I created an account just to write a review for this drama. It has touched me to such an extent, that I cried for an hour after finishing it and retold my husband most of the story for another few hours both in tears and with laughter.

I won’t talk about the excellent casting & acting, or amazing production quality, of how well they included authentic traditions and customs of that period, because these are 10/10, and other reviewers have already attested to that.

No, what I’ll talk about is something much deeper, lessons that one might never even get in a lifetime.

This drama is a lesson about kindness. Her kindness saved a nation, and you’ll understand what I mean when you watch it. Her kindness was inspiring, encouraging, nurturing, and selfless, and so the history of an empire changed its course. She was able to recognise when she should be grateful to somebody from a very young age. She was also able to forgive when forgiveness was to be given, because in her heart she found the ability to love somebody, who had never been properly loved before. She hadn’t experienced proper familial love as a child, but when she finally did, she defended it with her entire being. She’d go the extra mile for those she loved, without fear and without expecting something in return.

She has done some crazy scheming, and she wasn’t always a saint, but she knew when to stop, or at least learnt to do so. She was able to find peace in her heart, and it’s that light that so attracted other people, just like sunflowers to the sun.

This story is also about devotion. His devotion, something he never received in his family home, was so great that it made him fearless, ready to jump even into fire, defend under a rainfall of arrows, and charge ahead with determination. His devotion was his saving grace and so he was rewarded by destiny with her kindness. Her kindness saved him, just like his devotion saved her, and it saved a country.

To forgive is really hard, but the both of them were able to do so, to let go of the hate and anger, and instead open their arms to welcome those who have not been lucky enough to know true kindness and devotion. It resonated with me, because I once had to forgive as well, and I know how hard it is, and so I cried. For an entire hour I was sobbing, reminiscing not the bad memories, but the good ones. The finale of the drama, reminded me that in this world, it is love, kindness, devotion, steadfastness, patience, and being able to go through the ups and downs of life with dignity that will make or break you.

There were of course many other lessons, that are likely to touch your heart. Truth be told even when some of the not-so-good characters were in pain, I also teared up for them. In this world who is faultless, who is perfect...

May you watch this drama and learn from it. Learn about kindness and devotion and how the love of two people united & created a family. Not just a clan, but a family.

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As expected from the makers of The Story of Minglan

Wu Lei smashed it out of the park with his portrayal of Ling/Huo Buyi. He acted so well, when his face was full of confidence, those eyes were so full of pain and vulnerability. The scene at the Ling banquet was just wow… the cinematography alone is worth an ovation. Of course, his prowess at stunt work and radiating the murderous aura required to play a general who’s seen much blood shed, truly added depth to his character. His physique looked very on point as well.

Zhao Lusi has improved LOADS! I was fully emerged into her pain, her abandonment issues, her laughter and joy, her tears and sorrow, her dreams and hopes. She looked so pretty too in the latter half of drama, with her whole being alternatively radiating joy and grief. It’s like from the moment she truly fell in love with Ling/Huo Buyi, she truly came into her womanhood, full of confidence that she’s good enough, that she’s cherished unlike in her previous relationship experience with her family and Lou Yao.

All of the actors have done really well, especially the Emperor, Empress Xuan, and Consort Yue. They were so good, it was a treat watching them on screen. Empress Xuan in particular looked and acted exactly like the”Mother of an Empire” should act.

I loved the plot points touched upon in the drama in addition to the love and character growth of the ML & FL, including the establishing of a new dynasty and how precarious its foundation is in the first generations, becoming a royal overnight and all of its consequences for the people involved both internal and external, the Officials’ ambition and the lengths to which they’re prepared to go to achieve their goals, no matter the collateral damage. It was truly great.

Rated 10/10, will definitely be watching it again.

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This drama made me incredibly happy to watch. There are so many different themes which were discussed in this drama such as family values, love, kindness, honesty, support, ambition, willingness to sacrifice, etc.

It’s amazing how wholesome this drama was and what incredible sacrifices some of the characters had made for those they loved. It’s not something one encounters everyday so I really enjoyed watching it. Both the male and female leads persevered to care for each other and their family and they were rewarded for it in the end. This is perhaps my favourite drama from Deng Lun, even more so than even AoL, though I loved that one to bits as well.

The chemistry is off the charts, and most of the cast did a really good job. Le Tong is the cutest child and it was a pleasure to watch her scenes with his mum and dad.

I strongly recommend watching this drama for the beautiful feelings it inspires and its many life lessons!

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Love is meant to create

We love with our soul, and the heart recognises that which the mind is sometimes incapable or simply too slow to comprehend.

Naksu/MaDeok/Cho Young/BoYeon & Jang Wook have certainly shown us that their love was meant to create and protect. I loved what Master Lee said about the two of them:

“He’s the light protecting the world, and she’s the shadow who protects him from the darkness around him.”

I know some people find the soul changes within BuYeon’s body quite confusing, but I understood them perfectly clear. The whole idea of Naksu being chosen by the priestess (both in her reincarnation form as BuYeon and initial one as the first Jin priestess) to be absolutely brilliant.

I was initially sceptical about it, but the use of the new actress helped show how Cho Young (Naksu) would’ve been like without all the heartbreak & tragedy of her life up to her entering BuYeon’s body. The actress did a great job showcasing an innocence of mind and heart, but also remarkable depth.

With her getting her memories back as Naksu, she became truly wise and any idea of the selfishness she had once possessed was entirely thrown away. The fact that she hadn’t killed Jin Mu in cold blood when she had the chance speaks volumes about her character growth.

Jang Wook was even more awesome in this season than I could’ve imagined him. The actor really knows how to portray a man whose heart is in agony but also one that continues to hope. His character growth is perhaps my most favourite one, from the previous drama to this one, he’s only grown to become more powerful, and even more mindful of the responsibility that comes with such power. His wisdom and ability to sacrifice is truly amazing.

This couple has shown an immense amount of perseverance to be true to each other but also true to their duties and the world around them.

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