The best Chinese period piece
After watching this series three times all the way through, I think it is one of the best period pieces I have ever scene. Zhao Lu Si makes me cry every time as her character struggles to hold onto her own values. Leo Wu is good at everything in this drama--action scenes, character depth, and ML romance scenes. The cinematography is so beautiful and well done that it is worth rewatching just to catch new views! The emperor is lovable, which is unusual for these dramas, and there is no inner palace drama between the Empress and the favorite consort. Both are extremely likeable, and that is also refreshing for a period piece. The relationships between all the characters continually evolve throughout the series in a way that leaves none of them one dimensional. I found myself hating and then loving a character or vice versa. It is a touching tale that humanizes the plight of the royal, noble, and top military families in the nation. I highly recommend this series.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Pleasant surprise
This drama was split into 2 seasons and while I couldn't quite understand it at the start why they would do that, it makes more sense now after I've completed it all.As other reviewers has pointed out, the first half mainly concentrates on the love/hate relationship between FL and her mother. The vibe of this season is more playful and less serious, but it doesn't overdo it on the comedic element. Which is a relief, as it would make the execution of the 2nd part more difficult to balance. As the series progresses, the series start to shine as the characters introduced since the beginning becomes well established.
I truly enjoyed how the king was portrayed. The fact that he is portrayed as a less serious king, who values relationships between himself and his subjects works well. While I do not exactly believe this would be that great for an actual ruler, it might be the reason why I liked it so much.
In this first half of the series, you slowly notice how the FL starts to grow from being a immature, petty young lady to a more serious character. Even when she starts to behave more proper on the outside, her immature side is still there. I generally enjoyed the pacing of her growth as it didn't feel too draggy, nor did they spend too much time showing it.
While it wasn't too heavily focused on (from my point of view), the growth of ML was also executed well. You might argue that his portrayal of the unmoving, staunch general was a bit too stiff, I think it worked well. When together with the FL they balanced each other.
I'll finish the rest of the review in part 2.
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Never drop a series/movie just by reading some reviews.
Sometimes reviews are misleading and not accurate. I read some reviews saying that it was not good and all, so I dropped out after the 1st episode. But I started watching again because of Leo Wu & Zhao Lu Si and believe me, I didn't regret it. I enjoyed watching it.It is a good story with mystery, drama, romance & also comedy.
I agree the series is slow in 1st few episodes but it gets better after episode 6. It took a while for leads to meet.
Ling Bu Yi is a cold-hearted character with a grayish character he has a reason to be. Cheng Shao Shang is a free-spirited personality, trouble maker, brave & most importantly, extremely smart. Loved the fighting scene of Ling Bu Yi. His 2 assistants, Liang Qiu Qi & Liang Qiu Fei are hilarious especially Liang Qiu Fei, he is a tubelight late to understanding everything. His expression when he sees his master falling in love with Cheng Shao Shang. The scene between Luo Yao & Cheng Shao Shang 's father about their marriage was funny ?? Also, the scenes between Qi Qi & Cheng Song whenever anyone talked about Qi Qi husband and Cheng Song wishes to be noticed but get ignored ?? Their proposal scene was sweet.
Love Emperor Wen, he is not like other Emperors in other series. His love Ling Bu Yi is admirable. He cares for Ling Bu Yi more than his children. And surprisingly, princes aren't jealous nor angry about it. It was funny to see him kicking Ling Bu Yi & him getting up again & again. He isa great shipper of Ling Bu Yi & Cheng Shao Shang.
The Empress & Consort relationship is beautiful. They're like a sister to each other, always supportive. Not like other series where one of them always becomes a villain. I loved Empress love for Cheng Shao Shang . He is the mother Cheng Shao Shang never had. She has all her love & wisdom for Cheng Shao Shang . Love the scene where Cheng Shao Shang falls asleep in the Empress's lap. Their relationship is pure. Teach her how to love and care for others. It's sad to see the death. Consort is the total opposite of the Empress. She is sassy, doesn't hold back, straightforward. Keep the Emperor on his toes.
Beautiful scenes between Ling Bu Yi & Cheng Shao Shang. Cheng Shao Shang hugging Ling Bu Yi after getting bullied. Learning self-defense scenes is my favorite. Cheng Shao Shang carried for Ling Bu Yi after getting injured. The way she ran & confessed her love to him while him being punished. The way Cheng Shao Shang was offended when Cui You said it's chicken wings.
Ling Bu Yi loves to eat while torturing someone. The way they were all enjoying a tea party & punishing the bully's father. Also having a feast after torturing General Peng. The way he was concerned about Liang Qiu Qi & Liang Qiu Fei , checking them if they got hurt.
Cheng Shao Shang's mother was so cold towards her at first. She should have been understanding, caring & loving after seeing her 15 years later. She would have educated Cheng Shao Shang in many other ways but used violence, which made their relationship bad. I hated the way she always compared between Yang Yang & Cheng Shao Shang . Always favoring & loving Yang Yang & forgetting about Cheng Shao Shang. I know Yang Yang parents aren't there for her, but Cheng Shao Shang never got any motherly love. Instead of showing motherly love equally, she totally ignored Cheng Shao Shang which was heart breaking. Like Yang Yang, she wasn't jealous or angry. They threw her mother out of the house. Usually the cousin always turns villain. Love Cheng Shao Shang third uncle & aunt. Their love her a lot & wished that she was their daughter.
The male lead scenes were every little in part 1 but in part 2 he has more scenes.
If you are thinking of watching this series on YouTube, then don't. There was no song in it & many scenes were muted, which was irritating. It's better to watch it on available apps.
I totally loved this series.
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My favorite drama… hands down
Oh my goodness, I cannot stop raving about this drama I just watched! I stumbled upon it by chance, and it was a game-changer for me. I'm now a die-hard fan of Rosy Zhao and can't get enough of her. This is unusual because I do not usually obsess over celebrities. But trust me, she deserves all the hype she's getting!The drama was a perfect blend of love and plot, and despite watching countless shows, I was utterly hooked from the very first episode. I usually find that dramas start slow and it takes forever for anything exciting to happen, but not this one! It had me on the edge of my seat to the end. The love story was beautifully crafted and the relationships between the characters were fascinating to watch. I have too many favorite episodes to list, but let me just say that each one was a masterpiece in its own right.
The actors were all outstanding, but I must give a special shoutout to Li Yun, Rui played by Leo Wu. His character's struggle to resist falling in love with the female lead was so well portrayed, and the chemistry between the two was electric. And can we talk about the emperor Bao Jian Feng? What a great performance by Zheng Li! I was also impressed by the supporting cast, particularly the two brothers who were shadows of Leo Wu's character.
Now, I do have a few minor complaints. There were times when I wished there were more close-ups of Leo Wu's facial expressions, especially during some of the more emotional scenes. There were also some inconsistencies in the story, like when they said the female lead's parents left for 10 years instead of 15, or how she learned all about construction. The lack of synchronization in the flute parts played by Rosy Zhao was extremely distracting, despite my genuine appreciation for the music. But these are just nitpicks, really.
The last two episodes were a bit of a letdown for me. I was hoping for a grand finale, but it was just okay. However, this doesn't take away from the fact that this is hands down my favorite drama of all time! I can't even count how many times I've rewatched it. If you haven't seen it yet, you're missing out on one of the best shows out there!
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One of the best drama ever!!!
Each episode I watched so far made me long for the next one. Both the female and male lead are amazing. The supporting roles actors and actresses are fantastic. It has a great storyline. I recommend that you watch this drama. The subtitles are not available right away, however it doesn't stop me from watching this drama. I love seeing their expressions; must watch drama. Looking forward to see the upcoming episodes.Zhao Lusi is a great actress. She is young, however very talented. She immersed herself in her work, she portrays the character well. I noticed how amazibg she is in her last drama, Who rules the world.
First time watching the male lead, and right away i knew he fits to be the general. His acting is great, his voice, demeanor and overall character just match what you would expect a warrior would be.
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GROSSLY OVERRATED
I sat begrudgingly through all of the 56 episodes with my finger on the fast-forward button for the last 30 to cut out a lot of the fluff. I held on till the very end, hoping it would get better at some point. It never came. I love the FL and watched mainly because of her acting in other dramas, but this was a miss for me. I wish I would have stopped watching when I first suspected this wouldn't be the drama for me, but I held on due to the misleading 8.9 rating I saw here. Did we watch the same thing? I would not recommend. Will not rewatch.Was this review helpful to you?
Very slow pace
I wanted to try this drama out because of how highly rated it is, but the plot does not interest me at all. The drama is very slow pace. I have not seen much interaction at all between the leads and I'm already at episode 15... The family problems is very overwhelming and seems more like a political/family type of drama than romance. Watched up to so far and I do not see an intense climax as it is mostly just showing family problems which feels really back and forth. I do not feel any suspense or anything to grab onto that makes me curious of what will happen in the next episode. The acting is pretty good, but storyline is really dragged and gets boring.Was this review helpful to you?
The acting is on point!
Well first of I love the show because of the storyline and the plots. The Main Characters are great actors and give the audience amazing emotions and feelings. I also love the drama quality, vibe and background music it all just fits perfect. But the acting truly impressed me they bring the emotions on point so that the audience can feel it with in. I really recommend this especially because I'm a great fan of historical drama and this one is so far one of my favourite it's really great. If this drama ends I'll definitely will watch a season two if they make one!Was this review helpful to you?
It's awesome strong more over i like drama beautiful couple they both made for each other
Amazing drama i like it more overi like this drama couple
" Zhao Lusi" and " Leo Wu "
they both made for each others...
This story filled with interesting
Hidden ,Identity ,Historical,
Investigation, Mystery, Novel,
political, Revenge, Romance,
Slice of Life...
Too classy love it.........
Everyday waiting for this drama
Its beautiful story and even waiting to see they both together interacting each other more ......
.
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Zhao Lusi carries this show
Cdramas always have this problem whereby the ending is such a mess. That aside, Leo Wu and Zhao Lusi (and many other side characters) were very good in this one. I started watching this to fill the huge hole Alchemy of Souls Part 1 left in me (Mu Deok 😭😭😭) and Zhao Lusi's hilarious and lively Shaosheng and Leo Wu's taciturn and competent General Ling Zisheng (he has the most expressive eyes) left me a bit obsessed and I binged it in 3 days.Part 1 focuses on the troubled mother and daughter relationship between Shaosheng and her badass and tough mother. Part 2 focuses on court intrigue as Shaosheng settles into life in the palace.
As much as Shaosheng and Zisheng's storyline is romantic, sweet, heartbreaking, (frustrating), and poignant, equally as moving and precious to me is Shaosheng's relationships with the mother figures in her life, and the complex and quiet background triad of the Emperor, Consort Yue and Empress Xuan. Empress Xuan's love for Shaosheng and Shaosheng's joy in this newfound nurturing mother-mentor figure is so touching. Shaosheng blossoms in this relationship, learning to understand her complicated relationship with her own prickly and harsh mother a lot more. The complex triad of the Emperor, Empress Xuan and Consort Yue is as fascinating and subtle as any main romance. There is jealousy and resentment, but mainly there is camaraderie, companionship, and love. (Also I love Consort Yue).
I enjoy complex character dramas and I liked that most characters are finely drawn, with complexity and nuance. Shaosheng is her own worst enemy in relationships and constantly acts out; Ling Zisheng is not much better and compartmentalizes the different parts of his personality. Both live under the long-reaching arm of childhood trauma. Somehow two damaged people come together to form a healthy (codependent?) love lol.
Poor scriptwriting is still obvious (and becomes more obvious the closer we get to the finale lol) and characters started acting stupid and the plot starts to flipflop between ridiculous exaggeration or melodrama lol.
Anyway, this was not bad and I'm quite sold on Leo Wu's performance (was kinda meh about his character in The Long Ballad). Zhao Lusi continues to bring that special liveliness to her roles.
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what it means to love and be loved
while watching part 1 I kept thinking how much it reminded me of the story of minglan. lo and behold I come to find the author of the novel this drama is based on is the same as that of the story of minglan. so so if you liked that, you'll like this and vice versa.that being said, this drama is a slice of life with a government plot line in a romance story. I say slice of life because its a really good view on what it meant to walk through life in the period the story takes place. as such it takes on a thicker overall tone compared to many other Chinese dramas.
this is only the first half of the drama, and it beautifully shows you these characters who - even if they aren't shown frequently - all clearly have a rich history in their life that have contributed to how they become as individuals. the overall theme is essentially love. both having it and the lack thereof; both giving it and withholding it.
the characters develope with every anecdote, every family crisis, and every national event and the changes are subtle but of have weight. what I appreciate is that even though the characters change and grow, they don't feel as though they have become different people - they are still very much themselves.
while our main character is "not like other girls" she is still clearly flawed. and no, not flawed because she's uneducated and basically illiterate. even with an education she would probably still be a trouble maker, as its clear she has a perfect blend of both her parents traits. it's a good contrast to minglan, who was docile and secretly a genius at scheming. niao niao is quite intelligent herself, but extremely outspoken and quite ill mannered.
yall just gotta watch this drama.
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This review may contain spoilers
Key episodes review...
Spoilers ahead!!!Episode 1-14: I hate Niaoniao's mother to the core. She hadn't raised her daughter but she always compares her to her cousin, distrustful of her, and resorts to iron discipline. I mean if you haven't raised your own kid, you will love and make up to her the best way possible. I am a mom of 4, 3 sons and my youngest is a daughter so I am crying for Niaoniao throughout her ordeal with her mother. Her mother always thinks she is right and that she sacrificed for the country without thinking the struggles her daughter went through for years in the hands of the people who hates her. She left her daughter because her in laws said so without fighting for it.
I love her brothers and father. They genuinely adore Niaoniao.
Episode 15: ML, 2nd ML and 3rd ML in one frame. Truth be told I am rooting for Mr. Yuan. The love(one-sided)-hate(mutual) relationship with him and FL is amusing. I adore Yao. He is a kid who admires a girl who is not ordinary. I love that he takes care of Niaoniao and do his best to be by her side. As of Ling Buyi, I am a fan of brooding and strong male lead but maybe because I am not a Wu Lei fan that I don't feel him. My bias is Li Yunrui in this drama. Yeah I watched Blossom before this.
Niaoniao liked the marriage proposal of Yao because he promised they will be equals and will work together in the future. Easier said than done since he is from a noble family. His family is a den of tigers with brutal women.
Third Aunt is my favorite from these episodes. She cares for Niaoniao and understands her which in a small way made up for Niaoniao's lack of motherly love.
Episode 17: Niaoniao finally met her in laws. Her mother, although I hate her did good with showing her the true face of what her marriage will look like in the future.
Episode 20: Shows that Niaoniao got her temper from her mother. They're like peas in a pod. If Niaoniao was raised by her mother, she would be like her mother and not carefree though. But they have the same fiery personality. Although her mother contains it. The last scene was brutal. I would do the same many times over if I am in lady He's shoes.
Episode 22: Yuan needs to change his strategy. He is a tsundere.
Episode 24: That was an intense marriage proposal. A big win to Ling Buyi. Yuan left behind again. Niaoniao's mother humiliating and degrading her in front of the royal family and nobles was harsh and below the belt. Although I understand where she was coming from, it was not necessary for her insults to go that far.
Episode 25: I am giving Ling Buyi 1000 points for defending his future wife. I love it!
Episode 29: The empress is my favorite character of all. Patient and kind. She is what Niaoniao needs. The Emperor is funny too in every scene from ep 1-29.
Episode 34: Another awesome episode. The royal family going to Niaoniao's residence to help her. I love the emperor, empress, and consort Yue. Consort Yue is as nice as the empress.
Episode 37: Shanjian's jealousy was sad. Seeing your love happy with another is heartbreaking. The fifth princess is arrogant but got what she deserves. I was wondering what will happen to her "aides" and was not shocked that they got the death penalty. I mean I was wondering why fifth princess act that way when she has advisors/aides so it's not surprising that they might be the reason why she acts that way.
Personally, I do not like the crown prince to be the emperor. He is weak bordering to cowardness. The third prince is more firm.
Episode 40: Shanjian's mother was perceptive. She knew his feelings for Shaoshang. His refusal to get married because of his parents was understandable. He hides his affection by bickering with her every time. I still root for him for FL.
Episode 41: The crown princess deserves her punishment. She is not fit to be a future empress. Her inferiority complex made her life miserable. She could have just cherished her marriage and improved it but she tormented crown prince former love that caused her and her children's abuse. Unacceptable.
Consort Yue is one tough woman. I like her. The Empress is a very kind and benevolent woman. I love her. The Emperor is funny as always. But out of all the cdramas I watched this was the nicest emperor.
Episode 42-43: Shanjian saving Shaoshang's family and assisting her is commendable. I just hope Shaoshang will treat him better. She always dismisses him.
Ling Buyi knows Shaoshang's thoughts and actions because he is observant of her. Proof of his love.
Episode 45: Wan Qiqi for the win! That was a heartwarming scene. So Shaoshang's twin brother Shaogong divination is accurate.
Episode 48-49: Putting your whole family's life on the line just for a man is dumb. I didn't like what Shaoshang did here. Ling Buyi isn't even worth it. Ling Buyi proposed marriage only to get revenge before the wedding. Double dumb. He just used Shaoshang as a cover in my eyes. I am in episode 49, almost done but I still can't like the ml. And they say Xie Wei from Story of Kunning Palace is red flag but Buyi or Wushang is crazier than him.
Episode 50: And now I am so right with my initial comment that third prince would be a better emperor than the crown prince. He is tough and decisive.
Episode 51: In my mind, Shaoshang called off her engagement with Buyi now Wushang and married Shanjian. -THE END- XD
Now Shaoshang's mother knows the pain of being abandoned and being set aside.
Episode 52: Now everyone is having a good life but Ling Buyi that bastard killed Shaoshang's light.
Episode 53: This was a heartbreaking episode. Empress Xuan was a wonderful woman who filled the mother role in Shaoshang's heart. Meanwhile Shaoshang's mother finally fully understood where Shaoshang felt when she was left for years. I still do not like Huo Buyi.
I've always expected Lady Luo to be a villain. Another fitting end to a villain.
Empress Heng is the toughest woman in this drama. She accepted Empress Xuan for the stabilization of their country. Not anyone can do that.
Episode 54: I cried of her mother and grandmother's regret and redemption. That was a nice scene with her mother.
Finale: My favorite scene was Niaoniao's whole family to the rescue.
Final thoughts:
-Still not a fan of Wu Lei. Chemistry is mid, at best for me. Maybe for others they have great chemistry but I watched a lot of Zhao Lusi drama and she only has in my opinion, great chemistry with her Hidden Love ml and Who Rules the World ml
-Lackluster ending. Too many episodes but where's the grand wedding?!?
-Rigid, almost robotic revenge-centric ML. Red flag all over. Everytime he saves FL, he has an agenda aside. He redeemed himself on the last few episodes but nah, still meh...
-Too many misunderstandings it became boring and repetitive
-I root for Shanjian throughout the drama
What I love about the drama:
-Empress Xuan becoming a foster mother to Shaoshang
-Empress Xuan and Empress Yue's peaceful co existence
-Shaoshang's family especially her brothers and father
-Shanjian
-Huo Buyi's bodyguards especially the talkative Fei
-The villains' fitting ends. That were so satisfying
-Series ending where Shaoshang's family saved her and the Guo villagers
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