RedPhoenix

I binged the entire 40 episodes in 3 days. I don’t mind the sad ending since sometimes it cannot be avoided in turbulence times like the world they lived in and with the corrupt government they had. But I wish they could have done differently with Wudi, Li Tongguang and Ren Ruyi characters. Firstly, Wudi could have lived and be a better ruler after his mistakes and the experience he had. Everyone put their lives on the line to rescue him but damn they had to kill him off. It felt like a betrayal to the Liu Dao Hall brothers and Yang Ying after all the sacrifices they made. Second, Li Tongguang character didn’t have much character development. He’s obsessed and impulsive until the end. His impulsiveness caused the death of Ning Yanzhou and Ruyi. Last but not least, the suicide mission that Ren Ruyi did. She went out of character, she’s one smart, strong and independent woman, she should have escaped after the assassination and could live well even without Ning Yanzhou.

To me, the romance is a secondary in this show. It was fun to watch Ren Ruyi chasing Ning Yanzhou in earlier episodes. But I was more invested in the entire Wu envoys camaraderies. Liu Dao Hall brotherhood, Yang Ying’s growth and Yu Shishan’s jokes are the highlights of the show. I have never cried so much for a drama like I have watching this one. Yu Shisan and Yang Ying are definitely my favourite characters. Yu Shishan, who always livens the mood with his jokes. I LOVE HIM! Yang Ying as a character has shown a lot of character development, from a timid little princess to a smart and courageous woman whose mission is to maintain peace between the two warring states. I’m gonna check their other works.

This is definitely a MUST WATCH drama for the reasons I mentioned in the second half of this review.