Diasporadic

It's possible to enjoy the drama and still be critical of its flaws! I actually enjoyed the drama, but I wouldn't give it such a high rating.

This has probably been said before, but LITC has proved to me that MDL ratings do not reflect the overall the quality of dramas, they reflect how much people enjoyed them. That split is reflected in the comments too, with some people annoyed by, and critiquing the plotting, the writing, the direction and others responding to undeniable impact of the FL & ML's chemistry and acting.

^^ Yes, agreed!!

I enjoyed this drama and looked forward to every new episode, despite gaping holes and sudden unexplained shifts in the plot. Besides the visuals - the set and costume design and the beauty of the CP - what kept me engaged and charmed was the intense romantic atmosphere created by the two leads. The chemistry between HMH and LYX was💥! I can only wonder how powerful this drama would have been with better writing and plot development. Better writers would have mined the dramatic potential of MY and JBZ’s birth stories instead of the late anticlimactic revelation. Also, why do away with the really sinister and credible villain Lord Hanfeng so early on and replace him with the unconvincing and pathetic Situ Ling? But despite these weaknesses the acting and charisma of the leads and their supporting cast kept me entertained till the end.

Agree 100%. The romance was so sweet it compensated for weaknesses in the writing and plot.

Spoiler tag please!

Ep 32: Ngl, I feel bad for Eunuch Bai. The princess sees his killing as a hardship she must endure, not as pointless and vicious. She's less stupid by but no less self absorbed.

A kind of breather comes with eps 29 & 30.

Best or worst? The friend and beloved uncle who try to kill you have got to be the worst.

I'm expecting that to happen. But also thinking 2nd Prince might stop trusting his mother -he was close to FSG and respected him. He might be the center of another unexpected plot twist...

The fight sequences in Ep 26 show us why FSG is known as the god of death ⚔️ 🗡️ ☠️

Jinxiu's emperor XJY is the princess's nemesis; he tells her plainly how stupid her choice to love and follow his brother is and forces her to admit he feels nothing for her. Princess does the same for him, repeatedly protesting his treatment of his brother, calling him insane to his face and then slapping him him good and hard. But being insane, he loves it...

A HE I'd like!

I expect Xia Jing Shi will try to invade Susha - that has always been his plan. FSG will lead the fight against the Jinxiu army to defend his country, win the war and accept that for Susha to survive, he has to become emperor. Just guessing 😊

Just figured out why despite his evil deeds I don't hate Murong Yao - same actor was Young Master Yue in MJTY and I loved him 😍

He's also upset because he can't get back at YX because she's holding his father captive.

Possibly the most intelligent, honest and entertaining comment I've ever read on MDL.

Her argument has nothing to do with the actors. It's is that historical accuracy has been sacrificed to make the story easily accessible to a wide audience.

Even a seemingly 'proper drama' with top tier actors like TTL has been influenced by idol dramas - Avenue X calls it a village idol drama.

Maybe try Princess's Gambit?