I really enjoyed heroic husband as this is one type of non-conventional Chinese costume drama.

One of the main reasons is because of Guo Qn Lin as Ning Yi. GQL does not have the handsome face of a typical male lead, nor does he have years of experience as an actor. He is a former comedian and regular in TV shows. It is these experience that gives him this aura as an actor that pushed him up to his popularity as Fan Si Zhe, the cute brother in Joy of Life. It is his cunningness to trick his opponent, his talent to win friends, his sweet relationship with Su Tan Er, his consciousness for what's right and what's wrong that makes him very attractive as a male lead. The way he talks in his own voice, especially when he delivers long lines, creates a positive mood and makes the audience want to listen to him. Just like when listening to the perfect way a comedian talks.

Another reason is the reverse role. Similar to Joy of Life, through a novel, the male lead suddenly transferred into the body of “赘婿”, the form husband who marries into the house of a higher-status wife instead of the way around. Society regards them as lower status. In an ancient setup, it's refreshing to see how wives dominate the household and order the husband around; while the husbands cook, massage, and fear the wives. A setup that you rarely see in modern dramas. Of course, Ning Yi’s intellect soon shows that he is not just a weak Zhui Xu. But he stays humble and unconditionally supports his wife STE and her business. It is the balance between the two of them that makes them a role model of couples, whether this is in ancient times or modern times.

The drama is split into two parts. The first part is about NY supporting STE to become a successful business owner and overcome all kinds of evil tricks by both outsiders as well as family members. A lot of the tactics are used in Sun Tzu's Art of warfare. More than Joy of Life, Ning Yi is using modern business tricks to win over his opponents. The results are very rewarding and explanations are very clear and logical. The whole process is filled with humor and colorful characters. The second part is much more serious which involves freeing the city from bandits. I agree that the second half has lost a bit of the first half's light-hearted flavor as well as the sweet romance between STE and NY. However, I also see that it would be boring to continue to the same plotline as most parts have been exhausted so I welcome the fresh perspectives. I just wished they would have continued some of the key elements which have made the first half successful. There are also moments in which it was highly unlikely for Ning Yi to escape a dangerous situation that felt slightly unrealistic but suddenly the ending was very serious and realistic. On the other hand, I really welcome how the writer finalized the story between Xi Gua (Watermelon) and NY as there was a big risk of out-of-character behaviors of NY. Not only did the show keep the NY's natural personality but kept the relationship between the two characters.

Overall, I would recommend this drama if you enjoy a light-hearted period drama that is mixed with the humor of a modern drama.