I can't even describe how much I love this drama. The directors cut is the only version I watched and I also don't have understanding for those who choose the cut version, knowing there is a more fleshed out one.

I know the most controversial part of the drama is Li Cheng Yin. I saw so many conflicting opinions about his character that it made me appreciate the actors performance even more. Cheng Xingxu... what an actor.
His character, Li Cheng Yin, is in no way a hero, but also no villain. He saw his brother getting murdered infront of his eyes, the brother who was the closest to him and the most honest. This, and the truth about his birth mother, gave him the reason and the motivation to fight for the Throne - knowing that those in the palace are nothing more than power hungry people. He made those plans before he fell in love with Xiao Feng, and I appreciate that he doesn't give this up for the sake of romantic love. Knowing that the palace is full of tyrants, he had to become one himself, infront of his love and wife, Xiao Feng. At the end, he gained justice for his dead brother and mother and got rid of all cruel people with power, but lost Xiao Feng on the way... forever.


Xiao Feng... She has become one my favorite FL in Cdrama-land. Peng Xiao Ren portrayed her perfect. I felt so much sympathy and sadness for her character, that her decision to end her life, was one I totally could understand. It was just too much for her, and neither way to live was in her favor.


A Story, so human and full of emotions, that it's hard to move on from.

Bravo.