I am really glad that Mao Ni’s work are being adapted into dramas. Hoping to see more of those in the near future, he has many great novels.

Novel vs Drama: if you plan to read or have already read the novel, then be warned that this is an adaptation. There are a mixture and altercations of events/characters. Sometimes events happens ahead of one another, sometimes the characters are merged into one. Due to this fact, some scene felt a bit forced to me, as there are some minor details missing . An example is when the Emperor calls Fan Xian into the Palace, from their interaction, it gives you the feeling that Fan Xian was comfortable with the Emperor,and in return the Emperor paid no heed to his naughtiness. However that shouldn’t happen casually as there are multiple build up events that should be leading their relationship.

Story:
Although the director incorporated different elements into the drama vs the novel, it still does not take away the great story of this drama. If you like political scheming, some elements of Wuxia, witty and humorous MC, great acting, and what I love about this novel/drama is the many twists and turns that will leave you in awed; whether that's due to conspiracy or great scheming, it is all worth it. This drama a must watch! Additionally, I love the opening and ending OST themes with it dramatic effects. They do not show many scenes that would spoil the drama for you.

Characters/Acting:
I could spend all day talking about how great each actors/actresses are, but I will try to keep this short. It honestly brings me great joy when I realized how perfect of a cast these characters are! From the main to the supporting cast, it is amazing talent. Veteran actors/actresses like Chen Ping Ping, Qing's Emperor, Li Yunrui, Fan Jian etc, are all so immersed into their role that it is impossible to see anyone else portraying them.

Chen Ping Ping love for Fan Xian is only second to Fan Jian. If Fan Xian dies, you can be dang sure that Qing as a Kingdom will fall into chaos. CPP love is a bit different. I called it rough love. He wants the best for Fan Xian, and at the same time, nurture and discipline him about the world's evil. Fan Jian only want Fan Xian to stay out of politics and live a normal life, as tragedy befall his mother back then. He did not want to see Fan Xian falling into the same footstep. Qing's Emperor is kind of narcissistic and scheming. He care for Fan Xian, sure, but more in the line of using Fan Xian to sharping his other Princes. Li Yunrui is an evil scheming demoness. She only wants the best for Qing's Kingdom, no matter the costs or the actions. Although Fei Jie does not have that many screen time in novel/drama, I would place him in as slightly below Fan Jian in terms of endearment for Fan Xian.

Zhang Ruo Yun did a fantastic job portraying Fan Xian. His facial expression are quite likable. It's ironic that in the novel, everyone of Fan Xian love interests has got more chemistry with him than Wan'er (IMO). And it seems like even in the drama, you can feel their chemistry: Xin Zhi Lei as Haitang Duo Duo, what a lovable character, what a lovable actress. I really liked her in the novel and was hoping that Fan Xian swoop her up. Hopefully drama might be different? Finger crossed!! Frida Li as Si Lili, what a captivating woman, extremely soft spoken and got no one in her eyes besides Fan Xian. At one point, I was even hoping for Song Yi as Fan Ruo Ruo to be Fan Xian's love interests because they got so much chemistry together, both in drama and novel (don't worry, they're not related at all). If Si Lili told me “I need to kill you for it is my mission”, I’ll happily extends my neck and say “Please strike here”, same goes for Eldest Princess.

Moving on to Wang Qinian, very sly, very comedic like the novel. Gao Da, I thought he would of look more boorish and mature, but he was slim and comical in the drama, caught me by surprise. First and Second price, great casting, their eyes are very scheming and sly. Uncle Wu Zhu: pretty boy. Yan Bingyun is how I imagined he would look and sounds like. Very patriot towards Qing and go by the books.

Since this is a 3 seasons drama, I would love for the actors/actresses to reprise their roles, because they are just perfectly mirroring their counterpart from the novel. And this part is what worries me. Since season 1 is left on a cliff hanger and we have to wait basically another year or two for season 2, I am not sure if the audience can still love this drama as much given the off-time of it. I'd rather they shoot everything and release it all within 2 years instead. But I know it is impossible with all the actors/actresses upcoming projects.

If you have read all of this thus far, thank you!!! It is a lengthy review. I have read the novel so if you have any questions, please feel free to ask! I'll try to answer!