I never write reviews but I just finished this drama for the second time and I loved (almost) every minute of it and the bits I hated were because of intentionally hateable characters. Re-watching and remembering the character progressions to come just made it even better! The characters are all complex, nuanced, and interesting. Everyone has their true self hidden by the appearance they carefully aim for, except for our FL Ningzhi who has no mask. She is all sincerity, compassion, and kindness, but she ends up in a place full of façade, ruthlessness, and hunger for power - the royal palace. She's honestly stupidly selfless at times but it's her complete lack of hidden motives and devotion to helping people that makes her the titular phoenix.

I think part of the low reviews are because people expect more conventional romance plots. The ML, Wei Guang, feels much older than and more "above" Ningzhi when they first meet but they grow together to become true partners as equals. There isn't much "romance" after the first few story arcs. Their relationship is loyal, committed, and full of a deep understanding of each other. Due to Ningzhi's consort status they spend most of the drama in a platonic relationship and eventually become part of a group with 2 others who share their loyalty and beliefs, and can I just say - squad goals! I love all the main characters (except the emperor he can choke). All the "good guys" are running around trying to save the country and its people from the incompetent fool in charge, which is a little too real... The main 4's friendship may be my favourite part, especially Ningzhi and the Empress. They all bring out the best in each other and fight for what they believe in together.

The only big issue I had was with the pacing. Years fly by without much explanation and no one visibly ages so it's hard to tell how much time has passed. Maybe it's due to budget or episode cuts, but there is also a lot of big events like battles happening off screen but since our main characters are usually separated for some reason or another, it doesn't feel like exposition dumping when we are caught up on off screen shenanigans since everyone is always getting reports on what the others are up to.

Overall I just really enjoyed this drama. The characters grow or regress so naturally, and feel like real people, even the bad ones except for maybe some of the explicit villains who we don't learn much by way of motivation. but I think they are meant to act as a plot device for the real villain which is power for the sake of power and seeking a good reputation for the sake of your ego. The show focusses on the dangers and responsibility of power, and the importance of true compassion and devotion to the common good. It also sees loving someone as support for what that person values and wants to do. And it focuses on more than just romantic love in this sense. It's also just really engrossing to watch for the story, acting, and costumes, and there are lots of varied fight choreographies to enjoy as well. Ningzhi and the Empress have some seriously beautiful outfits and accessories!

This is definitely a unique take on romantic/harem/political intrigue/historical dramas. The relationship is definitely more of silent longing and yearning. Think Mr Darcy eyes, but without explicit confessions because the emperor has just gotta marry everyone...