This review may contain spoilers
Serving: Coherent Storyline, tightly-woven plot, Mischievous Leads & FL who's 100% Beauty & Brains
"Smooth talkers often disguise themselves as someone loyal and virtuous. Those who are truly honest and sincere may be clumsy with words, but they act with integrity." - Xu Yao
Before anything else, let me just declare that what made this show thoroughly entertaining and compelling was not the modern-era gags and references, but the consistent, progressive writing that carried the story from the beginning to its conclusion.
I mean... yes, the comic-like transitions, chibi animations, and modern gimmicks were a lot of fun, and I immensely enjoyed them. However, as the story progressed and those scenes were constantly served up, they started to feel bland. I began feeling cloyed just thinking they might shove them in our faces for the rest of the show. Having them for the first two episodes was entertaining, but by the 3rd time, it became concerning enough that it actually bothered me. That is why I was truly delighted and relieved when they toned it down in the 4th episode, shifting the focus toward the pressing issues and central conflicts. It saved the show from an early demise by preventing the story from dragging, keeping viewers thrilled for what was coming next.
I really appreciate that they didn't overutilize the modern-age trope and instead spent just enough time on it to catch the audience's attention and build hype before proceeding to the actual conflicts of the story. I'm glad they were aware of their limitations and weren't shameless in exploiting those elements. If they hadn't been so disciplined, this show wouldn't have earned such a strong reputation and high ratings among casual viewers.
Another praiseworthy aspect of this show was its tight storyline and coherent plot. The scheming and conflicts are well-calculated and truly brought so much fun and excitement to the show. I love how the plots were laid out carefully in accordance with the lead's strategy. And although the main conflict of the story seemingly rendered the protagonists helpless and in a dire situation towards the climax, I like that they had contingency plans which made the situation manageable.
I admit the multiverse within confused me for quite some time; however, it was not to the point where it bothered me. Because the story explains itself as it progresses—like how typical plots unfold. It instead encouraged me to focus more on the show by reading the subtitles diligently in order to fully comprehend the story.
I also want to note that they did a brilliant job with Bei Shu's cause of death. He was set up as the world's strongest, so it was only reasonable that the only person who could defeat him was himself—because no one among the antagonist force could ever measure up to him. It was such a smart move because I wouldn't have accepted it if he had been captured and then defeated by a number of fodder soldiers. There is just no way they could have done so under the story's given circumstances.
In terms of the ending, I’d say it was executed satisfyingly. It’s well-paced, climactic, and features a happy ending, even after they wake up from the illusion or exit the dream they were in.
I also have to acknowledge the savory chemistry between our leads. I love how their minds are so perfectly aligned, as if they share the same logic. I’m especially impressed by the FL (Yu Wanyin); I really look up to her for being so rational and understanding, even during those mind-boggling, conflicting scenes that typically cause a rift between leads. The main reason they avoid those typical misunderstandings is her maturity; she is the epitome of making smart decisions under pressure. I also just love it when the ML (Xiaohou Dan) reaches for the hem of her dress, tugging it gently to ask for attention or forgiveness.
Let me just mention how extremely proud and fascinated I am of Tang Xiaotian here. I have never seen him act as a villain before, so it was really refreshing to see him play one. It was a new feeling for me, and even though I can't say I like him taking on this kind of role (because he will always look kind and gentle to me), I'd say that he did a considerably impressive job on this one. Now, I'm stuck in between wanting him to remain the kind 2nd lead who always gives way to the ML, or an unapologetic antagonist who schemes his way to a ruthless victory. Geez. Haha!
And oh, before I even forget: kudos to the styling team of this show. Gosh! Wang Churan was fucking glowing each and every moment I saw her. From the head accessories to the makeup and dresses, they nailed it so hard I fell even more in love with her. I know it’s weird and totally opposite of the glam and glitters I mentioned above, but my most fave look of her is definitely the assassin look she has when rescuing the ML. Her holding a gun and dressed in black rendered me speechless—she is so badass and attractive.
To finally wrap this up, I just want to mention that my favorite and probably the most hilarious scene of all was in episode 22. When the Empress Dowager was in that wheelchair—paralyzed and unable to move or speak—but she still had to maintain a dignified posture, so Eunuch An tried so hard, multiple times, to keep her head straight, but it kept falling no matter what. I was dying of laughter. it was such a satisfying, well-deserved scene.
P.S. Let me just say it here. The "How are you? I'm fine, thank you! And you?" line becomes cringier and increasingly gross the more they use it. ><
Story - 10, I keep looking back on the story and my time watching it, and I must say that I had a good time. I would have given it a lower rating if they had shamelessly fed us modern-day antics continuously, but they did not. I appreciate that they kept those at bay and only incorporated such scenes during the less serious moments, and not during the conflict scenes. Loving the revolver handgun, though!
Acting/Cast - 10, What a set of brilliant actors and actresses! I love both of the leads, Cheng Lei and Wang Churan, but what made this show even more enjoyable were the second leads, Hu Yixuan and Tang Xiaotian. All of them did an amazing job with their character execution.
Music - 9.5, I'm actually not a big fan of the overall musical feel of this drama, but I would say that I find the songs quite fun to listen to. I love the slow and romantic ballads, but the ending song in particular is what made an impression on me. It reminded me of the Hamtaro OST. Cute!
Rewatch Value - 10, Definitely a rewatch-worthy. It's one of those dramas that kept its sanity and shamelessness in check, so each scene felt just right and wasn't exaggerated.
Overall - 10, I was planning to give it a 9.5, but I can't really find a justifiable reason to do so. The story was well-written—the plots are interconnected and were never confusing. Plus, they kept all the absurdities at bay. Not to mention that we got such highly compatible leads and a lovable 2nd FL. I'm extremely satisfied with this show.
IF you find my review helpful please let me know.
Before anything else, let me just declare that what made this show thoroughly entertaining and compelling was not the modern-era gags and references, but the consistent, progressive writing that carried the story from the beginning to its conclusion.
I mean... yes, the comic-like transitions, chibi animations, and modern gimmicks were a lot of fun, and I immensely enjoyed them. However, as the story progressed and those scenes were constantly served up, they started to feel bland. I began feeling cloyed just thinking they might shove them in our faces for the rest of the show. Having them for the first two episodes was entertaining, but by the 3rd time, it became concerning enough that it actually bothered me. That is why I was truly delighted and relieved when they toned it down in the 4th episode, shifting the focus toward the pressing issues and central conflicts. It saved the show from an early demise by preventing the story from dragging, keeping viewers thrilled for what was coming next.
I really appreciate that they didn't overutilize the modern-age trope and instead spent just enough time on it to catch the audience's attention and build hype before proceeding to the actual conflicts of the story. I'm glad they were aware of their limitations and weren't shameless in exploiting those elements. If they hadn't been so disciplined, this show wouldn't have earned such a strong reputation and high ratings among casual viewers.
Another praiseworthy aspect of this show was its tight storyline and coherent plot. The scheming and conflicts are well-calculated and truly brought so much fun and excitement to the show. I love how the plots were laid out carefully in accordance with the lead's strategy. And although the main conflict of the story seemingly rendered the protagonists helpless and in a dire situation towards the climax, I like that they had contingency plans which made the situation manageable.
I admit the multiverse within confused me for quite some time; however, it was not to the point where it bothered me. Because the story explains itself as it progresses—like how typical plots unfold. It instead encouraged me to focus more on the show by reading the subtitles diligently in order to fully comprehend the story.
I also want to note that they did a brilliant job with Bei Shu's cause of death. He was set up as the world's strongest, so it was only reasonable that the only person who could defeat him was himself—because no one among the antagonist force could ever measure up to him. It was such a smart move because I wouldn't have accepted it if he had been captured and then defeated by a number of fodder soldiers. There is just no way they could have done so under the story's given circumstances.
In terms of the ending, I’d say it was executed satisfyingly. It’s well-paced, climactic, and features a happy ending, even after they wake up from the illusion or exit the dream they were in.
I also have to acknowledge the savory chemistry between our leads. I love how their minds are so perfectly aligned, as if they share the same logic. I’m especially impressed by the FL (Yu Wanyin); I really look up to her for being so rational and understanding, even during those mind-boggling, conflicting scenes that typically cause a rift between leads. The main reason they avoid those typical misunderstandings is her maturity; she is the epitome of making smart decisions under pressure. I also just love it when the ML (Xiaohou Dan) reaches for the hem of her dress, tugging it gently to ask for attention or forgiveness.
Let me just mention how extremely proud and fascinated I am of Tang Xiaotian here. I have never seen him act as a villain before, so it was really refreshing to see him play one. It was a new feeling for me, and even though I can't say I like him taking on this kind of role (because he will always look kind and gentle to me), I'd say that he did a considerably impressive job on this one. Now, I'm stuck in between wanting him to remain the kind 2nd lead who always gives way to the ML, or an unapologetic antagonist who schemes his way to a ruthless victory. Geez. Haha!
And oh, before I even forget: kudos to the styling team of this show. Gosh! Wang Churan was fucking glowing each and every moment I saw her. From the head accessories to the makeup and dresses, they nailed it so hard I fell even more in love with her. I know it’s weird and totally opposite of the glam and glitters I mentioned above, but my most fave look of her is definitely the assassin look she has when rescuing the ML. Her holding a gun and dressed in black rendered me speechless—she is so badass and attractive.
To finally wrap this up, I just want to mention that my favorite and probably the most hilarious scene of all was in episode 22. When the Empress Dowager was in that wheelchair—paralyzed and unable to move or speak—but she still had to maintain a dignified posture, so Eunuch An tried so hard, multiple times, to keep her head straight, but it kept falling no matter what. I was dying of laughter. it was such a satisfying, well-deserved scene.
P.S. Let me just say it here. The "How are you? I'm fine, thank you! And you?" line becomes cringier and increasingly gross the more they use it. ><
Story - 10, I keep looking back on the story and my time watching it, and I must say that I had a good time. I would have given it a lower rating if they had shamelessly fed us modern-day antics continuously, but they did not. I appreciate that they kept those at bay and only incorporated such scenes during the less serious moments, and not during the conflict scenes. Loving the revolver handgun, though!
Acting/Cast - 10, What a set of brilliant actors and actresses! I love both of the leads, Cheng Lei and Wang Churan, but what made this show even more enjoyable were the second leads, Hu Yixuan and Tang Xiaotian. All of them did an amazing job with their character execution.
Music - 9.5, I'm actually not a big fan of the overall musical feel of this drama, but I would say that I find the songs quite fun to listen to. I love the slow and romantic ballads, but the ending song in particular is what made an impression on me. It reminded me of the Hamtaro OST. Cute!
Rewatch Value - 10, Definitely a rewatch-worthy. It's one of those dramas that kept its sanity and shamelessness in check, so each scene felt just right and wasn't exaggerated.
Overall - 10, I was planning to give it a 9.5, but I can't really find a justifiable reason to do so. The story was well-written—the plots are interconnected and were never confusing. Plus, they kept all the absurdities at bay. Not to mention that we got such highly compatible leads and a lovable 2nd FL. I'm extremely satisfied with this show.
IF you find my review helpful please let me know.
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