One of the best Costume Drama for the start of 2023!

I was reading the other reviews and it seemed like some were watching a completely different drama. I was completely blown away by this historical, romcom, mystery/investigative series. After trying to find a series to watch after One and Only, Love Between Fairy and Devil, Unchained Love, Lost in Kunlun Mountain, and The Wolf this drama series checked off all my boxes. It had satire, comedy, love, friendship, hate, betrayal, action, sweetness, jealousy, tantrums and the storyline. Its a 10++++++ in my book.

I'm a super fan of Li Yitong, she is beautiful, talented and her acting is really strong. Her portrayal of Jiu'er was spot on cute, witty, smart and funny. Bi Wenjun although still very new, he is a phenomenal handsome, young actor that will soon gain lots of traction. Even better than some veterans I have watched in the past. I am now a super fan of his. His portrayal of the fierce, smart, soft hearted prince HanZheng was truly amazing. His demeanor and expressions were spot on. Plus, their on screen chemistry is very in sync (not sizzling like their photoshoots but I can sense their sincerity and tenderness for each other).
The storyline for their supporting actors were also quite loving and interesting (it would have been nice to explore this more especially Chilan and Mu Yan) and diving into the Qi race more would have been great.

A lot of viewers didn't like that their onscreen romance didn't start till later in the series but it actually starts the moment they collaborate with each other to solve cases. It's exactly how two people who have a crush on each other after meeting and working together, but dear not say anything. But slowly grow to have these deep feelings towards one another such as to protect, care and feeling super excited to see each other/ never be apart from each other. Their love story actually makes it more relatable given the history of Qian-Qi relationship. And I like that her Godfather (although a dunce at times, he was comical and always straightforward) was always supportive of her no matter the situation.

I love that the cases were entangled with each other all the way till the end. Some thought the cases were not interesting enough but for the content and storyline I think it was first-rate perfect. It's not suppose to be somber like other investigative dramas or highly-charged but a little lighthearted. I saw every interaction and case pretty comical between the two leads as they solve cases together.

Chinese costume dramas have always been beautifully crafted and as a child growing up watching these films, till this day their craftsmanship always amazes me.
As far as the production team goes they did a fantastic job curating the cast, the storyline and finalizing a series that is unforgettable. I have replayed this series like 5 times and still find every scene and detail to be near perfect. For example, Blue Whisper had lots of good visual, good team and A-list actors but I couldn't till this day even finish the series. But who knows I might go back and think differently after I finally finish it.

All in all, give this series a chance. Its quite funny, sweet, the cases are interesting, lots of warmth and love.

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