Quite average
This drama is short compared to most Chinese drama and makes quite light-hearted entertainment. The drama started well but become yet another run-of-the-mill later in the story. There are not much heart rending moments and bad times pass quickly. If you are looking for a drama for some casual entertainment and not some heavy-hearted emotional roller coaster, this is it.Contemporary Chinese dramas tend to present heroines who are shrews and strong headed and this is one of them. The heroine is pretty and won the heart of the hero, but she is such a strong-headed shrew - appeal to the feminism of this era. But if i were a man, i would find her a pain to be with.
This drama is overrated on Mydramalist. There are other better dramas which are much better than this, which deserves better ratings. I begin to wonder whether ratings were rigged by some viewers, or i have preferences that differ from the masses. Just cannot understand why such an average drama is rated at 8.1 when Legend of Fei and Legend of Xiao Chuo rated below 8; they are way better than this drama.
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Romance more than politics and war
Part 2 continued from when Niao Niao was betrothed to one of her three admirers, Ling Buyi. She was not happy as the marriage proposal was imposed on her by the emperor through the request of Buyi and she tried to sabotage the engagement. To make matter worse, the step-mother of her fiance had other plans for him. But this fiance had been enchanted by her ever since he first lay eyes on her.As with Niao Niao's mother, BuYi's military background stood in the way of how he related to him and Niao Niao was resentful that she was going to substitute a mother for a militant husband.
Buyi's father was the Marquis ChengYang and Buyi hated him, seemingly because he married the step-mother when Buyi and his mother were missing after the Gu city was massacred. They found themselves back to the capital after a year. But there were more to the story and BuYi had a hidden identity.
BuYi had been investigating the death of his uncle General Huo and the fall of Gu city. In Part 2, the mystery was unraveled and those involved in it was progressively punished but the biggest culprit, as all the evidence leading to him was destroyed. BuYi was left in desperation.
Again twists and turns happened. Five years after BuYi requested for posting to guard the Northern border, Niao Niao found herself considering marriage with Yuan Shen who had been patiently waiting for her.
What I like about Part 2:
- It continued the theme that the righteous won and the wicked were punished.
- So often Chinese dramas supported the unworthy heir because he was the legitimate eldest son - there was this fear of upsetting the Confucious moral ideal of loyalty but not this - the capable one who put in the effort to win eventually won.
What I do not like about Part 2:
- The last few episodes were a drag and a lot of trivia was added to the drama. This drama could have been completed within 50 episodes limit, without dragging Yuan Shen into a marriage consideration. And he could have been happily married to his selected lady.
- Like a lot of Chinese dramas, the ending was awkward. It wanted to give a final twist and it did not achieve that impact.
- I did not really like the way Niao Niao's response to BuYi pushing her away which resulted in a big rift between them. She should understand that he had a need to keep his investigation a secret as any leak could jeopardise his life and he was also trying to keep her family safe. The writer should work on a better reason for the rift.
- I felt sorry for Yuan Shen as I thought he was as worthy of Niao Niao as Buyi. Although much better at looking after his own interest and somewhat scheming, he was more able to understand Niao Niao and accommodate her, initially in a provocative way and later in more gentle way. But unfortunately, Niao Niao could not forget her true love. Hopefully, I had not given too much away with this comment.
- Too much save the damsel in distress by the main lead - should give some chance to the other two admirers to confuse who would eventually end up with her. Also, it was so cliche that he always appeared at the right moment when there was someone else nearer to her.
- The battle scenes were a bit lacklustre as compared to The Rebel Princess and some others.
I rated Part 2 a point less than part 1. Overall the full drama was worth watching if you are into romance story as this drama was more a romantic story - the politics and wars were just the backdrop.
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Suspenseful but slow-moving
Hmm... what should I say about this drama? This is largely an internal family rivalry story with politics at the court as backdrop. Generally very good but did not create not much of an impression. The story is full of suspense but a slow-moving start made me impatient and I went on to watch the last episode before I decide to continue. By then, it had spoiled the suspense. But for the viewers who have not done this, I am sure the suspense would have been quite worth the while.Overall the story is good but there were too many convenient moments when the hero appeared suddenly and saved the heroine. I thought some of the saving the damsel in distress could have been done by the rival lover giving it a bit more bite and contention.
With my experience, only a few dramas managed to hit 70 episodes without draggy moments. 50 episodes are usually the best to cover sufficient depth. This drama is full of draggy slow moments.
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Light-hearted and humorous but with a serious story to tell
This was a lovely romance drama. Story was light-hearted and humorous with a serious mystery to uncover. What happened to Lu Yan's father who was a general? Was he really a deserter?The drama featured a cast of very good-looking male and female leads, including the villain. Besides the lead actor Alen YiLun Fang (Lu Yan), the second lead actor Charles Lin (Prince Heng) and the villain acted by Jerome Deng (Fan QingChen) were also very captivating. Charles did not look like the typical Chinese actor (notwithstanding that he is Taiwanese) - I always suspect that lead Chinese actors were commonly selected based on a certain look. Jerome looked really psychotic when he was upset in the story - I certainly hope it was completely due to his excellent acting :).
The drama was very humorous in the early episodes. The lead couple was always getting into each other's way. The story started with Luo LingYu, an orphan, trying to run away from an arranged marriage she was forced into by her uncle and aunt. During the wedding, Lu Yan sneaked into Lingyu's fiance's home to search for evidence of treason. Mistaking him for a burglar, LingYu deliberately raised an alarm to divert attention away from herself in order to escape. This caused him to be discovered and shot, and to fall into the sea. Coincidentally, he was saved by the runaway bride in a boat. She nursed him not knowing who he was as he was wearing a mask, and was quite nasty to him. However, not wanting to be seen with him when she reached YueZhou, she forced him to jump back into the sea.
At YueZhou, she sought refuge at her aunt's home where she settled and tried to look for a matrilocal husband. She thought her third cousin , being also an orphan, might be a good candidate and tried to win his affection. More humour arose. Unknown to her, he was Lu Yan whom she sabotaged earlier. Taking revenge, he was always making things difficult for her. Her fiance Fan QingChen traced her all the way to YueZhou. Looking for protection, LingYu threw herself at Prince Heng, a childhood friend of Lu Yan, and won his affection. Threatened by a love rival and getting jealous, the table was turned with Lu Yan now trying to win back the affection of LingYu but was ignored.
The drama got more serious when Lu Yan got nearer to uncovering the secret behind his father's disappearance. What happened next? That's for you to find out.
I had seen Alen in two other dramas: as the male lead in Love by Hypnotic, a comedy and second lead in A Journey to Love. I remember him vividly as the casanova in the latter, who added a lot of humour to the drama. However, I have yet to see a blockbuster where he was the lead actor. He is both good-looking and an excellent actor. I hope he gets his break soon.
Of course, like a lot of dramas, there were opportunities for me to nitpick. The most common was that someone could faint and yet could continue to stand leaning on someone - I always find this laughable - when people faint, their knees grew soft as well. Another was when Lu Yan dashed into the enemy camp single-handedly to save his love one - that was quite stupid for a battle strategist. When he finally found his love, he threw her onto a horse and told the horse to take her back to the camp - why so stupid a second time? He could have got himself onto the horse with her and rode away without staying behind to be hurt. I should check out whether the director or screenwriter was the same as for Love by Hypnotic where there were some similarities in the dramas.
On a whole, this is an excellent drama for some light-hearted entertainment. I was debating whether to give it a 8.5 or 9, but decided on 9 which is a bit generous. However, with a rating of 8.0 on Mydramalist, I think this drama was underrated.
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Twists and turns
This was an interesting story. The Crown Prince died under mysterious circumstance. The royal physicians attributed it to a blood disease. But the Queen believed that he had been murdered. Defiant against all forces trying to stop her, she was determined to investigate. His death sparked off a fight for the crown prince position now out for grabs. The Queen hoped that one of her four grand princes would succeed the Crown Prince. However, the Queen Dowager, Chief State Councilor and other royal consorts especially Consort Hwang, the birth mother of the King's eldest son, were not going to make it easy.What I like about this drama?
1. The story had a lot of twists and turns, shrouded in mystery. The investigation led to the uncovering of a similar mysterious death of Crown Prince Taein, the brother of the current King. So what was the connection? The sons of the Queen, the grand princes were all underdogs - with skeletons in their closets, unambitious or disadvantaged. The power-hungry, scheming and wicked Queen Dowager was against her as well. It all seemed a losing game for the Queen.
2. Mix of humour. The drama was quite intense. However, there were moments of humorous relief.
3. The cast was good, not to leave out good looking as well. The leads were outstanding.
What I do not like about this drama?
1. It was based on yet another theme of fighting for the throne; a theme that was beaten to death.
2. Very intense and stressful to watch.
3. Not much chemistry between the male and female leads. They were not given much chance to demonstrate their chemistry either.
Overall, I rated this a 9.5 with not much else to nitpick on. Enjoy it...
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Comedy and political conspiracy in one - Amazing is the word befitting.
This is yet another amazing drama released in 2021. The male lead is one of the most handsome Chinese actors I have come across. He has this refined scholarly look which I am sure mesmerised a lot of female fans, and for the male viewers: many pretty actresses. I was drawn into watching the drama because of him. He and the female lead both sang the theme songs as well - truly multi-talented. The soundtrack is sentimental and melodious - one of the best Chinese drama soundtracks. The two leads had this amazing chemistry - making the romance and courting scenes sensational. The pace was good with hardly any lull moments. The costumes worn by the lead actress were outstanding.The first half of the drama was about how the two lead characters met and sought to get closer to the other with ulterior motives and for political reasons. They fell truly in love in spite of their differences in talents and interests. As they struggled through self-denial, jealousy started to emerge as other parties stepped into the picture. The humour and funny scenes really cracked me up. The video clips at the beginning and end were too much of a give-away on this - should have left some suspense on who the duchess would eventually chose.
Tension however built during the second half as the conspiracy and fight for the throne intensified and it became chaotic, although with humour interspace throughout. The two went through thick and thin to save the Ban family and help the crown prince.
The story is quite run-of-the-mill in Chinese dramas: love triangles, fight for the throne, jealousy, misunderstanding, rejecting the other in the belief it was for their good, tripping and falling into the arms of the other, saving the damsel in distress - all the common themes and tricks. It is the acting that makes this drama good. Of course, these are common emotions in real life with fight between princes for the throne a common historical occurrence in Chinese history.
The regret the drama left was the crown prince continued to look incompetent even at the end, which seemed not worth the fights to help him re-gain the throne. Somehow, I felt that the throne really should go to Rong, for he was the truly capable one. But this would be very much against the Confucious teaching of loyalty I guess. The writer could have given it a twist here.
With the ban on filming due to the pandemic lifted, loads of good Chinese dramas are released and we will see loads of it and this is one of them.
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This is a triangular romance story, although it is clear who the heroine would choose a few episodes into the story. I think Chinese drama is highly predictable in this element. The hero and heroine would not make a choice outside of questionable moral principles.
The weakness in Chinese dramas is always in the story - may I say unrealistic. The heros and heroines are often near perfect: good-looking (although this is an important factor), kind-hearted, untainted, filial, smart and capable. Sacrificing for their love is always a common theme, and they are always faithful to each other. Life is not quite like this. Keeping secrets that leads to misunderstanding and a big mess up is another - perhaps this is a cultural element since Chinese is not a very communicative race. There were scenes in this drama which would make you question the realism of it. In this case, it is Baili MingXiang - she was always there at the right moment to overhear the important secrets.
The drama had a young cast who did very well. I must add I find the second male lead, Merxat, very handsome. It seems the Uyghur province produces some very good looking actors and actresses, Diraba being the female actress I can quickly recall.
It seems readers only read the early reviews. I am not sure if anyone would read this far down. Click the find it useful button if you do, so I would know.
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I had watched this quite a while ago and could not remember all the details but I remember the drama kept me chasing episodes after episodes. If you know the director of this drama also directed Ten mile peach blossom, Love and destiny, Journey of flower, you know the standard to expect.
Insofar, I have only been impressed with 6 actors who are masters with facial expressions and capable of wrenching viewers' hearts - Luo YunXi, Hu Ge, Wallace Huo, Wang Yibo and Zhang Zhen. The actors and actresses in this drama are great but are not in this league yet and therefore the drama is not of that emotional intensity.
Although I would not put it amongst the top league of Nirvana in Fire, Love and Destiny, Ten mile peach blossom, the Untamed etc it is nevertheless a very good production worth watching.
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A Tale of Three Princes: Betrayal, War, and the Cost of Love
This drama delivers a captivating blend of political intrigue, emotional depth, and standout performances—particularly from Liu Xue Yi and Wu Jin Yan. Their onscreen chemistry anchors the story. Liu Xue Yi truly mesmerises with his extraordinary range. He shifts effortlessly between personas: the unhinged lunatic, the earnest and devoted lover, the proud and calculating prince, and the authoritative general. He looks perfectly cast in every role he embodies, even when flashing a chillingly elegant evil smile. Their interesting performance is backed by a stellar supporting cast that delivers nuance, energy, and emotional depth.The first two-thirds of the drama are its strongest, driven by the fierce and relentless battle between the first and third princes. The third prince fights to expose his brother’s sinister schemes, but the first prince proves to be a formidable force—brilliant, ruthless, and consistently one step ahead with the help of cunning subordinates. These early episodes are charged with tension, strategy, and psychological warfare, making them thoroughly gripping.
After the downfall of the primary villain, the narrative temporarily loses its sharp edge as it shifts into a love triangle involving Jing He (Liu Xue Yi) and the prince of Xiyan. While still emotionally engaging, this middle arc lacks the intensity and high stakes that defined the earlier political conflict.
Fortunately, the momentum returns when war looms between Xiyan and the Yan dynasty. Jing He steps into the role of general, defending a vulnerable border town with only a small, under-equipped defence team against an overwhelming invading force. This part of the drama restores its urgency and strategic depth, showcasing Jing He’s resilience, intelligence, and quiet heroism.
The story as a whole blends tension with poignant, bittersweet moments, especially as characters mourn lost loved ones or grapple with unreciprocated emotions. And the soundtrack ties it all together, a gentle, lingering melody wrapped in lyrics that tug at the heart, echoing every tender moment on screen. Nearly every song is a hit with me.
Like many historical-fantasy dramas, it is not free from quirks—mystical fake-death techniques, impossible poisons, and the occasional head-scratching decision, such as a brilliant character offering himself as a test subject for an antidote on the eve of war. Yet these tropes, while noticeable, do not overshadow the strengths of the narrative.
Overall, this is a drama that is gripping, emotional, and elevated by outstanding acting. Its official rating of 7.9 on Mydramalist.com feels too low. In truth, it deserves a solid **8.5 to 9** on kisskh. A highly recommended watch.
I actually return to change my rating from a 9 to a 9.5.
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A Stunning Drama with Predictable Twists
This drama checks all the right boxes: a stellar cast, excellent chemistry between the leads, an engaging storyline, a beautifully crafted backdrop, strong suspense, artistic cinematography, and impressive special effects. Even the pacing and writing hold up well. My only gripe? The overused trope of a modern person being drawn into another world — I have honestly lost count of how many dramas use this premise.Arthur FeiYu Chen is outstanding as Grandmaster Sima Jiao, delivering a perfectly nuanced performance as the cold, arrogant, and distrustful leader. Wang Ying Lu plays Liao Ting Yan, a modern girl who wakes up in the body of an assassin destined to kill Sima Jiao. Unfortunately, her portrayal of a clueless, slightly silly heroine does not quite win me over — I have never been fond of the “silly girl” archetype as the heroine of the story.
Of course, as expected in dramas of this genre, the cold and intimidating Grandmaster eventually falls for the naïve heroine. Their dynamic follows the familiar but effective “enemies-to-lovers” arc: boy meets girl, they clash, they grow, they fall in love. Yes, it is cliché — but it works. The push-and-pull between them keeps you on edge, rooting for them even as they “fight” each other.
The twist? They fall in love not once but three times — first in the original timeline, then after Liao loses her memory, and finally after Sima is reborn. This three-lifetime love story gives the drama an almost mythic quality, deepening the emotional resonance - although it is yet another of those tropes used too often.
The ending, however, feels slightly disconnected from the main story. It abruptly shifts back to modern times, falling into the familiar “reunion in the present day” trope — one of those endings where the characters meet again, this time in the modern world.
Despite my quibbles about the unoriginal premises, this drama is wonderfully produced, visually stunning, and thoroughly enjoyable. If you love fantasy romance with high stakes, great chemistry, and a touch of destiny, I highly recommend giving this one a watch.
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When an Uncle's Secrets Turn Fatal
Ji An’s life has been a storm of secrets since childhood. Orphaned after her parents’ mysterious deaths, she was raised by an uncle who became her only family—until the day he took his own life without warning. That single act shatters her fragile world and thrusts her into chaos.From that moment on, danger becomes her shadow. Assassins strike from the dark, drones hunt her down, gunfire rains without mercy. Strangers emerge—some to protect, others to betray. Even familiar faces wear masks of deception. Who can she trust? Who is pulling the strings? And why is she the target?
As the attacks escalate, Ji An discovers something unexpected—the bizarre training her uncle drilled into her was no random exercise. It is the key to her survival. Each move, each lesson, begins to make sense as she unravels the truth behind a deadly conspiracy. And just when you think you have the answers, the drama hurls you into a final twist that will leave you breathless.
Mystery hangs heavy in every scene. Why did her uncle die? Who slaughtered her family? Who are these relentless killers? Is her uncle a villain or a savior in disguise? And what kind of business was he truly running behind the scenes? Question after question will keep you hooked till the very end.
This drama is not for the faint-hearted—bullets fly, missiles explode, and brutal hand-to-hand combat leaves you wincing. Yes, the resilience of the characters may seem exaggerated (after all, nobody survives that many beatings in real life), but that is part of the adrenaline rush that makes it so thrilling.
In the end, your heart aches for the loyal underdog—the one who is neither handsome, nor brilliant, nor charming—yet sacrifices everything for her, only to fade into the shadows when the right hero steps in.
At just eight episodes, this drama wastes no time. Every moment is gripping, every twist worth the ride. Highly recommended for those who crave mystery, action, and a story that keeps you guessing until the very last frame.
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A Supreme Love, a Flawed Finale
When I breezed through the first 31 episodes of this drama, I could not understand why the rating on kisskh.com was only 8.2. To me, it felt worthy of a solid 8.7 or even 8.9—and I was convinced I would personally give it a perfect 10. (My ratings usually run more generous than the site’s average.)The cast is an absolute visual feast. The radiant He Rui Xian commands the screen as a spirited, almost petulant Goddess—her large, expressive eyes and pouty lips paired with a magnetic performance has captivated me since the first drama I saw her in. Joseph Zeng brings gravitas as the Supreme God, his handsome features framed in an air of stern dignity and quiet sorrow. Bai Lu, ever versatile, shifts seamlessly between the sweetness of an innocent girl and the fiery resolve of a vengeful Goddess. And then there is Hong Yao, the dashing villain you cannot look away from. These are names I hope to see leading many more dramas in the future.
The story opens with the Supreme God Bai Jiu Si rescuing a humble young woman, Li Qing Yue, and unexpectedly accepting her rather absurd betrothal gift. It is a romantic and visually stunning beginning—power meets humility against a backdrop of lush scenery and exquisite music. Yet, as the narrative deepens, it becomes clear this is no simple “powerful man loves lowly girl” trope. Bai Jiu Si is convinced A’Yue is the great love from his past life, yet her identity—and the truth behind their tangled history—remain shrouded in mystery. Glimpses of the past reveal both deep affection and bitter enmity, culminating in acts of devastating betrayal.
You are left questioning what could have sparked such intense hatred in the face of such unwavering love. As in any well-woven tale, there are hidden motives and a concealed puppet master whose identity may surprise you. And of course, a lack of communication between the couple and consultation with each other are much to be blamed for opening up opportunities for the villian to take advantage of. Assumptions are made of each other and a fundamental distrust between them sow the seeds of discord.
Up to episode 31, the drama flows beautifully—balancing romance, intrigue, and emotional stakes. Then, unfortunately, the narrative stumbles. Perhaps wary of delivering a tragic finale in an age where happy endings are in vogue, the writer appears to rush a turnaround, introducing a time-altering device that abruptly reshapes events. Yet the mechanics and consequences of this twist are never fully explained. Questions linger: How exactly did the changes affect the past and present? What truly became of the hero and heroine? The lack of clarity undermines the emotional weight built so carefully earlier on.
In the end, my initial 10 was scaled back to a 9, and I came to see why kisskh’s 8.2 rating might be fair. This could have been a near-masterpiece had it embraced its darker, more poignant ending, leaving room for a sequel to set things right. Instead, the rushed resolution dulled the final impact of what was otherwise an engrossing and beautifully performed drama.
However, if you are not as particular as I am about airtight endings and flawless logic, this remains a thoroughly enjoyable drama—rich in romance, intrigue, and gorgeous performances, and well worth your time.
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A Nation in Turmoil, A Love Torn Apart: A Gripping, Heart-Wrenching Sequel
This sequel dives headfirst into heavier, more melodramatic waters—and justifiably so. Set against the bleak backdrop of war, humiliation, and captivity following Joseon’s defeat by the Qing, the story takes a darker, more intense turn. The Crown Prince now lives as a hostage in Shenyang, the Qing capital, while the scars of national disgrace run deep.At the end of the first series, Gil-Chae, misled by Ryang-Eum, believes Jang-Hyun is dead. Her grief clouds her judgment further when she mistakenly credits another man as her rescuer during a near-tragic moment and, in a hasty bid for security, accepts his proposal. Just as Jang-Hyun reappears, alive and willing to risk everything for her, she abandon him again—choosing duty to her family and stability over love.
Now married, Gil-Chae continues her metalware trade among the elite, until she is captured and sent to Shenyang. Proud and unyielding, she refuses to seek help from Jang-Hyun, despite knowing he is near. Her silence costs her dearly.
This sequel is a full-blown emotional rollercoaster. It stirs not only heartache but outrage:
- I wanted to shake Gil-Chae for her maddening pride. If only she had called for Jang-Hyun, he would have moved mountains to save her. Instead, she endures brutal treatment—and later wounds him further with lies and distance. It is infuriating. How an intelligent woman can fall victim to her own pride and stubbornness.
- The misplaced honour of Joseon society made my blood boil. Women who endured hell to return home were greeted not with compassion, but with accusations of impurity for having been touched by “barbarians.” They deserved better.
- When Gil-Chae’s husband hesitated to rescue her because of possible lost chastity, I could not help but mourn her mistaken choice of husband. His bigotry disguised as honour is no honour at all. He should at least think of getting her out of misery as priority above all else.
- The King and Lady Jo are nearly unbearable to watch. Not only do they abandon their people, but they kill returning captives? It is gut-wrenching. The drama makes you despise their moral bankruptcy. When a nation falls under the rule of a leader with twisted values and misplaced judgement, it is not merely misfortune—it is a slow unraveling of its soul.
- And then there is the once-noble scholar with high ideals, who folds under the threat of family disgrace. He chooses reputation over lives—while uneducated men risk everything to save others. His collapse of character is a powerful critique of hypocrisy in high places.
- Yes, there are moments of frustration—battle scenes that defy logic, unnecessary impersonations, and the tired use of amnesia not once but twice. With two concussion to the head so severe, what's the chance of surviving. Why have your back to the enemies in a battle situation?
But in spite of all that, the series still captivates. The storytelling remains strong, the emotional stakes high, and the ending surprisingly tender. The romance, though painful, is deeply moving.
Namkoong Min is stunningly charismatic, and the cast overall is dazzling—both in looks and performance. The cinematography is breathtaking, and the tension never lets up.
Some minor flaws aside, this sequel is a gripping continuation filled with passion, betrayal, sacrifice, and redemption. Highly recommended—though be prepared to yell at your screen. Don't sit too near, in case you punch it. 😂
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Chasing Dreams, Facing War: A Love Story Forged
A sweeping romantic saga set against the backdrop of war, this drama captivates with charm, conflict, and character growth that defies first impressions.Flirtatious, pretty, and radiantly confident, Yoo Gil-Chae is the kind of noblewoman who turns heads—and stirs envy. Known in her hometown of Neunggun-ri as the “99-tailed fox,” she is adored by the local men and quietly resented by the women. Yet behind her coquettish façade lies a recurring dream: chasing a red thread across the land to a man whose face she cannot see. Convinced it is Nam Yeon-Jun—the scholarly gentleman she has long admired and the student of her father’s academy—Gil-Chae is certain her romantic future is with him.
Enter Lee Jang-Hyun, a dashing yet enigmatic merchant whose origins are shrouded in rumour. To some, he is a nobleman. To others, a charming rogue with a lover in every province. Charming and witty, he claims he has no interest in marriage—but his curiosity is piqued by the spirited Gil-Chae. Their flirtation is laced with tension, humour, and an undeniable attraction that neither is willing to admit.
What begins as a light-hearted romantic comedy quickly shifts tone when the Qing invasion plunges their world into chaos. As the war escalates, Gil-Chae is separated from her fleeing family—only to be saved, more than once, by the elusive Jang-Hyun. Yet one fateful secret he withholds becomes the seed of misunderstanding, leading to a wrong choice later.
But it is in these moments that the characters reveal their true selves. The frivolous prove strong. The self-righteous collapse. Gil-Chae, once dismissed as a spoiled beauty, emerges as a fierce leader. And Jang-Hyun, who vowed never to fight or love, becomes a wartime strategist and a man transformed.
The emotional weight of the story lies in how love is tested under pressure. Misguided acts of protection, lies told “for your own good,” and the tragic consequences of miscommunication play out in heart-wrenching ways.
Namkoong Min and Ahn Eun-Jin, playing the lead couple, absolutely light up the screen—their chemistry crackles with intensity, tenderness, and everything in between. Every glance, every silence between them is charged with unspoken emotion. The supporting cast is just as compelling: the idealistic scholar, the gracious best friend, the bitter rival, and the quietly tormented closeted lover—all portrayed with surprising depth and complexity. And yes, it must be said—Namkoong Min is not only magnetic in presence but also irresistibly handsome. Total eye candy, no doubt about it.
And the music? Sublime. Especially the haunting track sung by Ryang Eum—it lingers long after the credits roll.
What keeps you watching is not just the scale of history or the suspense of battle, but the burning question: Will Gil-Chae and Jang-Hyun find their way back to each other?
This drama is beautifully layered, emotionally rich, and packed with surprises. I give it a strong recommendation—and a high rating.
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A Time Paradox Not Fully Explained - Tragic but Fascinating Story
If you are looking for a drama packed with first-tier good-lookers, this one delivers—big time. With a star-studded cast including Liu Shi Shi, Zhang Yun Long, Ding Yu Xi, and Meng Zi Yi, the screen practically glows. Even the guest roles are top-tier, featuring fan-favourites like Peng Xiao Ran, Hou Ming Hao, and Chen Yi Qi.At the heart of the story is Dongfang Huaizhu, who falls for a mysterious masked vigilante—leader of the Mask Gang, a group fighting for justice in the shadows. She does not know his face, but love blossoms. When she discovers that her masked hero is actually Wangquan Hongye, head of the YiQi Alliance and the powerful WangQuan clan - someone she deeply mistrusts, she is devastated—and abruptly ends the relationship.
Things take a darker turn when Huaizhu is captured by the Demon Lord Jiu Huo, transported 20 years into the future, stripped of her memory, and turned into a demon. Hongye and the Mask Gang must time-travel to rescue her, but standing in their way are formidable foes—Jiu Huo and his lover Jia Lan, who seek to plunge the world into eternal darkness.
But here is the twist: according to the history they learn in their time-travel, 18 years ago which is two years after their time-travel, they perished in a devastating war against Jiu Huo and Jia Lan. The YiQi Alliance collapsed, and the noble families were destroyed. This war happens after their time-travel, which means they go into war with full knowledge of who they are against.
If they return to the past, they are essentially walking into the very war they already lost.
Can they win this time? It introduces a classic time-loop paradox that is never fully explained. Logically, if they return, nothing would change as history has reflected the full outcome of that return.
Yet somehow, some things change—and some things do not. How is that possible? The drama does not offer a satisfying answer. In the end, the time-loop logic is left unresolved, relying more on emotion than coherence.
Despite all the loss and sacrifice, I am not easily moved—but I will admit, seeing the team fall apart under demonic manipulation tugged at something. And the ending? Quietly tragic in a way that lingers.
On a brighter note, the OST is excellent, with a lovely closing theme that captures the emotional tone beautifully.
All in all, despite a few narrative stumbles, I still rate this highly. A solid 9/10 for its strong cast, visual appeal, emotional beats, and unforgettable moments.
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