I will reserve editing this review after completing the series. As for now, my thoughts:
◇Good start of story introduction. Multiple flashbacks (typical Chinese way of clarifying a story in a series)
◇I think artists casted for the roles were good choices
◇Production and wardrobe is great. The focus on detail is evident.
◇Started with the depiction of the struggles for being a female in a royalty, power and male dominated period.
◇by ep 12 not much background story for anyone but the female and male lead plus a little about second male lead.
◇I am in episode 12 and starting to get sick hearing "My Lord" wherein it it is said by lead female character excessively. Everytime she talks to Lord Ding, in every sentence she says, "My Lord" is said.
◇This series seems to be not any different from typical series highlighting smart and strong women wherein they show strong, decisive, and witty female character but then at the same time inserting stupid moves and decision that don't make sense for a smart and witty character.
Lead female is supposedly smart and talented, wanting to be a female official yet consistently placing herself in a situation that makes no sense and places her career and life in danger.

I am yet to watch a series that depicts a strong and/or smart woman that will remain true smart and strong from start to end of series.