hank You, Screenwriter – Right to the Last Word
From beginning to end, the drama maintains a great flow – I never felt bored. The plot is thoughtful and well worth watching. There are no shallow subplots or simplistic resolutions. As the episodes kept delivering, I grew more and more anxious about how it would all end. Dear screenwriter – thank you. You did an excellent job, right up to the last word and sound. The final episode is sentimental, yet wise. It ties up most of the storylines in a marvellous and deeply moving way. I can't say I didn't cry – because I did. I was truly touched by some of the lines I heard. I highly recommend this drama to more mature viewers, those with greater life experience.I didn't write anything about the actors, but the cast speaks for itself - gorgeous.
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Started well but lost it's spark at the end
This drama deals with mental illness which is a plot I love. The actors did so well. It had me hooked from episode 1-31. From ep 31 it went downhill, it felt like I was watching something completely different even that emotional connection wasn't there anymore. What irritated me the most was the divorce In ep 31, the ml lead promised to always be there for fl after finding out she's mentally ill. But at the least inconvenience that happened, he divorced her and sent her back to the mountain. I can never forgive him for that even when he apologized in ep 32, I couldn't look at him the same way. They ruined the ending of the drama. It's a good ending but it's too weakWas this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
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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This review may contain spoilers
The First Jasmine Review: A Story of Healing, Strategy and a Love Built on Trust
As a Bai Lu fan, "The First Jasmine" was an absolute must-watch for me, especially with Cheng Lei as her co-star. I had only recently become familiar with Cheng Lei through two of his previous dramas, and this series further proved why he's one of the rising actors to watch.At first glance, the story may seem like a familiar historical romance, but what sets it apart is its exploration of two seemingly perfect yet deeply flawed characters.
Ye Li, the female lead, is the only granddaughter of the headmaster of the world-renowned Lishan Academy. She is exceptionally intelligent, elegant, beautiful, and comes from a prestigious and wealthy family. On the other hand, Mo Xiuyao, the Ding Prince, is a handsome prince, a celebrated general, a dependable leader, and one of the most powerful men in the empire. However, after suffering devastating injuries in battle, he is left crippled, while political conspiracies bring ruin to his family.
Following the massacre at Lishan Academy, Ye Li is left with profound psychological trauma. Her grief manifests through haunting visions and hallucinations of her loved ones. It's rare to see a historical drama portray the lasting effects of trauma and mental health with such emotional depth, especially in a genre where these topics are often overlooked.
One irony I particularly appreciated is Ye Li's family background. Both of her parents are, in different ways, deeply flawed. Her father is weak, spineless, and easily manipulated, while her mother—despite being the beautiful, intelligent, and accomplished daughter of the Headmaster of Lishan Academy—made the tragic mistake of falling in love with and marrying the wrong man. Their shortcomings serve as a stark contrast to Ye Li, who inherited her mother's brilliance but possessed the strength, wisdom, and emotional resilience that neither of her parents fully demonstrated.
**The Cast**
Bai Lu never disappoints. Her performance here is subtle, restrained, and quietly powerful, reminding me of her portrayal in *One and Only*. It is the complete opposite of her naturally cheerful and bubbly personality. There are no traces of Bai Lu herself or her previous characters—only Ye Li. For me, Bai Lu truly shines when she delivers these calm, gentle, emotionally layered performances.
Ye Li's intelligence also becomes her greatest weapon. As the prized disciple of Lishan Academy's great masters, she excels in medicine, martial arts, chess, mathematics, astrology, and military strategy. She rarely relies on brute force; instead, she overcomes challenges through wisdom, composure, and careful planning. More importantly, she gradually becomes Prince Yao's greatest weapon and most trusted ally. Initially, she works behind the scenes as his "unknown ally," quietly dismantling their enemies through strategy and intelligence rather than force. I especially enjoyed that Ye Li was the first to fall in love. Their romance developed naturally because it was built on mutual respect, shared ideals, and a common goal: eliminating the enemies who had destroyed the people they loved. Their relationship never felt forced—it grew through trust, partnership, and unwavering support for one another.
What I also loved was that Ye Li was the one who fell in love first. Her admiration for Prince Yao grew naturally from witnessing his integrity, courage, and unwavering sense of responsibility. Even after they had spent time apart, she travelled a great distance simply because she missed him, making it clear that her feelings had already taken root long before he fully realised his own. I found this refreshing because historical dramas often portray the male lead as the one who falls first.
Prince Yao, on the other hand, gradually and unknowingly became completely dependent on her presence. Once he realised how important she was, he would become visibly agitated whenever he couldn't find her for too long. Every time he returned from military affairs or court, one of the first questions he asked was where Ye Li was. He would even hurry home just to see her. Watching the once-feared and stoic Ding Prince become quietly lovestruck, protective, and almost childishly clingy around his wife was one of the sweetest parts of the drama. Their romance wasn't built on grand declarations but on countless small moments that revealed just how deeply they had become each other's home.
Cheng Lei impressed me once again. While his performance here is more restrained than in some of his previous roles, he conveys every emotion effectively—from his fierce and commanding presence as the Ding Prince to his quiet vulnerability as a husband. One of his greatest strengths is his expressive eyes. His affectionate gaze whenever he looks at Ye Li speaks volumes without words. Watching the once-feared prince become completely lovestruck and adorably clingy to his wife was one of the sweetest aspects of the series. He is totally whipped when Ye Li acts cute to him and he find it hard to say No to her. One particularly memorable moment was when he asked Ye Li to leave him and even suggested they divorce, believing she deserved a better future. Ultimately, they became each other's light, helping one another heal from their emotional scars.
Personally, I still think Cheng Lei showed his widest acting range in "How Dare You?!". That drama allowed him to completely let loose—switching effortlessly between hilarious comedy, fierce intensity, vulnerability, timidity, jealousy, and an irresistibly clingy side. In comparison, his performance in "The First Jasmine" is much more restrained, but that restraint suits Mo Xiuyao's character. He portrays a prince who has learned to suppress his emotions beneath a calm and dignified exterior, making the rare moments when he does show vulnerability all the more impactful.
Some of the supporting cast, however, did not leave as strong an impression except the actor who portrayed Jin, Prince Yao's sidekick. Although I appreciate that the series gave many actors significant exposure, I felt that the performances of the Emperor, Prince Li, and Zuide lacked the emotional weight their important roles required. It felt like a missed opportunity, as stronger portrayals could have elevated several key moments in the story.
** Production**
The cinematography, costumes, and musical score are all beautifully executed. Every visual element enhances the emotional atmosphere, making many scenes even more memorable.
One of my favourite aspects of the drama is its use of symbolism.
The straw dolls Ye Li prepared while waiting outside the gates of Lishan before beginning her journey were especially meaningful. They represented the people she had lost and the burden of revenge she carried. She resolved that once her revenge was complete, she would pull them apart and let the wind carry them away—a beautiful symbol of finally letting go.
I also noticed the recurring gesture where Ye Li and other characters dipped their fingers into their wine before flicking a few drops away prior to drinking. This reflects the traditional practice of offering a libation as a sign of respect to Heaven, the ancestors, or the spirits before taking a drink.
Another unforgettable symbol throughout the series is the wild monkeys. They are far more than just animals; they represent Ye Li's deepest trauma connected to the tragedy at Lishan. One of the most touching scenes is when she imagines her grandfather and her fellow disciples warning her not to go beyond the back mountain because of the monkeys. When Prince Yao later takes her there and gently shows her that there are no monkeys waiting for her—that he will always be by her side—it becomes a powerful moment of healing. She finally begins to confront the fear that had haunted her ever since the massacre.
The final scene at Lishan was, for me, one of the most emotional moments in the entire drama. After the academy is restored, Ye Li sees her grandfather and her Lishan family one last time. Just as she lingers with them, she hears Prince Yao urgently calling her name, pulling her back to reality. Her grandfather silently gives her his blessing to let go of the past and return to the life waiting for her. It was a beautiful, bittersweet farewell that perfectly concluded her emotional journey.
Overall, The First Jasmine is far more than a historical romance. It is a story about grief, healing, resilience, and finding hope after unimaginable loss. While not every supporting performance was equally compelling, Bai Lu and Cheng Lei carried the drama beautifully with a tight story even showing POV's. Their understated chemistry, layered performances, and the series' thoughtful symbolism made this one of my favourite historical dramas of the year.
Some love stories are written with grand gestures. The First Jasmine reminds us that the deepest love is often found in quiet companionship—when two broken people become each other's home
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MY LULU AND LEILEI! Is a PERFECT MATCH!!! Love them so much!?
I’ve really been enjoying The First Jasmine so far. The storyline is engaging, and what stands out to me the most is how carefully every character has been written. You can tell that a lot of attention has been paid to even the smallest details, which makes the story feel more immersive and meaningful.As usual, every episode brings its own story, emotions, and character development. No episode feels repetitive because each one adds a new layer to the journey of the characters, making me even more invested in their growth and relationships.
The production quality, cinematography, and OST are also beautifully done and add so much emotion to the drama. Im still hoping for a happy ending, but we’ll have to wait and see how the story unfolds.
On a personal note, Bai Lu has been one of my favorite actresses for years. Many of her dramas are on my rewatch list, and every year i look forward to her new projects. As for Cheng Lei, ive watched several of his dramas before, but it was through The First Jasmine that i truly realized how much i love his charisma and screen presence. He has definitely become one of the male actors who left a strong impression on me.
Overall, i love this drama not only because of the story itself but also because of Bai Lu and Cheng Lei. Cant wait to see how everything ends. Lets continue supporting them and help boost all the ratings! ^^
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I love everything about the FL ❣️❣️ you will never regret watching her dramas
This drama is all I've been waiting for this year. The first episodes are already giving you the bad ass and smart female lead. While her husband is planning how to execute the vallains she is already 10 steps ahead of them. Although the drama is slow burn romance but still you will see their chemistry.Was this review helpful to you?
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A mystery shrouded in mysteries!
This drama is sooo interesting!On ep 18 and I don't know what to think about Ye Li. My gal is having hallucinations, split personalities, pathological liar and also knows martial arts.
We are still at square one where the Li Mountain mystery is concerned and where do monkey bites come into all this? And the way her maid dies is still not revealed.
But thankfully Mr. Mo has uncovered one of her many secrets. Let's hope the next episodes give me more answers! So many twists and turns
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A must-watch 2026 drama as expected from Bai Lu and Cheng Lei!!
Don’t read the spoilers; just start watching!!!Bai Lu’s dramas are always great, and Cheng Lei’s acting is excellent. The story is very interesting; it unfolds slowly, layer by layer, with new things to discover in every episode. I’ve seen many historical Chinese dramas, but this one feels different. It does a great job showing how the two leads, who both have traumatic pasts, support each other. Novel readers might have different opinion but I didn’t read the novel, drama itself is very good in my opinion.
Their chemistry feels very natural. I also really like the cinematography, which has the gritty, authentic feel of older 2010s historical dramas. It’s refreshing to hear the actors using their own voices, and the more realistic, natural makeup makes the whole production feel much more grounded.
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Story under story, Unstoppable
Absolutely love it. The stoey plot, all the actors are so amazing inside, the way they tell the stoty from different cast's view and the way how the story moving forward, so throughout 👏 the desses, every sence set up, love how they use the colorful traditional dresses and the background setting. This is the vest top quality C- drama i have seen. Not from any AI, graphics enhance carteen style, but real artistic styles. This is not only a drama, but also a real 'Art'Was this review helpful to you?
The most engaging historical romances of the year.
Watching The First Jasmine has been a wonderful experience, and a huge part of that is the outstanding performances by Bai Lu and Cheng Lei.Bai Lu delivers one of her strongest performances as Ye Li. She portrays intelligence, vulnerability, determination, and quiet strength with remarkable depth. Every glance and subtle expression adds another layer to her character.
Cheng Lei is equally captivating. His portrayal of Mo Xiuyao is restrained yet deeply emotional, showing pain, dignity, and unwavering devotion without relying on exaggerated expressions. His eyes convey so much that words often aren’t needed.
Together, Bai Lu and Cheng Lei have exceptional chemistry. Their relationship develops naturally through mutual trust, respect, and emotional understanding, making every shared scene compelling and memorable. Their performances elevate the drama and make The First Jasmine one of the most engaging historical romances of the year
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Strong Characters, but Not a Complete Match for Me
This is a partial review covering episodes 1–20 only.I would probably enjoy this drama more if I watched it in pockets rather than straight through, because it has been a mixed bag for me. The palace intrigue and revenge themes are exciting, and I love Bai Lu’s role. Her character is incredibly intelligent and compelling, and I enjoy watching her navigate political challenges. The mystery surrounding her past has also been one of the aspects that keeps me most engaged. However, for every arc that lands for me, there is another that misses the mark.
What initially drew me in was the sense of intrigue. I enjoyed piecing together clues, uncovering hidden connections, and gradually learning more about the characters and their motivations. The drama creates an atmosphere filled with questions and uncertainty, which I find gripping. Bai Lu’s character is especially fascinating because there always seems to be more beneath the surface. Hints about her experiences and emotional struggles add depth to her portrayal and make her one of the most memorable parts of the series for me.
However, as the story progresses, the focus shifts more toward the central romance. While I understand that character growth and relationship development are expected, this has been the least engaging part of the drama for me. I find myself much more invested in the mystery, strategic maneuvering, and larger conflicts than in the main love story. In fact, some of the secondary relationships and character dynamics have captured my interest more.
For these reasons, this hasn’t felt like a well-rounded viewing experience. I think it’s time for me to put this one to bed. But I will check back to see how everything comes together because there is one storyline I am super curious about!
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j how many lying female leads can we tolerate
This one thinks she is a female James Bond. She has lied her whole way through this drama so far. She is using the Prince and it is making me so angry and disappointed. There will be many raving over how she is a strong Female lead and we need more of them I say No. She has no integrity at all. She uses everyone she meets and she has given the Prince false expectation. Her character is the worse kind of lead possible. She has proven she can act a part that is insincere, Lying, Cheating and a user in order to get her own way regardless of her difficulties. If this was a man there would be plenty of criticisms. After watching 22 episodes i cannot bear to watch any more of her lies..Was this review helpful to you?
