Yanxi Palace: Princess Adventures

Those who have not had enough of the Story of Yanxi Palace would probably be the ones who would appreciate this most. It's fun seeing the Qianlong Emperor, Imperial Noble Consort Ling and their attendants like Li Yu, as well as revisiting the Forbidden City, again. There's even a twist in the story arc of Fu Kang An that I like. But being a continuation of a classic is a double-edged sword as those who expected this to be as good would probably be the most disappointed.

I never let expectations ruin how I feel about a show. I try to enjoy it on its own merits. And this show does have them - it's heartwarming to see the loving relationship between the Emperor and Noble Consort Ling, Ling's unique parenting style and the way the emperor dotes on their daughter, Princess Zhao Hua (Rain Wang). The schemes and intrigues in a palace court are presented well enough for a 6-episode series. The story is okay, though I don't warm up to spoiled, mean princesses that well, even if the princess reforms in the end. The characters are younger, so the schemes and intrigues are not as elaborate as in season 1, but they're interesting enough.