VivaceFay

Thought that your points were interesting so I decided to do some research and break down your points of view:

1) If you can enlighten me and link me to the articles that you've read, that would be extremely helpful and educational for me. The articles that I've found were talking about how BOTH Yanxi and Ruyi were taken down due to it's "negative influence on society" rather than it's an inaccurate representation of history.
Example Article: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/2183885/yanxi-palace-drama-chinese-state-media-declares-war-period-shows

2) I agree that Yanxi has beautiful sets and that is partially due to the amount of detail put into the costumes and production to ensure that. I don't know how accurate this blogpost is as it's a secondary source rather than from a peer-reviewed paper from a journal, but this is one analysis that I've found:
Example Article:
https://hanfugirl.blog/2018/09/05/the-economies-of-authenticity-yanxi-vs-ruyi/

3) I haven't seen Ruyi for myself so I can't comment on Ruyi's historical accuracy or inaccuracy. Thus, I can only argue for areas that Yanxi palace tried to maintain true to. I am aware that in the end, it is a TV show and not a documentary so there are discrepancies. However, as I've stated in my earlier posts, part of the magic in Yanxi is that it TRIES to stay true to the historical time period whilst adding a modern twist and values into the story.

Example:
In the Draft History of Qing, a draft of the official history of the Qing dynasty compiled and written by a team of over 100 historians written in 1928, it states 'Lady Fuca is described as a respected and virtuous person. She looked after the Qianlong Emperor and the people in the palace and served her role as Empress well. She was praised and favored by the emperor.[1] It is also said that Lady Fuca did not like spending money for her own good. Instead of wearing jewelry, she would wear artificial flowers in her hair' - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empress_Xiaoxianchun#cite_note-1

This blogger outlined some areas quite well, not sure how accurate all of it is but it's an overview. Again, from a blogger and not a peer-reviewed journal or historian so it may not all be accurate: https://gaijinhan.com/2018/09/24/story-of-yanxi-palace-%E5%BB%B6%E7%A6%A7%E6%94%BB%E7%95%A5-actual-stories-of-qianlongs-wives/

I beg to differ and absolutely loved this show because it tried to stay true to historical events yet put their own modern spin on it by adding a strong and witty female lead.

Answering your questions, it does not explicitly show him 'sleeping' with other concubines but rather implied through pregnancies. As thus, yes, other children are born. As for whether the female lead is in love with him, it's best if you keep watching and leave that to discern for yourself.

In regards to propaganda, there's no propaganda here. It's more like a history lesson. For example, if you were in school and a teacher teaches you about marxism, it doesn't mean your teacher is giving you propaganda on marxism, they're just educating you on what it is. Same with this drama, it's just educating you on China's history during the Qing dynasty period whilst adding a twist to make it a drama series.

In regards to your comment about fantasy, there's no fantasy element like Eternal Love or Ashes of Love here as it's a palace drama. In regards to slavery in the show, not the main focus of the story; instead, you find the FL is about to fight imposed slave conditions and overcome those situations.

In the end, it's up to you - but don't let preconceived notions or articles about the show impact your enjoyment of the show.

I think the drama was written with the intention to invoke those feelings of irritation that you're feeling at the start of the show. I think you should try watching it till the end and see whether your thoughts have changed.

In regards to the scene about the 'stealing', I by no means condone stealing but I thought the scene was very symbolic of how a child longs for freedom in a pressured environment as well as their desire to receive love and attention from their parents. I don't cry very often in dramas, not even during a scene of a death, but the scene where the youth stepped on their stolen goods just put me into tears. The director had a target audience in mind, and he knew how to talk to that audience.

Personally, I haven't seen any other drama quite like it so I can't comment on what drama it's comparable to. You can have a look at the 'Recommendations' list to see what others have recommended?

Many people dislike the show or the ending because Ying Luo didn't get to be with Fu Heng. On the contrary, I think the Emperor and Ying Luo were perfect for each other and the final dialogue between the two characters depicts it perfectly.

Both the Emperor and Ying Luo had a lot in common. They both understood the importance of their positions and believed in duty and honour rather than love. The Emperor will always prioritise his kingdom and Ying Luo will always uphold justice to those that have done wrong. With these two characteristics, their first priority isn't love - and that's what makes the couple work. Ying Luo will prioritise her duty to support the Emperor and the Emperor to rule his kingdom.

For many watchers of romantic series, this is an unusual ending because they're used to endings where the couple that loves each other ends up with each other. However, this is why it's one of my favourite shows. It really understood the historical context and gravity of the duty, responsibility and position of power of each of the characters.

In historical context, all the Emperor's concubines serve him. For this show though, you'll find that the female lead in the show is quite cunning. She's very smart and able to manipulate the Emperor's will without him realising it. In regards to your comment about old age, it's not a Legend of Concubine Zhen Huan type scenario. There's a time skip, but it's a happily ever after type of ending; depending on who you are rooting for.

Just watched this show again for the fourth time. If you haven't seen a historical drama set in ancient times before, I think this is a good and light one to start with.

I absolutely loved this drama. 10/10 for its clever satire, script, and dialogue. Though I can see why some may find it hard to see the magic in the scenes directed. Particularly if they haven't had similar situations, are unaware of the educational pressures in Asian culture, and/or unable to empathize with the characters.

This drama will not disappoint your intelligence. It is one of the best dramas I've ever seen. Although the aim may seem straight forward, the setting, the characters and the scenes are complex yet resolve perfectly. You will appreciate the quality of this show if you're sick of dramas that went no where or just had plot holes everywhere.

Wow! Everyone around me loves it and I thought I was the only who didn't enjoy it as much. Your review was spot on. I wish more people would read this review!