I've always loved any story that is character-driven and focuses on family ties and/or friendships. And Nirvana in Fire 2 was the perfect drama for me. I was and am very much emotionally attached to the characters.

In the beginning, Xiao Pingjing lived a carefree life away from the complicated political matters his elder brother and father faced. And I will always love those moments when he was playful around his family and Lin Xi. He always wished to stay that way, and his family and the emperor who favors him also wanted that for him. Xiao Pingzhang is one of the best older brothers I've seen in a drama. His meticulous, calm character balanced out Pingjing's joyful and impulsive character. And their father, Xiao Tingsheng also stood out. The loyalty he had to his brother, the emperor, and his teachings that he passed on to his sons really showed that Lin Shu/Mei Changsu was indeed his master. And Meng Qian Xue(Xiao Xue) is a wonderful wife, sister-in-law, and daughter. The Changlin family's relationship with Xun Feizhan is nice as well. I loved that not only was he a friend to Pingjing, he was also like a brother figure. I also liked Lin Xi with Pingjing and I'd love to see more female characters like her. Since the drama spanned over several years, you get to see many struggles and challenges they faced. And you especially get to see how Pingjing grows out of his carefree life, so it was not hard to care for these characters deeply. Finally, the ending was satisfying and I feel like it was very fitting.

In NIF1, Jingyan created the Changlin army to have Lin Shu/Mei Changsu's spirit live on. For me, that especially made me more attached and care for that army and the Changlin family even more. It added the love I had for Lin Shu/Mei Changsu to it. Also, whenever he(or any character from NIF1) was referenced, I was happy but emotional as well. I don't know why the writers keep referring Lin Shu/Mei Changsu as "the gentleman" or "this person" or "master" instead of saying his name(I guess Mei Changsu is fitting 'cause only ppl close to him knew his real identity).

These characters(including ones from NIF1) will always stay with me. I really recommend this drama whether you have watched the first one or not. It will be an emotional journey, but I hope you will get attached to the characters as I did. :')