battleaxe

the stories are very very similar. they both have:
emperor ml forces fl who comes from a powerful family to be his empress/consort
fl misunderstands ml and he doesn't tell her the truth
incredibly political plot
both fls can fight
both mls claw their way to the throne and have few allies
definitely recommend this drama for those who dropped love and crown in disappointment. its lower budget and by no means perfect, but it should scratch that itch nicely

- both are fantasy with a slice of life disposition and an almost leisurely pace
- both male leads are the most powerful in the realm
- both have mature cps with similarly amusing interactions
- both have a lead who is lazy and unbothered
- mls turn fls into a pet at some point
-both have leads who love food
-both have lonely mls

-both are historical mysteries with smart detective mls and twisty cases.
-also same FL actress
-both mls have loyal side-kicks
-both are non-romance

both have:
-same director
-similar themes
- ml with poor background going through trials to level up
-cultivation, adventure, disciple mls
-similar sweeping landscapes
-sect/disciple relationships

writing that draws a pleasing and near perfect full circle.
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-both mls are calm, and work discreetly for the govt
-both fl's are smart, proud, brave, downtrodden and very industrious businesswomen
-both cps are very mature
- mls are not the most ideal bachelors
-low-key/almost secret relationship
-falling in love quietly
-deep mutual understanding and care for each other
-ml goes to find fl after dark when her business closes
-ml gives fl money, but she'd rather make her own

- they are both very slow paced fantasy romance dramas with powerful fl's and laid back mls
- both good for a laidback watch

Ming Dynasty
Smart fl
ml starts out as fl's brother in law
still ongoing so more similarities may crop up