Mission accomplished
The story and the characters both achieved what they set out to do from the start. It was a long way there (maybe not that long since it's only 24 eps) but we got there.I think maybe the elements surrounding the rebirth and why her could've been explored a little bit more but that's not the FMC's main concern, or a concern at all, so I'm not that bothered by it being vague.
The rest of the story and all the arcs within it were fun. I enjoyed all the strategy battles and all the back and forth that comes with the royal court, all the trust and lack thereof.
Visually it's very pretty and the actors looked amazing. Perhaps a couple times the cinematography did more for the story and the script itself but I don't really care. It was a good time for me.
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world building lacks a bit
Throughout the whole show I was wondering how certain details about the world building each kingdom's cultivation techniques, etc. work. I'm not sure whether that information was lost from book to series adaptation or if it never existed in the first place. It makes me want to read the book.I also felt that the dialogue was weak at times and the script could've been better to have a stronger sense of relationship between certain characters or to build up tension in moments of danger and through hardships.
The story itself was very enjoyable, although I think the ending happened a bit too quick. The final battle lasted way less than I thought it would, as though it was too easy.
Aesthetically it was very pretty and I liked all the actors on it.
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Perfect all round happy ending for all
When I started this show I knew I would be getting 5 different storylines for all the pairings so I knew it would be an entertaining show. What I wasn't expecting was for it to be so varied in genres within those storylines.It gave us longing, drama, rivalry, family secrets, forced proximity, healing, and more drama in all shapes and forms including murder mistery!
I will say though, that I personally got a little bit bored during Shouhua's arc so I skipped a couple scenes to get through it quicker, but that's my personal preference in regards to pacing. There's a little bit of everything for everyone in here.
My favorite sister was Leshan, maybe because I identify with being the youngest and fiercest in my family, but my favorite relationship arc was Haode's, followed by Kangning's.
The ending was quite satisfying with everyone happy and that's all I'll say on that.
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For feminism and gay rights
I was pleasantly surprised by how vocally feminist this show was beyond just the main character. It's not just about a woman making merit for herself through her own prowess and worth, it's about someone making way for other women to take control of their own lives and choose their own paths.He Yan has lived her whole life following rules and the will others imposed on her, so she knows firsthand what it's liked to be oppressed, even when doing something she ultimately enjoys and wants to do for herself. She pushes for women's rights and freedom constantly and she convinces many by being the leading example.
As for the "gay rights" part, this is obviously a Chinese drama so Chinese censorship applies. However, this unintentionally carries a very gay message. Since the FMC is forced to live as a man for most of the story, there are many instances in which it ends up looking like a gay couple during moments of tension and charged looks between her and the MMC.
What's more is that Xiao Jue caught feelings for her before knowing she was a woman, so it's accidental bi representation.
It's very much like Mulan and Li Shang, as a friend of mine pointed out to me.
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They constantly repeat pieces of data at least 3 times and keep on repeating the explanation of what happened, both in dialogue and in flashbacks.
The story itself didn't feel that compelling. I got all my answers by episode 17 and there's little to nothing keeping me close to the screen. I would only keep on watching to know how Cui Shijiu solves her situation but even that is not enough to keep me entertained.
The Wuling was kind of interesting but it was resolved quickly enough
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