I can't believe an important plot point was casually introduced at the end of Ep.33 This drama really suffers from pacing issues and lack of foreshadowing
Yu Zhong Li isn't the right actress for the role of the princess. She's not portraying her like a young and cheerful lady, or a more mature princess. The acting is average and there's nothing to distinguish this character as the third romance pairing.
Fully agree with you. I'm going to re-read the novel after this drama ends since I forgot a lot of things but…
It's not necessary to have it exactly the same. They could have preserved something of his tenacity and intelligence at least. His role in the drama is just a man who follows his lover and that's a big disservice to his character.