This review may contain spoilers
Not Perfect, but Truly Refreshing
This drama is quite unusual, as it lacks several features that typically characterize C-dramas. I believe this is precisely why the series is so controversial. Many viewers may dislike it for that very reason. For me, however, it was quite the opposite — I found it refreshingly different.
What did I like most?
First of all, I appreciated the complete absence of misunderstandings. There are secrets, of course, but that is not the same thing. While Gu Yanxi keeps his true identity hidden from Hua Zhi, she is always aware that there is more to him than meets the eye and consciously chooses not to ask questions. When she finally learns the truth, she is open-minded and generous enough to accept it without holding any grudges.
I also admired Hua Zhi’s resourcefulness and dedication. The fact that her hard work bears fruit so quickly and relatively smoothly did not feel like a flaw in the script to me. Yes, it may not be very realistic, but after all, this is a fictional world, not a documentary.
Another aspect I truly enjoyed was the dynamic within the group of women from the Hua family. I understand that some viewers might find this part of the story tedious, but for me it was a real treat. I was delighted to watch the women grow, evolve, and mature. Even the third madam — who was rather annoying at the beginning — gradually becomes devoted to the family and capable of fair judgment, which I found to be a very nice and refreshing detail, so different from what we usually see in dramas.
I also appreciated the secondary storylines: the romance between Shaoyao and Shen Huan; Hua Qin’s decision to marry a merchant and her later ability to manage the harem; the tragic story of Hua Rong and her husband; and Fudong’s personal growth, which eventually allows her to take her fate into her own hands, among others.
Shaoyao was my favorite character, and I found Lu Yuxiao’s performance absolutely outstanding. Zhang Jingyi also delivered a very solid performance as the male lead.
That said, the drama was not perfect for me. Its major weakness was the acting — or rather the lack of it — by Hu Yitian. Although tall and handsome, his performance felt quite wooden. As a result, the drama conveyed fewer emotions than it could have, and the chemistry remained rather weak.
What did I like most?
First of all, I appreciated the complete absence of misunderstandings. There are secrets, of course, but that is not the same thing. While Gu Yanxi keeps his true identity hidden from Hua Zhi, she is always aware that there is more to him than meets the eye and consciously chooses not to ask questions. When she finally learns the truth, she is open-minded and generous enough to accept it without holding any grudges.
I also admired Hua Zhi’s resourcefulness and dedication. The fact that her hard work bears fruit so quickly and relatively smoothly did not feel like a flaw in the script to me. Yes, it may not be very realistic, but after all, this is a fictional world, not a documentary.
Another aspect I truly enjoyed was the dynamic within the group of women from the Hua family. I understand that some viewers might find this part of the story tedious, but for me it was a real treat. I was delighted to watch the women grow, evolve, and mature. Even the third madam — who was rather annoying at the beginning — gradually becomes devoted to the family and capable of fair judgment, which I found to be a very nice and refreshing detail, so different from what we usually see in dramas.
I also appreciated the secondary storylines: the romance between Shaoyao and Shen Huan; Hua Qin’s decision to marry a merchant and her later ability to manage the harem; the tragic story of Hua Rong and her husband; and Fudong’s personal growth, which eventually allows her to take her fate into her own hands, among others.
Shaoyao was my favorite character, and I found Lu Yuxiao’s performance absolutely outstanding. Zhang Jingyi also delivered a very solid performance as the male lead.
That said, the drama was not perfect for me. Its major weakness was the acting — or rather the lack of it — by Hu Yitian. Although tall and handsome, his performance felt quite wooden. As a result, the drama conveyed fewer emotions than it could have, and the chemistry remained rather weak.
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