A handsome main lead, high-quality production, a good cast, and fanservice
This is a very decent vertical drama. Of course, a magnificent full-length adaptation of the same novel exists, but it’s not worth comparing them—the creators had completely different goals and resources. In general, Jiu Lu Fei Xiang's novels deserve all kinds of adaptations in all kinds of formats, and this vertical mini-drama looks very watchable.
Granted, the plot turned out to be a bit rushed, but there are no major pacing drops or inconsistencies; it’s more about things being left unsaid. And honestly, I think it’s a good thing that the creators didn't try to cram the uncrammable. Instead of focusing on the intricate geopolitical relationships between the two states, they dedicated screen time to fanservice and artistic techniques popular in this format. Because let’s be honest: vertical dramas are not so much about the plot as they are about romance, aesthetics, and/or sensuality.
There is plenty of aesthetics here! You get close-ups emphasizing the leads' lingering glances, wide shots with falling snow, beautiful costumes, and decent sets. There is also a lot of romance, and it’s very aesthetic—kisses, gentle touches, and long looks. For the most part, the focus of the story is shifted precisely to the leads' love rather than war and palace intrigues. And I wouldn't say the story lost much because of it.
Moreover, the production values are excellent. Sometimes you watch these shows and cringe at the amateurish execution, but that’s not the case here. The production doesn't look cheap or half-baked. The framing, camera angles, lighting, and editing are all at a decent level for this format. I was especially pleased with the ability to handle lighting in the frame—something that is often ignored in vertical dramas.
But the biggest highlight of this drama is the cast.
Yan Zi Xian is a recognized star of short-form dramas. The camera loves him, and we, the female audience, love him too. He is great at acting out that devoted, lovesick gaze from the bottom up, and the director shamelessly takes advantage of this. His character turned out to be an amazing combination of vulnerability and hidden strength: one moment he seems loyal and defenseless, and the next, he is ready to do anything for the one he loves. Both of his images were wonderful—the naive, lovesick "supersoldier" in the first half, and the prince tangled up in his own feelings in the second half.
I liked Guo Yu Xin in the role of the female general. She is stern enough in armor and pretty enough in a dress. She doesn't display a massive emotional range, but this fits the character's personality perfectly. However, against the backdrop of the ML, she got slightly lost for me.
Wang Rui Zi fit the role of the third wheel in the love triangle perfectly. His Crown Prince looks moderately arrogant, moderately crazed due to his love for the FL, and moderately miserable because his love is unrequited. I especially liked that the line between obsession and sanity was well-maintained—without villainous laughter or theatrical monologues.
The musical accompaniment was also great—it didn't pull attention away from the story but only heightened the emotion of the scenes. The costumes are luxurious yet not overly gaudy. Pretty hairpins and guans with long chains—not entirely logical when it comes to the ML, to be honest, but highly aesthetic.
Another feature of this drama is its humor. Before the ML regained his memory, the way he hilariously demonstrated his loyalty to the FL was sometimes on the verge of absurdity. But it was funny, not cringey. Later, as it often happens, the humor gives way to drama. However, there is no heavy angst here, and subjectively, that is another huge plus.
An interesting fact for me personally: this is one of the few dramas where periods are mentioned. The ML’s care for the FL while she is suffering from "women's illness" looks funny but very touching.
Overall, this mini-drama is well worth the couple of hours spent on it. A handsome main lead, high-quality production, a good cast, and fanservice—this is more than enough to get enjoyment from watching.
Granted, the plot turned out to be a bit rushed, but there are no major pacing drops or inconsistencies; it’s more about things being left unsaid. And honestly, I think it’s a good thing that the creators didn't try to cram the uncrammable. Instead of focusing on the intricate geopolitical relationships between the two states, they dedicated screen time to fanservice and artistic techniques popular in this format. Because let’s be honest: vertical dramas are not so much about the plot as they are about romance, aesthetics, and/or sensuality.
There is plenty of aesthetics here! You get close-ups emphasizing the leads' lingering glances, wide shots with falling snow, beautiful costumes, and decent sets. There is also a lot of romance, and it’s very aesthetic—kisses, gentle touches, and long looks. For the most part, the focus of the story is shifted precisely to the leads' love rather than war and palace intrigues. And I wouldn't say the story lost much because of it.
Moreover, the production values are excellent. Sometimes you watch these shows and cringe at the amateurish execution, but that’s not the case here. The production doesn't look cheap or half-baked. The framing, camera angles, lighting, and editing are all at a decent level for this format. I was especially pleased with the ability to handle lighting in the frame—something that is often ignored in vertical dramas.
But the biggest highlight of this drama is the cast.
Yan Zi Xian is a recognized star of short-form dramas. The camera loves him, and we, the female audience, love him too. He is great at acting out that devoted, lovesick gaze from the bottom up, and the director shamelessly takes advantage of this. His character turned out to be an amazing combination of vulnerability and hidden strength: one moment he seems loyal and defenseless, and the next, he is ready to do anything for the one he loves. Both of his images were wonderful—the naive, lovesick "supersoldier" in the first half, and the prince tangled up in his own feelings in the second half.
I liked Guo Yu Xin in the role of the female general. She is stern enough in armor and pretty enough in a dress. She doesn't display a massive emotional range, but this fits the character's personality perfectly. However, against the backdrop of the ML, she got slightly lost for me.
Wang Rui Zi fit the role of the third wheel in the love triangle perfectly. His Crown Prince looks moderately arrogant, moderately crazed due to his love for the FL, and moderately miserable because his love is unrequited. I especially liked that the line between obsession and sanity was well-maintained—without villainous laughter or theatrical monologues.
The musical accompaniment was also great—it didn't pull attention away from the story but only heightened the emotion of the scenes. The costumes are luxurious yet not overly gaudy. Pretty hairpins and guans with long chains—not entirely logical when it comes to the ML, to be honest, but highly aesthetic.
Another feature of this drama is its humor. Before the ML regained his memory, the way he hilariously demonstrated his loyalty to the FL was sometimes on the verge of absurdity. But it was funny, not cringey. Later, as it often happens, the humor gives way to drama. However, there is no heavy angst here, and subjectively, that is another huge plus.
An interesting fact for me personally: this is one of the few dramas where periods are mentioned. The ML’s care for the FL while she is suffering from "women's illness" looks funny but very touching.
Overall, this mini-drama is well worth the couple of hours spent on it. A handsome main lead, high-quality production, a good cast, and fanservice—this is more than enough to get enjoyment from watching.
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