This was my first ever Chinese drama and I have been re-watching it at least once a year ever since. It never gets old. In fact, I just finished another rewatch and wanted to convey how much I love this drama. It is #1 on my greatest of all-time list. The acting of main cast and supporting cast are superb. There really is no weak link in the acting department. The bad guys are really good at being bad guys and the heroes are great at being heroes, especially Hu Ge, who plays brilliant strategist Mei Changsu with a vulnerability that you cannot help but root for. Every one of his subordinates and friends would die for him to help him fulfill his plans. And I as viewer feel the same way! It's fascinating to see how all his precise and carefully made plans came to fruition one by one. The plot keeps building up the more episodes you watch. The romance of Mei Changsu and Ni Huang is heartbreaking, but so are all the amazing friendships as well. The introduction song is poignant, I never skip it when watching and the songs from all 3 leads are amazing! If you start watching this drama, I guarantee you will also re-watch every year! It is just that good!