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Thrones, Treachery, and Women Caught Between Two Princes
Fu YiXiao, the formidable red cloaked female commander of JinXiu Kingdom, turns the tide of battle at Pingling by shooting Feng SuiGe, the Eldest Prince and Army General of enemy state Susha. Yet victory comes at a cruel price. Betrayed by her own side, YiXiao is shot, falls off a cliff, and loses her memory. Rescued by a physician from ZhengNian Villa, she crosses paths once more with the injured SuiGe, seeking remedy. She was held captive, setting the stage for fate to intervene again.Enter Xia JingShi (Chen HeYi), JinXiu’s Eldest Prince and YiXiao’s former lover, who has never stopped searching for her. The mystery unfolds early: who betrayed YiXiao, and why? Will she return to the man she once loved, or find her heart drawn to the enemy prince she was meant to kill?
Both princes face treacherous courts. JinXiu is ruled by a cruel and insecure emperor who mistreats his elder brother, Xia JingShi. While SuiGe battles palace intrigue led by a scheming stepmother empress who wants the throne for her own son, Feng ChengYang (Ding Jia Wen) as well as the the unresolved mystery of his own mother’s death. Love, loyalty, and ambition collide as each man struggles between duty and desire.
The situation grows even more tangled as the naive Susha princess becomes infatuated with JinXiu’s eldest prince. Ignoring her brother’s warnings, she agrees to the JinXiu's proposed alliance marriage meant to secure peace but instead ignites further chaos. SuiGe demands a matrilocal marriage, a condition the JinXiu emperor eagerly accepts, seeing it as a convenient way to dispose of his own brother. On the wedding night, however, the princess sabotages the arrangement by helping her husband escape. Her romantic gamble backfires spectacularly. Returning to JinXiu, she finds herself isolated and betrayed, and in desperation turns to the emperor for protection—only to entangle herself further when he develops feelings for her, pushing the political and emotional stakes even higher.
The drama embraces familiar tropes—enemies-to-lovers, shared trials, and repeated save the damsel-in-distress rescues—but strong performances elevate the story. The male lead delivers a compelling portrayal, his slightly asymmetrical features lending depth to a character torn between gentleness and ruthlessness. Supporting actors Chen HeYi and Ding Jia Wen stand out, both bringing emotional weight to their roles, especially Chen HeYi as the dashingly handsome, tragic, restrained lover he excels at portraying.
Beyond romance and intrigue, the drama offers surprisingly relevant lessons: poor leadership breeds enemies, emotional decisions cloud judgment, domineering parental control breeds resentment, and rigid ideals can lead to devastating consequences. The villain’s downfall is not one mistake, but two fatal choices—betraying the woman he loved and refusing to walk away when victory was already his.
There are flaws worth noting, including questionable political decisions, overly convenient plot devices, and some unsettlingly violent scenes. Still, these do not overshadow the strengths.
Overall, this is a visually rich and emotionally charged production with strong acting, good looking leads, impressive cinematography and CGI, elegant costumes, and a memorable ending theme song. Despite some imperfections, it is an engaging watch and easy to recommend.
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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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I Almost Skipped This Drama—Now I Cannot Wait for the Next Sequel
This drama sat on my plan-to-watch list for quite some time. I had assumed it was heavy on the supernatural, a genre that does not usually appeal to me, so I kept putting it off. However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it is actually an ancient detective series, cleverly wrapped in layers of seemingly supernatural occurrences that always turned out to be crimes masked by deception and intricate scheming. The sub-plots were full of surprises.The story follows Lu Ling Feng, the proud and impulsive Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the imperial capital’s army. Hailing from a noble lineage and a staunch supporter of the Crown Prince, Lu Ling Feng carried himself with confidence—sometimes bordering on arrogance. In contrast, Su Wu Ming came from a humble background but was the prized disciple of the legendary detective Di Ren Jie, who once served under Empress Wu. Su Wu Ming was calm, calculating, and always thinking one step ahead. He was backed by the Grand Princess, the ambitious aunt of the Crown Prince, who dreamed of becoming the next Empress Regnant—just like her mother once did. The Crown Prince and the Grand Princess were political rivals locked in a silent power struggle.
On the surface, Lu Ling Feng and Su Wu Ming seemed destined to clash—each serving opposing factions, each embodying a different temperament. Yet fate tied them together when two seemingly unrelated cases they were working on revealed a shared thread. As they dug deeper, the pair must set aside their differences and rely on each other to unravel a far-reaching conspiracy. Along the way, another secret came to light: Lu Ling Feng and the Grand Princess shared a deeper bond than either of them ever suspected.
What impressed me most was how well the multiple plotlines were woven together. The mystery was layered and unpredictable, and the storytelling was smart and captivating. With an intriguing premise, strong performances by the leads, and a solid supporting cast, this drama exceeded all my expectations. I highly recommend it—and rate it very highly.
When I reached the end of the drama, I was thrilled to discover that it had two sequels. The second series had already aired, and I jumped into it right away. The third installment is still in the pipeline, and I sincerely hope it does not get delayed by unnecessary red tape. There have been rumours that a new regulation requires at least a one-year gap before sequels can be released—that feels far too long. Even a six-month wait would be frustrating. Ideally, I hope to see sequels released within three months of the previous season. That kind of continuity keeps the momentum alive and the audience fully engaged.
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This review may contain spoilers
Intriguing Plot and Strong Lead Actor, but a Rush to the Finish Leaves Unanswered Questions
Out of all the dramas I’ve watched, this one has been the hardest to rate. On one hand, it checked all the right boxes with beautiful costumes, a star-studded male lead (Dylan Wang), a talented cast, and stunning special effects. The story was captivating, drawing me in with its intriguing premise. But despite all of this, something about it just didn’t quite hit the mark.The plot kicks off with Yang Ling (played by Dylan Wang) and his colleagues stumbling into a gaming arcade after a night of drinking. When he wakes up, he finds himself in the body of Xu Qi-An, an orphan raised by his uncle and aunt. He later becomes a Guardian of Dafeng, part of an elite imperial investigation bureau filled with skilled fighters. As the drama progresses, Xu Qi-An grows, mastering skills, defeating enemies, and solving complex crimes. But things take a darker turn when he becomes the vessel for Shen Shu, a powerful spirit with extraordinary abilities. With Shen Shu's power at his disposal, Xu Qi-An's journey to uncover the truth becomes more complicated than he ever imagined.
Dylan Wang’s portrayal of Xu Qi-An was a departure from his previous roles in Love Between Fairy and Devil and Unchained Love, where he played dignified, proud characters. Xu Qi-An, in contrast, was goofy, money-minded, and far from the usual heroic type. It was only as the story unfolded that the righteous side of him began to surface, eventually transforming him into a more typical hero.
As for the female lead, Princess Lin-An, I found her a bit underwhelming. She was cute, but her character came across as somewhat dim-witted, which didn’t quite fit my idea of a strong heroine. I could have accepted her as a quirky second lead, but as the main protagonist’s love interest, it detracted from the drama. I personally would have preferred if Huai-Qing had been given more screen time, as she felt like a more fitting match for Xu Qi-An.
However, one actor who really tugged at my heartstrings was Feng Hui, who played the governor Zheng Xing Huai. His performance was nothing short of heartbreaking when he described how much he loved the city he had devoted his life to, only for it to be destroyed by the villain. Worse still, he was framed by the Emperor he served and ultimately tortured to death. His story was a powerful portrayal of a man whose entire life’s work was erased, a tragic miscarriage of justice that stayed with me long after the episode ended.
Now, I hadn’t read the original novel, so I rated the drama based on its own merits. The overall experience was a bit of a mixed bag, with plenty of room for nitpicking. For one, the humor often felt forced, relying mostly on making characters look stupid. This style might appeal to some, but for me, it didn’t quite hit the mark. There were moments, like when Xu Qi-An mistook Princess Lin-An for her rival and swore allegiance to Huai-Qing, that made me chuckle, but these moments were too few and far between. This subplot stretched on too long, and often Xu Qi-An’s convoluted schemes backfired in ways that felt more contrived than funny.
The pacing also posed a problem. After episode 10, I was about to drop the drama altogether, but a friend suggested I try watching at a faster speed, so I bumped it up to 1.25x on WeTV. Suddenly, the pacing felt much more manageable, and I enjoyed episodes 11 through 39 much more. If I were to rate those episodes at the faster speed, I’d give them a solid 9.5.
Episodes 1 to 10, on the other hand, felt like just another average detective story, something I’d probably rate around a 7. It wasn’t until episode 11 that things started to pick up, and the cases began to tie into a larger conspiracy. But even then, the drama left me with more questions than answers.
The final episode opened up a Pandora’s box of new mysteries, leaving me wondering about Xu Qi-An’s father and his true intentions, whether Wei-Yuan would be resurrected, and who Shen Shu really was. The Emperor’s role in the story remained largely unaddressed, with only a public self-confession to his wrongdoings—nothing substantial. And the whole arc involving Xu Qi-An’s forgotten existence felt a bit underwhelming. The drama started with a mysterious gaming arcade, yet that thread was never fully explored, leaving a sense of unresolved mystery.
The Emperor remained largely unpunished, his defiance at his brother’s statue and his actions in the temple felt disconnected from the main plot. The drama seemed to hint at a deeper political or philosophical commentary, but never fully delivered on that front. It felt like the story was building up to something grand, but then rushed to an unsatisfying conclusion.
While I would have loved a sequel to explore these unanswered questions, there’s no word on one, and given China's track record with sequels, it’s unlikely. So, with the drama leaving me with a sense of unfulfilled potential, I have to rate it a 7 for the first 10 episodes and a 9.5 for episodes 11 to 39. Taking into account the lackluster ending, I’ve averaged it out to an 8.5, which feels more generous than my kisskh rating.
Despite its flaws, I’d still recommend this drama, especially for die-hard Dylan Wang fans. With Tencent’s promotional effort and his massive fanbase, the drama certainly garnered attention, and for fans of his previous work, it’s worth a watch. Just don’t expect a perfectly polished story.
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Excellent in the hygiene factors but a little light on the emotions
Lovely costume, beautiful cinematography, interesting cast and a rising male lead. The lead here was Deng Wei who hailed from Lost You Forever as TuShan Jing.The story centred around the romance of Mu QingGe and Su YiShui. She was a priestess/spiritual seeker and was 'killed' trying to save YiShui who was the Demon Child. An entire conspiracy surrounded him trying to push him to demonise. QingGe on the other hand was trying to save him from this fate. YiShui went on to resurrect her through the Divine Tree by sacrificing half of his spiritual core.
QingGe returned with memory loss of her previous life. Later in the drama , YiShui also lost his memory because of a manipulation by a powerful but evil deity. Love couples taking turns to lose their memory and therefore turned against each other is not something new or creative in dramas. But this drama had its other creative development through a hidden conspiracy. The drama would take viewers down the path of uncovering this.
Overall, the story was interesting. The female lead was good at acting the part of a lively Mu QingGe. However, when it came to the emotional parts, it was a bit lacking. When the lead couples were confessing their feelings for each other, it felt like they were merely reciting a memorised script. To be fair, very few actors or actresses were able to transcend this well.
As this was a fantasy fairy-tale drama, the screenwriter had the creative liberty of creating heavenly or spiritual rules and then created another that allowed those rules be broken. Similarly they could create a crisis or problem and then create a solution that solved it. Just as in this drama, deities or gods in heaven were not supposed to cross the the mortal realms but suddenly they were able to because certain conditions were created for them to do it. And these happened a lot in this drama to the extent that they became unconvincing. When something nasty happened, I expected a solution would pop up conveniently and often I was right.
I am usually generous with my ratings which were usually higher than that on Mydramalist. My rating of 8.5 is for dramas I believe are very good but not among the top league. Against a rating of 8.6 on Mydramalist, it implied that I think the rating of 8.6 on Mydramalist was over rated. I expect the rating on Mydramalist to come down over time as the initial enthusiasm cools.
Regardless, this was an entertaining drama if you are looking for something to spend your leisure.
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When Kindness Meets Darkness: A Demon’s Battle Within
I went back for a second watch—and ended up rewriting my entire review. That alone should tell you something. What begins as a stylish, slightly eerie drama with striking costumes and a mysterious opening quickly unfolds into a layered ride: serial crimes, hidden masterminds, and just enough chaos to keep things lively.At the centre of it all is Zhu Yan (also known as Zhao Yuan Zhou), a powerful demon cursed by a build-up of malicious energy. Left to himself, he is almost disarmingly gentle and kind. But when that darkness takes over, he becomes something else entirely—a ruthless killing machine. It is that tension, between who he is and what he can become, that gives the story its edge.
He joins an unlikely team led by Demon Hunting Bureau chief Zhuo Yuan Zhou, which includes the seemingly powerless Baize goddess Wen Xiao, sharp-shooting archer Pei Si Jing, and the ever-anxious teenage doctor Bai Jiu. Together, they chase down a string of bizarre cases— the chilling murders of brides, puppet conspiracies, the lost Baize relics, and a plague sweeping through Sinan Town. Each case peels back another layer, revealing villains who are not just evil for the sake of it, but driven by their own warped sense of justice.
Trust does not come easily within the group. Zhu Yan carries the weight of having once killed Zhou’s father and brother while under demonic control. Pei Si Jing has her own complicated past with rival factions. Loyalties are fragile, and as it turns out, betrayal comes not from the shadows—but from the least expected places.
Despite its dark premise, the drama refuses to take itself too seriously. Some of its best moments come from Zhu Yan’s cheeky, flirtatious antics, often at the expense of poor Bai Jiu, whose exaggerated panic reactions are comedy gold.
For most of its run, the pacing is tight and addictive—especially across the first 30 episodes. Then comes the final stretch… and it stumbles. The last four episodes drag noticeably, weighed down by excessive flashbacks, drawn-out emotional pauses, and fights that seem to go on forever. The villain’s refusal to simply stay dead does not help. I found myself reaching for the “skip 10 seconds” button more times than I care to admit.
Still, there is plenty to applaud:
- Lin Ziye is a standout as Bai Jiu, balancing comic relief with a surprisingly convincing darker turn when possessed. At just 14, he shows serious promise.
- The cast pulls double duty impressively—not only acting, but performing their own soundtrack pieces with real competence. - The final ensemble song-and-dance is especially well executed.
- Hou Ming Hao shines as Zhu Yan—charismatic and expressive; on top of that musically talented. After A Girl Like Me, and strong performances in Glory and Love in the Clouds, this role only cements his appeal.
In the end, I would still recommend this drama without hesitation. I have even bumped my rating from 8.5 to a solid 9. It could have reached 9.5 or 10—if only those final episodes had not tested my patience quite so thoroughly.
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The story started with Yan running into Jiang and subsequently avoiding him as she thought that he might arrest her for being in the wrong place and suspected of a crime. Humour arose because of Yan's shape shifting into the wrong person at the wrong time, although this was sometimes useful when she needed to avoid being arrested.
They eventually teamed up to solve the problem of Zornia grass which was cultivated by an unknown person whose identity and intent was unknown. Unknown to them, they were connected in the past and their problems were related to an event in their childhood.
As a fan of Luo YunXi who acted Jiang Xin Bai, I was drawn to this drama because of him. His acting in Ashes of Love and Til the End of the Moon was intense and outstanding, both dramas were among my favourites. Song Yi on the other hand had always acted in some humorous characters and did them well.
The story was interesting interjected with some humour and some intense moments. But Luo did not have the opportunities to repeat his intense acting in those two earlier dramas.
Nevertheless, this drama is entertaining and is suitable for some light-hearted entertainment.
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You don't need to get to the end to know the ending
The story centred around the repeated time travel trips Professor Shen Bu Yan made to the past. In modern times, Lu Yuan was known to be an evil queen who dominated the court and murder the loyal Prime Minister. With every repeated trip, Prof Shen became more convinced that there was more than met the eye and the record was inaccurate. But how and why did that happen?Prof Shen's first visit was to witness how Lu Yuan died. He then made repeated visits back. Each repeat visit was to an earlier part of her life in attempts to change her fate and the injustice. Round about the third visit, I could see that he won't be able to change the future as Lu Yuan was aware of Shen's earlier visits and I could already witness the end results. I skipped to the end to see how Shen was going to react to his failure and did he managed to clear Lu Yuan's name.
The drama could have been very intriguing. However, as I already knew the ending as it started with the end and worked backwards, it kind of become very boring and frustrating as it was obvious that all efforts were futile. However, at the first half, before it was clear that his mission would fail, it was still quite entertaining. If the screenwriter could work on the sequence a little, perhaps they could still maintained the mystery.
To conclude, this drama paled compared to some other time reversal drama like the Story of Kunning Palace, Blossom, Reborn (Korean), The Princess Royale and so on.
However, if you have the time to spare, I suppose you could always watch it. It was not totally without merits.
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Detective Story
Shen Yi was young and talented with potential to become a great artist as according to his art tutor. Additionally, he had the ability to read very accurately human behaviours.One day, a woman approached him to draw what a child on a photo would look like as an adult. This unfortunately led to the death of a detective Lei Yi Fei who was undercover to investigate a human trafficking ring.
Driven by guilt, Shen Yi joined the police force to help investigate into this case and to help solve serious crimes with his skills. There he met Du Cheng who was a subordinate and close friend of Lei Yi Fei who was killed. Du Cheng hated Shen Yi because he was unable to recall the face of the woman who approached him. As a result, they were unable to solve the case for over 5 years. However, the duo was forced to work together.
As with a lot of detective stories, this drama held a lot of mysteries, surprises (or not so much of a surprise), and suspense to hold your attention. However, in some, it felt a bit shallow and a bit simplistic. Nevertheless, it is still entertaining.
Each crime story ended as the culprit was captured without any mention of what happened in court or the sentencing. I suspect this was to be very diplomatic and not to be drawn into any controversies.
I am typically generous with my ratings and my rating usually ends up higher than the average rating on mydramalist if I like the drama. I am a fan of Tan Jian Ci and I chose this drama because of him. An average rating of 8.7 is very high on mydramalist.com; this would place it among the top rated dramas. However, on my rating scale, it is worth 8.5 which to me is very good, but not among the top league of dramas I had watched.
Still, I say, it is worth watching if you like detective stories.
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