I can understand why some people are asking why this drama has a relatively low rating, but after I had finished…
I agree about the writing and the pacing/editing and to this day, I’m still surprised that such experienced companies such as Huanrui and Yehua would let an entire drama be weakened by such a correctable element. The power struggle storyline gave it a suitable, believable, and realistic framework but the screenwriter and editor seemed to lose focus. A sickly, power starved yet revolutionary emperor marries the unruly and independent daughter of his greatest foe in order to gain the crown, and against all odds and machinations, they form an unshakeable bond and also reform the country for the better. This sounds like a great setup for a grand and powerful story and very complex characters. Drawing on historical examples could have better strengthened and grounded the story further. Had it been more grounded in reality, I think it would have felt closer to serious drama given how strong the acting performances were.
Guys, I also want to see Peng Xiao Ran's new look, but Weibo doesn't work in my country, so I can't see updates…
Outside of Chinese sites, the next best option is the YouTube channel run by a Chinese fan called flypxr-zc1kr. They don’t translate but they do publish filming and other videos from time to time.
I had such high expectations for this drama solely because of the main cast. Having Peng Xiaoran and Ren Jialun…
The original script got scrapped at the beginning of filming and instead of pausing to write and polish another script, they wrote the script as they filmed. But, the original book is just as confusing tbh, which is part of the problem. If the source is weak, the script is also often weak. Those praising the book are probably praising the stronger romantic line and the more lovestruck/obedient version of Cangcang but not the overall plot. The drama does a better job of setting up the world and motivations of the characters but is weaker on the emotional front because it shifted focus to the supporting characters when it should have been giving pay off to viewers by showing the growth of the main couple, both in their relationship and as people, during the final part of the show. The first third is okay despite the frustration because Cangcang and Xiao Huan are essentially at odds because of her father and the Lingbi Sect. The Western Regions is supposed to be where they reconcile, free from the influence of the toxic atmosphere of the court or the troubles of the martial arts world, but the drama cut out a lot of that journey such as Cangcang getting hit by an arrow while trying to protect Xiao Huan, finding Dr. Li to save Xiao Huan, and Xiao Huan confiding in Kumor that she should stay there if she doesn’t want to come back to the capital with him. Then when they return to the court, the narrative should not only show the improvement in their relationship but how it’s strong enough to survive the court machinations and is the foundation for them to effectively rule together with one heart and mind. I think the story could have worked with a sad ending because Xiao Huan is essentially terminally ill but for it to work, there has to be a sense that things have gotten better but there isn’t really any reward for either the characters or the audience. Unfortunately, the drama chooses to focus on Du Tingxin’s descent and Xiao Qing Qian’s love story, deviating from the original story where Cangcang and XQQ held the court together while Xiao Huan dealt with the Lingbi Sect. It should of ended like the book where they’ve both dealt with their respective major problems (Cangcang was her father/acclimating to court life and Xiao Huan was his mother (Lingbi Sect)) to meet again and begin their version of happily ever after with Xiao Huan’s remaining time.
Every time I see a post complaining about the FL not loving the ML enough or the ML being a simp, I have to laugh. 😂 Jiman is one of my favourite heroines because she does not give af about Ning Yuxuan when he is on BS, and she will not be a doormat for him. She respects herself too much and she will go and live her best life with or without him. And the whole charm of the couple’s dynamic in the original story is that Ning Yuxuan, who is terrible to Jiman in the beginning, has to work to earn Jiman’s love instead of things being the other way around.
2 
6 
https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5319293801860012
https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5319339343348710
https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5319534706691985
https://youtube.com/shorts/1P38PxOBPkc?si=V-F4pVj7peA9vyOz
https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5318346406625631
They don’t translate but they do publish filming and other videos from time to time.
https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5316883649660017
The first third is okay despite the frustration because Cangcang and Xiao Huan are essentially at odds because of her father and the Lingbi Sect. The Western Regions is supposed to be where they reconcile, free from the influence of the toxic atmosphere of the court or the troubles of the martial arts world, but the drama cut out a lot of that journey such as Cangcang getting hit by an arrow while trying to protect Xiao Huan, finding Dr. Li to save Xiao Huan, and Xiao Huan confiding in Kumor that she should stay there if she doesn’t want to come back to the capital with him. Then when they return to the court, the narrative should not only show the improvement in their relationship but how it’s strong enough to survive the court machinations and is the foundation for them to effectively rule together with one heart and mind. I think the story could have worked with a sad ending because Xiao Huan is essentially terminally ill but for it to work, there has to be a sense that things have gotten better but there isn’t really any reward for either the characters or the audience. Unfortunately, the drama chooses to focus on Du Tingxin’s descent and Xiao Qing Qian’s love story, deviating from the original story where Cangcang and XQQ held the court together while Xiao Huan dealt with the Lingbi Sect. It should of ended like the book where they’ve both dealt with their respective major problems (Cangcang was her father/acclimating to court life and Xiao Huan was his mother (Lingbi Sect)) to meet again and begin their version of happily ever after with Xiao Huan’s remaining time.
https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5314829805165586#attitude
Niannian is so beautiful up close:
https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5314832054092809
https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5314832054092809
Chao Wu Nian’s promo;
https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5311491110076961
Peng Xiao Ran’s personal promo:
https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5311660241981416
Studio Promo:
https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5311491898606182
Shrimp Farm Promo:
https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5311660907828499
XHS Promo:
https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5311663814739354
https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5311128731123830