Reviews

Weapons from the sky

At the beginning of episode royals from different land are invited for a completion celebration of a 36 floor tower. The very top is a scenic view of the entire city. It is by invitation only to be seen. The blueprints have already been destroyed and all who had part of making the tower or knowing its secrets are invited to a special dedication. He seems like a royal who kills the architects to prevent anything copying or surpassing their structures. The minister so happy to be invited may find it not to his liking. For the first time in ages, a magic show will take place. They see the wooden bird in the sky and figure it’s part of the act. It has already dropped ads of Sass, a known murderer as well as magician. After all the kindness shown by her nephew, the princess plots to use Sass to kill the crown prince. She annoys me with her unnecessary ruthless behavior. Her official is pressing for Prince’s death. She commented that he’d been raised by his uncle and did he have something personal involved since he was so invested. XiJun is bored being home. Her father loves her but dislikes her commitment to Lu. He is the typical politician trying to figure out how to stay on the fence between the royals. Lu is given the talisman of the lead general to control the troops however he wants. However, this is an undercover assignment rather than an imperial position. He is told to find copies of a banned book that had opinions against Princess in it. They find Sass but in the chase the wood bird shows up and kills the minister of justice. Before there is even a memorial for him both royals offer candidates. As luck would have it Lu is recommended for the job and the princess approves. She also like XiJun . Sass escaped but a young beggar saw what happened and gives XiJun info about Sass’ portrait. Lu and XiChun worked out so the boy would stay with XiJun and be a replacement for XueHuan. No news of Yingtao or Fei yet. Seems our group really is separated while in Chang’an.

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Family matters

Lu escapes the regent’s home and gets help. Li Yue is not Tang. He reveals his true colors and plans on killing all of them. She Lu shows up with reinforcements he calls out the bear. I hate that a noble creature was trained to be a killer. The crown prince is wounded and the princess finds out that she did indeed use the poisonous face flower and has two hours to live. After a very well choreographed battle amongst the guards and with the bear,Lu is fusing with Princess to Fei for the antidote. As typical with this group, she is healed just in time. I don’t like the Princess. She is a product of her environment but has no heart for the people. Even Su has told her that her nephew would be the better ruler. It is discovered that the Princess is actually Lu’s mother. That he was born out of wedlock and that his father was an enemy of the royals. He even planned on assassinating the princess’ mother but rather than be captured killed himself. I think all this time Su has be working out the mother’s traits in Lu. All his major faults are byproducts of his mother. That explains his arrogance and lack of concern for lower class. Su opts to talk the princess out of recognizing her son and she can’t get him to accept a job except putting XueHuan through school. She does not know that Lu was told his family was murdered by the princess and that his father had changed his age by two years to hide him. Because of the dynamics of royalty, Su pegged it right that he should never know. He needed the heritage he was told as his foundation. He did not think Lu would accept the truth and let himself live. I would like to think this would cause the princess to be more humane about the people she is responsible for. But she is horribly selfish and vain. It may not be possible. It seems our crew might be getting ready to part ways. I really don’t like this notion, so waiting to see what the writer has in store. However, Fei’s words of each going their separate ways so who should XueHuan follow rang too true, tho not what any wanted to hear.

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Diva and deviants

Lu and Su find themselves at the med shop looking to buy the illegal boahuang. They find the seller but he won’t have another batch available until the following day. Knowing this is too late for the Princess they head to the source…Li Yue’s quarters. They meet up with some guards on the way and have a couple thieves along with them to help hunt for the plants. They are digging up various flowers when the meteorite bear shows up. Our two heroes play dead and find themself bound and presented to the regent magistrate. He does not deny his distributing of the poisonous face flower and throws both of them in a secret arsenal room that grows both the poison face flower and the antidote plant. Another visitor shows up…the princess. It is now evident that she feigned her poisoning to test the loyalty of those around her. She is very pleased with Su seeking out the cure but is not as enthused that Lu was also with him. She requests Su to be brought out with the other officials already in the hall. These are the cowardly politicians that were trying to align with the prince when they thought Princess was dying. Su is annoyed that the regent is involved with all this and said so, but he is not surprised to see a healthy princess. His chat with the horse groomer revealed that the princess had plans to go home and have some ripe cherries since newly in season and her favorite. She is annoyed he already knows. She is a very odd diva. She wants things to revolve around her, but she had some real compassion for the children. However, she is also the same one not the least bit concerned about the women being disfigured by the face flower. He is a bit surprised at the officials there being found guilty of disloyalty. He is also noting who reports to the princess. I find myself sorry that the reporting of her death was exaggerated.😝

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Reflections on the Series (Episodes 1–7)

*Reflections on the Series (Episodes 1–7)*Let’s divide this review into two major themes. First: the emotional journey and narrative pacing, and second: the technical and artistic aspects.We’ve now reached episode 7 — what seems to be a pivotal point — and while I can appreciate the “slow burn” setup, I still feel somewhat unfulfilled. The series presents itself as an emotional, romantic journey with deep royal undertones, but it often skips the genuine building blocks that make the main relationship truly resonate.The closeness between Charan (Zee) and Khanin (Nunew), the supposed emotional center, feels rushed. The show leans on aesthetics and certain intimate scenes to suggest depth, but the actual emotional and narrative development hasn’t earned it. It’s like we’re being handed the climax of a relationship that never got the space to properly begin.Yes, the idea is that Charan is more guarded, stern, trying to establish boundaries — while Khanin, the prince, is bold and determined, pushing forward without apology. That dynamic is compelling on paper. But in execution, there’s not enough interplay. There are glimpses — the tension, the teasing moments, the protectiveness — but they did let it simmer for too long for this to feel like a one night stand. Despite that, it still feels this way, lacking fully deserved payoff.*Missing Pieces: Emotional Development*The missed opportunities are striking. Take the scene with the butler — why not show him secretly following, discovering the truth himself, confronting directly? That would’ve been a rich moment to explore his - theirs - emotional depth or even his strategic side.Where is the conflict? Where are the disagreements between the main male leads, that aren’t just power dynamics or societal constraints? I wanted to see them disagree on values, on methods — something beyond the surface. Love isn’t just harmony, it's also tension and compromise. Right now, everything is too... smooth. Too easy. We’re told they’re connected, but we’re not shown how or why, not in a way that lasts = Zee's not having distinctive bcg story; he has it, it is deep, but his char. is strongly underdeveloped in comparison to Nunew's character. Without that, how can Zee's char. compliment NN's character? The chemistry is there — but chemistry alone doesn’t make a relationship. I want to see them challenge each other, support each other, grow through each other. Khanin’s character, in particular, needs more exploration. If he’s supposed to be the love interest, we should get more than just his devotion. What drives him? What are his weaknesses and strengths? What does he want, beyond Charan?*On Side Characters & Plot Distractions*Let’s be honest: the side characters are a mixed bag. Some of them actually do an incredible job in the limited screen time they’re given — you can feel effort and thought in their performances — the older actors are skilled with such limited time. But the writing? That’s where it falters.There are storylines that just feel like distractions. The young woman who likes the her female advisor? (Is this a GL too?) She’s completely unnecessary. She doesn’t pose any threat or contrast, nor does she push the plot forward. She's just there, and that’s frustrating when the main relationship is begging for more screentime. Even more unnecessary is the storyline of Nat (the actor). Came too late, was present too short, no contribution so far from this direction.In fact, much of the scheming and court intrigue that’s supposed to be happening in the background doesn’t feel sharp enough. I get the intention, but the execution is too drawn out and wordy. If you’re going to keep these subplots, make them show their impact. Use fewer words, more visuals. Let us feel the stakes, not just hear about them.*The Visuals: Gorgeous... until they’re not*Now, about the production: it's a strange mix of impressive and baffling.The set design? Honestly, it looks expensive — or at least it makes a good impression. Maybe it’s just clever camera work (sans detail / perspective takes that is), but it sells the fantasy. However, the CGI is... rough. Very rough. The pigeon creature, flags, erbs, the weird floating elements — they break immersion and scream low-budget. These scenes would’ve been so much better left out entirely.Then there are the costumes. The male leads mostly look great, but the female characters? Some of their dresses feel like afterthoughts. It looks like she has stolen Hermione Granger's 4h year Ball dress (but cheaper version), like someone wanted to do a quick job and be done with it. Which gives off the impression of a series trying to look high-budget while cutting corners in the wrong places. It’s frustrating because the contrast is so sharp — one moment you’re mesmerized, the next you’re pulled out by a bad accessory or awkward greenscreen shot.*What Could Be*The core of this story could be powerful. The series wants to be about loyalty, class difference, emotional restraint, and devotion. It wants to explore how a prince and his protector grow into something more. But it needs to trust that story more, and stop leaning on style and lacking tension to get there.I miss the early promise — when Charan seemed to be the stern guardian and Khanin the bratty prince who secretly admires him. That dynamic had so much potential. But now, their relationship feels underdeveloped. And by episode 7, we should be much further along emotionally than we are.Even the secondary couple — Jimmy’s character and his partner — somehow show more tension and growth than the main pair. That shouldn’t happen. The contrast just highlights what’s missing between Charan and Khanin.*Final Thoughts*What I really want is this: show me the characters’ flaws and strengths, but in relationship. Let them disagree, let them hurt each other and come back together. Show me how they navigate their roles, their loyalty, and their love — not just through longing looks, but through action, choices, and consequences.As it stands, the show has charm, but not enough substance. Episode 7 gave us a dramatic payoff that simply wasn’t earned. And unless that changes, the series will remain a beautiful shell — all style, not enough soul.

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ep8

I just looked at them this episode… and I suddenly understood much better why it would be more beneficial—and easier—for both people from the royal family and ordinary people to seek one-night stands rather than deep, meaningful, long-lasting connections.That being said, and omitting the filler episode with the over-screamed opening sound layer, this series gets one more significant plus from me.Ah, despite this being a bit of a filler, boring episode, I praise the idea behind Prince Ramil's story—the execution this week was weaker, and the message wasn't delivered as clearly in some places (you could get more out of it). But then again, this is expected from The Next Prince genre; this storyline was bound to be far from perfect. Still, I appreciate its presence.

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not even a sec in & the snakes were enough…

not even a sec in & the snakes were enough for me to recognize this, OMG this is a HILAIOUS web-novel & i found it cause i saw the BL that came out in 2015, Falling in Love with a Rival - which was freakin funny. just too short - that's why i searched out the web novel it was adapted from & it was worth the search(!) even though it was only translated until page 195 (so waiting for updates & then life happened & forgot all about it). *************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************this wasn't the same & yet not that different, but more importantly not bad - love Wu Suo Wei, he less of a goofball then the OG BL & the novel character's, but he's sweeter & i like the Doc too. & as per usual (in every version) i always thought that the healthier option for Wu Suo Wei was to end up with Xiao Shuai, the Doctor & not the snake, loving psycho. but that isn't how the plot's gonna develop. so we in for a wild ride, if we got to see (kinda) the punishment for the guy that helped Chi Cheng's parents kidnap his snakes. idk if i am ready to see everything that i read come "alive" - as it was pretty dark & mmmmm "dirty". so will have to see how explicit this gonna get. ******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************mentioning Chi Cheng, the character in the book is manlier & burlier then the actor playing this character, so was wondering if i will buy Tian Xu Ning as Chi Cheng. but Tian Xu Ning did a good job selling his sociopathic persona. enough that by the end of the ep i was disturbed enough to worry about Suo Wei - who sadly is a reckless fool that can't sense danger & whatever u feel about Chi Cheng, he is very dangerous guy who has a sadistic side & the cherry on top is also a bit crazy lol...

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Cha Seon Chaek's matchmaking

It was an extremely entertaining and funny episode. The scene where Cha Seon Chaek's hyungs were talking was funny. I reacted to what they said just like Cha Seon Chaek and Bang Won 😭😭😭😭 Prince Gyeong Seong wasting no time going to find the medicinal herb for Cha Seon Chaek 😻 The scene where Prince Gyeong Seong was choosing the outfit for the invitation was extremely sweet 😻 Cha Seon Chaek trying to match all kinds of things for Prince Gyeong Seong and Cho Eun Ae but it was of no use was extremely funny and entertaining 😭😭😭😭 We will probably watch triangle love scenes in other episodes 😭😭😭😭 I hope Jung Su Gyeom and Cho Eun Ae fall in love with each other. Prince Gyeong Seong is literally blinded by love 😻 Everything Cha Seon Chaek does seems interesting and beautiful to Prince Gyeong Seong. In this episode, Cha Seon Chaek and I were falling in love with everything Prince Gyeong Seong did 😻 I'm already looking forward to the other episodes

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before anything it took me way longer (cause…

before anything it took me way longer (cause u don't really focus on him), but i knew i recognized Raiden Lin, he is one of Wei Qian's Office colleague's & he is one of the mains in See Your Love - the greenest of green couple's to exist in BL world IMO, OMG so happy to see him & glad he got his own BL after his miniscule part in this. hope to see more of his work in the future! ******************************************************************************************************************************************this was a cute ending - the health issue was dealt with like it was nothing & it kinda angers me, cause they made such an issue with it - the fact that it was lurking always in the background, felt ominous - but it wasn't & i was worried for not.. so am a bit pissed, even though on a whole am happy that they all got a happy ending. heck even Wei Qian's work colleague's were ok with it, which was weird considering they didn't know the siblings weren't related & even if they did know this fact, Wei Qian raised Xiao Yuan, this fact can't be changed... but i guess only me with the problem - oh well. ********************************************this was really well written & acted & on a whole i enjoyed this very much - the violent scenes were a bit much for me, same with the abuse - but they were needed to tell the story, so it is what it is. for sure a rewatch. this was good.

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