Just Ming

Story: Top notch! fast paced, ruthless, dark revenge drama. Satisfying yet realistic. I haven't found another revenge drama as amazing as this drama after I finished Nirvana in Fire. The difference between them is the MC's characteristic, Mei Changsu is super smart strategist with outstanding supporters who are loyal and protective to him, and he also had politic background because he was military official before he was betrayed. But Zang Hai is a commoner, although his father is also palace official, he is only third rank with no supporter at all. That makes this drama more realistic than NIF. Zang Hai's plan not always successfully done, he is sometimes has to depend on his luck. Every character in this drama is morally grey, not even one can be trusted. There are a lot of plot twist and never-ending mystery until the end. I just can't get enough when watching this drama.

Acting: Xiao Zhan acting is the core and the strength of this drama. He has huge improvement in his acting, he infused a soul to Zang Hai hence made audience felt this character's emotions. The most dynamic I love is Zang Hai with his master Gao Ming. All the villains gave an outstanding performance, I love and hate them all. Although the romance only a side trope, it is still sweet to see Zang Hai little happiness. This drama indeed is a Male MC-centric drama because it's the first time I found in c-drama which has no side character PoV at all.

Production: This drama production is breathtakingly beautiful. The director is meticulously craft every scene, the music, the architecture, the art, all are representing Chinese culture in depth aesthetic. Btw, this is like the first costume drama which I didn't see any guzheng, pipa, flute and Chinese chess in most scenes.

Overall: I will re-watch this drama, the most satisfying drama after many years.