A Majestic and Gripping Journey
As an avid fan of intelligent, intricately woven revenge dramas like Nirvana in Fire and Joy of Life, I’m always on the lookout for something that can match their depth and storytelling brilliance. After Blossoms last year, I had been eagerly waiting for a drama that could fill that void. Being a long-time admirer of Xiao Zhan, this particular series had been on my radar from the moment the first teaser dropped. The posters, the tone, the ensemble cast—all pointed towards something promising. And now that I’ve watched it, I would say, It was a nice drama but had potential to be so much more.
THE GOOD
This drama completely pulled me in. It strikes a perfect balance between clever storytelling and emotional depth. What really stood out was the focus on the Imperial Astronomical Bureau—a refreshing and mysterious setting I’ve rarely seen explored in historical dramas. The revenge arc is so well done—full of twists, secrets, and suspense that keeps you guessing. I actually liked that the romance was understated; it felt real and added depth without taking over the plot.
Xiao Zhan as Zang Hai is the heart of the show. His journey is powerful, and his performance—especially in Episode 7—is just incredible. You don’t see the actor, you see the character living and breathing. Other characters like the Marquis of Pingjiyin and Cao were also memorable, each growing in unexpected ways. Even the antagonists are written smartly, which makes every confrontation feel intense and earned. The visuals are stunning—some scenes are just pure art—and the pacing never drags. Every episode has purpose
THE NOT SO GOOD PART
The cracks begin to show in the final six episodes. Up until then, the story had introduced us to a sharp, calculated protagonist who felt fully in control—but in the end, that consistency faltered. I was expecting a climax that would be grand, impactful, and emotionally resonant. Instead, what we got felt underwhelming and overly dragged out.
The pacing slowed, the editing lost its tightness, and the once-intelligent plotting gave way to convenient resolutions and reliance on external help or luck—something that didn’t align with Zang Hai’s character as established. It’s not a bad ending, just not the kind of finale that leaves you awestruck or satisfied. When you set the bar so high, the landing needs to match—and here, it didn’t quite stick.
### Final Thoughts
While the ending didn’t quite hit the high notes and dragged a little, the journey was still gripping and emotionally satisfying. Xiao Zhan truly carried the show—his performance as Zang Hai was powerful, nuanced, and one of the biggest highlights. It’s not a flawless drama, but if you’re into well-crafted revenge stories with heart and style, it’s definitely worth the watch.
THE GOOD
This drama completely pulled me in. It strikes a perfect balance between clever storytelling and emotional depth. What really stood out was the focus on the Imperial Astronomical Bureau—a refreshing and mysterious setting I’ve rarely seen explored in historical dramas. The revenge arc is so well done—full of twists, secrets, and suspense that keeps you guessing. I actually liked that the romance was understated; it felt real and added depth without taking over the plot.
Xiao Zhan as Zang Hai is the heart of the show. His journey is powerful, and his performance—especially in Episode 7—is just incredible. You don’t see the actor, you see the character living and breathing. Other characters like the Marquis of Pingjiyin and Cao were also memorable, each growing in unexpected ways. Even the antagonists are written smartly, which makes every confrontation feel intense and earned. The visuals are stunning—some scenes are just pure art—and the pacing never drags. Every episode has purpose
THE NOT SO GOOD PART
The cracks begin to show in the final six episodes. Up until then, the story had introduced us to a sharp, calculated protagonist who felt fully in control—but in the end, that consistency faltered. I was expecting a climax that would be grand, impactful, and emotionally resonant. Instead, what we got felt underwhelming and overly dragged out.
The pacing slowed, the editing lost its tightness, and the once-intelligent plotting gave way to convenient resolutions and reliance on external help or luck—something that didn’t align with Zang Hai’s character as established. It’s not a bad ending, just not the kind of finale that leaves you awestruck or satisfied. When you set the bar so high, the landing needs to match—and here, it didn’t quite stick.
### Final Thoughts
While the ending didn’t quite hit the high notes and dragged a little, the journey was still gripping and emotionally satisfying. Xiao Zhan truly carried the show—his performance as Zang Hai was powerful, nuanced, and one of the biggest highlights. It’s not a flawless drama, but if you’re into well-crafted revenge stories with heart and style, it’s definitely worth the watch.
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