Story of Kunning Palace

Watch it for the love of Zhang Linghe if nothing else

Let me first write why everyone should watch the drama: Zhang Linghe looks absolutely gorgeous as angsty angry ML.
I'm not a fan of Bai lu but she acted so well. Their relationship will forever be iconic.

The story was fast paced unlike most of c-dramas (I'm used to watching k-dramas so no offense here to c-drama lovers as I'm used to series ending around 16 episodes).

The bad parts: badly edited and directed. It gets confusing at times. wasted enough time on Consort Shu character which was not necessary.

All in all this drama is a treat and one of the best to come out in recent years. A must watch.

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Mixed Feelings

I'm at a loss to explain it but I want to express my opinion. the overall story of this drama is mixed, it can be either framed or trapped, and it has many twists and turns but a happy ending. because this drama based on a novel has a dark story. I don't think it's a wuxia(?) but a political conflict without any spirituality.
But I hope BL and ZLH can act together again in a wuxia/xianxia/xuanhuan drama, I love their chemistry.

and I'm here to express my frustration, I commented on this SOKP page they attacked me, then I better delete my comment. what's wrong with the fans of this SOKP drama attacking me so much? is it because this SOKP drama is overrated? this makes me afraid to comment again and the fans of this SOKP drama are so terrible.
It's different when I commented on Tiger and Crane page, no one attacked me.
even though my favorites are ZLH and BL but why are SOKP drama fans so horrible?
I hope SOKP drama fans don't become horrible.

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This was a slow start drama that really takes a while to build up (with annoying flashbacks every two scenes and internal monologues galore), but overall, it had interesting characters and a decent storyline. I had doubts about both the ML and FL at first, but I ended up liking both of them in the end. If you're like me and like morally grey characters, you'll probably also like the ML, who is, honestly, pretty unhinged (pls get this man a therapist).

The romance part was more of an aside for me, as I wasn't really buying it between the ML and FL. The side characters were constantly mentioning how the ML and FL acted differently towards the other and how they must love the other, that the whole thing just felt forced, as if they were trying to convince the audience of this fact rather than letting their actions speak for themselves.

I probably wouldn't ever rewatch this but this was an enjoyable drama. If you like palace politics, you'll probably like this as well! Nice OST, good acting, and satisfying ending.

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Overcoming the Past is An Uphill Battle

The cast did a great job with this show. The first few arcs learning about each character was great and enjoyable but towards the end though the final arc had some pacing issues. Some people said they were bored with the beginning arc but imo it gave us much needed character development and world building. I wish this show had at least 5 to 10 more episodes because the developments were rushed especially for the main couple.

Our FL was in constant inner turmoil for her past life actions for good reason but I also pitied her for it because for the longest time she punished herself for it. Even when she has fixed all her past life wrongdoings she always blamed herself for it even for the stuff she had no control over. For the ML the past was just as traumatic if not more. He was forced to mature too quickly and survive through any means. It caused misunderstandings between the two of them which took a while. they both needed a lot of healing and made love a bit twisted and difficult for them two.

I know a lot of people will probably hate the ML because the other two supporting leads were such green flags. Still if you think about everything they've gone through it just shows how they are the best fit for each other as their connection and love runs the deepest. ( It also helps watching the mini episode of their wedding because they were so darn cute.) Keep an open mind when watching this drama and looking forward to watching more of these actors.

Warning: kinda red flag ML but honestly my biggest complaint is the lighting and filters at some points lol
Faves: The ost of this show and the whole cast main leads and supporting cast did a great job

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This Deserved More Honestly

This is a very well written story with intriguing plot, interesting character depth and quite soulful acting from the main leads along with sizzling chemistry that fleshes out the romance and brings it out. However, as it did not follow the novel properly and wasted time on unnecessary arcs and characters, it kinda feels unsatisfactory as a novel character. The intricacies between the characters, the development of romance between the leads felt quite short and not fully fleshed. It feels like the director did not understand which part to edit, or which plot arc to give more attention to but just rolled with it which is very apparent in regards to the romance between the main leads. For example, in the novel after You fang yin is killed Jiang xuening was devastated and it was Xie wei who brings her out of her shell. when Xie wei was injured, jiang xue ning would place flowers on the windowsill of his room to show her care etc. Bai lu and zhang ling he had such excellent chemistry and it was mostly wasted and the vision unrealized. Even in regards to Zhang zhe, they just explored surface level tension and nothing more.
The acting of the main and supporting characters carried the whole drama and honestly this needed more consideration and definitely more budget.

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Review by someone who loves morally grey leads

⭐️ Overall: 8–8.5/10

Story arc & pacing:
The drama takes its time in the first half—there’s definite dragging, and a tighter edit could have strengthened the momentum. Yet this slow burn lays necessary groundwork. Once the second half kicks in—especially around the Yan Lin rescue plot—the stakes elevate, flashbacks hit harder, and everything clicks together .

Character depth & acting:
Jiang Xue Ning and Xie Wei shine as morally grey leads, neither saints nor villains . Their dynamic shifts from wary confrontation to deep bond, fuelled by secret pasts and cunning strategy. Zhang Ling He captures Xie Wei’s trauma with raw intensity, and Bai Lu gives Ning the right balance of strength and vulnerability . Even side characters like Yan Lin, Zhang Zhe, and Princess Le Yang are well-rounded—rare in palace dramas .

Romance & chemistry:
This isn’t fluffy love—romance grows from desperation, guilt, possessiveness, and eventually loyalty. Their relationship feels earned. The love triangle is handled thoughtfully—it never feels clichéd .

Final act & conclusion:
The climax brings justice, redemption, and closure. Some viewers note a few conveniences in the final resolution, but most plot threads tie up satisfyingly .

⸻

👍 Positives
• Rich, multi-layered characters—leads and supporting cast alike.
• Acting is compelling, especially in darker emotional scenes.
• Slow pacing evolves into gripping intensity by mid-series.
• Romance is complex and grounded, not sugary or predictable.

👎 Negatives
• First half felt overly long and could’ve been tightened.
• A few plot resolutions near the end feel rushed or easy.
• Romance turnaround may have benefitted from a bit more buildup.

⸻

Verdict:
An atmospheric, character-driven palace drama with emotional weight and moral complexity. If you’re patient at the start, the second half delivers powerful payoff and memorable performances.

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Acting, storyline, development are all good story of the kunning palace is amazing!!

Ah! I really enjoyed watching the story of the kunning Palace. The story, acting, visuals were all magnificent! It is definitely one of the bests cdramas to come out this year. Moreover, the characters especially xie wei who was played by the actor Zhang Ling He, gave such a phenomenal performance. I was really impressed with how he protrayed Xie Wei as a man who has been thorough so much hardship thus devloping a cold and shrewd personality. He is someone that I am looking forward to seeing more of his works and how his acting can further progress. However, I would also like to mention that at some points during the drama i did feel like he over dramatised xie wei’s character a little bit which came as kind of scary? But nonetheless he put on a good performance! As for Bai Lu, I am pleased with how she presented ning’er as a character. I think she did a wondeful job in showcasing her fragile side and how strong and smart she is. I want to give an overwhelming praise to yan lin’s actor as his character development really warmed my heart with how the actor managed to show just how much of a silly but really sweet boy he was. (i fell so hard when he was fighting in last few episodes, he looked so badass 😭) and ofc the actor who played zhang he i love you such a handsome man but his acting was really flawless i really think he put on a good performance in showcasing how self righteous. zhang he’s character was. Furtheremore, I think the story for kunning palace was executed pretty well but towards the ends it felt a bit rushed like the pace was inconsistent, so that kind of took the ratings down. Additonally, i felt like towards the end the director could’ve made the character’s deaths more vile because truly makes no sense how them being killed of just like that was a “satisfactory” ending for the viewers. Anyways i really did enjoy this cdrama and heavily reccomend for anyone who wants to watch. :)

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ZHANG LINGHE ??

This drama really surprised me! The plot is full of twists and keeps you guessing, with just enough romance and suspense. The leads have amazing chemistry Zhang Linghe and Bai Lu are both so good in their roles. Zhang Linghe really stands out with his acting skills in this drama, delivering a strong and believable performance. However, his character has some red flag moments that add tension and complexity, making the story more interesting. Overall, his role adds depth and excitement to this palace drama. Visually, it’s stunning with gorgeous costumes and sets. If you love palace dramas, this one shouldn't be missed!

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A change of heart - absolutely engaging

One of the dramas I have dropped halfway of airing, for the reason that I got bored and actually forgot about it. But then, it made me realize, "Dang, Bai Lu never miss out good dramas, why am I dropping this?" So, I gave it a chance, rewatched it from the beginning and not a single second wasted my time.

Imagine driving a car just to go to a restaurant that's only 1km away from you when you could've just walked. Not only did you waste your gas, added air pollution, but also have to take the effort now of reverse parking your vehicle going home. That's basically what Xue Ning did to her previous life as an empress, she did the quick way of grabbing the throne that negatively affected the people around her, and now she's trying to get back to the good points of her life exerting more effort when she could've done it right on the first try. Then, she realized, I could've just done it way easier? I could've just cooked at home, or I could've just ordered take-out. This is one of the best things I love about this drama, a change of heart after uncovering a deep realization of mistakes - and it made Xue Ning's character a jade.

I love how majority of the times, SoKP showed cruelty towards Ning'er, especially because of the people surrounding her like her mother. It's like a payback from the cruelty she did to other people before while taking chance of the throne. But she did not take it by heart negatively, rather accepted the fact that it was a karma from her past doings. It built the angst towards the viewers, but by the end, they showed acceptance, especially with Xue Ning's mother's confession before she travelled away.

The only downside about it is the pacing of romance. To be honest, Ning'er and Xie Wei did not have much chemistry at the start since all I can see is Ning'er being afraid by Xie Wei's dominance, but that is played on purpose and is perfect for the story build up. However, as soon as Zheng Zhe appeared, I rooted more for them than I do for Xie Wei. It just feels like they have more connection than what Ning'er and Xie Wei have. And the romance pace did not show much until the last 10 episodes of the drama, which is very lacking for me.

CHARACTER ANALYSIS:
(I will only include the ones who emotionally impacted me most)

1. Ning'er/Jiang Xue Ning - her character during the first few episodes of the drama shows how little her temperament is and cunning she can be. As a queen, she was ruthless when climbing the ladder, not minding how many stones she trampled just to reach the peak. However, in just a few episode, she was already shown as a round and dynamic character, and change was very much evident. From a selfish person into someone who built their empathy for the people around her. Ning'er has a great character building, from the beginning until the end, showed how someone can adaptably change their life after encountering the burden of guilt. In fact, she was pretty strong and dedicated to actually manage to change her fate and loved ones despite them not knowing what happened before she went back to the past, and I believe that itself shows how much selfless she actually is. It did not only stop there, as she used to be not caring other people's emotions as long as she gains something in the end, but by the time she changed, she even did her best just to help Shen Zhi Yi, which really shows how attached she became regarding their friendship. It takes a brave person to fix their mistakes, but Ning'er was courageous enough to even swallow the risks.

2. Xie Wei - starting off, he was viewed as someone who do not care about other people unless it gives him value, and he is that good of a pretender. Xie Wei is the type of person who always manage to hide the softness inside him through his cold appearance and demeanor. "Water is fluid, soft, and yielding. But water will wear away rock, which is rigid and cannot yield." - Lao Tzu. And I see Xie Wei playing a role of the rock here, as Ning'er softens him that slowly showed the side how he does care about people. Xie Wei is definitely the 'red flag' type of guy who is willing to burn the world for Ning'er, and it is honestly one of the things I love about him. After all, in a drama full of good guys, we still do want some bad for us, don't we?

3. Zhang Zhe - his character emotionally captivated me. He is too strong of a character that no wonder he only appeared halfway of the show. In fact, I rooted for him first before I did to Xie Wei. I don't blame Ning'er to actually see the different in him, as Zhang Zhe's characteristic is the type that every woman would want to live for - he has a heart of a servant. He loved Ning'er but not selfish enough to take the risk of it, and I don't think anything is wrong with that. Even after devoting himself for the goodness of people, which took something of value from him, he was emotionally well-checked enough to not blame his anger unto others.

4. Xue Shu - the first time knowing her character, it immediately reminded me of the old Ning'er, and made me question, "was this how cruel Ning'er actually used to be?" She is too selfish and cruel to actually push the people who messes with her off the cliff. However, if I put myself in her situation, I would not want to be married with a someone that would possibly harm me when war comes either. And I think as what she did at that time of desperation, I would very much do the same to save myself despite being called 'shameless.' In fact, I would rather be called shameless than lying dead on the ground. The only wrong thing about her was that she takes too much advantage with her position, that even her own action has betrayed her at the end. I see Xue Shu as a misunderstood villain, with the exceptions of the bad deeds she has done to achieve the higher position, but if she was given another chance like Ning'er, I can actually see her do much better. Xue Shu is basically the old Ning'er.

5. Xue Hui - I honestly felt Xue Ning's anger towards her at the beginning. Xue Hui didn't show much remorse towards the death of her original birth mother, despite receiving letters from her. However, same as Xie Wei, she was a great pretender, and actually just hid her feelings. I have a love-hate relationship towards her character, as Ning'er mentioned that she was not the biological daughter, but her getting all the good things in the family is kind of unfair for Ning'er. I expected her to atleast console or defend Ning'er at some point, but she never did. Along the way, it was Ning'er who tried patching their relationship, and not the other way around. But then, Xue Hui actually do plan for Ning'er to just stomp on her as a way of atleast Ning'er to have a 'payback' for all the missing experiences - and I think that's kind of selfish of Xue Hui still. Even though, the intention was good, the effect is clearly not good for Ning'er, and I thought Xue Hui is smart enough to actually think of that, but she is not. If she wanted for Ning'er to have a payback for all the missing experiences, she would've atleast defended her whenever her mother looks down on Ning'er, or atleast try approaching Ning'er first to atleast fix their broken relationship. But at the end, it was Ning'er who tried to put effort on it, which I think is kind of unfair. Xue Hui is told to be smart as the first daughter, but it shows the opposite. She knew the old Ning'er is selfish, yet she just let her take the empress role, knowing that being selfish enough to attain the throne will be the cause of her losing her life in the end.

ACTING ANALYSIS:
1. Bai Lu as Ning'er - No one could ever play the same character with the same impact as Bai Lu did to Ning'er. She basically embraced the character as her own, showing her pure emotions as if she really was the one in situation, especially at the part when she tried to save Zhi Yi. I don't understand how she gets too much criticism for bad acting, 'cause this show is clearly turning the tables for that. Her chemistry with Zhang Ling He was also top notch, but I think it was way better with Xing Yue. Whenever they are together, honestly makes me root for them more.

2. Zhang Ling He as Xie Wei - His glares and angry face is the best ones i've seen among all the chinese actors i've seen so far. He honestly does make me scared of him, whenever he is on screen and makes me feel like the character is already too cruel without even him saying anything yet. I could feel the desperation of keeping Ning'er from his acting (especially the kissing scenes), and I don't think no one can top his solemn facial expressions.

3. Xing Yue as Zhang Zhe- I have already seen multiple of his dramas, and how I wish that he could've used this drama as his stepping stone for actually improving. I think he is playing too safe of giving that same "bored out" expression again and again. However, he did pretty good when the mother scene happened, I seriously did cry watching it, and I thought "I didn't know he can act like this?" which I don't think he does to his other lines. He is definitely above average, but he can do better.


Overall, if you do not mind a very slow-paced romance with lots of political influence, this drama is suitable for you. Story-wise, it has a good build-up, but romantically, it's very slow for me. In terms of acting, you could never ask for more, as they exerted it very well on this one - no disappointment, especially for Bai Lu. Character-wise, if you are into smart female lead who are emotionally mature, this is one of the good dramas you can watch. As per the male counterpart, it's a struggle for me as I have deep love with Zhang Zhe than I do with Xie Wei. Just a head up though, there's not much of martial arts in this drama, but there will be lots of political strategies involved.

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Some battles are won with swords. Others with slow-burn side-eye.

When one of my two favorite Chinese actresses, Bai Lu, stars in a historical drama, you bet I’m going to watch it. Throw Zhang Ling He into the mix, and I almost would have given it a 10, but I didn’t. Not to say, this wasn’t an amazing drama, because it is, but it left me wanting more.  

Let me start with where this drama excels.  

The story. The story of Kunning Palace is full of wonders and intricacy that I am kept on my toes with all the political intrigues and calculated machinations by people in Xue Ning’s second life, with the most impressive moves made by her, and of course our main lead Xie Wei. As separate characters, they are formidable in their own right, but together, they are unstoppable. The way they side-step attempts on their life and thwart their potential ruination were exciting to watch. 

The arcs. Several fully developed mini-arcs comprise this drama, each contributing to the overall plot. The writer seamlessly intertwined them, and none served as a filler.  

The music. Appropriately themed and timed, that I feel the swell of excitement when called for, and the sense of dread when prompted. They carefully chose the sombre melodies that became a backdrop of unrequited love. 

The production. The crew excelled in cinematography, and their attention to detail in costume design creates a world that transports us from the present to the past.

The cast. As expected of Bai Lu, she portrays the role of Xue Ning convincingly. Her wit and charm exude on the screen. Zhang Ling He is not one to slack off either. He proved his status as a top actor by nailing his portrayal of the mysterious figure that is Xie Wei. This is the fifth time that I’ve seen both, each time I am impressed with their acting. But who surprised me the most is Wang Xing Yue. This is the second time I’ve seen him, but his performance here grew leaps and bounds compared to when I first saw him in One and Only. Zhou Jun Wei is another one who held his own when cast in a sea of experienced actors. I’ve always seen him support roles and here, he proved himself to be a worthy contender of the Female Lead’s love.  

Where I think this drama is lacking.  

The romance. I’m not entirely sure whether it’s the lack of chemistry between Zhang Ling He and Bai Lu that allowed Zhang Zhe to sweep in the middle. Or maybe it’s the way the characters were written, or how the drama (or camera) focused on Zhang Zhe’s character, that I feel there’s more of a connection between Bai Lu and Wang Xing Yue. The longing looks that they shoot each other for the most of the drama almost erased Zhang Ling He’s existence. When Yan Lin thought his rival was Xie Wei, I think it was Zhang Zhe that he should be wary of. Granted, if Xue Ning’s second life didn’t occur, she might have ended up with Zhang Zhe. But it’s highly unlikely because we know that the upright person who he was, First-life Zhang Zhe would not have fallen in love with First-life Xue Ning.  

Speaking past lives, I’m not happy that the drama interjected a modern re-write of the novel as a segue between the first and second lives. I know some people have attributed this to censorship, but there are other dramas that have done this better.  

Aside from these points, I almost loved this near-perfect drama, with its powerful cast and engaging plot. This sweeping saga of second chances and second loves explores the question of whether fate can be changed with strong will, or if it remains the same destiny regardless of attempts to reverse it.

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