WandereR

Spot on. Eps 1-10 especially moved too fast with too many elements condensed into them. The chemistry between everyone (not just the leads but even amongst the FL's siblings and ML's brothers) wasn't properly developed. The story resorted to brief flashbacks throughout in the attempt to fill in the gaps which affected the flow.

Some of the problems highlighted could be due to compaction of the story (because of the shortened episodes) as some of the editing especially at the end of certain episodes felt abruptly cut off.

I also feel that the actress is a bit lightweight for this challenging role. Her limitations adversely impacted the portrayal of what is supposedly a complex character. Just my humble opinion.

I couldn't agree more with your evaluation. It's hard to empathize with the CP when they haven't established much foundation for their apparent "love" for each other. There was minimal romance, only a series of chance encounters here and there, resulting in a total lack of tangible chemistry between them. At least, that was what we saw within the first 9 or so episodes.

I feel the forbidden love plot is challenging and tricky to be played out in the imperial court setting, but you're right, it is an alluring theme, if done properly.

Yu Ying is a version of Xiao Yin Hua that successfully married CY, so this sibling affection actually materialised into something more. The main difference is YY's character doesn't endear herself to us as much as XYH did in L&R. This is no longer passionate love, as you mentioned, but becomes an obligation.

I'm amazed with CY's acting talent. In L&R he does seem more polished, compared to some rough edges shown here, but he gave us glimpses of versatility in adding more dimensions to his portrayal. There are so many layers to his character's growth that I'm convinced there's more from him that we haven't seen.

Thanks for the info on Meng Xing Chang An, I'll be sure to check it out (and hopefully it'll have a better plot than this).

I'm looking forward to this but the synopsis...that's way too much info...

And then the series destroyed that process :(

That doesn't really count because their feelings for each other haven't developed at that point, and it was accidental.

Like what's stated in the comments earlier, this is not going to be the same kind of show as L&R.
I don't even comprehend why they need to remake the same tragic plot as the original drama. As if suffering once isn't enough.

At this point in time, it's better if Cheng Yi kisses me instead, because NO ONE in this show deserves his kisses :/

Ok... Guess we'll just have to keep watching till Cheng Yi runs out of scenes, then drop.
Thanks for the heads up, Mr Chase_Potato.

Oh... well that's not good.... Just when I thought we're going to see rainbows again...
:(

You actually finished it! Thought you dropped it lol
I haven't had time to pick it up but will take your advice - stop at ep 15.
Thanks for the lovely review :)

Gosh, the villain was already creepy enough in Under the Power. Now he's taken it to a whole new level - hamsup villain :O

I enjoyed watching the witty and mischevious Cheng Yi in the earlier episodes. He has enough range to do well in many genres, and yes, he'd be great in a comedy too. Maybe that will come in 2022. For now, it's the suffering hero role all the way :O

And she knows how to make all of us suffer too. I don't think she specialises in rom-com.

This is a huge plot development, wow!

These people are very much into violence, it seems...

You're welcome :)

Hopefully we're all still mentally sound by then lol
This is definitely the kind of show where it's ok to be not ok :D

There should be certificates for participation AND completion of this show lol
Anyone who gets through this by November deserves one!

I know, that's why I said sort of.
I struggle to find any other shows with comparable depression levels to prepare for this show, if that's even possible lol
The things we do to support Cheng Yi...sigh

Bingyan was also in Ever Night (and the sequel), in a supporting role. Cheng Yi is the main lead in The Promise of Chang'an which is currently airing (it was filmed prior to L&R and showcased much of his amazing range). He was also in last year's Lost Tomb 2.