The Princess Royal

Lots of mistrust and politics, but interesting nevertheless!

Okay so….I can safely say now that Zhang Ling He is a master of complicated romances! If one has watched The Kuning Palace or My Journey to you, one would understand from where I am coming. I was waiting for the show to complete airing, but once it did, I read some negative reviews and avoided watching it, even though I like Zhang Ling He. Then I watched Love’s Rebellion, loved Zhang Ling He and Sally Jing there, and decided to take a gamble and watch this one. I’d say I was surprised that I found the show interesting from start to finish. A lot of politics for power, strife between the throne and noble houses for power grabbing, political marriages, and mercenaries who wanted to bring about a change! The concept doesn’t sound new, but what was new here was the submissive role the ML needed to play. He was clearly a very intelligent, and highly capable official, stuck at the lower rungs because of being a commoner, and was made the prince consort for the princess who was not only weary of him, but also had feelings for another man, our second ML, with memories from a past life where she thought she was killed by the ML and regretted not ending up with the second ML. While this all might sound confusing to someone who is reading the review before watching the series, the plot of the story can be summed up as having a tragic ending in life and getting a second chance by travelling back in time when things were still alright. What’s new here is that it was not one but three people who got to time travel to change their fate, and when similar situations kept cropping up, the self doubt, doubt on others, and the helplessness of not being able to change things made the series interesting. In the second chance, however, we see everyone getting what they wanted, people ending up with right partners without political considerations. Our leads married thrice in the entire series, the FL got pregnant in episode 37, and even though the story jumped three years forward, we never got to see the outcome of the pregnancy. As for the acting, I liked everyone’s role, I could criticise Zhao Jin Mai for her not-so-emotive acting if I become over-critical, but other than that, I liked everyone. Zhang Ling He was amazing as usual, and looked his best in episode 38 when he takes back his family seal from his evil uncle. I can keep going, but if I had to summarise this drama, I’d say it is an interesting story well performed, could have been better with better acting by Zhao Jin Mai, but still very watchable.

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Legend of 2nd Lead SRQ and misplaced direction

This had the potential to be an epic hit because the comedy, drama and politics was the right amount but the production team and writing team just decided to say wth let's fuck it all up coz we can.

It started of well then in the middle the story archs are not well developed. A lot of characters were not given airtime to develop their stories all because of SRQ screen time to make him into something he was not and palatable. I wanted to see more of the other clans, the crown prince, SRQ brother and his love interest. And the conflict between the concubines and empress which spilled to the children. But no the writers were like SRQ is the one you need to see like 😡

SRQ is not anti hero or someone who was a good person who happened to make bad decisions. He is a downright evil selfish person who seeks his own benefit not even his family's shame . He lacks self reflection, accountability and thinks he is the smartest person on earth when he is not. In the 1st life his bad decisions affected his family in the 2nd life he made the same dumb decisions affecting his family and putting them again at the risks of being rebels, but the producers were like nope this is the person you should focus on and love.

Its not lost on me that the whole lighting on him and LR is cinematography meant to highlight that these are the main characters that are meant to be for each other. And there was nothing for PWX the so called real love interest for LR. The shared screentime with longing gazes, slow motion shots and the soft romantic music and the stupid twirl to the bottom of the lake all meant to say this is the real cp that you should look at and ship. Now let's look into the characteristics of the person person I am supposed to support

SRQ

1st life time he manipulated everyone to kill the king and the so called woman he loved LR . Reason: he wanted to put on the throne a bastard child not belonging to the king and the Li clan. Qualification of the child he is the nephew to SRQ and has Su bloodline. And this is precisely why the noble clans were dangerous and needed to be dealt with. This type of bs they are capable of pulling. Mind you let's forget that the child was conceived out of adultery and making the king a cuckold. That does not matter coz the child is a Su everyone else be damned 😂😂. Mind you it was these actions from these people that made Li Chuan make the extreme decisions he made. Also he happily came in between LR and PWX. Exacerbated their issues and essentially killed PWX and LR to get ultimate power. But yes he is a good guy 😭.

In the 2nd life time again he wants to kill the future king who is really just a sweetheart, pure and kind and genuinely loves his family and sister. He is caught in the power struggle and he is powerless but of course let's forget about all this but I SRQ I want again to put on the throne a substitute who knows where this fake prince comes from. The fact that he is commiting treason that leads to a clans death is treated like eating ice cream. He supports the consort who hates his so called love of his life and wants to put a fake prince on the throne. How is this even acceptable morally. Let's say this had worked out did he stop to think the implications of his actions on LR. Every change of dynasty means the losing side gets killed LR and her whole clan would potentially have been murdered of that concubine fake son sat on the throne and the writers are selling me this as a long enduring love.

This is f'd up big time. They must be mad and on shrooms. I want what they are smoking. There is nothing good and reedamable about SRQ and the fact that the producers and writers liked his characters is a cause for concern. He is not a morally grey character he is an outright evil person who manages to convince himself that he is good therefore continually makes wrong decisions placing everyone around him in danger. He even says it that he can't be wrong like with his own mouth. His path is the only right one. He is beyond mad. He is a downright psychopath and they tried to romanticize him with all those shots and wanted the public to feel for him and root for him. I'm sorry I don't root for evil people who show no remorse or repentance. Goodbye my princess is how you write a good antihero.


For Pei Wen xuan I have no words except I hope in your next life you make smarter choices in your love life and fall in love with a better person with better morals, virtue who is willing to give the same amount you give out and not a person just wants to receive.

I will never understand LR justification for her treatment of PWX and demanding of PWX love, trust and affection. She was not the only one betrayed by her family so was PWX, they murdered his father and tried to kill him too. Yet he remained a beautiful soul, who kept giving his best unconditionally. PWX deserves the same from the person he chooses to love it's a shame LR did not deserve PWX at all. I found LR character very selfish, unwilling to take accountability for her actions and extremely entitled especially towards his brother.

In the 1st life she played a major part, shaping the environment that turned Li Chuan into the person he was. She never listened to him yet made decisions saying they were the best for him. How can they be the best when you don't listen to your brother or understand him. I am very salty about this part becauseLi Chuan was a good person but had an overbearing father, mother and sister. Worse I t he 1st life she never accepted his love and LR hated her brother's child who came from the love of his life. Please spare me I would never ever want a sister like LR.

LR and SRQ deserved each other if we are going to be honest. Both were extremely delusional they made extremely terrible decisions that affected heavily people around them but they think they are smart and are doing making the best decisions. The only thing that saved LR was PWX decisions that gave LR a safe environment to have character development and girl was not even grateful I'm looking at your stupid decisions in the last episodes.

The only good thing about this drama is I discovered Zhao Jin Mai and girl can she act. She deserves everything the other characters I know them from other dramas. The crazy concubine from the Xiao clan is sublime in joy of life. The way she was directed in this drama you would never think she is that amazing of a veteran actor. Zhang Linghe showed a different side of himself and he has such great comedic timing. It's something that cannot be taught it's either you have it or you don't. And he has it in spades. I was pleasantly surprised. He should try a full on comedic drama. The character I desperately wanted to see more of was the crown prince but damn that production crew. SRQ was a downright terrible person and character and I probably would have loved him more if he was played by a person with better acting chops like the bad guy in the double.

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Typical

This one is not it for me. I’ve read other’s reviews about who had more screen time and chemistry and have different reasons as to why I dropped this drama. None of that mattered to me.

The Good

Costumes are nice with bold coloring. The production is decent and on the higher end. All star cast which makes the acting salvageable but that’s where it ends.

The Bad

Weak plot! This is an overused story with typical character arcs: overzealous empress, paranoid emperor, weak crown prince, lovesick 2nd ML and our main leads who continue to drag out misunderstandings. It lacks any real depth. People just plotting and vying for the throne but with no real twists and turns. Not once have I felt an “aha” moment and thought, I didn’t see that coming. The first story arc actually would have made for a more interesting story with the rise and fall of the main couple. Other weak points in this story was the acting. I’m a fan of both main leads and both have much stronger dramas. They were unconvincing in this one. Both had pretty flat affect and not once did either one of them move me or make me feel any sort of connection to their cause and/or any of their emotional scenes. Action scenes were very bland and done poorly but I overlooked it as I don’t see this as much of a Wuxia. Lastly, I found the story boring and constantly losing my attention. It didn’t make me excited to continue watching. Most of the conversations between the main leads lacked real substance and could have easily been cleared up if they took the time to hear each other. They could be a power couple and really shake things up in this second life, more so than they are now since they know the outcome but they are too busy bickering every five minutes on unimportant things. Makes for a very uninteresting story. This drama doesn’t even need to be 40 episodes as they can cut out a lot of unnecessary filler and tell a more crisp story of love and redemption.

If you are fan of the cast then watch for yourself and make your own judgement. This one just doesn’t stand out from the rest.

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One of the Best Cdrama This Year

The Princess Royal delivers an exquisite blend of political intrigue, emotional depth, and a unique twist on second-chance romance. Starring the charismatic Zhang Ling He and the captivating Zhao Jin Mai, the drama unfolds the complex journey of Li Rong and Pei Wen Xuan, two characters bound by duty but torn apart by circumstance.

Plot and Execution
The story begins with a loveless, politically motivated marriage between the ambitious Pei Wen Xuan and the proud Li Rong. Initially, their marriage is a union of convenience, each leveraging the other for personal gain. Over 20 years, their relationship disintegrates into betrayal and resentment, culminating in a tragic death orchestrated by manipulation. The twist? They are reborn at 18, given a second chance to rewrite their fates.

The plot shines as it dives into themes of trust, redemption, and self-reflection. Pei Wen Xuan's determination to rekindle their bond with the ulterior motive of divorcing her later creates a fascinating dynamic. Meanwhile, Li Rong struggles to balance her royal duties with the realization of her past mistakes. Their evolving relationship keeps viewers hooked, blending tension with moments of tenderness.

Performances
Zhang Ling He delivers a nuanced performance as Pei Wen Xuan, portraying his calculated ambition and growing vulnerability with finesse. Zhao Jin Mai, as Li Rong, perfectly captures the complexity of a woman torn between her royal responsibilities and personal growth. Their on-screen chemistry is electric, elevating the emotional stakes of their story.

Strengths
Intriguing Premise: The rebirth element provides a fresh perspective, allowing characters to grow and confront their flaws.
Character Development: Both leads undergo significant transformations, which are thoughtfully paced and deeply satisfying.
Cinematography: Lavish sets and costumes beautifully immerse viewers in the historical setting.
Weaknesses
Supporting Cast: While the leads shine, some secondary characters lack depth, making certain subplots feel underdeveloped.
Pacing: The middle episodes occasionally drag, as the narrative shifts focus from the central relationship to political machinations.

Final Thoughts
The Princess Royal is a compelling tale of love, regret, and second chances, anchored by stellar performances and an emotionally resonant storyline. It deftly explores the fragility of human connections and the lengths people will go to correct their mistakes. Despite minor flaws, it stands as a must-watch for fans of historical romance and time-travel dramas.

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WORTH YOUR TIME

I'm actually here writing this review after watching this drama in the middle of my very hectic schedule, but who cares really? this Cdrama deserves recognition!!! These past few months, I have been watching too much cdramas with sad or tragic endings that made me not hope too much in this drama BUT GUESS WHAT it has exceeded my expectations and there was no boring part on the timeline, it is also great because the MAIN LEADS try to work things out easily and would always talk to each other to avoid misunderstandings and even the 2nd and 3rd leads have done a great job in communicating-which is what I have loved the most about this Cdrama, not only it will not give you too much stress (other than the enemies) but it also has a very smooth timeline which is what most of the viewers would love, I have yet to watch the special episode and I sincerely hope that this Cdrama would be given a lot of recognition in the future.

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BEING ACCEPTED AND LOVED

This drama reminds me why I love Chinese dramas so much, full of busy themes and not suitable for relax or watching on the sofa without any deep thoughts.
Husband and wife whose love was destroyed by intrigue and lust for power, but in a second chance with a reincarnation when it all began. Being able to find those feelings again and save the situation from tragedy.
it is a challenging, introspective drama made to analyze and understand, where each character is much more than simply multifaceted, and where the drama is much more than a simple love story. is a drama that truly expand at the heartstrings of both men and women. A drama that teaches to be sincere, to choose your own path, not to be afraid of your heart, all in the perfect ethics of the Confucian social hierarchy, which is still the foundation of Chinese society nowadays.
it's a drama that really appeals to veryone, how to involve. Although the second lead is a rather unbearable character, he is a nice character too.
Recognizable historical elements, full of Chinese culture, wonderful scenarios and scenography, vivid and intense colours, a drama that makes you think and reflect from many points of view.
The special episode is for our hearts.

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A GREAT LOVE STORY THAT SURPASS LIVES

This is my first review ever. I'm not good at it but I'll try my best.

Let me start by saying that this drama is PERFECT! It quickly became my favourite of 2024, the second favourite of all time. I start it with no pretense whatsoever since I just read the resume on Netflix. I wasn't ready for the please surprise this drama was. Their love is right there for us to see! From the beginning you can notice that Li Rong loves Pei Wen Xuan even though she denies it all the time, meanwhile, he is a huge softie for her but never a pushover.

I’ve already seen other dramas from Zhang Ling He, I didn't notice it was him till he showed up on my screen. I just love him, he did an AMAZING job portraying Pei Wen Xuan who is this very smart, cunning, political man who is always many steps ahead and can read people with ease. However, he never forgets to be a great husband and friend to his wife, super devoted, has a good sense of humour, and when jealous he can do the unexpected.

Although it was my first time seeing a drama with Zhao Jin Mai I already liked her a lot. She is this strong FML which I loved, she is smart just like PWX, and while she can be cold much of it is just an act to protect herself from being hurt again. But if you pay close attention she is, in reality, a very sweet person who cares a lot about others and has this great sense of justice. Although she is not verbal about her feelings or what’s on her mind her actions speak louder than anything she could ever say.

Their chemistry since EP 1 is on point, and if I'm being honest I had a hard time letting go and watching them in other dramas.

Our SML Su Rong Qing, honestly, I couldn’t care less about him and his past with Li Rong and the actor didn't do that well to catch my attention. For me whatever love she might have for him was long gone by episode 4, and the rest of the time it felt forced by him. On the other hand, it was hilarious his rivalry with Pei Wen Xuan. I admit he can be extremely annoying at times but nothing major that would make it unbearable to see. Also, most of my problems with him came from the constant comments about him on the drama page, which made me pay more attention to him and he started to bother me. Most people paid too much attention to him while we see this great love story unfold.

Overall The Princess Royal is a great love story from beginning to end, with a great cast, especially the main leads. It has good enough side characters that make you actually care for most of them. The OST I’ve listened to most of it after and it's really good to make you feel the emotions of the characters, set the scenes and put you right there with them. The production is nice with very good costumes and sets, although it fails a little with the aging of the characters in the flashbacks.

To finish, if you feel like giving it a chance my best advice is to not read the comments and not pay an unnecessary amount of attention to Su Rong Qing, because those can be serious mood killers. Just focus on the main couple and their story, it is very entertaining and you will fall in love with those cuties.

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Full of potential, but got too repetitive and lost momentum . . .

I loved the premise of this. Two people whose marriage soured and ambitions failed are given a second chance to do it all over again. It's especially sweet and interesting that Pei Wen Xuan, our male lead, is clearly head over heels in love with our head strong, somewhat enfiruatiing, highly capable female lead Princess Li Rong.

But after the initial action paced 10 episodes, the plot curdles. Pei Wen Xuan and Li Rong's romance does not progress. The court political plots are all the same and add no tension. The secondary romance has a lot of potential, but then one half is sent off for a bunch of episodes.

This is the first C-Drama in quite awhile were I was excited and addicted to keep watching, but everything fizzled out. I'm dropping . . .

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