The Sword and the Brocade

i don't know how i feel yet.

I am currently about halfway through this drama and I feel like I have forced myself to keep watching.

Let's start with the good things.

The cast is phenomenal. Tan Songyun is an actress that I have been following for a while and I personally love her. She makes acting so realistic and natural. She can play characters that are almost half her age with ease. I loved her in Go Ahead and Dear Mayang Street. She also has to ability to have great chemistry with every single one of her male leads. In this drama, she still plays her role very well. She delivers and doesn't disappoint her fans. I don't think that she is the perfect casting for this role because she has more of a sweet and cuter visual appearance and Shiyi feels like someone who is a more rigid and more serious vibe. Although I haven't seen any of Wallace's other dramas, I have heard from others, including my mom, that he has other dramas that were great. His character just doesn't give you the feeling that other male leads give you. There are times where he is very cool and attractive but he is very mellow and listens to his mom a little too much. He barely pays attention to all the trouble and drama that is happening between his concubines and wife. Speaking of concubines, I haven't hated a character as much since I watch 10 miles of peach blossoms. Qiao Lianfang makes me want to slap her across the face every time I see her. Kudos to the actress for playing such a hated character so well. The MIL is also a pain. She plays favorites wayyyyy too much and it's so annoying to see her like that.

One of the best things about the drama is the OSTs. They are so freaking good. The main OST is sung by Zhou Shen, who is one of my favorite singers.

On to the bad things. The script gets very boring and kind of predictable. As of right now, it's very boring. I think a big plot twist is coming up soon so it might change my mind but it's taking a lot to keep me watching. I'm partially only staying for the cast but that's about it. The whole story is about Shiyi finding the person who murdered her mother and she is kind of blinded by it. She uses the people around her to find everything and doesn't think about how it might hurt others, especially her relationship with the male lead. I don't know if it is because I am watching as it is releasing but it doesn't keep me drawn in as other dramas do. I had very high expectations from this drama. From the stills to the trailer to the cast. Everything seemed good.

I'll probably watch all of it or at least hear about it from my mom as she watches it but at this point I'm very disappointed.

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Better Then I Thought

This drama gives you a realistic view about the wives and the concubines and the maids who serve them. How scheming all of them had to be for survivable. Maids were bought and sold or made into concubine, if they follow the family rules and behave themselves so they could make children for the family. The story tells you about how many of the women wanted some independence and change the old family view. It was hard for the Noble women to earn money and keep it to themselves. The matriarch of the family rule and never really care about the feelings of their son or daughter-in-law. I see how many children fought for power when many where from concubines and not consider legitimate. The head of the family brought as many concubine so the family would have a lot of children. The treatment was not always the best, worst for daughters. This story is great and very well written. It has so many twist and turns and suspense. The romance between the 2 leads is nice and slow and you see how they fall in love and trust each other. The actors did a great job in their performance and the chemistry. The only thing that confuse me was the ending. I can figure if several years had past or was it just 1 or 2. It does not tell you and i was left confuse on what is happening in the end.

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It is a story with a lesson.

STORY
I was very sceptical about this drama because of the Harem tag and the schemes because I'm not a fan of dramas with those tags. But this drama didn't disappoint me. The drama reminded me a lot of The story of Minglan, but it wasn't as good. The plot was okay, it wasn't anything special. The schemes were pretty lame and the romance was slow. However, the beauty of this drama came from the lesson we were supposed to learn. In a time when women are reduced to nothing simply because of their birth status, how can they prevail?
The story is about the daughter of a concubine who marries the husband of her late sister in order to save their families prestige. In this drama we see the highest form of women’s hatred towards each other. A situation caused by unequal polygamy, where concubines are treated like trash and main wives scheme against them. Mother in laws make life hell for their daughters in law, and children are made to hate each other from birth because of status. This plague is then passed on to the next generation of schemers. It is a game of survival of the fittest and only the strongest prevails, but not without regrets.

The romance in this drama though slow was very sufficient, there were moments I smiled so hard and couldn't stop. The development in romance was so natural and beautiful, I loved it very much. Seven and Wallace did an amazing job with this one. Their emotions were portrayed beautifully and we could see the love, as well as the struggles they faced to reach the place they did at the end. Luo Shiyiniang was a strong character who stood her ground and did not let anything get in the way of her dreams and ambitions. And Xu Lingyi, though with his faults for neglecting all of his concubines, was a very supportive and good man once he found love.
Each of the concubines in Xu Lingyis harem had a story of their own. Each woman turned evil because of their unfortunate fate. It may have been better if Xu Lingyi gave them the time of day, but he didn't and that amplified their greiviances. I couldn't find it in my heart to hate any of them, especially concubine Qin, because those women did not deserve what they went through.
I saw a lot of people call this drama the Mother-in-Law trials, but the MIL didn't cause as much trouble as I thought she would. Everything she did was for her family, and though she was wrong in too many cases and refused to admit defeat, her eyes eventually opened to see the truth. She caused many problems, but in the end it was to protect her family. I ended up liking her character very much
All the other characters were beautiful. I loved Daddi Tangs role as Ou Yanxin, he was an upright man who was late in love, but still did well. Amber was a good maid who went astray one too many times, and eventually paid for what she did, but she sought her happiness in the end. Dongqing, General Fu and the other boy were pleasing side characters too. I loved The Luo family once all the older women in the family died. Shiyi's sisters were beautifully portrayed, and Erniang's self development was commendable. The other members of the Xu family were also pleasing to look at. The villains were nothing special, but they kept the plot going.
FINALE
All in all it is a good drama. The plot is okay, villains are punished and self redemption prevails. It’s not the most impressionable, but it has its merits. It is worth the watch, but I wont settle for a rewatch. Give this one a go when you are ready to accept harems and you won't regret it.

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A Drama That Overcome a Stereotype

It's rare for me to enjoy watching historical (or colosal or traditional) Chinese (and Korean) drama, because it has too many episodes and long-dialogue, leads to boredom.

I started to find it interesting when I watched some clips from episodes 13 and 14. After that, I watched the full episodes until finish. Overall, I didn't find this drama that much boring although there are long dialogue, long-standing conflict between two families that led to war, and conflict between concubines and the wife. It is an unfortunate that there are few "missing links" in the story, that makes me as a viewer confusing. The story seems a bit lacking of clearance. But, I find this drama is beautiful, from the costumes, the soundtracks (like flowing of the river), the dialogue, the chemistry, and the potraying of emotions (especially love). Watching this also like solving a riddle: thrilling.

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Good story brought to life by excellent actors

I am actually hesitant to watch it first because of the initial reviews, but I still gave it a try. NO REGRETS, this is a good drama and actually worth the time. Some may not like it because of the ML having a lot of concubine and it's story is quite unique compared to what I've watched so far. There are good character development that have progressed in a good manner and it adds up in the end. What I like most in this drama is the main leads' chemistry, even with a large age gap they still managed to have a good chemistry.

If I may say, Wallace's acting is superb I actually stopped myself watching SDO3 because I can't recognize him as I watch the variety show. I guess he really is fit for the role and so far I see only him as the actor for Xu Lingyi's character. For Tan Song Yun, I watched her first in Go Ahead and it's not what I've expected her character will be here in this drama, but for me she played it well. Her character is a strong woman that does not rely on the ML. To conclude, both of them played their role well and really brought out the best in their character that will make their audience love and enjoy the roles they play.

Before the drama ended I have familiarized myself in the OST because it is really good, most especially the one sang by Zhou Shen. Overall this drama is a must-watch for me, but a little note, get ready to be enraged by Xu Lingyi's mom as well as some of his concubines.

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True growth and achievements on a more real take of life - "The Story of Ming Lan" genre

You you appreciate solid growth and achievements overcoming life difficulties, supported by love and trust you will feel rewarded with this drama.

The behavior of characters and family life context portrays what seems to be much closer to reality than fantasied dramas. This would be something that would normally putt me off watching it - concubines, hard mother in law, plotting and meanness - however the way the ML ad FL navigate through all the difficulties with steadiness of principles, trust and loyalty is very rewarding. Even the concubines setting is laid out in a way that the love of ML for FL is never tainted and in general most characters grow and become better human beings through difficulties and forgiveness within reason.

As for the amount of wickedness, unpunished mean deeds and consequent frustration at times, I would prefer to dose it down, however I opt to fast forward when its getting too much for my personal preference. That is why I give it a 10/10

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Good social and cultural portrayal in that era!

This is one of my favorite costume drama

I am excited with the pairing of Wallace Chung and Seven Tan. I remember Wallace Chung played in ‘General and I’ with Angelababy, where Seven Tan, I saw her in ‘Go Ahead’. Both actors, in my opinion are very strong character where both can play a “heavy” role and consistent in their act.

The drama is set during Ming Dynasty, which is around mid-1300 to 1600. It is clearly depicted in the drama whereby to gain more power and influence, and in the end wealth and welfare; marriage alliance is common. Parents will send off their daughter to a more prominent family to increase prestige disregarding the love nor happiness or compatibility between the couple. Even if it is only to become concubine, the ties between family can be created for symbiotic benefit between families. That tie is more important even socially known that concubine is a lower status compared to legitimate wife. At that time, it is believed that love and affection can be build up after the marriage because the wife will serve the husband no matter what.

Government Officials also use marriage alliance to gain power and to help each other to gain more influence in front of the monarch. Once help is sent, it is bound as debt that needs to be repaid and sometime marrying the daughter is one form of paying debt or showing gratitude. Forming alliance and creating clique amongst officials are important to garner influence and can be used in determining the policy of the monarch. It is also used to gain favour from the monarch. Once favour is there, trust is built up from the monarch that leads to wealth from reward and favouritism.

And this is what happened between Xu Ling Yi and Shi Yi.

Wallace Chung plays as Xu Ling Yi, a General who faithfully serve the country. Xu Ling Yi is also the head of Xu family and become the patriarch of the family replacing his deceased father. He has a tough life, already joining army and battle since young then loss his father and he has to step up and heading the Xu family. Because of the tough youth – he become reserved and closed person. He needs to be meticulous and careful in every action not to jeopardising his family well being and he also needs to maintain the harmony in his family between his mother, siblings, in-laws, wife, and concubine. All of these make his character difficult to open his heart and tend to suppress his feeling and affection.

Seven Tan plays as Luo Shi Yi Niang, she is a progressive woman who wants to live a carefree life not to bound with complicated and restrained gender bias, social norm. She wants to pursue her own happiness and destiny. Despite of her low status as concubine daughter, Shi Yi Niang is smart, assertive and aspire to become a more independent woman who can earn her own money, able to work, able to do things that she loves to do, just and righteous, all of which are seen as quite rebellious, un-ethic, breakthrough for a woman in that era.

The story revolves around the relationship between Shi Yi family and Xu Ling Yi family. It tells on how Shi Yi is arranged to marry Xu family in replacement of her sister who already the wife of the General Xu Ling Yi but died due to illness. To maintain the tie between two family, Shi Yi is then arranged to marry the General as his lawful wife.

Because marriage alliance is very important, the road to become the lawful wife is not easy. Many Noble lady also seeking the marriage, even as the concubine. This situation makes arrangement become a battlefield – fight to earn right to marry the General become fierce. Conflict occurs through scheming and plotting. Once married, within the family conflict also arise amongst the wife as the patron and fellow concubine to gain favour from the General as the Master of the Family. This is because having heir is very important to boost the status and favouritism from the family. So, again it is the fight and battle through deception, scheming and plotting to eliminate one and another.

Shi Yi as a progressive woman for sure facing difficult time to accept the marriage arrangement. She even planned to escape with her birth mother, with the help of her friend – a successful merchant named Lin Shi Xian. But tragedy happened where Shi Yi loss her mother while attempting to escape. The event devastates Shi Yi, moreover the killer of her mother is unknown. She then determined to investigate.

Shi Yi has suspicion towards the General and his family in relationship to her mother’s death. She believes by entering the Xu family mansion, she can investigate more to know who killed her mother. Therefore, she finally agrees to marry to the General but since she has some suspicion, she cannot give her heart to the General. Moreover, she finds Lin Shi Xian as friendly and more understood her.

You may guess, the relationship between Shi Yi and the General is cold. But Shi Yi took high responsibility in managing the house of Xu. She experiences many trials, and she endures them all. Meanwhile, the Xu Ling Yi started to admire and respect his wife’s smartness, perseverance, responsibility, aspiration, etc. He started to trust her more and more, defend her, protect her and affection starts in his heart.

Shi Yi respects her husband – as per social norm and etiquette required. However, due to the misunderstanding and unsolved murder case of her mother, Shi Yi’s heart is still heavy to accept Xu Ling Yi. It took a while for Shi Yi to start trusting her husband, care for him, having affection and finally devoted to him.

It is a long journey for both and the way the story is written and told are flowing nicely. Full of deception, scheming and plotting to gain attention, favouritism, eliminating competitor, etc.

Following the story, you will see on how their relationship build up. They are bumpy but it is very nice seeing how each of them grows their affection. This is what makes the drama worth to watch. But, to warn you, you need to have patience in watching this drama to get the whole story.

The acting is also good. Both Wallace Chung and Seven Tan performs very well in this drama. Seeing both acting, you can feel their emotion, truly reflected in their eyes, gestures, body language. The set and costume also fit and just right. Not to extravagant and looks real. This drama can make you believe on the social cultural situation during the Ming Dynasty. The General is also more human, not a God of War. He can be sad, injured, worry some and not act as superhero. He is just a man trying to protect her family.

It is really recommended to watch. Good story, good acting, good music. It is one of my favorite costume drama.

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Pale copy of the story of Ming Lan…

I'm a bit disappointed. I expected more.

I love seasoned actors. Sadly I found another copy of the actor Allen—good actor who is unable to play romance and lack chemistry with his partner. They both had in common the same female lead. I am not sure if they are all unlucky to parter them, if it is the script or director or if they are unable to act romantic scenes. They are all good but not together.

After Under the Power, I gave her another chance. Indeed, it was much better. I was spared with another childish female lead… Instead, we got a femalee victim bullied by everyone for over 11 episodes. Glad it said it was a work of fiction each intro of each episode because it was completely irrealistic.

Post edits production is poorly executed. Missing major scenes that explained behavior and actions. Terrible.

In Episode 12, the main character insists she knows what to do but is constantly bullied. No backbone. It takes too long to to see her defended by her husband. They cut few important scenes, yet kept redundantones. The drama revolves around villains. Each 3 concubines, the old matriarch, the sister in law, the sisters. Except 1 maid, all women are villains. The only trustedperson is of course her maid telling her that being passive is worse., but she prefers to be a victim and claims she doesn't care. I really dislike her attitude, so I skipped many useless conversations.

To summarize, the male lead slept with two concubines and his ex-wife. He has two kids, and one concubine lost a child during childbirth. Then he lost physical interest to all because he could not stand women in general and their pettiness. He always feels guilty for mistreating the heroine, yet never asserts himself. I understand the matriarch is the queen of any Chinese family, but the romance was still not visible before episode 35.

It got better when he realized he fell for her around episode 15. But because she is a prude virgin, he never crossed the line… with his wife. Typically, the Chinese were seeing the collar skin is considered erotic. (rolling eyes) As if a married man did not sleep with his wife for years.

In Episode 21, the matriarch said she was upset with the concubine, Qiao, but the scene was cut in production, so it's unclear what she was referring to. Then the male lead spent an hour in the favorite concubine's bedroom as per the servant. This raises the question of whether he had sex with her as a birthday present. Additionally, the female lead said that the male lead gave his heart and she will give hers, but it's unclear when this happened. Furthermore, he slept with the concubine despite this. It all seems very inconsistent. The cuts in scenes seem unprofessional. They wanted to reduce the number of episodes, but at times, it made no sense.

Another thing that deserves its own paragraph… when FL married ML, his sister in law was pregnant. It is said numerous times that FL spent 2 years since her arrival. Ahem. 2 years pregnancy? The scriptwriter is plain stupid. That's the only explanation.

Compared to the story of Ming Lan, this drama is average. The storyline focuses on how to bully as much as possible and how the villains are rewarded. Like a few others here, I also do not see the chemistry between the main couple. He reminds me of Allen. He's a good actor, but he should never be cast in a romance drama.

The romance between the main couple is based on trust and honesty. I'm not sure if bumping into someone or falling physically due to bumpy roads or missed steps can be the big love revelation, but it seems to be in this drama. "I touched you by accident, and then I must be falling in love" - it's all quite ridiculous.

The drama is watchable, but annoying. I am not impressed with the direction/post production in general. It was poorly executed. Amateurs.

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STEADFAST HERO AND HEROINE... THE LOSS, LOVE AND LIFE THEY LIVE TO ENDURE!

LOVED IT! I was hesitant about watching a C-Drama period piece, I’m all for them now! If it has a good solid storyline, enough to touch your heart or make you cry, then it’s worth the watch like this one. A viewer must understand the different time in history because the whole concubines, second wives and age gap thing can seem weird. That alone has its own plots and twists which makes for a good drama. The female lead goes through so many obstacles with so many against her, it makes you hopeful that she prevails in the end. Especially with the one person supporting her, her husband. The ups and downs of the different relationships of tradition and family duty that lead to something good, bad or worse was interesting. I personally loved the entire production, from costumes to set, and the music had me humming along every episode, too. Given all the different types of characters, I thought the actors played also their parts really well. Although, it’s 45 episodes long, it’ll definitely be a rewatch for me IF there’s ever a time there’s nothing else to watch (LOL). Overall, the main part of the show is the relationship of the two leads, a test of trust and the show of loyalty, how they interact and endure it all... together!

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Beautifully executed, mega , super Worth Watching.

Great acting was performed. The pacing is perfect, and character development is immaculate.
It's basically a must-watch for anyone who wants to see a witty ML and FL fall in love naturally and profoundly. No draggy or slow episodes, EP35 was a favorite that I frequently rewatch.

I love Chinese costume dramas, and I binge-watched this one for two days because I couldn't stop. I only got a few hours of sleep, but I wish it hadn't ended already.

I definitely appreciate how the ML acted, restrained love that flourished between the couple. The way they expressed their feelings is just devine.  I adore how much the FL loves her mother and her rationalizations for various actions. It is a story of culture and defiance that stays within reasonable bounds.

I enjoy happy endings that take their time.

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Loved it!

I love this drama! again this in my favourites rewatch list. I found this to be a very deep drama with a very slow romantic storyline. There's no witty comedy in this drama but you will find the odd joke to break the ice.

This was my first drama watching Wallace Chung (Xu Ling Yi) and Seven Tan
(Luo Shi Yi Niang) their acting in this drama was really good the chemistry really bounced off on another. I really hope I get to see them in another historical drama together.

This is a story about a young woman who is forced into being a concubine. We watch from start to finish on her trying to maintain role within the family.

This drama can come across being slow but it is one definitely to carry on watching. Every actor played their role really well superb acting. Each one played there part to keep this great story going..

Ionly had one issue with this drama I felt that the ending was rushed! I'd like to of found out what happened more within the family.

Like I said at the beginning this drama is in my top rewatch list so I definitely recommend it

PS
If you love some drama soundtracks you will love this one...

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