Scent of Time

Worth watching!

No drag scenes. Sad/painful moments in the drama can make you cry too and heartbroken. Especially in her dreams,it felt so real. I just love that in her dream, she didn't become a damsel in distress though she dont know martial arts and no other important skills (like best in making poison ,medicine or business*she owns shops but not the one who actually manages it*). In other dramas,i hate it when FL was not given any skills coz they become damsel in distress. But not Qian. I never skip any scenes. The only thing that this drama can't be 10 (for me) is because i need more of it. Surely i am happy that Ziwu's smile at the end means he's happy Qian already woke up from her dreams and she called his name. I JUST WANTED A FEW MORE SCENES LIKE THEM BEING A HAPPY COUPLE.

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Dream to escape reality

Very interesting drama of redemption. Making up for mistakes you made. I have to watch Hua Qian's eloquent dialogues is what I like the most about. I really admire Zhou Ye's acting prowess. I saw her at Love Me Love My Voice, totally different kind of romance from this - the reason I watched Scent of Time. I wanted to see more of Zhou Ye.
After episode one I knew, I would want to continue watching more episodes. I thought I will see some kissing scenes but none. That did not stop me though. Even without it, I was very interested on what she will do and say next. All the supporting cast including the main leads acted very well. I really like the ending that's for sure unexpected, she created Rong Zhou in her dream because of the trauma she experienced in real life. He symbolized her safety someone she can rely on for help, protector savior, worth living for. Rong Zhou played a very important part in making her wake up from her dream and return to Xi Wu whom she really had feelings for.

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IAM BEING CHEATED BY WISHFULNESS

When I got to the end of series, I felt like I am being cheated by Hua Qian. At first I thought 'Scent of Time' is another drama version 'Story of Kunning Palace', a story of reborn woman whose redeeming her mistakes to her new life but there's a twist that makes it different from other. The tragic love between 4 individuals Zhong Xi Wei, Hua Qian, Zhong Ye Lan & Mu Yao. Beginning episode Hua Qian was being hunted by soldiers and witnessing the dead of her mother and brother. She's collapse and wake up in different reality on the time marrying Zhong Ye Lan, the man she's fallen in love with since childhood. Hua Qian realize then that she's reborn and determine to redeem her mistakes from previous life so instead of being a jealous and hateful wife, she tries to reconnect her husband Zhong Ye Lan to his childhood love Mu Yao, she approves her to be concubine and demand divorce for herself. Hua Qian comes clean for all the wrong doing and determine to be a nice person to people around her. While Zhong Xi Wei is still in love even after her marriage to his brother, as the head of Zhong family he happily agrees to give divorce degree so he can pursue her as a single woman. As taboo as it sounds, a divorcee woman can't remarry the brother of ex-husband. He pursue her tirelessly...convince her that he'd be there if she would just trust him. Besides all the disputes between Hua & Mu family, fragrant big family business, death of love ones, hatred and misunderstanding, also appearance of faithful lowly guard Hua Rong Zhao (Zhang Yi Jie) as her sole console and protector in her position.

Hua Qian's desperation is the fruit of hope to start her miserable life all over again, admitting mistakes as a new person . Curiously this drama should be ended in ep 26 but no...continue to more lighter version to finally grand finale. I like Zhong Xi Wei (Wang Xing Yue) here although Xing Yue has been taking similar character in his other dramas (Zhang Zhe in Story of Kunning Palace & Liu Zixing in One and Only) the guy with irreconcilable love, in this drama though he's more stellar to fight for the woman he loves. Wu Shuo Mo (Li Yun Rui) is outstanding, better than his role the Last Immortal, he can take role both coarse or dignify (in LLtG) character as his next project. Hua Qian (Zhao Ye) though isn't too convincing in few of scenes (drunk scenes and traumatic life experience scene on last episode) her dimple is so pretty when she smiles. Sadly, none of them smile. I find this despondent love story is beautiful...we implore emotion in love, regret, hope, struggle, trust just to be forgiven.

What I like about this drama?
* Beautiful costumes in my favorite dynasty with little hair ornaments and bare make up
* All actors are collaborating nicely, great supporting actors, love the OST
* Unusual plots and twist in very creative story telling
* It's a beautiful tragic love stories with happy ending

Last episode Hua Qian says sober farewell to Hua Rong Zhao as she go back to consciousness after 26 months coma where she's been recreating her imaginative longing different life as the real life struck in bitter facts that she has to deal with. All 29 episodes are wishful aspiration from a woman who realize many flaws and errors she committed but there is a man who won't give up on her and love her no matter what. Whispering calling his name soft 'Zhong Xi Wei'.......he's so happy. That's love.

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Scent of Time - a truly apt title

Little hints are dropped throughout the drama and I am so happy to be surprised with the twist during the final episodes. Heartbreaking as it was, it felt so much more real in many senses and so very well grounded when compared to Story of Kunning Palace.

While this drama and SOKP both have a do-over storyline, I was more touched with this storyline and how it was told. Not overly dramatic and more relatable showing the FL as a real person - hair completely down and no make up when sleeping - something SOKP wasn’t good at as they seemed overly focused on giving us a FL and ML to drool over all the time.

The romance between the FL and the various men were very well portrayed and provided just enough angst to keep me watching to find out how the events would unfold.

Some minor things left hanging and I would have liked a longer happy ending but overall, I am surprised by how much more I liked this compared to SOKP. Once the twist is revealed, it’s best not to think too much as certain events doesn’t bear close scrutiny. Bittersweet ending…

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Refreshing and Unpredictable Chinese Drama Experience

I recently had the pleasure of watching this drama which has truly left a lasting impression on me. Unlike many others I've seen, this particular drama managed to captivate my attention from start to finish, offering a refreshing departure from the typical clichés and predictable storylines often found in the genre.

One of the standout aspects of this drama was the exceptional acting. The performances were top-notch, devoid of the exaggerated expressions and over-the-top bloodshed that sometimes plague Chinese dramas. Instead, the actors skillfully portrayed their characters with depth and nuance, drawing me into their world and making it easy to emotionally invest in their journeys.

What truly sets this drama apart is its ability to keep me guessing. Throughout the series, I found myself pleasantly surprised at every turn, unable to predict the outcome. This rarity in Chinese dramas allowed me to experience a sense of loss and emotional attachment that lingered long after completing the series.

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A thoughtfully crafted historical drama

Pros:
- You can tell the production team really put a lot of thought into making this drama. It's unlike other historical dramas; the concept feels fresh. The whole "travel back in time" thing makes more sense as the story progresses.
- They reveal the truth gradually, making everything click perfectly by the end.
- The characters are well-developed, especially the female lead. She's morally gray, which is understandable given her backstory. It makes the story feel more realistic. The chemistry between the characters is amazing. The emotions portrayed by the leads are palpable.
- I enjoyed it. Some might find it slow, but it's all about the build-up, and it pays off.

Cons:
- I don't know much about royal rules, but it seems off that private matters always need to be reported to higher authorities.
- Qian keeps talking about her "rebirth" and past life, but no one really reacts or questions her, except her maid. It's bizarre how this becomes normal, and no one questions a noble lady rambling in public.

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When Second Chances Are Not So Simple

When I went into this drama, I honestly thought I was getting a typical rebirth story, where the main character gets a second chance to relive her life and make better choices. That alone already had me intrigued. But Scent of Time turned out to be so much more than that.

I initially started this drama because I had recently discovered the female lead in one of 2025’s most popular C-dramas, The Female General, where she was absolutely fabulous. On top of that, seeing Wang Xing Yue, who I loved in The Double, as one of the leads made me even more excited to watch.

At its core, this drama is about redemption, but it is also about something much harder, accepting and living with the consequences of your actions. It does not shy away from the idea that not everything can be undone, even when you want a second chance. That theme really stayed with me.

I ended up binge-watching this drama because once I started, I genuinely could not stop. The story kept pulling me in, episode after episode. And the twist at the end? I was not expecting it at all, but I actually liked it. It made sense for the story they were telling and added an extra layer of meaning to everything that came before.

At the end of the day, Scent of Time is about consequences. Every choice you make matters. You cannot undo everything, but you can learn, grow, and take responsibility for your choices, and that alone carries meaning.

Scent of Time is thoughtful, emotional, and quietly powerful. It is the kind of drama that stays with you after you finish it, and I am really glad I gave it a chance.

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Timeless Journey Through Stark Reality

I just completed this series, as it kept popping up in threads as one to watch! I enjoyed it and agree with those who describe it as a breath of fresh air. This production is unlike others in that it takes all the necessary ingredients for a show or story and then tosses them into the air and everyone gets to discover where they all land. In my opinion the story line does falter a little mid series but it isn't enough to deter you from completing and then it is worth completing. I can see why some may dislike it as it isn't linear in its overall intent for the viewer. The story is about the lessons, not the ending. So much like other journeys in life, it isn't about the end result but everything gathered all along the way! Check it out, especially if you need a break from the same old story line and or one track plots. This plot isn't necessarily original but it is more original than many others and is unique in its execution.

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a powerful journey for redemption

I started this show on a complete whim not knowing anything about it but it ended up taking my breath away. I could not stop watching it and ended up binging it for two days with very little sleep. But each episode left me wanting to see what happened next and on more than one occasion it left me in a puddle of my own tears. Such a well thought out drama about transmigration/ going back in time. Every character worked in this drama since they are all developed and multifaceted. Their motives and moves all make sense as the plot plunges forward. The pacing kept me from being able to turn it off with never a dull moment.

The two leads did a fantastic job and I could feel the chemistry between them. What really sent these two over the top is their emotive acting in their eyes. The story is by far more about redemption for the main character and the love line takes a side seat as you watch Hua Qian make different choices to change her fate. You see her become a kind and generous woman while remaining strong and stubborn.

The first time I watched this I did not like the ending very much but on a rewatch I liked it a lot. I don't know if it is because I knew what would happen this time and was actually able to pick up more in the characters throughout the show or if having binged it previously into a late night that my tired mind wasn't as happy. Whatever it is I enjoyed the ending far more and even wish I had a special episode to view.

I will probably talk about this drama for a while for its mere impact it had on me emotionally. I love any drama that can bring out enough emotion in me to make me actually cry. Very well shot, produced, and acted. Two thumbs up. Just start watching it and I promise you wont be able to stop.

One note is on Mu Yua. I do not know if it was the actress or the way the character was written but she was the weakest performance. I never once understood how she could have been so well liked in the previous life nor did I feel any chemistry between her and YeLan.

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Scent of Time 10/10

Just finished watching this drama and I’m genuinely blown away. It’s already 2025, two years since this masterpiece aired, yet I only just watched it. Scent of Time isn’t the type of drama I usually go for, but here I am, about to drop my review after two days and 30 episodes later 🤣

While many might say the pacing was too slow, I’d like to disagree. This drama tackled strong themes like regret, trauma, and self-loathing. As expected, Zhou Ye portrayed Hua Qian beautifully. Hua Qian was originally introduced as a villain in the first few episodes, but after the downfall and eventual loss of her family and loved ones, she dies and is sent back in time. Unknown to her, this so-called second chance is nothing but a dream — an escape from her reality, not an opportunity to truly change the fate of her family.

Most of the episodes showing her “rebirth” focused on her determination to change her actions and those of her family, even though by that point, she and her father had already made the fatal mistake that destroyed them in her “past life.” Still, she never gave up. She fought to right her wrongs, even as the emotional weight of realizing some events in this new life differed from her past began to suffocate her. The relationships she rebuilt, the painful confrontations with her parents and older brother — all reflected the deepest regrets she carried.

One of my favorite aspects was the subtle foreshadowing of Zhong Xiwu as the true male lead. 😅 We can all agree he had less screen time than others. In fact, he appeared so little that he almost felt like a side character. That was heartbreaking for me, because he was the one I rooted for, not Hua Rongzhou. A part of me always knew HRZ wasn’t really the male lead, no matter how much the drama paired him with Hua Qian. Honestly, even Zhong Yelan, Hua Qian’s ex-husband, felt more like a main lead than HRZ.

The reveal at the end — that HRZ was merely someone Hua Qian conjured in her desperate attempt to not feel alone — was beautiful. She longed for one person to be truly sincere to her, regardless of everything else. Even though she had feelings for Zhong Xiwu, she clung to the belief that the one destined to stay by her side was Hua Rongzhou, though not even in a romantic sense. When she finally realized it was all just a dream and she still had to return to a reality without her family, status, friends, or loved ones, my heart broke for her. It’s devastating when the family you lost is still alive in that dream 😭.

And Zhong Xiwu… his silent love and unwavering dedication to her deserved more screen time. There should’ve been at least one more episode showing him by her side, helping her adjust to the reality she once left behind. Still, I think the drama tied everything together beautifully. Never in my life did I imagine loving a reverse-harem drama as much as I loved this one — and I’m glad the guy I rooted for was the one for her in the end.

After watching Legend of the Female General, I was desperate for another Zhou Ye drama and ended up picking this one, despite it having a trope I usually dislike 🤣. Honestly, I never thought I’d be able to watch her with anyone other than Xiao Jue (Cheng Lei) from Legend of the Female General 🤣, but Wang Xingyue delivered his role as Zhong Xiwu so well that I found myself on YouTube searching for clips of their chemistry. I still can’t believe how young he is — truly a super talented actor 👏🏽


Also, I just have to say how much I love Zhou Ye. I realized I might sound like a new fan since I mentioned her 2025 drama, Legend of the Female General, but I’ve actually been following her since 2023 when she starred alongside Neo Hou in Back From the Brink. That drama completely changed my view of her — even though I knew her from Word of Honor, I didn’t count that as my “first Zhou Ye drama” since she was only a side character and, honestly, I was too focused on the two male leads that year 😅. But after Back From the Brink, I truly became her fan and started watching more of her works, both dramas and movies.

Scent of Time actually came out the same year as Back From the Brink, but back then I couldn’t get over her insane chemistry with Neo Hou, so I wasn’t ready to see her with another male lead. Plus, I’ll admit I’m a bit childish when it comes to reverse-harem stories, I can’t handle it if my protagonist doesn’t end up with the person I’m rooting for 🤣🤣. Looking back though, I think 2025 was the perfect time for me to finally watch it. I’m more mature now, and I can appreciate it with a clearer, more critical lens. That being said… I still won’t be watching other reverse-harem dramas any time soon 🤣🤣.

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