SimplyHysterical

JCW working like his rent is overdue. I am not complaining though

I tried really hard to finish it. Almost got up to episode 20 but couldn't stomach it anymore. The FL's acting was great but there was something missing from the ML's performance. Too wooden? Lack of chemistry or character development of the ML? Maybe part of me was pissed off the FL kept persistently asking him out and he kept rejecting her (he had reasons) but noblesse oblige was never my favourite trope. I just felt the ML took FL for granted when she was pursuing him knowing she won't leave him. And that just didn't sit right with me. The ML also looked too much like Xu Kai with the same hairstyle and it was distracting

The drama had potential but somewhere it just didn't click for me. Glad others enjoyed it.

Likewise, the binge watch has begun. They both think they're using each other but already catching feelings and falling for each other without knowing. Can't wait for both of them to find out about their real identities and for the badass FL to emerge.

Could you please spoil it for me? Does one of them at least end up with the ML?

Didn't expect to enjoy this as much as I did. The plot was not something out of the ordinary, but the main leads, their characters, chemistry and surprise elements in the plot, made this a stand out.

I think the use of the Soul Manor really elevated the drama. Those moments were so intimate and affectionate when SJ started to let her in, and trust her. For her, he refused to die even though his life had been of endless pain, torment and suffering.

LTY's character as a FL was not entirely weak. She avoids drama and wants to live a carefree life but then we slowly witness her transformation into someone forced to step up, grow stronger, shoulder responsibilties and protect SJ in her own way. She's not a weakling and she's not invincible either, which I liked. Too often, FLs are either damsels in distress or unrealistically flawless. This drama struck the right balance.

The world building was convincing. Favourite arcs were the first and the last. Wish we could have seen more of them in the modern world but I suppose that wasn't entirely surprising.

The side characters though were not very interesting and sometimes the villains felt two dimensional. Regardless, there was more than enough in the plot with the main leads who overshadowed everything.

Thank you!

I haven't watched this drama but I cracked up reading your entertaining review. You write so well, and should consider posting reviews. Safe to say, you convinced me not to watch this

Is this completed yet? And does it have a HE?

I just finished binge watching it and have mixed feelings. I liked her character development, quest to seek revenge and become a female general in her own right. I also think they did justice to her being a female general. She's not invincible but she is strong, has integrity, motivates others including women (which was the best part) and is a great leader.

I guess the plot felt a bit incoherent or lacklustre in some places so it didn't keep me hooked or drawn to the show. I didn't mind the slowburn romance or that a female general can fall in love (which of course she can) but there wasn't enough build up for the romance. It felt like they fell in love because they're the main leads and it was going to happen. Didn't help that the side characters had little to add to the overall story so were skipped entirely. Even though Chu Zhao suddenly sabotaging their romance was jarring and out of character when he had just redeemed himself, I liked the tension, and yearning it brought from the leads. Therefore, my conclusion is that their romance felt too easy and smooth apart from the ML finding out she's the general.

Having said all that, the romance was ok, just wished it had more coherent story telling across all characters and a plot that didn't suffer from the classic "tell don't show" which a lot of dramas succumb too.

Considering we got a happy ending not just a 2 min ending at the end of the last episode, it bumped up my rating. The first half was a lot more enjoyable than the second as there wasn't much of a plot left after ML finds out she was the general. Overall, I would give this an 8/10 which is pretty decent.

I'm really curious to know which two shows you're talking about. Do you mind DM'ing me if you're not comfortable to disclose?

Legit, you're so on point with this. Every time she said 'commander' in Chinese, it sounded like a name of a pet, to my non-Chinese ear.

At which point should I stop watching to delude myself into a happy ending?

Yes

The message of the drama, strong acting by FL in particular and the plot stole the show. Yes, this wasn't flawless but I appreciated they didn't shove women empowerment down our throat in an unbelievable way. The FL constantly struggled, faced injustice, uncertainty and was aware of class differences. Despite that, she didn't let life's circumstances/fate deter her from pursuing what she wants.

Only flaw was when she decides to leave the ML for a reason that's pretty out of character for her up until that point. Regardless, it's somewhat explainable and realistic and because it's a mini-drama it didn't prolong much.

The leads had good chemistry, but I personally found the ML's acting a bit wooden/stiff. He was scholar so his physique didn't matter as much but he is extremely skinny which took me out of the drama a few times.

If you like romance, chemistry, a solid storyline then go for this mini series. It's not perfect but it's a nice watch.

If you are a romance lover and like simplistic storylines, with light humour and chemistry to bingewatch, then this drama is for you.

It doesn't pretend to be anything it isn't. It's a transmigration into a romance novel so you can expect cheesiness, kisses, a lot of cliche tropes but also good chemistry between the leads which held everything together. Love and trust conquers all. I enjoyed this drama and loved the silly, cheesy moments along the way.

Don't use the website name or it will get taken down

The Princess Royal?

So glad I dusted off this drama from my PTW list and gave it a try. The plot and the characters did not disappoint. I particularly enjoyed the character growth and not just for the main leads. We see what led to the rise and downfall of the Emperor, the Empress Rong'an and of course the thawing of the ML (XD) from a cold, ruthless man killing machine on a quest for vengeance to someone who began to see himself and the world around him in a different light after he started to fall in love with the FL. She brought out the softer parts of him, and reminded him of the light he held within which he had forgotten due to his mission.

I love that this drama took us on a journey with the ML and how he changed over time. Of course, there were some plot holes and some convenient plot devices thrown in, but it did not detract from the overall storyline of this drama.

In contrast, the FL was intelligent, witty and resilient. From the moment she realises she is a Tribute Lady, we see her inner strength and intelligence. She challenges the ML, earns his respect but is not a perfect, infallible FL. She makes mistakes, has her fears and insecurities but she's herself despite those flaws. Overall, the FL is portrayed as a wholesome 3-dimensional character. I didn't mind the acting of the FL, although I did think she overdid it in some parts. Maybe that was part of her character 🤔

If you like political intrigue, court politics, and slowburn romance, give this one a try.

This drama took me by surprise. I wasn't expecting it to be so interesting from the outset. Perfect for bingewatching. The leads had great chemistry, and romance without all the angst of xianxia dramas.

Give it a try if you're looking for a light-hearted, easy watch filled with romance.

Thanks for clarifying. That was my understanding too after reading other explanations about the ending. FL was able to console her past self and prevent the tragedies in that parallel universe but it didn't change the present. It's realistic that way and doesn't undo the lessons learned along the way. I think I would feel robbed if she was able to change everything about the past and fix all issues through time travel because that wouldn't be consistent with cause and effect and the impact of fate and destiny. Anyway, it was a very fitting ending compared to most xianxias where you get a SE or 1 min of reunion right at the very end.