Outstanding acting from the leads

I'm not really a fan of xianxia but they seem to be everywhere in cdramaland so I watch them almost reluctantly. There are not many that I found to be enjoyable but this drama is a definite exception. It was EXCELLENT. Most of the credit goes to the main leads -- Chang Chen and Ni Ni. They were just so superb in their roles I was willing to overlook the plot weirdness in certain parts. I saw so many complaints about them, especially Chang Chen (whom I admire greatly), but they are incredible. They elevate this drama by many levels. The acting is great for the most of the characters. It also helps that the story is written so that the characters (even the support/side) are consistent to their characterization and not used as plot devices.

The sets and effects were also very good. Production did not cheap out. Everything looked great. And I cannot praise the OST enough. I listen to the soundtrack all the time. So good.

I'll just say this for all the comparisons to TMOPB: I skipped through so much of that show that I barely remember the main plot. The acting and the story for Love and Destiny far superior. But each to their own.

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If you really want to learn about ecommerce industry in China...

This is the drama to watch! They did not hesitate to focus heavily on the business side of the story even to the point of repetitiveness and dragging the plot. I was pleasantly surprised at Huang Jingyu and Wu Jinyan's chemistry, they were very good together. I enjoyed many of the supporting characters, especially Yu Shi. The characters are idealized (to the extreme for Duan Ran's dad, the ultimate zen master) and there is a decided lack of vengeance/ consequences which I found frustrating. If you want to watch something that is smooth and easy with romance sprinkled in, I recommend this one.

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the gentlest palace cdrama i have watched

I had no idea what to expect; I only hoped that this was NOT yanxi palace redux. While there is nothing outstanding about this drama, I think they did a good job of following through with the storylines in a rational and sensible manner. Characters acted according to themselves and not as plot devices. There were no random plot twists just to up the drama shock factor. The editing was weird in spots where I assume they snipped stuff for censorship or time constraints. No one overacted and most actors did their job credibly. No anxiety inducing melodrama or over-dramatics to induce emotions. Even the humor was understated and appropriate to the sedate tone. And I didn't mind the sedate, gentle tone at all. I loved it after watching so many insane palace dramas. Why do I care if it's realistic or not? It's a drama! I found it refreshing for my soul.

The leads were outshone by the Empress (Zhanji's mom) and Yin Ziping. They were very good. They delivered their roles of feminist icon and working class hero very well. These themes were very obvious but not obnoxiously conveyed. The women in this drama were very very good. The villains either got their comeuppance or found their humanity to repent, and they did it without hysterics. All of the characters got an ending and it was a good mix of happy and not.

It's not a five star drama (nowhere near that good) but I enjoyed it and rewatched it. I liked it even better the second time around. When I need a break from the insanity of cdrama plots, I will come back to it.

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Its main selling point is that it's fun. The leads are likable, the main couple and the secondary couple. Plot moves quickly so you don't have to linger on the ridiculousness of various parts of the story. I went into the drama knowing it was going to contain ridiculousness, but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it.

Feng Shaofeng was kind of wasted considering he was not allowed to show much emotion as a "block." Luckily, he is handsome and can act just fine with this eyes and brows. Bea Hayden was charming in her role even if she can't fake cry to save her life. Secondary couple were outstanding, especially in the second half of the drama.

Just accept the crazy parts and don't overanalyze it. It's simple and fun.

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