I was really expecting more from this drama. The setting was interesting, since I haven't seen many Chinese dramas set in this time period. In addition, arranged marriage dramas can be really good, and this one also had political intrigue mixed in. The costumes were pretty and all the actors played their roles well.

Unfortunately, this good plot was squandered by the writers. The hatred between the husband and wife didn't make a lot of sense, with the wife constantly pushing him away without explanation, and the husband constantly acting like a douchebag for no reason. There was always chemistry between them, but it was jarring when all of a sudden the wife decided she was in love with the husband. As for the plot outside of the relationship, it started off strong but later dissolved and didn't make any sense. There were different families involved and lots of secrets that ultimately don't make a dent in the storyline. And the ending! It was very, very disappointing and almost made me regret watching the whole thing. Honestly, if you have some time it is worth the watch, but maybe speed it up while watching and prepare yourself for the plot to crash and burn in the last episodes.