First of all, I like Allen Ren and Bai Lu, I was super excited at first knowing they both would be in not only 1 but 2 dramas together. I can't help comparing Allen Ren with Seven Tan (Under the Power) which more lively dynamic duo than with Bai Lu. I can only blame it to the writer who created such a boring characters of MLs, one was quiet principled man and the other was a mute girl, when she got to talk she turn in to a shy modest high born lady, none of them has cheerful and happy demeanor so the drama painfully gloomy unrequited love story. Allen Ren is sweet and gentle man - for this drama's character though he's a bore as he supposedly a battle-harden General - bit older and mature but unfortunately he appeared more like a YOUNG reserve man devotedly in love. In my opinion, a General like Chen Kun, Luo Jin or Huang Xiao Ming or someone looking mature was actually a better fit as General. When Bai Lu character was young, Allen Ren character has already a matured respectful General, but Bai Lu character grown up - Allen Ren wasn't aged like there wasn't hardship this general face while wars he's been in that could harden any man's heart, body and life. Too much romanticism of soldiers...

Although they're really closed and cared for each other, their eyes lock in desperation but they did not utter a single word on feeling. The relationship between teacher and student was maintained, the courtship did not end happily ever after for the couple. All in all, this drama appears really slow and boring. The story line was ok, still flowing but not attractive in characters at least for me, the weather seems to predict one's future. It didn't make me sniff in sad scenes, being forced to engage to Crown Prince was actually burden for her meanwhile the General vowed not to get married and have kids. So, the man she love would rather be single, the guy she didn't love want her more than anything. After the edict of engagement, the General had heavy heart and started to question himself about his true feeling, he accepted the fact that She Yi was predestined to marry Crown Prince and wouldn't fight to find his own happiness while she'd marry up for filial duty. If he had the maturity of reality acceptance, the good looking in-love General taking in the hit of desperation and broken-heart as a man.

I like Xiao Yan the monk (Zhou Lu La) his acting very relax and real although he doesn't have important role but very significant. The young Emperor is a weak one, tears was the weapon he used often to against strong manipulative Dowager Empress. Actually I like the life style of Dowager Empress; very ambitious, dominant, malicious, harden heart, love to keep young men for entertainment. Without her attic , this drama would sink deeper. While the Crown Prince was also interested to become an Emperor, he's more keen to get married with Shi Yi, she's part of his goal in life. He's so happy to marry but abandon her in the altar, what a turn of event....and the end of this drama is..........well you guess it. Next is forever and Ever...I don't think I will watch it. I am done with this series.