Starting off I have to say that Yang mi is one of my most favorited actresses, I'm a huge fan of hers and Xu Kai, so obviously I (along with thousand of others) was extremely excited about this drama and had been waiting, not so patiently, for it for a really long time.

And when it finally aired, let me tell you that i wasn't just happy.. I was THRILLED!! I was so excited that I bought a WeTv VIP pass again. I was very enthusiastic to watch the aired episodes every single week and couldn't wait for the next week's episodes to be released.

The story has some green flags, such being the communication the leads showed in the early episodes and how they would help and support each other, or how the fl was an outspoken, confident, intelligent and independent woman, which I absolutely ADORED (we really need more fls with these qualities).

Despite all that I have to admit that I STRONGLY disliked some things in the drama, the number of the red flags was excruciatingly high for a story that is supposed to be on the progressive side. Some red flags were walking, breathing characters. For instance the fl's brother. Nothing more needs to be told, his actions are enough explanation as to why he is a walking red flag. Even if you try, you can't find a single minute of this character's screentime where he was not toxic. Let's just say that his relationship with his wife was SUPER toxic, they should've simply divorced long ago. Bantering is normal in every relationship but what they had and what they were doing can't be described as normal not even in a million years.
Also fl's boss Tang Yi Hui (played by Liu Lin) was so manipulating. At first she really comes off as stern but sweet, but if you keep watching you'll come to see her real self. Though she did have some affection for the fl (which was based on the gains she got off of Qin Shi) she was constantly trying to train her using a carrot and a stick, so that Qin Shi would be completely obedient and never defy her. Compared to the fl's brother I have to admit that at the very least Tang Yi Hui's character is somewhat interesting (you keep guessing what her goal is) and intelligent. Also it is undeniable that she is a force that makes the fl grow. The fl's brother on the other hand, he simply is a horrible, unintelligent character who adds nothing to the story.

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Great drama amazing chemistry

It's honestly one of the best dramas I've watched this year, unfortunately towards the end it got a little draggy, though it could've been the fact that a lot of footage was supposedlycut off ( I rwad somewhere that10 episodes were cut off).

I cannot put to words how much I loved the main leads. Their chemistry is simply magnificent. I really wish to see them in more projects starring together in the future. Everything felt really natural between them. Plus I feel like they complimented each other's acting. There wasn't any over the top acting (like extreme unrealistic and overly animated reactions from them). Both of their portrayals were REALLY natural and I love how they had their performances perfected down to their micro expressions (which was absolutely needed for their roles as they both acted as very intelligent and multidimensional characters).

I absolutely adore how smart and strong the female lead is, we really need more FLs like her. Not only can she fight but she's also really intelligent and can match the main lead perfectly, instead of leaching off of him and waiting for him to save her every time. Some dramas say that the fl is "smart" but then she goes ahead and does the most stupid thing. This does not happen here, she's legitimately intelligent, strategic, powerful, knows her shortcomings and doesn't fear to be cunning when she needs to win (which obviously suits her character as she is a woman general in the ancient times). All that without losing her funny and humane side. Also she does not come off overly cold or arrogant. She seems just the right amount of imposing. Overall kudos to Jing Tian for her excellent portrayal.

Just like Jing Tian, Xu Kai did AMAZING in his role. To be completely honest I felt like he improved even more in his acting and seemed like the perfect King Qin. I love how intelligent and powerful, but at the same time playful, honest and loyal his character was. Moreover his character was also quite shrew at times and knew when to retreat and when to advance, even if he put emotion above logic at times.
I also really liked the cast's costumes. Obviously both main leads looked absolutely STUNNING, gosh I really wish to see them in drama together again soon.

Although the main leads had their ups and downs, they never stopped loving each other. I find their story really beautiful. Maybe the story didn't need that many episodes and could have ended earlier, as it gets a bit draggy towards the end, but tbh watching both Xu Kai and Jing Tian on screen, as a fan of both is a delight. All in all it still is a great watch because of the chemistry of the main leads, their acting and the quality of the production, which seemed good (not necessarily excellent but good).

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Nostalgic even before the end!

It's been a long time since I've watched something so unimaginably good, that I honestly felt bad, sad and nostalgic about it ending, before that even took place!

Everything about this, from the story, the acting, the production, even the songs, are absolutely magnificent. As part of the audience, we can clearly see how meticulously crafted this drama is.

From the first episode you are thrown into a magical world, which is still clearly governed by its own nature's law. The whole universe is so intelligently structured, especially for a fantasy series, that is makes one awestruck. Nothing is just forced down our throats with the inexplicable reason of《Just because 》 or 《because that's what the plot dictates》like it happens in numerous dramas. Everything here has a meaning, a starting point and an end. Many factors can influence one single decision/ situation, just like in real life. So in a way, and despite this being a Xianxia drama, it's still somewhat realistic.

Moreover, the acting of the entirety of the cast is simply amazing! From the main and supporting actors to even the guest stars, everyone has done an excellent job at bringing their character to life! There are multiple scenes where the supporting actors were a huge factor of whether the scene would be successful or just awful. Even a slight mistake there and the whole narrative would've crumbled. But not only did they pull it off, they were extremely good at it as well! Needless to say that if I wasn't a fan before, I definitely am now, to almost everyone in the cast after this.

It's worth to be mentioned how both the FL and the ML are very well rounded characters. I love how Xingzhi actually has a personality. He's not just being cold, stoic and reticent nor is he simply doing whatever he wants without a care about his partner's opinion, like commonly seen in other MLs, especially in fantasy dramas. Both main leads are exceptionally written characters. Plus the portrayals are top notch! Both of them, clearly have their own unique personalities. I honestly adore how genuinely strong the fl is and how playful yet mature the ml is. Also don't you love how they just communicate? That's real talanted writing right there, without a need for petty misunderstandings as plot device.

I love how throughout the episodes we can see each character's personal growth. And this is not just about the main leads, but all of the characters! Thankfully this is a 39 episode -drama, because to be completely honest, I don't believe this could have been possible, had this been shorter. When a story is that enjoyable and well produced it's really a blessing when it's a long length series, because you simply don't want it to end.

The CGI, the costumes, the set, the makeup, everything was so so so beautiful, that I'm having difficulty putting it to words. It's definitely one of the most beautiful dramas I've ever come across.

Congratulations to all of the cast, director, producer, writers, makeup artists and literary everyone who took part into making this masterpiece take form! This is easily one of THE BEST productions I've ever watched, big thanks for making it happen! Though I'm usually not one to re-watch what I have before, and especially not too close to the 1st view, I'm definitely coming back to this and something tells me it's going to be very soon!

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I absolutely ADORE the plot of having a strong and Intelligent FL, with a backbone, strongly opinionated AND WHO IS ACTUALLY A MINISTER (OMG I LOVE IT!). I need more dramas with FLs like this.

On another note I definitely loved the 1st half way more than the 2nd half (skipped a lot of episodes, went straight to the end but I might go back and watch them later). The 2nd half felt kind of draggy.

I kind of wish the ml had told the 1st Prince that something was going on between him and the fl earlier so that the poor prince could have tried not to get the feels for the fl or something. Ngl I felt bad for him.
Also I would prefer if the love triangle didn't exist at all. The 1st prince will have to work very closely with the fl (aka the person he loves, who btw married his uncle!) for basically the rest of his reign, as the fl is super talented. It sounds like a torture for him, which is simply sad. He obviously values her way too much to take away her position plus that would make him a horrible human being (well... character but anyways ?)

The chemistry between the leads was good I would've loved to see a bit more of it though. I don't know more sparks or something.

I also disliked the EXTREMELY blurry filter that was used way too often for my comfort. I don't mind a slightly blurry filter or even a stronger one used once in a while, but this was way too blurry and was used way too often.

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Butterflies in my stomach; the whole world turns pink

I think this drama has a special place in my heart. Even though I usually prefer historical dramas I liked the plot and was super excited to watch Lusi in this role; so I had been waiting for this for about a year. I didn't even know that I could love this type of slow burn and slice of life drama so much... But! OMG!!!
This was a masterpiece!!!
IDK if it was the chemistry of the actors, the script; the directing or all of the above but this drama is definitely one of my most favourite ones!! I will definitely be re-watching this!!! I don't think that I can move on from Sang Zhi and Duan Jiaxu. They are one of the sweetest couples ever! I also ADORED Sang Yan and his relationship with his sister and his friend (DJ)! Oh how I wished to see more of them. I'm not gonna lie this is one of the (very few) dramas that I wouldn't mind having 100+ episodes. It could literally be the cast in character doing everyday stuff like a reality show and I wouldn't miss an episode! Unfortunately, the story had to come to wrap up. And even though Sang Zhi's and Duan Jiaxu's story may have come to an end I'd really love to see the entire cast together in another drama as their chemistry was simply spectacular!



P.S. I already was a fan of Lusi and Zeng Li, but through this drama I became a fan of Victor Ma and Chen Zhe Yuan as well!
Also the OSTs are AMAZING! I put all of them in my favourites on Spotify!

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Nothing is perfect, but if anything was then it would probably be this drama!

If I could rate this 10000+ out of 10 I would! It is simply MAGNIFICENT! I I am at awe at how perfect everything is in this drama. I don't
even know where to start.

From the AMAZING acting and directing to the ABSOLUTELY FLAWLESS and genius senario... All I can say is that this drama dethroned some (if not all) of my most favourite series/kdramas/cdramas etc. The plot is solid and its development is done beautifully. The dynamic of the leads' relationship is great, both the fl and the ml are powerful (love the equality) not to mention that their chemistry is OUT OF THIS WORLD!! All of the cast has exceptional acting skills (even those who appear only for a few moments) . I usually do not re-watch stuf... but this drama... I 100% know I'm going to watch it again in week.

All the characters are super interesting they're not two dimensional. It's like you're watching someone else's life story unraveling right in front of you.. all I can say is that this story is very well thought of, very smart and that I'm dying to watch Zhao Lusi and yang yang pair together again in the future in another great story!

Also (spoiler alert)
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There are no major miscommunications between the leads used as plot devises, nor are there any extremely jealous, delusional 2nd leads wanting to destroy one of the main leads, just because they love the other. Still the drama showcases that the leads are very desirable and attractive without all that drama. I loved the communication, loyalty and profound love that the main couple gas for each other and is shown throughout the story!
All in all an extremely well done drama in all aspects!

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Loved it but hated it

I don't want to Lower my score because that would be too unfair for the magnificent acting of the cast, ESPECIALLY the main couple's, the amazing cinematography and story (for most episodes) BUT... but...

The point of the show is how we mature through our experiences and relationships (especially first love). The problem is that the main leads never overcame their relationship with each other. They still have feelings for each other and regrets till the end of the show (present), which nullifies the whole point of the story!!! I hate sad endings in general, but I hate them even more when they exist just to exist without actually contributing anything to the story. If they had at least moved on, it would have been a better ending, a sad but nonetheless well made ending, which unfortunately, for me, it was not.

Also mature doesn't equal miserable and filled with regrets. But that's exactly what I got from this ending. Some relationships are worth fighting for... they're not just stages that lead to our "miserable" adult life... People can be successful both in their professional lifes and in their relationships. We don't need to sacrifice either of them for the sake of the other...

All in all I loved the first 13 (more or less) episodes but I cannot find the ending ideal nor realistic, which ruins the story for me. People express love differently but I cannot fathom 2 people loving each other so much, in a resolvable situation, instead of trying to work things out, they just break up. Both relationships and work alike require effort to maintain.

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When I first learned about this drama I got really excited as I really dislike stories where the FL forgives the abusive ML (who always seems to has the perfect excuses for mistreating her) and they end up "happily together" at the end. So let me start off by saying that the plot of the drama had me already hooked from the very beginning.
Though I really enjoyed this story, I would have really preferred for some things to be done differently. Like for instance I would have loved for Muze to learn about their previous lives at the end (through a dream or from the fl or someone). Also although I liked the fl's acting I believe it could be improved especially when she was "crazy laugh-crying". I really loved MuChuan's character he was very sweet, kind, caring and loving. I especially enjoyed Jing Chao's acting as Muze, he is a great actor and very charismatic, but I definitely hated his character, Muze. All in all a good drama which could have been much much greater

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Wholesome, Adorable, serious at times

Everything was as close to perfect as it gets. From the MAGNIFICENT acting of the cast (especially the main couple's) to the amazing story and cinematography and of course the OST!!!! Don't let me start abou it, it was absolutely BEAUTIFUL and the vibes it gave to the scenes were so suitable, plus Z Tao's voice is heavenly. The cast's chemistry seemed really good. To me this drama screams "wholesome" and I Honesty didn't want it to end as it was
SUPER enjoyable. Needless to say I became a huge fan of the fl after seeing how exceptional she is in portraying her role. I already was a Z Tao fan but even if I wasn't I 100% would have become one now, after seeing his acting. I hope the main couple can work together again. Although I didn't expect it in the beginning, this drama was truly amazing!

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Carpe diem

Least to say I was disgusted with the way women were treated back then, not only by men but by other women, as well. The system was so evidently misogynistic that women themselves adopted the same mentality as it was natural for them to do so. While most of them were pushed into making some very awful decisions, mostly in order to protect themselves, others did some extremely harsh and evil things so at to get what they want. The struggles of the women of those times were very well portrayed in the story. It was really interesting to see how Ming Lan managed to overcome all those difficulties that seemed never-ending with her intelligence. She was constantly in danger, she had to endure so much hardship just so that she could be alive (in the beginning especially). The acting of Zhao Li Ying as Ming Lan , Zhu Yi Long as Qi Heng / Yuan Ruo (Duke), Feng Shao Feng as Gu Ting Ye / Zhong Huai (Marquis) and the rest of the cast was simply amazing. I specifically feel the need to mention Cao Cui Fen's who played Old Mrs. Sheng (Ming Lan's grandmother), as her acting was magnificent. All those subtle micro-expressions were so well executed, plus her character in the story quickly became on of my favourites.
Although this drama has quite a lot of episodes, the story didn't feel draggy, instead it felt very well developed in an appropriate pace. When I watch dramas like this, on one hand I wish they have even more episodes, as I don't want them to end, but on the other I don't want them to have that many, because then they'll end up getting draggy. This drama certainly has a fitting amount of episodes, it leaves you wanting more, without destroying its plot.
The chemistry between the leads is astonishing, they were super adorable together. My only complain is that I wish they were slightly more open in their communication, especially on Ming Lan's part. That being said with all that trauma she has endured for all those years, and the atrocities of other men that she has come to know of, it's understandable for her to feel insecure and be scared of being vulnerable with her husband.
I have to admit that I felt bad about the 2nd ML, but this drama taught me a very valuable lesson... The circumstances will almost never be ideal, waiting for that to happen is simply useless, instead you should always do the best in your abilities, so as to not have any regrets later!!! Even if you fail, you can at least proudly say that you have tried! So what if the circumstances aren't great... What matters is that we do our best for what we sincerely want! To me, this drama seems very unique and I greatly enjoyed it. I strongly recommend it and would love to watch it again!!!!

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Super entertaining, fun to watch drama, alone or with friends and family!

It's probably one of the most enjoyable dramas I've ever watched! It doesn't tire you out nor does it feel draggy. The story is very novel and fresh. The characters are well written: funny whilst maintaining a good amount of depth so as to not seem too superficial or fake. Also the comedic element is abundant in this drama without turning it into a farce. It does have a turning point, where the story gets slightly more serious but that does not take anything away from the plot, it rather enriches it and makes it more balanced.
Moreover, the acting is great, the OSTs are beautiful and the chemistry between the leads is remarkable. All in all, it is a really enjoyable and entertaining drama, I'd definitely re-watch it (as I've already done, a couple of times) I strongly recommend it.

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"Insanity- doing the same thing again and again and expecting different results"

The development of this story is simply crazy!
I don't understand why anyone would go through all that abuse and still choose to be with that toxic person who tortured them! Dylan was 10000000x times better than the ml. The ml literally deceived both the fl and Anna. I mean imagine coming back from abroad and suddenly learning that your longtime bf has not only cheated on you, but also has a wife and a child. Disclaimer this does NOT mean that I'm excusing any of the sh*t that Anna did, cuz she's a horrible human being and what she did is simply terrible.But still, all I'm saying is that the ml tortured mentally the fl (just imagine having to see a whole a*s portrait of your husband's gf everyday hanging on your bedroom wall, not to mention the other stuff that went down) and deceived Anna. No matter how much of a bad person she is what the ml did to his gf is not right. Her horrible actions do not justify the sketchy attitude of the ml! He could have easily broken up with her as soon as he got married or at least flown to meet with her and explain the situation, but he did neither of those things! He could have at least video-called her and told her everything, but NOPE. He didn't do that either! Instead he chose to basically be with both of the girls at the same time, like a coward. Even at the very beginning when Anna left the cruise he could have simply broken up with her, since he couldn't take all the moving that she had to do. She was chasing after her dream, which I find admirable, if he couldn't take it he should have simply told her!
Then we have the fl who for some reason can't seem to move on from the toxic as hell ml. I'm not gonna lie, Dylan was so so SO much better than literally every other character. He seemed like the only sane person in the whole drama (even the grandma and fl's master- both of which I loved- should've stuck to their own devices and left the fl and ml alone rather than trying to get them back together). Even if the ml wasn't that horrible towards the fl I still cannot fathom why anyone would choose to be with someone so immature. The fact that he literally couldn't own up to the situation that happened and instead wanted to have one's cake and eat it too seems how incredibly immature he is. And I'm not talking about a playful, slightly childish, but harmless behaviour. I'm talking full on immature, egoistic and irresponsible (very much harmful) behaviour... None of the sh*t that went down would have happened had he talked it out with the involved parties. He literally had MONTHS(!) to find the courage and spill the beans to his gf!
Though I believe Dylan was a better choice that the ml, I think the best possible ending would include a single Fl, who's willing to spend time and energy to grow as a person! Not as a distraction from her problems but as a legitimate way of caring for one's self! She should get professional help so as to move on and truly love herself, which she clearly does not!

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Amazing cast saves the day!

I really enjoyed this drama but unfortunately I have some complains.
At times I felt like it was dragging. One moment it was very slow-paced and repeating things we already knew and the next (especially towards the end) it felt rushed! Also, personally, it felt like the production's budget was limited. I say this mostly because of the fighting scenes that were animated (and poorly at that), but it goes even further than this. The spaces-locations that were shown were numbered. We were almost always shown the crown prince/king in his chambers. Εven when the ministers came to discuss with him, it was still in his room, we never saw the court meeting even at perilous times. Additionally, in the drama Li Le Yan was loved a lot by her father (the emperor) so it makes zero sense for her wedding to be that simple. Even if they wanted a simpler wedding (which cannot happen due to customs at the time) she would still wear an extremely elaborate dress.
What saved the drama for me, was the amazing cast! The acting was great and at times brilliant. The scenes where the ml lost his mother or when the fl lost A dou were tear jerking . Some award worthy performances were given by Zhao Lusi ( for example when her little companion passed away and when Hao Du was fighting for her with Ashile SheEr). I especially liked the chemistry of Zhao lusi and Liu Yu Ning as Li Le Yan and Hao Dou . And if I am being completely honest, I have to admit that this couple was at times more appealing and interesting to me that the main one.
On another note I enjoyed the OSTs and the opening was amazing (both the music and video)!
All in all, I really liked the story, though I do believe it could have been a little more well written. It's a good drama, which becomes a great one, because of the cast. Would probably re-watch (with a lot of skips).

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Worst choice ever

Watching this was probably one of the worst choices I've ever made.

This is just my honest, personal opinion, I disliked both the story AND the way it progressed. The acting could've been better, but it generally wasn't that bad by most of the cast. The story though... Some characters were quite literally UNBEARABLE (yes I'm looking at you FL's mom).

The FL is written as a very kind yet resilient and strong person, or so we're supposed to believe... The thing is, she behaves like a dormant, especially with her mom. Disagreeing with your parents is perfectly normal, agreeing with everything they say and forgiving whatever they unilaterally decide for you, is what's not okay. I could literally write an entire essay about how dysfunctional the FL's relationship with her mother is.

The FL is 29 years old and her mom treats her as if she's 12. She literally designed an engagement ceremony for the fl without asking for her opinion... and I'm not even talking about the decorations... I'M TALKING ABOUT THE GROOM like- ??? lady get it together, please. The thing that makes me madder is had the FL enforced healthy boundaries with her mom, nothing like this would've happened.

Boundaries are of utmost importance in every relationship and suitable ones should be enforced (obviously depending on what type of relationship it is and taking into consideration personal preferences). By not enforcing proper boundaries the FL is enabling her mom's behavior. No, it's not cute, it's not "but, she's just worried" or "she loves you and cares for you that's why she's doing it". Seriously I hate when behaviors like this are glorified or simply glossed over in dramas with the excuse of "being a loving parent❤️". No. She is smothering her own daughter. The woman is simply controlling! Not to mention that she gaslights her daughter when things don't go her way.

Another thing that I didn't like is the grandma being used as a plot device to bring the main leads together (or at least the particular way she was utilized as a plot device). Moreover her being all "I brought you into the Mai family" towards the ML, like she gave him the biggest gift ever made me so mad. If she sincerely wanted her grandson to know what love is, she should've brought him to live with her or helped him before things turned as bad as they did (with his family). I believe that she was kind of cruel to her grandson since the beginning of it all.

Also isn't it ironic how the FL was betrayed by her long-term bf hiding the fact that he was wealthy, when the grandma did the exact same, and for many more years...

All in all, I think this story just wasn't for me, I struggled and ended up skipping quite a lot, up until the 20th episode. I'm a bit disappointed as I am a fan of some of the cast, but I'll just drop it here.

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The cast saves the day!

The audio and editing is not great, but the cast did amazing!

The production should've done better. In one of the first episodes (I don't remember if it was the 1st or 2nd) I think you can see a cameraman in the background towards the right of the screen (the right of the person watching or left for the tv). Plus the editing overall isn't the best I've come across.

The story is pretty good but the script definitely could've done a bit better in the plot's development and its pacing. What is a good story could've very easily been a great one, especially considering the AMAZING cast they had!

Not going to lie, the cast (because of their great acting and chemistry) saved this drama! If not for them I wouldn't be able to rate this more than 7.5! I loved the main squad aka FL, ML, Fox and young Dragon Lord. Their relationship was so so wholesome! I enjoyed it, every time they were on screen together. They had a very strong bond like a real family or even stronger than that and they brought the best out of each other. I am seriously going to miss them!

All in all, despite being a bit disappointed (I bought IQIYI VIP for this) I really enjoyed this drama, though the production left a lot to be desired, it was quite easily hidden because of the main cast's great chemistry and talented acting. Given a better written script (although the script wasn't that bad), directing and editing, this could have possibly been a masterpiece. Such loss of potential is disheartening. A shame, really!

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