seimei

Ah, you're a fan of the fl, I see.
I think it's good to have someone that knows about the drama hang around its page since its where people usually check/inquire before they decide to watch/continue/drop the drama.
I don't follow actors. I just watch a drama, then when done, onto the next one.
This is my first drama of the fl. I think her next drama is modern so I won't be checking that out, but this one was a good first.

Yes that's why I still watched it.
I'm open to persuading when it comes to plot/story and characters (and discussion when I really like the drama/cp) but when it comes to chemistry esp. the leads, like I said, it's something that should be felt.
Despite that, it didn't ruin the drama for me.
So I'm good, still thank you. I can tell you're really passionate about TLB.

This drama brought me back to cdramaland.

1. FL - She is adorable and her expressions were always on point. She makes the funny and romantic scenes actually hilarious and sweet, not cringey.
2. Plot - The women lead city was interesting since costume dramas are always patriarchal. And the screenwriter highlighted the usual tropes of typical/crappy cdrama since its from her point of view and putting her fl in the novel world to "fix" them.
3. CP - I didn't feel the chemistry at first with the writer and the actor, but the moment they became third princess and young master, they got me. The chemistry is great.
4. Length - 24 eps is enough, not too long that it gets draggy. The writing didn't go bad midway so each episode kept me interested till the end.
5. Laughs - This drama gave me lots of it. It was so natural I had to pause at times just to lol esp. scenes with "Ruirui" and "Baibai".
And special mention to the relationship and chemistry of fl and her eunuch. I love them dumb and dumber chaotic duo.

Overall, it's fluffy, cheesy and funny in a good way.
It's a comedy that is self aware that its a comedy.
No kdrama had my interest when the lockdown started so I took a chance on this one. And I'm glad I did.

I like costume dramas where there is an actual plot, romance is just part of it, it's not the main story.
And I don't watch dramas based on ml/actor, I'm always on the fl's side. Regardless of who the ml/actor is, as long as I like the fl, strong/smart/doesn't annoy me, and story keeps me interested, then I'd finish it.
Chemistry is just bonus points (unless the drama's main plot is romance, then it's important).

I did.
Watched till the end.

I watched the drama and seen every scene. But every little thing doesn't have to be analyzed to feel the chemistry. It's something that shouldn't be explained but felt. I didn't feel it with the main cp, but did for the 2nd and 3rd cps.
And I know about China's many rankings/awards (which is mostly about popularity), my opinion isn't influenced by those.
Like I said, the drama is still good regardless of the main cp's chemistry. The production (sans few cgi) story, osts and all the casts/acting were good.

Uhm, why..?
I'm not questioning their love for each other. It's the chemistry that I don't feel.
But thanks anyways.

Despite the slow last 10 eps, this drama is still good.
The leads are both good on their own, strong fl and strong ml, but I couldn't feel any chemistry with them as a cp.
The 2nd cp though, their character and relationship development were great. Even their ost sang by the 2ml is superb as well.
Story, ost and cast/acting checks out.
And I liked the ending. It had everything.

This drama gave me the worst 2nd lead syndrome. Tenma is perfect.
But overall I enjoyed it. The leads are so animated they gave me lots of laughs.

Short and sweet lighthearted drama.
Perfect to those wanting to watch something short after a long heavy/serious drama.

It was interesting at first with the whole switch thing, but then it started to drag and become repetitive.
I also didn't feel any chemistry with the main cp, though the 2nd cp was cute. But that's about it.

One of the rare cdramas I've seen with good and satisfying ending.
It's a lighthearted romance, not much palace drama. Even the reveal of the conspiracy was also laid back.
The cp's chemistry was good and their romantic scenes were so natural.
The ml also grew on me. I didn't get the hype of the new f4. They didn't give me the feels the og f4 did. But ml in a costume drama looked good and so different that I didn't recognize him at first.

Overall, I enjoyed this.
It was the perfect drama to binge while I was in bed whole day after my vaccine shot.

Whether he really does or not (after the fist time), he's so whipped, he goes along with her in the end. lol

And the 2ml believes her anyway. lol
They perfect for each other.

For me TYK has always been ZZS's story, so I was focused on him in SHL from the moment he appeared onscreen.
I love both ZZSs. The change in SHL plot from TYK gave me a fresh version of ZZS that made me love the character even more than I already do.

ZZS is one of my fave characters so I was looking forward on how ZZH will play him since I heard his acting can be trusted. And he didn't disappoint me.
Those two are the main reason why I like this drama and is now on of my faves list.

I like the trust and bond of the 4 childhood friends/brothers/cousins with each other.
And even though I felt more chemistry with the second cp, I like all the cp. Everyone is shippable with everyone, ml x fl, 2ml x 2fl, ml x 2ml, fl x 2fl and even 2fl x 3ml.
The characters that are supposed to be smart are actually smart. Always one step ahead, even the villains.
The only thing I didn't like is the rushed ending. But other than that, this had the right balance of serious investigation and fun moments that kept me interested until the end.

It's interesting to see a tsundere fl and bright/friendly ml, since it's usually the other way around.
I liked this drama because I find Kaiqi relatable. She's independent, minds her own business, works hard, values her privacy and enjoys her hobby. She moves on her own pace, until Ah-Jie arrives and the bickering starts, which was funny and entertaining.
It's not perfect, but overall I enjoyed this drama.

I had set my expectations low for SHL because of the many problems during production. And it was also expected to be overshadowed by other more popular and highly expected bl las that were supposed to air this year. But I ended up pleasantly surprised with SHL.  

1. ZZS - If there was one thing I was looking forward to with SHL, it was ZZS. I liked him in the novel from the very first chapter, so if I didn't like him in the first ep. there's a huge possibility of me not liking the whole drama. But ZZH played ZZS so well that he got me hooked right off the bat. And I knew then that I'd be willing to go through all the eps just for him, just like in the novel. 
2. CP - ZZH and GJ being comfortable and getting along with each other really showed when they played WenZhou so well. Even willing to toe the line as long as the fans are happy. 
3. Plot - I'm a novel fan so I already knew where it was heading. At first I expected it to be like MDZS with CQL, exactly by the book. But the writer made changes (probably to dodge censorship) that still worked perfectly. A result when the writer is a fan/knows the source material. 
4. Easter Eggs - From the use of literature/poetry, to the close ups of the mouths, to the literal cutting of sleeves, to ZZH's adlibs, the symbolisms and more, the entire production knew what they were doing. 
5. Wardrobe - The drama had a very low budget, but there was one department that they didn't cut it, and it showed. While everybody is liking WKX's flamboyant attires, I very much love ZZS's. The change from the blacks, to the greys, to the blues and finally to that last outfit was meaningful. 
6. Music - Tianwen, Tianyake, Wuti, I like them all, but my fave will always be Gumeng. It's even better that it was sung by ZZH himself. His acting + his vocals = perfect. 
7. Ending - I really like how they kept the "WenZhou thing". They gave me that, and more.  

Overall, despite the low budget, casting and other problems, this was a good adaptation. 
As a TYK fan, SHL did one of my fave danmei justice.

I personally like the last ep. and I find the ending very satisfying. The acting of the entire cast was also good. But I guess it depends on one's preference.
Most of those that didn't like the last 2 eps had these reasons:
- They didn't like how the series wrapped up/one character's ending. (It was satisfying and realistic.)
- They think a particular scene was cringe/unnecessary. (It was hilarious and on-character.)
- They think the "real" author's cameo ruined the series. (It was on-brand with the theme.)

You seem chill, and enjoyed the cute, fun and realistic aspects of this "lighthearted" series just like me. Though I'm not sure if I'm right, so it's still up to you.
If you do plan to continue but don't like cameo, I suggest to just stop at the "The End" part so you don't have to see it.