This review may contain spoilers
Fast-paced story marred by underwhelming Guqin performances | The utterly domesticated Prince.
"We should cherish the present moment instead of dreaming about the future." - Yun Yi
I have few words for this drama, not because it lacked substance, but because its natural flow left me in a state of pure comfort. It washed away any potential criticisms, leaving only a beautiful, relaxing story.
The story was compelling from start to finish, leaving no room for boredom or discontent. The introduction of the characters was handled naturally, followed by entertaining events and conflicts that connected seamlessly to the plot. Each story arc was developed over the right number of episodes, ensuring the story never felt 'draggy' and maintained a fast pace. Every episode was skillfully utilized; I never felt any part of the story was filler, as each was beautifully crafted to support the main plot.
The climax flowed naturally. Although it briefly seemed as though the antagonist might regain the upper hand—echoing earlier events in the story—the protagonist surprisingly learned from earlier events and planned ahead to counter their moves. This gave us an ending that felt satisfyingly hard-earned.
I admit the last episode felt like fan service, but I can't complain at all. I'm so grateful we got to see their lives after all the conflict, and were even gifted moments of them enjoying life with their kids.
The romance between all 3 CPs is so sweet. I love them all, especially the endearing chemistry between the leads, Jiang Xu and Ming Tan. However, the couple that captured my attention the most—and who I wish had their relationship further explored and shown—is Shu Jingran and Yun Yi. Their chemistry is undeniable; I would have loved to see them become more openly affectionate and vocal with one another. While I liked how their story ended, I wish we could have seen a 'years later' glimpse of them, similar to the scene with Zhang Huaiyu and Bai Minmin with their adorable son.
I know the "stoic-to-softie" trope has been reused countless times across every dramaland. But there is really something about Prince Dingbei/Jiang Xu that keeps him above the rest. He was introduced as someone blunt—tactless, even—aside from being unromantic. But what made his evolution more interesting was that it didn't happen over a short amount of time. He underwent a phase of pondering and getting jealous without the usual in denial stage, and I think that is what made him unique. I adore how he's become totally smitten. One who is clingy and totally smitten. A true lover boy. He's turned from a man of few words into a real yapper. Cute!
One thing I am truly grateful for is how they dealt with that trifling, insignificant concubine and her daughter (Ming Chu) almost immediately. I’m really glad we didn't have to deal with them after all the mess they staged. Although we still encountered Ming Chu during the main conflict of the story, I am glad they didn't give her much relevance to the plot and kept her bitchy-antagonistic persona instead of suddenly making her kind. I certainly hate her, but I also can't deny that I grew to like her consistency.
If there is anything I wish they had improved, it would be the Guqin melodies and performances. I’m not sure if I’ve just grown too accustomed to the overly edited, superfluous Guqin presentations in Xianxia dramas, or if this production's representation simply lacks vitality. Either way, the performances felt underwhelming. I find those scenes mediocre and uninteresting, especially compared to how the characters described them as 'great.' I wish they could have been more realistically impressive.
P.S. My favorite moment has to be the drunk scene in Episode 23. While Ming Tan is livid with jealousy, Jiang Xu is completely lost in his admiration for her, thinking only of how unique and wonderful she is. He expresses that, given the opportunity, he would court her repeatedly just to prove his devotion. He is truly head-over-heels and makes it clear that no one can claim him but his Princess Consort.
Story - 9.5, I truly enjoy every moment of this drama. If there is one thing I wish they had improved further, it would be the development of Shu Jingran and Yun Yi. The story plot would've been flawless if they had given us some life updates about them, the same way they handled Zhang Huaiyu and Bai Minmin’s story. Especially they are the CP—next to the main CP—that I got attached too. Additionally, I don't know what happened with the Guqin performances but they're totally unrealistic and boring. I can still remember how dismayed I was watching them.
Acting/Cast - 10, I am very satisfied with the cast. They executed their characters very well. In terms of acting...gotta give credits to Song Wei Long, Bao Shang En & Bai Shu. Love these 3 the most!
Music - 10, The music gets better and better as the show goes on. I was a bit unimpressed at first, but I noticed how the song choices and their placement slowly improved over time. It’s a beautiful set of songs.
Rewatch Value - 9.0, I love it, but not to the point where I can watch it again immediately. Maybe after a few years when I’ve forgotten the details about the story. Definitely a great watch, regardless!
Overall - 9.5, It was a good story overall. It would have been flawless if they had provided equal visual development and updates for Shu Jingran and Yun Yi, and if they had put more effort into editing the Guqin performances. Those were simply disappointing. You can’t present a lackluster act and then call it 'great' immediately afterward.
IF you find my review helpful please let me know.
I have few words for this drama, not because it lacked substance, but because its natural flow left me in a state of pure comfort. It washed away any potential criticisms, leaving only a beautiful, relaxing story.
The story was compelling from start to finish, leaving no room for boredom or discontent. The introduction of the characters was handled naturally, followed by entertaining events and conflicts that connected seamlessly to the plot. Each story arc was developed over the right number of episodes, ensuring the story never felt 'draggy' and maintained a fast pace. Every episode was skillfully utilized; I never felt any part of the story was filler, as each was beautifully crafted to support the main plot.
The climax flowed naturally. Although it briefly seemed as though the antagonist might regain the upper hand—echoing earlier events in the story—the protagonist surprisingly learned from earlier events and planned ahead to counter their moves. This gave us an ending that felt satisfyingly hard-earned.
I admit the last episode felt like fan service, but I can't complain at all. I'm so grateful we got to see their lives after all the conflict, and were even gifted moments of them enjoying life with their kids.
The romance between all 3 CPs is so sweet. I love them all, especially the endearing chemistry between the leads, Jiang Xu and Ming Tan. However, the couple that captured my attention the most—and who I wish had their relationship further explored and shown—is Shu Jingran and Yun Yi. Their chemistry is undeniable; I would have loved to see them become more openly affectionate and vocal with one another. While I liked how their story ended, I wish we could have seen a 'years later' glimpse of them, similar to the scene with Zhang Huaiyu and Bai Minmin with their adorable son.
I know the "stoic-to-softie" trope has been reused countless times across every dramaland. But there is really something about Prince Dingbei/Jiang Xu that keeps him above the rest. He was introduced as someone blunt—tactless, even—aside from being unromantic. But what made his evolution more interesting was that it didn't happen over a short amount of time. He underwent a phase of pondering and getting jealous without the usual in denial stage, and I think that is what made him unique. I adore how he's become totally smitten. One who is clingy and totally smitten. A true lover boy. He's turned from a man of few words into a real yapper. Cute!
One thing I am truly grateful for is how they dealt with that trifling, insignificant concubine and her daughter (Ming Chu) almost immediately. I’m really glad we didn't have to deal with them after all the mess they staged. Although we still encountered Ming Chu during the main conflict of the story, I am glad they didn't give her much relevance to the plot and kept her bitchy-antagonistic persona instead of suddenly making her kind. I certainly hate her, but I also can't deny that I grew to like her consistency.
If there is anything I wish they had improved, it would be the Guqin melodies and performances. I’m not sure if I’ve just grown too accustomed to the overly edited, superfluous Guqin presentations in Xianxia dramas, or if this production's representation simply lacks vitality. Either way, the performances felt underwhelming. I find those scenes mediocre and uninteresting, especially compared to how the characters described them as 'great.' I wish they could have been more realistically impressive.
P.S. My favorite moment has to be the drunk scene in Episode 23. While Ming Tan is livid with jealousy, Jiang Xu is completely lost in his admiration for her, thinking only of how unique and wonderful she is. He expresses that, given the opportunity, he would court her repeatedly just to prove his devotion. He is truly head-over-heels and makes it clear that no one can claim him but his Princess Consort.
Story - 9.5, I truly enjoy every moment of this drama. If there is one thing I wish they had improved further, it would be the development of Shu Jingran and Yun Yi. The story plot would've been flawless if they had given us some life updates about them, the same way they handled Zhang Huaiyu and Bai Minmin’s story. Especially they are the CP—next to the main CP—that I got attached too. Additionally, I don't know what happened with the Guqin performances but they're totally unrealistic and boring. I can still remember how dismayed I was watching them.
Acting/Cast - 10, I am very satisfied with the cast. They executed their characters very well. In terms of acting...gotta give credits to Song Wei Long, Bao Shang En & Bai Shu. Love these 3 the most!
Music - 10, The music gets better and better as the show goes on. I was a bit unimpressed at first, but I noticed how the song choices and their placement slowly improved over time. It’s a beautiful set of songs.
Rewatch Value - 9.0, I love it, but not to the point where I can watch it again immediately. Maybe after a few years when I’ve forgotten the details about the story. Definitely a great watch, regardless!
Overall - 9.5, It was a good story overall. It would have been flawless if they had provided equal visual development and updates for Shu Jingran and Yun Yi, and if they had put more effort into editing the Guqin performances. Those were simply disappointing. You can’t present a lackluster act and then call it 'great' immediately afterward.
IF you find my review helpful please let me know.
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