While S1 did exceptionally well, S2 did not live up to expectations. Perhaps it was the long wait in between the two seasons or the added changes (both major and minor), the story towards the end really deviated from the beloved novel.

First off, i think the casting and soundtrack for this drama was very well done and put together. Every single actor/actress fit their role and executed it to the best of their abilities.


YZ as always is top notch when it comes to emotional ranges. Her heightened emotional scenes leaves lingering impact. She has chemistry with every one on screen and brings out the best in all her co stars. Her character, Xiao Yao had more wits, courage, and layers in S1. As we progress into S2, her character became meek, submissive, and even at times, hard to understand cause her decisions didnt make sense nor did they aligned with her personality. Despite the inconsistencies, XY remains true to her root of just wanting a stable and carefree life and she will follow whatever path that will lead her there.

Deng Wei did well exhibiting the lovestruck, pure, insecured, and brokenhearted-ness of his character. I'm familiar with him and he really shines best when he's crying on screen. LOL good looking face and pretty tears. His character, Tushan Jing had a bigger impact in S1. He had goals and duties that kept him grounded and made him more chief-like. In S2, it appears that all his duties as the chief just disappeared. His whole world was just his woman. Don't get me wrong, this isnt bad but i prefer it when a character has something else going for them outside of love. I dont like it when a character comes an accessory.

I'm not familiar with Tian Jian Ci or Zhang Wangyi but these two completely blew me away with their performances!!

Zhang Wanyi, the emotional ranges and minimal facial expressions he emits exceeded all expectations. Even in very minor scenes, the unspoken bitterness, jealously, and longing that oozes out of his eyes was a pleasure to watch. He truly understands acting cause his body language in every scene (even without dialogues) was impressive. His character Cang Xuan, becomes an obsessive and possessive man who manipulates and calculates everything and everyone around him. I think he is the most unhinged, the scariest and ruthless character in the story. He's willing to do anything to get what he wants. There were some inconsistencies with his choices and actions towards the end of the story that just wasn't Cang Xuan.


Tian Jian Ci embodied his character. His demeanor, mannerisms, and body languages truly spoke a thousand words (since his character isn't much or a talker). His character, Xiangliu, the rebel general whose beyond saving cause he didn't want to be saved. His motives are clear and his choices remains true to his character arc in S1. However, he became extremely lovesick and even unlike himself in certain scenes. Perhaps the writer wanted to him to show some sweet emotions for fan service, but I felt at times that it was out of character. His character overall is very written and you can feel that as the story progress just how heavy the burden he was carrying was getting through his wavering actions and thoughts. His character growth was slow but worth watching.

Overall, though this season didn't do as well, it will forever leave an impact on me. If you watch both seasons back to back, I'm sure the story would flow better.