Nirvana in Fire (though there are some unrealistic elements, but it's still very serious, and a super tight plot with grand schemes, considered by some the pinnacle of historical Chinese dramas) & Nirvana in Fire II (there's more romance in the 2nd, but still very serious)
The Story of Ming Lan (slice of life-ish look into some Song Dynasty noble families, with slow burn romance, an very intelligent and likeable heroine, a power couple slowly developing and maturing and becoming important)
Singing All Along (war drama during Han Dynasty, an epic with strategies, struggles, a super strong heroine, a romantic couple that's 100% dedicated and lovable to each other & also genuinely care for their surroundings)
