The Story of Ming Lan

-Very smart/confident FLs and wiley/powerful MLs. (FL/ML maybe more clever/cunning in Ming Lan)
-Both manipulate people/situations in their favour; in particular both FL/ML families. The FLs are underdogs.
-Both try to comically outsmart each other initially, but grow together and end up a power couple backing each other up.
-Both FLs like another man initially.
-Both are slow-burn Historicals (Ming Lan more slow-burn, and has more episodes)
-Both met when they were younger, when young MLs helped FLs out of a tough spot.
-Ming Lan is maybe a bit more authentic with a slower pace, lots of characterisation and character growth.

**I'll update again when Autumn Ballad is finished airing.

both stories are about a concubine's daughter who have to survive their family schemes and power struggles in their household

Female leads family situation in love like the galaxy is similar to female lead in the story of minglan

Both series follows intelligent plot line with genius leads. In both series leads are trying to uncover truth behind death of their loved ones. Both leads teach harsh lessons to the people who tries to hurt their loved ones. Both leads are very good in foshadowing the future conditions and can manipulate other people and plays them like chess pieces.

female centric view of ancient china
female planning ahead to achieve goals for palace.
some funny stories lines as well

1)Both Female leads are Smart and cunning.
2)Both Female leads know how to survive mansion and politicial schemes.
3)Both Male leads are strong, smart and don't back down from a fight.
4)Both Antagonist want to take power and control the throne.
5)Both Second male leads have feelings for the female lead.
6)Both Female leads want revenge.

Both are beautifully shot costume romantic dramas with beautiful actors. Both have marriage life and typical Chinese palace power struggle.
But the stories differs much, while Ming Lan is quite smart and restrained, the FL of Ru yi is not; Story of Ming Lan is more realistic, Ruyi Pavilion (aka Snowfall of wishes) is just sweet and fluffy.

—> FL also has a close relationship to the grandma.
—> also got married after missing the initial chance and after a good solid foundation understanding one another, totally wasn’t love at first sight…
—-> there is also a revenge/family mishap on the ML’s side

Different stories but same feel. Similarities between the two are:

1) Smart and Witty FL
2) FL has a different love interest initially
3) ML falls in love first
4) Once the Lead couple get together they are loyal and trust each other
5) Both are slow paced drama
6) Amazing chemistry

If you like one, definitely give the other a try.

If you like low profile scheming protagonists bent on revenge, you'll enjoy these two. Story of Ming Lan's protagonist is similar to Legend of Zang Hai's second son of the marquis in that their mothers were both killed by one of the other women in the harem. Both stories also involve clever villains though their styles are different. They also both make references to classic texts, and borrow strategies from the Art of War (even if not explicitly explained). Both also feature strong willed protagonists who are kind at heart with hidden fierceness.

Both dramas explore the complex relationships within extended families and the strict hierarchy between prestigious families. The shows' slow pace enables them to build well fleshed out characters.

Similar plot in terms of FL awakens something in the ML to improve and become a person worthy of FL’s love, trying to get as many accomplishments on the battlefield as possible to marry the FL. The ML ends up rescuing the nation and royal family a few times over.

A similar types of story.
Both FL get embroiled in injustices and meet MLs. And, the couple faces hardships together including court, family matters.

In both shows the leads are socially awkward outcasts. They also idolize their popular love interest.

The female character is very smart just like our female lead in SOKP. The story is very well paced and ending is satisfactory. Moreover, we get to see the male lead support his wife and all of her schemes.