It is unfortunate to reflect on the decision made by the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) in February 2020 to limit Chinese television dramas to a maximum of 40 episodes. The NRTA even "encouraged" producers to aim for fewer than 30 episodes. As a result, many pending drama approvals had to be cut, reworked, or delayed indefinitely, affecting their potential airing. This restriction often compromised the depth of the scripts originally designed for longer formats, leaving viewers puzzled and dissatisfied with the outcomes.

That being said, this drama aired in 2018 is a gem with its 87 episodes. I could probably leave my review at that, but where's the fun in brevity?

This particular drama is a masterpiece across all facets of production. The casting is impeccable, the storyline is captivating, the costumes are beautifully crafted, the directing is top-notch, and the post-production quality is remarkable. Every element of drama creation seems to have been meticulously considered and executed.

I re-watched the ending multiple times, along with several other poignant scenes. Is it a sad ending? Absolutely. Given my usual aversion to bittersweet and sorrowful conclusions, I was initially put off. However, upon reflection, I believe that had it concluded differently, it would not have justified the complex narrative surrounding an emperor, his beloved empress, and a multitude of concubines.

I can watch teasers, videos, and clips thanks to the YouTube platform. Without this platform, I will and would have missed many great dramas. This includes this drama.

This drama is certainly not for everyone. If you strongly dislike themes of polygamy, a dominant and jealous emperor, or vengeful women caught in palace intrigues, this might not be the show for you, even if the villains get caught. It’s best for those who appreciate ancient Chinese historical dramas rich in emotion and woven with intricate love stories, even if they culminate in heartache.

As I delved into the narrative, I was thoroughly fascinated by the inner workings of palace life—the roles of eunuchs and maids and the often-strict imperial rules. Each detail contributed to creating a vivid tapestry of life in that era.

The drama explored every facets of love, lust, jealousy, insecurities, hate, indifference, forgiveness, revenge… you name it.

On a side note, I've observed a remarkable trend of extraordinary historical dramas released in 2017 and 2018. I can only attribute this surge to the incredible talent of the young actors and actresses who were beginning their careers back then, ranging from ages 22 to 25. Today, we consider them seasoned performers, but their body of work from that period speaks volumes about their potential and skill. Truly incredible.

Kudos to actress Zhou Xun, actor Wallace Huo, and actress Ning Chang (who often plays villainous roles). There are also many great actors like Lin Qin (from "Princess Agents" and "Joy of Life") and Xin Zhi Lei (from "Joy of Life"). Additionally, we can't forget the other villains, such as Li Chun and He Hong Shan, along with hundreds of other perfectly cast actors and actresses.

Kudos to the costume designers and the hundreds of 'hands' who created them. The same goes for hairdressers and makeup artists.

So, out of the hundreds of dramas available, don't miss this one if you like costume palace dramas.