User reviews

A thoroughly enjoyable series, with excellent story, phenomenal acting and amazing cinematography. First up, the main leads... it was my first time watching Jing Tian and Feng Shao Feng, and both of them were spellbinding. With great, seasoned acting and awesome on-screen chemistry, they carried the show so well, I am dying to see more of their work, which I'll be checking out after I finish writing this review. What do I say about Zhou Yi Ran!! I liked him in Falling into your smile, then loved him in When I fly towards you, and now this! He can be a pro-gamer, a shy and reserved high school nerd and pull these roles well, but to see him in a period drama, playing first the impulsive young prince, then an authoritative emperor, a heartbroken lover...well what do I say! He's been phenomenal! I've seen him get better with every role he's played and he is definitely going to make it big! I wish he tries out more varied roles in future. All the supporting actors added to the finesse of the drama, and made their roles memorable. I rarely watch something twice, but I am sure I'll be watching this series again soon.

I am a Korean drama fan not so much for Chinese dramas. However, this is one of the best Chinese dramas I have watched. Beautifully shot, directed and acted. The casting was perfect. The love stories were complex, unique and original. It also challenged many of the norms that were followed in the historical era. The drama made me smile, cry and feel for all the characters. A rare gemstone in the sea of mediocre Chinese dramas. I really didn't want it to end. Kudos to all those that were involved in making this tv series. Watch it! I will definitely rewatch it again in the future. P. S I have a crush on lord Ding too haha.

Absolutely loved this. Brilliant main and side characters. Intrigue around palace events, but not a harem drama. The heroine was super clever, the hero was just knee weakeningly strong but gooey, and watching his fall into love was just perfection. Strong silent-ish, but holy cow, can a look strike terror hahaha!

The ending was super satisfying and not of the rushed variety we sometimes see in this genre. I can't help but wonder what the series might have been without censorship, but it's still very rewatchable - I'm on my third watch.

I adore the storytelling style of Chinese historical dramas. It's so much more leisurely and enjoyable than the more rushed western style. I'll never understand people who complain about the length of these series.