There’s a bittersweet irony in how a title can so accurately encapsulate the fate of a story. This drama, which started with promises of intensity and twists, ended in a lukewarm sigh, as if exhausted by its own ambitions. It’s impossible to overlook the detail no one seems eager to talk about: the poison that killed Mei Li was given by Jinghe and had a one-year expiry. Yes, he regretted it, sought a cure, and perhaps even redeemed himself in the eyes of many. But the facts remain unchangeable — he killed her, full stop. There’s no softening that truth.

The pacing, on the other hand, completely unraveled after the crown prince’s death. It was as though the plot lost its emotional and narrative anchor. From that point on, every attempt to inject life into the story felt like a tired, sluggish effort, which, unsurprisingly, reflected in the lukewarm reception it received in China. Not even the chemistry between the leads could salvage what quickly turned into an exercise in monotony. It’s a shame because both actors are talented and delivered solid performances — but talent alone doesn’t make for a memorable story.

In the end, it’s the kind of production that fades from memory as easily as it entered. The aesthetics were beautiful, and the beginning held promise, but ultimately, it lacked substance. This is a drama I’m already starting to forget as I write this review.