This is quite possibly my most favourite low-budget period drama ever. For something that was produced in 2015, the plot remains fresh and through-provoking, even through all the clichéd tropes and recycled storylines common in palace intrigue dramas. All the summaries I've seen about how Zhang Peng (FL) transmigrates into a female's body make the plot sound cookie-cutter levels of boring, but as much as the drama doesn't take itself too seriously and leans into the comedy of a low-budget production, this is one plot point that was beautifully rendered. The way Zhang Peng truly became Zhang Peng Peng and fell in love with the Emperor was masterfully done, thanks to Zhang Tian Ai's brilliant acting elevating the quality of this production way beyond its low budget. The drama's OST is also gorgeous, and will completely immerse you into the world of these characters.

For period drama purists, this show isn't for you, but if you are willing to overlook -or even enjoy- the cheesy costumes and overdone comedic lines, this is a drama that will make your heart ache in the best possible way.