This review may contain spoilers
Family that sticks together | Unlocking women's hidden talents & potential | 2nd CP stole my heart!
"Never feel regretful. Everything you lost will eventually find a way to return to you." - Gu Yan Xi
Alright, Now. What a wonderful story. đź’•
God knows how many times I was left in tears because of the beautiful, touching, and inspiring essence and values of this story. So, as early as now, I want to thank this production for the comfort and inspiration it gave me. This is another one-in-a-million kind of story that highlights the togetherness of a family and how capable and powerful women can be beyond restrictions.
In retrospect, this drama served as a reminder that "No matter how dark the skies and bad the weather may be, it will always pass, making way for a brighter, sunny day." Therefore, never give in to the pressures of life. Hold on tight, grit your teeth, and move forward. Because life is full of surprises, in no time, you will look back and realize that those challenges were tough but have become great memories that shaped the person that you are today.
The story was well-written—it has great flow, nice pacing, a consistent plot, and hard-earned character development that clearly shows the struggles the characters went through in order to attain the position they now have. Witnessing their slow evolution from a high-maintenance family that only cares about their own branches to an affectionate family fully concerned with the entire household's safety and welfare, all while learning to be expressive, transparent, and reliable for one another, truly touched my heart. Just seeing the progress of every character, both in terms of personality and ability, made me genuinely happy with what they have become. I believe this is the most conventionally united C-drama household I have ever seen. All family branches support one another during challenging moments and have learned how to sincerely care for each other.
What truly solidified this drama for me was the 7th episode. When Hua Zhi (FL) was talking to her Aunt Wu (Ping Yang's Wife) about living on her own, abandoning the family, after getting flogged at the government office. But she was then told how worried each of her family members were—that they started doing things beyond their capabilities and even ignoring their usual routines just to look for her. This scene made me tear up so bad. It was the very moment that she started to realize the true value of her family and the deciding factor to brave and endure hardships with them.
It honestly would have been fine if they had solely focused on rural farm life in this story. The first half of the story has been nothing but an inspirational, laid-back, and genuine experience, that I would not mind if that is all we got from this show. Just a family consisting of kids and women living and working hard to strive for their future. I'm not saying the second half of the story was bad; it's just that I prefer the comfort and simplicity of their non-turbulent rural life over the buzzy, chaotic city setting.
Concerning about 3rd quarter of the story—wedding of the Hua daughters. Although it was executed decently, I just can't shake off this feeling of discontent on how it could have been handled better. I was totally bewildered and unprepared for how this section abruptly changed the mood and trajectory of the show, as it suddenly shifted to an all-out matchmaking event. On the brighter side, I just love the idea that they were being overly careful and considerate in selecting who the girls would marry.
My sentiments on the Hua daughters' stories:
• Hua Qin - I felt disdain at first; however, I cheered when she finally started ruling the household and grabbing a firm chokehold on the concubines!
• Hua Ling - Her story is the most nicely constructed among the three girls. I was so proud of her personality development and genuinely happy that she found a man whom she loves and feels satisfied with.
• Hua Rong - The most cringey of them all, but also the most heartbreaking! I don't wanna spoil much, but she didn't deserve her ending. Huhu!
Regarding the main leads:
• Hua Zhi - I love everything about her. A smart, resourceful, and strong-willed woman. More than anything else, what I love about her the most is her pure, compassionate heart. I love how she cherishes and treasures almost everyone, especially her family members and the people who are close to her.—With the stars as her guide, she faced life's challenges unfazed, grew stronger, and walked out triumphantly.
• Gu Yanxi - I love how bold, resolute, and unyielding he is in pursuing what he wants. At the same time, I hated him for how almost blindly and foolishly loyal he was to his Emperor uncle. Thank God that ruthless but cowardly trash eventually died. I also want to praise how clean, flexible, and powerful his fight choreography is.
Lastly! More than the main leads, I was more invested in the 2nd CP! They could have easily stolen this show if they were given more screentime. They're like the cherry on top that made this show extra appetizing to watch. I was most engrossed with their storyline and really wish they can have their own story produced. They're also my favorite characters overall. I am down bad for Gu Shao Yao and Shen Huan for real!
P.S. I love how their household started as a home for the forsaken royals, and eventually turned into an all-out orphanage for homeless children.
Story - 10, This is one of the dramas I will cherish for the longest time for its inspirational and wonderful story. I love almost every single thing about this show aside from two things: First is Yanxi's blind loyalty to the Emperor. Second is the Emperor himself. Fortunately, Yanxi disobeyed and acted insolently at the end, and the Emperor died, which eased my grievances.
Acting/Cast - 10. I've been keeping this drama in my inventory since last year due to my personal beef with Hu Yitian—a totally wrong move! Little did I know, I was depriving myself of a stellar piece all this time. I enjoyed Hu Yitian and Zhang Jingyi's portrayals. However, for me, Lu Yuxiao deserves the most recognition and praise in this production. Her emotional and facial expressions completely drew me in. Bian Cheng is great too! I love his acting here, and he reminds me of Yang Jungwon (Enhypen member).
Music - 10, I earnestly love each and every song. This is one of the dramas I can confidently say possesses the same quality and sense of musicality as K-OSTs. The opening theme alone is like an introduction to the epicness I am about to discover. The same goes for the ending theme, which exudes a cheerful, youthful vibe that encourages me to listen to the song all the way through. Not to mention the insert songs for each scene, which are all equally great!
Rewatch Value - 10, I will not mind watching it again. Seriously, this belongs on the list of shows that will be forever engraved in my mind for how amazing it is.
Overall - 10, I truly enjoyed watching this drama. There were no dull moments, and I was not bored even once while watching it. Highly recommended to every single drama watcher out there. A must-watch drama!
IF you find my review helpful please let me know.
Alright, Now. What a wonderful story. đź’•
God knows how many times I was left in tears because of the beautiful, touching, and inspiring essence and values of this story. So, as early as now, I want to thank this production for the comfort and inspiration it gave me. This is another one-in-a-million kind of story that highlights the togetherness of a family and how capable and powerful women can be beyond restrictions.
In retrospect, this drama served as a reminder that "No matter how dark the skies and bad the weather may be, it will always pass, making way for a brighter, sunny day." Therefore, never give in to the pressures of life. Hold on tight, grit your teeth, and move forward. Because life is full of surprises, in no time, you will look back and realize that those challenges were tough but have become great memories that shaped the person that you are today.
The story was well-written—it has great flow, nice pacing, a consistent plot, and hard-earned character development that clearly shows the struggles the characters went through in order to attain the position they now have. Witnessing their slow evolution from a high-maintenance family that only cares about their own branches to an affectionate family fully concerned with the entire household's safety and welfare, all while learning to be expressive, transparent, and reliable for one another, truly touched my heart. Just seeing the progress of every character, both in terms of personality and ability, made me genuinely happy with what they have become. I believe this is the most conventionally united C-drama household I have ever seen. All family branches support one another during challenging moments and have learned how to sincerely care for each other.
What truly solidified this drama for me was the 7th episode. When Hua Zhi (FL) was talking to her Aunt Wu (Ping Yang's Wife) about living on her own, abandoning the family, after getting flogged at the government office. But she was then told how worried each of her family members were—that they started doing things beyond their capabilities and even ignoring their usual routines just to look for her. This scene made me tear up so bad. It was the very moment that she started to realize the true value of her family and the deciding factor to brave and endure hardships with them.
It honestly would have been fine if they had solely focused on rural farm life in this story. The first half of the story has been nothing but an inspirational, laid-back, and genuine experience, that I would not mind if that is all we got from this show. Just a family consisting of kids and women living and working hard to strive for their future. I'm not saying the second half of the story was bad; it's just that I prefer the comfort and simplicity of their non-turbulent rural life over the buzzy, chaotic city setting.
Concerning about 3rd quarter of the story—wedding of the Hua daughters. Although it was executed decently, I just can't shake off this feeling of discontent on how it could have been handled better. I was totally bewildered and unprepared for how this section abruptly changed the mood and trajectory of the show, as it suddenly shifted to an all-out matchmaking event. On the brighter side, I just love the idea that they were being overly careful and considerate in selecting who the girls would marry.
My sentiments on the Hua daughters' stories:
• Hua Qin - I felt disdain at first; however, I cheered when she finally started ruling the household and grabbing a firm chokehold on the concubines!
• Hua Ling - Her story is the most nicely constructed among the three girls. I was so proud of her personality development and genuinely happy that she found a man whom she loves and feels satisfied with.
• Hua Rong - The most cringey of them all, but also the most heartbreaking! I don't wanna spoil much, but she didn't deserve her ending. Huhu!
Regarding the main leads:
• Hua Zhi - I love everything about her. A smart, resourceful, and strong-willed woman. More than anything else, what I love about her the most is her pure, compassionate heart. I love how she cherishes and treasures almost everyone, especially her family members and the people who are close to her.—With the stars as her guide, she faced life's challenges unfazed, grew stronger, and walked out triumphantly.
• Gu Yanxi - I love how bold, resolute, and unyielding he is in pursuing what he wants. At the same time, I hated him for how almost blindly and foolishly loyal he was to his Emperor uncle. Thank God that ruthless but cowardly trash eventually died. I also want to praise how clean, flexible, and powerful his fight choreography is.
Lastly! More than the main leads, I was more invested in the 2nd CP! They could have easily stolen this show if they were given more screentime. They're like the cherry on top that made this show extra appetizing to watch. I was most engrossed with their storyline and really wish they can have their own story produced. They're also my favorite characters overall. I am down bad for Gu Shao Yao and Shen Huan for real!
P.S. I love how their household started as a home for the forsaken royals, and eventually turned into an all-out orphanage for homeless children.
Story - 10, This is one of the dramas I will cherish for the longest time for its inspirational and wonderful story. I love almost every single thing about this show aside from two things: First is Yanxi's blind loyalty to the Emperor. Second is the Emperor himself. Fortunately, Yanxi disobeyed and acted insolently at the end, and the Emperor died, which eased my grievances.
Acting/Cast - 10. I've been keeping this drama in my inventory since last year due to my personal beef with Hu Yitian—a totally wrong move! Little did I know, I was depriving myself of a stellar piece all this time. I enjoyed Hu Yitian and Zhang Jingyi's portrayals. However, for me, Lu Yuxiao deserves the most recognition and praise in this production. Her emotional and facial expressions completely drew me in. Bian Cheng is great too! I love his acting here, and he reminds me of Yang Jungwon (Enhypen member).
Music - 10, I earnestly love each and every song. This is one of the dramas I can confidently say possesses the same quality and sense of musicality as K-OSTs. The opening theme alone is like an introduction to the epicness I am about to discover. The same goes for the ending theme, which exudes a cheerful, youthful vibe that encourages me to listen to the song all the way through. Not to mention the insert songs for each scene, which are all equally great!
Rewatch Value - 10, I will not mind watching it again. Seriously, this belongs on the list of shows that will be forever engraved in my mind for how amazing it is.
Overall - 10, I truly enjoyed watching this drama. There were no dull moments, and I was not bored even once while watching it. Highly recommended to every single drama watcher out there. A must-watch drama!
IF you find my review helpful please let me know.
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