INGENIOUS PEOPLE

There wasn't only one ingenious person in this drama. Yun Xiang was the master of brilliant strategist, manipulator, thinker, a charmer, negotiator, but most all he's a loyal friend. It's all started when he came down from mountain, finishing 15 years of study and cultivation to seek justice of the dead his family and fellow 300 people of Luo village where he came from. Yuntai Sect is the organization that produce smart people around in many different aspect. A long the way Yun Xiang met friends, foes, love, understanding, trouble, challenges and happiness.

Yun Xiang & Shu Yu Nan
Yu Xiang was brilliant with strategic while Shu Yu Nan was an incredible with martial art. They both love each other, Yun Xiao broke his sect's rule by loving her. They learn to trust and depend to each other because Yun Xiang wasn't entirely open with this strategy or manipulation to Yu Nan, while she's totally in his side she felt that she's being used by him as piece of chess. Around ep 22 the trust was broken, relationship strained, heart distanced, YuNan switched side and betrayed their love. Broken heart lasted for 10 episodes full of drinking, crying and daze...thinking hard for next step forward for both. Will they back together? We'll see that on last episode...

Mo Bu Fan/Kang Qiao (Guanghui Bank, Yuntai Sect)
They both have great relationship between father and adopted son (uncle/nephew). One of the smart Yuntai student in finance and banking. He monopolize economy in town, very money oriented - everything is for profit, cutting throat to his customers, sharp tongue to Yun Xiang, lovable in concern to his nephew. He went bankruptcy for mishandling trust of an old friend, business, reputation, and money was gone. BuFan was so heartbroken when Kang Qiao died, lost in disappointment of his sect and angry to his master. So sad, he didn't see way out - he'd rather died than go on living.

Su Ming Yu/Ke Meng Lan
While Su GongZe was a young handsome heir of rich merchant, he inspired to be a wanderer in martial world, forced to learn business from his sister and family, got PTSD after the terror of killing. In love with the manager of entertainment gambling house Ke Meng Lan. Although she's great with business and very loving, her character was a boring one, killing atmosphere to few notch down. The love affair was smooth one after MingYu's sister approved with their relationship although Meng Lan didn't come from respectable background.

Jin Biao
He called himself '10 Gold Tael' hitman for hire. Very rough looking, brash attitude, soft heart and kind. He liked Meng Lan's personal maid Tian Hu and became the patron of orphanage. He struck friendship with Yun Xiang for money at first but genuinely devoted to him after they've been through together. Ep 32 he went coma of poison.

Many critical characters came and went as new episode brought in new development with new characters, Mo BuFan should go as 2nd ML as he has important role and most of the crisis focusing on his money/bank and the way he handled things. Every character related to him....he's a pretty good actor with much charms and difficulties in such role. All this, at the end is about rebellion to overthrow the throne initiated by Prince Fu (Yun Xiang's master). As a master of Yuntai where Yun Xiang came from, they met face to face, at the end he came up with the ingenious idea to avoid revolt and personal grudges.

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GREAT DRAMA

Who knew this drama was so good to watch, the main theme was Yellow River and huge flood during Qing dynasty that killed people and destroyed properties, but also the portrayal of political situation during KangXi dynasty. This drama is from actual historical background, many characters were real people, real tragedy, political concentration and challenges. A very casual acting for all actors, not strict to the Imperial rules and bend to have some funny scenes. I love Luo Jin here, he's very casual Emperor KangXi, very ambitious and smart, determined and focused, devoted to his people and country, understand the politic and his officials. He couldn't find solution with the river, he decided to recruit talented people by Scholar national examination for idea to manage the division of the Yellow River with no luck. By chance he met Chen Huang and was selected to work together with Jin Fu - the governor from a province that affected by the flood and experiencing first hand of the tragedy.

What's so great about this drama? None of the actors were beautiful or handsome, none childish, all were just ordinary looking people, minimum make up, realistic events with appropriate responses, nobody straining their face just to get expression out, no romance, no cringe. Acting was great, collaboration between actors were excellent, soundtrack was amazing, articulating literacy brilliantly. Probably, not the most flattering drama that would 'hit' the roof but nonetheless it's a great watch. KangXi as a young Emperor was way ahead of his time, developing Navy and introduced canons, trading with foreigners. I love it when he consulted monetary need to Grandmother which she apparently responsible with Treasury. Although there're mentioning Taiwan, like to reminded people that Taiwan ancestry belonged to China, it relates to the political situation between China-Taiwan continuous conflict since early on. Asides from that, KangXi proved to be ambitious as well as firmed to his vision of the country. Lots of corrupt officials, kissing ass officials to their superiors, bureaucracy, opposition. Some glory and victories, regret and sadness, hopelessness and failures, funny and snarky comments.

So much aggravation on my part for watching those officials who abused their power and corruption, last few episodes- an Emperor who made a wrong decision by insisting to stop building the dam and punished TianJi and Gov Jin when it finally revealed his appointed people for the wrong job and caused final flood disaster that killed (again) thousand people and properties. Looking at additional support actors (as refugees/citizen) as they claimed the people were hungry and resolved in cannibalism but none that I saw skinny enough to portray famine or starved to death situation. Look at them to be well fed.

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ANOTHER MISSION

If you like this drama on season 1, you would also like season 2. This is the conjunction of previous season, with the same main casts in different village and new stranded poor souls. Gongdan village where missing deceased people, including Kang Eun Sil and Oh Il Yong, stay. Meanwhile Kim Wook, Jang Pan Seok were able to see ghost again after 2 years inability seeing them after meeting Oh Il-Yong at the cafe, Il-Yong gave the address of abandon complex where they found the village was, full of children that's been died for years yearning to reconcile with their parents. A village managed by Captain Kang, as she took care of villagers and children's need, knowing the ins and outs, and has big heart to help everyone. Kim Wook and Pan Seok embrace their newly found role with expertise from previous experience. The concerned was on how many children were in the village, they obligated to find these children's body somewhere.

DRUGS (S1: HEIRESS)
The story behind these deceased people to this village was drug trafficking. Fearing drug lord and connection of their crime that would kidnap and has killed someone. Detective Shin Joon Ho try to find the bodies of the missing people and chase after the truth behind their deaths. The friendship between Kim Wook, Pan Seok, and detective Shin grew stronger, giving information missing person cases that lead detective Shin to discover bodies many days or years hidden.

CASTS
The same main casts Kim Wook (Ko Soo), Jang Pan-Seok (Heo Jun-Ho), Lee Jong-A (Ahn So-Hee), and Detective Shin Joon-Ho (Ha-Joon). New casts like Captain Kang Eun-Sil (Lee Jung-Eun) and Oh Il-Yong (Kim Dong-Hwi), Moon Bo-Ra (as Kim Wook's daughter) created new characters.

When one of the soul evaporated, they're witnessed in with the amazement and stillness between happy and sadness, as this soul won't be with them again but move on to their next unknown chapter which they're longing for. The mystery of Il-Yong free movement to the outside world while the rest couldn't, finally being solved on ep 12. Not all children's soul gone yet....there were still mystery surrounding some characters at the end of episodes. There was preview what would the next season be as they move on to the future journey. They're talking about another village on above the air, is there possibility of season 3?

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BOOK AND DRAMA STORY DIFFERENCES

I would imagine Yang Yang is the modern Pan'An. Can't help comparing the drama with book, I copied the verses from the book, quote "Home and country, how to counterbalance? Love and hate, how to define clearly? Gratitude and revenge, how to repay? Beauty and world, which is more important? In this troubled times, there are many talented men. The chess game on the hilltop is between two people but to rule supreme in the world, only one person is needed!" end quote. This quote was where everything started...it began

Story Line: Score 7/10
Adapted from 2004 book with the same title and the author was Qing LingYue. The drama cherry picked part of story lines, made up new characters combining with original main characters, mix-matched individual for different roles as script-writer put them in randomly, story became less novelty. The most disappointment was Yu WuYuan who originally a kind, eternal godly, calm, heavenly man, the 1st Gentry of the 4, compose intelligent handsome reserve man, whom by the script-writer turned him into Soultaker Sect Leader and calculative mean-spirit Emperor aspired. gave score 7 because of some of my disappointments, but then the drama version of WRtW wasn't bad to watch all together although overwhelmingly full of fillers, the Creative Production Team managed to spoil well written book. The love story between LanXi and XiYun was a slow process, respectful closeness as they knew each other for over 10 years, although LanXi was always admire and love her secretly - he didn't approach her romantically - his love was beautiful and yet very sad. Only on the last chapter of the book, XiYun returned his love after so much misunderstanding, sacrifices and sadness.

Acting/Cast: Score 10/10
Both Yang Yang and Zhao LuSi are perfect for the roles, personality and appearance were matching their characters like on the book, no other actors/actress can play their respective roles/parts better than Yang Yang and Zhao LuSi for Bei Feng Hei Xi/Feng LanXi and Feng XiYun - the characters were likely designed/written just for them two. We felt our heart weak as the gazing look of Hei FengXi and smile wide when sees Bei FengXi grin, because of their amazing acting we're able to understand each other when the emotion they put into the action. There's genuine warm closeness and mutual 'attraction' on their personal level as both comfortable with their hugs/smiles/kisses/glances. Lai Yi was definitely Huang Chao, Zhang Hao Wei was great Yu WuYuan, besides all that every supporting actors did tremendous collaboration as well. The down low was dragging elaborate Bai LangHua (Book: She's a spoil princess from different state who thought highly of herself and love Xu JiuRen - XiYun's general) and all the students & master of TianShuang Sect, plus Queen BaiLi, Feng Chang & Feng Ju were just another fillers in the drama. The fillers were to avoid bloody war scenes and this drama wouldn't be well received because on the book from chapter 20 to 56 nothing but wars and strategies, yet just a love story of two beautiful most-influenced young people. Another disappointing was both LuSi & Yang Yang has stiff neck...like who has the prettiest neck among them.

Music: Score 10/10
The main theme song sang by Liu YuNing. Another multi-talented actor/singer who sang beautifully

Rewatch Value: Score 10/10
Because I've never have enough watching this drama, I rewatched few times over.

Overall: Score 10/10
The end story of episode was disappointing. Totally different from original book, XiYue wasn't her brother unfortunately he was her cousin who died young from sickness. Yu WuYuan wasn't inspired to be an Emperor - he died from his time up naturally - he even showed up congratulating the marriage union of Bai Feng Hei Xi . LanXi didn't have 10 years life span remaining. XiYun didn't get hurt from the canons. Han Pu didn't die, he was safely tuck in the mountain learning his martial art. The ending packed so rush...questioning why the producer thought putting Bai LangHua was more important than other iconic written in the book. Thinking LanXi had only 10 years to live by was other disappointment, true he turned 30 years older with grey hair because of saving XieYun. Honestly, I love the book way much better but I love the collaboration between Yang Yang and Zhao LuSi and I think they're the best asset of all. The impression of the book I was getting LanXi was a remarkable young talented vindictive most calculated man, he was emotionally saved by XiYun who's equally intelligent carefree happy go lucky charming girl, they knew each other for over 10 years with competitive standing between them creating respect, trust, misunderstanding, protectiveness (on LanXi side). He'd secret ambition to became the Emperor, not just a King of Yong State, his aspiration to unite 6 states as he thought he's the best person to lead governing country. He became so vindictive to get to where he wanted to be, to that XiYun despised him. His love to XiYun was inclusive, sadly he kept to himself, or She'd dumbfounded when he hint something. Elegant LanXi was sober; always thinking, careful, be part of XiYun, using manipulation and tactics. I felt sad for LanXi, with his secretive character, his father King of Yong abusive, his brothers competition to the seat of kingdom, he stood alone to face struggles and bear hardest consequences. Bai Feng Xi let him be himself without the strain of being a prince, she challenged his intelligent in charming ways, she's shown him the good side of life.

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SWEETNESS OVERLOADED

From a young grade school she knew she has crush to this boy, best friend of her brother, as he treated her nice like a little sister. Her persistent holding on childish infatuation like treasuring his presents and memories. Age 15 in high school she met again with this (now) university boy - a room mate of his brother at the uni, her brother trusted him to watch over her to her delight. He became her physic tutor, a better tutor than her own brother, became a mentor to her young tender heart. He treated her with kindness and protective nature that she obligated to listen to his advise. When she got caught for admiration of the boy in a drawing book, she said that was an On-line Boyfriend so now everybody were worried about her mysterious on-line relationship. On line boyfriend became her scapegoat, diverting her real feeling to her brother's friend. Even he concerned and objected the fake on-line relationship which she happily obliged to indulge him....it's all smokescreen.

Ep 7 she's about to finish high school and plan to go to Uni where the boy lived, overheard her brother saying that his friend has a girlfriend that shattered her heart. She flew to Yihu just to find out if he really had a girlfriend, family were panicked and called him to meet her at the airport, in the airport she saw a young woman came with him and presumed she's the girlfriend. When he asked why she's here? She said she'd promised to meet her on-line boyfriend here, same lie she kept to avoid revealing the real reason. Pretty sad indeed she finally flew back home heart broken, she decided to bury all things about him and moved on with her life. Pre-commitment in relationship, Shang Zhi had experience many heartache because of Jia Xu treatment as a little sister, he always called her 小朋友 xiǎo péng yǒu. She regret she's being so young, age was a big issue. Not without afford she tried to move on with her young life, but things always bring them back in contact, he treated her as a family while she's hoping for more.

My favorite was ep 20, when Sang Yan found out about their romance, 3 actors did amazing with their characters - we can relate to each of them, the fight was redefining friendship to be accepted as a brother-in law. funny part was Sang Yan went back to Jia Xu's apartment that he just punched. Zhao LuSi was awesome, rendered speechless as to why her brother hit hard on her boyfriend aka his own bestfriend - with emotion bursting with tears she wanted to cut ties with him although it's resolved for the best, Another favorite was ep 23 were Sang Zhi revealed her deepest secret, overwhelm with surprise and gratitude Jia Xu weep happy and realized how much love she had, the romantic part was the kitchen scene - kind of seductive.

Overloaded sweetness like we eat too much of candies, our tooth hurts. I am just glad there's nothing cross the line their relationship when she's so young....because that would be loathsome. Zhao LuSi (Sang Zhi) was the sweetest innocent girl in love, the relationship with Sang Yan (Victor Ma) were likely brother and sister - the brother that loved a little sister but didn't want to be bothered by her whim - he let his best friend to take care of her. Duan Jia Xu (Chen Zhe Yuan) 5 years older (7 years older in the book) a gentle, responsible, attentive, kind that protect and always nice to Sang Zhi - a better version of 2nd brother to Zhi Zhi. Jia Xu acted really matured and responsible, with all passionate dialog, Jia Xu showed he really into Shang Zhi, wooing done right. If I thought first that this drama was for 13 yo fans base, boy..... was I surprisingly wrong! This drama has more kisses than some c-drama I have ever watched, Zhe Yuan's spark of yearning and longing was pretty alluring. Sang Zhi was fallen in love in their first meting, however Duan Jia Xu has fallen harder in love with her on wards. What I think LuSi was perfect for Sang Zhi character, but she seems to hold/restrain her character more than Chen Zhe Yuan - he's more open in embracing and kissing scenes than LuSi.

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DUAL CHARACTER

I think we all can agree that the acting was good, the story though had lots of compromising turns, meaning: I am scratching my head like 'heh? but why?' First of all, the title is so deceiving, I don't see there's love worth fighting for. The drama started really good, I almost rated all 10 but as it progressed start to of annoy me.

We all know the basic synopsis of this drama: a respectful female general of the founding era of the Southern Xia dynasty, enduring hardships to become a legendary female warrior. Amai (Zhang Tianai), the daughter of the Duke of Jingguo in Southern Xia, witnesses her entire family being killed by adopted brother Chen Qi (Sun Shao Long). By an incident brought AMei together with Shang Yi Zhi (Zhang Hao Wei) who became his best friend. Amai, now a young woman, disguises herself as a man decided to join the military becoming an infantry with the intention to come face to face Chen Qi who're the Marshal General from enemy forces in the battle seeking revenge. Her hard work paid off as she's promoted highly due to her intelligence, loyalty, dedication, wisdom, and charisma. Although few people knew her true identity, they covered it for the better of battalion. When serving as a general, A Mai had an enemy named General Chang Yu Qing (Wang Rui Chang). They went through a difficult time that brought the two closer. The war in front of them forced A Mai to shift her personal affairs to defend her nation.

What I like about this drama?
* Some comedy in the episodes, great writing up to ep 22
* Amei was beautiful as a woman but easily transform into a handsome man too
* AMei went through reality of harshness, difficulties, hard training/labor, bully from a foot soldier, got promoted to higher ranking of well deserved. I like this because most of C-drama cross-dressing female general acted like females (cute beautiful face, doing girly stuff, flamboyant, separate room than male counterparts) Zhang Tian'Ai acted/thinking like a man and she actually lived & training hard like real men.
* Shang Yi Zhi (Zhang Hao Wei) came from a privilege life, his parent spoiled him to no end. His real identity Qing Han hidden since he was young to avoid banishment/retaliation from the Emperor. From a naive spoiled young man, his character developed each step. He depended fully to his advisor Mr. Xu, bodyguard Mu Bai, and A Mei as his trusted right hand. He might not a favorite ML but he's matured as he act selfishly as an Emperor to get what he wanted. He's willing to kill everyone as long A Mei say so, he cared less to anything as long as A Mei like to live with him as his Empress. Too bad A Mei had better understanding to what her heart saying...and it wasn't him.
* I like the end of drama. Peace to the country as Beimo Kingdom was in domestic turmoil. Chang Yu Qing (Wang Rui Chang) was again propose to her. Shang Yi Zhi was present hoping to get to meet her. Qi Yu safe and sound learning and training hard.

What I don't like about this drama?
** Ep 22 when she decided to marry Xu'Er to cover up her 'female' identity from her subordinates. Because of this, 2 people died, rising tension and fight broke up of the rumor of her femininity.
** Prime Minister Lin & Family. Alright, this family is so fucked-p, ambitious the PM used his children to get power. Who knew Mu Bai was his youngest son while Chen Qi was his oldest and daughter Ruo Fei was Yi Zhi Empress. Not to mention that this twist took all the screen time than other Male Leads. This drama turned into palace politics and harem jealousy & manipulation. I hate when I see women back stabbing or senile to each other.
** The title of the drama should be renamed to original: A Mai Cong Jun.

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DON'T READ THIS IF YOU AVOIDING SPOILERS - S1

I would consider this as the best 2023 drama. Adaptation from the novel with author Tong Hua, she's also participated in write the script. The novel has 3 phases which Season 1 covered one and half phases of the novel, bet the other one & half phases will be covered in season 2. The story was about Xiao Yao (or Haoling Jiu Yao) a beloved Princess of Hao Ling Kingdom who got lost to wilderness at really young age. She had the magic talent to transform herself into anyone any age any gender, so much so she forgot her real face. She's transformed as Wen Xiao Liu, a male doctor whose expertise in fertility as well as poison, she rescued an old deserter soldier Lao Mu and 2 human Cheng Zhi, Ma Zi and they were creating a family bond in a small town Qing Shui. One day, at the bank of a river Xiao Liu decided to rescue a beggar who were so badly injured and close to his last breath. He took care of him, medicated him, feed and wash him till he's back to health. The family decided to name him Ye Shi Qi. They bonded well and ShiQi learned quick doctoring and help out with the family business - like every thing was so ordinary and humble yet very rewarding. Then, there's news that some newcomers came to town to open a wine shop in the neighborhood; Xuan LaoBan & A Nian with their respective helpers, a dashing respectable young man with his beautiful spoil cousin. They opened business that became well known and a favorite stop for villagers. Xiao Liu's family got altercation with A Nian, resulting confrontation and nasty fight defending their side of family argumentation. Meanwhile, Wen Xiao Liu also met the most horrible General Xiang Liu, Nine-headed sea demon, military Advisor of Chen Rong Kingdom.

**Xiao Yao (Haoling Jiu Yao) a beloved Princess of Hao Ling Kingdom/Wen Xiao Liu (Yang Zhi)
She's a princess of Hao Ling, the granddaughter of Emperor Huan Yuan. She got lost in the young age looking for her father, went through some horrific experiences since then, in order to survive she used her magic to transform her identity frequently until she forgot her real face. She's kind, loyal, afraid of loneliness, free spirit, coy, well liked. Been through alot since early age, she's always on the survival mode. Her undying love to TuShan Jing was the product of his devotion to their relationship, the proven ups-down relationship from their lowest life experience to most happiest time together thru time and time again. She didn't see any man could compare with Jing while she enthralled with Xiang Liu and fully supportive and dedicated to Cang Xuan or friendship towards Feng Long, in her eyes Jing was the most important man in her life. She'e pretty forward with her love interest, she initiated the approach. Her undying support to Cang Xuan was because she wanted to be in his side in their path together, she wanted Cang Xuan to achieve happiness towards his goal. Although Xiang Liu treated her in abusive way, she got to experience many thing while travel with him and...exciting to be with the bad boy. Chishui Feng Long was her first official fiance, she didn't love him, she agreed to get engage with him after heartbreak with Jing and she thought she could help strengthen Cang Xuan position by marrying him which ended she left him at the altar.

**Cang Xuan (Zhuan Xu), Prince of Xi Yan Kingdom (Zhang Wan Yi)
He's ambitious, intelligence, firm, loyal. This's the journey of his top ambition to became an Emperor. He married many women, had 2 Empresses but his happiness were deep secret corner in his heart for Xiao Yao. His marriages were for political purposes, he didn't care much about the wives, his fully concentration was to the political gain, strategy, plots, securing states and the people, wise governing the county, stability projection for all tribes and offered peace. But he secretly harbor deep affection and love for his cousin, get really upset and jealous to any man close to Xiao Yao. He used her for political piece, he let Xiao Yao to have relationship with Jing to gain political/monetary support from TuShan Clan, he let Xiao Yao engaged to Feng Long for support from big clan ChiShui. He's happy with the break up between Jing and Xiao Yao or/and when Xiao Yao left Feng Long at the altar. Eating his heart alive, he couldn't let Xiao Yao go until he made a terrible mistake; he had his hand killing TuShan Jing. Xiao Yao found out, all their strong bond loving relationship shattered broken...irreparable. But Xiao Yao couldn't hate him...she'd rather die than hurting him. A powerful Emperor live in a lonely on top of the world.

**Tushan Jing /Ye Shiqi, second young master and successor of Tushan Tribe (Deng Wei)
Wen Xiao Liu rescued him back to health when he was broken, injured, battered unrecognizable almost a dead man. He 's decided to become Xiao Liu servant to show gratitude, he worked hard around the house, really smart quickly learn medicine to help out with clinic. Who knew he was the famous 2nd young master for the most richest powerful business family who would someday became the successor of Tushan clan. TuShan Jing was a prodigy as reserved, handsome, gentle, loyal, great personality, highly intelligent, screw businessman, no ambition in politic, brilliant accountant, calm, literate, master in playing qing and chess who had magnitude responsibilities and dysfunctional family. Unfortunately he's engaged to Fangfeng Yi Ying - a master of arrow shooter - he went missing few days before their wedding. He also had a jealous older brother TuShan Hao, who tortured Jing - traumatic emotional and physical abuser, he's the one who impregnate Yi Ying and claimed the baby was Jing's that caused Jing and Xiao Yao broke up (too bad his trusted beloved grandmother betrayed him), promised in 15 years time he wished to be back as Ye ShiQi and leave his position was broken and he married Yi Ying. Tushan Jing was a highly intelligent man, he's devious in regard to win back Xiao Yao, he initiated to wreck Xiao Yao wedding to Feng Long. His idea to support Cang Xuan was behind the screen, he devised strategy for ambitious Feng Long. His quiet and calm demeanor gave wrong impression to his peers. Jings love was forlorn yet beautifully sweet determination...with so much coaxing and pleading he won Xiao Yao understanding and heart many times over.

** Xiang Liu Nine-headed sea demon. Military Advisor of Chen Rong Kingdom/Fangfeng Bei Second young master of Fangfeng Tribe - Yang Yi's brother (Tan Jian Ci) He's an eccentric, boorish, crude, unpredictable, powerful, killer for hire, tackles but he had a soft spot for Xiao Liu. Although he treated her like a hot potato, his action spoke better than his words. He used Xiao Liu/Yao for her medicated blood saving his life many times and her knowledge of poisons, he endured many BS Xiao Liu tell but he liked his company. He could actually act gentlemanly as FangFeng Bai which he became Xiao Yao's arrow teacher, took her to gambling den, drinks and going about town, fun to be around with. He attempted to offer his heart to Xiao Yao but got rejected, he understood she only had her eyes to TuShan Jing, he realized they both came from totally different status. As they both were connected by lover bugs, he immediately knew whenever Xiao Yao got hurt. When Xiao Yao was critically injured, Xiang Liu came right up to save here. At the end though he righted the wrongs, sacrificed so much, gave up everything just to save a woman he really loved without asking anything back...none of those he wished Xiao Yao not to know about. He also saved TuShan Jing, an unlikely friendship just because they're actually made business transaction many times over.

**Chishui Feng Long/ChiShui Young Chief (Wang Hong Yi)
He's TuShan Jing's best friend, very ambitious, easy going and twin brother of Chenrong Xin Yue (Wang Zhen) one of Cang Xuan's Empress. TuShan Jing introduced Feng Long to Cang Xuan for him to gain strong political ally, Jing tought Feng Long strategies for him to pass it along to Cang Xuan which he thought Feng Long was such an amazing brilliant strategist. Although Jing knew Feng Long was interested in Xiao Yao, he shamelessly used him to lure Xiao Yao to their resident so he could woo her in person. Feng Long pledged alliance to Cang Xuan, helped him to gain power and became Great General, proposed marriage to Xiao Yao which's accepted after Xiao Yao broke up with Jing. His friendship to Jing was deteriorated when he knew Jing steal Xiao Yao at the wedding ceremony. He became Cang Xuan's right hand, most trusted general, best friend, strong ally. At the end though, he tried to kill Xiao Yao whose Cang Xuan's most treasured person. Because of regret, Feng Long requested to go war against Chen Rong rebel Army and died at the hand of Xiang Liu. His last words hunted Cang Xuan...

What I love about this drama is consistency interpretation from book to drama, outstanding setting, explosion of details, flowing story, beautiful costumes, great collaboration between main and supporting actors, loving the OST. I think this is a perfect casting, can't think anyone else perfect for the roles. Yang Zhi is perfect Wen Xiao Liu, Zhang WenYi is definitely Cang Xuan, Deng Wei is a quite gentle TuShan Jing, Tan jianCi has Xiang Liu's aura, while Wang HongYi has easy going Feng Long. I think Yang Zhi isn't a great beauty that would captured 4 men's heart (but love can do weird things to us) that would lay down their lives for her, Ep 32 she started to fall into her usual cringe chatty high pitch little girl voice - let's skip that part. I found that Deng Wei & Tan Jian Ci (he had terrifying murderous laugh) did great with their characters more so than the other. 3 strong-characters and overly ambitious men, Xiao Yao is well matched with Tushan Jing who has calm characters that so different from the rest. 39 episodes ended the Season 1 when Cang Xuan was choosen as next Emperor of Xi Yuan Kingdom and looking forward for season 2 where all this manifestation complete.

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ONE BORING DRAMA..

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.

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HILARIOUS DRAMA THIS YEAR

I've been looking forward for this drama because I love Zhao LuSi...she's a cute gal with acting like fresh breath of air. Too many heavy intrigue back stabbing dramas lately, too many stupidity story lines, a light heart comedy drama is most welcomed. Zhao LuSi is good doing comedy, there're fans tired watching her on the same genre but when she's doing something different character (Le Yan - Long Ballad) she looked out of character and miserable. Xu Kai Cheng is the kind of guy who'd look gorgeous without smile...his soft gaze betrays sternness as Deputy Chief educator. His expression is on the spot; between exasperation, wonderment, delight, love, unbelievably, and protectiveness. The kind of a man that has finally found his treasure in his life and happy to announce the world that that treasure is belong to him.

I enjoy every minute of it. It's started from a 'bet' - a bet that would get Sang Qi (LuSi) into hilarious efforts to get Yan YunZhi (Kai Cheng) accept her tiny purse/pouch who'd happen to be her Dean at the Imperial Collage. The collaboration of supporting actors in this drama was amateur, some act childish even wooden. Xu Kai Cheng was a bit older which appropriate for his character as he's her oldest brother's best friend and the Deputy Chief of the collage - about 27-30 while LuSi's character was about 16-18 (marriageable age) a care free and brave girl that grown up at the frontier of border. MLs were both look so comfortable and relax together like sibling. They're bickering - outsmart each other - play trick as well as shamelessly showing open affection. Sang Qi was kind of a Tomboy, she gets herself into fights between school mates, she's the ring leader of the boys, the only girl amongest competitive unruly young noble men. The girl Lan Qi was such a bore, a killjoy.

I love ep 1 when Sang Qi and Zhao speak dialect to mock Ms Song and YunZhi, ep 11 a hilarious memorable scene as first time ever I see a quarrel - a misunderstanding between lovers using their apologetic (and up set) expression while on the other side of the rock, another couple arguing try to reconcile their same misunderstanding. I think that's an awesome scene because we don't see that cleverness/witty expression scene in a scrip. Ep 14 'hiding' scene under the bed is good too...actually there are many funny scenes in every episodes. Ep 18 onward is not funny anymore...little serious. The MLs kissing/hugging scenes were pretty cute, their eyes locking together with smiles and affection, they look good and cute together,I love the OST...the background music is very good. I gave rewatch value 10 because I've been watching this over and over again....

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DOMESTIC ISSUES AND A SUPER WOMAN

Lin ShaoChun (Bai Lu) is the 4th daughter in law of Sun's family, married to Sun YuLao (Wang Yi Zhi) after an early rocky disapproval relationship because she came from a troupe group, proving herself and gaining back her family's heritage and name with the help of Sun YuLao - she's able to marry him and gain approval from Sun's head of family. Her intelligence and wisdom makes her a super woman, she's the problem solver of every single's family issues - everyone come to her seeking advise and resolving their dire problems. There are two people that family (& country) look up to; Sun Xun (father) and ShaoChun, one is an influential respectful Kingdom's Grand Secretariat and the other is Sun's 4th daughter in law - the good thing is her husband Sun YuLao loves her deeply and every member of family respect her.

Very domestic family oriented drama, 8 children all together with their in-laws bends to have 8 different direction of story to tell. Pheww...none of them has children yet so their wrong decision does not involve in a child well-being...I can't imagine if every couple has 1 or 2 children, this story is going to be a mess. The oldest son - he's kind blind-sided with mismatched character with blatant wife who's longing for a 'womanly' kind of wife, second son who's a General who presumably lost 2 wives and give up for another chance of love, 3rd son who's kind of useless and always a 'yes' man to dominant wife but lately he showed a talent of mechanical repairman, 4th son who's smart enough to marry ShaoChun - he's the magistrate that seek justice and priority truth. 1st daughter Royal Consort Sun who's the wife of the Emperor, 2nd daughter who just become a widow (appear on ep 33) who happens to love ShaoChun's senior brother as they were young sweetheart, 3rd daughter who married to a loser guy who think highly of himself, youngest and last child is a teen-daughter from concubine Mei. I couldn't believe I remember all this...

ShaoChun is also involved with Imperial domestic issues as well as resolving some crucial political uproars, even the Emperor and Kingdom can use her talent in solving critical issues. Well, if anyone wants to know what domestic issues Sun's family have (and how a super woman ShaoChun is) I can recommend this drama, 43 episodes isn't bad - middle episode is a big drag but after that picks up, ending ep 43 is a totally unpredictable. This drama is alright, overall score is an OK, I enjoy it. There are plenty of familiar faces of supporting actors....most of all I love their OST. Slow, soothing, melodious, appropriate....

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Don't go to Dr Mi Ka even for check up..

Ok...I can say I know well about Hospital/medical environment (not in China). In reality, patients are more abundance than white coats and no surgeons hang out with less than PA. Anyway, Sandra Ma is too young to be a Neurosurgeon no matter how brilliant she's academically, at least 15-20 years after HS to become junior neurosurgeon few years before they can obtain license and certification - she should be at least 32-35-40 years old to become one because it's very extensive study and training, when they use all the medical terminology I don't think she could independently doing a procedure without higher supervision or maybe is in China..I don't know...especially Outpatient hospital does not perform any major surgery like brain /nerve. Exaggeration of medical environment, that's all I can say, but yes...it's only drama not real cases. Become a doctor isn't easy, not to mention a neurosurgeon, only a few were achieve to that level. It bothers me watching this drama. But ok, besides the reality of it, Dr Mi Ka isn't typical so don't try it at home. Xing Ke Lei was pretty cute, he looks like on his early 20th and Xing Ke Yao a pretty cool sister, amazing brother/sister relationship. Shao Yu Han is more like a surgeon, maturity and mind set likely close to the real one. I like this drama fine....can't give higher overall rate than 7. l like the most was Wayne Wang and Zhang Yao....

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I am the weird one...

Ok, I admit I am the weird one here because I don't like this drama so much. Once I watched it out of curiosity because million praises to the highest. I am not into super fluffy sweet surrender kind of love story, Yang Zi giggled and act in childish way, makes me want to slap her (get a grip, woman) Ok I know she supposed to act that way but it crawled my skin just to listen high pinch giggle in whole drama. Deng Lun and Leo Luo made story come alive, so much sadness from one sided love..so much aggravation from ambition...so much visual effect that kind of fake. So, I am not a fan, don't want to re access it. I don't watch Yang Zi since then. The positive note: I love the soundtracks.

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Team HouYan

I am proudly call myself as Team HouYan because of these two I stay this far for this drama. Hao Du and Le Yan had remarkable a love story, growing characters, ups and downs that life experiences thrown at them and made them more incline and devoted to each other. LeYan character grew wiser, smarter, stronger, bolder, kinder and humbler...just the opposite of Hou Du's personality. Hou Du learn a lot from Le Yan most of her kindness and simplicity - I think he has loved her longer than we anticipated...it's like instinct to protect the weaker female from the cruel world. Who knew, he had such romantic passionate on cold-exterior-reserved man. Hou Du became happier, smiles more, chatty, soft glances towards LeYan and she reproached it with her loving smiles too...they had the simplest wedding for royal princess but their happiness shines thru we all could see... I love Emperor Li ShiMin gave them blessing, I think that's remarkable that a Great Tang Royal Princess could marry down to a personal guard like Hou Du.

I also love Wei ShuYu I think his concern to his family and loyalty to the country say it all about his dedication and contribution. Alan Fang was most handsome man in this drama...soft spoken and always think the best from everyone. His character wasn't strong like the other 2 ML but his part was definitely not bad at all. Leo Wu Lei was good; Asheli Sun was an up-right, good and strong man, loyal, faithful, handsome, great leader. His love story as not as passionate as Hou Du but he had devotion that willing to follow the girl he love to the burning building. If there wasn't love story like Hou Du and LeYan, I didn't think I would watch this drama for 49 episodes.

Seriously, I skipped a lot where Li ChangGe appear because she didn't impress me, her character was conceited and bravely naive, she got lucky in so many instances - not because she's smart intelligent princes but people like her, the weak and timid LeYan went out to protect and save her - not to mention Asheli who loved her would do anything to take care and gave her protection, even the Emperor didn't want to hurt her but loved her as his niece as her own father didn't care for her even slightly. Li ChangGe's ambition all failed, she gave up everything finally as she realized that avenge intention was to the wrong man. I would give all 10 if I can just rate it for Liu YuNing, Zhao LuSi, Leo Wu Lei, Alan Fang Yi Lun.

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KIDNAPPING WIDOWS

A man making his source of income by kidnapping widows, "Bossam" is a term to a customary remarry procedure that took place during the Joseon period, means a widow could not remarry unless a bachelor wrapped up a widow in a blanket and marry her then. So, Ba-Woo would get hired to kidnap an intended widow by some other man who intended to marry the widow, he mistakenly kidnaps Yi Su-Kyong (Kwon Yu-Ri) the King's widowed daughter (and daughter in-law of Lee Jae-yong Left State Councillor Yi I-cheom). While the brother in-law Dae-Yeop also loves her but he's on the wrong side of opposition - they stand on different path as his father Lee Jae-Yong try to kill her and revolt the King. This poor guy is in difficult situation..his family hates him (to always appose them)....the girl he loves refuse him...the King wants him to stay loyal (against filial obligation to family), he got stabbed alot, this guy is tormented by the contradiction of his life.

The princess is wanted by her father the king, but her father in-law would rather have her killed because of political ambition. By the ep 17 it's revealed that Dae-Yeop is actually direct legal heir of the kingdom that current king took away, the uncle Lee Jae-Yong (Left State Councillor) acts as his father want him take the crown back and organize the rebellion. Princess Su-Kyong went hide in just-installed Ba-Woo's name and house as his wife as well hide from the threat of her murder, they fall in love gradually and have a private wedding. The acting is awesome, the story original, the setting is natural as it gets - there isn't trace of overdo make up or over acting.

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THE GOOD UNDER RATED DRAMA

I love love this drama so much. I would recommend it to anyone...I saw genuinely regular person..no one over the top of beauty/handsomeness, no one super rich live in luxury, or super intelligent character, no make up, not even high tall buildings. It just characters that wanted to be on top of the games....with failures, struggles, friendship, dedication and hard work. I love every characters in this drama, everyone are good to each other...no one biting the competitor (Iam wrong in one; Shen Yi Lang lost his job to Wang Chong). I love Hong He, he's kind of the best friend we all want to have or He Jia Jia &Wu Di that's pretty understanding and supportive as High school friends. I love the last 2 episodes when Shen Guan rose back to the surface and how Yu Liang supporting him - they live together to get to know better for the sake of the international games...their different temperamental put to test. Every actors did splendid job...the best part was most of the actors were young and new in the business but they did all unforgettable characters.....bravo.

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