A truly skilled actor. He has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication to his craft as evident in the quality of his work across the diverse range of roles he has undertaken. His performances were never disappointing, and he fully embodies each character he takes on. His diligence and blossoming acting skills make stereotyping impossible. Hope he will be given opportunities to take on leading roles in the future.
The main theme of this drama is duty and loyalty, and not romance. I like how Zhang Hui Wen portrayed her character, Mo Yan Xiao Qi, a cute teenager who became a constable, and gradually matured with her duties and love in this drama. I think she steals the show. Caesar Wu didn't shine as much portraying the reserved personality of Zhan Zhao. I prefer his portrayal of his character in the General's Lady. But the martial art that he displayed in this drama was pretty cool.
It is a heart-warming drama and the characters played by both main leads are beautiful in their own ways. There is great chemistry between Caesar and Tang Min. It is very comfortable to watch them being together in this drama. The love and trust shared by their characters is a very down-to-earth and supportive one, and they portrayed the endearing and enduring part of it perfectly throughout the drama. To me, it is an ideal love story that teaches about the moral ethics of married couples.
Besides this, there seems to be another deeper message to the story that can raise a discussion regarding the freedom of choices that women possess during different eras and how women have struggled and found ways to empower their presence towards equal standing and contribute to society.
First, it started out with the main female lead having to obey her family to enter into an unwanted marriage that her sister wanted to avoid, thinking that it would only bring her death. Denied of any freedom of choice regarding her marriage and out of filial piety for her mother, she resigned to her fate and tried to make the best of it, carving out the possibilities of happiness for herself. Gradually, her husband was touched by her sincerity, empathy and love, he started to fall irresistibly for her and take up the responsibility of being a good husband. Caesar portrayed maturity in his love and his character as a whole, while Tang Min's little gestures of love, such as playing with her husband's hair and touching his hand lovingly add warmth to the love that they share. Her childishness to prove her love and remaining persevering to it makes her adorable and forgivable. Their love made them look so good together. Their kisses may not be those passionate ones but this also adds a sense of trustworthiness in the love they shared. Love does not have to be always expressed with passion. It is the trust they shared and the little things in life that the couple do for one another that is endearing and enduring. I find that simply romantic.
Later, the lady set up her own business. In the drama, her intention was to help her husband, but this part of the story seems to be attempting to bring the audience back to the discussion on how the roles of women have evolved through time and how they have overcome the constraints of conservative ideas of how women should behave and live their lives. The entrance of the character of Rou Nan who has admirable ideals and intelligence of setting up and supporting a village of the less fortunate on her own made this clear.
There is always a hidden maturity in the outer childishness of the main female character and it is wonderful that her husband understands this.
The story brings out the strength of Caesar's acting skills. The calmness of his character was perfectly executed and very natural and beautiful to watch. As for Tang Min, she is beautiful and adorable. Knowing the significance of Tang Min's character, Shen Jin, makes Shen Jin very lovable.
I also like how Cao Jun Xiang played his character. Really adorable.
Like the friendship, heart-warming and humorous side of the drama, as well as the happy ending. The political development side of the story was good too. Glad that there were more good people than bad people. Overall, comfortable to watch.
The drama has a very good cast. Enjoyed watching the outstanding performances of its many actors and actresses. Hope that both main leads will take up more historical drama projects in the future. Like how Bai Jing Ting (6th prince) was styled when he was at Ji Chuan. As for Tian Xi Wei (Li Wei, the 6th prince's wife), she looks beautiful throughout the drama. Love her bright smiles and that of Chang Long (the 5th prince) too.
As for romance, like how the love between the main leads started, but a bit pity that it lost traction for a while when the story focuses too much on the troubles faced by the restaurant. The love story of the 5th prince and his wife were more interesting to watch. I think the actor, Chang Long, did a great job in playing his role. He was very funny and yet, adorable in this drama. Although the 7th prince and his wife did not have many appearances in the drama, I find them very cute too. The 3rd prince, Liu Guan Lin, was funny, but the rest who played his household didn't shine in their roles. Glad that Song Wu, played by Liu Mei Han, met another Song Wu, played by Chris Song, who looks really suitable in the role of a well-mannered scholar.
The costumes and accessories, houses and furnishing were all very elegant.
I don't mind watching season 2 if there will be one with the same cast.
Watched the movie version. It was an eye candy to watch the female lead in those pretty dresses and outfits that really suit her. The male lead was well-styled and charismatic when he acted cool. Love the character of the grandpa of the male lead. The script was well-written until it comes to the cheesy lines that the male lead has to utter to make his marriage proposal. It sounded immature and does not fit well with the maturity that the male lead was supposed to portray. Also, doesn't like the shooting stars as the backdrop for the marriage proposal scene because it is too unreal and unrealistic.
The story has an encouraging message of allowing everyone a chance, no matter who they are, and also about not judging others based on their appearance. For me personally, there is also an element of raising the awareness of weighing inner values over materialism. The acting is a bit too exaggerating for some roles, but it is meant to be funny. It also shows the professionalism of the actors and actresses. Overall, it is light-hearted and enjoyable. Basically, I didn't have to think too much while watching it.
Besides this, there seems to be another deeper message to the story that can raise a discussion regarding the freedom of choices that women possess during different eras and how women have struggled and found ways to empower their presence towards equal standing and contribute to society.
First, it started out with the main female lead having to obey her family to enter into an unwanted marriage that her sister wanted to avoid, thinking that it would only bring her death. Denied of any freedom of choice regarding her marriage and out of filial piety for her mother, she resigned to her fate and tried to make the best of it, carving out the possibilities of happiness for herself. Gradually, her husband was touched by her sincerity, empathy and love, he started to fall irresistibly for her and take up the responsibility of being a good husband. Caesar portrayed maturity in his love and his character as a whole, while Tang Min's little gestures of love, such as playing with her husband's hair and touching his hand lovingly add warmth to the love that they share. Her childishness to prove her love and remaining persevering to it makes her adorable and forgivable. Their love made them look so good together. Their kisses may not be those passionate ones but this also adds a sense of trustworthiness in the love they shared. Love does not have to be always expressed with passion. It is the trust they shared and the little things in life that the couple do for one another that is endearing and enduring. I find that simply romantic.
Later, the lady set up her own business. In the drama, her intention was to help her husband, but this part of the story seems to be attempting to bring the audience back to the discussion on how the roles of women have evolved through time and how they have overcome the constraints of conservative ideas of how women should behave and live their lives. The entrance of the character of Rou Nan who has admirable ideals and intelligence of setting up and supporting a village of the less fortunate on her own made this clear.
There is always a hidden maturity in the outer childishness of the main female character and it is wonderful that her husband understands this.
The story brings out the strength of Caesar's acting skills. The calmness of his character was perfectly executed and very natural and beautiful to watch. As for Tang Min, she is beautiful and adorable. Knowing the significance of Tang Min's character, Shen Jin, makes Shen Jin very lovable.
I also like how Cao Jun Xiang played his character. Really adorable.
The drama has a very good cast. Enjoyed watching the outstanding performances of its many actors and actresses. Hope that both main leads will take up more historical drama projects in the future. Like how Bai Jing Ting (6th prince) was styled when he was at Ji Chuan. As for Tian Xi Wei (Li Wei, the 6th prince's wife), she looks beautiful throughout the drama. Love her bright smiles and that of Chang Long (the 5th prince) too.
As for romance, like how the love between the main leads started, but a bit pity that it lost traction for a while when the story focuses too much on the troubles faced by the restaurant. The love story of the 5th prince and his wife were more interesting to watch. I think the actor, Chang Long, did a great job in playing his role. He was very funny and yet, adorable in this drama. Although the 7th prince and his wife did not have many appearances in the drama, I find them very cute too. The 3rd prince, Liu Guan Lin, was funny, but the rest who played his household didn't shine in their roles. Glad that Song Wu, played by Liu Mei Han, met another Song Wu, played by Chris Song, who looks really suitable in the role of a well-mannered scholar.
The costumes and accessories, houses and furnishing were all very elegant.
I don't mind watching season 2 if there will be one with the same cast.