Love of Nirvana

Worth every minute of my time.

This drama has now become my all-time favourite. After seeing "Until the end of the moon", I really thought that no other drama can top it in terms of storyline, ost, casting and acting but I have finally found the one to do that.

This drama itself takes place in the Liang state where Wei Zhao (also known as Xiao Wuxia, played by Ren Jia Lun) seeks to find the truth about his father's and family's downfall. Whilst on this journey, an unfortunate girl, Jiang Ci (played by Landy Li) unintentionally foils his plans, leading to their fates intermingling for the rest of the drama. Based on this description alone, you can discern that this is an enemies-to-lovers trope, and it is, and by far, it is my favourite representation of this trope in all the c-dramas that I have seen.

The characters in the series also play their roles extremely well and there was no particular complaint that I could make regarding the acting or execution of these characters. There weren't any plot holes in terms of motive or background of the characters and this made it such a more enjoyable watch as everything that the characters did had a purpose. The actors did an exquisite job in playing their characters -- I really don't think there could be another cast that could pull off this drama as well as this one did. There was a point where I really hated Pei Yan (you'll understand if you watch the drama) so you can really tell that they were mastering their roles.

The plot of the series was also interesting. As it is a historical c-drama, you can expect a lot of politics however, unlike the other c-dramas that bombard you with a bunch of irrelevant side quests that the characters go through, I didn't feel this way about this c-drama. All the politics in this drama served their role wonderfully and it was actually comprehensible and beginner-friendly for all those who are new to this genre of c-dramas. The romance, of course, is there. I don't know how else to put it but it's just the perfect amount of angst, yearning, passion and sincerity.

The ost of this drama OH MY GOODNESS. I cannot express how well they chose their ost. All of the songs as well as where they were placed throughout the drama made it all the more beautiful as the osts really capture the moment on screen; they made the heartwarming scenes even more cutesy and the depressing scenes even more heart-wrenching. They're definitely going into my favourite ost playlist!

All in all, should you watch this drama? Yes. Should you give it your full attention? Yes. Is there any advice I would give to future watchers? 😇😭🤧

Happy Binging!

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A Drama of Deception and Depth: Love of Nirvana's Unforgettable Tale.

A masterclass in strategic maneuvering and character depth, "Love of Nirvana" delivers a cerebral experience, where every interaction is a calculated move in a high-stakes game. Ren Jialun's portrayal in this intricate political landscape is a dream realized, showcasing his ability to navigate complex schemes with nuanced expressions. The drama thrives on its characters' sharp intellect, each move anticipated and countered, creating a thrilling dance of wits. The narrative's strength lies in its ability to keep viewers guessing, revealing layers of strategy only as they unfold, leaving a trail of satisfying "aha" moments.
The foundation of the story, the initial animosity between Yueluo and Liang, is crucial. It sets the stage for a conflict-driven narrative, where love is a hard-won prize amidst war. The leads' journey from adversaries to allies is a testament to the drama's commitment to realism, eschewing romantic clichés for a raw, authentic portrayal of evolving emotions.
The characters are a tapestry of complexities, each wearing a façade to mask their true intentions. Wei Zhou's layered persona, from ruthless assassin to burdened leader, is a study in duality. Jiang Ci, with her seemingly carefree demeanor, is a master strategist, defying expectations and asserting her agency. Pei Yan, the gentle manipulator, adds another layer of moral ambiguity, blurring the lines between good and evil. Their motives are clear, yet their actions are shrouded in mystery, compelling viewers to dissect every scene.
The script is a labyrinth of symbols, metaphors, and hidden meanings, demanding close attention and rewarding keen observation. The caged white bird, the repelling of water, the black orchid seed—each element carries profound significance, enriching the narrative with depth and nuance. The use of objects to convey intentions, like the tea scene with Madam Ronggue, speaks volumes without uttering a word.
Foreshadowing is masterfully employed, from the song lyrics to the characters' dialogues, hinting at future events and adding layers of intrigue. The drama trusts its audience to connect the dots, weaving a narrative that unfolds with precision and purpose. The contrast between Pei Yan's control and Wei Zhou's liberation of Jiang Ci's spirit is a subtle yet powerful commentary on their characters and their understanding of love.
Deceptive storytelling keeps viewers on their toes, revealing plot twists through carefully placed clues and misdirections. The use of poems and riddles adds a layer of sophistication, turning conversations into strategic exchanges of veiled messages. The themes of revenge, freedom, hope, prejudice, and filial piety are explored with depth and sensitivity, reflecting the complexities of human nature.
The drama doesn't shy away from difficult choices, portraying the characters' dilemmas with honesty and empathy. Pei Yan's struggle between duty and morality, Wei Zhou's sacrifices for his people—these moments resonate deeply, highlighting the weight of their decisions. Despite the heavy themes, the drama offers glimmers of hope, like the blooming Lingjiu flowers and the evolving relationships between the characters.
The romance, though slow-burning, is tender and heartfelt. Ren Jialun and Li Landi's chemistry is palpable, their silent exchanges filled with unspoken emotions. The subtle gestures, like Jiang Ci comforting Wei Zhou during his nightmares or their exchange of flowers, speak volumes about their deepening connection. The scene where Jiang Ci feeds Wei Zhou orange after war, shows a lot of unspoken emotion. The drama excels in conveying emotions through subtle cues and unspoken words, making every interaction meaningful.
"Love of Nirvana" is a triumph of storytelling, a drama that engages the mind and touches the heart. Its intricate plot, complex characters, and profound themes make it a captivating and unforgettable experience, a true masterpiece of the scheming drama genre.

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drama of two halves

I have mixed feeling about this as the last two story arcs were comparatively poor. Up to this point the plot unfolded at a modest but gripping pace that allowed the viewers to understand the different complexities of the main characters. Jiang Ci and Wei Zhao changing relationship from antagonism to love felt credible for the most part, spurred on by Jiang Ci understanding of the impact of Emperor Liang's genocidal policies on WZ and the Zhengrong residents but I have reservations about the Stockholm syndrome aspect of this relationship. The second half of the drama is disappointing. The third arc involving the Shifu was trite and cliched and did a disservice to the development of complex characters in the first half of the drama. The final arc dragged and was predictable and involved too many flashbacks,
Generally, the actors portray the main characters well. But Ren Jialun’s acting is still a bit underwhelming and Ji Landi portrayal of J CI does not really convey the “free spirit” of the character, which is a big part of why J Ci opts for WZ not Peil Yan. On the other hand, Xu Zhengxi delivers a great performance as s the ambitious and manipulative Pei Yan. Still, it is one of better new costume dramas of 2024 (i.e. excluding season 2 /3 dramas), which have so far been disappointing.

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A long, long journey filled with hardship yet unwavering loyalty

To give some context, this was by no means a drama I was super into since the beginning. Actually, I was very close to dropping this drama. I was just so bored; the pacing was painfully slow. However, something deep inside me made me pick it up and tough it through- curiosity of the schemes and how the drama would redeem itself story-wise. I'm glad I did, it was worth watching for me. I cannot say the same for others, though. It definitely will not be everyone's cup of tea, so I strongly recommend the decision to watch, of one's own accord. If you do decide to watch, tough it out through the first 15 episodes, and it will get better.

Story: I think the story had potential. The characters were beautifully written. I appreciate how every decision the characters made was true to themselves. The schemes took time to build up and unravel, but were engaging enough for me to tough it out. I honestly find 40 episodes for this plot to be ridiculous. It should have been 36 episodes, max, and that is pushing it. I docked off 3 stars for the misuse of flashback scenes (too many and some were repetitive), pacing (some side characters were unnecessary and contributed minimally to the plot; talking scenes could have been replaced with more action scenes). My issue with this drama was the inconsistent pacing: painfully slow in the beginning, improved in the middle, dragged again, picked up again near the ending. If there wasn't a 1.5x button, I very well may have dropped this drama.

That being said, the scenes that did matter portrayed hardship and didn't shy away from suffering, tragedy, and obstacles. I do appreciate the themes in this drama- undying loyalty, friendship, family, love, and difficult, difficult decision-making. The characters showed us all sides of these, and there were numerous moments when even I myself couldn't even process how a decision could be made. It was deep with lots of challenging decision-making moments (What do you do when you're caught between your loved ones, the right thing to do, and the consequences? What truly matters most in that very moment?)

Regarding the romance- yes, the romance was there and was worth watching. Jiang Ci and Wei Zhao's chemistry was unexpectedly so good. It was also just the perfect amount of romance in between all of the dark schemes. I would say it was about 40% romance.

The ending was sad and tragic, but it actually wrapped up everything in the drama well. This is much better than those happy endings that are so forced that they leave you feeling empty and unsatisfied. The ending made sense. Realistically, if the emperor is your enemy, you're bound to sacrifice/die in return for your lifelong wish, if you're lucky.

Acting/Cast: This was the show's saving grace. The strongest backbone holding this drama together was the cast and their acting. The acting was PHENOMENAL. The cast really brought every one of their roles alive. They were fully immersed in their characters, it was impressive to watch. Not a single flaw. To top it off, everyone was good-looking. No one was miscast.

Ren Jialun was dashing, and every time he showed up on screen, I couldn't take my eyes off him. He was incredibly charismatic and charming. He was the perfect person to play Wei Zhao. This was my second drama of Landy Li (loved her acting in The Starry Love, but chemistry was a bit lacking on her side), but this time she pleasantly impressed me. Her acting was so different from her role in The Starry Love. She was the perfect Jiang Ci. Her chemistry with Ren Jialun on screen was off the charts. In the beginning, I didn't see any chemistry at all, but throughout the drama, I was thoroughly convinced by their love and loyalty towards each other. Despite everything, Jiang Ci couldn't abandon Wei Zhao, and he did everything in his power to keep her safe while constantly restoring her freedom, only for her to come back for him. Neither of their decisions were to blame, it aligned with their natures. Jeremy Xu was amazing as always. He was the perfect Pei Yan. I hated him the most in the beginning, but after his mother was out of the picture, his character truly grew into the hero he was meant to be. The growth was incredible.

Music: I loved the music. It came at the right time, had the right vibe, everything was appropriate, and served its purpose.

Rewatch value: I personally would not rewatch it. It took me longer than usual to finish this drama since I really had to push myself, so I would not rewatch it. It was a one-time watch for me.

Overall, I can't say I would recommend this drama or if it was worth watching for others- it's really not everyone's cup of tea. I struggled through it, but it was worth it for me. Heavy on the politics, an appropriate amount of romance, and probably the most complex, top-tier level acting ever. It has its pros and cons. Not a perfect drama, but if you want to give it a try after reading all of the above, then it may be worth watching.

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Shameless cat??

I am in shambles. Cried too many tears, it’s not okay. I think it took me a bit long to watch the first ten episodes, but once I reached episode 10/11, I just inhaled the show. It had me hooked and anticipating it the same way “Eternal Love” did earlier this year!!🤭🤣 I was just always looking forward to watching more!

I loved the OST (so sad that it’s STILL not on Spotify 💔) and the styling in this show! Although, Wei Zhao’s assassin’s wig was … not my favorite to be honest!! But everyone looked so, so dashing⚔️🥹, and I really enjoyed the scheming and plotting throughout the show. If you’re into scheming plots, political/internal power struggles with a pinch of heartbreaking romance, then this show is great! Also, Li Landi’s acting was so good, I need to watch more of her shows! RJL was great as expected and Jeremy Tsui had a very impressive and intense screen presence as well; everyone acted amazingly in this show!!

My favorite episode was probably the one during this Winter party when our leads were dressed in red, both looked so good (and HAPPY and WELL). Anyway, I have a headache now🤣💗 Ren Jia Lun, I deserve compensation after this and “One and Only”!!!!!💰

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I rarely write reviews

My Take on Love of Nirvana

I went into Love of Nirvana expecting a strong, character-driven journey with emotional payoff—and while the show absolutely delivers in some areas, it falls short in others that matter just as much.

Let’s start with what worked.

The strongest element of this drama is, without question, the evolving dynamic between Wei Zhao and Lord Pei. Their relationship is layered, intelligent, and deeply respectful, even when they stand on opposing sides. There’s no petty rivalry—just two capable men who recognize each other’s strength and carry the weight of their choices. Watching their mutual understanding grow, especially in the final episodes, was far more satisfying than the central romance. Lord Pei’s confrontation with the Grand Prince was a standout moment—bold, earned, and reflective of real character growth. He didn’t just change internally; he acted on it, and that made all the difference.

The show also excels in its themes. It explores the tension between power and morality, loyalty and justice, and what it really means to lead. It doesn’t give easy answers, and I appreciated that. The emotional weight is real—the war, the losses, the suffering of ordinary people—it all hits hard and lingers.

But where the show loses momentum for me is in its female lead, Ci Jian’e.

She starts off as a bright, witty, free-spirited character—someone who feels capable of navigating the world on her own terms. But as the story progresses, that spark fades. Instead of adapting to the harsh reality around her, she becomes increasingly reactive and emotionally driven without translating that growth into meaningful action. She feels the weight of the world, but she doesn’t use what she learns to gain agency within it.

And that’s the core issue: her intentions and her actual influence never fully align.

Compared to a character like Second Lady Jiang in The Double, the difference is stark. Jiang evolves visibly—she learns the system, adapts, and begins to shape outcomes. Ci Jian’e, on the other hand, endures more than she transforms. She remains morally grounded, which is admirable, but without strategic growth, she often feels overshadowed by the men around her.

At times, she comes across less as a driving force and more as an ornament—someone the story revolves around, but not someone who actively moves it forward. And that’s frustrating, especially because her character wants independence and agency. The show just doesn’t consistently allow her to claim it.

The romance also didn’t land for me. It felt secondary for most of the story, then suddenly pushed forward near the end without enough buildup to make it fully satisfying. Wei Zhao, in particular, comes off awkward in these moments—not in a charming way, but in a way that highlights how underdeveloped the romantic thread is compared to the political one.

Overall, Love of Nirvana is a strong drama with compelling themes, emotional depth, and excellent character work—particularly on the male side. But its slow pacing and lack of satisfying growth for its female lead keep it from reaching its full potential.

Final rating: 7.5–8/10
A story I respect and appreciate—but not one I fully loved.

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The usual mix of good and silly told differently

Good that it didn’t have the usual unrealistic fluffy romance but it overdid it for me as the first 15 episodes were devoid of any sparks. How the SML turned obsessive was nothing new but I appreciated that he didn’t stay that way. How he and the FL and ML worked together in the ending episodes were the highlight for me.

The epitome of silliness for me was when the group of bad guys were sent in to kill the beggars that were locked in a compound. This beggars were starving and could barely walk. After slaughtering some of them, the bad guys heard the good guys coming and said that they should stop killing and just take the remainder beggars away… It takes less time to drag people who could barely walk then to use their sword to strike them down?

Lots of little things like this that don’t make sense but I laugh it off then continue as I love the FL. So carefree and not lovestruck. ML was good enough for me and excels (naturally?) at showing a puzzled-dumbfounded look during some of loving moments. A bittersweet but fitting ending.

The other couple involving the SML’s advisor was lovely yet sad as they were both realistic and knew things would not work out for them. Glad to have this instead of some unbelievable love conquers all romance which most dramas are fond of doing.

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a hero to people that matters

I just finished ep40, cried so badly.

I think this show has quite a good balance of political and the slow burn romance. in addition, the political setup was not boring and flows very consistently.

i felt this has to be one of RJL’s best works in recent years after One and Only. he’s just brilliant in historical dramas.

I love Wei Zhao. his character is layered and complex. from a villain, to a hero (to Yueluo and his close comrades), he went through A LOT. he went through physical and emotional hurdles, had to face his enemy everyday, always be alert, help the Yueluo slaves, this guy didn’t rest at all. like Yu Lian said, he’s someone who doesn’t feel pain at all. he’s numb to it. it’s saddening to see a young promising guy like him endured such a life.

I thought his death served the purpose. because he fought all his life for one thing - to free Yueluo from all the slavery and policies put on them. he learnt from his father that ultimately it’s protecting the lives of people in Yueluo that matters the most.

Ci is the light to his darkness. a light that shines on the path he took so he wouldn’t be lonely. she’s always there for him. never left. Ci is smart and independent, and she’s also emotionally strong. she lost people in her life yet she’s resilient living her life.

Pei Yan is such a interesting character BUT why the show wasted on him being love brain most of the time? him working together with Wei Zhao was one of his best highlights and him siding with Yueluo, is just so amazing!

overall it was a really nice show.

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If Only…..

I am so heartbroken!!! Why does most Ren Jia Lun series have tragic endings?? If we could for a minute forget that there isn’t a happily ever after in this drama, I would have given it a solid 10 stars, 15 if possible. The story was amazing, the conspiracies, the politics, the quick thinking leads, the soundtrack was like icing on the cake, not to forget the amazing costumes of Ren Jia Lun and Jeremy Tsui. I’m sure the makers of this series have attended to every minute detail in the show to bring us an amazing series, if only they could give the leads a happy ending after all they went through. I suffer from the second lead syndrome in most shows, but even if Jeremy Tsui was an amazing second lead, I didn’t get the second lead syndrome, this shows just how good he was in character. What do I even say about Ren Jia Lun! He was amazing, he is the champion of sacrifices, subtle glances for romance, and tragic climaxes. On top of it, he looked super awesome too! As for Landy Li, she was perfect in her girl-next-door personality and I loved her chemistry with RJL.

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