Lavinia Hollis

First off I like it that the creators chose this whole bunch of cast with the exception of Angelbaby. They all looked the part. What I meant is that they are not the usual teenagers or in their early twenties which seems to be the trend now a days in Chinese dramas. I noticed that even though the role calls for a mature actor instead its being portrayed by younger actors/actresses which makes the drama being farcical.

I don't find Wallace Cheung to be physically attractive but I find him to be good actor. I first noticed him on Too Late To Say I Love You and I fell in love with him. He did an excellent portrayal of his character. He is not so good here might be due to the bad script or story. However Wallace's acting craft enables you to charm and like him. He has a way of wanting you to follow him.

Now here comes the female lead. I don't understand how the creators decided to cast Angelbaby. Don't get me wrong I love to watch gorgeous faces on the screen but if that person can't deliver the goods forget it. She looked like a blank board all the time with her wide eyes and unnaturally perfect and surgically enhanced lips. I really did my best to disregard this but damn it's too distracting. Not all gorgeous face has the skill to act and I believe Angelbaby is one of those. They could have chosen Yang Mi or Cecilia Liu for this part. They have more gravitas.

I know there's a lot of Ruby Lin fans out there but I'm sorry I really can't stand her acting. Also the second female lead or supporting is way prettier and better than her. I only managed to watch up to episode 4 and had to dropped this drama.

I was quite curious at first watching this series because of the plot. But after episode 20 I found it to be boring. The story seemed not to go anywhere. It's such a cliche type of series.

For me it seems to be suddenly shortened either due to budget constraints or just the creators' decision. Have you seen the Story of Yanxi Palace? It's such a delight to watch. I was never interested to watch these dramas at first because I didn't really find the leads to be attractive (call me crazy but I have my own preference.). Anyway I was indeed pleasantly surprised and entertained.

Well I was rather impressed with this series. I understand its the same creators of Story of Yanxi Palace. This is one of the few Chinese series that I'll give a high score. The cast did a great job I believe it has something to do in choosing the right person to play the character. Lately most Chinese dramas I've seen is such a miscast of characters or they're either too young or too old for the part. They all looked age appropriate for their portrayals.

I actually binge watch this series for two days because I can't wait to find out the next episode. I was captivated by the characters. Though I don't really find the lead actress to be beautiful but I'll definitely give her performance a two thumbs up or even for everyone.

The unfolding of the plot was done well and the twist and turns was delightfully anticipating. Also, there's not much fillers in this series which normally dominates any Chinese dramas. I would say Bravo!

I definitely love this series. I like how the story progressed. The story is well written and the cast did an incredible job. Watched this several times.
I've seen several of Cecilia Liu's series and I like her acting because she always has depth in her portrayal of the characters. Though as always there's this typical Chinese style of acting - to be childish. But she only does it either on the start of her series or very minimal.

This is the first time I fell in love with Hu Ge. He's so handsome and excellent in his portrayal of the character. And he always look more stunning in historical outfits.

Eddie Peng - well I was surprised! He's incredible in this series and this is the first time I've seen him. I find him charming actually.

Now the female antagonist is so annoying which means she's effective. But I did not like her.

With regards to the background music, most of it were alright. But I detest the piano background because it sounded more westernized. The creators could have chosen the traditional Chinese sound to have more of an exotic appeal since the story is also unique.

This kind of story is what seems to be missing from a lot of series that were newly released or just coming out.. Either because they used young actors to play the role which is better played by a bit matured artists. Or the script is not well done.

Yes indeed you can call it superficial. But it's mine and I do like to watch beautiful & handsome faces on the screen unless the character calls it otherwise. And yes indeed! People like us still exist in this world. LOL!

I concur with your opinion. I find Li Yi Tong's acting very limited.

I guess I'm set to be disappointed with this series. No problem with the main lead but Li Yi Tong is a meh. She has a pretty face but I find her acting terrible. She only has two facial expressions that she can project. Seems to be a nice plot though.

I like this series that I've already watched this three times this month. Probably due to quarantine but I never get tired of rewatching this fantastic series. The men are such eye candies that I never get tired watching them.

In fact this is one of the few TV series that I'm satisfied with the main leads and supporting cast. They're a fantastic team. Also, so far what I've seen in Bai Lu's acting doesn't involve any of this stupid, childish girly type that seems to dominate the Chinese screen. I've seen her on The Legends and I find her really good in that series. Since I'm a perfectionist - the only thing I didn't like in this one is Bai Lu's wig when she wears it as a girl. They could have chosen a better one.

Toby Lee was great also in this one. I love his portrayal and there seems to be depth in the way he portrays his role. Xu Cai as always the chivalrous rascal. He's good.

How I wish they didn't dub the singing portion of this show so it would look more realistic. This is what I hate about Chinese series. Let the actors or actresses sing live for sure they can sing.

Also the men's make up is not bad - it's more realistic. It's not like the rice cake vampy look that I see most of the time.

Anyone know what's the issue why the subtitle was never completed? This seems to be a great and fantastic series compared to some other mediocre Chinese dramas that had been subtitled immediately. Just when it was really getting intriguing on episode 7 then episode 8 is no longer subtitled.

Seems interesting but can't find any English subtitle for this.

Too bad there's no English subtitle. Seems to be an interesting series.

AAAHhhhhh!!! This seems very interesting but can't find it with subtitle.

This seems to be interesting. Too bad there's no subtitle.

What's up with the male lead Yuan Fei Bai's make-up? He looks so gay. Is he supposed to be gay in here? Or the make-up artist made fun of him through this prank? It's terrible! How can you be in love with a man who looks prettier and fragile like a girl. LOL!

Korean dramas are so quick to be subtitled even though it's not that famous. Why can't Chinese dramas be done the same. I noticed there seems to be a lot of Chinese dramas with excellent plot but years passed it's still not being subtitled to English.

I would have given this show a score of 10 but damn it's ruined by the female lead. They should have chosen a pretty looking actress instead of average looking one since the male lead is such handsome eye candy. Such a mismatch.

This seems to be interesting but can't find it anywhere specially with English subtitle.

I was excited to watch this series as it has great reviews and high score feedback. However I had a hard time finishing it. I pushed myself to finish it but I really couldn't do it. The show has a great plot which is obviously inspired from The Man Behind The Iron Mask. However this series lacks the execution of the intrigue and drama. The flow is too slow and the cast are all boringly portraying their characters. The empress looked too old for the emperor who only has two facial expressions. And the emperor looked looked like a twelve year old choir boy who had one facial expression the entire show. None of the women here are exciting. They are too bland. The only great thing in this series is Elvis Han. I guess he portrayed his character well.

I'm sorry but I was really bored watching this show. Not great at all. I wouldn't recommend it.