The Autumn Ballad

I am getting vibes of Jeremy Tsui’s characterization of the ML in The Autumn Ballad. Both MLs appear to be ruthless and power hungry but they are actually working to enact revenge. They protect the FL but seemingly unwillingly. The interaction between leads are similar. The FL is smart in both dramas but masks her intellect due to family upbringing and her role within.

- Strong and powerful ML | Smart FL - Both help each other in solving the issues in the series
- ML & FL have a bickering relationship at first but then learn to love each other as the series progresses
- They save each other when they were younger
- Strong bond between sisters

Very similar dramas in almost every way. Almost the same main plot. Almost identical dramas. One has a supernatural element and one doesn't, that's the only difference.

Both ml saved the respective fl (though under different circumstances) while they were young.
Smart capable FLs involved in investigation with the MLs.

In both, ML is very influential, but lets FL figure out their own way. He only helps when asked or needed.
FL is head strong and independent, fighting for her way no matter the costs.
In flourished peony, FL tries as hard as she can to escape her marriage and ends up faking her death.
In the autumn ballad, FL "husband" dies on their wedding day and the in-laws try to force her to die with him, but FL fights her way out of that situation. (she also fakes her death at some point lol)
There's probably many other points, but overall similar vibes. Only main difference is in the autumn ballad, ML is prejudiced against FL and vice versa (lots of bickering), in flourished peony, FL is a bit prejudiced at first (she's not sure whether ML is a good guy or not), but overall it feels like there's mutual respect and understanding.

- fake marriage
-hero is a government official
- funny circumstances between the leads
- autumn ballad is more serious than oh! My sweet liar
- MLs are hot af

In both dramas FL’s are intelligent, cunning, and the backbone for their families. There is more humor in the family dynamic, but the family goes through many schemes that FL helps overcome.

The lead female uses her intellect through challenging obstacles and understands her purpose. She also wins the trust and love of the main lead. There are also jealous concubines and trickery. Both stories have a lot in common.

In both dramas..
- the roles of ML feel really similar (it’s the same actor, and the same characteristics)
- ML is responsible for investigating cases
- FL assists him.
- they need to disguise themselves while investigating.

If you like the way the ML and FL are competing with each other using strategy and wisdom in the autumn ballad, you'll definitely like General and I.

Both have a smart female lead who schemes to make her life better. There’s a little crime solving in both. The FLs have multiple suitors and they have significant relationships with the SMLs, not just one sided pining. They have a similar flavor

Clever Female lead
Give same kind of feel
Even the names are similar
But I liked The Long Ballad just a bit better than The Autumn Ballad (because of the ending)