Charlie C

I saw some screenshots of him and FL's sister (current timeline). Some people seem to ship them.

*Raise hand* I also like Prince Lei. The moment he appeared, I was "wow". They make him quite distinctive a character: hot-headed, passionate, acting-before-thinking, full of youth and vigour. If it weren't for their shared genetic trait of being lovefools, I wouldn't notice all the princes were brothers haha.

I must say, all of his action scenes have been enthralling. They properly choreographed and the actor properly learned to express not with just his muscles, but also his expressions. (His intensity is on-point.)
This is my first time seeing Lai Wei Ming act. I heard he got his start being popular on Douyin. So my expectation was low. But he definitely delivered with all the high notes. He fits the young, reckless but warm and caring general very much. I hope he will continue down the path with this learning mindset and attitude. Who knows, maybe he'll land a young-general main role in a good production somewhere along the way. I know, I'll be pleased :D

I'm up to this episode as well. I've been curious about Xin Wang since the beginning. His story is full of mysteries (I doubt that there'd be a lot of him or his back story in the series) and feels bittersweet.

From my pov, he seems like he loved his wife very much. But, it was completely one-sided. Coupled with the fact, he isn't the ML in this story. It was impossible he would get the girl. (Personally, I think it's just who she is. But in the power vested in plot armour, Crown Prince will get through here. Even if it's a longgg way to go. So long, that many viewers complain nonstop about the "cold-hearted" FL.)
He also seems to have certain psychological issues; potentially due to the miseries and traumas he has endured and the love he never got in return. What a tragic character. (Or maybe I'm all in my head.)

Another huge factor is how each person receive or refuse the love given to them. If they want or desire love, how that love is expressed, how they prefer it, if it suits them or not, and if they are a match (crucial). So many variables factoring in love and relationships, in general.
Sometimes, one can't just force it. Sometimes, one's best is not enough/suitable/adequate/it. And when push comes to shove, consent is key. One must respect the choice and decision the other makes.

Still, I wonder from time to time about a what-if scenario for Xin Wang, in case he is a good guy. If dude is sad, obsessive and delusional... it's okay, I'm glad his wife got her exit.

The plot simply didn't stick with me. I actually knew of this series but didn't intend to pick it up, sensing it might not be for me. But I was curious about Peter Ho (quite a veteran actor who likes to take on fun roles these days, and I'm all about comedy haha) and got recommendations from a couple of MDL members who enjoyed some series like me.

Frankly, it is not long, only 28 episodes, and quite fast-paced. I've seen many liking it. It's pretty entertaining and funny amidst certain seriousness. However, besides the plot not doing it for me, the acting shares the same fate. It's just not there yet.
But, the story is still intriguing. So, I did read up some posts and discussions here and on social media. I thank all the passionate viewers who show their appreciation for this drama!

I actually took the liberty and looked at your profile. Quite the taste you got there with all those series, Lola! I'm not sure if you'll like this... Still, give it a try, a couple of episodes doesn't hurt. Maybe it'll be a good, light watch for you :D

And thank you for asking!

Although I have, unfortunately, dropped this series, that opening scene of Hou Ming Hao fighting with the zhanmadao was impressive.
He actually put some force into it and the choreography is quite good unlike certain mainly-for-show action scenes in certain series.

And goofy Peter Ho is always fun to watch.

I watched a couple of episodes of KTPH and he was hilarious! Unfortunately, he is a, if not the, bad guy lol.

Yes, I also heard from novel readers, Prince Qian is ML's father. I hope that the emperor is a nice, or at least decent, character in the TV series.

I read it's currently number 1 in its morning time slot and just achieved its highest rating of 0.8-something-something on CCTV1. Congrats to the whole production! Well-deserved :D

I'm thankful it's 36 episodes. I actually wanted more.

Do you know what's their morning time slot is? Thanks.

Anyone find the deceased Prince Qian kinda shares similarities with Prince Xin? The demeanour, the look, etc. I have been spoiled with who his son is. But still intrigued by the similarities, especially how Vengo and Jeremy kinda look similar too haha

I'm very behind but Peter Ho is such a comedic force! I enjoy every time he's on screen, on par with the second couple. Throw ML in to the mix and this turns into a comedy hahahaha

As a "Chang Ge Xing" manhua reader, this live-action adaptation butchered the source material so bad. All your rants will be resolved, you'll be pleased (I hope) if you read the manhua (be warned, it was on a longgg hiatus and hasn't concluded, but it's just so good).

On Wu Lei's acting and one of the biggest acting impression I got from this series was the scene where his foster mother died and he raged. Boy, did he raged. And it was beautiful. Poignant. Heart-breaking. Chef kiss.
But that was it. He is such a miscast as Ashina Sun ;_;

This series must sing praises to your mama. She helps it gain a point, A point!

My Gawd. I think I'll need to read many more of your reviews!

Thank you for taking your time to rant with your keyboards. This review has been fun to read (ie. the bad acting trifecta) but also contains good criticism.

"Good romance is not having a male character fawn over a woman for no good imaginable reason while she stays stoic and cold. That's stalking and annoying." <<< This. Romantic C-drama is forever popular with this trope ;_;

So yeah, "Whatever happens to "show don't tell." <<< It's a rare commodity in this sphere...

One note though, I haven't seen any of Cheng Xiao's series. I don't follow her music career or K-Pop group. Objectively, she's younger than Suzy. Maybe she'll have more time? Suzy has improved (I think?) but really...?

I'm on to your next review, now, adios!

P/s: Aren't you being generous? A 5.0 overall while categorically, it's unanonimously 2.0 haha

Your mama def raised you right. Your review is so fun to read!

I'm currently on "Blossoms of Power". I saw a commenter loving this series, saying how alive Meng jie (FL) is here compared to most of her other projects. So, I checked "Royal Rumours" out of curiosity. Confirmed she has range and can act. Maybe "stiffness" is her signature nowadays, which I'm fine with. She needs something to stand out in this vicious industry and career path.

Anyhow, I tried to enjoy this but couldn't. So I came to the review part and saw yours. I must say, your review is even more entertaining than the first two episodes haha.

I agree with everything you say. I also think ML is such a sweetheart. I'm certain, his hairpin slide, his pouting why-you-bully-me, and his I'm-easy-to-please-spoil-me moments are all the rage with the viewers and fans hahaha. Let them come together, let them be harmonious *insert raging Elmo meme here*

I appreciate your forthcoming and how expressive you are with the things you like and enjoy, ie. this series :D

Peter Ho is in episode 16. I got confirmation from screen cuts online hahaha. (Currently thinking of waiting for a couple more before I jump back.) Just wanna let you know.

Hello, again. Your comments have stuck with me even after the this series has completed.

After finishing it, I think your comments are still valid to certain extents. At the same time, I realised the "power imbalance" when it comes to the two leads:
- ML was born into the business world. He comes from a business family. He has been surrounded in this environment since he was a kid. I think that gives him advantages when compared to FL, who comes from a regular background and has to work her way up. Because of this, he sees what she might not or overlook. However...
- FL definitely catches up to him as she gains more experience along the way and comes to a more befitting professional environment at the end. Yes, it is a work of fiction. I still think, her progress is believable and realistic. She gains the respect of not only the ML, but also his father. In the epilogue chapters the author wrote specifically after the drama series ends, she becomes a capable corporate leader herself, taking over her father-in-law's role at his corporation.

So, she needs to start from somewhere, right? Naive, gets used, gets tricked, falls down and... get back up. Then, she learns, continues to learn to become more and better, the version she wants. For me, it's good characterisation and development.

Additionally, I have read and enjoyed posts by viewers and fans analysing, interpreting and consolidating business/finance knowledge, case studies, real life scenarios according to the plots of the series. It's eye-opening and genuinely interesting, particularly for someone outside of the industry but still curious like myself, haha.

It's a bit unfortunate that this wasn't your cup of tea. But, to each of our own. I'm sure you're enjoying many other series to your taste. I really like your comments. Hope to see you again in other series.

Imo, "shameless" is a playful choice of word appropriate to describe ML. I think it's also endearing to a certain extent, especially coming from fans.

I think, ML is straightforward, direct and expressive. He must be quite self-aware. At the same time, I can see that he is considerate or try to be, especially towards FL. That makes him sensible too. As a viewer, I get to see him in and out of the presence of FL and other characters. I appreciate these traits of his in lead/male characters. Even fictional, they can serve as role models (more so for impressionable, young viewers) and case studies.

Not only do I see similarities in his interests and personality with FL, but also their differences and contrasts. For example, they are both expressive in their own terms: he is more extrovert while she is more introvert - being who they are. For me and realistically, this makes them a good match. They have their distinctions, yet they are more alike. I'm sure they'll come to see and to term with that as the series progresses.

Moreover, the main couple being yin and yang - serious and "shameless" - brings us balance. I didn't expect this to be a comedy. (It's my favourite genre, haha.) I'm pleasantly surprised and entertained! This is also my first He Yu's series. I think he fits the role and plays it really well.

Thank you for your questions! Get me to think and consolidate my thoughts.

The supporting cast is stacked :o