I just finished this drama, and I’m honestly so frustrated. The series is good, and the plot is interesting, but I completely disagree with the main couple’s relationship.
As much as I love stories featuring toxic and controlling male leads, this is not the kind of relationship I enjoy watching. I just couldn’t understand their relationship. Their chemistry was okay, but nothing amazing.
I was rooting for Pheem all the way. His chemistry with Jira was incredible. Jira is just an asshole who doesn’t deserve him. He and Koh are basically two assholes wearing different faces.
I can’t believe Pheem isn’t the endgame, and I completely disagree with the emotional message this drama is trying to convey. Leading two people is nothing to be proud of. Artistic exploration doesn’t justify everything, and honestly, this whole situation is deeply unhealthy.
I already knew how it was going to end within the first few minutes of Episode 1. I’m genuinely grateful to JCW, who did an exceptional job with his role because he carried this entire drama almost entirely through his acting.
I have nothing against the actress. As a woman, I don’t want to discriminate, but for a female lead in a drama like Scandal, which is mature and explicit, please, for the love of God, avoid casting married women. From beginning to end, we didn’t even get a simple kiss. Not even a brush of the lips!!!
The man slept with almost every woman in Joseon without ever even touching our FL’s foot. And we’re talking about an R18 drama. If you’re going to play the pious woman, you might as well take on the role of a Sister in Christ.
As for her acting… don’t even get me started! Stoic from beginning to end! I literally had to watch JCW to understand what kind of emotion she was supposed to be conveying.
Throughout the entire drama, I didn’t see even a single ounce of love coming from the FL toward the ML. Even when she was supposedly jealous, I saw absolutely nothing. The acting was extremely weak.
Now, regarding the plot, I honestly don’t understand what she was trying to accomplish. If it was about getting revenge for the rumors, the whole concubine storyline involving her rival’s son would have been enough. The ML loved the FL so much, yet all he ever got in return was lies.
Even she didn’t seem to know what she wanted, because involving the widow in this whole mess was completely unnecessary, if not pointless. It would have made more sense if he had fallen in love with the widow and abandoned the FL. At least then, the script would have had some logic to it.
Anyway, the FL ruined the ML and deserved to lose him. I just feel bad for the ML.
That being said, I do recommend this drama. It’s good. Don’t rely on the rating; watch it and form your own opinion. It’s frustrating to watch, and I think that’s what bothers people about it. But honestly, it deserves at least an 8.0. I have a lot more to share but I will stop here.
I just finished episode 14, and honestly, I don’t even know why I put myself through this suffering instead of just waiting patiently for the end in my little corner. I’m hurting for Alys, I’m hurting for Drake, and I’m hurting for Tripp.
I feel bad for Tripp because he genuinely loves Alys, even though I will never be Team Tripp. I blame him for a lot of things, but the real reason is simply because he’s Drake’s cousin. If he were a stranger, it wouldn’t bother me at all. I just find it immoral.
I feel bad for Drake because even though my man is toxic, he did his best to make things work. It was his situation that was messed up. The author really wrote an awful scenario here. We’re clearly in the 21st century ! everything can be worked out.
I feel bad for Alys, for the baby, and also because she’s having to deal with all of this at once. However, I do not condone her behavior. You had an accident with Tripp and suddenly you love him?! I’m sorry, but that’s not how it works. She just feels terrible and is drowning in guilt.
Drake is suffering the consequences of his past actions, but honestly, he’s suffering even more because of the choices of the people around him. Between Alys and him, I honestly think he’s the one who should have been suicidal. The author really messed up with this one.
Clearly, Alys is a woman and Drake’s wife. Is having a baby really a problem?! Whether Fier leaves or not, at worst, it would just mean not seeing the child for a while. And with his relationship with Cristine, they could have easily exchanged pictures and stuff. But they turned it into a whole state affair.
And Alys running around everywhere while Drake is literally begging her on his knees… Seriously.
Anyway, I know she’s going to end up with Drake. I’m just here for the process. Even if she ends up with Tripp, I’m fine with it. Alys has already traumatized me enough at this point, it’s not even worth it anymore.
I stopped reading your comment when it turned to Shen’s fault all this happened. What? He was gone for 3 months…
I’m not saying he is a good husband but wd have to be honest. During the first day of his trip he was attacked by his father in law. He is in the hospital getting treatment and have to deal with emotional distress and depression. What do you want him to do ? Call her ? To say what ? What do you him to say to her ? Her mother in law abused her but perm never let that happen went he came back. He was always protecting her. He change yes but do you expect from someone dealing with pain, insecurity and trauma ? What I’m saying is she could have divorced ! Yes she suffered but even if I want to be on her side, I can’t because at the end of the day she lived in the blessing of ignorance. And like I said ? She should have dig deeper and try to understand what happened to her husband.
I think this idol actor is a better performer than all the guys in idol dramas this year - including the veryyyyyyyyyyy…
I didn’t know they had cut so many scenes. That’s such a shame. It really proves once again that they did an excellent job in the editing room.
Also, I wouldn’t say that Zhang Linghe is a bad actor, but rather that Pursuit of Jade didn’t do him any favor. I’ve watched several of his dramas, especially his role in Story of Kunning Palace , and I can say that I will never forget his character.
Personally, I think The Road to splendor should have been just as successful as Pursuit of Jade , if not even more so, and I’m really disappointed with the results. Once again, it shows that the majority of viewers simply aren’t ready for this kind of serious, complex story.
I have so much to say about this drama. For me, it’s incredibly solid. Every episode was captivating and thought-provoking. I honestly think it’s so underrated and deserves to be among the best. Of all the dramas released in 2026 so far, this is probably the best one we’ve gotten this year. I’m really looking forward to seeing what happens next.
I also came across people saying that the actor has been getting harassed on social media because his acting is supposedly “bad.” Personally, I think not only is he good, but this is probably the best performance he has given so far. I’m not usually someone who remembers actors’ name. I remember their faces, but when I’m watching a drama, I only see the character they’re portraying. We should really focus on the story rather than an actor’s appearance, especially when it’s clear that he’s giving his all to the role.
I really want to see more dramas like this. I haven’t read the novel, but I feel like they managed to accomplish in 36 episodes what many dramas fail to do even with 40.
limao is royalty, it is said in extra credit scene after the closing ost, so technically not unknown origin ehe
I have seen it. But I’m still mad. They were just covering the mess. I just hate his character even more now. Was everything that happen just for the sake of it ?! I’m piss !!!
The storyline is good. I see the dilemma and the complexity of the situation. But, I think they justified evil a little bit too much. « I have no choice, I was the only way… » man it makes me sick. Even if the Ml didn’t want to be the EP, the 2ML shouldn’t have be. Friendship ? Is it a joke ?! A man of unknown origin( it’s sound bad when I say it like this but that’s what he is).
I’m just sad. I don’t like self sacrifice. This isn’t how a man should live. It also remind me that no matter how well you do, people will only remember your faults. If you are too good people will only take advantage of you.
What I learn from this is a man should live for himself.
I feel like I new everything that was going to happen from the first episodes. This drama is well written, everything make sense and happen within my expectations. It’s not boring but this isn’t what I wanted to see. With such a great cast, we could have had waaaaaay better !! It’s however a great recommandation for 1er c drama watchers.
He hate his son in law’. He think he manipulate his daughter so that she could fall in love with him. He also think he wants to still his business. If his daughter get pregnant thinks will not be in favor for him
I'm going to give a somewhat controversial opinion on this drama, but it's just my opinion. I don't know about you, but for me the real victim in this story is the husband.
His father-in-law took away the family jewels and turned him into a eunuch. I'm not a man, but I don't believe there's any greater harm one can inflict on them. I'll set the inheritance issue aside, because if he had stayed normal he would have gotten the inheritance without any problem, so to me that's a non-issue. The wife could have found out much later and decided to divorce or not, it's really relative. Especially since if their relationship had stayed strong, she probably would have stayed.
In the current situation, the husband can no longer satisfy his wife and has to resign himself to letting her sleep with another man, choosing a trusted friend. Not just anyone, but a close friend.
Careful, I'm not saying he's right. But is his wife innocent? When she saw that her husband was acting strange, she didn't even try to dig deeper. The first guy who whispers sweet nothings to her, she caves. Her husband didn't force her to have an affair, so really the only one who should feel betrayed is him!!! If she truly couldn't stand her husband anymore, she could have divorced him. Given how much her father hates her husband, he would have gladly helped her.
The other thing that bothers me is that she really thinks she's the victim in this story. It's easier for her because the fact that it was her husband who paid the guy removes her guilt toward him.
Under the hypothesis where he had told her about the attack, she would have felt so guilty that even if the guy told her to go fetch the moon, she'd already be in space.
But no, there she is playing Romeo and Juliet. If I were her husband and my father-in-law did that to me, I probably would have emotionally tortured her to death.
The friend isn't any better either. I don't even want to talk about him because he's not interesting, since it was never really up to him anyway.
I think this drama tried to justify the wife's infidelity and downplay the husband's physical and emotional wounds. I find that unfortunate because it's a delicate theme that could have been presented with much more depth. Still, kudos to the actors.
K-Drama 
1
As much as I love stories featuring toxic and controlling male leads, this is not the kind of relationship I enjoy watching. I just couldn’t understand their relationship. Their chemistry was okay, but nothing amazing.
I was rooting for Pheem all the way. His chemistry with Jira was incredible. Jira is just an asshole who doesn’t deserve him. He and Koh are basically two assholes wearing different faces.
I can’t believe Pheem isn’t the endgame, and I completely disagree with the emotional message this drama is trying to convey. Leading two people is nothing to be proud of. Artistic exploration doesn’t justify everything, and honestly, this whole situation is deeply unhealthy.
I already knew how it was going to end within the first few minutes of Episode 1. I’m genuinely grateful to JCW, who did an exceptional job with his role because he carried this entire drama almost entirely through his acting.
I have nothing against the actress. As a woman, I don’t want to discriminate, but for a female lead in a drama like Scandal, which is mature and explicit, please, for the love of God, avoid casting married women. From beginning to end, we didn’t even get a simple kiss. Not even a brush of the lips!!!
The man slept with almost every woman in Joseon without ever even touching our FL’s foot. And we’re talking about an R18 drama. If you’re going to play the pious woman, you might as well take on the role of a Sister in Christ.
As for her acting… don’t even get me started! Stoic from beginning to end! I literally had to watch JCW to understand what kind of emotion she was supposed to be conveying.
Throughout the entire drama, I didn’t see even a single ounce of love coming from the FL toward the ML. Even when she was supposedly jealous, I saw absolutely nothing. The acting was extremely weak.
Now, regarding the plot, I honestly don’t understand what she was trying to accomplish. If it was about getting revenge for the rumors, the whole concubine storyline involving her rival’s son would have been enough. The ML loved the FL so much, yet all he ever got in return was lies.
Even she didn’t seem to know what she wanted, because involving the widow in this whole mess was completely unnecessary, if not pointless. It would have made more sense if he had fallen in love with the widow and abandoned the FL. At least then, the script would have had some logic to it.
Anyway, the FL ruined the ML and
deserved to lose him. I just feel bad for the ML.
That being said, I do recommend this drama. It’s good. Don’t rely on the rating; watch it and form your own opinion. It’s frustrating to watch, and I think that’s what bothers people about it. But honestly, it deserves at least an 8.0. I have a lot more to share but I will stop here.
I feel bad for Tripp because he genuinely loves Alys, even though I will never be Team Tripp. I blame him for a lot of things, but the real reason is simply because he’s Drake’s cousin. If he were a stranger, it wouldn’t bother me at all. I just find it immoral.
I feel bad for Drake because even though my man is toxic, he did his best to make things work. It was his situation that was messed up. The author really wrote an awful scenario here. We’re clearly in the 21st century ! everything can be worked out.
I feel bad for Alys, for the baby, and also because she’s having to deal with all of this at once. However, I do not condone her behavior. You had an accident with Tripp and suddenly you love him?! I’m sorry, but that’s not how it works. She just feels terrible and is drowning in guilt.
Drake is suffering the consequences of his past actions, but honestly, he’s suffering even more because of the choices of the people around him. Between Alys and him, I honestly think he’s the one who should have been suicidal. The author really messed up with this one.
Clearly, Alys is a woman and Drake’s wife. Is having a baby really a problem?! Whether Fier leaves or not, at worst, it would just mean not seeing the child for a while. And with his relationship with Cristine, they could have easily exchanged pictures and stuff. But they turned it into a whole state affair.
And Alys running around everywhere while Drake is literally begging her on his knees… Seriously.
Anyway, I know she’s going to end up with Drake. I’m just here for the process. Even if she ends up with Tripp, I’m fine with it. Alys has already traumatized me enough at this point, it’s not even worth it anymore.
What do you him to say to her ?
Her mother in law abused her but perm never let that happen went he came back. He was always protecting her. He change yes but do you expect from someone dealing with pain, insecurity and trauma ?
What I’m saying is she could have divorced ! Yes she suffered but even if I want to be on her side, I can’t because at the end of the day she lived in the blessing of ignorance. And like I said ? She should have dig deeper and try to understand what happened to her husband.
Also, I wouldn’t say that Zhang Linghe is a bad actor, but rather that Pursuit of Jade didn’t do him any favor. I’ve watched several of his dramas, especially his role in Story of Kunning Palace , and I can say that I will never forget his character.
Personally, I think The Road to splendor should have been just as successful as Pursuit of Jade , if not even more so, and I’m really disappointed with the results. Once again, it shows that the majority of viewers simply aren’t ready for this kind of serious, complex story.
I also came across people saying that the actor has been getting harassed on social media because his acting is supposedly “bad.” Personally, I think not only is he good, but this is probably the best performance he has given so far. I’m not usually someone who remembers actors’ name. I remember their faces, but when I’m watching a drama, I only see the character they’re portraying. We should really focus on the story rather than an actor’s appearance, especially when it’s clear that he’s giving his all to the role.
I really want to see more dramas like this. I haven’t read the novel, but I feel like they managed to accomplish in 36 episodes what many dramas fail to do even with 40.
The storyline is good. I see the dilemma and the complexity of the situation. But, I think they justified evil a little bit too much. « I have no choice, I was the only way… » man it makes me sick. Even if the Ml didn’t want to be the EP, the 2ML shouldn’t have be. Friendship ? Is it a joke ?! A man of unknown origin( it’s sound bad when I say it like this but that’s what he is).
I’m just sad. I don’t like self sacrifice. This isn’t how a man should live. It also remind me that no matter how well you do, people will only remember your faults. If you are too good people will only take advantage of you.
What I learn from this is a man should live for himself.
I'm going to give a somewhat controversial opinion on this drama, but it's just my opinion. I don't know about you, but for me the real victim in this story is the husband.
His father-in-law took away the family jewels and turned him into a eunuch. I'm not a man, but I don't believe there's any greater harm one can inflict on them. I'll set the inheritance issue aside, because if he had stayed normal he would have gotten the inheritance without any problem, so to me that's a non-issue. The wife could have found out much later and decided to divorce or not, it's really relative. Especially since if their relationship had stayed strong, she probably would have stayed.
In the current situation, the husband can no longer satisfy his wife and has to resign himself to letting her sleep with another man, choosing a trusted friend. Not just anyone, but a close friend.
Careful, I'm not saying he's right. But is his wife innocent? When she saw that her husband was acting strange, she didn't even try to dig deeper. The first guy who whispers sweet nothings to her, she caves. Her husband didn't force her to have an affair, so really the only one who should feel betrayed is him!!! If she truly couldn't stand her husband anymore, she could have divorced him. Given how much her father hates her husband, he would have gladly helped her.
The other thing that bothers me is that she really thinks she's the victim in this story. It's easier for her because the fact that it was her husband who paid the guy removes her guilt toward him.
Under the hypothesis where he had told her about the attack, she would have felt so guilty that even if the guy told her to go fetch the moon, she'd already be in space.
But no, there she is playing Romeo and Juliet. If I were her husband and my father-in-law did that to me, I probably would have emotionally tortured her to death.
The friend isn't any better either. I don't even want to talk about him because he's not interesting, since it was never really up to him anyway.
I think this drama tried to justify the wife's infidelity and downplay the husband's physical and emotional wounds. I find that unfortunate because it's a delicate theme that could have been presented with much more depth. Still, kudos to the actors.
I highly recommend it.