When I read the synopsis of this drama, it didn't seem to appealing to me but watching the first episode definitely caught my attention. It was dark, it was intense, and whoa.. what an opening to a drama! Definitely did not regret continuing to watch every single episodes as it aired!

To me, what really sets this drama apart from others is the three dimensional characters, including the antagonists. Each and every important character in this drama has a background story. In the beginning, you really need to keep an open mind, and be empathetic instead of being so biased and narrow-minded. Many viewers may just be here for the slow-burn romance, but I like watching dramas with characters that are complex. And honestly, I talked about the villains more than the protagonists with my friends because it was just so fun to break down and learn about their psyche and why they're acting the way they are. I was rooting for the protagonists don't get me wrong. But the villains were just so intriguing! Of course, I hated some of them but in the end, we understand why they were like that.

I think the most appalling thing that I read in the comments is what the Princess had to go through vs Xue Fang Fei. It's almost very stupid for people to compare and think one is worse than the other. And one deserves more love than the other.
Both of them went through traumatic experiences, and they are validated! The way they act upon really differs, and you can't deny there are people who would become evil because of their environment and the way they were raised. All the villains in this drama turned out the way they are because of their past experience, the environment, and whoever influenced them.
There's even some steady character growth for an antagonist and I loved this drama for it.

Xue Fang Fei is an incredibly intelligent woman in this drama, yes she stole the identity of a dead girl (Jiang Li) but she has empathy. She's doing it for both of them. She honors the identity she has stolen, unlike other dramas where the protagonist just steals the indentity and not even think about it. Xue Fang Fei not only gave justice to Jiang Li but also revenge. Of course, that wasn't the only revenge she has done. In the process of fighting for justice of her own, she has found someone who knew her identity all along. Someone who respects her and truly cares for her.

This someone is Xiao Heng. Xiao Heng is a mysterious guy who is always there to save Fang Fei's life. But he's also quite observant, calculative, and of course powerful. We don't really know his real plan until the end, and honestly if people want to compare him with Fang Fei's ex and why he did the deed in the begining. It's best to understand who has nearly everything and connections, and who doesn't especially in historical China.


The acting overall in this drama was incredible; ablet sometimes I wonder why there wasn't any tears in some actors while they're crying. I have seen a few of Wu Jinyan dramas and I feel like she is the same? Just great acting; nothing to mind blowing for me though. A sfor the main actor, Wang Xing Yue, I've only seen one of his dramas but it wasn't enought o dicpher if he's has improved or not. In this drama, he's most acting with his eyes, micro expressions which I quite like as well.
Notable mention is CHEN QIAO EN! OH MY GOD! I've been watching her act since I was little, she's one of my favorite actresses EVER. Just when I tbought she couldn't get any better, she proved me wrong! HER MICROEXPRESSIONS AS A VILLAIN!! HELLO? Those psychopathetic smiles and I was getting goosebumps cause of her. BRAVO!

Needless to say, it was an an amazing drama. I would definitely recommend if you enjoy watching schemes, revenge plots, second chance of life, and slow-burn romance.