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Slapstick Humor, Great Story, Great Acting, Abrupt Ending
This drama is a satire that pokes fun at what seemingly the most powerful figure of the land. In the story, the emperor feels that he is almost similar to a slave as all the decisions are made by others and his desires ignored; he has no freedom in doing anything he enjoys, going anywhere he wants, eating any food he loves. He has to obey everything his mother, the Empress Dowager, says and agree to his uncle who untiredly criticizes him and tries to claim the throne. Life is miserable in the palace, until one fateful day.The 17-year-old young emperor (Victor Qin) loves opera but his mother bans opera in the palace because she wants him to focus in his studies. One day, he accidentally finds a secret underground passage that leads to a theater house. He disguises himself as a kid looking for a job. The owner of the theater house, Bai Xiaoqing (Zhao Xiaotang), a fierce and mean lady who dresses in man’s clothing, takes him in. There, he meets his idol, the once famous opera singer Lan Ling (Meng Hetang) and becomes his assistant. There is also a cook who was once an assassin, a mediocre script composer who cannot even write a proper story and a fortune teller girl who uses talismans that always work the wrong way. Together they form the six idiots of the theater house and claim not to separate but always search own way out in times of trouble.
In the theater house, the emperor is being ordered to do all kinds of menial chores that he has never done before in his life. He is even ordered to taste suspicious food for poisons. To hide his real identity, he endures all abuses and happily complies to all demands, and quickly he learns to serve others. Victor Qin’s acting is fantastic – he can be as sorry looking as a nobody, and at the flip of a coin, turns into an esteemed emperor. Of course, he’s the smartest of the six but to stay low profile, he acts as silly as the others. Each character has a story and a "counting-the-eggs" dream with wild imaginations. Each episode tells a different story with a lesson to learn. Any trouble always resolves by itself through blind luck. And yet, lurking under, unseen dangers developed for the young emperor.
My Verdict
I have really enjoyed the story, the acting of all the characters, the jokes, the humor. It makes me laugh so hard in every episode. This feels like a live stage comedy, with dialogues that sound impromptu, yet every sentence rhymes. There are modern vibes inserted here and there with modern terms used in the dialogues. I love the play of homophones in the jokes. This is some really great script writing here. Each episode is preceded by a summary of the previous episode through a storyteller in the form of a narrative poetry. The recount poems are precise and funny. The camera work is good in capturing every expression and every emotion. My only disappointment is the abrupt ending of the story. There would be a season 2 that no one knows if it would ever be released.
Don’t be deceived by the few viewers on MDL. This is due to no proper English subs available at the time of the airing. This series is interesting and hilarious though it has no prominent actors. This is a great series to release stress as laughter is the best medicine. Don’t miss it.
Strongly recommended!
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Phenomenal! Zhao Lusi & Wu Lei Rock!
月升沧海 (Love Like the Galaxy Part 2) is the continuation of 星汉灿烂 (Love Like the Galaxy Part 1). Therefore, viewers must watch Part 1 first before watching this Part 2. Adapted from a novel, the background is set in the Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD) during the reign of Emperor Guangwu (r. 25–57 AD) (this is not explicitly stated, and the names have been altered). Like Emperor Guangwu, the Emperor in this story is also a founding emperor who does not kill and is benevolent to his subjects. Some of the events taken place in the royal palace are written based on the actual historical events, and many of the characters are based on actual historical figures.My review here combines Part 1 and Part 2, giving my verdict for the overall drama.
In the novel, a girl time-travels back to ancient time and into Cheng Shaoshang’s body. After 23 chapters later, then only Ling Buyi appears. In the drama version, Ling Buyi aka Ling Zhisheng (Wu Lei) appears in the opening scene of the first episode. According to readers, the story is beautiful but extremely slow burning. I can see that in the drama: for the first 25 episodes of Part 1, the main couple is still at odds with each other though Ling Buyi has already fallen head over heels in love with Cheng Shaoshang aka Niao Niao (Zhao Lusi) because she is so different from all the girls he knows.
Ling Buyi, a dark character with a secretive background and few words, is cold and expressionless. Inside, he is full of anger and vengeance, seeking justice against those who had caused the death of the entire population, including his family, of a city he used to live in. He was adopted by the Emperor and treated like a prince. As a fearsome warrior and a powerful general that everyone respects and fears, he is the most eligible bachelor every girl in town covets, but his eyes on none as he despises those pretentious, bitchy, bratty, and unlikable girls, until he meets Cheng Shaoshang.
Wu Lei grows rapidly from the adolescent in Nirvana in Fire to a man with chiseled good look. His acting skills have also improved markedly by the years and in dramas he acts. Here as the 21 years old Ling Buyi, Wu Lei fits into the description of the character near perfection. Though at times he looks a bit stiff trying to walk like a commanding general, his subtle facial expressions are done very convincingly especially when he transforms from a cold character to a soft and caring character while gazing into his love. He looks emotionless but when he turns to look at her, his face softens, his eyes exude love and care. Despite being a military man, he’s gentle, caring and attends to details. It’s really hilarious to see how a formidable general who would find excuses so that he could stay close to the one he loves in secret. Wu Lei is spot on. I have thoroughly enjoyed all his scenes and wanted more.
Cheng Shaoshang is an unconventional girl. Left to fend for herself since she was born, she becomes very strong and fearless. She has a sharp tongue and is quick witted. She would hit back whenever she is being hit. Her motto is “an eye for an eye”. I love this character to bits, probably because deep inside me, I wish I could live as such a character, punching back whenever being punched, with no regrets nor fears; I have always taken such characters as my role model, to the horrors of many.
For me, this is probably Zhao Lusi’s best acting thus far as the 15-year-old Cheng Shaoshang. Her mischievous behavior to take revenge against whoever wrongs her is fun to watch and satisfying. Her rebuttals and unforgiving tongue make the viewers love her and so does Ling Buyi. I love Zhao Lusi’s innocent look, the huffs and puffs she makes when she clumsily climbs onto the horse or up the ladder over the wall, and her sweet smile beams like a blooming flower. Zhao Lusi is simply amazing, and her acting skills have improved leaps and bounds since the first time I watched her.
The writers have brilliantly brought out the personalities of the Empress and the Consort through their conversations with the Emperor, contrasting their characters, setting the stage for eventual development. Consort Yue is upstanding and badass, and denounces even her own children if they don’t get in line, whereas the Empress is soft-hearted and forgiving, even to those undeserving ones, which are depicted vividly in the actions of her own son, the Crown Prince, who is said to take after her.
My Verdict
Not having read the novel when I first watched the trailer, I thought this was a slapstick comedy and another Zhao Lusi’s rom-com. But as I watch the drama, these outrageously funny scenes appropriately fit into the overall story; they are genuinely hilarious and intriguing. I have re-watched those scenes multiple times and each time, I still laugh out loud and relish every moment. Though very comedic and funny, the plot is dark and bloody.
This is a very slow burning story. Despite so, it is not boring as it captures all the details of the events with lighthearted dialogues (most very funny, cute and unexpected), in-depth development of each character, and an appropriate pace in unfolding of the plot. Every action taken by the characters has a purpose that leads to the final consequences. So, nothing is redundant.
The writer has a great sense of humor in telling the story and resolving the conflicts. Insanely exaggerated, all the characters are realistically written. This is perhaps the first drama I watch with so many shameless characters. Grannies and young girls alike, simply throw themselves on the ground to demand their wants like some bratty kids. Greed, selfishness, hatred, indifference, cowardice and evil versus generosity, selflessness, love, compassion, valor and good are all vividly depicted in every character, and their ultimate outcome. With the bad ones being horribly bad, it is satisfying to see their eventual endings and lessons learned.
This drama gives us some of the greatest official sound tracks. The tune, Sigh of the Galaxy (星河叹) (Cheng Shaoshang character song), played by Cheng Shaoshang on the flute is one of the most beautiful tunes I've ever heard. It sounds melancholy when she is sad, and it sounds serene when she is out in the beautiful countryside. The other orchestral pieces and songs are equally well composed and performed to greatly enhance the mood of the story.
With Zhao Lusi around, the fun never ends! For romance buffs, this is a must-watch. The chemistry between Zhao Lusi and Wu Lei is simply the best of all the romantic couples I've seen. Unlike most lazy writing with endings where everyone dies, this drama let the bad characters die a slow death, and reward the good guys. Having said that, many of the details have not been properly explained, and towards the later part, many scenes are choppy. This is most likely due to the later editing, trying to fit in the approved length (some say about 10 episodes have been taken out). All in all, the first part (ie. Part 1) is full of details and super slow moving, and the second part (ie. Part 2) is action packed and faster pace. Though it has its flaws, this is still a better drama than many. As of the writing of this review and the drama still airing, it has garnered over 5 billions views already. Everyone seems to be talking about the drama because it is so absorbing.
Brilliant storytelling, great acting, excellent camera work and directing. This is a worthwhile watch, definitely a TWO THUMBS UP!
BRAVO!
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A Wuxia-ish Xianxia or A Xianxia-ish Wuxia?
The original Chinese title for this drama is "Wǔlín Yǒu Jiāoqì" (武林有娇气), which more or less means "The Feminine of Wulin". This suggests that the story is about the female character, Ye Xi (Huang Riying) who is a ginseng spirit that turns human with no heart. This is a xianxia story with wuxia elements of chivalry and upholding of social and moral codes. All the characters are mortal except Ye Xi who is immortal. The fighting scenes are typical that of wuxia sword fighting with the exception of Ye Xi who has superpowers.Ye Xi is kind, chivalrous, trusting and sees only the good in people. She enters “Jianghu” to seek out a man with whom she can love and be loved and hold hand in their adventure of the world. Due to the lack of a heart, Ye Xi doesn’t understand what love is. She repeatedly falls prey to despicable men who just want to make use of her for their ulterior motives. Again and again, she is betrayed, her reputation ruined, and is killed. Each time she resurrects, she loses memories of her previous life, repeats her mistake and dies again.
This is my first drama of Huang Riying. I find her very beautiful and her acting convincing. Despite some poor logic of the writing of the character, viewers can empathize with Ye Xi for her bad fate without criticizing her for her naivety as Huang Riying gives us a very lovely portrayal of the character especially with her fighting movements which are graceful and believable.
Bai Yue (Li Hongyi) is a genius doctor and the master of Fenghua Valley where all the medicinal herbs are grown. He has an unforgiving tongue but deep down, he has a kind heart. He lives a secluded life and has had poor health since childhood and needs ginseng to sustain life. Ye Xi cures him by giving him some of her ginseng roots. Since then, Bai Yue has been guarding Ye Xi secretly and silently. He has been there during all Ye Xi's encounters including her deaths and resurrections. Gradually he falls in love with her but has to suppress his feelings due to a curse passed down from his predecessor.
Li Hongyi plays the genius doctor so convincingly with his indifferent demeanor and ethereal good look cladding in white robe. He is so funny whenever he gets angry or jealous and Li Hongyi nails the role.
Other cast members are very convincing too playing their respective roles. The villains are despicable, and their demise hails exhilaration from the viewers. The second couple is very cute and enjoyable to watch. There is also a love triangle which no one roots for the second male lead, the Cang Qi (Zhu Zanjin) character. Zhu Zanjin’s portrayal is so good that even I feel suffocated with his relentless obsession of Ye Xi.
My Verdict
This is a very enjoyable and interesting story with a mixture of xianxia, wuxia and palace politics. The acting is good, and the dark and funny plot is compelling. The writing, logic and overall production are acceptable though some parts of the editing are messy, and some dialogs are disjointed.
Perhaps because of Li Hongyi’s success in The Blood of Youth, this drama is being promoted more leaning towards the actor including with a rather misleading English title Wulin Heroes, instead of towards Huang Liying whose character Ye Xi is what the story about. This is rather unfortunate and unfair for Huang Liying who has done a remarkable job here.
Great romance, interesting story, lovely characters. Don’t miss it!
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Real Passionate Kissing Scenes
OMG! This is the only Chinese drama I’ve ever watched with so many passionate kisses. Other Chinese dramas normally have superficial kisses like a peck on the lip or cheek. But this drama goes all the way out to capture real, passionate and sensual kisses. The male and female leads don’t seem to have enough of those kisses and with each other!This is a light-hearted drama. It’s funny, and the plot is straight forward with not many twists. I like the chemistry between the lovers, as mentioned earlier, they don’t seem to have enough of each other. I also like the relationship between the Prince and his buddies. Their silliness is the most hilarious things to watch and I really love watching them teaching each other the art of “conquering” women.
Overall the acting is good, especially for the new comer Ling Mei Shi who plays the Li Ming Yue character. She is cute, beautiful and works very hard in bringing us a very convincing princess. Alen Fang is very good looking with a cold and arrogant look, fitting the role of Li Qian very well. As Li Qian, despite his intelligence, he is repeatedly fooled by his own wife, the princess, over and over again. Together with his buddies, Si Kong Zhen and LiXun, they seem to have some kind of bromance with each other and the overall effect is funny, sweet and heart-warming.
Overall, things fall into places well and no loose ends, and the pace is just good.
If you want something light and good for a laugh, this is a good drama to follow.
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Sweet Drama with Contrasting Characters | Hot Male Lead
I love this drama from the beginning. It's so cute! My first reaction was, OMG! Another Chinese drama with hot men -beautiful long eye lashes.The main female character, Chun Hua, is so cute, innocent, and silly. All she cares about is love, at least initially. She is so funny and upstanding at the same time. She captures my heart from the beginning. Though silly and girly, she brightens one up, unlike some similar characters in other dramas that may cringe one up. Zhao Lu Si is indeed a fantastic actress.
The male actors are new to me, but they are awfully good looking. I love looking at them, especially Qiu Yue played by Li Hong Yi; his long eye lashes simply mesmerize me. The Qiu Yue character is a bad boy kind, breaking every conceivable rule. He is powerful and ruthless, and yet has a soft heart for the woman he loves. This is a complex character as it has many facets which are not easily understood. At the same time he exudes an air of sexiness, loneliness follows. I love this mysterious and sexy character, and I'm constantly waiting for his appearances, and yet I also fear him.
In contrast, the second male lead, Xiao Bai played by June Wu, is handsome, powerful and righteous, and yet he lacks the romantic side. Everything is according to the book with him, including love. As much as I want to see him win the love of his life, I'm also torn between my love for Qiu Yue.
The fighting scenes and choreography are simply beautiful and authentic. I'm always amazed how these actors can 'fly' so effortlessly and yet set such incredible awe inspiring poses. The flow of their hair and clothing is simply so beautiful and surreal, and the intense of their faces tells a million words.
The pace can be very slow at times, to the extent that can feel like time has stood still. During such times, the camera tends to zoom onto the actors' faces, trying to capture their emotions. Qiu Yue's face is immaculate. He is so beautiful to look at, in black or white hair. His expressions are very subtle and yet capture exactly the mood, and make viewers empathize with him. Every sentence he utters towards the woman he loves, it is always full of longing and passion. His kisses are always passionate, unlike many kiss scenes in Chinese dramas - just a peck on the lips. He is one of the most sexy characters I have encountered so far in Chinese drama.
I'm impartial with the opening song, but I love the ending song and the others within the drama. This is a very well done drama. Don't miss it!
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A Relationship of Mutual Exploitation
Watching The Glory, I couldn’t help but see parallels to the power struggles and corruption we face in the modern world—especially the oligarchs who pull strings behind the scenes. The drama’s villain feels like a direct jab at them, wrapped in clever satire. Adapted from the web novel The Reborn Noble Girl Is Hard to Find, the series takes a completely different approach visually and narratively. Yet both versions stand strong on their own—comparing them wouldn’t be fair.Storyline
Zhuang Hanyan’s life begins with betrayal. Abandoned at birth and raised by abusive foster parents in a poor village, she’s treated like an outcast—bullied by children, starved, and chained like an animal. At 17, when her foster father tries to assault her, she kills him and his wife in self-defense, then flees to her real family in the city.
But home is no sanctuary. Her birth mother coldly rejects her, her father’s concubine schemes against her, and her half-siblings make her life hell. Worse, she’s being investigated by Fu Yunxi, a sharp-witted Dali Temple official who also happens to be her late half-sister’s widower.
What follows is a dangerous game of lies and manipulation. Though they’re not enemies, they’re not allies either—she tries to kill him to protect her secrets, while he blackmails her for information. Yet, beneath the deception, there’s mutual respect. Both have loved ones to protect and truths to uncover.
Characters & Acting
Zhuang Hanyan (Chen Duling) is a survivor—intelligent, ruthless, and deeply wounded. She’s compassionate but never naive, willing to kill if pushed. Raised in betrayal, she trusts no one, not even Fu Yunxi, despite her growing feelings for him. Chen Duling embodies the role perfectly—stoic, calculating, and striking in Ming Dynasty nobility attire. (A far cry from her performance in Fang of Fortune, which didn’t leave much of an impression.)
Fu Yunxi (Xin Yunlai) is just as morally gray—cold, cunning, and willing to bend the law. Though he’s a deputy prosecutor, he lets Hanyan go free despite knowing she’s a murderer. His relentless pursuit of corruption makes him a target, and after his wife is poisoned, he becomes a single father fighting a shadow war against the remnants of a eunuch’s criminal empire. Xin Yunlai’s performance is decent, though at times he seems oddly detached from intense scenes.
Ruan Xiwen (Wen Zhengrong), Hanyan’s mother, steals every scene she’s in. Her cruelty is terrifying—she screams, threatens, and drives her daughter away at every turn. But it’s all an act to protect her. Wen Zhengrong delivers a powerhouse performance, making us feel the agony beneath her harsh facade.
OST
The soundtrack shines brightest in the rare tender moments between Hanyan and her mother—soft, melancholic melodies underscoring their fractured love.
Final Thoughts
Romance isn’t the focus here. This is a story about vengeance, survival, and the ugly choices people make when pushed to the edge. Both leads are deeply flawed—Hanyan is a murderer, and Fu Yunxi is an official who plays dirty. And that’s what makes them so compelling.
Most dramas force their characters into redemption arcs or moral clarity. Not this one. Hanyan doesn’t repent for her crimes, she doesn't need to, and Fu Yunxi doesn’t suddenly become a saint. They’re ruthless, pragmatic, and unapologetic—a refreshing change from the usual righteous heroes.
This isn’t a story about love conquering all. It’s about rage, power, and the lengths people go to protect what’s theirs. And for those of us tired of cookie-cutter plots, that’s exactly why it’s worth watching.
Novel vs. Drama
Don’t expect the novel and drama to align—they’re entirely separate. The book is a reincarnation story: Hanyan, murdered on her wedding night, wakes up in her 12-year-old body and relives her life with new knowledge.
Some Key differences (not complete)
- Hanyan was never exiled; she grew up loved by her mother and younger brother.
- Fu Yunxi is a prince and general, rumored to be gay (and 21 when Hanyan is 12—a very different dynamic).
- The novel’s tone is more scheming nobility than gritty survival.
Both versions have their strengths, but the drama’s raw, unflinching darkness makes it unforgettable.
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Old Style Wuxia, Best Martial Arts Fighting Scenes
I have always thought Jin Yong’s novels are better read than watched. That's because many of the elements, such as nei gong (內功), qi gong (气功) and qing gong (轻功), are better described in the written form than acted in the visual form, as these could not be shown on screen convincingly without good special effects. Though I love Jin Yong novels, so far, I have not fully enjoyed any of the drama adaptations. The Side Story of Fox Volant (The Young Flying Fox) is totally out of my expectation as the wuxia elements are excellently captured with no CGIs nor apparent camera tricks.Over the years, this novel has been made into various movies and dramas. As with all Jin Yong stories, there is a lot of Jianghu martial arts fighting of various styles. In most today’s wuxia dramas, fighting is normally not the main focus, hence not given much screen time. But here in The Story of Fox Volant, martial arts are the essence. Most of the fighting styles are captured in details with great martial artists executing outstanding fighting choreography. These are some very impressive real fighting skills without too many camera effects as in other dramas. The fight choreography is authentic and stunning.
The story is set in China during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor (r. 1735–1796) of the Qing dynasty. I normally don't like pigtail stories but this drama is exceptional. The actor who portrays Hu Fei the hero, is not your usual young idol with beautiful ethereal looking face. Qin Junjie looks rugged and common, and fits in realistically as the Hu Fei character who is upstanding and carries the noble “xiayi” (chivalry) motto of "路见不平拔刀相助" - drawing the sword to helping those unjustly treated. Unlike Donnie Yen Chi-tan or Bruce Lee, Qin Junjie is not known as a martial artist, but here, his body double (if any) seamlessly weaves into his fighting posture, making the overall fighting scenes very believable. Indeed, all fighting scenes, including the fighting scenes executed by the female characters, are so good and believable.
Apart from Hu Fei, Miao Renfeng (Lin Yusheng) is perhaps the most loved character. Holding his beloved daughter in a bundle in one arm, and wielding a sword in the other hand fending off assassins while the baby is sound asleep, this is perhaps the most iconic image of old time wuxia. His ending may tear many fans, but I say, "Fear not!", for a hero doesn't go down in silence.
Yuan Ziyi is Hu Fei's love interest and a very good martial art fighter with a whip. Together with Hu Fei, they set out to punish the bad and help the mistreated. I love the Yuan Ziyi (Liang Jie) character, but not so much Liang Jie's portrayal because the actor is rather stiff and lack the charisma for the role though she is very beautiful. The way she speaks is also quite unnatural.
Cheng Lingsu is a poison genius master who uses poison to heal and for defense. She is in love with Hu Fei but her love is not being reciprocated and she magnanimously accepts the outcome of their relationship. I find Xing Fei’s portrayal of Cheng Lingsu very good and convincing.
My Verdict
This drama takes a very different style and vibe. It may not appeal so much to the young viewers who may prefer watching their idols, nor appeal to romance buffs who prefer more romance as romance here is very subtle. However, if you are a martial arts buff, you’ll love this drama. As with all wuxia stories, this has a great wuxia philosophy of sacrificing self in upholding justice and righteousness, and that has also become the ending of some of the main beloved characters, to the dismay of many viewers. Most, if not all, of Jin Yong’s stories are very political, this one is no exception. Some of his novels were banned at one time or another (not banned anymore) in China and in Taiwan for political reasons. This story shows the hypocrisy of the government, its tyranny and its atrocities. Many of the depictions still ring true in today’s world. As the three brothers in the Qing guards dodging their duties say, “We don’t try to win, but we also don’t want to mess up”. In other words, "Let's just be mediocre and keep our heads", a satire of the current bureaucratic system.
Great watch! Recommended for martial arts buffs!
TWO THUMBS UP! BRAVO!
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How to choose a husband from a list of desirable princes?
Yeah, pick the one with the shortest life span! Welcome to another epic power couple.In recent months, there’s been a massive wave of rebirth-and-revenge dramas, and Blossoms of Power is no exception. Meng Ziyi actually played a very similar role not too long ago in Blossom. But honestly speaking, I prefer this drama over Blossom.
The story kicks off with Gu Qing Zhi, the wife of the Fifth Prince and the sole survivor of a brutal family massacre. To avenge her family, she frames her enemies by drinking a poisoned wine she claims was gifted by them. Three years later, Shen Xi He—the Princess of the Northwest—is almost murdered by her maid on her way to the palace to marry one of the princes under the Emperor's edict. In a wild twist, their souls merge.
When she wakes up, Gu Qing Zhi finds herself under a new identity: Shen Xi He, Before the incident, Shen Xi He was a naive, innocent girl raised in the northern border army barracks, protected by her doting father and brother. But this new Shen Xi He transforms into a cold, calculating, and ruthless strategist. She is determined to control her own destiny and become the "chess player" rather than a pawn in the capital's deadly political games. This time, she’s ready for the dog-eat-dog world of palace politics.
Meanwhile, Crown Prince Xiao Hua Yong was poisoned when he was a little boy and was sent away to recuperate, only recently returning to the palace. He is known as a prodigy—extremely intelligent and the Emperor's favorite son. Though the poison didn't kill him immediately, it left him physically weak. However, during his years away, he secretly learned martial arts and became a formidable fighter, determined to find out who poisoned him. To survive the treacherous court, he hides his sharp intellect and ambition behind a facade of being frail, sickly, and non-threatening. In reality, he is deeply calculating, secretly investigating traitors, and biding his time to seize control.
When Shen Xi He finally chooses Xiao Hua Yong, it’s not out of love, but a marriage of convenience, at the beginning anyway. She picks him because he appears upstanding and has a clean slate without hidden agendas like the others; he seems like a "safe" bet. Little does she know that he manipulates her selection by exposing the others' weaknesses and hidden agendas without raising any suspicions. However, after agreeing to marry the crown prince and as she discovers more about him, she eventually falls for him. The process is both endearing and hilarious.
The Characters
Shen Xi He is highly independent and direct to a fault—she hates beating around the bush. She actually tells Xiao Hua Yong that if she likes him, she’ll tell him straight up (and she does!). This is so refreshing, as female characters in historical dramas rarely disclose their feelings so directly.
Before her death, Gu Qing Zhi was a fragrance expert who specialized in making sachets and incense. This unique skill transfers to Shen Xi He, giving her a superhuman sense of smell like a dog—she can detect any scent, no matter how faint. This expertise becomes her unconventional strategic weapon to gather intel, set traps, and exact revenge. It’s also how she catches Xiao Hua Yong in his multiple identities, which almost costs him a wife! She is calm, analytical, and decisive, avoiding unnecessary emotional friction or petty female rivalry. She resolves conflicts quickly and bluntly, which is a joy to watch.
Xiao Hua Yong is a character I absolutely adore. Though sickly, he is incredibly sharp-minded. I love how he feigns innocence while being deeply calculating. Despite his initial manipulative motives to secure his position, his character arc reveals profound devotion. He ultimately sacrifices his own interests to protect Shen Xi He and pave the way for her family's survival. I really loved the touching scenes where he lays out all the education and plans he wants to leave for his future child, just in case he isn't around to see them grow up.
Perhaps the character I feel the most sympathy for is Xiao Chang Qing, the Fifth Prince, played by Jeremy Xu. He is completely devoted to his wife, who took her own life to avenge her family—and the most heartbreaking part is that he was the one forced to be the executioner. This massive, tragic conflict sets the path for everything he goes through later. He mourns her deeply for three long years, and when she essentially "comes back" as Shen Xi He, he recognizes her immediately.
Even though Shen Xi He eventually ends up with the Crown Prince, it leaves a slightly bitter taste in the back of my mind. Think about it from Xiao Chang Qing's perspective: she’s basically "his woman" who moved on and fell in love with another man. And as for the Crown Prince? He’s actually fallen in love with his own brother’s wife—a woman he probably never even met before she died! Despite all this heavy, messy baggage, you can tell the Fifth Prince is actually a decent person deep down. You can see his kind heart in how he cares for his younger brother, the Ninth Prince, and even in how he patiently tolerates the Crown Prince when he’s being all clingy and acting helpless.
The Acting
I want to applaud both Meng Ziyi and He Yu—they both did a fantastic job here. Meng Ziyi successfully embodies the "cold, ruthless county princess," and her large expressive eyes manage to convey micro-emotions without saying a word.
He Yu was a breath of fresh air for me, as I’ve never watched his previous dramas. He has a very adorable, boyish look with a gorgeous cleft chin. Honestly, he’s so cute I couldn't take my eyes off him! He perfectly brings the complex, dual-faced Crown Prince to life. His portrayal of the "sickly but secretly powerful" character is full of refined micro-expressions, and he conveys deep emotion beautifully, even in silent scenes. I especially loved watching him feign weakness and act like a clingy kid demanding love and attention from his brother, wife, father, and the Empress Dowager.
The OST
The soundtrack is phenomenal—a massive shoutout to the theme song, Restless World by Zhou Shen. The melody perfectly captures the tumultuous, high-stakes journey of the protagonists as they navigate a chaotic and treacherous political landscape.
Final Thoughts
Did he die? Is it a happy ending? I know this question is on everyone's mind! I can't tell you that without spoiling it, but I can tell you this drama is surprisingly cute and humorous. The comedic timing is top-notch. Often, when things get romantic with soft music playing, an action happens completely out of the blue and the music abruptly cuts.
One of my favorite scenes was when the couple was watching a rare flower bloom. The flower finally opened; Xiao Hua Yong was appreciating it with soft romantic music ringing in the background, and suddenly, Shen Xi He swiftly plucked it, said "Done," and the music stopped abruptly. Xiao Hua Yong was left totally speechless and puzzled. What a killjoy—the scene was absolutely hilarious!
Another thing that really stood out to me was how devoted these princes are to the women in their lives. The Fifth Prince is devoted to his dead wife, Gu Qing Zhi, and has been mourning her for three years; the Fourth Prince mourns his dead wife after his failed grasp for power; and knowing his end is imminent, the Crown Prince paves the way for his wife, devoted to her until the very end.
Visually, even though the actors are similar in age, Meng Ziyi looks a bit older than He Yu on screen. It gives off a "big sister / little brother" vibe, but it actually works quite well for the story, especially since her role demands a mature demeanor while his character acts more childish (constantly feigning weakness and demanding love from his family).
Are there any flaws? Sure! Nonetheless, they didn't ruin the overall experience for me at all.
Overall, this is a fantastic watch. Strongly recommended!
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Cutest Dark Lord Ever, Amazing Intense Love
Love Between Fairy and Devil has probably given the viewers the cutest and most desirable Dark Lord of the three realms, not to mention a gorgeous God of War of the Heavenly clan as well. Between them, a love triangle ensues. The vivacious little orchid fairy who is kind and optimistic, living with the Heavenly clan, chooses the Dark Lord instead, a love that is forbidden, almost like a Romeo and Juliet romance. Within the first episode, I fall immediately in love with the story, the characters and the acting.He wants to protect her with all the power he has; she wants to be treated as equal, sharing joy and pain with him. What follows is a beautiful love story of a ruthless dark lord with a gentle and loving fairy who eventually melts the heart of the devil who has no emotions.
This drama is adapted from the novel "Cang Lan Jue" which was also made into an anime. According to many readers, the drama version is more enjoyable and the Dong Fang Qing Cang character is better written and developed. For me, I'm totally sold by this character. Here we have a Dark Lord that tries to save and protect his people, a heavenly realm that swears to kill all those it considers as evil, and a a fairy who heals and wants peace for all realms.
Void of feelings, the Dark Lord Dong Fang Qing Cang (played by Wang Hedi aka Dylan Wang) is such an amazing character. Being the strongest and most powerful of all the characters with his deadly hell fire, he is overbearing and atrocious. Wang Hedi’s acting is so good and convincing here. He has the rare charisma of being cold and authoritative, but not being stiff like a robot that is usually portrayed by many other actors. His facial expression is simply amazing with a hint of evilness (妖气) and yet at times, viewers can feel his resignation and turmoil within. The actor is very good looking. He can look very serious and arrogant, with large eyes that can look devilish, so he looks very frightening when Dong Fang Qing Cang is in a rage. But at a flip of the switch, he can look totally silly and harmless like a hush puppy. At only 23, Wang Hedi's acting is very mature. I really love his portrayal of the Dong Fang Qing Cang character and he has aced his role hands down; no others can match him. Together with an incredible CGI team, the result is a perfect Dark Lord that everyone fears and loves. I don't have enough of his scenes and for once, I wish the drama had been longer.
Xiao Lan Hua, literally means Little Orchid, played by Yu Shuxin, is equally believable. Yu Shuxin has a very girly, pure and innocent look, and with her ethereal beauty, she is perfect for the role as a little fairy. Her acting is natural and convincing, but when it comes to becoming the Dark Lord as he possesses her body, she is lacking a bit; she looks more like a half-sleep dream walker. Luckily there are not that many of such scenes and she hasn't brought the story down. Xiao Lan Hua later transforms into a goddess who has a totally different personality, and Yu Shuxin manages that role very well; she is very convincing. Many viewers also commented on her voice which she self-dubbed. I find her voice suits the role very well as a little girl who is so pure and innocent.
This drama also gives us a gorgeous second male lead, Chang Heng played by Zhang Linghe. The actor made his debut in 2020 in Maiden Holmes and has since made several well-rated dramas. As with Wang Hedi, Zhang Linghe also plays two characters in this drama: the cold, aloof ethereal God of War, Chang Heng, and the warm and flamboyant human character, Xiao Run. Both roles are being executed convincingly and flawlessly.
Everything about this drama is well thought out for most parts – the script writing, the directing, the camera work, the CGI, the costumes, and most of all, the selection of actors and their respective acting. The storytelling is cohesive and intelligent, and the costumes are so well designed that by themselves, tell the story of our characters visually. The dialogues are funny and cute especially those that uttered by the Dark Lord. The music is beautiful, in particular, the instrumental tune blown by the grey character Ron Hao (played by Xu Haiqiao) on the flute. The music brings out the melancholy and yearning for a loved one, with a love story that is sad and beautiful. The plot is easy to understand, and yet, there are twists and turns that sit the viewers up. I really love the conceptual architecture of Xiao Lan Hua's abode which is surreal and aesthetic.
Re-watch? Absolutely! I would never have enough of Wang Hedi's scenes here. The story is dark and serious, and yet it is also tear-jerking and full of humors and very funny. It captures the viewers' hearts and emotions. After the final showdown and climax, the ending seems a bit lackluster and disappointing. Proper justice has not been done for Dong Fang Qing Cang to vindicate him from some of the killings he hasn't done, and another character escapes with impunity. As with most Chinese dramas, the writing of the final two episodes weakens with a lack of imagination, and is not as compelling as the beginning. I wish the production team had been more creative with the final scene, instead of a mere banal line of, "I'm back". Nonetheless, it hasn't reduced my enjoyment. Overall, this is a great watch and strongly recommended. MUST WATCH!
TWO THUMBS UP! BRAVO!
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What is Equality / Inequality?
This drama has a very inspiring theme: What is equality/inequality? It is a satire criticizing the system for enabling the aristocrats for their wickedness and insatiable appetite for power and wealth in the expense of the poor and the weak by suppressing them in every possible way. The main male character of this story, together with the help of his beloved, fights to change the system to make it a more equitable one.The title of this drama, Qing Qing Zi Jin, is taken from the first line of a famous love poem, appropriately as this story is using poems as its backdrop, though poems are not the main features here.
The Story
Wenren Juan (Lu Xiaoyu aka Rain Lu) is a daughter of a prominent government official studying in the prestigious Zhuxiu Academy. One day during an outing, she and her female school mates are kidnapped by a group of bandits for ransom. Wenren Juan is selfless and she sacrifices herself to save her friends. This act of selflessness impresses the leader of the bandits, Zuo Qiuchi (Fan Shiqi aka Kris Fan) who later falls in love with her. He releases her and gets himself into the prestigious academy through a special selection by the Emperor. In the academy, he finds out why he is being rejected in a state exam many years ago, and being hunted down to be killed. Together with Wenren Juan, they uncover mysteries, corruptions, malpractices, injustices, and they vow to bring justice to the system together with their school friends.
The plot is not complex. Academic lessons are taught in poems through wisdom by ancient wise men. Although some of the logic is rather simplistic and elementary, certain scenes can be quite heart wrenching and thought provoking; their dialogues and words are inspiring. Many scenes also cover refined artistry in the fine arts, dances, chess, martial arts, poems, among others. I’m particularly impressed by the polo sports competition scene with students on horsebacks riding and fighting over the control of the ball. The cinematography is breath taking and convincing.
The Characters and The Acting
Zuo Qiuchi (Fan Shiqi) is a self-taught genius. He is the leader of the bandits hiding away in the mountains. They make their living through demanding ransom payments from the wealthy and distributing to the poor and needy. He is talented in every field – academic work, painting, chess, archery, fighting etc. He becomes a legend when he passes a special exam to enter the prestigious Zhuxiu Academy with his lowly background. Fan Shiqi’s acting is very convincing as the actor looks equally believable as a bandit or as a scholar.
Wenren Juan (Lu Xiaoyu) is from an aristocratic family with a low self-esteem because she thinks she's unwanted by her father after the death of her birth mother. She is selfless and volunteers in every given opportunity. After she realizes her father’s hidden love for her, she is determined to help clear the misunderstanding between Zuo Qiuchi with her father. Lu Xiaoyu has amazing acrobatic talents. As Wenren Juan, she showcases her trained talents in the beginning episodes. All her moves are so beautiful and elegant.
Zuo Qiuchi’s and Wenren Juan’s romance starts from the first episode of the story. Throughout the drama, they are by each other’s side constantly, solving crimes and mysteries together. Their relationship is cute and at the same time, not unlike a parent/child dynamic as Zuo Qiuchi is obviously the more mature character since he’s gone through more ups and downs in life, whereas Wenren Juan is a well-sheltered girl in a wealthy family. Zuo Qiuchi is protective of her and teaches her with great patience and helps her grow.
The acting by other cast members is equally convincing in particular the Fu Yuan Zhi (Huang Xuan Wen) character. He is tormented at the same time wicked. The actor really brings out all the traits and emotions in the character, making the viewers despise and empathize with him.
I have also enjoyed watching a baby emperor who is ultra-intelligent and is not controlled by anyone as a puppet. This is very refreshing and I love the moments whenever the Emperor comes on screen. This drama also brings us a very loved and inspiring second couple, Hang Ru Xue (Xie Bin Bin) and Qing He (Yan Yi Yi). Together with our OTP, they form the most solid friendship that can be trusted with their own lives.
My Verdict
The dialogues are simplistic and idealistic. The plot is not complex. There are a few tropes and a evil sister. Despite some insignificant flaws, this is an enjoyable light series. The sword fighting choreography is amazing and usually found only in great wuxia dramas. The cinematography exceeds many of similar genre, with quite a few intelligent and inspiring scenes. It also brings out the typical parenting in Asian families – pressures the youngsters get and not being rewarded with comforting words from their parents. Most of all, it focuses on the inequality and morality of the society we still live in.
Don’t let this drama go unnoticed. This is a great watch!
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Epic Production. Absolutely Intriguing & Captivating!
The Qin Dynasty Epic depicts the odyssey of Qin Shi Huang aka Ying Zheng (259 BC – 210 BC) from childhood to the time when he became the First Emperor of China (221 BC). The drama is enthralling and fascinating. Over the years, there have been many other movies and dramas made about Qin Shi Huang. Whether this account comes any closer to the actual truth is anybody’s guess. For me, this story is captivating and has successfully put all the events and historical figures into the perspective that can be easily understood by the viewers.Being a novice, I’m in no place to judge the accuracy of the story with the actual historical account. Traditional Chinese historians have always depicted Ying Zheng as a brutal tyrant who burned books, buried scholars alive, feared death and was obsessed in seeking elixir for immortality. Many of the writings are fragmented, inconsistent, and unable to reconcile with logic and actions. In recent years, historians are beginning to acknowledge the inconsistencies and misleading accounts, and reevaluate how we view Qin Shi Huang.
In Sima Qian’s Shi Ji (Records of the Grand Historian) of which many historical writers based their writings on, the inconsistencies were glaring. In it, two accounts were provided for Ying Zheng’s birth father, one was Ying Yiren and the other Lǚ Buwei. Other controversies include the burning of books and killing of scholars. It is not hard to see the motive behind the controversies. Different ideologies or justification of own existence, among others, may have led to biased accounts of events and truth. Later historians found that Sima Qian may not have been objective as he was a Confucianist who opposed to Ying Zeng’s Legalism ideology, therefore his account made against the first Emperor cannot be given much historical weight. They (the historians) feel the text was likely written to smear the emperor, justifying their own existence.
This drama tries to look at Qin Shi Huang from a different angle, emphasizing on his achievements, piecing together all the events and historical figures that have been officially documented. What I see is a benevolent genius of compassion and wisdom with unlimited patience and vision. He’s a man with love and blood, not as depicted for 2,000 years as a coldblooded monster. This new account is enlightening because it explains a lot of the missing pieces and joins the dots of logic and actions.
Qin Shi Huang shows wisdom of a modern-day politician. He recruits talents from all over the land including non-Qins. He favors meritocracy over nepotism and entitlements. He doesn’t emphasize on rituals and traditions, instead he values law codes which don’t change according to family or parochialism. The goal unification is constantly on his mind and brought up in almost every conversation with his generals and ministers. The drama shows how he maneuvers and outwits his opponents. He uses embargoes, espionage, sabotages and any conniving and deceptive strategies to undermine and weaken other states. Together with his strategists who made up of his most trusted generals and ministers, they read their enemies like a book and strike them at their weakest points. Having the best minds working for him, Qin State always comes up winning against the other states even with them forming alliances against Qin. Many of such historical figures and actions in the drama were well documented, and the timeline matches the sequence of events in the drama perfectly.
Watching Ying Zheng reminds me of watching Mei Changsu in “Nirvana in Fire” who always works with seamless plans and capable people. To conquer other states is like playing a game of chess, his generals and ministers brainstorm with him. They understand his mind and work with him in unison – they all have one goal – unification. It is really very interesting to see how crafty, deceptive and conniving each is and together they play their adversaries into their traps. The desperation of each state to remain alive catches the viewers’ sympathy, and yet we all know that they’re doomed.
The Characters and The Acting
This drama boasts an enormous cast with, among others, soldiers, generals, ministers, palace attendants, and most of all, prominent characters from various states. Despite having such a huge budget, I was disappointed with the selection of actors playing the juvenile Ying Zheng. It was confusing to watch a 3 year-old future emperor in a 9 year-old body, and then a 9 year-old in a 15 year-old body, worst, a 13 years old king in a 40 year-old body and voice. However, when Ying Zheng becomes a grown adult, Zhang Luyi becomes a perfect Qin Shi Huang. According to some account describing Ying Zheng’s look, he was said to have a tall bridge with pointed nose, and sharp eyes. Zhang Luyi fits that description perfectly. With his regal charisma, he and Qin Shi Huang become one. Seeing the earnest in his eyes, feeling his turmoil, torments and predicament, the viewers feel his loneliness and empathize with him. Zhang Luyi has rewritten history by giving the viewers a brilliant and benevolent ruler.
There are so many lovable and respectable characters here. Duan Yihong’s Lǚ Buwei is simply brilliant and convincing. What an incredible performance here by the actor. Li Si is another important character and Li Naiwen’s performance renders me speechless; he is believable and immaculate. My other favorite characters include Yao Gu, Dun Ruo, even the despicable characters such as Lao Ai (we had had a field day with him) and Guo Kai because both the acting and the characters themselves are incredible to watch and fascinating. All the characters have their flaws and strengths and the whole cast has successfully captured every single detail and performed to their best. A big kudo to the whole cast.
The OSTs (Official Sound Tracks)
We hear drum beats for the opening music. It’s solemn and heart pounding, grandiose and mysterious. The closing music is agonizing, resigned with dream and vision. I love the verses the Qin soldiers sing in unison. The male chorus is somber and touching, bringing viewers back to the ancient times of more than 2,000 years ago.
My Verdict
This is a serious and heavy drama that can be dry for some viewers who are not into Chinese history. For me, this is one of the best dramas I’ve ever watched with no noticeable plot holes nor flaws. The Qin Dynasty Epic is definitely a very difficult drama to make. The number of actors, horses, costumes and logistics used here is mind boggling. The war scenes are epic and breath-taking with war machines, spears and arrows, soldiers and horses, and everything is believable and impressive. This drama is really an eye opening experience into ancient China more than 2,000 years ago.
It is amazing to see how much legacy Qin has left in modern China and the nations around it including Korea and Japan; the name China has come from the character Qin. How the story is being written, putting all the fragmented accounts into proper place and being linked together, is simply a work of art. The writing is tight and immaculate. Superb cinematography with beautiful and awe-inspiring scenes makes this drama second to none.
I watched all 78 episodes without skipping a beat because every moment is pivotal and absorbing. How Ying Zheng has led his strategists and generals in trapping and playing out their adversaries is really an intriguing and convincing watch. Upon completion of this drama, my afterthought is, how a great man as such succumbed to his eventual untimely ending. Like most of us, his fear of death and quest for eternity become one of the keys to the downfall of his short-lived dynasty.
If you are a history buff and can stomach atrocities, cruelty and bloodshed, you would definitely enjoy this drama. This is a must-watch for all who love history, in particular Chinese history.
TWO THUMBS UP!
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No One is Above the Law
"The Legend of Anle" is an engaging drama that centers around Ren Anle, a courageous pirate seeking justice against the Emperor, who falsely accused and executed her entire family, along with 80,000 military men. The story also delves into her complicated romance with the Crown Prince of Great Jing, to whom she was betrothed since birth. Can one truly love someone whose family has caused so much pain and suffering to one? Adapted from Xing Ling's novel "The Emperor's Book," this drama features Dilraba Dilmurat as Ren Anle, portraying her with authenticity and charm.As the playful and forthright Ren Anle, and later as the determined and resolved Di Ziyuan, Dilraba's acting is truly convincing. Alongside her, Gong Jun shines as Han Ye, the virtuous and selfless Crown Prince. Despite some criticism, his performance exhibits good chemistry with Dilraba, showcasing the complex dynamics of their relationship.
The entire cast has been thoughtfully chosen for their respective roles, and the high-quality costumes and props reflect the dedication of the production team. The beautiful and touching OSTs add to the overall appeal of the drama, making it a captivating watch.
However, it's fair to mention some negative aspects of the drama. There are instances of plot holes and childish logic, which might detract from the viewing experience. Additionally, repetitive narratives stretching into many episodes can lead to viewer fatigue (eg. Ren Anle harps about her 30,000 navy force as dowry, Han Ye insists that he would only marry Di Ziyuan, Di Cheng’en laments that she has suffered on the mountain for 10 years, Ren Anle laments of the 80,000 dead Di soldiers, etc.). Nevertheless, the character development remains consistent, even with some changes from the original novel.
My Verdict
While the drama primarily focuses on scheming, revenge, espionage, and war, the last three episodes gracefully shift towards the main couple's romantic journey. Overall, "The Legend of Anle" may not be flawless, but it is still a decent and worthwhile watch. So, if you're a romance fan or a fan of Dilraba or Gong Jun, don't miss out on this one!
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Truths or Lies, Friends or Foes, These People Don't Die!
OK, I admit, I was so confused watching this drama. While I thought a character a friend, he/she turns foe, and vice versa. Perhaps this is what the writer trying to tell the viewers: don't believe in what you see; what you think may not be what it is. Through all those twists and turns, only one thing is real: the undying friendship between Li Wu (Leon Zhang) and Lu Zheng (Chen Ruoxuan). Their bromance is full of humor, deception, protection, and sacrifices.Based on real historical events and figures, the story is set in the Ming Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Jianwen (r. 1398 – 1402) when he was trying to hold on to his throne with his uncle Zhu Di (Prince of Yan) infiltrating his government and bureaucracy, attempting to overthrow him. Everything goes back to some events that happened 10 years ago, and around the secretive Fisheye Lock (yuming suo) which holds the key to the top secret. Many people have died trying to protect the secret and many have died trying to find it.
By fate, Lu Zheng and Li Wu meet again after their first encounter as kids. Now, Lu Zheng is a Jingyinwei (Embroidered Uniform Guard), and Li Wu a street scoundrel who picks pocket and lies without blushing. Li Wu impersonates another Jingyiwei, Li Dongfang, and eventually takes Li Dongfang’s identity. In the Jingyiwei organization, the two become true friends, saving each other again and again, but most of the time, not trusting the other, and Li Wu continues to deceive in order to protect Lu Zheng.
Though both have their love interests, Li Mu in Shu Tang (Sun Yi) and Lu Zheng in Zhang Junqing (Ma Yujie), romance is not the focus here. Things move fast, and the main characters don’t die even though they are mortally wounded, multiple times. In the next scene, they are up and running as new. For this, viewers are advised not to look too deeply (otherwise you would roll your eyes). Acting wise, the whole cast is fabulous, though Leon Zhang’s expressions confuse me at times.
My Verdict
This is a rather enjoyable and funny drama with some wuxia actions executed convincingly. It is also intense, suspenseful, and rather dark. The background story is very interesting, but the storytelling is rather confusing, chaotic and requires some reading between the lines. Overall, it is a fun watch for more serious and patient viewers as skipping forward may make it even more confusing.
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Grace and Kindness Beat All Evil
“Ni Chang” is my 4th drama in a row with a weaving and/or embroidery theme. For the main leads, I only know Bi Wen Jun from “In A Class of Her Own”, and I have never watched any of Li Jia Qi (aka Nicky Li)’s work. The first episode with an amnesiac Luo Wang (Prince of Luo), a cute energetic little girl with an amazing business acumen, and a big sister disguises as a big brother shouldering the burden of a family business and household, have pulled me into the story and I have come to enjoy it very much.What seemingly a light fluffy romance drama turns into a dark, murderous watch with multiple villains that are corrupt and continue to break the law with impunity. The plot propels the story, giving viewers a fast growing up Ni Chang (performed by Li Jia Qi) after she loses everything and becomes a fugitive, and a free-spirited leisurely prince (king), Quyang Ziyu (performed by Bi Wen Jun) who develops into an important official that brings fairness into the palace supply system.
I love the determined, indefatigable and quick-witted Ni Chang. Despite her devastating loss, she remains kind and unselfish that wins her many friends. Many kind hearted female characters portrayed in dramas tend to be gullible, but not Ni Chang. She is smart and not easily cheated. Li Jia Qi may not have the face of a beauty pageant queen, but she grows on viewers. Her character becomes stronger and stronger throughout the story - she is cute and playful as the juvenile Xie Xiao Ni, and later develops into a stoic Ni Chang who is not afraid to face her greatest challenges. Her acting is convincing and she has great chemistry with Bi Wen Jun.
As Ouyang Ziyu, Bi Wen Jun brings his free spirit charisma from “In A Class of Her Own” to this drama. Tall and good looking, Ouyang Ziyu’s love for Ni Chang is unselfish and inclusive, contrasting to Su Wen Yu (acted by Will Song)’s imposable and selfish love which Ni Chang detests. A good businessman himself, Ouyang Ziyu is prepared to give up everything, including his princely title, to be with Ni Chang. He helps her grow, placing her needs in front of everything else. Bi Wen Jun gives viewers a very relaxed feeling, unrestrictive and yet confident in everything he does; he is very believable.
Come the villains. Yan Wen Xiu (acted by Sun Jia Lu), Yuan Dao Cheng (acted by Li Yu Xuan) and that official Gao guy with a giant mole, are vile, blatant, hideous and despicable. The actors’ performances are so good that these characters really turn the viewers’ stomachs and we all wish them dead with no regrets. Every step Ni Chang takes, Yan Wen Xiu is there to harm her, but each time Ni Chang comes up winning, though not without the sacrifice of others who have come to her protection.
My Verdict
This is an easy to watch and to follow drama with clear logic and flow, and yet packed with heinous antagonists with hideous motives in the open. Everything is pretty straight forward in black and white. The ending concludes very well with all ends tied – the good is rewarded and the bad punished. In fact, the climax ends in episode 39, and episode 40 devotes to new life for all our protagonist characters, with a hiatus of two years for our main leads in order to completing their personal missions – Ni Chang to rebuild her family business and Ouyang Ziyu to revamp the government system making it transparent and fair.
This is a drama transient with grace and kindness, and that enables our characters to find their common grounds. A sweet drama for all in the family. Don’t miss it!
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Fast Moving Action Packed with Tons of Romance and Humor
When the drama concluded, I was very pleased with the ending. I thought all the beloved characters were safe and sound despite everything they had endured. But then, I started hearing complaints that the ending was AI-generated and completely altered the original story’s conclusion. This is unfortunate because the more I read about the original version, the more I prefer it. I wish the production team hadn’t made such dramatic changes to such an intriguing and lovely story.This is a tale about demons and humans coexisting. Though it’s an action-packed adventure, it’s infused with humor and romance. I loved everything about this drama—the characters, the acting, the setting, and the cinematography. Even the CGIs were very well done and believable. The storytelling is impeccable, with intricate details and revelations that respect the audience’s intelligence.
The story unfolds in four main arcs: the Mirror Demon arc, the Puppet Demon arc, the Painting Demon arc, and finally, the "Who Am I" arc. Each arc is richly detailed, blending humor, Chinese folklore, and cultural elements. Most importantly, through these arcs, we see the romance between the main leads blossom and the characters grow. Each arc also explores a universal human fear and the lessons learned from it.
In the first arc, Banxia (played by Song Zu’er) is timid and unsure of herself. But by the final arc, she becomes strong and courageous. Though initially easily frightened due to her traumatic childhood, she’s never an annoying weakling—she stands up against injustice and helps the vulnerable. The Mirror Demon arc also delves into the fear of losing beauty with age, driving people to seek eternal youth—a deeply relatable human concern.
The second arc takes our characters to a scenic resort where everything is so tranquil that one could lose themselves in its lifestyle forever. It also explores society’s obsession with perfection, as the antagonist seeks the ideal human features—eventually fixating on Banxia. This arc exposes how the pursuit of perfection can lead to immorality and crime.
The third arc is about the Painting Demon. It creates a "Groundhog Day" scenario where people inside the painting live the same day over and over—never aging, never dying. This reflects humanity’s quest for immortality, but when viewed from the outside, seeing each day repeat endlessly, eternal life somehow becomes meaningless. It’s eerily similar to how we sometimes live our own lives, stuck in monotonous routines—only this time, we see it reflected in a painting.
The final arc poses a question we often ask ourselves: "Who am I?" If given a choice, what would we choose? This is Xuanye’s dilemma: Should he choose duty over love, leaving his beloved to suffer, or choose love and let the world fall into ruin? In the AI-generated ending, he picks duty, but in the original version, he finds a way to have both—love and the world.
In every arc, I love how Xuanye’s intelligence allows him to piece things together before the truth is revealed. And when he misses something, Banxia fills in the gaps. Their romance is subtle yet unmistakable—there’s no ego or pride between them. They’re honest with each other, openly expressing their displeasure and communicating their thoughts and desires.
Both Ren Jialun and Song Zu’er are seasoned actors. Though there’s an age gap (Ren Jialun is 36, while Song Zu’er is 26), Ren Jialun looks youthful enough to match Song Zu’er perfectly. Most importantly, their chemistry is amazing—especially Song Zu’er’s unapologetically bold demeanor with her co-star.
Final Thoughts
Right after the finale, I applauded the ending. I thought it was satisfying that Xuanye rewrote the story, undoing the deaths of beloved characters. But after reading viewers’ insights about the original ending, I started having second thoughts. As much as I didn’t want those characters to die, having Xuanye reverse everything in less than half an episode—especially with an AI-generated conclusion—feels messy and emotionally hollow. Now, I agree with many viewers: the story should have stuck to the original ending, keeping the tragic deaths but giving Banxia and Xuanye a better life together.
Action-packed, infused with humor and romance, great CGI and cinematography, stellar acting, well-developed characters.
Despite my mixed feelings about the ending, I still love this drama and highly recommend it to everyone.
Two thumbs up. A must-watch!
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