with Mofa Gongzhu de Xiao Fannao (or The Fated Magical Princess: Who Made Me a Princess for those who prefer the longer title), you know this Chinese donghua adaptation of the beloved Korean webtoon has been a wild ride of changes, cute moments, and fan debates. Episode 16 dropped recently, and let’s just say it’s got everyone talking—whether they’re gushing over Athanasia’s latest win or side-eyeing the show’s bold storytelling choices.

First off, let’s recap the basics for anyone who’s just tuning in. The series follows Athanasia de Alger Obelia, a princess who wakes up with memories of her past life (or does she? More on that later) and realizes she’s doomed to die at her father’s hands. Armed with knowledge of the future, she’s determined to rewrite her fate. The donghua, produced by a Chinese studio with both Chinese and Japanese dubs, has been a mix of familiar beats from the webtoon and fresh twists that have source material fans scratching their heads.

Episode 16 picks up with Athanasia continuing her mission to win over her icy father, Emperor Claude. The animation here is chef’s kiss—vibrant, fluid, and true to the webtoon’s aesthetic. Fans on MyAnimeList can’t stop raving about the art style, with one commenter noting, “The animation is very pretty so ima ride this one out.” And honestly, who can blame them? The way the characters’ expressions shift from playful to tense is spot-on, especially during the father-daughter scenes.

But let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the plot changes. If you’re a die-hard webtoon fan, you might have noticed that the donghua has strayed from the original story. Instead of Athanasia being reincarnated from a modern reader (the classic isekai trope), the show gives her “future vision” through a magical book. Some fans are loving this tweak—“I appreciate the changes to make it more age-friendly,” one user wrote—while others are less impressed. “Why did they change the story so much? This isn’t WMMAP (Who Made Me a Princess) anymore,” another lamented. It’s a divisive move, but it’s clear the creators are trying to carve their own path.

Athanasia’s character development in Episode 16 is a highlight. She’s still the clever, quick-witted princess we know, but there’s a new layer of vulnerability as she navigates Claude’s unpredictable moods. The scene where she tries to bond with him over tea is equal parts heartwarming and cringe-worthy—you can’t help but root for her even when Claude’s being his usual grumpy self. “Princess Athanasia is a clever girl,” a fan commented, and that’s an understatement. Her ability to think on her feet (like saving her maid from a thief earlier in the series) is what makes her such a relatable protagonist.

The voice acting here deserves a shoutout too. Whether you prefer the Chinese or Japanese dub, both casts bring their A-game. The Japanese dub, in particular, has won over many viewers with its emotive performances. “I watched the Japanese dub version, the animation is good and the voice is adorable,” one fan shared. The Chinese OP by TOMOKO is also a bop—catchier than the Japanese one, according to some.

Now, let’s address the fan reactions. MyAnimeList is buzzing with mixed reviews. Some are all in: “Very good beginning episode! Cute makes justice to it,” while others are on the fence: “It’s a cute start but a bit TOO shoujo so far for me.” The biggest point of contention? The pacing. “It seems fast… but slow at the same time?” a user noted, which sums up the show’s rhythm perfectly. Some episodes zip through key moments, while others linger on Athanasia’s daily antics.

But here’s the thing: The Fated Magical Princess isn’t trying to be a carbon copy of the webtoon. It’s its own beast, and that’s okay. The changes—like the future vision instead of isekai—might alienate some fans, but they also breathe new life into the story. “They’re adding scenes from the novel and OG scenes which I appreciate because it makes the pace much better,” a commenter pointed out. It’s a bold choice, but it’s working for many viewers who are here for the fresh take.

Episode 16 also teases future conflicts, like the introduction of key characters (we won’t spoil who, but let’s just say drama’s on the horizon). The tension between Athanasia and Claude is palpable, and you can feel the weight of her mission to change her fate. “I’m wondering if the king is trying to protect her from something. Otherwise his disdain is perplexing,” a fan mused. That’s the beauty of this series—it keeps you guessing, even if you think you know the ending.

The dub debate is still going strong, too. The Chinese dub has better lip sync, according to some, while the Japanese dub is more emotive. “It’s hard to choose between Japanese and Chinese audio,” one user admitted. But regardless of which version you pick, the voice actors do a fantastic job of bringing the characters to life. Athanasia’s voice, in particular, is adorable—playful when she’s scheming, soft when she’s scared.

If there’s one complaint that’s consistent across the board, it’s the lack of English subtitles. “Is this going to be on Crunchyroll?” a fan asked, and the answer is yes… but right now, only Chinese and Japanese subs are available. “No English subtitles yet only over subs,” another user confirmed. It’s a bummer for international fans, but hey, where there’s a will, there’s a way (looking at you, fan subbers).

Overall, Episode 16 of The Fated Magical Princess is a solid addition to the series. It’s got heart, humor, and enough drama to keep you hooked. Whether you’re a die-hard webtoon fan or a newbie just along for the ride, there’s something here for everyone. The changes might be jarring, but they’re part of what makes this adaptation unique. As one fan put it, “I can’t complain since it was very long time and I already forgot the plot so it felt refreshing to watch this.”

So, what’s next? With the series ongoing, we can expect more twists, more father-daughter bonding (or lack thereof), and more fan debates. Will Athanasia finally win Claude over? Will the donghua stay true to the novel or go off the rails? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure—The Fated Magical Princess isn’t going anywhere, and neither are the fans who love (or love to hate) it.

If you haven’t checked out Episode 16 yet, do yourself a favor and give it a watch. Just be prepared to have opinions. Lots of them. And hey, if you’re still on the fence, remember: in the world of anime (and donghua), sometimes the best stories are the ones that dare to be different.

Final Verdict: 8/10. Cute, chaotic, and full of charm. A must-watch for anyone who loves a good underdog story—even if it’s not exactly what you expected.

P.S. If you’re team Chinese dub or team Japanese dub, sound off in the comments. Let’s settle this once and for all. 😉