Melody of Golden Age

It was a fun drama. And that's all...

The story starts with an arranged marriage of our main leads Shen Du and Yan Xing. Shen du is the head of one of the department of justice I guess. Yan Xing is a scribe who wants to be a female official. Shen Du's father committed treason and his whole family was annihilated but he was pardoned by the empress dowager. However he wants to clear his father's name. So the couple solve different cases along their journey. This is the simple gist of the drama.

I rate this drama 7/10.
The plot was lacking soo manyyy thingss. The cases don't make complete sense. They tried to interconnect different cases but the execution was very bad. The female lead pretended to be smart but there her arguments were not that convincing. Too impulsive. Trying to solve everything herself without a care for others. I could not tell where the story was heading. 40 eps was a bit too long and draggy.
Undoubtedly, Shen Du was the best character here. I think this was Ding Yuxi's best performance yet. He lived upto his character's name. He was the only cautious person in the show. Planned everything ahead. The female lead's acting was also really good. I was most impressed by the acting of Lai Longzhi.
The characters dynamics was really weird. Nothing was clearly stated. The sudden tribe and their arc was so abrupt. What was the deal with Chen Huoe. The girl who was always with empress dowager. What was even her purpose? Everything seemed too messy with no proper explanation to viewers.

If you are looking for a cute drama with some bits of mystery then go for it. But do not expect to find logic here.

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Ryan Ding as Shen Du is PERFECT

To celebrate Ryan Ding’s birthday, I will make a short review of this series. This is my fifth Ryan Ding’s drama. Although they can make the episodes shorter, I still enjoy the drama a lot and all because of Ryan Ding’s performance as Shen Du. I should say Ryan is the one that carry this series to the another level that makes everybody love his role as domineering but charismatic Shen Du. I can’t say a lot about his co-star Ancy Deng because she is new artist. I don’t blame her performance, she is doing quite well for a new artist. I just hope the writer can make her character stronger and not too dependable to Shen Du. I always prefer a strong woman character than a weak one. I hope in their next collaboration with Ryan Ding in Escape to Your Heart, her character will be more independent and stronger. Can’t wait to watch Escape to your heart with both casts, Ryan Ding and Ancy Deng
Story: 10/10
Acting/Cast: 10/10
Music: 10/10
Rewatch Value: 10/10
Overall: 10/10
Happy Birthday Ding Yuxi. I hope you more people will recognize and appreciate your talents.

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Series with no connection to its name

It was a series that started well at the beginning but became ridiculous in the last episodes. I endured 37 episodes. I couldn't watch the rest. The bad guys will definitely be punished, the injustices will be corrected, I can see and feel that. However, in the last episodes, the story got out of hand with unbearable logical errors and stupid software. It got to a point where the wrong guys became right, they hang and cut them up, the empress and other authorized people who see this are watching. That person, Lao Zhi, can't do anything. The queen who hangs and cuts everyone in front of her, gives a penalty times her salary when Lao Zhi makes a mistake and needs to be punished, is that good? I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I've never seen such nonsense in any series. The man continues his evil deeds. The queen knows it, everyone knows it. The queen doesn't come to the court, but gives the authority to punish and reward Lao Zhi, who doesn't do his job well, who constantly makes mistakes and needs to be punished. She gives authority. Instead of giving punishment, she gives authority. What does this mean? The audience is stupid and eats it up. Or the writer thinks we are fools. Can such a stupid thing happen? Second; there is the Princess, the Prime Minister. But he gives authority to a lower level and unwanted person who does not do his job well, constantly makes mistakes, and even believes that all evil comes from him. Oh my God! The Queen is blind, deaf, does not know what she is saying. Such a character. But the scriptwriter shows us her as a very smart person who runs the country. In fact, she works day and night for her country. Her son is very young. She is acting as his regent. She is shown as a good person. Is it a LIE, scriptwriter? What is this contradiction? Why are you taking us for fools? Do you have a problem? Are you crazy? Why are you spoiling the story? Why are you showing a bad person above everything and disregarding the others, even the Queen. Let's say this Lai Zhi wants to overthrow the Queen and her. She doesn't care. Why am I saying this? The Queen orders the arrest. Let alone arresting that person, Lai Zhi kills him. The Queen goes crazy. How can you kill him? He says I didn't give such an order. Sir, punish him. He says I deserved it. He says I cut his salary. What century are we in, scriptwriter? Are you kidding me? Are you selling bagels? Are you okay? Are you nice? Are you free? Go away. Don't get on our nerves. Shame on you. I condemn it. I don't recommend it to anyone. Don't get on your nerves. Don't watch it. I also gave these 6 notes to the actors. I liked the actors. They weren't extraordinary, but they were beautiful. Our daughter Ancy Deng was born in 2005, but well done, she has been playing the leading role since she was 15. She mixed her childish actions with her youthful actions while playing, but I think she will be better. So I support her. She will be a good actress. They were compatible with Ding Yu Xi. Zi Jun was very successful in the role of the bad guy. It suits her. Let her play the bad guy. Xiao Yan was good, I was surprised that she played such a role, but it was a supporting role and a light role. The actress who played the princess, Mao Lin Lin, Queen He Sai Fei, Xuan Lu, Sun Ze Yuan, Ethan Yao, Pan Lu Yu, Gao Ji Cai were the actors who caught my attention. I gave this note for the effort of the actors. I give zero marks to the writer and the script.

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a story of research, marriage and love!

finished 8.5/10 ✨💞
an adorable and soft leading couple, I loved the characters both individually and as a whole, great scenery and music... there was, in my opinion, a somewhat mediocre handling of the script, a filler of 10 chapters and the last two with a plot that was too fast... this particular drama had editing problems, some scenes were cut and others were superimposed in a strange way but it is left see... pure taboo the age gap of the protagonists and their kisses, I personally liked them and I didn't see anything wrong, As for the supporting cast, there were a couple of characters that stressed me out a lot and I admit that I skipped their scenes.

Still, despite everything, I highly recommend it 👏

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Chemistry Over Plot: A Hypnotic Love Story

I was pleasantly surprised by this drama! After seeing a wide range of reviews online, I decided to give it a try with little to no expectations. Turns out, I found a drama with great romance, chemistry, and well-paced relationship development, which honestly makes up for the rest of the plot, which is a bit lackluster.

It started strong, with intriguing storylines and well-done character introductions. Then it slowed down, became confusing, dragged at times, even ridiculous, but finally picked up again and became engaging for the final episodes.

The leads were fantastic—both the female and male characters were strong, charismatic, and intelligent, which I loved. They had some of the best chemistry I’ve seen in a drama. Regarding the FL’s acting, I saw some complaints and I agree it's not on the same level as the ML's. However, I wouldn’t call it catastrophic; it’s just very different from Ding Yu Xi's performance.

The case-solving element of the plot was weak. I enjoy mysteries and unraveling the truth, but this felt amateurish. It was somehow both overcomplicated and overly simple. It seemed like they stretched it out to fill time, only to give us the easiest solution in the end. By the time the resolution came, I’d forgotten half of what was going on or how we got there.

The same goes for the side characters. There were way too many, most of whom were unnecessary. I couldn’t even remember some of their names. And the forced second couples? I couldn’t care less. Plus, the worst best friend character I've ever seen in a drama. I genuinely thought for half the drama that she's evil or something, turns out she's just annoying (omg the voice was killing me), stupid, spoiled and trashy.

Nevertheless, the chemistry between the main leads overshadowed all these flaws. It was so natural and hypnotic that I didn’t mind sitting through the weird case-solving moments just to get a moment of them together. They had an incredible presence on screen and great dialogues. I appreciated the pacing of their relationship, though I would have liked to see the ML’s portrayal as a cruel minister last a bit longer. Once he softened for the FL, he became a softie overall, and I really enjoyed the powerful introduction he had. But that’s just my personal take.

Great OST, already on my playlist ;)

Overall, I definitely recommend it, especially if you’re a fan of costume dramas and romance!

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Slow Torture!

To begin the pace of this drama was extremely slow almost as if it was purposely done to drag out 40 episodes. I did like the beginning plot and the way in which I felt the story might develop. It has a smart, pretty FL and a smart, handsome, dominant ML. These two although they start off at odds find a common element early on in their ability to solve cases. Each has a strong moral position and an unwavering penchant for justice. The FL is one of a few that will stand up to the ML and does not seem to fear much. The case-solving tends to move slowly to match the slow pace of the drama.

The set and costumes are done well for the most part you do feel you are a part of the room. However, they did over-decorate some scenes and the room is too congested. I am not Asian, but I notice that many Asian movies are done in the cold where you can see the breath of the actors as they speak, and in this drama, it happens often. This is distracting at times.

Another thing I liked was the fight scenes. They were quick and entertaining moving faster than the pace of the show. The actors handled the action well and did a good job.

There is an interesting cast of characters with political intrigue. With this being said the first two episodes had my interest but then it fell short due to the slow pace of the drama and the lack of connection between the leads. Ding Yu Xi, I felt played his part well as the domineering lead but I felt Ancy Deng could not match his presence. There is not a lot of time spent on the supporting cast. Just some flashbacks to get a sense of the characters. If they spent time on them it may have helped with the slow pace.

So I think I get it now, why I am not seeing any chemistry between the leads. There is a certain immaturity in the FL so when I looked her up I found there is a huge age gap of 10 years between them. Not that age matters but if you have ever seen Yang Mei Mei, who is 19 yrs., but she looks 15 yrs. and she can pull off the coy woman role like nobody's business. the FL in this case, her youth and immaturity strongly come across in this drama. I think that with some agencies popular actors are sometimes forced to act with newcomers to give them a leg up in the industry. What a shame they could have cast better.

I stayed until the end to give Ding Yu Xi the benefit of the doubt because I felt he did a good job. The ending was not unexpected but could have been better.

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I feel like I would watch any show with Ding Yuxi in it

As soon as I heard Ding Yuxi was starring in this show as the main lead, I pulled up quicker than lightning and it was actually worth the watch.

This was the refresher I needed after watching Love in Eastern Fantasy Game...
The chemistry in the show was great and I loved, the main couple, but I would have to agree with earlier reviews that called out how irresponsible and tactless the female lead was.

Female Lead:
She was introduced as someone brave, who was willing to put her life on the line to uncover the truth, but I feared for the poor senseless child. She would carelessly walk into obvious traps and get herself into so much trouble just to get information and then her husband would have to save her time and time again, at one point I wished she would just stay home.
Nevertheless, she manages to get promoted, maybe because the empress realized that if she didn't give her some authority, this senseless chicken would have no other protection besides her husband. Don't get me wrong I still loved the female lead, I think she had a good sense of justice and responsibility, after all she did step up to get married in her sister's place. She is also a bit more cautious when it comes to her family and thus I couldn't hate her too much.

Male Lead:
This is the most buff I've ever seen Ding Yuxi and honestly one of his most mature roles, he wasn't too edgy of a male lead, but there really was nothing too understanding about his character either, he wasn't that good of a politician and I feel like if he did not have the favor of the empress, he and his wife would have been goners a long time ago.

Second Love Interests:
I was so glad when they left my screen, these attempted homewreckers had no decorum please, why are you chasing a married man or woman when they gave you no clear signs of interest, nevertheless beside this part of their character, they actually did help the main couple get out of sticky situations as well.

Villains:
The main villain in this show must have been so bored, because why are they everywhere??! I was so confused when more of their villainous crimes were exposed, because they were so unprovoked.

Overall, I feel like this show was pretty good, especially when you need something to watch in the background, the cinematography is stunning and the OST is beautiful. A causal historical C-drama if you will, with enough plots to keep you entertained for a while.

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Not bad

From haters turning into lovers?! Drama like this is just too good to miss! It has a smart and cute female lead paired with a cunning military and political male lead.

What I like abt this drama:
- A strong and smart Female Lead, kind of cute at the same time. (When Shen Du pinched her cheek, I thought that was really cute and funny)
- A strong smart, charming, and cunning Male Lead.
I love the chemistry between these two
- I like how the FL was brave and confident, and won't let the others bully her or her family.
- And damn ML's martial arts is good, I love drama with a lot of martial arts.
- Love the settings
- Those 2nd FL ML couple just made this drama even better.
- The acting is overall really good, and the quality was good too. (Especially the fighting scene, 🤯 it was crazy good)
- I love the face and the reaction from Jing Lin (ML's bodyguard) when FL and ML are having conversations., sometimes his reactions are so funny.
- Love the comedy parts. (Sometimes I would go back just to rewatch those parts, hehehe)
- And that painting of the late Emperor was god damn good-looking.
- And damn that hot spring in Ep 25 looks really nice and comfy.

What I don't like abt this drama:
- The annoying 2nd FL, sometimes she just talks too much, but at the end, I kinda feel bad for her, because of "U know what happened".
- The FL sometimes messes things up and causes ML to get injured. And sometimes she's childish but I like the smart side of her better.
- And the 2nd ML, like.. I don't even know what to say abt him...
- The communication between FL and ML isn't that well, and that causes some misunderstanding and plot twists.

Overall is a good drama, but not as good that I will definitely watch it again.

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Despite its flaws, nice series, worth watching again... just for Ding Yu Xi, who sparks here !!

Very good Rom-Hist with Ding Yuxi

PLOT: On 1 decree issued by the Dowager Empress - Regent to balance the powers within the Court, The FL (lawyer, who works for the Justice Department marries The Wight Gosht (ML, terrific, overseeing the security of the Capital), in place of her sister who has already a lover. The beginnings are full of mistrust (spy? Bad guy?) but the couple falls in love over the course of their adventures. However, they must face multiple obstacles: power issues, conspiracy, rivals, Great Villain, Evil sect, etc.

+++ This series shows a magical Ding Yu Xi. He has matured, gained a little weight, and shines with beauty and charisma
♡o｡.(✿ฺ｡ ✿ฺ). Wow, what an evolution compared to his first roles!
+++ Deng En Xi embodies a very beautiful but very young FL. Her interactions with ML sometimes lack depth. I'm waiting to see how she will grow as an actress.
+++ The production is efficient and dynamic. The costumes, sets, framing, etc. are magnificent.
+++ The characters are endearing, extremely well played, with their qualities, their faults, their humanity. Like many wievers, I love the FL's mother.
+++ The OSTs are excellent.

### The story is very focused on power struggles and succession. Some points are very debatable (Regency by the Grandmother??)
### The character of the half-crazed Great Villain is very excessive (even if it is beautifully performed). The Evil Sect is weird, and the connections to the Great Villain are full of plotholes.
### The character of the best friend, supposed to be there for humor, is UNBEARABLE!

=> Despite its flaws, nice series, worth watching again... just for Ding Yu Xi, who sparks here !!

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Très bon Rom-Hist avec Ding Yuxi

PLOT: Sur 1 décret émis par l'impératrice Douaière - Régente pr équilibrer les pouvoirs au sein de la Cour, La FL (légiste, Want pr le Ministère de la Justice) épouse Le Wight Gosht (ML, terrific, supervisant la sécurité de la Capitale), à la place de sa sœur qui a déjà un lover. Les 1ers temps sont plein de défiance (espionne ? Bad guy ?) mais le couple tombe amoureux au fil des aventures. Ils doivent cependant affronter de multiples obstacles : enjeux de pouvoir, conspiration, rivaux, Great Villain, Evil secte, ...

+++ Cette série montre un Ding Yu Xi magique. Il a mûri, pris un peu de poids, et resplendit de beauté et de charisme ♡o｡.(✿ฺ｡ ✿ฺ). Wahouu, quelle évolution par rapport à ses 1ers rôles !
+++ Deng En Xi incarne bien une FL très belle mais toute jeune. Ses interactions avec le ML manquent parfois de profondeur. J'attends de voir comment elle va grandir en tant qu'actrice.
+++ La réalisation est efficace, dynamique. Les costumes, décors, cadrages, ... sont magnifiques.
+++ Les personnages sont attachants, super bien interprétés, avec leurs qualités, leurs défauts, leur humanité. Comme beaucoup de wievers, j'adore le personnage de la mère de la FL.
+++ Les OST sont excellentes.

### L'histoire est très axée sur les luttes de pouvoir et la succession. Certains points sont très discutables (Régence par la Grand-Mère ??)
### Le personnage du Great Villain, à moitié fou, est très excessif (même s'il est magnifiquement interprété). La Evil Secte est chelou, et les liens avec le Great Villain sont plein de plotholes.
### Le personnage de la best friend, censé être là pour l'humour, est INSUPPORTABLE !

=> Malgré ses flaws, série sympa, à revoir ... juste pour Ding Yu Xi, qui fait des étincelles.

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Watched on 2x speed lol

I may have cheated bc i watched sm scenes on 2x speed and also skipped a few scenes lol. In my defense, the plot was really predictable. There were no suspense and build up to anything really. And i had ni trouble understanding in the end so...


I really just watched this for Shen Du and Liu Niang. I watched almost every other scenes on 2x speed starting episode 10. The mysteries are just not that good, I wish they were more stand-alone types instead of this forced connection to the over all mystery plot which is not really a mystery when the villains are revealed halfway through. Even the ending arc is so clichéd. Wanting a divorce to keep her safe as if everyone don't see how much they're so in love with each other, the divorce is a non issue. They still know they can hurt him through her. And who would even believe he wanted a divorce and then side with the villain. Even the villain can see through that, so there was no shock when everything was revealed.

I know the leads have a big age gap irl but I really liked their chemistry here and I just have to force myself to forget that fl is only 19 🥲 bc I really liked their characters here. I love that Liu Niang is very smart and also very fun and could be aggressive if situation calls. Not to mention very brave. It makes up for Shen Du having to save her all the time. And she also got to save him a few times.

So despite my many complaints, I loved the leads and I am very easily entertained so 8.5/10. Would probably rewatch.

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