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This review may contain spoilers
“Who doesn’t wish for a better life? But it doesn't mean you can trample on others.”
This drama is like poetry in motion. Its beauty truly lies in its simple yet profound storytelling that transcends social classes and ages.
Xu Lan Xiang is such a magnificently crafted character. At a young age, she experienced the deepest sorrows of witnessing her entire family’s massacre and falling to the lowest social status. Despite the harsh vicissitudes of life, her will to live remains stronger than anyone and she refuses to let vengeful thoughts consume her. Lan Xiang is courageous, resilient, smart and resourceful in striving for what she wants, but she's also clear about the moral boundaries that cannot be crossed. It’s extremely fulfilling to see her character development from a well-educated noble girl, to a maidservant and finally the madam of the Lin household. As a third-class maid, her sole aim is to survive and provide for her adopted parents. As she gradually rises in social status, Lan Xiang not only wants herself to live well but also to help those around her have a good life. She can act well and hide her talents to survive, but also become very versatile and adapt to any situation to get what she wants. Rather than spiralling into despair as people leave her one by one, she becomes more enlightened about life and death, and focuses on the contentment of what she has achieved for herself and those she loves. Lan Xiang’s name (“orchid fragrance”) is very fitting of her character, which symbolises enduring purity and elegance.
Lin Jin Qi is intelligent and ruthlessly decisive, yet still possesses a deep sense of responsibility and loyalty towards those he cares about. However, he’s but without imperfection. At times, he’s too naïve in expressing his affection and placing blind trust in those with bad intentions. It’s frustrating to see Jin Qi’s mother and grandfather scheming to get what they think is the best marriage prospects, only for those to become catastrophic failures. In particular, his mother is gentle and caring, but her pride and obsession with reputation refuse to let her accept that the “daughter-in-law [she] carefully selected turned out to be a servant”. But in a twist of fate, the only person they reject (Lan Xiang) actually ends up as the Lin family’s savior and best match for Jin Qi. Poor our male lead, who has to fight so hard to marry the love of his life. I really like the chemistry between the leads. There’s a tacit understanding between Jin Qi and Lan Xiang, in whatever they do. The emotions and romance are subtle, but as Seven Tan says in amusement “As long as they’re in the same frame, it counts as a sweet moment”.
Even the female antagonists are portrayed with such depth here. First, we got Zhao Xing Tang (Jin Qi’s first/ex-wife) and Lu Ji Er (third-class maid and Lan Xiang’s neighbour). One is separated from her lover and lost her unborn child to fulfil her family’s political marriage, while the other is too ambitious and impatient in getting a promotion. Neither are inherently evil, just trapped by their circumstances and temporarily went astray. On the other hand, Cui Que (sister of Jin Qi’s lifesaver) is too self-absorbed in her own brilliance and arrogance to notice that there’s another path to greatness besides one that tramples on other people. The former are redeemable, whereas the latter does not deserve redemption. As Lan Xiang so inspiringly reminds us, it’s normal for people to strive for a better life but not at the expense of others, and that it’s important for women to band together to lift each other up. This truly reminds me of The Story of Ming Lan and A Dream of Splendor, both of which showcase female empowerment in ancient China and strong family dynamics. Lan Xiang's relationship with her adopted parents are very touching too. Initially, they rescued her out of gratitude and in memory of their late daughter. But this beautifully blossoms into deep family bonds as they selflessly takes care of Lan Xiang and she helps them out of destitution and gain purpose in life.
Admittedly, I hadn’t thought that this lead pairing could be possible, despite being a keen follower of both lead actors. My first impression of Seven Tan (Tan Song Yun) dates back to 2010s during her rom-com phase. Later on, Seven Tan became incredibly adept in the slice-of-life genre. Her heartfelt role in Go Ahead still brings me to tears. Seven Tan doesn’t do many historical dramas, but Under the Power and The Sword and the Brocade have been my soft spots. On the other hand, I’ve seen Liu Xue Yi in so many historical fantasy dramas that I start to think he actually lives in that period. He’s such a charismatic, captivating and powerful actor. His suave monk portrayal in The Blood of Youth is right up there in my hall of fame. Them together in a historical slice-of-life has been nothing short of a treat. Seven Tan and Liu Xue Yi bring the ordinary day-to-day of the lead characters to life with subtle expressions and in-sync acting. It feels natural and heartwarming yet enchanting.
The settings are excellent and meticulously planned. I absolutely adore the exquisite and refined aesthetics of the Lin family’s courtyard. Each window view feels like a framed piece of art, with perfect balance and composition. They also carry deep meaning. For example, at the beginning, the red blossoms over the wall signify Jin Qi’s inner conflict over his first/ex-wife’s infidelity (“the red apricots grew over the wall” is a metaphor for cheating wife). But for Lan Xiang, reaching her hands out to the red blossoms amidst the winter snow is akin to embracing her biological mother, whose name Cui Xue Mei means “plum blossoms in the snow” (her adopted mother’s Xue Gui Hua also means “blossoms in the snow”).
The soundtracks are very complementary to the drama. My personal favourite at the moment is On the Same Path (同道) by Jess Lee, since it really awakens the mellow and poetic soul within me that I didn’t know exist.
“No longer will I resent the moon for failing to shine its light upon me.
I only hope that the old acquaintance I once knew remains safe and well, growing with the passing years.
No longer will I let the world’s wind and snow fall, leaving frost upon the grass and trees.
I only wish that, where the lights grow dim, you and I would journey on together.”
FAVOURITE QUOTES:
“It’s good to be alive. I can still smell the flowers." Lan Xiang
“If you want to rise above your birth and live a better life, perhaps you should abandon your conscience and gamble with your life. In this world, who doesn’t want a better life? I’m greedy, too. But our forebears taught us, 'A gentleman acquires wealth by honorable means'. You can’t trample on others just because you want a better life.” Lan Xiang
“A single light can only illuminate a few feet. But if I light a lamp and you light one, even the light of fireflies gather together can also light up a long street… Let women walking in the dark night see their way clearly.” Lan Xiang
“As the old saying goes, ‘never seek to harm others, but always guard against harm.’” Lan Xiang
Father, mother, stop blaming yourselves for not being more capable. As long as you’re both well, that is the greatest support I could ever have. No matter when, I know you’ll always be behind me. As long as I always have a home to return to, I’ll feel secure.” Lan Xiang
“I have fallen for Lady Xu, and I want to marry her as my wife. Knowing my parents and elders would never agree, I came up with this plan to bypass the family elders and petition His Majesty directly.” Jin Qi
“When will there be a world where women can be like men, going to school to study, sitting the imperial exams, doing business and earning money, not bound by their husbands, not bound by their sons, just being who they are?” Xing Tang (Jin Qi’s first/ex-wife)
Xu Lan Xiang is such a magnificently crafted character. At a young age, she experienced the deepest sorrows of witnessing her entire family’s massacre and falling to the lowest social status. Despite the harsh vicissitudes of life, her will to live remains stronger than anyone and she refuses to let vengeful thoughts consume her. Lan Xiang is courageous, resilient, smart and resourceful in striving for what she wants, but she's also clear about the moral boundaries that cannot be crossed. It’s extremely fulfilling to see her character development from a well-educated noble girl, to a maidservant and finally the madam of the Lin household. As a third-class maid, her sole aim is to survive and provide for her adopted parents. As she gradually rises in social status, Lan Xiang not only wants herself to live well but also to help those around her have a good life. She can act well and hide her talents to survive, but also become very versatile and adapt to any situation to get what she wants. Rather than spiralling into despair as people leave her one by one, she becomes more enlightened about life and death, and focuses on the contentment of what she has achieved for herself and those she loves. Lan Xiang’s name (“orchid fragrance”) is very fitting of her character, which symbolises enduring purity and elegance.
Lin Jin Qi is intelligent and ruthlessly decisive, yet still possesses a deep sense of responsibility and loyalty towards those he cares about. However, he’s but without imperfection. At times, he’s too naïve in expressing his affection and placing blind trust in those with bad intentions. It’s frustrating to see Jin Qi’s mother and grandfather scheming to get what they think is the best marriage prospects, only for those to become catastrophic failures. In particular, his mother is gentle and caring, but her pride and obsession with reputation refuse to let her accept that the “daughter-in-law [she] carefully selected turned out to be a servant”. But in a twist of fate, the only person they reject (Lan Xiang) actually ends up as the Lin family’s savior and best match for Jin Qi. Poor our male lead, who has to fight so hard to marry the love of his life. I really like the chemistry between the leads. There’s a tacit understanding between Jin Qi and Lan Xiang, in whatever they do. The emotions and romance are subtle, but as Seven Tan says in amusement “As long as they’re in the same frame, it counts as a sweet moment”.
Even the female antagonists are portrayed with such depth here. First, we got Zhao Xing Tang (Jin Qi’s first/ex-wife) and Lu Ji Er (third-class maid and Lan Xiang’s neighbour). One is separated from her lover and lost her unborn child to fulfil her family’s political marriage, while the other is too ambitious and impatient in getting a promotion. Neither are inherently evil, just trapped by their circumstances and temporarily went astray. On the other hand, Cui Que (sister of Jin Qi’s lifesaver) is too self-absorbed in her own brilliance and arrogance to notice that there’s another path to greatness besides one that tramples on other people. The former are redeemable, whereas the latter does not deserve redemption. As Lan Xiang so inspiringly reminds us, it’s normal for people to strive for a better life but not at the expense of others, and that it’s important for women to band together to lift each other up. This truly reminds me of The Story of Ming Lan and A Dream of Splendor, both of which showcase female empowerment in ancient China and strong family dynamics. Lan Xiang's relationship with her adopted parents are very touching too. Initially, they rescued her out of gratitude and in memory of their late daughter. But this beautifully blossoms into deep family bonds as they selflessly takes care of Lan Xiang and she helps them out of destitution and gain purpose in life.
Admittedly, I hadn’t thought that this lead pairing could be possible, despite being a keen follower of both lead actors. My first impression of Seven Tan (Tan Song Yun) dates back to 2010s during her rom-com phase. Later on, Seven Tan became incredibly adept in the slice-of-life genre. Her heartfelt role in Go Ahead still brings me to tears. Seven Tan doesn’t do many historical dramas, but Under the Power and The Sword and the Brocade have been my soft spots. On the other hand, I’ve seen Liu Xue Yi in so many historical fantasy dramas that I start to think he actually lives in that period. He’s such a charismatic, captivating and powerful actor. His suave monk portrayal in The Blood of Youth is right up there in my hall of fame. Them together in a historical slice-of-life has been nothing short of a treat. Seven Tan and Liu Xue Yi bring the ordinary day-to-day of the lead characters to life with subtle expressions and in-sync acting. It feels natural and heartwarming yet enchanting.
The settings are excellent and meticulously planned. I absolutely adore the exquisite and refined aesthetics of the Lin family’s courtyard. Each window view feels like a framed piece of art, with perfect balance and composition. They also carry deep meaning. For example, at the beginning, the red blossoms over the wall signify Jin Qi’s inner conflict over his first/ex-wife’s infidelity (“the red apricots grew over the wall” is a metaphor for cheating wife). But for Lan Xiang, reaching her hands out to the red blossoms amidst the winter snow is akin to embracing her biological mother, whose name Cui Xue Mei means “plum blossoms in the snow” (her adopted mother’s Xue Gui Hua also means “blossoms in the snow”).
The soundtracks are very complementary to the drama. My personal favourite at the moment is On the Same Path (同道) by Jess Lee, since it really awakens the mellow and poetic soul within me that I didn’t know exist.
“No longer will I resent the moon for failing to shine its light upon me.
I only hope that the old acquaintance I once knew remains safe and well, growing with the passing years.
No longer will I let the world’s wind and snow fall, leaving frost upon the grass and trees.
I only wish that, where the lights grow dim, you and I would journey on together.”
FAVOURITE QUOTES:
“It’s good to be alive. I can still smell the flowers." Lan Xiang
“If you want to rise above your birth and live a better life, perhaps you should abandon your conscience and gamble with your life. In this world, who doesn’t want a better life? I’m greedy, too. But our forebears taught us, 'A gentleman acquires wealth by honorable means'. You can’t trample on others just because you want a better life.” Lan Xiang
“A single light can only illuminate a few feet. But if I light a lamp and you light one, even the light of fireflies gather together can also light up a long street… Let women walking in the dark night see their way clearly.” Lan Xiang
“As the old saying goes, ‘never seek to harm others, but always guard against harm.’” Lan Xiang
Father, mother, stop blaming yourselves for not being more capable. As long as you’re both well, that is the greatest support I could ever have. No matter when, I know you’ll always be behind me. As long as I always have a home to return to, I’ll feel secure.” Lan Xiang
“I have fallen for Lady Xu, and I want to marry her as my wife. Knowing my parents and elders would never agree, I came up with this plan to bypass the family elders and petition His Majesty directly.” Jin Qi
“When will there be a world where women can be like men, going to school to study, sitting the imperial exams, doing business and earning money, not bound by their husbands, not bound by their sons, just being who they are?” Xing Tang (Jin Qi’s first/ex-wife)
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