Story of Kunning Palace

Perfect Ending

As I have read the novel I really wanted Ning Er to know that XW had special feelings for her in previous lyf as well in the drama, as he commits suicide after she dies, this was beautifully shown in the form of a dream which Ning Er has in the end.

Their relationship had hints of comedy as well, when he 1st kisses on her forehead and her father see them 🤣🤣🤣, when they fight causing XW to stab himself and everyone around them knows abt it 😁😁😁.

Overall it was really a very good drama, with a hint of every emotion, I really enjoyed it. Now my lyf feels empty as I dnt have to count every hour and wait for new episodes anymore 😔😔😔

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Believable up to a point... with side characters carrying this drama

I enjoyed this drama but cannot say that I was captivated by it like everyone else. The story lost me as we approached the end, and the love story between the leads did not have most natural transition or justification.
"Only them understand each other fully" - ok, and?

The initial premise of getting a second chance was emphasized in the beginning, and almost completely abandoned as the show approached the end. Both Jiang Ning and Xie Wei were not strong enough as leads in my opinion.

Also while we are talking about inconsistencies -- I just did not realize why would Ning liked the partners she did. Like for instance Zhang Zhe... itis beyond my understanding, she liked him because he was a righteous man? Is that it?

As for positives, Yan Lin is definitely my favorite. He was gracious and consistent and brave and courageous, and handsome. Then Xie Wei's retinue: Dao Qin and Jian Shu, Lu Xian and Dingfei.. they were so loyal and faithful that I loved seeing their genuine encounters and friendship. Also princess Le Yang, she did a wonderful job to be impactful in few scenes she had.

Gotta say, a lot of charm of this drama comes from the supporting characters. Watch it if you like historical dramas but it will likely not be your favorite one, like Rise of the Phoenix was for me.

Thank you for reading.

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If we have a chance to relive our lives, can we change our lives? Or is it all fated?

Wow... completely mesmerised.

Jiang Xue Ning was an unscrupulous woman who schemed and plotted her way to the position of empress. But her reign was short-lived as Xie Wei, someone she had once saved, rebelled and seized the capital together with Yan Lin, her childhood sweetheart. As Xie Wei stormed her palace, she pleaded with him to spare the life of Zhang Zhe, a righteous man who had loved, pitied and helped her, but was sentenced to death as a result. She regretted her evil ways and offered her life for his.

She fell to her death, but to her surprise , she woke up as her 18 year old self. Armed with the knowledge of the 'future', she set to right the wrongs she had done. But along the way, things started to happen again as what she had experienced in her 'previous' life. She wondered whether it was all fated. Were things going to turn out differently for her? Would all the tragedies happen all over again?

What I like about this drama?

1. The story was very interesting. Although there had been a lot of back to the past type of dramas and movies, what made this interesting was someone had the opportunity to redress her wrongs. So you would be wondering how things is going to turn out for her this time. The previous and the current lives were very well intertwined.

2. The chemistry between Bai Lu and Zhang Ling He, the two main leads, was amazing. More accurately, the chemistry between Bai Lu and all the three male leads were amazing. What made it more interesting was that it was difficult to tell in the earlier two thirds of the story who she would choose among her 3 suitors, or would she somehow end up with Prince Linzi again, this time against her will? Even though she said to Yan Lin she only treated him as a good friend, but would his sincerity changed that? Would the stern and scary Xie Wei win her heart? And when she and Prince Lanzi ran into each other again, would Prince Lanzi mistook her for his love and rekindled feelings for her? Would she and Zhang Zhe whom she felt so indebted be together in this life?

3. Zhang Ling He was an amazing actor. He portrayed such a diverse set of emotions so well - the evil traitor, the psychotic, the stern dignified teacher, the jealous lover and the emotional nephew when he saw his uncle. He is one of the few actors who looks handsome when stern. And of course Bai Lu was very good too: the nasty resentful teenage girl, an empress full of regrets and the determined girl fighting for the people she cared for.

4. The overall cast did very well with very little shortcomings among them.

5. The costumes were beautiful and the backdrop was good.

6. The drama started with the scriptwriter not wanting to end the story as a tragedy was interesting: a departure from a scriptwriter drawn into the story as one of the characters. Also, this hit a note with me as I dislike tragedies which left me unhappy.

7. Although an intense drama, there were light-hearted and seriously humorous moments, for example when the carriage driver flipped the carriage curtains only to revealed Xie Wei kissing XueNing, to her stunned father, in old conservative China. And the way the fake Dingfei made fun of his 'father' was rather amusing. When his annoyed 'father' told him he was a disgrace to the family, he gleefully offered to change his surname to Yan (the rival family), and I burst into laughter.

8. There were touching memorable moments, for example the series of events leading to Yan Lin going into exile - Xie Wei recited a poem at Yan Lin's coming-of-age ceremony - the poems were all hinting at what was to come - and his playing the qin at the city gate when he was exiled.

8. This was one of the few occasions when I actually liked the ending. There were the last moment twists.

What I dislike about this drama?

1. There were some comments on Mydramalist about flashing bright light in the background but I was so engrossed in the story that I did not notice.

2. Music was generally good and two of the theme songs were melodious, but not outstanding. I must say music standards seemed to have deteriorated in dramas released since the pandemic. I did not come across many outstanding pieces that left a lasting impression except for those in Till the End of the Moon.

3. A couple of scenes were rather contrived, for example the two scenes that Xie Wei ended up in bed with XueNing.

What I liked about this drama largely outweighed what I do not like. You can therefore understand why I gave this drama a rating of 10.

This time I made an effort to check on the director and screenwriter as well. The director is Chu Yui Bun whose accolades include Starry Love, The Blue Whisper, The Long Ballad, Skate into Love, Eternal Love of Dream, Ashes of Love. Success of a drama production depends a lot on the teamwork: excellent cast, director and script are the obvious, then there is the editing, makeup artist and more.

To add an advice: don't watch any trailer on how the drama would end. Let it hold you in suspense until the end. Then the twist and turns would be less predictable and more striking.

Finally, it would be great if there could be a prequel to this drama. I was wondering how XueNing became the empress given a domineering Dowager who had someone else in mind for the position, and a scheming rival who more than matched her wit. But the main cast for the prequel must match this drama. Of course, this would be a tall order as I had not seen many sequel successfully completed or had seen sequels which were disappointing flops.

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Elevator boy on a rampage

I really liked this drama for around 20 episodes - or more? All the characters are well played and the plot wasn't super fast-paced, but engaging, set up well. Characters were well rounded and believable. Plot was coming along nicely.
And then the ML transformed into a creepy dude who doesn't care if the FL wants him or not, kisses her without consent, grabs her by the throat multiple times, forces her onto a bed and: she starts catching feelings for him around that time.
Under the guise that "she was misunderstanding his intentions the whole time and now that she knows spoilery stuff about him, she isn't afraid of him anymore and realizes what a great guy he is". Except that he just demonstrated he isn't. He forced a kiss, he didn't stop, he strangled her.

Sure, there should be multifaceted, grey characters, bad guys in a story. This is the ML and this story is set up in a way that shows "hey, just be forceful and persistent and the girl will be yours" and I freakin cannot stand it.
She tells him off after they spent the night together, he asks her to marry him, she needs to think about it and he acts like a four year old who didn't get to keep his favorite toy. But that is the extent of it - after that she's back to liking him.

There's imo nothing steamy about their interactions, because they are all forced - from kiss one onwards. I despise this kind of narrative. I don't even want to give it one point, if it wasn't for all the stuff that they did great on before that.

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What can be said for this drama ?

A superb , suspenseful show that combines drama and Romance involving the politics at its best .
incredible storyline and spectacular acting from all the actors , i personally think till now Zhang Ling He gave the best performance of his career in this one .
the Fl is adventurous , brave and witty , She knows what she wants and isn't shy of getting up snatching it up.
the ML is a grey character who gets pretty obsessive over the FL , he has a dark and twisted childhood. He fights to maintain control of his memories and always knows what to do and how to handle situations .
Also the drama has a host of deep side characters who are more than just side characters , the second ML isn't just here to make the ML jealous but he has his own emotions and his journey towards his career .
the princess has the best character development the growth in her character is great .

the only two things i'm not satisfied with are :
- the way some scenes are directed , I found it extremely exaggerated .
- the death of You Fang Yin makes no sense she died pointlessly to protect nothing , it comes from nowhere , i think it's the stupidest sacrifice a drama character has ever done .

otherwise the show is really worth exploring .

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The most unhinged love story you will ever watch

To start off, let me express that I never anticipated this drama to ascend to the zenith of my watched list. The notion of toxic couples typically repels me to the extent that I adamantly avoid any narrative steeped in toxicity. However, a shift in my perspective occurred after encountering this particular storyline. Now that this is acknowledged, let us delve into the nuances of this show.

Oh, the celestial heavens! Is this not the most captivating storyline I've ever witnessed? My disdain for characters masquerading as intelligent solely based on their aesthetic appeal, manipulating those around them without contributing substantively, is palpable. Yet, Xie Wei and Jiang Xuening defy this archetype. They possess genuine intellect, evident both in their past and present lives, coupled with a touch of selfishness—a character trait that adds a layer of complexity that I find inherently intriguing. They are acutely aware of their flaws, refusing to conceal behind a facade of sanctity. Instead, they openly acknowledge their transgressions, displaying an intimate understanding of themselves. The beauty lies in JX's discovery of love in her present life and XW's revelation of true love through his connection with JX.

Now, let's delve into the characters. Xie Wei defies the conventional male lead archetype, bordering on a second lead, if we're being candid. His relationships with others are a facade, meticulously crafted to showcase only what others desire to see. A loyal companion for the king, a strict yet compassionate teacher for his student, a manipulative official for his colleagues, and a formidable teacher for Jiang Xuening. However, with JX, he gradually reveals his true self, unintentionally unveiling his vulnerability and guarded nature rooted in the fear of abandonment. Love is a foreign concept to him, a sentiment he associates solely with his mother and uncle, while his godfather taught him that love equated to lust. Guarded and afraid, he inadvertently finds himself risking his life for someone else, a prospect that terrifies him.

Jiang Xuening, an extraordinary character, manifests selfish and cruel intentions in her first life, a result of lovelessness and neglect. Deprived of love and care, even her adopted mother fails to provide the warmth she craves. Her pursuit of becoming the most honorable woman in the world as the queen is a consequence of her belief that she could never be important. However, this pursuit prompts her to question its worth. In her present life, she retains self-awareness, relinquishing the ambition for personal importance in favor of prioritizing others. Starting with the desire to protect herself, she gradually learns to love others, feeling their affection, with one exception—Xie Wei. She fears him due to their shared past but also feels an inexplicable pull towards him. What began as mere attraction blossoms into a mutual understanding.

This drama is truly exceptional, and I fervently hope that future dramas can aspire to match the nuanced characterizations exhibited by these protagonists. Their complexity and depth are nothing short of remarkable.

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I love this ending.

Bai Lu, my favorite Korean actress, consistently impresses with her ability to embody and breathe life into her characters. Her portrayal in this drama is no exception; she effortlessly makes the role her own, delivering a truly believable performance. The intelligence woven into the storyline took me by surprise, and I find myself compelled to rewatch it, eager to catch any nuances I might have missed initially.

Zhang Ling He, a relatively new actor with four years under his belt, continues to show remarkable improvement with each project. His depiction of a character with two distinct personalities within the same time period is a testament to his talent. The first episode demands focused attention, and his compelling performance truly stood out. His captivating eyes, a personal weakness of mine, added depth to his character, resonating with my emotions throughout the drama.

This journey was an emotional rollercoaster, evoking tears, smiles, and even prompting me to throw my slipper at the TV in moments of heightened engagement. The stellar cast, comprised of many talented actors, contributed significantly to the overall excellence of the drama. Special thanks to each of them for their dedicated efforts. Kudos to the writers for crafting a compelling narrative, and I'm particularly grateful for the inclusion of martial arts in the storyline. The swordplay was a delightful element that added an extra layer of excitement. It was surprising that Zhang Ling's second persona didn't engage in much martial arts, leaving me yearning for more. Nonetheless, the overall experience was truly worth it.

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Explosively Exciting and Enjoyable!

I went in blind and was blown away by this fabulous drama! <3

I want to wax lyrical about it and now that I am done with the drama, I can't wait to re-watch it. I have already started watching clips to relive specific special moments like the explosive kiss scene featuring our darlings - ML and FL. I am on a bit of "SOKP" withdrawal at the moment...

What I LOVE about this drama:
- As always, suspend disbelief and fully immerse in the DRAMA of this drama. This drama is very dramatic with all its shenanigans... plotting, scheming, killing, protecting, lying, saving, loving...
- The ML is completely Da-Bomb Great in this drama. I watched one drama featuring him previously and thought that he was good. But, whoa, here, he is GREAT! He is AWESOME. He is MAGNIFICENT as Xie Wei. I love his snarls, growls, jealousy, plotting, smart mind, eloquence, the way he loves, the way he is petty, the way he is forward-thinking, the way he tries to move away from his past... I think ZLH brought this character to life splendidly and no one else can do a better job than he. ZLH is XIE WEI and XIE WEI is ZLH and no other actor can do justice to this character anymore because ZLH delivered spectacularly!
- The FL remains adorable in her own ways from start to finish. BL is a great actress. I have watched several of her dramas and she does shine!
- The plot is highly riveting and exciting. I want to go from one episode to the next. The drama's pace leaves me breathless and also, breathless for more!
- The entire cast is wonderful and I like that even the less significant characters have their opportunities to shine and to deliver. Because of everyone's stellar contribution, the drama is certainly superbly fine like excellent and expensive wine. I like that JXH is constantly good. She does not turn out to be a bitch in disguise. I like that the loyal characters like DQ and JS and FYQ all stayed faithful and strong.
- The OST is memorable. I have been listening to it over and over again.
- Story plot tries very hard to make sense throughout and I appreciate it! Everything is tied up nicely towards the end too which is wonderful.
- Happy, happy ending which is a complete plus point for me. It thrills me to see ML and FL having their well-deserved Happily-Ever-After.

What I DO NOT LOVE:
- Just some 'minor' issues - the villains are damn annoying. I hate Xue Shu and Xue Yuan. And well, all the baddies. But, I understand that every drama needs baddies or else, what drama will we have?
- I cannot fathom how Xue Yuan just keeps on wanting to kill his own flesh and blood. Even his son is not so ruthless and blood-thirsty. He is definitely mega-villain. I hate him and all the Xues (other than ML, of course; and ML says that he is no longer a Xue and a Yan).

Overall, I love this drama very dearly. It is superb. I highly enjoyed it. I came to it rather late but better late than never... I want to encourage everyone else to watch it and to enjoy it too! :o)

I generously give it a perfect score because, to me, this drama is truly dramatically magnificent!!

<3

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Loved it.

Great fantasy/historical series. The ML totally shined in this series. The acting was amazing, Yes, he was amazing.

I had been waiting for a good one and I totally found it. This is a captivating one. You’ll grow to love the characters even the ones you think you’d dislike. There was action, drama, romance and a little humor. The chemistry was very present between the leads, even before the things progressed. You could sense it. The ML did an amazing job keeping me captivated. He totally lead all the way. His wits, dominance and communication were strong and enjoyable. The FL was great as usual.she was smart as well. Her character did frustrate me a bit in the beginning but she pulled through. Although we have all seen a somewhat similar storyline, I have yet to see one that was this rail, well written, and had so much passion behind the cast. I love the consistency amongst the characters in this drama, and I also love how their character grew and we had the opportunity to see that through their actions and their communication, and let’s not forget the emotions that they portrayed through all of those things.

I love how the story revolved around a redo of events, they didn’t attempt to delude us with major character shifts, however they did show us the change in how our FL chose to interact with others and how that impacted the outcome. It also revealed things that were previously misunderstood. It really brought back to the forefront of how we often perceive things a certain way, but they may not be what actually true. If you are looking for a great historical fantasy fiction, you will absolutely love this one.

Chemistry was onsite everyday. Action didn’t miss a step and the love boat was definitely afloat.

I loved the ending as well. It was hilarious, sweet and cute.

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Very entertaining

I watched this drama because of the hype surrounding the drama. I was not disappointed.

Zhang Li He's performance in this drama exceeds my expectation. Bai Lu's? She is a good actress and brings value to the drama she stars in.

The story is quite interesting: the main female lead gets a second chance to repent her sins. She seizes the opportunity by ensuring she follows the rules of the game of death closely. This time, she is one step ahead of her enemies or she thinks she is.

At the same time, there is another rival who wants her dead. Will the person succeed?

Will she survive in her second life? Watch it.

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There is no love triangle (or rectangle) but it is the slowest of burns

==Breakdown==
Background plot - 55%
Romance - 35%
Misc comedy - 10%

Background plot - Excellent
Romantic chemistry - Excellent
Misc comedy - Good
Production value - Excellent

Dear Romance Fans: don't be discouraged by the early episodes, the love story is a MAJOR part of the show (eventually). This drama is definitely a case study in a slow burn romance leading to an extremely explosive endgame.

Contrary to what some folks might've stated, there is really no love triangle (or rectangle, or hexagon, or whatever). Yeah, the FL has a few storylines with other menfolk, but those only serve to enhance her character development (and the ML's character development later on) as well as drive the plot forward. I despise love triangles, but this didn't bother me one bit.

ABSOLUTELY LOVED this one and will definitely re-watch it again, especially episodes 30-38 :-)

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