"WATCH BEFORE YOU JUDGE"
I choose that as my headline because I almost didn't finish the drama because of this one comment I saw online, saying that the drama plot disappoints her around last 10 episode. Context why I saw that comment is I browse online if it is happy ending or not (your girl doesn't watch sad ending) And the comment I saw was one of the top results I saw. Thankfully, It says online it has a happy ending so I decided to watch it until the end (I'm already in ep 20+ this time with a sprinkle of anxiety with the plot twist).After 4 days (10 episodes each day) I finally finished the drama!
I have a lot to say but in my mind still processing al of it. (Negative and Positive towards the portrayal of the actors/actresses)
Opening scene - 100000/10
> I f you make it to the last episode/special episode. I'll share with you that it hits different when I watched the ep 1 (first 15 mns.) for the very first time vs. I watched ep 1 (first 15 mns.) after ep 40 + special episode. It gives something like a pain and you will. It will gives you a bitter-sweet feeling.
Music(OST)/Sound Effects - 9.8/10
> The soundtrack sounds novel-like. I am now streaming the drama's OST on spotify and when I hear each song. I could always remember the scene like it automatically plays in my head. The missing .2 is to where they didn't put a sound effect to funny scenes for the first set of episodes. It bothers me because It made me feel that something is missing in that specific scene and later I found out it is the comedic sound effect. The deliberation of actor/actress line is perfect except the missing sound effect that could make that scene better. I still deduct .2 because it improves on later episodes.
Pacing - 8.5/10
> Well the top contributor of the missing points are the conversation of Shangguan Ya and Su Ronghua on the later episode. It seems like their lines aren't necessary to be that long. I'm guilty because every time it's their scene I fast forward them. Lastly, Su Rongqing, the last episode doesn't have to be that long. He has a lot of screentime than PWX himself. (I have to fast forward because of cringy lines, sorry)
Plot - 10/10
> The scenes were unpredictable for me. Not a usual "oh my god, it keep repeating. I have to do this, that, etc" I watched a lot of who travel time and in order to avoid something to happen they will mostly like became irrational, became emotional etc. I am racking my brain on how to solve the character's issue. I usually put my feet in the shoes of the characters but they always made me realized (in a good way) I am just a watcher. The characters esp FL and ML makes a decision i didn't think it is possible.
They didn't drag the misunderstanding of the past between the leads. First two episodes and voila "communication" is indeed the key. I also love that it doesn't entirely focus on the love team tho which I love.
Acting - 9.5/10
> This is my opinion on the overall acting of the cast. Sounds unfair to rate their acting as a group but I observed that some actor/actress bring out the best of whom they act with or exchange the lines with.
Characters - 100/10
>The character development is amazing!
Was this review helpful to you?
The animation intro is beautiful too.
Was this review helpful to you?
Amazing if you aren't coming from the novel
This is one of those drama I watched simply because too many people were hating on it :^). I didn't understand the overly critical reviews after finishing the drama so this review is just a self rant.•Firstly, let's focus on the matter of concern for a huge chunk of reviews I came across: " Su Rongqing" 😭. As someone who haven't read the novel, the presence, absence or importance of Su Rongqing wasn't uncomfortable to me. So I assum people who read the novel generally found the limelight on him overbearing. The actor acted really well in my opinion . Many people questioned his acting in respect of arousing sympathy for his charecter as in novel ( not sure) well i didn't expect such things so there was no sympathy I felt for him and neither the sympathy felt necessary to me.
• The drama was in my opinion really clean with straight schemes and resolutions. After every issue the Grand Princess and Chancellor duo rejuvenated their relationship. As if they are loving each other a little more. I didn't find any part of the drama frustrating or unspoken. The expression, the script, the timing, the acting of the main leads and supporting all were on point.
•The best part of the drama that makes it stand out from other scheming and descheming dramas is the complexity of the characters. Especially the dillema, the miscommunication, the multiple shades in the main characters were really alluring. I found the relationship blooming and never really felt that their love wasn't shown enough to convey how much they yearned for each other— these added layers to the simple conspiracy - counter conspiracy screenwriting kind of quenched my thirst .
• The production was clean , the script was okay, can't stress enough how good they were in their respective role. The unity among its women all were beautiful to see. Maybe some episodes could have been more compact but I was satisfied over all.
So if you are coming from the novel, this drama might disappoint you that I am not aware of why but if you are watching this afresh, i don't think it gonna disappoint that way. A extremely strong woman character with a ideal partner being the assistant/ mess cleaner/ doing the dirty works , this formula can never fail come on!!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Watch for Zhang Linghe ?
One of the best Chinese Period Dramas of 2024. I am putting it shoulder to shoulder to The Double.Although The Double was far better in terms of overall acting, direction etc but personally I favour this one. ♥️
First of all, Zhang Linghe who should have been just in the shadows of the the heroine & the anti hero, outshines all others. I think this is one of his acting masterpieces. He is a fine actor but he has poured his heart out in Pei Wenxuan. His eyes speak out his pain, his frustration when he is not speaking or cannot speak, his knowing smirk can embarrass you and his sweet words can manage to convince you to see things his way.
Many viewers have complained how can the ML be in love with the FL even after seeing her sharing close ties with the anti hero for 17years?
Because Pei Wenxuan is a pure heart as Li Rong says. In the world of fiction, a man can remain true to his heart & love even after 2 decades. That's the beauty of fictional world. A real man can aspire but it's ridiculous to compare reality with fiction. So I didn't find anything wrong with Pei Wenxuan's everlasting love for the Princess.
Zhao Jin Mai, even though she is young,was convincing enough in her portrayal of the proud, opinionated Princess.
But the major letdown of this drama is Chen He Yi.
This drama could have sealed his future as a successful actor but he wasted this role.
This man cannot act..I mean even after rewatching the whole series twice and more, I am still shaking his head at his flat expressions . Also his character is confusing.
Did he really love the Princess? Did he really want to save his family? Seemed to me, he just wanted great power for himself as the Grand Prime Minister second time around, to be the actual master of the Empire.
Another character which had loose end was the Consort Rou. Her expressions and acting were very weird.
The ending where the ML and FL are talking about their happiness after their re-wedding, I think that should have been edited before the "happily ever after voiceover"..it would have made this drama perfect.
Other than this, the set, the costumes are awesome. The background score is so romantic.
I will definitely be rewatching again to see a great power struggle and also the utterly dashing Pei Wenxuan winning his lady love's heart. 🤩🤩🥰
Was this review helpful to you?
Solid political & romantic drama with INCREDIBLE lead
[After abandoning Nirvana in Fire fairly early, and almost bingeing all of The First Frost, this is only my third CDrama ever. Though I've read MANY regression stories in Jnovels/manga/Knovels/Manhwa/webnovels]Let me first get out of the way that the absolutely incredible performance Zhao Jin Mai as the incredibly well-written Li Rong, the titular Princess Royal, is indisputably the best thing about this series. I enthusiastically checked out what else she's been in as a result and even started watching Amidst a Snowstorm of Love before finishing this series.
Yes she's distractingly, incredibly beautiful, but it's matched by her performance as this capable, strong, sassy, caring Princess Royal who's risen (in the prime timeline) to be a political juggernaut. The many layers of this character, and the tragic fact that no one else in the world truly understands her, is one of the fascinating things about this series. How do you trust someone who admits she's chasing power? How do you trust her when she says she's doing it for you but then also says she's doing it for the Family but then also says she's doing it for the Commoners...Can they all be true? Can you risk it being a lie? What if it's all true?
The rest of the cast deserves praise, too. Zhang Ling He as Pei Wen Xuan (our main male pov) and Chen He Yi as Su Rong Qing make up the rest of our central love triangle. And it's an interesting love triangle in that it's clear very early on that both men were sincerely and deeply loved by our lead at least at some point, and it colours their relationships throughout the series. (honestly, I was hoping for a poly ending fairly early)
The cast gradually expands overtime, with characters revealing themselves to have multiple layers or sides such that they feel complicated and the resulting complicated mix of politics and events feels a natural result rather than anything contrived for the sake of narrative. (Cheng Guo as Shangguan Ya, He Qiu as Qin Zhen Zhen, etc etc)
Even the King, who for most of his airtime serves his role well as this central power to be feared and approaced with caution, has his moment in a GREAT scene where someone rages at him, pointing out all of his flaws and failures and desires and his actor's reaction gave me a new level of respect. (One of my favourite episodes).
It's this blend of great acting with very well-written characters that helps make this series notable.
But that's not all.
The REALLY interesting thing about this series is it's view on power and morality. Our central character is the main vessel for this philosophy in her refusal to hold grudges or chase revenge when she sees so many schemes as less of a personal affront and more simply a natural result of the corrupting influence of power and the Imperial Court.
It's not personal, it's just business.
But then what do you do when, in this rat race, someone could get enough power such that now the entire nation could suffer greatly?
So many times the issue of the corruptive nature of power and the natural desire to chase it is raised in this series and our characters both consider how it affects themselves but also take it into consideration when dealing with their enemies.
There's also the commoner vs noble class philosophy. It's obviously supposed to be a reference to Communist China but really you can make it an allegory with pretty much any modern day system of democratic government vs the older system depicted here. But it was interesting to see a series where the monarchy is pro-commoner/egalitarianism. (it's not the first I've seen, but interesting to see in a Chinese Imperial Court story)
The OST is solid, and the ending theme is so beautiful I have watched the entire credits many times just to listen to it.
Also, at 40 episodes I was worried it'd go too long... but I actually don't think that's the case. And episode 32 onwards is probably the best of all the episodes.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A Historical Revenge Drama with Unexpected Twists
Honestly, I feel bad for Zhang Linghe, because in many of his historical dramas, he often ends up being misunderstood or seen as the “bad guy” by the female lead even though he’s actually kind-hearted. In The Princess Royal, Zhao Jinmai character seeks revenge, believing that Zhang linghe character was the one who poisoned her. But the truth is he wasn’t.I think this drama has some shocking plot twists, though some parts are a bit predictable, especially when it comes to figuring out who the real villain is. Still, there’s one twist that genuinely caught me off guard I didn’t expect the true identity of the person who poisoned Zhao Jinmai in her past life.
This is one of the few historical dramas with a happy ending for Zhang Linghe’s character, which is rare and refreshing. While it’s not in my list of top favorites, I still think it’s a well written story with a satisfying revenge arc. The pacing is a bit slow at times, especially when it comes to the female lead finally realizing how kind her husband was in her past life. But overall, I’d still recommend this drama, especially if you like historical romances with a twist of mystery and revenge.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
Omg its really good.
When I first started this show I was a little wary because of the low rating. A 9.3 on Viki usually means a lack of quality, but this show really surpassed my low expectations.This story is a historical costume drama that has a sci-fi based time travel gimmick, and it SLAPS. It's really entertaining.
I watched this right after finishing The Double and a lot of the smarter writing I was craving in The Double was present here. This was a show about politics before anything else. Everyone has a faction and it fighting to get a leg up over every other faction. The constant conflicts and mental battles always make this drama feel fresh. If you liked Cheng Shaoshang's big brain in LLTG then you'll love Li Rong. Zhao Jinmai does an exceptional job (as always) communicating that she's a jaded and cold woman who is just trying to survive and do what she thinks will make everything better.
I also love the ML Pei Wenxuan. Dude has got the sauce. Zhang Linghe has been in the corner on the shelf since I first saw him in Maiden Holmes… but my guy made himself a true heartthrob with this show. His understanding of the FL and being able to anticipate her plans made for some of the most satisfying scenes.
Love all the side characters! The regular villains can be a little hard to take seriously, but the main villian was a total boss who actually felt like a true threat.
My ONLY valid complaint is the fact that this show looks AWFUL. The costumes aren't too bad but the cinematography lacks substance and personality. In rare and heavy moments some scenes are filmed intentionally but that just makes the rest of the drama look even worse. It looks like a cheap morning drama sometimes it's so bland.
It's a complicated story where there isn't an easy path or answer. Great story, acting and music. Will definitely watch again.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
This show is not for the people who like fluffy romance or romantic stuff.
I started watching this show because this is one of the dramas where FL was more powerful than ML. This show has a very political base and less romance and the romance is integrated so well with the plot that you get the sense of genuine love from both ML and FL. I thought the time travel plot was overrated but how they realized the past mistakes and worked for it. The consistency of Pei Wenxuan is remarkable though Li Rong's character was a bit stupid as she will move her opinion to whoever is in front of her. And the SML character is so stupid like he was given a second chance to turn around and make things better but what did he do go and make it worse in this life. Watching Su Rongqing make his life and people around his life more and more miserable was frustrating to watch. but I liked how things turned around and the emperor got the result of his trust and Li Chuan's way of protecting his love and family. The acting of all the actors is fabulous.Was this review helpful to you?
great actors with subpar plot
I really had a hard time to finish the series, dropped it twice before able to complete it in the span of 1 month with the video speed up to 1.5x speed. It started great with well explaination of what happen in the future and how they were back in the past. However the plot started to be draggy and lengthy with too much unccessary misunderstanding between the 2 leads.The acting of all actors are great but still unable to revive the plot and the characters arc development were poorly developed. At the end of the series, the SML have more airtime compare to the ML as if Zhang lihe is the SML. I drop it twice before able to finish it.
Was this review helpful to you?
Zhao Jinmai & Zhang Linghe - 20 Years of Marriage Vibes! (in a cute way LOL)
Late to the party but here's my take on this DramaOkay, so i actually finished watching this last year but never got around to reviewing it. Better late than never, right?
First off, i really enjoyed this one. It’s got that perfect mix of heavy political scheming and young adult romance vibes. Yeah, i know—sounds like an odd combo, but hear me out. The main couple might technically have the souls of 40-year-olds (thanks to the whole rebirth thing), but since they’re physically back to being teenagers (Li Rong’s 18, and I think Pei Wenxuan is around the same age?), their love story still feels fresh and youthful. So even with all the court politics, it never gets too heavy for younger viewers.
Visually, the drama’s a treat, and the cinematography was Solid. Great camera work, nice lighting—though i’ve gotta say, the editing could’ve been smoother. Some of those scene transitions were kinda jarring, and the episode endings way too abrupt. But let’s talk about the real MVP here: the costumes, makeup, and hairstyling—chef’s kiss. Zhao Jinmai looks absolutely radiant—like, how does her makeup stay so flawless in every scene? and Zhang Linghe’s wig is a 10/10. Dude’s never looked better.
Plot-wise, like i said, it's definitely geared toward a younger audience. The political schemes are engaging, with problems stacking up and getting resolved one after another. But man, Li Rong's decision-making sometimes had me frustrated. Girl, why are you trusting the second male lead over your own husband half the time? It got old real quick.
All in all, despite its flaws, this drama's a fun watch. Zhao Jinmai and Zhang Linghe's chemistry was off the charts. and side note: i wasn't totally sold on Zhang Linghe's acting before, but he really stepped up his game here. You can tell he put in the work, and it shows.
So yeah, worth checking out—just don’t expect perfection◝(ᵔᗜᵔ)◜
Was this review helpful to you?
The Princess Royal - Rebirth, Power, and Love
🔹 I gave The Princess Royal 8/10.🔹From the very first episode, I was drawn in by the plot's question: What if fate gave you a second chance to change everything?
📖 Overview
🔹 The Princess Royal is a 40-episode Chinese historical romance adapted from the novel The Eldest Princess (长公主) by Mo Shu Bai.
🔹 It stars Zhao Jin Mai as Li Rong, a princess caught between duty and love, and Zhang Ling He as Pei Wen Xuan, the prime minister tied to her fate.
🔹 The story blends palace intrigue, rebirth fantasy, and romance. Both leads die after decades of tension, only to wake up as their younger selves with full memories of the past.
✍️ Storyline & Tone
🔹 The drama mixes political suspense with intimate emotions, creating a bittersweet but hopeful mood.
🔹 I liked how the rebirth theme gave familiar palace conflicts fresh weight since every choice feels like it could rewrite destiny.
🔹 At times, the pacing slowed in the middle episodes, but the emotional pull of the second-chance setup kept me watching.
🎭 Cast & Performances
🔹 Zhao Jin Mai makes Li Rong believable as both a leader and a woman scarred by her past. Her performance is layered, showing strength and vulnerability side by side.
🔹 Zhang Ling He gives Pei Wen Xuan a steady calm that softens into warmth, making his slow bond with Li Rong feel natural.
🔹 The supporting cast, including Li Yun Rui, Dai Lu Wa, Wang Zi Teng, and Chen Xin Hai, round out the palace world with humor, loyalty, and conflict, so the story never feels empty.
🎵 OST
🔹 "Live Up to the Good Years (华年不负)" – Curley Gao (希林娜依·高, former BONBON GIRLS 303)
🔹 "Wind Blows (风吹)" – Qian Yan (千言)
🔹 "Persistent Love (执爱)" – Mi Ka (米卡)
🔹 "Double Dream (双梦)" – Yao Xiao Tang (姚晓棠)
🔹 "Love Without End (爱而不休)" – Chen Hong Li (陈红鲤)
🔹 "Hidden Heart (藏心)" – Ye Xuan Qing (叶宣卿)
🔹 "Soul Attached (魂牵)" – Shui Mu Nian Hua (水木年华)
🎨 Visuals & Production
🔹 The palace and interior sets felt well-balanced, making the world believable.
🔹 The costumes were on point for each character.
🔹 I liked how the cinematography highlighted both the sweeping political moments and the smaller, emotional ones.
🏆 Final Thoughts
🔹 For me, The Princess Royal stands out because it blends rebirth fantasy, political intrigue, and romance in a way that feels both moving and grand.
🔹 I rated it 8/10 for its heartfelt acting, beautiful OST, and plot twists.
🔹 The slower middle episodes were a drawback, but the overall emotional impact stayed strong.
⭐ Final Rating: 9/10
💭 As SpillTheDramaTea ☕, The Princess Royal felt like a rich, fragrant brew of tea. The longer it steeped, the deeper the taste became, and it’s one I’ll gladly pour again.
Was this review helpful to you?
