This review may contain spoilers
The struggles of an undeveloped love affair | FLs relationship-baiting saved this drama.
"There are countless paths in the world. none of them are easy. I'll consider this my way of paving the way for other women to follow." Mu Dan / He Wei Feng
I have written a separate review for the prequel so this one will focus more on the sequel and the entire story itself.
I was actually quite displeased throughout my watch experience due to the lack of progress and even regression of the leads' love affair, but it wasn't until I reached the last 5 or so episodes that the realization hit me that this story wasn't what I expected it to be. It wasn't the typical lovey-dovey tropey idol historical drama I envisioned it to be, but instead a properly crafted drama that incorporates two broad-minded and mature characters who know the weight of their actions and do not dare do anything recklessly. Which turned out to be the major issue that hinders the growth of their relationship.
Honestly, I am still quite upset about the route they chose for the leads' love story that I felt cheated in some way. The prequel gave us below minimum and when I thought the sequel will offer us something grand, they gave us their uncertainties and dilemma's instead. Imagine getting the least amount of progress 12 episodes in and the next situation you are witnessing is their misunderstanding... and that'a when I thought we're gonna get a proper development on their romance on the 2nd half but 15 episodes before the drama ends, and we're still on the 'hiding/concealing feelings stage. Hayys! I was frustrated and flabbergasted at the same time! It may seem like I am totally obsessed and is dwelling too much on the romance side of the story but isn't that one of the concept this show is marketing on?
My main issue about this production is that the leads' romance hasn't officially started yet they're already ending/cutting ties with each other. They focused mostly on the characters personal goals and endeavours, which is fine, but not until they suddenly dropped and shoved us their issues. Because what do you mean we're having this after giving us little to no improvement of their relationship? It upsets me because they ended in that situation due to the lack of strong foundation—which is trust and personal understanding of one another.
I mean they both make sense—FL is bold and courageous while the ML have been traumatized and maimed that he can no longer take a risk. But then, what they lacked is mutual consideration for each other. FL kept on pushing herself to be part of the chaotic situation while the ML fears her to be involve in it.
Like, everything about their romantic relationship is going smoothly. I even thought that they're amazing for having such perfect harmony that's one in mind and in heart. However, my impression faltered and slowly crumbled after realizing that what they have is pre-mature. Because although they have the undeniable connection and understanding, they lack the intimacy, vividness and expressiveness a real couple usually have. Thank god the FL (Mu Dan) worked her ass off relationship-baiting the ML. Cause if not, then this drama is beyond salvation for me in terms of the romance department.
Regarding Sui Zhi (ML)...I get him. I understand that he got scared after that incident that almost killed Mu Dan considering her pas trauma's, however, isn't it inappropriate and unfair for Mu Dan to suddenly be left out like that? He lured and made her fall for him and when she finally did, he immediately backed out? He's clouded by his trauma and fears so he chose to ignore and decline her feelings to keep her safe from any harm and avoid getting her implicated; I get that. But he should've at least considered her feelings and why she feels that way in the first place!! Truly, this drama would've fallen to pieces if not for Mu Dan winning him over (Sighs).
I wholeheartedly love and appreciate female centric dramas but I also think that there should be borderlines we must consider when creating one. I've got nothing to pick on when it comes to the character development of Mu Dan (FL)—It was flawless and slick. But that's exactly where the issue lies. They made her so incredible that towards the end, it feels like she's overpowered the ML. To the point where it seems like he's bound to fail so bad without her interventions. Their balance shaken and suddenly he doesn't feel as reliable as he used to. Not to even mention how he was as good as dead if Prince Ning didn't purposely missed an inch when he stabbed him.
That being said, it only proves that being an entirely mature relationship also has its down sides/disadvantages as well.
Moving on from that, one thing I enjoyed from their the most is their sneaky and adorable moments together. Her countless "Fu Jun" call melts me and his shallow and feathery kisses brought me so much joy and pleasure. They had a lot of kissing scenes too bad Li Xian doesn't know how to kiss passionately. Hahaha!
"Do you know what love is? True love means loving who they love, hurting when they hurt. It means letting go, not holding them captive. Love is not a sword meant to wound. It's the bright moon, quietly watching over, enduring forever." - Mu Dan (FL) to Zi Shu (2ML)
Zi Shu's truly the most devoted and obsessive man ever. He never cease to amaze me. He keeps on holding on to the past which prevented him to see the beauty and worth of his present. This happened to him twice and I feel sad to see him lose his track and gone astray. His ending on the other hand felt sorrowful yet deserving. He keeps on blowing up his chances that at the end, seeing him dead satisfies me—just to prevent him from hurting the people who loves him again.
Lastly, ending. I guess I am just glad that they didn't kill Sui Zhi and provided us a justified reason on how he survived. Prince Ning ending was also deserving and so is Zi Shu & You Zhen's. I'm also grateful for them not killing any other supporting roles aside from She Yan as his death is a reasonable one.
P.S. I really love Liu Lang & Sui Zhi's chemistry. Liu Lang is like the son fighting his father to get his mother's attention. They should've given us more scenes of Liu Lang teasing/sabotaging Sui Zhi while Sui Zhi shaking his actions off as he simply finds him childish and immature to even pay attention to.
Story - 9.0, The story structure and plot was good, it's just that they failed in providing us deeper romantic development for the leads' which caused their misunderstanding to feel sudden and lacking in foundation. Everything else was greatly executed though.
Acting/Cast - 10, I love every actors and actresses in this production. At first, I thought Li Xian wouldn't match well with period drama set up, but heck was I wrong! He nailed his character and I found him on a new light. Yang Zi on the other hand just executed Mu Dan perfectly. Job well done!
Music - 9.5, Songs used were such a bliss to listen to. They matched the scenes they're used to and helped out a lot in making those scenes even more impactful.
Rewatch Value - 7.0, I enjoyed my time watching this drama, however, I don't think I will ever watch it again. Their romance development made me frustrated and overthink (because nothing much was happening but they're already breaking up. LMAO)
Overall - 8.5, Despite my rants and seemingly negative reaction above, I still would say that I enjoyed this drama. The story was greatly written specially Mu Dan's personal growth and development. Minus the romance part of course. Lol
IF you find my review helpful please let me know.
I have written a separate review for the prequel so this one will focus more on the sequel and the entire story itself.
I was actually quite displeased throughout my watch experience due to the lack of progress and even regression of the leads' love affair, but it wasn't until I reached the last 5 or so episodes that the realization hit me that this story wasn't what I expected it to be. It wasn't the typical lovey-dovey tropey idol historical drama I envisioned it to be, but instead a properly crafted drama that incorporates two broad-minded and mature characters who know the weight of their actions and do not dare do anything recklessly. Which turned out to be the major issue that hinders the growth of their relationship.
Honestly, I am still quite upset about the route they chose for the leads' love story that I felt cheated in some way. The prequel gave us below minimum and when I thought the sequel will offer us something grand, they gave us their uncertainties and dilemma's instead. Imagine getting the least amount of progress 12 episodes in and the next situation you are witnessing is their misunderstanding... and that'a when I thought we're gonna get a proper development on their romance on the 2nd half but 15 episodes before the drama ends, and we're still on the 'hiding/concealing feelings stage. Hayys! I was frustrated and flabbergasted at the same time! It may seem like I am totally obsessed and is dwelling too much on the romance side of the story but isn't that one of the concept this show is marketing on?
My main issue about this production is that the leads' romance hasn't officially started yet they're already ending/cutting ties with each other. They focused mostly on the characters personal goals and endeavours, which is fine, but not until they suddenly dropped and shoved us their issues. Because what do you mean we're having this after giving us little to no improvement of their relationship? It upsets me because they ended in that situation due to the lack of strong foundation—which is trust and personal understanding of one another.
I mean they both make sense—FL is bold and courageous while the ML have been traumatized and maimed that he can no longer take a risk. But then, what they lacked is mutual consideration for each other. FL kept on pushing herself to be part of the chaotic situation while the ML fears her to be involve in it.
Like, everything about their romantic relationship is going smoothly. I even thought that they're amazing for having such perfect harmony that's one in mind and in heart. However, my impression faltered and slowly crumbled after realizing that what they have is pre-mature. Because although they have the undeniable connection and understanding, they lack the intimacy, vividness and expressiveness a real couple usually have. Thank god the FL (Mu Dan) worked her ass off relationship-baiting the ML. Cause if not, then this drama is beyond salvation for me in terms of the romance department.
Regarding Sui Zhi (ML)...I get him. I understand that he got scared after that incident that almost killed Mu Dan considering her pas trauma's, however, isn't it inappropriate and unfair for Mu Dan to suddenly be left out like that? He lured and made her fall for him and when she finally did, he immediately backed out? He's clouded by his trauma and fears so he chose to ignore and decline her feelings to keep her safe from any harm and avoid getting her implicated; I get that. But he should've at least considered her feelings and why she feels that way in the first place!! Truly, this drama would've fallen to pieces if not for Mu Dan winning him over (Sighs).
I wholeheartedly love and appreciate female centric dramas but I also think that there should be borderlines we must consider when creating one. I've got nothing to pick on when it comes to the character development of Mu Dan (FL)—It was flawless and slick. But that's exactly where the issue lies. They made her so incredible that towards the end, it feels like she's overpowered the ML. To the point where it seems like he's bound to fail so bad without her interventions. Their balance shaken and suddenly he doesn't feel as reliable as he used to. Not to even mention how he was as good as dead if Prince Ning didn't purposely missed an inch when he stabbed him.
That being said, it only proves that being an entirely mature relationship also has its down sides/disadvantages as well.
Moving on from that, one thing I enjoyed from their the most is their sneaky and adorable moments together. Her countless "Fu Jun" call melts me and his shallow and feathery kisses brought me so much joy and pleasure. They had a lot of kissing scenes too bad Li Xian doesn't know how to kiss passionately. Hahaha!
"Do you know what love is? True love means loving who they love, hurting when they hurt. It means letting go, not holding them captive. Love is not a sword meant to wound. It's the bright moon, quietly watching over, enduring forever." - Mu Dan (FL) to Zi Shu (2ML)
Zi Shu's truly the most devoted and obsessive man ever. He never cease to amaze me. He keeps on holding on to the past which prevented him to see the beauty and worth of his present. This happened to him twice and I feel sad to see him lose his track and gone astray. His ending on the other hand felt sorrowful yet deserving. He keeps on blowing up his chances that at the end, seeing him dead satisfies me—just to prevent him from hurting the people who loves him again.
Lastly, ending. I guess I am just glad that they didn't kill Sui Zhi and provided us a justified reason on how he survived. Prince Ning ending was also deserving and so is Zi Shu & You Zhen's. I'm also grateful for them not killing any other supporting roles aside from She Yan as his death is a reasonable one.
P.S. I really love Liu Lang & Sui Zhi's chemistry. Liu Lang is like the son fighting his father to get his mother's attention. They should've given us more scenes of Liu Lang teasing/sabotaging Sui Zhi while Sui Zhi shaking his actions off as he simply finds him childish and immature to even pay attention to.
Story - 9.0, The story structure and plot was good, it's just that they failed in providing us deeper romantic development for the leads' which caused their misunderstanding to feel sudden and lacking in foundation. Everything else was greatly executed though.
Acting/Cast - 10, I love every actors and actresses in this production. At first, I thought Li Xian wouldn't match well with period drama set up, but heck was I wrong! He nailed his character and I found him on a new light. Yang Zi on the other hand just executed Mu Dan perfectly. Job well done!
Music - 9.5, Songs used were such a bliss to listen to. They matched the scenes they're used to and helped out a lot in making those scenes even more impactful.
Rewatch Value - 7.0, I enjoyed my time watching this drama, however, I don't think I will ever watch it again. Their romance development made me frustrated and overthink (because nothing much was happening but they're already breaking up. LMAO)
Overall - 8.5, Despite my rants and seemingly negative reaction above, I still would say that I enjoyed this drama. The story was greatly written specially Mu Dan's personal growth and development. Minus the romance part of course. Lol
IF you find my review helpful please let me know.
Was this review helpful to you?
