Story of Kunning Palace

Best Drama in 2023!!

Definitely recommended to watch! Im my opinion , this is the best Chinese Wuxia drama in 2023. The story is about revenge and hoping to change the destiny. Unique story and well written script. Love that the FL lead is also smart and strong just like the ML. the ost, story, plot, and the cast are 100000000/10. Even though, there are not much romantic scenes, but i still love it and addicted to watch. Zhang Ling He and Bai Lu’s acting are incredible 🔥😍. Their chemistry is great, but sadly had to wait for so long till I get to watch their romantic scenes together. But that’s okay, I still enjoyed this drama so much.

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Formidable. Awesome. Thrilling

Judging by the high score of this drama (8.8), I knew this was probably going to be good. I did not expect this perfection.
Since the FL is Bai Lu, who is my favorite Chinese actress, her perfect acting was no surprise. What makes the acting score a 10/10 is that all other actors seem to attempt to outshine her and almost succeed! all of them are performing at the top of their ability. Amazing performances from ML Zhang LiHe, Wang XinHue (who's only 22) and Zhou JunWei (who looks a little like Xiao Zhan). Every character is well thought out and given an actual story.
I don't know how the writer(s) did it, but the story is completely solid, despite the intricate intrigue, different interests, tribes, servants, aliasses etcetera. Extremely well done without any obvious plot holes.
Despite this being a romance, it's a very slow burn. First kiss happens when you've all but given up hope it will ever happen. These two people are both flawed, broken and battered and recognize this in each other early on. But it only leads to love later and to romance even later than that. That does not mean we as viewers are left without fluttering hearts. O. No. Sir. The chemistry is fantastic. Not just the one between the leads, but also between FL and her other suitors, so we are left guessing who will "get the girl"for a long time. ML is a formidable man. Very serious, very domineering, very smart, very charismatic. He's a lot. FL is a great match for him with her feistyness and defiance and at least as smart. Also smart is the fact that in this drama, the story is leading, not the romance. We feel it's there, but it does not overpower the strength of the drama, it just adds to it..
I was unable to look away from this for 38.5 eps. long. Totally epic, best c-drama ever.

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A MUST WATCH!

This drama is such a rollercoaster of emotions. You will cry, and you will smile, there is so much angst, and politics but also a smart villainess Female Lead, scholarly, overly intelligent ML, and a super 2-second male lead. Yes, we have 2 SMLs and the chemistry of the FL with two of them was amazing and you will cry for the other two. But our ML deserved her truly after what he had gone through, she is like a light in his dark life. A true definition of how love brightens one's life.
Talking about the story, was very distinctive from what I had expected. The FL was indeed a villainess in her first life and made some major mistakes that caused her to die. The rebirth allowed her to follow a different path, at first she tried to avoid the situation altogether. But when she realized she could not avoid it, she decided to change it but when she realized that she couldn't change it either, she became active in preventing the worse situation. Though things were happening according to the past, they still changed because of the subtle changes, especially in the characters because of her change and intervention.
It WAS A HAPPY ENDING! Though it looked like a sad ending drama throughout the show, it was a happy ending. This drama is worth watching because of the ending, after so much angst, politics, and mind games we got a happy and satisfying ending. The chemistry in the drama is mindblowing, the main leads, supporting cast, everyone did a great job in portraying emotions and playing their part. I loved Yan Lin and the Princess, their roles had drastic changes and showed so much growth and development. I don't watch many Chinese historical dramas but after Love Like the Galaxy, this became my favorite one. Can I watch this again? Maybe No! Because it was so intense and I don't think I can handle it again but I will watch their happy moments later, so yeah! Their happy moments can be seen again and the osts are just so beautiful that it would make you cry.

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One of the Best Chinese Dramas 2023

I really like the drama. Really deserves to be one of my favorite dramas this year!

It's slow going at first, but I advise you to be patient and pay close attention to the storyline. The more you watch, the more addictive you will become.

Even though there are flaws in the editing, I like the action scenes in this drama. The prison scenes at episode 20 and at the Shangqing Temple just amazing.

The chemistry between Bai Lu and Zhang Linghe is also great. Their acting is perfect and makes this drama even more worth watching.

I also love all the OST. Just amazing
Solid 10/10

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"Story of Kunning Palace A Drama Worth Every Second!"

WHY TO WATCH THIS DRAMA?--If I can write this much , its definitely a worth watching , you can read my review but it has spoilers .
.I WANTED TO WRITE BEST REVIEW ON THIS DRAMA COZ I LIKED IT SO MUCH , HOPE YOU GUYS CAN HELP IN THIS MATTER????

Okay, let's spill some tea about "Story of Kunning Palace." This series? It's like an addictive drug; you start with one episode, and before you know it, you're in deep, binge-watching until the sun comes up, and you're still craving more. Seriously, this drama takes you on a wild ride—imagine a rollercoaster of emotions mixed with an entire squad of main characters whose acting skills are like top-notch gourmet meals. And yeah, even the side characters? They bring their A-game too.

So, there were rumors flying around about Bailu and Zhang Linghe dating, which, honestly, had us all hyped. But whether or not they're a thing, their on-screen vibes? Straight-up fire! The chemistry between them? Chef's kiss It's like they're meant to be together on that screen.
STORYLINE/PLOT
Now, let's talk about episode one. Hold up, it hits you like a plot tsunami! Jiang Xue Ning, our lead, starts off as this ambitious queen-to-be who's playing a crazy game, messing with friendships, family, and love just to snag that Empress throne. And then bam! She takes herself out at the end of the episode, leaving us hanging like, "Wait, what?!"
But plot twist alert! It turns out it's all part of this novel set in the modern world. So yeah, we're relieved 'cause we knew that couldn't be the end. Next, Xue Ning gets a redo, time-traveling back to square one in the capital. Classic, right? But here's the kicker: this girl is on a whole mission to right her past wrongs. And trust me, it's not your average rebirth drama. Xue Ning's out here, trying to fix things she messed up in her past life, making it a real tear-jerker.

That line, "BUT IN THE FATHOMABLE
THERE'S ALWAYS AN INVISIBLE HAND THAT PUTS EVERYTHING BACK TO ITS ORIGINAL PLACE", hits different, am I right?

Then there's Xie Wei, the ultimate complex dude. He's like a walking drama of his own—cunning, dangerous, manipulative. And guess what? Our girl Xue Ning is scared of him. Like, big time! The tension between them is thick enough to cut with a butter knife. We're talking fights, schemes, and zero trust. You're there thinking, "How on earth are these two gonna fall in love?"
==============CHEMISTRY BETWEEN XIE WEI AND JIANG XUENING==========================
The chemistry between Xie Wei and Jiang Xue Ning in "Story of Kunning Palace"? Girl, let me tell you, it's a rollercoaster ride wrapped in a tornado of emotions! These two? They're like magnets, constantly drawn together despite being on opposite sides of the game.
Picture this: they start off as these fierce rivals, scheming against each other with all the intensity of a high-stakes poker match. There's this tension crackling in the air between them, and it's so thick you could cut it with a knife. Xie Wei? He's the definition of complicated—cunning, dangerous, with layers so deep you'll need a shovel to uncover them all.
But here's where it gets wild. As the story unfolds, these two find themselves teaming up against the baddies. Yep, the classic "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" situation. And guess what? Sparks start flying! Their bond begins to grow stronger as they navigate the chaos together, fighting the same battles and facing the same dangers.
Now, here's the kicker: while us viewers are shipping them like FedEx, these two are clueless! I mean, seriously, they're both doing the whole "I'm-not-in-love-with-you" dance while we're all shouting at the screen, "Just kiss already!" It's like watching a romantic comedy where everyone can see the love story except the main characters.
Jiang Xue Ning's got legit reasons for keeping her guard up around Xie Wei. I mean, she's been through some rough stuff because of him in her past life. Imagine dying because of someone—yeah, that's bound to make you a little cautious, right? Her fear of him is understandable, but man, the tension between fear and some underlying feelings? It's a whole emotional rollercoaster.
So yeah, their chemistry? It's not just about stolen glances or sizzling tension. It's about growth, trust-building, and the slow burn of emotions simmering beneath the surface. These two might not realize it yet, but their love story? It's written in the stars, and we're just here waiting for that "aha!" moment when they finally figure it out.
In a nutshell, their love story isn't your typical fairytale. It's messy, it's complicated, and it's real. And watching these two navigate their feelings? It's like witnessing a fireworks show—you know it's going to explode, but you're eagerly waiting for that moment when everything just lights up.
Yeah, "Story of Kunning Palace" isn't just about palace politics and power plays. It's about a love story brewing amidst chaos, fear, and redemption, and let me tell you, it's one epic tale.

============CHEMISTRY BETWEEN YAN LIN AND JIANG XUENING=========

Jiang Xuening and Yan Lin? They've got that childhood buddies-turned-potential-sweethearts vibe. From day one, Yan Lin's been all heart eyes for her, but she's got him locked in the friend zone.
Remember that line? "I WILL MARRY THE ONE I SPOILED😂😂😂"?
Smooth move, bro! Yan Lin's got some serious romantic game, but Jiang Xuening's just not catching those feels. I mean, in her past life, she kinda used him, and that's some baggage hard to shake.
Thing is, Yan Lin's journey from carefree dude to Mr. Responsible is legit. He's out there, fighting bad guys like he's in an action movie, all while looking dashing AF. But here's the twist—he's not just added for the fight scenes. He's got a whole character glow-up going on!Jiang Xuening? She's got his back, no doubt. Risking it all to protect him in this life, showing she's a real one. And boy, does he wait for her to finally get those heart eyes in return. But dang, that friend zone's like a fortress!
Their chemistry? It's like a slow-burning candle—steady, warm, but waiting for that spark. And Yan Lin? He's not just a pretty face; he's leveling up from brooding to bro who's got it together. But hey, Jiang Xuening? You gotta stop leaving him in the friend zone, girl! 🔥👫✨.
This drama breaks the mold, especially with its male lead, Xie Wei. He's not your typical sword-swinging hero—nah, he's all about the brains, zero brawn vibe. But that's what makes him real. He's a mastermind without a clue about wielding a sword, giving us a refreshingly imperfect yet realistic character. Big shoutout to Zhang Linghe for bringing Xie Wei's complex emotions to life. His acting? Next level! 🔥👏.
============CHEMISTRY BETWEEN ZHANG ZHE AND JIANG XUENING=========
Yo, the love rollercoaster in those 20 episodes? It was all about Zhang Zhe and Jiang Xuening heating things up, making Xie Wei low-key jelly(jealous). But hold up, it was a tricky web with Xuening scared of Xie Wei while catching feels for Zhang Zhe. It had us all like, "When's the romance gonna kick in?" Drama, tension, and romance—talk about a wild ride! 🎢💕.
[EVIL CHARACTERS]
Yo, peep this drama's villains—no shortage of 'em! "Story of Kunning Palace" ain't about just one baddie; it's a whole squad of chaos creators. Xue Shu takes the cake for being the queen of despicable, stirring up drama left and right, while her pops adds to the mess in the court. That Xue fam? Straight-up bad news.
[PRINCESS]
But hold up, we've got more! The princess? She's out here, protecting our girl Ning'er, and things get intense when she ties the knot in enemy territory. And let's talk Liu Xie Ning—first costume gig and she's slaying it! This role? Made for her. Bet she's gonna crush it in future dramas 'cause, let's be real, she's stunning.
[SUPPORT CHARACTERS]
And check this—after watching this show, you won't be forgetting the side characters' names anytime soon. Xue Ding Fei, You Fang Yin, Lu Xian, Shen Jie the Prince, even Dao Qin—they leave an impression. This drama ain't about just the main leads hogging the spotlight; these supporting players? They're stepping up, shining bright, and adding their own flavor to the mix. They're the unsung heroes making this drama one to remember. 🌟🔥.
===================================NEGATIVE THING===========================
Okay, hear me out—this drama's got almost everything on point, except maybe a bit less of that sweet romance between the main leads. But hold up, that's just a minor setback in a sea of awesomeness. Trust me, every hour, every minute, every second you spend on this show is a vibe!
And here's the kicker: you can binge-watch this till sunrise, forget about those dark circles—they'll bounce back. But that curiosity this drama stirs up? That's gonna stick with you until you see it through to the end. So, dive in and don't sweat the tiny stuff, 'cause this ride's worth every second! 🌟📺✨

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Good palace politics, Horrifying ML

OVERALL
This drama is another heaven-and-hell production. Watch it if 1) you LOVE palace politics, 2) you're looking for mature cinematography and filters, 3) you want a drama with a smart(ish) FL. If you're looking for a great ML or a heartfelt love story, I can't urge you enough, SKIP!

THE STORY
So I was looking for another good historical drama after watching Wonderland Love and saw that this one was highly rated, so I decided to give it a try. Uff, what a disappointment! But let me start with the good stuff:
- The premise of FL going back to her youth to change history is interesting (while not original) because you want to see if she'll succeed. This I really liked, and I think the drama does a good job of handling this part of the plot.
- FL is smart (when the drama wants her to be) and in a mature, age-appropriate way
- For once (in a long time), we have mature cinematography with nice, dark(ish) filters and none of that childish quirky music that always plagues Chinese historicals
- Palace politics is thrilling, with the bad guys making the good guys sweat sometimes (which is good, it's boring when the good guys are always ahead)

Now, onto the bad stuff:
- Top of the list, 200%, is ML. He is so boorish, I can't believe a C-drama came up with a character like that in 2023. It's okay to have a cold or slightly aggressive ML when there is enough backstory to make us feel bad for him AND if he redeems himself. Kunning Palace's ML has neither. The backstory is definitely not enough to make me sympathize with him, and he never, NEVER redeems himself. He's just dislikable, from beginning to end.
- Obviously, the love story then falls very short. It was extremely funny (and disturbing) how his outbursts of anger and violence towards FL were romanticized. I just can't...Also, having such nice, 2nd and 3rd ML made it all worse, because in what world would a smart girl like FL EVER choose this abusive ML over her other options? It's hilariously ridiculous.
- The fact that ML is FL's teacher adds an extra layer of weird and bad for me, because of the power dynamics. He's already boorish, then you add to it the fact that he can just boss her around and treat her like a 5 year old as her teacher? Yuk.
- A third flaw in this drama (definitely less important but still worth mentioning) is how brushed aside the story of FL's sister was. I think the character is presented as somewhat important but then we never see what happens to her after a major event, which feels like a loophole.

Overall, if you are not into romance and are indifferent to ML's terrible character, go ahead, watch this drama. The palace politics will keep you going. If you really care about character development and you were craving a good love story, do yourself a favor and skip!

THE ACTING
Good, though nothing out of this world for me. I wouldn't say there was any chemistry between FL and any of the guys in the show either.

THE MUSIC
That, I liked! I'm all for more mature vibes!

REWATCH VALUE
Absolutely null. I'd rather re-watch Yanxi Palace than this, and I used to think Yanxi Palace's emperor was the absolute worse ML hahaha

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Disappointingly overrated

Ning an Ru Meng started off very well and somewhere around the 15th episode I was convinced this was one of the best historical dramas this year, It certainly had all the right elements: a potential redemption arc, political intrigue, interesting characters.

Let's start with the positives: I enjoyed many things on the show. The flashbacks to the previous "life" were very engaging and well tied to the present. I enjoyed many of the characters and their little arcs. Among them the characters with the most engaging character arcs were You Fangyin (whose arc kind of ended very early on) and the princess (a very good performance from Liu Xie Ning). The political drama was overall quite enjoyable till the second half of the show, although a lot of it wasn't particularly complex or unseen before.

Now the negatives:

The romance. Yes, the “romance”. Replace the handsome Zhang Linghe with a not-so-pleasant-faced actor and many of the things he did to Ning will appear creepy. Yes, very very creepy. A teacher who has power over her - who can kiss her forcibly and make her cry. And how many times did Xie Wei do this? Episode 32, episode 34, ep 36. This toxic love story is sold to audiences at fantastic paces. In episode 34 Ning tells XW that she does not love him, so what is his response? Basically it was something on the lines of- “the things you’ve done for me prove you love me” and then he drags her outside and forces her to plunge a knife into his stomach. Hmm. Ning has done a lot of good things for many people- does that mean that she loves them all?

Well, that brings me to the person she actually loved for most of the show - Zhang Zhe. She loved him so much that she died for him in the previous “life”, and she retained those feelings. It soon became obvious that the two of them loved each other. So, circumstances allowed his feelings for her to grow - he was certain she loved him too, and in this life there were no real barriers to them being together. In fact, as it is established later on, her father would have readily chosen Zhang Zhe as a son-in-law. Yet, the novelist/screenwriter decided to put an end to this love story in the most ridiculous way possible. No-one breaks up with the one they love when their beloved is suffering. Soon after his mother died, Ning decides to break up with him and she chooses to do it by pretending that she never loved him, wringing his heart dry. It was absolutely convenient for the story not to show Zhang Zhe much later either, and neither do we watch Ning weep over him.

What was the reason for that breakup? Truly insignificant. In order to prevent him from hurting further, she hurt him even more. It truly makes no sense. Are the novelist and screenwriters suggesting that good people don’t end well? Evidently, one need not look further than Zhang Zhe to find that.

In truth the purpose of cutting short this love story short is to allow the male lead and female lead to get together. By episode 34 however, she herself says that she doesn’t love Xie Wei. Of course, everyone is busy convincing her that she DOES love him. The music is suggesting that, and all of XW’s crazy, obsessive behaviour suddenly appear romantic.

Show don’t tell- evidently the screenwriter forgot that.

Xie Wei kisses Ning’s forehead after she is flogged by Xue Shu. As I said earlier- replace ZLH with someone ugly and this won’t fly that well. Her father happens to see this and confronts XW indirectly, but XW’s reaction is hardly apologetic. Instead it’s almost as though he owns her. Then when he goes “crazy” he kisses her forcibly. The background music really presents it as the most romantic scene ever.

This toxic “love” story is presented as the most beautiful one and that is truly a concern. The wrist-pulling, force-kissing abusive ML is presented as an ideal partner? Is it 2023?

I think had this story been placed in the back burner I would have been somewhat okay with it, but when the screenwriter decided that the ML and FL must be together the plot turned to ridiculous mush. All the palace politics that had held my attention earlier dissipated.

This show started off solid - it was interesting, and then it nosedived its way into a toxic “romance” with the historical bits taking . The performances have been good, and ZLH may have received his best role so far. I really enjoyed several characters and I wish the show makers had spent more time on those character arcs.

Overall I am so so disappointed. and I think 8 is already too high.
(My actual rating: 7.75)

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Story of how to create a toxic romance

5/10. I’m mad as hell that this type of abusive relationship is romanticized as true love. The plot is weak and got lost along the way.

- FL traveled back in time (same period, not from our future) to correct her evil ambition on becoming queen and the lives she cost doing so. She decided to change her ways. She wanted to right her wrongs and also change the fates of those around her. Sounds like a great plot, right? It is.. if they didn’t lose focus half way through.
- The first half focused on the FL. Long story short, she decided to be a better person. She couldn’t help but get involve in the royal family’s bloody war so to survive, she had to be smarter and less ambitious.
- Wtf happened with the plot after leading our heroine up to this? They shifted the focus on XW the ML. The FL followed him around like a lost puppy while he helped her save all the people she wanted to save but couldn’t. They then decided to give ML this crazy back story with trauma, medical issues, evil schemes, backstabbing, revenge, all of it!
- The evil villain they fought against was dumb af. He got caught in all the traps they laid out. Even when we thought the villain finally did something, it turned out the ML somehow planned it all. Take this formula, repeat it 10x , and you got the main plot. It was boring and too predictable. The endless political battles were childish and overplayed. They tried to be smart about it but it was redundantly mediocre.

Now onto the toxic “romance.”
- She had 3 suitors. The first 2 she turned down were GREAT men. Both were kind, loving, and treated her with the utmost respect. She chose the one who abused her mentally and physically

- ML was the biggest red flag.
- He obsessively claimed her. This was fine for his own delusions but she repeatedly told him, she belonged only to herself. When he couldn’t have her, control her or felt like she didn’t listen to him, he became a psychotic manipulator. 



- He got physical with her on multiple occasions and rarely was he respectful towards her. He repeatedly grabbed her by the throat (the throat!!), by the arm, wrist, and made verbal threats to her. 



- He became madly possessive. She couldn’t look at another man before he choked her and threatened her. 



-Their kisses were grossly forced upon her by him. When he asked her to be intimate, she gave in but left me wondering WTF and HTF did we get here?! This man manipulated her and it was romanticized as love?! 



-She told 3 people she loved him before she even told him. Another WTF moment for me. 



-The ending.. when he deliberately stepped on his son’s shirt to trip him and then kicked the poor boy after? Was that supposed to be funny and playful? Because it failed to be funny and playful to me. Even his daughter was shook. 

I watched 30 episodes and waited for the romance between the leads to start. I endured her giving up two potential great men for the ML only to be given 8 episodes of chaos.

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I can see why its one of the hottest dramas for 2023

This drama is about the story of a second chance in life. During the start it can be a bit confusing as they only show snippets of what happened in FL’s past life. However as the story develops, you will see how the past affects her decisions for the current life and how she is trying to be good this time round. Not too much romance going around at the beginning though FL has 3 love interests and lots of scheming plots among the villains as the FL tries to survive in the palace. Both FL and MLs played their roles perfectly. For some reason I kind of hoped the FL went with Zhang Zhe though. Kissing scenes were also really intense in the later episodes.

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Well-developed story but can feel kinda draggy

First of all, I love Zhang Ling He!! That said, I'll be as objective as I can here. No biases. But you gotta know I love Zhang Ling He.

Overall the drama is worth watching. Not just because of Zhang Ling He okay...

What I enjoyed:
• Story progression: How the FL went back in time and change her wrongs, the development of each character
• Political story: I usually dislike politics in dramas, they give me a headache... but in this case it's done quite well and interesting to keep me engaged
• Acting: Started off a little rocky but as the story progress I was able to feel the characters more. While I enjoyed Zhang Ling He's character in My Journey to You more, his acting feels better here with his micro expressions and reactions to things - a little missing in My Journey to You for those. Bai Lu's acting here is good, but falls a little flat at times as I don't feel the selfishness her character is trying to portray well. On the side, the supporting cast did a good job - especially Wang Xing Yue.
• Interesting characters: Not your typical goody two shoes main cast, they're problematic, complex, good, bad - lots of depth with a variety of characters with different personalities and motives that makes things interesting. They are unapologetically themselves and will fight for what they love and treasure. 敢爱敢恨。
• Zhang Ling He being very good-looking: Undeniable, he really suits the historical drama look, very eye candy hehe. Though I would say he's styled even better in My Journey to You...
• Romance between the leads: I hate slow burn!!! But the main couple is really cute and have good chemistry together so I would forgive that. That said, it's not complete slow burn, there's development on and off with random spikes in between with really cute scenes :)) Lines like “可谢某无拘” “苦果亦是果” are also chefs kiss
• Romance between FL with 2nd and 3rd MLs: Ample time given for them to shine and develop their characters, for you to fall in love with them as well
• I love a ML who only has eyes for the FL and is willing to destroy the world for her :))))))) - personal preference, I know
• Passionate kiss scenes. But NOT ENOUGH. >:(

The not-so-good parts, imo:
• Music: Not very memorable... I love good OSTs that can convey the feelings of scenes better to bring across the vibe more ya know? But it just felt missing. Maybe because the recent dramas I've finished all have really good OSTs :(
• Draggy: A little draggy where one of the "arcs" felt unnecessary (the one where they have to go rescue someone... it felt like another plot devise that the story could have progressed well without)
• Too many guys: Okok, I know it was adapted from a female harem web novel, but still - this is a personal preference. Even though the stories are well-developed for each of the guy, I would prefer to focus on just one guy haha
• Some characters felt a little forgotten or random: You Fang Yin for example, it feels like she only appears when the FL need money LOL. Even though they highlighted the relationship between her and the FL well, but still.
• Toxic relationship: I wish the relationship between the FL and ML could have been healthier with lesser stranglings and gaslighting :) I know he's in pain, but some parts there's literally no need to strangle her...
• I hate the random rubbery stripey flower decor thing on FL's older sister's hair........... she's so pretty WHO GAVE HER THAT it felt like some character from Sesame Street fell on her hair it was super distracting for me.
• Nothing moved me enough to cry, unfortunately

Overall rating is personal preference aside. I still really enjoyed the drama, just wish things could have had a stronger focus to let me have a good cry

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A Bit(?) of Dark Romance

It was a slow burn romance but with a twist, a bit of dark romance. To me, they were perfect for each other. One was direct to the point and the other one needed a push even tho it was obvious through her actions that she likes him. This drama was about FL given a second chance to right her wrongs and how ML fought his ways to survive and to do justice to the poor souls that unjustly annihilated for the sake of power and wealth.

ML, Xie Wei, a ruthless, righteous man and a meticulous strategist. Ofc he was cunning too, being raised by a violent rebel wld do that. I'm in awed by his plans that seemed to be 10 steps ahead although there was few things out of his control. It took sometimes before he realised his feelings towards FL but until that time, we can see unconsciously he protected her, wld make something to bring her pleasure and willingly wld die for her. Though he can be aggressive when he was jealous *rolling my eyes.
He was quite fierce when he chided FL for being reckless. Idk their interactions with each other sometimes frustrated me too.

FL, Jiang Xuening, quick witted but short temper woman who was caring and wld do anything to protect the people she loved and closed with. She was not afraid to be punished for speaking the truth. She had this unapproachable aura but when you are sincere to her, she repay it ten-folds. I like her no-nonsense approach when she wanted to accomplish her missions. She was intimidated by ML's personality and the shadow of who he was in the past life. So that was why it took sometimes before she had feelings for him. I think what ML did for her, moved her.

I'm really loving all OSTs in this drama especially the one by Jane Zhen, Zhou Shen and Bai Lu. Idk why I became a bit teary when I listened to Bai Lu's song. It just so soft and delicate I guess.

The period costumes in this drama were quite stunning. I definitely love the bright and the pastel colours of FL's dresses.

As for 2ndML and 3rdML.... Yan Lin, you are the best! You are so sincere and understanding. Zhang Zhe, I like that you hold on strong to your principles of being righteous but willing to hear what FL advised to you. Also, you know when to move on.
I definitely enjoyed watching ML's subordinates antics, Lyu Xian, Dao Qin and Jian Shu. They were so hilarious when they talked with each other. Shout out to my precious Lyu Xian, you definitely deserve to be happy. SCRIPTWRITERS WHEN I CATCH YOU!!

The ending was my kind of ending where I got to know how was everyone's life was going. I really appreciate that they wld do that. I am not fond of abrupt happy ending. Give us a closure after all the suffering and sobbing.

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Best Chinese Historical of 2023 and in recent years !!!

Let me preface this by saying that I dont like to reveal spoilers in my reviews so this will be spoiler-free. I would like to first applaud the writers, director, technical team, costume department....all the many people involved behind the scenes who worked so hard to make this drama a success. I love to see people hard work bts rewarded. Now on to the actors. Everyone did an amazing job here. ZhangLihe is a revelation. This is my 1st drama of his and I am now a fan. I loved his acting here and the nuances he gave in his performance. Quite honestly these types of MLs are really not my cup of tea in dramas but I really attribute the fact that I loved his character so much to him, the actor. I havent watched any Bailu dramas since Arsenal Military Academy and she did an amazing job here; I love the myriad of emotions she portrayed as well. The other second male leads and other actors did a great job. The way the comic timing seamlessly blend in a " dark, serious" drama like this is a testament to the actors and also the writing. I love the political intrigue, fight scenes, reverse harem , harem court drama....all of this contributed to make this drama such a good drama. I hope ZLH and Bailu work in another drama in the future because their chemistry in this one was outstanding. I also loved that it wasnt heavily romance focused; dont get me wrong, I love a good romance in a historical drama but I also appreciate the political intrigue. Give it a try, you will love it and I dont even like to follow trends or whatever but the hype that this drama is getting is very well deserved.

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