Entertaining ... comes with mixed feelings

Having watched up to E20, I would say it reminds me a little of Legend of Yun Xi. Both female characters are strong, resilient and optimistic but the FL here is more bright and tends to smile a lot more, as compared with Yun Xi. I don't know if it's her, but this is the second time I have seen her (previously watched her My Dear Destiny) and she gives me similar feels in both shows. The ML reminds me of Yun Xi's ML as well - cold, comes with his own emotional baggage but eventually is thawed by the FL. The only reason I say I have mixed feelings is I acknowledge that Yun Xi's ML had more considerations and responsibility - he had to revive a kingdom in honour of his ancestors, and he was poisoned, so he wasn't about to throw himself into a relationship. But the emotional baggage that the ML in this show carries is really not in the same league, though I know his brother was everything to him.
The hot and cold / push and pull of emotions is really a disservice to the FL whom I particularly feel sorry for, and it confuses me as to the direction of the show. The tropes are there, there's danger, there's the saving of the damsel in distress and there's the initial mutual dislike the FL and ML have for each other, plus some noble idiocy thrown in for full measure. The saving grace though is the ML is somewhat of an eye candy but the person who dubbed his voice over has a really low pitch and at times, it's hard to catch what he is saying.
As for other characters, the FL's royal brother is endearing and my heart was wrenching with grief as he dealt with his own demons but I like how he is loyal to her and puts her above everything else. The FL's maid has got pretty good acting and I hope she does well in the future, with her own main roles - she's got the looks and the skill to boot.
I will still continue to watch this show, if that's the question you are wanting an answer to. The romantic scenes they have together are shot quite well and I do feel for the both of them, the characters at least give me some reason to be pulled into their story and to cheer them on. If you want lovey-dovey scenes, there are quite a few. Just wish I could fast forward to the end now and see what happens to her that explains the beginning of the story (as the tale begins as a recounting).

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