That quote is pretty accurate. The FL & ML are evenly matched, not sure where the "crying mess" description…
Well, I never seen evenly matched FL & ML (every time people claim it, the ML is still stronger/smarter/whatever; just the difference is not as big as typical is)
And this was the original post, very off-putting: "On the 7th epi and as soon as the ML appears, all that the FL can do is cry, beg or kneel in front of him. All her independence and strength disappears in front of him. I hope it changes soon."
I watched it a while ago (2025 maybe?), and didn't have many conclusions, but was quite enjoying it (and absolutely loved Cheng Ling Su, except, of course, her tolerance for the ML's stupidity).
But after spending a few nights watching bits of various versions of the "Legend of Condor Heroes", I realised that "Side Story of Fox Volant" is much better, and even the ML isn't as terribly irritating as the ML in the LOCH (he is still bad, though).
One thing didn't change - Cheng Ling Su is still one of my favourite female characters in C-Drama, and she is probably one of the few I like so much without Martial Arts skills (I liked Yuan Zi Yi in that aspect).
Also, the fights here were just spectacular. Miao Fen Reng is an amazing character, for example.
"Gu Jinzhao — I really loved her as a smart female lead. Not because the drama constantly tells us she is smart. But because the writing consistently proves it. She understands politics, reputation warfare, commerce, law, emotional manipulation, and social psychology. What I loved most is that her intelligence never feels unrealistic. She survives because she observes people carefully. Even during terrifying situations, she remains emotionally composed enough to think strategically."
It's from the pinned review - how correct is it? I mostly watch Dramas for interesting female leads.
I already read a post that the FL suddenly became a crying mess when ML was around - the trope I hate.
I remember trying to watch it soon after finishing "Empresses in the Palace", but despite having a Hall of Fame of beautiful actresses in the cast, it quickly became unwatchable. Don't remember details anymore, but I dropped it around Episodes 5-6.
It was such a letdown.
However, the opening song is one of the best ever.
I watched it because i heard zhen huan was more ruthless & i love revenge drama but yanxi is more satisfying…
I never considered or read about the"Legend of Zhen Huan" as a revenge-oriented Drama, starting with the fact that Zhen Huan didn't enter the Forbidden City because of revenge. It always was a "slice of Harem life", which includes revenge due to cutthroat competition for the top, but it's IMO much different in priorities, style and tone to "Yanxi Palace".
Yanxi is like the highest level of idol dramas, while Empresses is more in a "Ming Lan" territory, just happening inside the Harem.
Does anyone know where else to watch again because the YouTube videos are being copyrighted!!!
This one still works perfectly fine. Additional bonus are the very insightful comments by the Chinese fans regard Drama cultural impact and other stuff, I highly enjoyed reading it.
寒冬遇暖阳 (Liu Yu Lu as FL) - it has a super cute, and even more super OP-ed female lead, which makes it a good watch for me on its own. The ML (Deng Jialun?) is somewhat acceptable, too. But, it has poor subtitles, even worse storytelling and the worst editing ever, so don't expect too much. At least it's short.
And this was the original post, very off-putting:
"On the 7th epi and as soon as the ML appears, all that the FL can do is cry, beg or kneel in front of him. All her independence and strength disappears in front of him. I hope it changes soon."
But after spending a few nights watching bits of various versions of the "Legend of Condor Heroes", I realised that "Side Story of Fox Volant" is much better, and even the ML isn't as terribly irritating as the ML in the LOCH (he is still bad, though).
One thing didn't change - Cheng Ling Su is still one of my favourite female characters in C-Drama, and she is probably one of the few I like so much without Martial Arts skills (I liked Yuan Zi Yi in that aspect).
Also, the fights here were just spectacular. Miao Fen Reng is an amazing character, for example.
And for the record - I'm not watching it (yet?), just trying to decide if the FL and story won't disappoint me.
If she completely lost in the original life, and after getting reborn, she isn't winning enough, then well...
Thanks for the warning though.
It's from the pinned review - how correct is it? I mostly watch Dramas for interesting female leads.
I already read a post that the FL suddenly became a crying mess when ML was around - the trope I hate.
It probably should be around 6.1, as "Rebirth" is, as both shows are a big pile of trash compared to the originals.
Alongside "Justified: Primaeval", these are the 3 shows I would love to never learn about.
Ugh.
It was such a letdown.
However, the opening song is one of the best ever.
Edit: Gone again; no YT links available at the moment.
It always was a "slice of Harem life", which includes revenge due to cutthroat competition for the top, but it's IMO much different in priorities, style and tone to "Yanxi Palace".
Yanxi is like the highest level of idol dramas, while Empresses is more in a "Ming Lan" territory, just happening inside the Harem.
Both are great, but much different.
Additional bonus are the very insightful comments by the Chinese fans regard Drama cultural impact and other stuff, I highly enjoyed reading it.
But, it has poor subtitles, even worse storytelling and the worst editing ever, so don't expect too much.
At least it's short.