The First Jasmine

Neither amazing nor bad

The drama is pretty much what synopsis tells you and yes there had been many dramas with pretty much similar set up and plot so if you are here for something unique or unheard of...this might not be for you. Let me tell you first hand...this drama is not for you if you don't like Story of Minglan type of dramas or to be precise slice of life genre. The story is pretty much balanced so far in terms of pacing. The best part about it is that they did not stretch unnecessary details in the plot to tire the viewers. So if you have a question why something is happening like that...you will get the answer in (most probably) the next episode. I am loving all the characters so far but the plot ultimately circle around the main leads. Bailu and Ryan both are good in terms of expressing emotional scenes and that has been their strength in all their previous dramas. I did not like any of their dramas that recently aired in the past. What really disappointed me was the storyline and character dev and here as well I found the plot quite simple as well despite them being so smart to deal with the things that could kick up a storm in the royal palace. I do find that questionable at times as FL spent most of her life in the mountains...yes she had all the bookish knowledge but would that be helpful pragmatically? Both of them are shown pretty much cooped up inside their palace so I find it quite unbelievable that they could do so much this easily. But it is still early to really make up my mind about it all and I am waiting for the moment that would make be so compeled to wait for the next episode desperately. So far it is a simple plot with beautiful cast. Obviously with revenge plot but despite having some similarities with the drama theLove like the galaxy, it is really very weak in world building and character development. But I will keep my fingers crossed till the last episode.

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Let's just say, without the soundtrack, I would not have finished watching this.

Full disclosure, even a dumpster fire with a solid soundtrack automatically scores a minimum of 8 for me because it basically sets up the entire viewing experience. A skillful soundtrack is rare to find.

With that said, this show *chefs kiss* my god, I love the soundtrack and sound design. Mid-way through, I thought the score of slid into obscurity because of the lack of narrative movement, but the amazing score came back like a raging valkyrie to save the day in the last 10 episodes of the show. From what I can tell, each song serves as a leitmotif for characters and it evolves and changes as each character experiences new things and makes critical choices. The song Shu by Zhu Xing Dong first shows up when Cheng Lei gets his back whipped, his hair is down and unkempt, his back is a mess.
God, I loved it.
The song amplified ALL my feelings about Cheng Lei in that one scene. Ugh, he is so damn fine.

Anyway, soundtrack aside, Bai Lu. Ok, yes. If the OST was 70% of what made this show, Bai Lu was the other 25% and maybe Cheng lei was the remaining 5%. Sad, I know, as much as I love Cheng Lei, he was only as good as he was because Bai Lu was such an empathetic, well-rounded and adorable character. The zenith of their intimacy in my opinion was that one particular scene where Xiu Yao sits on the chair with Ye Li resting her head on his lap. He's bent over her and asks her "Are you lonely in this mansion?"

Their chemistry is incredible and I mean, I know people say that Cheng Lei can fire up a broiler full of chemistry with a doorknob, but that's mainly because he is a. extremely expressive with his eyes and b. his glowering expression will spear anything with half a brain and/or a uterus. It's on his co-star to actually bring life into his intensity, and Bai Lu does it with remarkable nuance. I rewatched the scene in which Xiu Yao has to retrieve Ye Li from the temple at least 10 times,as in, I hit rewind 10 times to watch the same scene over and over again, because I love how Cheng Lei complains and nags at Bai Lu, and she just splashes him with water. Goddamn, loved it.

The camera work is 👏👏👏. It's such a soft, heartfelt and emotional scene. So intimate, revealing so much depth and love. Man, someone talk to me like that and I'd never complain a day in my life.

This leads me to talk about all the ways in which this show let us down, despite the stunning cinematography, post-production value, choreography and acting... ultimately what lets the whole thing fall into the twilight zone of mediocrity is the way in which the story is told. *So much happens off screen*. WHY?

From episode 10 onwards to the end of the show, save for maybe episodes 30-35, major events happen outside our view, and are relayed through characters either flashbacking/reminiscing or literally telling each other what happened. Ugh. This is so lazy. I have not read the novel but considering reading the novel is not a stipulation and people have said it has already diverged from the novel, they should have just... cut out extraneous parts.

Why did we spend so much time on the Zuidie chick? She wasn't even likeable, like ytf would I want to watch her be a total inconsequential blob? What was the point of that? I loved the Cangbei princess but again, for what purpose?!

You might say "oh, it was in the novel". Not an excuse. We're not watching a novel. I'd just read the novel if I wanted a novel experience.

The theme and narrative devices should have focused on the core of the show... which is ***overcoming grief and loss*** , as Bai Lu and Xiu Yao have to. Losing your ability, losing your family, your loved ones, losing your identity, your autonomy-- these are all things we lose and grieve over, but instead all these two-bit characters (including the main antagonist, Jing Li!!) just muddle the theme with petty politcking and absolutely mid-level revenge schemes. No one is angry enough to be justified in their revenge, no one is smart enough to be like "this is f**king stupid". The stakes are so low like Cangbei going to war with Dachu is probably the most high stakes issue and they resolve it in like two episodes.

I wish we got a deeper sense of the Empress' moral dilemma instead of being told she is this shady character by other people, or even got to spend more time understanding the emperor-empress dynamic because *they ruling side by side my guy wtf*. She ain't no hidden regent, she's out in the open with her son!

Maybe we could have even gotten a better story out of Mo Jing Li, if he'd just actually experienced the injustice rather than us witnessing it in retrospect and listening to him whine and moan about the terrible situation he is in.

Anyway, there you go. They were telling us, than showing us and that's why this drama became *such a drag* despite having all the elements to make a solid 10/10. Instead now I give it a 8.5 because like, 8 for the OST without which, I probably would not have been able to finish this drama, and .5 for Bai Lu x Cheng Lei combo bringing those feels.

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A quiet, powerful story of two damaged people healing each other and the world around them

The First Jasmine is not a normal historical romance. It is slow, serious and full of feeling. It is about grief, revenge, trust, healing and two people who have both suffered a lot.

Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao are both wounded. She is carrying deep trauma from her past. He is carrying physical pain, family tragedy and years of shame. The drama does not pretend that love fixes everything. Instead, it shows two people slowly learning to trust each other. They become stronger because they choose to stay.

This may not work for everyone. If you want a hot romance with lots of kissing and obvious chemistry, this drama may disappoint you. The romance is quiet. It feels more like watching a marriage grow than watching two people fall in love in the usual way. But for this story, that works. These characters are not light and carefree. They are tired, hurt and careful with their hearts.

Bai Lu is excellent as Ye Li. She makes her clever, warm, scary, lonely and fragile all at once. Ye Li could have felt too perfect, but Bai Lu gives her real pain and depth. Cheng Lei is also very good as Mo Xiuyao. He does a lot with small looks and quiet reactions. Together, they make the relationship feel gentle and earned.

The drama also looks beautiful. The forests, houses, costumes and colours all create a rich world. The story has a lot going on: revenge, politics, secrets, old wounds and difficult choices. It asks you to pay attention, but it gives you a lot in return.

It is not perfect. The plot can be hard to follow at times. There are many names and backstories. Some effects look a little fake and take you out of the scene. A few episodes could have been shorter. The near-divorce part also felt a bit forced to me, even if I understood why it was there.

Still, these problems did not ruin the drama for me. The First Jasmine is moving, thoughtful and very well acted. It is not about big romantic fireworks. It is about trust, pain, healing and quiet love.

Not perfect, but very close.

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Two Broken Souls Who Found the Strength to Heal Each Other

Some dramas tell a love story. The First Jasmine tells the story of two people who have lost almost everything and slowly learn that love isn't about saving someone—it's about giving them a reason to keep living.

Bai Lu delivers one of her strongest performances as Ye Li. Beneath her calm, intelligent, and composed exterior is a woman carrying unimaginable grief. She has lost her family, the people who raised her on Lishan, and the peaceful life she once knew. Every smile she gives feels forced, every decision she makes is driven by the weight of her past. She doesn't descend from the mountain simply seeking revenge; she carries the burden of everyone who can no longer fight for themselves. Bai Lu portrays that quiet pain so beautifully that you can almost feel the loneliness behind her eyes. She never overacts. Instead, she lets the silence, the expressions, and the smallest changes in her face speak louder than words.

Then there is Cheng Lei as Mo Xiuyao, a man whose battles are just as devastating, even if they are less visible. Once a feared and respected prince, he has been left physically broken, betrayed by those he trusted, and stripped of the life he once knew. Confined to a wheelchair, he isn't only fighting the limitations of his body—he is fighting despair, humiliation, and the belief that he has become a burden to everyone around him.

What makes this drama so special is that neither character rescues the other overnight.

Ye Li helps Mo Xiuyao rediscover his confidence long before she helps him regain his physical strength. She never looks at him with pity. She treats him as the capable man he has always been, reminding him of the leader hidden beneath years of pain and betrayal. In return, Mo Xiuyao becomes the one person who sees beyond Ye Li's thirst for revenge. He recognizes the frightened, grieving woman who has spent years convincing herself that vengeance is all she has left. Rather than trying to change her, he walks beside her, sharing the burden she has carried alone for far too long.

Their romance isn't built on grand confessions or dramatic gestures. It grows through trust, quiet understanding, unwavering loyalty, and countless moments where actions speak louder than words. Watching these two wounded souls slowly lower the walls around their hearts is one of the most rewarding journeys the drama has to offer.

The political schemes, battles, and revenge plot are exciting, but they never overshadow the emotional heart of the story. At its core, The First Jasmine is about healing. It reminds us that while revenge may satisfy anger, love is what truly gives people the strength to move forward.

Bai Lu and Cheng Lei don't just have incredible chemistry—they breathe life into two deeply scarred characters whose greatest victory isn't defeating their enemies, but finding hope in each other again.

10/10. One of Bai Lu's finest performances and, without question, one of Cheng Lei's most unforgettable roles.

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I Went For the Plot - Stayed for the Wheelchair - and Cried a River

Oh, The First Jasmine. Where do I even start? I went in expecting a standard historical romance—maybe some court intrigue, a little sword-fighting, a few longing glances. Instead, I got emotional whiplash, a permanent frown line between my eyebrows, and a sudden, unexplainable attraction to men in wheelchairs. And honestly? I’d do it all over again. Twice. With tissues.

Let’s address the elephant in the room (or rather, the smoldering volcano in the wheelchair). Cheng Lei as Mo Xiu Yao was absolutely unfair. Unfair to my blood pressure, unfair to my screenshots folder, and unfair to every other male lead in Cdrama history. The man barely moves from his seat for the first half, yet somehow radiates more heat than a thousand summer suns. His eyes alone could start a fire—dark, brooding, and carrying the weight of a thousand betrayals. Every time he whispered a line, I leaned closer to my screen like a fool. Every time he restrained his emotions, I felt my own pulse skyrocket. Cheng Lei plays Mo Xiu Yao as a man who has been emotionally shattered, physically broken, and politically discarded—yet still burns with a quiet, volcanic intensity that makes you forget he’s even sitting down. It’s a masterclass in micro-expressions: the twitch of a jaw, the flicker of pain, the slight softening when he looks at Ye Li. He doesn’t need to walk to dominate every single frame; his stillness is his power. By episode ten, I was convinced that brooding should be an Olympic sport, and Cheng Lei would take gold, silver, and bronze.

And then there’s Bai Lu as Ye Li—and if Cheng Lei is the fire, she is the calm, calculating ice that somehow makes the fire burn hotter. We all know Bai Lu can play fierce, scheming, or comedic, but this role? This is something else entirely. She plays Ye Li as a woman wrapped in silk but armed with steel—a master strategist hiding behind a facade of fragile grace. Her performance is so layered that you can literally watch her switch between "delicate flower" and "chess-master general" with nothing but a shift in her gaze. The trauma she carries—from her family’s ruin, from her forced marriage, from every whispered betrayal—is etched into every trembling breath and every forced smile. And yet, she never becomes a victim. She’s calculating, patient, and devastatingly clever, all while making you feel every ounce of her pain. The scene where she confronts her past? Gut-wrenching. The scene where she quietly breaks down alone? I felt that in my bones. Bai Lu doesn't just act Ye Li—she inhabits her.

Now, the chemistry between these two? It’s not the loud, dramatic kind. It’s slow-burn, simmering, the kind that creeps up on you until you realize you’re holding your breath every time they share a scene. They don't need grand declarations or sweeping kisses—instead, they communicate through stolen glances, hesitant touches, and words left unsaid. He watches her like she’s the only light in his darkened world, and she leans on him like he’s the only ground left unshaken. It’s the kind of romance that feels earned, built on trust, survival, and mutual respect—which makes every quiet moment between them hit ten times harder.

But let me warn you: do not watch this drama without a box of tissues nearby. Because right around the halfway point—BAM—the show takes your heart, stomps on it, and hands it back to you in pieces. The divorce arc? The reveal of Ye Li’s illness? I was not prepared. I thought I was strong. I thought I could handle it. I was wrong. I sobbed so hard my cat left the room in disgust. The emotional devastation is so beautifully written and so achingly performed that you can’t help but grieve alongside them. It’s the kind of sadness that doesn’t feel manipulative—it feels earned, because you’ve fallen so deeply in love with these characters that their pain becomes yours.

And now, the crown jewel—the absolute best plot point of the entire series: the Li Mountain arc. Oh my goodness. If the first half is a slow-burn emotional thriller, Li Mountain is where it all explodes into a masterpiece. This is where the mystery behind the Lishan Academy plague finally unravels, and the truth hits like a freight train. The tension is unbearable, the revelations are shocking, and the emotional fallout is devastatingly raw. But more than that, it’s where Mo Xiu Yao and Ye Li truly become partners—not just in love, but in purpose. The mountain becomes a crucible, testing everything they believed about themselves and each other. The cinematography is breathtaking, the pacing is flawless, and the performances? Cheng Lei and Bai Lu absolutely transcend. This arc transforms the drama from a simple revenge tale into a profound, heartbreaking, and ultimately healing exploration of trauma, justice, and forgiveness. It’s the emotional climax that makes every slow, quiet episode before it utterly worth it.

In short, The First Jasmine is not just a drama—it’s an experience. It will make you laugh, cry, swoon, and scream at your screen. It will make you fall hopelessly in love with two broken people who somehow find wholeness in each other. And it will leave you staring at the ceiling at 2 AM, wondering why real-life men can’t be half as intense as Cheng Lei in a wheelchair. Watch it. Weep. Rewatch it. Thank me later.

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Almost Perfect Drama ends on a Flat note.

This drama has everything.
Gripping Story/Script, Fantastic Acting, Suspenseful twists, thrilling action, Romance and killer OST.

Will make you laugh, cry, and be on the edge of your seat. It is really quite a joy to watch. Words do not do it justice.

Unfortunately the last quarter falls rather flat.
For three quarters of the drama, our heroine is built up to be, a talent with all the skills needed to be undefeatable. She is always pro-active, but for the last quarter, not only does she become inactive, she is nerfed to make way for ML and supporting characters.

While it is a happy ending, it could of finished much stronger, considering the title "The First Jasmine", i feel it lost focus on who the main character is.

Despite the lack lustre ending, i still rate it high. It is unlike any other in execution for the first 3 quarters.

Go Watch it!

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good story however

. The story unfolds in a fantastical realm where political intrigue and personal dilemmas collide. At the center of this tale is a young woman named Elara, whose life is intricately bound to a man named Kael. From the onset, we learn that Elara's family is entangled in a significant debt to Kael’s family, a situation that casts a shadow over her budding feelings for him. The stakes are high; not only is Elara’s heart on the line, but her family’s honor and wellbeing are also at risk.

Elara is portrayed as a strong yet vulnerable character, navigating her emotions amidst her family’s obligations. Her love for Kael grows quietly, woven into the fabric of her daily life, filled with stolen glances and moments of shared laughter. However, the weight of her family's debt looms large, creating a tension that permeates their interactions. The narrative does an excellent job of illustrating Elara’s internal struggle, torn between her feelings for Kael and her loyalty to her family.

As the story progresses, we are introduced to a young king and a ruthless queen, adding layers of complexity to the plot. The king, though young, is depicted as wise beyond his years, skilled in the art of governance and warfare. His relationship with the queen is fraught with tension; she is ambitious and often brutal in her pursuit of power. This dynamic introduces an additional layer of conflict, as Elara becomes unwittingly entangled in the broader political machinations of the kingdom.

The pacing of the story is generally well-executed, maintaining a balance between character development and plot progression. However, there are moments where the narrative feels sluggish, particularly in the middle sections. While the early stages effectively build tension and intrigue, the middle acts occasionally meander, causing the story to lose some momentum.

The climax reveals the true nature of the family’s debt and its implications for Elara and Kael’s relationship. It’s a pivotal moment that ties together the various threads of the narrative, shedding light on the sacrifices that Elara must make. However, it is in this moment of revelation that the story falters for me. The resolution feels somewhat rushed, and the ending lacks the emotional punch that the build-up promises. While I appreciate the complexity of the themes explored—loyalty, love, and sacrifice—the conclusion leaves much to be desired.

Despite my reservations about the ending, the story is rich in detail and character development. Elara’s journey is both relatable and poignant, and the world-building is immersive. The interactions between characters are often sharp and engaging, showcasing the author’s skill in crafting dialogue that feels authentic.

In terms of re-watchability, I would classify this story as a "double watch." It’s an enjoyable experience with enough compelling elements to warrant a second viewing, particularly for those who appreciate character-driven narratives. However, it may not be a top choice for everyone, especially if one seeks a more satisfying resolution.

In conclusion, while this tale offers a captivating exploration of love and duty set against a backdrop of political strife, it ultimately falls short in delivering a fulfilling ending. While it may not be my first choice for repeated viewings, it certainly has its merits, especially for viewers drawn to stories of complicated relationships and moral dilemmas. If you enjoy intricate plots and character studies, this story may still resonate with you, even if the ending leaves something to be desired.

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It was good but

I have finally completed this drama. The story overall was okay, but it was rather slow-paced for a kind of revenge drama (In the trailer, it looked really fast-paced; unfortunately, it was not). While around ep 23ish, I started another drama (it was also 40 ep) TFJ was too slow, I ended up finishing that drama before this (it was Meet Yourself)
Some parts I loved were the FL acting when she actually found out everyone died, I cried, and also the ending when she saw everyone again; I also teared up.
But this drama, the story was wonderful, how it was paced was not my cup of tea, so I give this an 8.5/10

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The First Jasmine: Quiet Beauty, Unfinished Hearts

The First Jasmine (helmed by Bai Lu and Cheng Lei) chronicles the journey of Ye Li and her new life after marrying the crown Prince Ding, Mo Xiaoyu. It is a quiet slice-of-life drama with a lingering mystery and revenge storyline that slowly unfolds amid romantic and political entanglements among the four leads.

It’s very rare to find a slice-of-life story revolving around such anti-heroes. Ye Li appears happy and a go-getter, seemingly relieved to leave the secluded mountain she has lived on for the past eight years. But as the story unfolds, you find her to be quite quirky and, at times, even a bit creepy.

Altogether, the drama’s strength lies in this contrast between its calm, understated presentation and the unsettling complexity of its characters. It invites the viewer to sit in the quiet moments, only to gradually reveal that beneath the surface lies something far more unpredictable and morally layered than it first appears.

Technically, the drama uses natural lighting and careful film composition, paired with well-written dialogue that never feels overly dramatic, though it is not always sharply clever. The direction is soft and restrained, relying on subtle micro-expressions and small facial movements to convey character emotions and motives, rather than the loud, declarative performances often found in modern makjang-style dramas. The characters are well crafted, and we find ourselves immersed in the journey of our leads.

Despite everything the drama does right, it still falls flat in terms of character development for both leads. I wanted Ye Li and Prince Li to share more moments tied to their lost childhood connection, but this relationship thread was not explored deeply enough. Even with Ye Li’s disappointment and hatred toward Prince Li, she never fully comes to understand him, which feels like a missed opportunity to elevate the emotional depth of their relationship.

The same applies to Mo Xiaoyu. For him as well, the story misses the chance to meaningfully reconcile his inner conflict about serving an emperor who was responsible for the destruction of his family. The way this was portrayed ultimately doesn’t feel fully believable or emotionally earned, which weakens what could have been one of the drama’s strongest thematic arcs.

Ironically, Prince Li becomes the only character who receives a fully realized character arc, despite his tragic ending.

Perhaps the unfolding of each character—by showing that they were more than what they initially seemed—was intended to create closure, but it ultimately does not successfully deliver a satisfying sense of complete character development for The First Jasmine.

Overall, The First Jasmine is a beautifully crafted drama in tone and execution, but one that ultimately feels emotionally incomplete. Its quiet strength lies in atmosphere and character presentation, yet it struggles to fully pay off the depth it introduces, leaving viewers with admiration for its craft but a lingering sense of unresolved potential.

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Beautiful, Addictive, and Emotionally Complex, but Weaker Toward the End

While I was watching The First Jasmine, I was completely immersed. It was the kind of drama that constantly made me curious about what would happen next, and I became so attached to its world and characters that I felt strangely empty after finishing it. Perhaps binge-watching intensified that feeling, but I also think the final few episodes were genuinely underwhelming compared with everything that came before them.

For me, the first thirty episodes were the strongest part of the drama. I loved Ye Li and Xi Yao’s marriage era, the political intrigue, the revenge storyline, and the way Ye Li moved through the story while secretly pursuing her plans. Their divorce arc genuinely broke my heart, but it was also incredibly well executed. The moment Xi Yao discovered how ill she was, along with the eventual revelation of what had happened on the mountain, was one of the emotional peaks of the entire drama. Everything leading up to that point felt intense, layered, and deeply engaging.

Ye Li is easily one of the most fascinating female characters I have encountered in a historical drama. She is deeply broken, psychologically complicated, and filled with layers that are gradually uncovered throughout the story. Her trauma, anger, determination, and self-destructive tendencies made her unpredictable and compelling. Bai Lu gave one of her strongest performances here. She portrayed Ye Li’s pain and emotional instability with so much depth that I could not look away. Her acting was immaculate, particularly during the heavier and more heartbreaking moments.

However, Ye Li gradually seemed to lose some of her spark toward the end. The revengeful, determined energy that made her so intriguing began to fade, and even though the final confrontation should have been her defining moment, it did not carry the emotional impact I expected. After such a memorable portrayal of her trauma, the conclusion to her revenge felt strangely muted. The revenge plot did not provide enough closure or transformation, especially considering how much of the drama had been built around it.

I also loved Xi Yao, particularly during the first half of the drama. It was refreshing to see Cheng Lei play a vulnerable and physically broken character rather than the powerful, commanding roles I usually associate him with. His performance while Xi Yao was confined to the wheelchair was incredible, and his quiet pain, loyalty, and emotional restraint were beautifully portrayed. He also looked amazing with the grey hair; that entire look was such a refreshing change for him.

Unfortunately, Xi Yao became increasingly sidelined as the story progressed. He was no less a victim of what had happened, so I strongly felt that he deserved to be involved in the final confrontation. I understand allowing the heroine to lead the finale of a female-centered revenge story, but completely pushing the male lead aside made the ending feel incomplete. His character had so much emotional depth and potential, yet the drama gradually reduced his importance. Even during the war sequences, we barely saw him fight, which felt like another wasted opportunity, especially because Cheng Lei is so good in action scenes.

The relationship between Ye Li and Xi Yao was essential to the story, even though the drama was never romance-centered. Their love helped both of them heal. Ye Li did not simply recover on her own; through Xi Yao, she found someone who remained beside her, while she also helped him rediscover his will to live. Their connection was therefore more than a romantic subplot—it was part of both characters’ emotional journeys. That is why I was disappointed when the drama gradually moved away not only from their romantic scenes, but from the healing relationship itself.

I actually enjoyed the slow-burn romance for most of the drama. Their love was gentle, warm, supportive, and often unspoken rather than passionate or electric. They sometimes gave me the feeling of an older married couple, and I do not necessarily mean that negatively. Their affection came through in the quiet gestures, particularly from Xi Yao, who carried much of the romantic side of the relationship. Ye Li was written as emotionally closed off and could sometimes feel like a block of wood when it came to expressing affection, so most of the direct romantic gestures came from him.

The problem was not the lack of kissing or intimate scenes. The drama worked perfectly well without them. My issue was the way so many promising moments between the couple were abruptly cut short. Just as a scene began building emotional closeness or chemistry, it would suddenly move elsewhere. The romance constantly felt within reach but never fully explored. The actors did have a warm spark, particularly earlier in the drama, but the script and editing did not allow that chemistry to develop naturally. By the end, it felt as though the connection had faded—not because the relationship itself lacked potential, but because the drama kept taking time away from it.

Their dynamic was also weakened by Ye Li constantly acting behind Xi Yao’s back. They shared the same enemies, goals, and ambitions, yet they continued walking toward those goals separately. Even when Xi Yao understood what she was doing, Ye Li rarely chose to place her trust in him and work openly beside him. I would have preferred to see them combine their strengths and pursue their shared goal together rather than repeatedly taking different roads toward the same destination.

I also think some viewers misunderstood Xi Yao’s decision to leave her. He needed to be hurt and broken by Ye Li before he could truly understand her pain and ultimately help her heal. His actions make more sense when viewed through the emotional complexity of both characters rather than simply as a romantic betrayal. With characters this complicated, criticism and differing interpretations are inevitable, but that complexity is also one of the drama’s greatest strengths.

Beyond the leads, the drama introduced many interesting characters and storylines that never reached their full potential. Han Mingxi seemed as though he would play a more consequential role, and his interactions with Ye Ying had so much entertaining potential. Mo Jingli was perhaps the greatest missed opportunity. He was intelligent, cunning, and morally layered—a man pursuing what he believed was a just cause through questionable methods. Yet the narrative gradually diminished his motivations, intelligence, and overall importance as it approached the finale.

This became the drama’s biggest weakness: it tried to handle too many themes, characters, and conflicts without properly completing all of them. Many characters initially appeared to possess genuine agency and complexity, only to be pushed into familiar tropes or sidelined when the story needed to conclude. The ending closed several plotlines and was technically happy, but it did not feel like a proper emotional goodbye. We barely saw the main couple together, Xi Yao was largely absent, and even Ye Li no longer felt fully present in her own story. After spending so much time with them, I wanted a conclusion that allowed their relationship and individual journeys to breathe.

Visually, however, the drama is absolutely stunning. The costumes are beautifully designed, the cinematography is gorgeous, and the entire production is rich, colorful, and vibrant. The styling, sets, and use of color created a world that was consistently beautiful to look at.

The music deserves even more praise. This drama has one of the best and most memorable soundtracks I have heard. I do not mean only the OST songs, although those are also beautifully done—the background score itself is phenomenal. The music elevates the tension, heartbreak, mystery, and emotional weight of so many scenes. It remained in my mind long after the drama ended, and it is easily one of the strongest aspects of the entire production. Honestly, well done.

Despite my frustrations with the final stretch, The First Jasmine contains so many memorable scenes, complex characters, and excellent performances. It is an unusual mixture of revenge, politics, trauma, healing, and subtle romance. I would not recommend watching it solely for the romance, because the relationship supports the story rather than carrying it. Those expecting a highly passionate or intimacy-heavy romance may be disappointed. However, anyone interested in a compelling storyline, emotionally damaged characters, stellar acting, and a beautifully produced historical drama will find plenty to appreciate.

The ending may not have delivered everything the earlier episodes promised, but the journey was still exciting, emotionally absorbing, and different from the typical romance-focused historical drama. Despite its flaws, I would definitely recommend it.

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​A Masterpiece That Fumbled Its Final Sprint

I have so much to say about this drama, but I will try to keep it brief. Moli had all the ingredients to be, by far, THE drama of the year. For a huge chunk of the series, it was genuinely funny, the characters were insanely well-written, and the leads shared incredible chemistry. But then, it fumbled. The last 6–7 episodes completely lost momentum, and it felt like the writing lost track of its own purpose.

What drew me in initially was that, for the first time, we had a female lead whose vengeance wasn't just a side plot, it was her life's mission. She was actively working to destroy the lives of the people who hurt her, and I loved her for it. Her character had so many dimensions, and the inclusion of her schizophrenia was handled with insane nuance.

As for the Male Lead, he wasn't just a green flag at first, he was the entire forest. He was deeply supportive, gentle, and understanding. He was there for her whenever she needed him, and together, they allowed each other to feel loved again after their respective tragic pasts. Their relationship felt so mature that I was completely invested.

...Until he had his little over-the-top dramatic moment and divorced her. I might have accepted that plot point with any other FL, but not when he knew exactly how sick, lonely, and incapable of being by herself she was. Out of nowhere, he has a mental breakdown, decides he can't live without her, finds out she is schizophrenic, and then runs to the mountains for a redemption arc. The fact that she forgave him instantly, seemingly not even remembering that he had completely let her down, felt incredibly sad. The audience was left holding the resentment she couldn't. It was obvious the divorce arc was just a cheap excuse to get him into the mountains, but it could have been handled so differently.

After that shift, the spark vanished. I don't know if it was because of the betrayal, or because their relationship suddenly felt like siblings. The plotline with the aphrodisiac incense gave me a total ick. Why does a husband need a chemical gimmick to sleep with his wife if they are supposedly madly in love? I know historical dramas love this trope, but here it felt regressive; he was practically hiding and incapable of just approaching his own wife. They randomly stopped having chemistry, a problem made worse by choppy editing. It felt like many kissing scenes were cut, leaving us with jarring jumps from one scene to the next.

By the end, the writers fell into the classic trap: they traded her agency for a "happy ending." Turning a fierce, independent woman who survived absolute horror into a passive figure who just watches her husband run her dream academy completely defeats the purpose of her arc. Peace doesn't have to mean powerlessness, and the show forgot that.

Overall, I am still happy with the drama's success, even if certain things could have been much better. The leads did a fantastic job. I normally hated the ML's acting in The Legend of the female general, and I couldn't even finish Story of Kunning Palace because of Bai Lu and Zhang Linghe’s acting. However, I was pleasantly surprised here. It just goes to show that sometimes actors don't need to change, they just need a great director to pull out a nuanced performance.
Moli is a great ride that unfortunately traded its boundary-breaking agency for lazy, safe clichés at the finish line, but it remains a testament to what good directing can achieve.

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