S T O R Y: Didn't really think the action part of the story was that interesting. HOWEVER, I was enthralled by the love story progression between Yu Wenyong and Yuan Qingsuo. Qingsuo is fun, innocent, lively, and quirky. Yu Wenyong is somber and rigid on the outside but very loving on the inside. I do disagree with the reviews that said Yu Wenyong was cold hearted and a playboy before meeting Qingsuo..these claims are refuted by the storyline but I'll leave it at that. Anyone who is wondering should just watch to find out for themselves! I think I was especially drawn to the love story because Yu Wenyong's love for Qingsuo was so unconditional. It was heartbreaking to see Qingsuo hurt Yu Wenyong time after time. Yu Wenyong had to be such a tough character; being part of the royal family so many things are out of your control and you have to fake your whole life in order to protect yourself, the people you love, and for the well-being of your country. Yu wenyong was constantly getting hit with defamation of character from the person he loves the most yet he was unable to explain himself. In most drama series, the love is more straightforward and often reciprocated. Even though we all wish to see reciprocated love, a change to a love story full of many heartbreak moments really pulls at your emotions as a viewer. Things don't always stay this way though, but again, I'll leave it at that to avoid spoilers.

M U S I C: Beautiful! I feel like it captured the emotions in the drama very well. And the timing of the music with the scenes were perfect. Can anyone link me to instrumental music used in this drama? Not the opening and ending music/songs

C O S T U M E: Very beautiful as well. You can look at stills and see for yourself.

A C T I N G: I think Zhang Hanyun is a good pick for Yuan Qingsuo. She plays the innocent and quirky character well. I think her looks matches the character, if you know what I mean. She plays the role well without being annoying, although some may disagree. I think YQS's character can become annoying really easily, but I think Zhang Hanyun did a good job to not make YQS annoying (maybe just a little sometimes). This is her first major role. I don't know if I would say that she is good at acting per say, but I think her performance as YQS was appropriate. I saw a live broadcast she did for fans as promo for this series and her personality in real life is similar to YQS.
Peng Guanying did very good job as well. I think he has the perfect "mad face". He carries the pissed off look that YWY always has well. I think his expressions were pretty spot on...like narrowing eyes at the appropriate moments, opening eyes wide at appropriate moments, gloating in appropriate moments, etc. He does the sly face and playboy face very well; completely believable. He also portrays YWY's confidence and dry humor very well. I think he is the best actor of this series, or at least the person who plays their character the best. Also saw a live broadcast from him and he seems nothing like YWY, so it must have been a greater challenge for him to portray YWY!
My least favorite major role actor is Andy Chen. This may be an unpopular opinion; lots of people seem to love him (but mostly for his looks...). I don't think his facial expressions varied enough for all the emotions of his role....

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