The Princess Royal

Untangling misconceptions | Understanding both perspectives is essential | MLs a walking Green Flag!

"In front of your beloved, you'll always be a child in this life." - Wen Shi / Pei Wenxuan's Mother.

Sometimes, it's really unwise and unadvisable to read reviews and watch spoilers before watching a drama. Because, what do you mean I stored this well-written story on the side for a couple of years just because I was influenced by some negative critiques I read online? Absolutely my mistake! Anyways...

In summary, I think the story was able to skillfully tackle a side of the "Rebirth plot" that isn't normally touched upon or addressed. Typically, it always revolves around "changing and correcting" what has happened, but for this drama, it's all about "clarification and acceptance."

At first, I had the impression that this would be another regret and repentance-themed plot. However, as the story progresses, I realized that they're neither focused on both, but more on learning what actually transpired and why it occurred in the first place. With that idea, I realized that they were not given the chance to relive their earlier lives to change and correct past decisions. Rather, the chance was given to make Princess Li Rong realize that she was already on the right path; It's just that she allowed her emotions to get the best of her—I am being subjective and character-specific here, as she was the only one who seemed confused and kept in the dark about the events of their previous life. Which prevented her from performing critical observation and rational analysis, ultimately resulting in the tragic and sorrowful conclusion of their previous life.

The story itself was nicely written. I appreciate that most of the scenes were straightforward and progressive—which helped to better represent the current mental age of the three characters who went back to their previous lives. While the resolution to the conflict was masterfully built and executed. I'm glad that they focused on resolving the issue, instead of making it unnecessarily big and overly dramatic. This helped the story avoid any additional immature and irrational conflicts that are often used in rebirth/time-travel themed dramas and allowed it to focus entirely on the pressing matters that made them remorseful and unsatisfied with their past lives.

The ending was presented in an unexpected yet reasonable manner that perfectly aligns with the title, 'The Princess Royal.' I honestly find it weird and amusing how they pushed the 'Regent Princess Royal' agenda. It was unprecedented, and I have never seen the concept utilized so positively before in any other dramas. However, I am glad that it ended that way, for the following reasons:
1. To finally provide a happy ending to Li Chuan and Qin Zhenzhen after their tragic demise.
2. To prevent the tragedy that occurred in their previous lives from ever happening again.
3. To cement Li Rong's role in the story as the most powerful figure: The Regent Princess Royal.

I also just want to list down some things I love about this production overall.
• I'm grateful that they immediately, on episode 2, discovered that both of them have re-lived their lives. Because of that, they didn't have to waste more episodes guessing why they're treating each other the way they do.
• I love that the story mainly focused on the leads recollecting and analyzing the past situation to gain clarity instead of immediately moving on. Finally, a mature concept.
• More so, I love how they alternately reminisce and reproach each other regarding their past circumstances: Li Rong with her bitter and salty memories of Pei Wenxuan's sentiments for his presumed first love (Qin Zhenzhen), and Pei Wenxuan's endless jealousy towards Li Rong's boy toy (Su Rong Qing). It's giving 'Couple Core'.

Let me also bring up a couple of things that felt a bit off, which could have been better with proper modifications.
×× The mustache in episode 1 looks so fake, I'm cackling! While it looks considerably fine on Pei Wenxuan, it is ridiculously unbelievable on Li Chuan. Since the actor is young, they should have used cosmetics to age him, which would have worked better than simply using a fake mustache.
×× The rain scene was everything—it was beautiful, heartfelt, and intense. The confession, the reproach speech, and them running after each other were so well done. However, as the story went on, it felt like everything went down the drain due to the constant doubts and hesitations, mainly concerning Li Rong's feelings, even after their confrontation​. I think this scene would have been better if placed towards the middle part of the story, as it evoked immense emotion and would have served as a wonderful scene in sorting out their feelings and mending their relationship once and for all.

In conclusion, Li Rong wasn't mistaken; she just didn't know the whole story—and that's because Pei Wenxuan never mustered the courage to clarify his feelings to her. Above all, I'm proud that she remained pure-hearted till the end of her supposed first life. She was misguided and perhaps blinded by the fact that her husband loved and cared for Qin Zhenzhen, but what I love about her is that she never used that to harm her. She knew her worth and chose to end their connection, as she's not someone who would ever settle for receiving just a portion of Pei Wenxuan's affection.

​P.S. Pei Wenxuan deserves an Honorary Award for being a walking green flag. Li Rong is the luckiest for finding such a loyal, loving, and magnanimous husband who genuinely adores, understands, and dotes on her. This man committed one mistake and never did it again; and in return, he is ready to devote his lifetime to making up for it.

Pei Wenxuan: Your Highness. If I die in the palace today. What will you do?
Li Rong: If you die in Huajing, I will gather the troops and destroy them. Do you understand?

Story - 9.5. I thoroughly enjoyed this drama. The only issue I had was with the "Rain Scene," which I believe would have been more instrumental and effective had it been placed in the middle of the story or used as a device to ultimately resolve their relationship issues. It lost much of its essence because it was added in the first quarter of the story.

Acting/Cast - 10. Each scene was delivered with a great amount of emotion and support, and I never found anyone lacking. I love the lineup of actors and actresses, and was very happy to have finally watched this. This is my first Zhao Jinmai drama, and I consumed it very well. Zhang Linghe's character here is a much lighter and calmer version compared to all of his roles I have watched so far. I would say I love him better here.

Music - 10, Non-negotiable. Why are this drama's OSTs coming at par with how touching, solemn, and soothing K-OSTs are? The songs were never overpowering; they were never distracting. Instead, they are like the wind on a calm sunny day—mild, warm, and comforting. It's as if they are the voices that gently whisper and envelop their message and intentions to its viewers. <3

Rewatch Value - 9.5, I enjoyed it a lot and would definitely re-watch it if given a chance. It's once of the drama I stayed up multiple nights to finish.

Overall - 9.5. My rating would have been a perfect 10 if the rain scene had been positioned more appropriately. Whoever edited this was misled/misguided by the idea that it would be effective to place such a romantic and evocative scene in the first quarter, rather than using it to conclude the romantic conflict between the leads. The sequencing was consequently messed up. Nevertheless, this remains a highly recommendable drama.

IF you find my review helpful please let me know.

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It's lonely at the top

For me, this is a story of knowing and realizing the struggle and sacrifice to achieve power. Despite having a good romance, what I appreciate here, which made me cry many times, is the loneliness and hardship just to gain or maintain the power to save their life.

Everyone did a good job, especially Li Rong. Such a powerful woman. I was frustrated on her but there's a reason why she needs to be strong. The good thing is she got PWX to pull her if she is out of control and is truly a person that you can rely on. Good job for these two.

In terms of romance, I was more captivated and invested in Shangguan and Su Rong Hua, just because I love how they develop their relationship, and the story in the past and present is really captivating.

My comment is maybe it can be reduced to 30 episodes. I find it boring sometimes, especially in the second half.

Overall, it has a great ending. 8.5 for me..

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This drama is really worth wathching

I finished watching it.l also addicted to it,exept some few episode all cast was really good,The main couple Pei wenxuan and Li rong were cute husband and wife.They played well,especially l didn't think jinmai can do a wondeful powerful character with her young age,she attracted all international fan ,wish you all the best maimai,you acted well and did justice to the characters, I am also linghe fan.he is top 1 in my chinese actor list.In Pei wenxuan character he acted different movement and characters,Sometime he was prime minister,a good caring husband,a friend,a good sword fighter, good loyal officer with highest IQ.some time he got angry as well as he quetish the princess, that incident really touch me,l hope to see your next drama cherry amber, Don't worry about other's telling. You know that you did best .l am from SRI LANKA 🇱🇰

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"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!

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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!!

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Great drama but ending felt rushed

I enjoyed Princess Royal! What I loved most was how emotionally layered and mature the story felt. This wasn’t just another historical romance — it explored regret, misunderstandings, sacrifice, trust, and what it means to truly love someone after years of emotional distance and pain.

The relationship between the leads felt especially compelling because it wasn’t perfect or overly idealized. Watching them slowly rebuild trust and rediscover each other after a lifetime of regrets made the romance feel earned. The quiet moments, emotional tension, and gradual healing honestly became some of my favorite parts of the drama.

Zhang Linghe was definitely a highlight for me. He brought so much warmth, patience, and emotional depth to his character, and there were so many moments where you genuinely felt for him. The chemistry between the leads kept me invested, and visually, the drama was beautiful — from the costumes to the overall atmosphere.

That said, this is a 9/10 and not a 10 because the ending left me wanting more. After such a strong emotional build-up, the payoff felt a little rushed and not as satisfying as I had hoped. There were also moments in the later episodes where certain plotlines dragged or became frustrating, and I wished the story had focused a bit more on the emotional resolution between the leads.

Still, despite those frustrations, this drama stayed with me. The emotional maturity, second-chance romance, and layered storytelling made it incredibly memorable. Even with an ending that didn’t fully land for me, I’d still absolutely recommend it.

Princess Royal ended up being such a rewarding watch for me. What I loved most was how emotionally layered and mature the story felt. This wasn’t just another historical romance — it explored regret, misunderstandings, sacrifice, trust, and what it means to truly love someone after years of emotional distance and pain.

The relationship between the leads felt especially compelling because it wasn’t perfect or overly idealized. Watching them slowly rebuild trust and rediscover each other after a lifetime of regrets made the romance feel earned. The quiet moments, emotional tension, and gradual healing honestly became some of my favorite parts of the drama.

Zhang Linghe was definitely a highlight for me. He brought so much warmth, patience, and emotional depth to his character, and there were so many moments where you genuinely felt for him. The chemistry between the leads kept me invested, and visually, the drama was beautiful — from the costumes to the overall atmosphere.

That said, this is a 9/10 and not a 10 because the ending left me wanting more. After such a strong emotional build-up, the payoff felt a little rushed and not as satisfying as I had hoped. There were also moments in the later episodes where certain plotlines dragged or became frustrating, and I wished the story had focused a bit more on the emotional resolution between the leads.

Still, despite those frustrations, this drama stayed with me. The emotional maturity, second-chance romance, and layered storytelling made it incredibly memorable. Even with an ending that didn’t fully land for me, I’d still absolutely recommend it.

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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. 🤩🤩🥰

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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.

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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.

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