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1 of the BEST~!! A Loving and Lively Family relationship. + Women Empowerment ♔
EXCEPTIONAL~!! Let me start this with such heavy remark to make it even more easier for people to decide on selecting this Series.Probably the BEST drama I've ever encountered this year in the Chinese Drama Land. It contains not only the spontaneous, exciting and naughty sides but also represents Women's worth, power, grace and capabilities. It was so well made that I have indulged myself on each of it's episodes making me almost forget that I was watching a 40min+ drama. The scenes were always so fun that it made me felt like it's only taking me 5-10mins to finish each episodes; I was even disappoonted whenver I see the ending credits and such. Hahaha!
There's so much I like about this drama in which I won't dare to specify but I want to say that this drama production as a whole is indeed a PERFECTION~!!
Story - 10, It's well created and written that I barely notice any mishaps and even made me praise and love it more everytime an episode passes by. I also love how the entire Ban Family almost didn't lose anyone (aside from the Grand Princess) and was given such beautiful, satisfying and Happy endings. The scenes were not Heavy but instead is full of Fun, thrill and Excitement.
Acting/Cast - 10, No Words needed. They're perfectly in-sync with their characters and even made me love them so much. Oh, God! This drama gave me so much hearty laugh and adoration towards the artists. I am a big fan of Neo Hou and I watched it because of him but I also started it Bcoz Guan Xiao Tong is here (I'm a big fan of Luhan) I was never fond of her but this drama just gave me so much of her and she impressed me greatly to the point where I love and finally approved her as she is.
Music - 10, Great choice of music. It do fits the scenes specially the Song they're using on the Main Leads Romantic and intimate scenes. Ballad can never go wrong!!
Rewatch Value - 10, A drama i wouldn't be tired watching over and over again. Probably the 2nd Chinese Drama after The Word of Honor. It's actually on par with it. Both exceptionally outstanding.
Overall - 10, IF you read my review do I even need to explain. It is a MASTERPIECE that doesn't require any explanations. Just watch and fall in love with it.
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An Easy-to-watch and Heart Flattering Series~!
Let me start my review by giving out praises to the Main Leads! They acted so well and embodied their characters to the greatest heights. I have nothing but admiration and praises to both of them.Something I like about this series is how comfortable it is to watch and how cute the story is. + The fact that the Main Leads acted their way out to excellence in this drama and made it more eye-candy to me.
One thing that made me quite bored!? and restless about this drama is it's pacing and some of it's plot twist. Well this issues are being used in almost every drama so I guess it was highlighted in this story simply because the drama seemed too peaceful to me for almost 90% of it's entirety nonetheless everything is Good aside from the cringy scenes from the 2nd Couple. Hahaha!
Story - 9.0, Story is good and is focused in 1 Major Issue to resolve; it's just that it was dragged till the very end that it felt quite boring at some point. They could've resolve it an episode or two early then give us a Wedding Scene or so.
Acting/Cast - 10, This is Mainly for the Main Leads performances. Gia acted her life here, she's definitely a Cat in this drama. There's no faults in her acting. God!! I love her and she resembles Yamamoto Ayaka from NMB48 a lot and that made me love her so much more. Male Lead is Good too, you can see and feel their dedication and focused with their character portrayal.
Music - 10, Music are pleasing to ear and I'm listening to them on repeat using spotify. Perfect choice of Music!
Rewatch Value - 9.0, Watching this once is Enough and will probably remain memorable to me. Something I would recommend to people looking for peaceful and cute drama who love Cats.
Overall - 9.5, Deserved!! I didn't give it a perfect mark due to some Plot/Story issues mentioned above but it's definitely a worth to watch Series.
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Age is just a number in the end your determination and passion will define your future~!!
Sasuga J-Drama!!! I never expect it to be this unique and good yet they proved again how they're ONE TOP when it comes to producing Piece-of-Life themed stories. J-drama's are always the best when it comes to portraying peoples life experiences; and you can always count on them and expect them to deliver no matter what.I watched this drama since Sakaguchi Kentaro's the lead and wasn't expecting a lot from it (Although i checked the reviews first and that even motivates me to start watching it). From the 1st episode itself I can't just resist to not watch the next episodes as it provides a clear idea of how the story will go and I can't do nothing but feel excited about it.
Thinking about it now this is probably the 1st drama with 10 episodes that I was able to finished in 1 sitting. The story itself just caught my attention and god knows how deeply touched and moved I am by the Mother Love this drama presented.
Story - 9.5, Story is very unique and it tackles a lot of things specially how people tends to change as they grow older. Something I love about this story is how it somehow highlighted that "Age shouldn't be the determining factor to ones future or success". It sends me so much motivation and lessons that eventually reminded me that we're on our own pace.
Acting/Cast - 9.5, It should've been a 10 but I felt like something is missing one way or another. Nonetheless, the actors/actresses were great! What I love the most are their clever and funny portrayal of their specific characters.
Music - 8, It was good. Although, I find the Ending Music to be a little dark but looking back now it do represents the story itself since that was also a preview of the next episode.
Rewatch Value - 9.5, I would definitely re-watch it most specifically when I feel like i'm losing all my confidence and motivations to move forward.
Overall - 9.5, It was indeed a worth while and memorable drama everyone should watch so that we can be reminded that "We should never rush things out, time may change but as long as you got the will there is a way".
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What do y'all mean Mediocre? This is a Gem!
I honestly started watching this drama because of Choi Sooyoung and was quite surprise on how many people left reviews with the word "Mediocre" so i'm hear to rip that off.This drama actually started rough for me, during those moments i kept asking "I need a 2nd lead" & "This drama lacks a 2nd leading man to console the Female Lead" but after few more episodes it all comes to me as to why the writer made it that way. It's simply because the Female Lead is a grown up woman who thinks rational and can decide for her own and that's her charming point that sets her apart from other FL out there.
I must agree the ML is a bit toxic at first but you just gotta hang in there and see how he turns out to be the nicest and most compassionate of them all. This drama doesn't follow the norms of the current trendy drama of 2020-2021 and that's the main reason why I love how this drama was delayed till this year, since it was able to give off such different vibe and made me nostalgic of how dramas were created 3-5 years ago.
Story - 8.5, The story is very unique that will remind you of how dramas were usually created back then. It helps me open my mind to various ways of how people can deal with tons of situations in a mature & rational way.
Acting/Cast - 10, Definitely!! The set of Artist of this drama made me feel so much and they all deserved an applause or two for that.
Music - 9.5, I may not have notice the Music and BGMs at first since I was too engrossed to the story but it will definitely hit you hard when you're at the middle part of the drama. Every song suits the scenes well.
Rewatch Value - 8, This is the kind of drama that i may not watch for months or so, unless I need to remind myself on how to deal and cope up with situations in a rational way. It has that significant Rewatch Value.
Overall - 9, Definitely a MUST watch specially to those people who needs inspiration and is on a pinch situation where it's hard to find motivation to remain positive and optimistic.
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The chaotic escape in pursuit of reclaiming riches, living a better life and obtaining true love. <3
"Paths are made by walking. No path is predetermined. If we don't want this path, we can choose another. Follow your heart, and reach where you wish." - Luo LingyuStumbling upon and picking up this drama brought back great excitement and nostalgia to me. It took me back to the times when I was new to C-dramaland and was binge-watching idol dramas non-stop without much expectation or prejudice—just watching for fun, a good laugh, and a silly, cringey love story. It was a great reminder of how my obsession with C-dramas started and how much my tastes have matured since then—especially regarding production quality and value—after consuming countless S+ tier dramas.
Although this series exhibits the eccentric, unrestrained antics of a typical idol drama, what sets it apart—both past and present—is its narrative cohesiveness and impressive characterization. These elements feel like a long-lost art, especially since most costume idol dramas feel so hastily and carelessly put together nowadays.
Right from the start, the engaging plot piqued my interest. Even though it gets cringey at times due to typical idol drama tropes, I’ve never once felt irritated watching it. In fact, bingeing it episode by episode has been incredibly fun. It brings back a nostalgic feeling—something I've sorely missed. It feels like rediscovering a spark I thought was long lost, especially since the quality of costume idol dramas has plummeted over the years while my own standards have risen.
This show started strong and compelling, and it ended just as beautifully. Although there were occasional slip-ups, they were just minor plot holes that were resolved almost immediately within the same episode. So, whining and complaining about them feels nonsensical since they were literally addressed right away. Additionally, each plot point was indulgently thought out, resulting in a highly anticipated narrative that was incredibly entertaining to watch.
I had a lot of fun binge-watching the entirety of the story. Even though I found the entire Obsessive Ex-Husband (Fan Qing Chen) arc grating to watch, it actually wasn't bad at all. In fact, it flows and connects nicely to the main plot. If anything, my frustration stemmed from the choice of the final antagonist. I expected the climax and final conflict to revolve around defeating and convicting Prime Minister Chen and Mr. Kong of their crimes, not around Fan Qing Chen’s obsession and delusion regarding the female lead, Luo Ling Yu.
Anticipating a grand showdown with the story's true ultimate villains kept me on edge, so pivoting to a lovesick lunatic—who should have been dealt with ages ago—really ruined my mood. While Prime Minister Chen and Mr. Kong's downfalls were thoroughly satisfying, I still have a bitter taste in my mouth because they deserved to be the final hurdle—ending act. Imagine gearing up for a high-stakes chess match, only to end up in a psychological thriller about an ex-husband. *Exasperated sigh*
All things considered, having Fan Qingchen as the final antagonist worked surprisingly well. His aspirations and determination were entirely valid; he simply took the wrong path because he was oblivious to, or directly disregarded Luo Lingyu's feelings and predicaments. This ultimately led to his miserable situation and downfall. Furthermore, given that the romance spanned three-quarters of the plot alongside the heavy political intrigue, positioning him as the final enemy feels entirely justified upon reflection.
The ending, on the other hand, fascinated me and at the same time made me extremely happy. At last, she found herself a matrilocal husband—fitting what she was originally looking for—who was wholeheartedly willing to be one.
"From now on, I live as a member of the Luo clan, and in death, a spirit of your clan." - Lu Yun
Moving forward, let me mention the plot holes, flaws, and some other factors that affected my experience watching this show.
1. Her sister's age doesn't make sense. She said that it was 10 years ago when their parents sent them to their uncle in Shouzhou City. However, during that flashback, her sister looked like she was at least 3 to 5 years old. Therefore, her sister should be between 13 and 15 years old in the current timeline, but she appears to be around 6 to 9, which doesn't make sense at all.
2. I was so flabbergasted that despite their tough upbringing, this little sister (Luo Yun Hua) of hers remained spoiled and unable to read situations. She's reliable, I'll give her that, but her unruly behavior completely negates her good traits. It totally reminded me of the time Luo Lingyu lectured her on the boat. What a whiny, annoying kid.
3. I read a MyDramaList (MDL) review last month by someone hating on a child actress for her irritating portrayal. At the time, I found it harsh and unnecessary. But man, weeks later, here I am getting so irritated by this child actress (Li Zhi Mo) for being unbearably annoying as time passes! This is one of the reasons why I was grateful that she received little to almost no screentime at all during the second half of the show.
4. In episode 25, Lu Yun invading the enemy camp alone was just utterly stupid. It was a total suicide mission. I get that his emotions got the best of him, but wouldn't it be way wiser to actually plan things first instead of attacking blindly and unprepared? Gracious!
I read through several MDL reviews and noticed how some people hated the FL (Luo Ling Yu) for how brazen, shameless, unapologetic, and merciless she was during the first half of the show. However, by contrast, those exact qualities are what made me like her and drew me to her character. I view her behavior as a coping mechanism, given the harsh environment she grew up in after her parents passed away. She was simply hardened by her own tough experiences, which is entirely reasonable if you look at it from a different perspective. Moreover, her strange ways and beliefs made her more interesting in my eyes. She was unconventional, impertinent, and clever, which became the ultimate catalyst for her chemistry with the ML (Lu Yun), making them far more chaotically entertaining to watch.
In addition, one striking quality I genuinely love about her is her unwavering optimism. She views every problem as just a minor setback. She’s like a human power bank—someone you can always recharge your positivity and energy from during tough times.
"Face challenges bravely, and deal with obstacles wisely. We'll overcome all hardships. Things will be resolved." - Luo Lingyu
Lastly, I’m incredibly grateful that this production didn't force another CP into the story. That wise, magnificent decision let the two existing CPs truly shine without crowding the plot with too many pairings.
P.S. I really love the royal family in this drama. They are all on the same wavelength, characterized by a light vibe, a kind demeanor, and an innocence that leaves them blissfully oblivious to certain things—which makes them incredibly adorable and pleasant to watch.
Story - 9.0, I could have given it a higher rating if they hadn't messed up the final antagonists and the order in which they were supposed to be dealt with. This element was a total game-changer for me because it changed the trajectory of the story from a nerve-wracking match of wit to a psychological thriller about an ex-husband. Additionally, I wish they had controlled and balanced the facial expressions and actions of the child actress playing Luo Yun Hua. I'm sorry, but she was really annoying! Huhu
Acting/Cast - 9.5, I have decided to give this rating given that this is an idol drama and they should be acting silly, goofy, and playful most of the time. If anything, I want to commend our main cast—Allen Fang, Jelly Lin, Charles Lin, Zhao Qing, and Guo Jianan—for their exceptional execution of their characters. Dare I say that they're certified masters of idol drama acting. The reason why this is lacking that last 0.5 is because of Li Zhi Mo, the child actress. I am so sorry!
Music - 9.5, This show reminded me exactly what an idol drama OST sounds like. The entire playlist is the embodiment of the genre, perfectly capturing the vibe and complementing the mood of the show. The tracks exude a vibrant, playful, and beautiful energy that fits the drama perfectly.
Rewatch Value - 8.5, The story as a whole is nice and recommendable for people looking for a light and fun drama. Personally, I'm just not into idol dramas anymore and probably won't rewatch it. I'm giving it this rating because the plot is nice and it really is an enjoyable show to watch.
Overall - 9.0, It was truly an entertaining show to watch, and I think this score is the best rating I could give it, given my issues with it and considering my entire experience watching the show.
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Strong premise & buildup ruined by the uncalled-for Climax | Agonizing blindspot crossdressing trope
"When above others, treat them as equals. When below others, maintain your integrity." - Yin Xiang (Chu Zhao's Maid)First off, this is actually my second attempt at this drama. During my first try, the cliché opening scene made me drop it immediately. Now that I have mustered enough mental stability and patience to finally give it another shot, I have to admit it’s not bad at all. In fact, it is an entertaining show. You just really have to feign ignorance and act convinced by the 'obviously a girl but somehow fooling the entire army' trope they're trying to establish and you will be fine—which can truly be challenging for people who despise such illogical, cliché plots.
I honestly don't want to dwell too much on the negative aspects of the story. Instead, I want to write a genuine review by avoiding sarcastic and shady remarks, and the only way I can do that is by addressing the elephant in the room firsthand. So, let me start this review by saying that the major flaw of this story—one that baffled me and stuck with me throughout the entire first half—remained the "renowned female general disguised as a man who was never discovered despite obviously looking like a woman" trope. It was just not convincing at all, no matter how hard I tried to force myself to believe it.
The FL (He Ru Fei/He Yan) was short and slim—a true embodiment of a woman from her childhood until her adulthood. So, I cannot wrap my head around the logic that her classmates, and more so the ML (Xiao Jue) who knew her and interacted with her since her teenage years, failed to notice and/or see through her disguise at all—with or without her full-face mask on. What's even more flabbergasting is how he didn't notice her being a woman, or recognize her as He Ru Fei, when she joined the army as He Yan without her mask. I just find it ridiculously impossible that Xiao Jue failed to recognize He Yan's uncanny resemblance to He Ru Fei, given their history together, her height, physique, build, voice, and other similar factors—especially since she never deliberately attempted to change her pitch, gestures, or movements at all. I think it's utterly stupid and absurd how it took them so long to catch on to her act of deception when the similarities were as clear as day. Are they really that dumb and dense? I have long accepted that masks can be a huge factor in Chinese costume dramas, but I just can't fathom how, even without them, they are getting deceived. Ghad!
In conclusion, The Female General title would have been perfectly fine, if only they didn't ask the audience to swallow the unbelievable and unconvincing fact that no one noticed He Ru Fei/He Yan was a woman all along. *Sighs*
The storytelling during the first 32 episodes was completely entertaining. It was fast-paced and highly compelling. My prejudice against the show was gradually vanishing with every passing episode. At one point, I even regretted not watching it through to the end on my first attempt. One reason I could think of for this is that they didn't waste much time re-telling or looking back at the past of the main leads together. Instead, they dedicated a 30-second to 1-minute time span—right after the opening theme—for roughly 3 to 5 episodes to show us a brief recollection of their past. This gave us enough general knowledge of how their relationship was formed without wasting a huge amount of time on flashbacks. It was such a clever and efficient idea that saved plenty of time, piqued my interest, and made me more invested in how their romantic relationship would bloom in the current timeline.
One instance that completely threw me off during the first 32 episodes occurs in Episode 26, right around the 21-minute mark, when He Yan panics while looking for Xiao Jue in the middle of a battle, thinking he is gravely injured or, worse, killed. It honestly would have been a fine, natural reaction—if only she hadn't gone frantic, shouting and running around. Like, girl? You can't seriously be having a mental breakdown, lowering your guard in the middle of a freaking war, aren't you? If Xiao Jue hadn't survived and saved her, she most certainly would have been killed.
While this trope is incredibly common in dramas, this was truly one of those moments that made me roll my eyes and scoff at how ridiculously absurd the scene was. She's a general with hundreds, if not thousands, of people under her command, for Pete's sake! She shouldn't be letting her guard down and making herself completely vulnerable in the middle of a battle, especially since the enemies haven't been fully defeated yet. Ugh! At least in other dramas I've watched that utilized this trope used a character's "death" as great motivation, fueling their will and tenacity, compared to how she immediately became a damsel in distress open to assault. *Facepalm*
I should also mention that although I found the filler episodes unnecessary at first, it was only as the story progressed and reached the climax that I understood why they were included. They give us crucial background information about what transpired in the past so we don't get lost when the narrative shifts back to the main conflict. That way, we aren't left wondering where the hatred and grievances came from and how it all started.
Finally! Let me talk about the rather disappointing ending that disturbed and sullied the trajectory of the story's otherwise seamless flow for me.
Although the main conflict wrapped up sooner than expected, it was actually brilliantly executed. It concluded satisfyingly through the main leads' well-crafted plan of convicting the main antagonists (Xu Jingfu & He Ruifei) of their crimes by using their own scheme against them.
What truly bothers me is the realization that the main conflict ended four episodes ahead of the drama's conclusion—in episode 32. At that point, I was contemplating whether to feel disappointed that the main conflict ended ahead of the show's actual finale, or grateful that they wrapped it up early, which would theoretically allow us to enjoy some relationship progression and the casual, day-to-day trivialities of the main leads and supporting characters. However, that feeling of confusion and contemplation completely vanished when they started bombarding us with uncalled-for tragedies (Yan He 😭) and extremely late, unnecessary conflicts in the main leads' relationship. It felt like it was done for one specific reason: to eliminate Chu Zhao and have him disappear completely.
If they wanted to bring down Chu Zhao so badly, wouldn't it have been much more reasonable to do it much earlier? I understand that they wanted to show us how madly deluded and crazily in love he is. But wouldn't it be more satisfying if he was convicted sooner for his collusion with and crimes alongside the Prime Minister, rather than the crime he was actually convicted for—which was just sowing discord and creating suspicion in the Emperor's mind? What's more infuriating is how he got such a light punishment after all the tragedy and casualties he caused. It was maddening how, at the end, he was only dismissed, barred from ever being reinstated, and banished never to return. When he clearly deserved execution for all the lives lost because of his schemes! *Throws hands up in frustration*
The climax to ending was truly anticlimactic! I don't know why they couldn't just allow the story to end happily by omitting the tragedies, especially when they easily could have done so. It seems to me that the writers fell into the classic trap of dragging out a conflict for cheap, late-stage drama, completely sacrificing a satisfying conclusion just to force a more "dramatic" ending—which turned out horribly.
This drama really should have ended at episode 32 or 33, as all the conflict they fabricated in the last 3-4 episodes could have been left up to the viewers' imagination. It brought nothing positive to the narrative; it only ruined the perfect impression we had of Xiao Jue's strong, unwavering devotion to He Yan and stripped Yan He of the highly anticipated—and what should have been a greatly celebrated—meeting with his firstborn. I'm still mad that they deprived him of seeing, carrying, and embracing his child because they suddenly decided to kill him. I'm still mourning his death. He was such an adorable character and is my absolute favorite in this show. Good grief!
Additionally, I've realized that no matter what, the Emperor will walk away unscathed—like he was never associated with, or part of, any problem he took part in. What a privilege. lol
P.S. In Episode 28, around the 30:20 minute mark, when the Xiao family was having dinner, Xiao Jue served He Yan the 'Mushroom and Chicken Stew'—acting all caring, attentive, and mushy. I just knew his brother was thinking, 'What gay shit is this?' because he had introduced her as a guy friend, yet was acting all whipped! Haha!
"Since you're already at rock bottom, every step you take next, will be upwards." - Xiao Jue
Story - 8.0, This easily could have been a 9.0 if they hadn't ruined the last 3-4 episodes with uncalled-for conflict and tragedy, which only smeared the show's otherwise smooth run. I already overlooked the "obviously a girl but somehow fooling the entire army" trope and bore through the absurd, sudden "damsel in distress" scene in episode 26. However, I can no longer turn a blind eye to the blatant and stupid execution of the climax.
Acting/Cast - 9.0, I like the cast, and their performances are truly impressive. However, I feel that some of the actors do not fit their roles perfectly. A couple of good examples are Bai Shu as He Ru Fei. While he executed his vile and ruthless character very well, it is hard to shake my overall impression of him as a naturally goofy and mischievous person. Similarly, Zhou Ye as He Yan is fine, but her physical frame is simply not entirely convincing for the Female General role. Although her exceptional acting, partnered with her radiant and cheerful persona, naturally masks her inadequacies—convincing the people around her that everything is alright and overshadowing her physical stature—seeing her side-by-side with the male actors still makes me shake my head.
Music - 10, I love every single song featured in this drama. In fact, I'm listening to the entire OST on Spotify as I write this review. Looking at the tracklist, I realize it's impossible to give the music anything less than a perfect score.
Rewatch Value - 7.0, The show was truly enjoyable! However, I don't think I can tolerate watching that mood-killer climax a second time, or force myself to buy into the cross-dressing disguise plot again.
Overall - 8.0, Sometimes, I hate the fact that I am too tolerant and considerate, as it becomes a factor that makes me go easy on providing a just review for anything I evaluate. However, for this drama, I think this rating is just right. The climax may have been totally disappointing, but my experience watching this show was still considerably great.
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A Total Fan Service! Great pacing & storyline spoiled by FL's rigid morals | Cloying make out scenes
"Every lonely journey ends in a fated encounter." - Postscripts/Ending QuotesPRO TIP: Try to be EXTRA patient and bear with the FL's behavior during episodes 10–20. if you can get through that, you'll be fine.
I eagerly want to start this review by talking about the FL, since the majority of my negative feedback is focused on her. However, I was afraid I might drift away from sharing the narrative's positive sides and get carried away by all the negative aspects. So, let me commence this review by highlighting the strengths and redeeming qualities of the show first.
The pacing and progression of the story were excellent. The narrative is fast-paced and doesn't dwell too long on a single plot point. It moves from one arc to another without going in circles or overly dramatizing conflicts to force a desired result. This helps the story move forward effortlessly without leaving plot holes behind. It also makes the story more coherent and entertaining, preventing it from dragging—even if it was admittedly frustrating for a couple of reasons.
In addition, each plot was compact and well-crafted that after the first ten episodes, it completely slipped my mind that Liao Tingyan was from the modern world. This was the story's ultimate strength, defining its value until the very end.
The story moved at a steady pace during the first 10 episodes; however, it fumbled significantly between episodes 11 and 20 by overemphasizing the female lead's rigid morals. This was the most difficult part of the show to sit through. Fortunately, it regained its momentum from episode 21 onward, recovering from that grating phase to become exciting once again.
One piece of advice I’d give is: do not let yourself carry the irritation or resentment you have for the FL once you cross the halfway mark. Doing so can cloud your judgment regarding the trajectory of her character progression. I'm saying this because I was exactly like that. I immediately judged the FL when the second half started, assuming it would be another tiring "amnesia leads to manipulation" trope. At that time, I thought it was regrettable to see her change from a clever, funny lead to someone so easily schemed against. But as the story unfolded, I realized the amnesia was actually a catalyst. It forced her to adopt the mindsets she’d previously resisted or lacked. By using a well-worn cliché, the writers managed to deliver the exact character evolution the story needed.
Talking about the climax: I initially found the sudden shift to the mortal realm an unusually odd decision, at least until I witnessed how the plot developed. I guess I was just stunned that they had the nerve to go 'Sima Jiao' hunting while still having a final villain to deal with. However, that sense of conflict and discontent eventually diminished once I understood that the entire Mortal Arc had been prearranged by Sima Jiao—even before he perished—to subdue and defeat the main antagonist.
The ending, on the other hand, is equally delightful and baffling. While it nails the main antagonist's downfall and provides a satisfying "happy ending" as the leads meet in the real world, the reason behind her journey to that cultivation world remains unexplained. After her accident, she suddenly begins "dream traveling" into this fantasy realm while in a coma, yet the story never establishes a clear cause. I suspect it relates to the project proposal she was working on, but the narrative fails to explore or confirm that connection. This sadly remains a riddle, even after finishing the show.
Additionally, I find the symbolism and depiction of corporate serfdom, burnout culture, and hyper-capitalistic exploitation to be both alarming and commendable. In this story, the female lead, Zhou Yan, has literally just been discharged from the hospital, yet she has to rush to her company to respond to her boss's summons regarding a proposal she failed to submit due to her accident. What is even more disturbing is how their conversation centers entirely on work—focusing on her failure to submit the proposal and a "make-or-break" ultimatum for her career—while completely ignoring the fact that she is clearly injured and bandaged.
While the creators’ inclusion of this reality is significant—as it accurately represents the grind ordinary citizens must endure to survive, even in life-threatening predicaments—it is truly abhorrent to witness this reflection of our own world. We live in a reality where corporate slavery and the transformation of a person into an "industrial human machine" are being normalized, which is both saddening and maddening.
Finally venturing into the 'negative rant' portion of my review. Shall we start with the biggest issue I had with the show: the female lead herself?
I was relatively fine with the female lead's (Liao Tingyan) slacker, vigilant, yet witty attitude—until I noticed two distinct changes that increasingly made me dislike her. First, when she finally earned Sima Jiao's trust, she gradually started voicing her opinions and doing whatever she thought was right without thoroughly considering the overall situation or consulting Sima Jiao. Second, she is slowly turning into a "know-it-all," complacent girl who prioritizes feelings and kindness—even toward individuals who wouldn't think twice about killing her and have every intention to do so. This shift has led her in the wrong direction and caused nothing but negative outcomes. While I understand she isn't used to such brutality, I find it unbelievable that she fails to grasp Sima Jiao's intentions. She is trying to survive a world where "kill or be killed" is the rule, so I can't stomach or comprehend her convictions and principles. Even if I technically understand her perspective, it feels incredibly unwise and, frankly, dumb. That’s why I was beaming with satisfaction during the Desolate Lands arc when Yan Huan tried to kill himself and his daughter, Zhou Zhi Ming. It was such a wake-up call for her—a reminder that she can’t just look at the "morally correct" side of life. She also has to look at the darkest side to understand the real struggles and bottom-line issues of the people around her.
Spoiler: I really thought she’d come to a realization and learn something from this, but unfortunately, she didn't! Grr!
What’s funny is that she knows she’s weak, yet she still won’t take extra precautions or train harder. She’s a slacker, and I love that she’s fully committed to it. However, it contradicts her desire to stay alive. Since being known as Sima Jiao’s most favored servant is basically a death warrant—a literal invitation for people to kill her. I really can’t comprehend how she lack the sense of urgency to sharpen her skills or master enough magic to defend herself.
She was such a total liability during the entire first half of the story that I got so fed up and pissed off watching her survive, every time, solely because of Sima Jiao's protection. She became fully reliant and complacent, tending to overlook a lot of things due to her carelessness and simple-mindedness. It was frustrating how she practically needed saving 99.99% of the time, when she could've been more powerful due to the 'cheat code' power-ups Sima Jiao had granted her.
In fact, halfway through the show, I became so irritated with Sima Jiao’s mantra about not letting her die unless he allowed it. Honestly, one big reason she stayed useless and incapable was because he pampered her so badly. Good grief!
As I grow older, I’ve realized that while sacrifice is noble, it’s often a foolish choice. This is why I’ve started avoiding Xianxia dramas over the last few years. I've grown tired of them being infested with constant sacrifices and multiple lifetime reincarnations, especially after consuming so many of them over the years.
Lastly, all the kissing and sensual scenes are nice and romantic at first. However, this show overdid it to the point of indifference and disbelief. Such scenes should have been greatly anticipated and celebrated, but the frequency and intensity with which they were presented were way too excessive. The romantic essence gradually dissipated after the 3rd time and completely vanished from the 5th time onwards. I am a person who typically enjoys such erotic scenes; however, due to the ludicrous number of times they showed them to us, they have become completely bland and even an eyesore to me. It transformed from a symbol of affection into "soft-porn" used to showcase the main leads making out and touching each other pleasurably.
In conclusion, 'Partnership Cultivation' is entirely synonymous with sexual or erotic scenes. While the authors were clever in utilizing the 'her coldness eases my burning fire' trope, they ultimately went overboard with it.
In Episode 28, at around the 40 minutes mark, it’s implicitly confirmed that the leads entering each other's 'Soul Minds' is a metaphor for sex. What absurdity! lol
Story - 8.0, My conscience wanted me to provide a rating at least 0.5 higher in consideration of the progressive plot and nice pacing. However, my mind opposes this due to the indifference and frustration I felt during episodes 11–20, the totally unnecessary kissing scenes, and the fact that the reason for the transmigration was never fully addressed.
Acting/Cast - 9.0, This is my first drama from both leads (Arthur Chen and Wang Yinglu) and they executed their roles well. However, I'm just not a fan of the FL's characterization, which turned me into a total critic. I was hyper-sensitive to her every movement, making some of her expressions feel exaggerated. Another person I scrutinized with an eagle eye was veteran actor Bao Jian Feng. His ingratiating acting style put me off, reminding me of his performance in LLTG. The difference is that his character here forced too many smiles while trying to depict a duplicitous person, which I found awkward and unnatural most of the time. I don't know why I was so sensitive to facial expressions with this show! lol
Music - 9.5, I love that the majority of the songs are melodic ballads. My personal favorites are 'In This World, I Only Love You' by Tia Ray and 'Old Wounds' by Huang Xiaoyun. I was actually about to give this a lower rating, but after listening to the drama's OST playlist on Spotify, I realized I almost did this show a total injustice!
Rewatch Value - 8.0, While I like certain elements of this drama, specifically the plot progression, pacing, and how it uses a cliché premise to facilitate the FL’s growth. I just don't see myself watching it again. The FL is simply not my cup of tea; I have outgrown the 'willful and rigid' female lead trope common in idol dramas, and she embodies that to a fault. Furthermore, the excessive skinship felt repetitive; by the fifth time, the sensual scenes lost their impact entirely.
Overall - 8.0, Had the FL's characterization not spoiled the mood and nearly caused me to drop the show, I would have given it a higher rating. That single aspect permanently tarnished the series for me. Regardless, I'm glad I stuck with it instead of dropping it like many others did.
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A love that withered, like the Green Plum Blossom | Greatest betrayal of all.
"I am the Empress. Here I am, sitting on the throne of the phoenix that you so desire. Therefore, any gift is your punishment, and any punishment is your gift." Empress Ruyi to Consort JiaWanna know how good this drama is? All I can say is, despite all the brutality and cruelty in this show, I only have good memories of it. Not because I disregard those atrocities, but because I was utterly captivated by Ula Nara Qingying (Ruyi)—the woman who kept her feet grounded and her conscience pure, no matter how hard the situation was or how high her position became. Her never-changing magnanimity lasted from the very start until the end.
I fully expected her to exact revenge, especially after her aunt, the late Empress Ula Nara, used her own death as a catalyst for her to vie for power. However, she never did. She truly believed that distancing herself from conflict would keep her safe. I even thought she had finally learned her lesson after being imprisoned in the Cold Palace for several years. I was excited to see her seek vengeance, but again, it never happened. Her values and integrity remained so unfazed that I was actually quite pissed off by how forgiving she was, constantly disregarding the schemes against her. Yet, as I continued watching, I realized it was because she never desired power or fame. She wasn't hungry for revenge; the only time she would make a move was if someone touched her loved ones. Her patience and tolerance are as vast as the universe. She is definitely the purest FL I have ever seen in a drama.
There are plenty of imperial consorts vying for the Emperor's favor, but she is the only one who never fights for his attention. Some may think it is because she knows he loves her, but for me, it is more than that. It is not because she is confident in his love, but rather because she fully trusts him—despite the many times he has disappointed her. This is proven by Ruyi's favorite phrase of his: "Do not worry."
That single sentence had been her assurance of his trust and affection; it is why, despite the multiple instances where he disappointed her, she kept holding on. She trusted him and his love, just as she expected him to trust hers. Consequently, the moment he stopped trusting her and began doubting her—probing her continuously—was the moment she finally lost her trust in him as well. The man she loved in her youth is no longer the person she is with now. This became the breaking point of her unconditional trust for the person she once loved and wished to spend her entire life with.
In retrospect, the most heartbreaking element of this story is knowing that the young man she once dearly loved, and sacrificed so much for, had changed. Despite her faithfulness and utter commitment, he still chose to doubt her and trust others more than her. It was truly agonizing and enraging to watch a once lovely, cheerful woman get depleted to the very brim by a single man. It is a stark reminder of how fickle men can be and a portrait of what the ultimate betrayal looks like.
Another sad realization while watching this show was how much pent-up emotion, resentment, and how many grudges Ruyi must have accumulated over the years of being married to Hongli. She stripped herself of jealousy and greed, striving instead to be considerate, compassionate, and tolerant. Despite constantly being on the receiving end of attacks from the harem, she remained completely devoted to him—only for him to doubt her. She must have been in so much pain that, eventually, all she wanted was to break free.
Initially, I assumed it was a coincidence that the scenes I found most compelling involved Ruyi’s growing disillusionment with Hongli. However, by the end of the drama, I realized I loved those moments because they were the only times she genuinely expressed her emotions. It was her moment of truth: realizing that nothing is permanent and accepting that some things are bound to change...sadly, even his trust and love for her.
NOTE: Nothing compares to the satisfaction of seeing Ruyi looking so done with Hongli. Every time she vindicates herself, I can almost taste the disgust and dissatisfaction she wants to slap him with.
This review would be much longer if I were to write out my personal thoughts on each of the scenes I loved about this show. So, let me just list them instead.
×× My absolute favorite scene was in Episode 81, when Hongli threatened to depose Ruyi and she shot back: "I don't need you to depose me. I am sick and tired of being this Empress of yours. I don't want to endure it anymore." Then she proceeded to cut her hair. Dang! Peak drama! The most satisfying scene of the entire series.
×× I find it fascinating how imperial consorts facing an untimely death—whether by poison or suicide—are almost always depicted in their full ceremonial dress. It serves as a final display of dignity and power, even at the very end.
×× Another scene I liked the most was the consorts' daily greetings to the Empress. I find so much enjoyment in seeing them constantly dissing each other. it feels like being in a cockfight arena, waiting to see who lands the heaviest blow and who ultimately emerges victorious. Hahaha!
×× The most unexpected, yet most precious, aspect of this story is the unbreakable bond between Hailan and Ruyi. I deeply admire their mutual devotion and loyalty. It is truly one of the most beautiful friendships depicted in an imperial harem drama.
There are plenty more, but this is getting so long. To cut it short, let me just mention one of my most hated and most aggravating scenes in this show.
In Episode 72, when Emperor Qianlong (Hongli) said that while Ruyi was his childhood sweetheart, Consort Rong was his 'love at first sight.' He argued that because he met her as an adult, his emotions were harder to control. Man! I wanted to slap him then and there. Left and right, multiple times. He truly was the worst!
Lastly, the ending. I totally admire and look up to Ruyi for ending her relationship with Hongli so thoroughly and without reservation. I love how she blatantly declined his offer to be Empress again and kept her terminal illness a secret from everyone. Also, while I appreciate that Hongli eventually understood Ruyi’s wish to no longer be Empress, I hated that he allowed her to be buried without the posthumous titles she deserved, even going so far as to destroy all records of her existence. I understand why he did it, but I still hate it.
Anyway, kudos to him for finally giving her a rest and lowkey letting her go by not being buried with him. She cut ties, and I am glad he understood.
"When people's minds turn to evil, even dogs are greater in character." Consort Jia (coming from her? lol)
P.S. I feel so heartbroken for Ling Yunche. Wouldn't it have been wonderful if he’d stayed by Ruyi's side until the end? Huhu! Here I go again, letting my imagination run wild with "what if" scenarios!
Story - 10, Absolute perfection! It was well-paced, compact, and a lengthy yet extremely worthy drama. This is one of those series that made me realize the length or number of episodes doesn't equate to quality. I was never bored, and I even felt heartbroken when there were only a couple of episodes left. I wish C-dramaland would allow creators to go "all out" again without restricting episode counts, which often ruins stories by forcing scenes to be shortened into incoherent pieces.
Acting/Cast - 10, An ensemble of excellence. The execution from every single actor is flawless. The lines are delivered eloquently and articulately, emphasizing the weight and deep meaning of the script. It is a cast you could not improve upon—a total powerhouse. Kudos to Zhou Xun above everyone else. I was amazed by her absolute, unbreakable composure. Everything from her movements to her facial expressions shouted "calm and collected." It was very fitting for her character.
Music - 10, I love them all! The entire soundtrack radiates heartbreak caused by betrayal, disappointment, and deception, which perfectly complements and elevates the drama’s emotions.
Rewatch Value - 10, This is one of the few shows I wouldn't mind rewatching if someone asked me to—even though I just finished it and have a mountain of other C-dramas waiting for me.
Overall - 10, This is a peak masterpiece! It’s the ultimate drama—one I’ve sincerely loved and enjoyed more than anything else in years. Each episode was masterfully directed and crafted to perfection. I highly recommend this show to everyone and would advise people not to be intimidated or daunted by the number of episodes.
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Game of Deception: Revenge fueled by layers of lies and manipulation | Socially undertrained ML
"One does not need to be evil to invite disaster." - Zang HaiI don't think I can begin this review without first addressing a major frustration—one that, unfortunately, hampered what was almost a flawless watching experience.
While the story's introduction effectively establishes the central mysteries, tragedies, and conflicts, the decision to deprive the male lead (Zang Hai) of essential social intelligence is a major flaw. Whether this was a choice made to facilitate a romance or to keep his moral conscience intact, it remains a significant hindrance to his revenge. His journey would have been far smoother and more efficient had his brilliance been paired with social awareness and keen perception required to navigate his surroundings and read the people around him.
What frustrated me most was how his lack of social intelligence repeatedly put him in danger. It reached a point where I started thinking, "He really was released into the public prematurely." It makes me question what he actually learned under Master Gao Ming. I was under the impression he’d been taught skepticism and social awareness, so why does it seem like he learned nothing about it beforehand?
It’s absurd how easily he was taken advantage of the moment he entered the capital. I understand he lacks knowledge of this new environment, but I find it hard to believe he failed to notice the red flags—especially since he’d been preparing for this return for years. Seeing him get tricked so quickly made me want to slap some sense into him. He should have been extra cautious because he cannot afford to fail! He was raised in the capital during his preteens and spent years with Master Gao Ming, who frequently took him to town to study social dynamics. I assumed he’d at least be able to see through basic schemes, but he clearly couldn't. I know he wasn't specifically trained to handle the deceptions of women, but it’s still unbelievable that he let his guard down the very moment he encountered one. He should have been much more guarded.
He was a promising, intelligent young man, so his development came as no surprise. Furthermore, he had excellent mentors who guided him until he mastered his craft. However, it was evident that he lacked basic street-smarts, which is disappointing considering he was mentored by the shrewd master, Gao Ming.
While he can devise brilliant plans, he often fails to consider the watchful eyes of his enemies. This oversight puts him at extreme risk and frequently jeopardizes his missions. It is frustrating to see him in constant danger due to lack of foresight and contingency planning. It makes me wonder: shouldn't he have anticipated this? Did his training with Gao Ming teach him nothing?, or has it all been for naught?
He was trained in craftsmanship, architecture, engineering, geomancy, and astronomy, but he was never properly trained in reading people’s hearts and minds. He tends to underestimate his enemies, which has led to the deaths of many who trusted him. Trusting him is a double-edged sword: people want victory, so they follow him because he seems capable, but they never expect that they will eventually have to sacrifice their own lives just so he can survive. In fact, the only reason he is still alive is because of the people who risk everything for him—and obviously, because he is the Male Lead. If he weren't, I bet he would have died less than 6 months after arriving in the capital.
He was so careless that even Zhuang Zhixing, whom he treated like a foolish hedonist, was perceptive enough to blow his cover! Honestly, if the plot wasn't written specifically to protect him, this drama would have ended before it even reached the halfway point.
I was frustrated at first, but I’ve since accepted the show's explanation that Master Liuchu’s training was incomplete, which explains the inadequacies and loopholes in his plans. Despite this, it remains my major grievance with the story. If only he had emerged from his years of training fully equipped with practical knowledge and situational awareness, he wouldn't have been nearly as disappointing as he appeared in the story. Maybe it’s just me and my lofty expectations, but it really soured my view of his character. Since I expected him to be fully prepared for his grand quest for revenge.
One of the most commendable aspects of this story is how closely the plot events are intertwined. Every subplot is well-written and executed seamlessly. Although I had a hunch about the final villain’s identity, the revelation was still incredibly satisfying. It was impressive to see how he masterfully orchestrated the scheme from the start, manipulating everyone until the very end. It was a thrilling ride that built genuine excitement for the climax and denouement of the story.
I really appreciate that they didn't take a supernatural route with the Ghost Soldiers towards the end. Instead, they kept the explanation logical, using science and hallucinogenic chemicals. This keeps the story grounded in reality and avoids deviating into a fictional universe. It strongly reminded me of the world-building in The Lost Tomb.
I was initially conflicted about the lead couple's chemistry, given their rocky first encounter and the risk of her becoming a distraction to his revenge—especially since he never learned how to resist women's seductive charms. However, the more they interact, the more their natural chemistry becomes undeniable. The deep devotion between Xiang Antu and Zanghai is admirable. Even though their bond was forged in deceit, seeing them genuinely fall for one another makes their relationship feel far more authentic and compelling.
Lastly, the fight scene between Zhuang Luyin and Zhuang Zhixing in episode 28 was truly my favorite. It certainly wasn't the most amazing fight in the show, but it was definitely the most heart-wrenching scene in the drama. I was totally sold on how affectionate and loving Zhuang Luyin is as a father. He may be a horrendous person, but he is surely a great father. The way he guided Zhuang Zhixing to stab him while recalling their bonding moments—starting from his childhood—really hit a soft spot in me.
"There's no need to show hatred on your face. Keep it in your heart as your heart is yours alone, unseen by others." - Zang Hai
Story - 9.0, The plot was compact with a great succession of events that moved the story forward naturally. It would have been perfect if the male lead (ML) had been better prepared, considering he spent the last decade cultivating his talents for the sole purpose of revenge. His inability to sense or predict people's real intentions was a significant letdown given his preparations
Acting/Cast - 10, The cast was excellent, especially Xiao Zhan, whose facial expressions were spectacular. I wish Zhang Jingyi had more screen time and stronger dialogue because her character occasionally felt a bit bratty, which was off-putting. However, her impressive fight scenes and adaptability redeemed her. Without those strengths, my rating wouldn't be this high.
Music - 10, Each song expresses great sorrow and delivers pensive emotions that fit and elevate the show's overall theme. As a ballad lover, I really enjoy them—especially during scenes depicting intense grief and suffering.
Rewatch Value - 8.0, I enjoyed the overall story, but the issues with the ML are hard to overlook. Whenever I think of the show, those specific scenes come to mind, significantly dragging down my rating for this section.
Overall - 9.0, Based on my viewing experience, the show was enjoyable but far from 'stress-free.' The male lead's recurring incompetence was truly frustrating; he only survived because of the formidable plot armor that protected him until the end. Lol.
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Compelling crime and investigative cases tainted by the writer's assassination of the ML's character
"Even a solid dyke can collapse from a single ant hole." - Qin YiI was initially planning to start this review by expressing my frustration with the show. However, I realized I have so much to say that it would become quite lengthy, and I might lose focus on the story's strengths. So, let me start my commentary by highlighting the positive aspects of the story first and save my complaints and negative feedback for later.
Looking back, the story was truly impressive—provided we ignore Qi Menglin's (ML) existence! The plot progression was smooth, the character dynamics were entertaining, and the dark symbolism was both compelling and well-executed. While the thematic atmosphere initially feels somber due to the exploitation of women, a hidden vibrance emerges through the main characters. Their compassionate hearts serve as a powerful counterpoint, highlighting the contrast between the drama’s unsettling, gritty tone and the protagonists' unwavering sense of justice, benevolence, and altruism.
The show's most standout feature is undoubtedly its thematic depth. Right from the start, the story establishes a dark, eerie, and mysterious atmosphere that feels incredibly promising, building significant anticipation for the plot's progression. Their consistency in delivering such scenes is what made me captivated with the cases. To the point where I found myself fully immersed in each investigative plot of the story. While the cases themselves are interesting, the main draw is the focus on the struggles women face. I don't enjoy the depiction of suffering for its own sake; instead, I am interested in the quality of the representation. Plenty of series use women as a mere plot device; so, finding one that utilizes this trope not just for the sake of men's debauchery, but to make a point and encourage the pursuit of justice, felt hopeful and heartwarming. I’m glad this is a female-centric drama that shows genuine care and empathy, rather than a show intended solely to showcase the FLs (Luo Shu) wit and prowess.
The build-up to the main plot, which centers on the tragedy and demise of Luo Shu's family was truly attention-grabbing. However, the most intriguing and riveting aspect of the show was not her story, but Qin Yi, the main antagonist. He was a scene-stealer who took over the show the moment the focus shifted to him. He’s the perfect antagonist: obsessive, mentally deranged, and a legit psychopath. I hated him for how merciless and mentally corrupted he was, yet I loved him for those exact same reasons. I admire how rigidly committed he remained to his diabolical goals and beliefs. He carried the show to the finish line like no one else—a true master schemer.
The writers really outdid themselves with how spectacularly vicious and cunningly calculative he is. The only failure in his characterization was his conclusion—a death that was hasty, abrupt, and deeply underwhelming. Honestly, I almost lost hope and accepted defeat during the climax because his schemes were so brilliant. The only reason I held onto hope for a better ending was the knowledge that story tropes rarely allow an antagonist to prevail.
The ending is my 2nd disappointment with this drama. It was wrapped up in a haste and off-screened many potentially climactic scenes. Although the result was considerably satisfying, I feel like they could have done better! It's as if they suddenly decided to 'call it a wrap' and threw away their intricately planned ending in favor of poor execution. I'm not sure if it was due to episode limitations, licensing, or something else, but it felt truly disconcerting. It’s absurd that they gave Qin Yi so much screen time for his schemes, yet were unable to spare a couple of episodes to end the drama properly.
The perfect pairing we were robbed of: Luo Shu and Han Muzhi. Even now, I feel dissatisfied with the choice of the male lead. Han Muzhi was perfect ML material, so I was truly shocked when the show gradually started to shift toward Qi Menglin. We could have had the perfect couple if only the writers hadn't felt unnecessarily 'innovative' and rebellious that day. Truly, our TOTGA!
I also have to mention that I totally look up to Luo Shu for her maturity and decisiveness. Her confrontation scene with Han Muzhi—to conclude their intimate relationship and gain proper closure—is my favorite scene of all. I aspire to have her understanding and courage; her moral fiber feels beyond my mortal intelligence. I could never be like her.
Finally, I’m moving on to the most infuriating section of my review. I’m glad to have finally reached the point where I can unleash it. God knows how much I held back my sarcasm and complaints in the sections above. Believe it or not, my draft grew excessively long because I have 9 impromptu, on-the-spot notes—all in paragraph form—solely dedicated to my disappointment and negative reactions toward Qi Menglin. Shall we start?
I didn't loathe him immediately. It was a gradual process—an accumulated annoyance that turned to hate the more he appeared on screen. He is that specific character who never ceases to irritate me, from his introduction until the very end. He constantly behaves like a foolish, immature noble; he is the walking definition of "Ignorance is bliss."
Introduced as an annoying, ignorant foil, he spoils the crime scene whenever he appears. God knows how many times his giddy, foolish personality has ruined a chance to obtain a clue. Even when he contributes, it's through sheer luck; clues are only discovered after he performs some ridiculous gag. Talk about plot convenience! It is incredibly frustrating how the scenes always divert to his slapstick antics just when we should be focusing on serious issues. He feels like an extra with an overly prominent background, so the writers keep inserting him even when he’s a nuisance to the story. He is a total distraction. Someone you couldn’t bring on an espionage mission as he sticks out like a sore thumb. He reveals himself no matter what—especially in moments when everyone else needs to stay still, remain quiet, and avoid making a mess.
For the record, there was a period when he seemingly matured and became extra cautious and rational in comparison to Luo Shu. Those scenes truly made me warm up to him and allowed me to reconsider and accept him as the legitimate male lead; because finally, it was the character development arc I had been waiting for. However, those moments were buried when the story reached its climax. My irritation and loathing toward him were replaced by contemptuous mockery by episode 32, when he landed in jail yet again. He kept being taken advantage of and became the sole reason for his family's demise. His overall decisions and actions left me disappointed and speechless; I am unable to process how he suddenly reverted to the absolute liability he initially was. I was dumbfounded and—sure as hell—mad, not only at him but also at the writers. They played with his character like a toy they could conveniently mold into whatever ridiculous shape they needed. It was total character assassination.
He has truly ruined this show for me. I never expected it to turn out like this toward the end. Any 'change of heart' I felt has gone down the drain, gradually turning into utter disappointment and anger as the story reaches its conclusion. He never truly considers the consequences of his actions, despite the warnings and the knowledge that they are in a dire situation, being actively schemed against. I don't even know how to like him starting from that point. All I can say is that it was this drama's misfortune to have such an ignorant and rebellious kid as its ML. He is beyond saving; I’ve lost all hope for him. By the end, he’s nothing but a total liability.
This is the 2nd drama I’ve seen starring Zhai Zhilu, and it’s also his second role playing a spoiled, childish, and immature young master. I’m not sure why he keeps accepting roles like this. Was he also a victim of those infamous on-site script changes? /Sighs/
P.S. I totally applaud Luo Shu for her composure and for not lashing out at Qi Menglin, the childish heir who is constantly on her tail. Her patience clearly knows no bounds; I can’t imagine how exhausting it is to effectively babysit an annoying, childish man.
Story - 9.0, I would have rated it a 9.5 or 10 based solely on the investigation scenes. However, the disappointment regarding Qi Menglin must be taken into account. Furthermore, the conclusion for Qin Yi felt rushed, and the ending was wrapped up as if the production was racing against a deadline.
Acting/Cast - 9.5, This was an almost perfect ensemble, held back only by the writing of Zhai Zilu’s character. I know I shouldn’t blame him, but my brain now automatically brands him as childish and annoying. I’m afraid I might skip his future projects—I’m absolutely traumatized.
Music - 10, As a ballad lover, the pensive and longing sound of the OSTs are my ultimate vibe in this drama! 'Heavy Snow' (大雪) is one of my favorites.
Rewatch Value - 6.0, I enjoyed all the crime and investigation plots, and I thoroughly appreciate the representation of women's plight. However, I can never watch Qi Menglin again. I don't think I can stomach him a second time.
Overall - 9.0, The crime scenes are compelling and truly enjoyable. I would have rated this higher had the writers remained consistent with Qi Menglin’s character development. It feels strange to settle on an 8.5 when it could have easily earned a 9.5 or 10, but the rushed—though well-delivered—ending makes that 8.5 feel more accurate.
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An oath to death | How did we end up with such horrendous FL? /Curses/
"I guess, I am the most incompetent Sword Bearer to date. Your Majesty, I couldn't protect you. Instead, I have to rely on you to protect me." - Cheng Ruoyu / Wang RuolingAre you guys ready to dive in as I scrutinize the ultimate plot hole in this story?
Before I start my review, I want to acknowledge every user who left negative feedback and dropped this drama within the first 10 episodes. Their decisions were valid; they weren't wrong, and I can't blame them for doing so since this, truly, has been the most challenging drama for me not to drop in over three years. At this point, I suppose I want to congratulate myself on finishing this arduous task, as well as let everyone know that this drama will certainly make you think countless of times about whether to drop it or not. Thank heavens, I am the type of viewer who almost never drops a show unless every aspect reaches an extremely unbearable point—and here, they simply went extremely overboard with the female lead and nothing more.
Watching this show, I was struck by one specific question that continued to haunt me until the very end:
"What were the writers thinking when they were deciding on the FL's characterization?"
I tried so hard to understand that I started trying to put myself in the writer's shoes. I even reached the point where I had to think objectively and look at the bigger picture. However, despite all that, I still can't comprehend how they came up with such trash Female Lead. I understand that the Violet Bureau are the inferior and less seriously trained guards, which is why the FL's martial arts are mediocre. What I can't accept is how the people around her still keep on calling her "Great" and other synonymous words despite her visibly not being one. Can you imagine how infuriating that is? To watch a person be called and treated as the leader of a team responsible for the Emperor's security, yet exhibit poor and inferior skills? Heck, the Emperor was even more skilled than her!
Imagine protecting a person more capable than you. Isn't that just ridiculous? Isn't she supposedly more skilled and trained? With that, it has become the biggest cliché plot twist of the story. The FL/Personal Guard being protected by the emperor—the person she's supposed to protect—countless times because she's incompetent as hell. It even comes to the point where the emperor has to train her because she's lacking, or should I say, just straight-out bad at her job. Please make it make sense! How the hell was she considered a great protector when she's the one needing saving 99% of the time? SMH.
Imagine getting so tired of a plot that you ask yourself, after seeing it countless of times: How many more times do I need to watch the ML save the FL?
He's always to the rescue and always keeps a contingency plan for her, which is an additional liability. They consistently romanticize him saving her. Gosh! This trope exhausted the hell out of me. It's infuriating how the FL is always getting taken advantage of for being naive, gullible, ignorant, and overly incompetent. What's more hilarious is how the people around her don't even trust her fully in accomplishing a task, as they immediately knew she'll always fuck up one way or another. So, I will never understand the writers' audacity to set her up as a great martial artist, ever! She's a terrible personal guard and an overhyped martial artist, period.
Even after becoming Ling Ling (Wang Rou Ling) and knowing her true identity, she still couldn't grasp the situation. Why is she like a kid that you have to be specific with, carefully spelling each letter of the word for her to understand the plan? (P.S. She remained this dull-witted for like 90%+ of the show). I am not really sure what they were trying to achieve by writing her character like this; regardless, it did not work since she's a truly awful FL.
I would understand it if she had been introduced as a low-ranking member who persistently worked hard to get to her position, but she was not. She was introduced prestigiously—as a great martial artist/swordswoman rightful of the title 'Sword Bearer' and 'Chief of the Violet Bureau,' and personal guard of the emperor—after winning an all-out competition against her peers. Yet, her skills are terrible as fuck and don't measure up to her title.
Not to mention her tactless tendency to display insolence in front of the Emperor multiple times, despite several reminders to act accordingly—especially considering they just met. She talks back, bickers, and argues with him as if they are of the same status. I just couldn't grasp her character entirely, because I could never fathom how she could act this way when she’s just a mere servant. A security guard! Some people view it as a sign of total innocence and purity, and I see why they view it that way. However, at the expense of what? Her impertinence, unruly nature, and impulsive actions? Towards the 'Emperor' himself? Bullshit!
God knows how much emotional endurance and tolerance I had to invest just to get past the most irritating sections of the show—which are mostly about the FL.
Another idea I want to question—because I am completely baffled by—is why they didn't let Qiu Yanzhi/Wang Ruoqing be the female lead instead. She passed all the mark with a whopping A+++ across the board. So, I really don't understand why... She’s the perfect female lead we never had.
To wrap it all up, I want to thank the writers for keeping Prince Guang the kind and pure character that he is. I was thrilled by his character development, and I won’t lie—I wanted to see even more of him! However, I am satisfied that he retained his gentle nature until the end. I’m so glad they didn't ruin his character by making him scheming and/or manipulative. All I want is for him to remain the loving, caring, and family-oriented guy he’s always been. So, knowing that he stayed true to that has put me at ease. I truly want to thank the writers for that.
"The Dragon Throne is here. I can sit on it. And if I do, that is my power. I can sit on it. And if I refuse to sit on it, that's morality. It's easy to give in to power. But dying for morality is a tough decision. No matter how low I stoop, I will never hurt my own family." - Qi Chen / Prince Guang
Story - 7.5, I have no negative reaction or comments about the story itself. The whole plot and the sub-plots are consistent; they make you wonder and leave you in awe every time. The conflicts are straightforward but still keep you on the edge of your seat, waiting to see how they resolve the situation. It was intricately crafted and put together. What impressed me even more was how they kept the characters mysterious—like a double-edged sword, you can never guess who they are truly working for or who their aim is targeted at. It would have been perfect if they hadn't messed up the FL so heavily. Considering how much I suffered through all the FL’s shenanigans, I have decided to give it this rating. If I weren't extremely patient and tolerant, I would have been less than a millimeter away from dropping this drama.
Acting/Cast - 9.5, The execution was impressive! As expected, I can think of only a few who can hold a candle to Cheng Yi in delivering such an emotionally restrained character. He was spectacular and executed his role flawlessly, with precision. However, the people I truly want to commend here are Mickey He (Qiu Zhiliang) and Xuan Lu (Qiu Yanzhi/Wang Ruoqing). They carried this show the same way the ML did—their backs must be hurting from the strain of carrying the burden for the FL! Lol. Han Dong equally did a great job with his portrayal of Prince Guang; I love his character a lot. Anyway, this show made me question Zhang Yuxi's choice of roles. She portrayed the pure and innocent Cheng Ruoyu well. It's a shame the writers did her dirty by assassinating her character (Horrible writing).
Music - 7.0, I failed to appreciate much of the soundtrack in this show due to the extreme anguish I felt during the FL’s unbearable scenes. However, the song placement and harmonization were great—they felt balanced and never bothered me.
Rewatch Value - 1.0, I won't even pretend to be kind toward this show. My consideration was long thrown out of the window despite the considerably excellent story plot. I could never sit through this drama again; watching the female lead was honestly traumatic. I am done with it!
Overall - 7.5, I am giving it this rating in consideration of the impressive storyline and the spectacular execution of the actors and actresses. It may look like I am undermining this drama, but after being heavily exposed to and affected by the FL's character, I don't think I can give it any higher. That being said, I don't recommend this to people who are sensitive, even a little, with foolish characterization. However, if you're like me, who is mentally tough and enduring, then go ahead! Goodluck~ Haha!
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A combination of poor writing and awful characterization | Should have been "Legend of Qishao".
"It's hard to find someone you like who likes you back. It's harder to love each other for the rest of one's life." - Noble Consort Yi (Feiye's Mother)I am literally out of nice words for this drama. This is a clear representation of how illogical and ludicrous idol dramas were back then. It goes beyond common perception and will leave you baffled as to what just happened. For the record, I even gave it consideration... lots of it—thinking that I had to be considerate since I am watching a 2018 drama eight years later, in 2026. But heck! This show is an abomination. I couldn't even stomach watching it consecutively from episode 30 onward because the storyline increasingly became overly frustrating and unbearable to watch.
It would have been understandable if the reason for my disdain was the hateful antagonists; however, my disgust for this show is rooted in the storyline, repetitive plot, supporting characters, and the protagonists themselves. Plenty of the scenes are giving "2018–2022 idol drama" absurd tropes. I would have accepted it if they kept them to a bare minimum, but dang! They went above and beyond! Watching it today made me roll my eyes. The level and scale is just too much for me. Some examples are:
× Scene Transitions: One minute they're jumping off an enclosed pond, and the next, the setting has suddenly shifted to a massive waterfall. Where did that even come from? /Facepalms/
× Lack of Urgency: I don’t understand how they can just "chill and grill" or go stargazing when they have an enemy to catch—someone who is likely lurking nearby, waiting to kill them.
× Historical Accuracy/Etiquette: Having a concubine perform a lewd dance in front of everyone is a complete violation of palace etiquette. Not to mention, her outfit was incredibly revealing for the setting. (Episode 23)
There are a handful of these, and I am just too exhausted of this show to recall all of them.
The story started at a relatively nice pace. Though the storytelling was quite odd and the scenes were simply absurd, I kindly gave it a pass, considering that this is an idol drama and I'm watching it in 2026. However, such scenes kept on happening to the point where it started getting irritatingly unbearable. Well, it's not like it wasn't annoying at the beginning; it was at least acceptable at first, but as the story progressed, it gravely worsened. When I reached episode 30 and realized that it still had 18 episodes remaining, I started asking myself, "Why is this unnecessarily long? The story should have ended by the 30th episode to wrap up all this nonsense."
The narrative itself has potential. It has a nice foundation and could have led to a brighter and more compelling path only if they hadn't overly utilized the repetitive plot of poisoning random high-ranking individuals and saving them just to give Han Yunxi (FL) the spotlight. It was common to do that, to set up the FL as whatever legendary poison master they want her to become. However, what's annoying is the introduction and development they gave her. She was supposedly a poison master or a master-to-be, but she is simply amateurish and inexperienced for the title—and it remained that way until the very end. She's hardworking, I will give her that, but she's nothing without the people around her. Her character development felt so artificial that I started telling myself how big of a liability she is to this story. She is constantly being saved by everyone because, if not, her head would have rolled on the ground within the first 10 episodes. She was impertinent and courageous, yet incapable.
The entire story feels like a training ground that, frankly, didn't help much. In the end, she was still unable to formulate a cure for Long Feiye's poison. If it weren't for the blood inherited from her father and the medical book/bracelet belonging to her parents, she would have remained useless for 90% of the show. I'm not even sure why the drama was named after her. The only justification seems to be that her father's blood—which happened to be the cure—runs through her veins. Aside from that, I can't think of any reason the title fits. "The Story of Qishao" would have been a much more reasonable alternative title.
Regarding Long Feiye (the ML)... he is no better! He kept too many secrets and was always nonchalant about his feelings. Additionally, he maintained a cold, stoic poker face that seemed normal during the first half of the story but became exhausting to watch halfway through the show. The only moments his expression changed were when he was jealous or, on rare occasions, when he was happy. He is frustratingly reserved and rigid, which dragged out their romantic issues until the very end.
The "cheerful girl and stoic, cold guy" trope would typically work if the characters were allowed to warm up to each other naturally. But goodness—the male lead served a cold, expressionless face for 98% of the show, while the female lead remained amateurish with little improvement by the end. Not to mention her unnatural acting, which I could barely stand after enduring it for 30 episodes. Just imagine the emotional restraint and tolerance I had to exert to finish this show.
What made it even worse was the 2nd CP; who were both so immature and bickered so much that I’d get a headache the moment they appeared on screen. They started the show that way and ended it with that same demeanor—an uncalled-for consistency. I truly cannot! I’m just grateful they learned to put up a facade once he (Tang Yi) ascended the throne and they became the monarchs. If not, I would have pulled my hair out from sheer frustration.
In conclusion, a lot was happening—repetitively—and while the story wasn’t necessarily messy, it became exhausting over time. The plot felt recycled, constantly using the same tropes just to make the female lead appear capable and reliable. Surprisingly, my biggest issue wasn't the story itself, but the characterization of both the protagonists. Even the supporting roles were a pain in the ass!
The only consistent character worthy of praise was Gu Qishao. He was the MVP of the show and the lead we actually deserved. It’s a shame they decided to kill his character at the end, too. He was the male lead we never had; the story's ultimate "TOTGA" (The One That Got Away). This drama would have been miles more interesting if the focus had stayed on him. The actual protagonists were equally frustrating, and Gu Qishao alone was the reason I stuck with the show until the very end. At one point, I even hoped for a "lead reversal," wishing he would take over the story entirely. He was the only character who kept me watching and prevented me from dropping the series. That being said, it’s safe to say there was "No real winner" in this show.
If I were to create my own ending, I would have Gu Qishao and Han Yunxi end up together and let Baili Ming Xiang handle Long Feiye until he dies. lol. Halfway through the drama, you just get tired of the old, worn out plot. Well, I guess it’s my mistake for watching a 2018 drama eight years later, but dang! Some other dramas I watched that were released in the same year aren't this bad.
Let me conclude this review by saying that I dread—severely—finishing the last 18 episodes of this show. I had to make preparations per episode in order to brace myself for whatever ridiculousness they were about to serve me in the remaining episodes. It was a real challenge to finish them. This drama is way too long for its own good. 30-35 episodes would have sufficed.
P.S. I’m still wondering about the unexplained mystery of the magical bracelet. It is disappointing that the story concluded without delving into its lore, especially since it was a literal cheat code that saved Han Yunxi’s ass multiple times.
Story - 4.0, The overall storyline wasn't bad and could have worked—if only it hadn't been mismanaged and misdirected. I don't know what the director and writer were thinking when they shot those repetitive scenes. Didn't they get tired of it themselves? Smh
Acting/Cast - 4.0, I hold no personal grudge against the cast—I actually admire most of them, particularly Zhang Zhehan and Wang Youshuo. However, I am disappointed by the writing, specifically the poor characterization of the female lead and the second couple. I also believe Zhang Zhehan overplayed his character’s coldness; his unchanging poker face eventually felt grating rather than compelling.
Music - 7.0, I can't even recall how the music sounded because I was so irritated by how tiring the plot had become. Well, at least the music never bothered me, which is why I am giving it this rating.
Rewatch Value - 1.0, It's a hard NO from me. I won’t even waste more words explaining why. Just read my review above and you will know.
Overall - 5.0, This drama greatly disappointed me. I love Zhang Zhehan, so I watched it; however, it traumatized me. I don’t think I can watch his other dramas for the meantime. To sum it all up, this drama was killed by bad writing and poor characterization. I will never understand people rating it so high—geez, some people really have no taste! lol
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Underwhelming & overhyped Female Detective saved by her ever-capable Husband | Lights ON! *Grins*
"No matter how trivial the detail, or how close the suspect is to you, do not be afraid to doubt them. Be brave and seek verification. Trust could also be a drive for investigation." - Chen Wen (Yan Xing's Master)More than anything else, what truly baffled me about this story was Yan Xing’s (FL) investigation and problem-solving skills. Although she was highly regarded and praised for her expertise, her performance during those cases was either weak or mediocre at best. I don’t think she ever resolved a single case on her own; most of the time, she succeeded only with the help of those around her—whether it was her Master, her friends or most often, her husband, Shen Du.
Her overall capabilities as an investigator and coroner are average and simply do not live up to her reputation. Watching her receive constant praise for her "excellent skills" felt ridiculous because she wouldn't have solved those cases without her support system. Not to mention, the amount of time it usually took her to reach a conclusion was far from impressive.
On top of that, she lacks social awareness—a crucial trait for any investigator. She is often clueless about her surroundings. It is bad enough that her investigative skills are only at an intermediate level, but they are further hindered by her lack of social connections and situational consciousness. This brings to mind a comment from the Director of the Ministry of Justice below:
"The wives of other high-ranking officials are adept at dealing with people to learn secrets that may be useful for their husbands. Who else would be silly enough to bury their head in files and stay in the morgue all day long?" - Director of the Ministry of Justice
That said, I’m giving 90% of the credit to Shen Du. He does most of the heavy lifting and keeps Yan Xing safe 99.99% of the time. Without his impenetrable protection, our FL would have been dead the second she was targeted by the enemies she offended. He really is a true knight in shining armor!
The plot was interconnected nicely, which helped brew the main conflict of the story. I particularly liked that the focus of the minor cases was related to the main conflict; they didn't deviate into unrelated cases, which helped keep the storyline's buildup on track. Although the plot was well-woven, I have some reservations about a few specific elements:
• The sudden off-screening or exclusion of important events. It happened several times; while it didn’t negatively impact the overall plot, it leaves me wondering what actually occurred during those scenes, as the story jumps straight to the resolution while omitting the climax. It was strange because even though the plan had been laid out, we were somehow left behind the scenes—completely unaware of the process and only shown the end result. This really bothered me because those scenes are vital to the plot. Cutting them out left me totally confused, thinking: "What the hell just happened?" (I'm referring to the ending of Gannandao Arc)
• The act of keeping some information hidden in order to use for the climax of the story—I'm referring to Pan Chi discovering that it was Lai Luo Zhi who tricked Saintess Daisi but never mentioned it on his letter to Yan Xing—which didn't get utilize anyways. Like, what's the point of revealing it ahead of time if they're not gonna use? The leads even have to know the truth through Jin Cang (Yan Xing's Musician uncle). What a waste!
• When It took her 14 episodes to realize her husband had night blindness, despite all the clues and their house being excessively lit. Surely that goes beyond just being afraid of the dark. I don't know why it took her so long to figure it out.
• The out of blue sickness of Empress Dowager. It happened all of a sudden that I didn't know if she was just acting because she was emotionally unstable, poisoned or forced by Lai Luo Zhi, or is devising a plan to catch Lai Luo Zhu. It was hard to determine what was happening with her because she was being extra melancholy those times. I am glad it ended satisfyingly though.
• When Shen Du tricks Yan Xing into another wedding, but this time with a proper Wedding ceremony after she continuously rejects his reconciliation attempts. I find it inconsiderate of him especially after he disregards her threat to cut ties with him if he faced the Empress Dowager alone. I honestly feel like he should have groveled more and exerted more personal effort to win her back. One reason I feel this way is that they off-screened so many of the "winning her back" and "constantly rejecting him" scenes. /Sighs/
Lastly, I was frustrated at first that we were more than halfway through the story and the leads still weren't vocal about their feelings. But then, episode 25 finally happened. Although it took a while to get there, it was worth the wait. I loved the tension and the sincerity of their emotions during the hot spring scene, though the 'amateur-coded' kiss was a bit of a letdown.
P.S. The greatest plot twist of this drama was how genuinely innocent Prince Xian and Grand Princess Runing were. The show did a great job insinuating malice in their actions, only for it to be revealed that they had nothing to do with anything all this time. Job well done!
Story - 9.0, I honestly find the plot build-up to be great. My main issue with the story is the baseless reputation and feats attributed to Yan Xing. She has some skills, I admit, but she is definitely not at the 'expert level' the drama proclaims her to be. It might have worked if they had allowed her to grow over the course of the show, instead of having Shen Du back her up in every single situation. Additionally, I’m dumbfounded by the way they handled certain information; they off-screened, skipped, or omitted several scenes that were crucial to the story.
Acting/Cast - 9.0, I should be satisfied for the mere reason that I discovered Deng Enxi through this show and enjoyed her performance very much. However, I just can't swallow the cringeyness I felt watching some of the supporting cast, namely Xiao Yan and Song Fangyuan. I understand that this is an idol drama, but their performances are simply annoying to watch. It honestly may be their characters' lack of depth that drags them onto my bad side. How I wish they were written a little better. P.S. I just wanna mention how I love Deng Enxi's eyes—viibrant and indulgent.
Music - 9.0, While the soundtrack as a whole was not particularly memorable, I found the insert themes to be quite moving, particularly the music used during the more sentimental moments.
Rewatch Value - 7.0, While I enjoyed the series, it lacks rewatch value for me personally. However, I’d still recommend it, especially for those who follow Ding Yuxi’s work.
Overall - 9.0, The plot is clear, compact, and flows well. While the show over-hypes Yan Xing’s skills and some scenes feel omitted, the rest of the drama is solid and worth watching.
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A Tapestry of Pigment and Thread | How to drive the FL to the end of her wits, multiple times!
"You're a gentleman, a good person, but kindness without a sharp edge can't fend off the sharp swords aimed at you." - Ji Yingying to Ji YaotingLooking back now, I struggled a lot to finish this drama because of 3 major aspects: the Plot, the conflicts in the story and the antagonists.
1. Plot - I felt so bored and irritated during the first five episodes due to the direction the story was taking. It followed the typical drama trope of the "oppressed heroine," which I'm totally cool with. However, the lasting distaste that ruined my mood was caused not by the antagonists who kept scheming against Ji Yingying (FL), but by her own family members who kept dragging her down because of their weakness, incompetence, and inability to assess the overall situation with better judgment. I'm actually glad that her brother (Ji Yaoting) almost immediately learned his lessons and started showing growth. In contrast, her mother remained stuck in her little bubble, believing that the situation would be alright as long as they stayed subservient. What's more irritating is that she remained that way until the second half of the story, which hindered Ji Yingying's progress and even became the instrument for the unnecessary and completely preventable conflict (Yang Jinglan's desperate homecoming) to occur.
2. Conflicts - Most of the conflicts in the story were totally preventable. What was more frustrating was that they felt forced just to engineer conflicts and emotional scenes. Some good examples are:
• Episode 23-34 - Yan Jinglan's desperate homecoming would have never happened if Ji Xushi (JYY's mother) hadn't been weak-minded and unnecessarily cautious. My biggest issue with her is that she doesn't know how to assess the overall situation properly and remains traumatized by the tragedy of the past. She tries so hard to avoid danger but doesn't realize that her enemies will relentlessly loom around them unless they have either utterly defeated or killed her daughter (Ji Yingying).
• Episode 30 - Sheng Dalang’s death could have been prevented if he and Sang Shisi had stayed within the group instead of running off to wander around, completely unguarded and incapable of fending for themselves. They created their own demise, period. The escort group with Yang Jinglan is fighting the bandits. So, I don't understand why they had to run in the first place when they were safer there than anywhere else. Geez!
• Episode 25 - The scene where Ji Yaoting questions the groom (Yang Jinglan) to allow him entry to the Ji abode, even though they are already married. LOL! Note that Yang Jinglan saved Ji Yingying from far worse suffering at the hands of the Yang family by snatching her from his second brother (Yang Jinglin). Additionally, I just don't find Ji Yaoting suitable/qualified to perform such a tradition. His sister would have suffered less if only he had been a reliable man in the first place. Gosh!
3. Antagonists - I guess I am just frustrated with how the entirety of the story was spent dealing with one major enemy, Niu Jin. He is cunning and may look formidable, but he is full of shortcomings. I just can't accept that he remained the biggest antagonist of this show despite all of his flaws and countless reasons to topple him down. He's one great enemy, but having him till the end became so tiring over time, especially when you consider all the chances they had to defeat him but failed to do so. This was either because they were underprepared/oblivious of his schemes or simply because he outsmarted them most of the time. Having Niu Wu Niang or Bai Sheng as the main antagonist would have been better compared to him.
This drama would have been perfectly fine with 32 episodes. 35 was reasonable, 37 was going overboard, and 40 was totally unnecessary.
I was 36 episodes in, but all I wished was for it to end. By episode 37, I completely lost interest and started thinking, "How wonderful would it be if this were the 39th episode already." By episode 38, I just wanted it to end but I persisted anyway because I still wanted to see through its ending. The halfway point of episode 39 was its saving grace; that was when I gained hope and started praying for a satisfying ending. By episode 40, I was just happy that it was finally the last episode. I found the ending lacking, but I'm just glad that it was concluded happily.
The supporting male leads in this show are the most self-righteous, lovesick men I have seen in a long time. Bai Sheng started promising—I had high hopes for him as a contender for a good second male lead—but as the story progressed, he became increasingly loathsome and possessive. The only good thing he did was to sacrifice himself to keep Ji Yingying safe. This man was obsessive, self-righteous, and overly self-pitying about his objectives and situation. He's the type of character you grow to hate as the story progresses. On the other hand, I'm rather grateful that Zhao Xiu Yuan eventually redeemed himself after taking a wicked path. I almost lost hope in him, but the scriptwriter eventually had a change of heart and gave him a chance for redemption.
In conclusion, I realized that I'd rather watch women scheme out of jealousy than watch men do it. Men's reasons have been the most unreasonable and unhinged I have ever seen. They tend to be extremely destructive and merciless for some of the most self-righteous and hell-bent reasons. At least, women do it with a sensible and much deeper reason. As for men, they gaslight their reasons to make them justifiable.
Lastly, while I've previously mentioned seemingly negative aspects of "Yang Jinglan's desperate homecoming," this is, in fact, the show's most iconic scene. His determination and devotion for Ji Yingying are powerfully demonstrated in the fight sequences, highlighting his most charismatic and attractive qualities. I absolutely love how he crashed the wedding and defied the entire Yang household—not just to stop the ceremony, but to claim it as his own. What an admirable man!
"When all else fails, seek your husband." - Yang Jinglan
Story - 8.0, The story would have been better if it hadn't over-utilized Ji Xushi's trauma and overcautiousness against Ji Yingying. It was upsetting that she was constantly being held back by pressure and restrictions placed by her own timid mother. I hope that screenwriters, directors, and producers can stop incorporating such worn-out techniques just to create hindrances and conflicts for the leads. It's frustrating when you see the people around her become the anchor that drags her down instead of a support system that keeps her moving forward. Additionally, I wish we had gotten a real influential and powerful antagonist and not just a power-hungry general that is usually easily dealt with in most dramas.
Acting/Cast - 9.5, The main leads were fantastic! I picked this show because of Tan Song Yun, but I ended up so impressed and captivated by Zheng Ye Cheng. This is my third drama of his, but it's the first time I truly appreciate his heartthrob charm and appeal. There is something about his killer smile and expressive, tantalizing eyes that made me so drawn to him in this show.
Music - 7.0, The songs in this drama felt almost non-existent to me. I'm not sure if I was just not paying attention or if they were simply not impactful at all. The only tune I can remember was the one played during Yang Jinglan's fight scenes on Episodes 23-24. Aside from that, I can't recall any other music.
Rewatch Value - 5.0, I'm sorry, but no. I honestly don't think I can watch it again. My entire watch experience does not allow me to feel the usual excitement and entertainment I have when watching a typical drama. I can't even recommend this for Pete's sake!
Overall - 8.0, This is that one drama I regret watching, yet at the same time felt grateful because I got to rediscover and see Zheng Ye Cheng in a different light. Aside from that, I am so done and would just want to move on to a next show that will excite the hell out of me.
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Quite entertaining yet still lacking | I hope they can give Season 2 some justice *Crossfingers*
"Life is too short, so let us make the most of this borrowed time. Tomorrow is not for certain, so hold your loved ones near. Take care of each other and cherish every moment together...as if it were your last."A decent thriller movie I would say...It is the 1st season so I kind of understand why the lore behind the evil/demon wasn't uncovered yet and I am honestly looking forward to watch the 2nd season.
For this 1st installment, everything felt fast-paced at the same time does not. The story itself was neatly done however, I feel like it was quite stretched in a way that I as a viewer was thinking if the scene about going to the hospital was really the best choice for a person who is being possessed, knowing that the demon hasn't been exorcised off of her yet.
Additionally, the "Saline will do her more good than the Holy water" got me cackling so damn hard. Like whut?? I know for a fact that going to the hospital is utmost necessary however, why are you going there already when the actual paranormal issues hasn't been dealt with yet? Come on! They seriously added that to create some more hype and thrill to the story which actually worked, however, the main problem still persists and eventually caused them Yaem's life...
Just want to add that some scenes made me laugh instead of getting scared. Specially that scene where the mother's head was shot and dettached but she stood up, attached it back and started running but it keeps falling off. What a hilarious scene! Haha!
Anyways, another thing I wanna mention before I conclude this review is that the family dynamics are actually great! Their individual issues is one of the main reason why I got drawn and hooked to this story.
P.S. Nadech Kugimiya (ML) taking off his shirt was so unnecesary yet for me it was the highlight of the show. That was just so random. Hahaha!
Story - 8.0, I honestly think we're still lacking a lot of information regarding the background of the demon/devil and I am just sad that Yaem got killed yet they got nothing out of it...well, aside from the ignited anger and passion of the family members for a revenge.
Acting/Cast - 10, Got nothing to comment about the acting. I love them all and I truly adore the youngest son for being my main source of happiness. He's silly and very cute.
Music - 10, The sound effects used greatly contributed to the overall aura and scare factor of the show. Gotta give them extra points for the whispering sound effects. That's really spooky.
Rewatch Value - 7.5, It was not bad and it's just that I don't find myself watching it again. It doesn't have anything on it that makes it rewatchable unless you have forgotten what actually happened to this 1st season.
Overall - 8.5, I still enjoyed it and I am not that confortable giving a score lower than this as it did served its purpose and was able to entertain me the whole time. For now, I would still recommend this, just make sure to watch the 2nd season as well.
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