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Love Blossoms Amidst Life’s Hardships
A beautiful & poignant love story between two people whose stations in life should have kept them from ever meeting…
A young lady of a highly respected family is betrayed by those closest to her & accused of adultery, leading her family elders to sacrifice her to uphold the family name. And who happens upon her as she’s struggling to survive the poison they forced down her throat? Non other than the salt trader/conman whose identity she’d earlier revealed, putting a target on his back for criminals & officials alike. She quickly learns he’s a good man with a heart of gold when, instead of holding a grudge & leaving her to die, he does what he can to help her survive. And thus begins the duo’s journey on their personal & joint road to splendor.
I’ve seen many comments about how this is more of a road to power or a road to tragedy or even a road to disappointment. And while I can understand those comments seeings as how this duo faces all of that & more along the way, I actually think the title is quite apt according to the dictionary’s definition of “splendor” : “great beauty, brilliance, or magnificent richness that inspires awe and admiration”.
I think we would be very similar to most of the cast in thinking of power, status, wealth, grandeur, etc. when we hear “splendor”. Which is why this drama did such a good job of turning that all on it’s head & showing that it can actually be the very things we often take for granted & overlook that are the most worthwhile.
It’s the steady presence of a lover who remains by your side.
It’s the deep loyalty of friends who stick with you through triumphs & tragedies.
It’s the fierce protection of the one who will be both shield & blade for you.
It’s the unconditional love of the one who accepts you, flaws & all.
It’s the unwavering faith of those who always believe in you.
It’s the endless adoration of a parent for their child.
It’s the unbreakable bond of two hearts committed to one another.
It’s the overwhelming devotion of the one who’s willing to die so you can live.
It’s the quiet whisper of the wind as it brushes past.
It’s the childlike giggles of innocence & youth.
It’s the heartwarming sight of the elderly holding hands.
It’s the soft touch of a lover’s embrace.
It’s the wonderful warmth of the sun on your skin.
It’s the unceasing beauty of both the sunrise & sunset.
It’s the countless moments of a peaceful & mundane life.
I love how their journey ended because of how hard they fought to get there, not knowing that’s where they wanted to be. The FL wanted to restore her reputation to once again have the life of privilege she was used to, so she was focused on acquiring status & power. The ML wanted to give her that life back, so he followed her advice in hopes of helping her achieve her goals. For years they had this singular focus of returning to the capital with merits to their name so they could stand against their many foes. And this was exactly what they did, despite so many hardships & setbacks. Even a five year separation was required as the ML went off to war to earn the rank & status they needed. Through every trial, they remained steady on their course. Then they made it back to the capital & it wasn’t quite what they imagined…
I loved them both, perhaps the ML a little more, but only because the FL’s naivety & sense of entitlement lead to bad choices at first. That very innocence of hers was needed, though, to show the tremendous amount of character growth. I admired her for realizing that the things the ML was being forced to do & everything he was enduring in the capital was because of the choices she first pushed him into. NOT in a blaming her way, as the ML could’ve said no at any time. I simply mean that it shows depth for her to take responsibility for her part in it all & realize that she’s not innocent in all of this. And I think it’s her deep love for him that brought her to the realization - she regretted her naivety from before because she hates seeing him in such turmoil now. I loved her for that. She’s a very strong character, wise & cunning, but never malicious. She simply wants to achieve what she thinks she desires without harming others. But on her journey to claim her place in the life she’s pursuing, she realizes it’s not actually the kind of life she wants at all.
The ML was such a gem of a man. I honestly adore him for everything he went through out of love for his woman. Do I wish he’d gotten them off that particular road sooner to save them some heartache? Of course, but their maturity & growth came from experiencing everything they did, both the good & the bad. And it honestly made the love & depth of their bond that much more precious because it would’ve been so easy for either one of them to abandon the other in the countless bad situations they found themselves in. But ohhhh, the love he had for her… *swoon*. You can see from the very start of their joint journey that he’s captivated by her, otherwise he wouldn’t have agreed to everything. He changed the trajectory of his life for her without any guarantee that she’d one day return his affection. Where, for her, it was a mutually beneficial arrangement, for him it was the beginning of falling in love. It’s why he wouldn’t just marry her when she proposed - he was waiting for her to love him back, which was precious because holy wowza did he go through a lot for/with her!
This is in no way a light & easy drama to watch, imho. I admit that it did lose me a bit in the third quarter with all the heavy politics surrounding the salt trade (be warned there’s a ton of focus on that). But I didn’t drop it because of the Leads - their love story is so compelling & addictive that I simply had to watch & make sure they got their happy ending.
There are countless villainous characters throughout who define the word “evil” & there are also baddies who aren’t all bad, but merely trying to survive (but making bad choices.) There’s a toxically obsessive & psychotically delulu SML who needs serious therapy after the life he’s lived. There’s an array of people with their own agendas who keep getting in each other’s way. There are loyal servants who remain trustworthy & friends who become like family. There are twists & turns with all the endless scheming & counterattacks.
And there’s a love that blossoms & blooms despite the harsh conditions it’s born in. This is very much a love story that’s happening against the backdrop of betrayals, tragedies, & unending scheming. This duo didn’t need lots of kiss scenes to sell their love story - it’s in the deep gazes they share, it’s in their innocent body contact, it’s in the protective measures & comforting gestures, it’s in their longing during each separation & their joy at every reunion. They nurtured a love that was envied by so many, one they fought hard to protect. And, in the end, they got their well-deserved, peaceful, & happy ending.
Speaking of the ending, I’m actually good with it all. I may have preferred some characters got a harsher ending, but if I take into account all the consequences they’d already been living through due to their own decisions, I can find peace with the ending the writer(s) gave them. Some viewers would prefer a few of them were put to de@th because of their evilness, but I actually think them having to live the life they’re now forced into is a harsher sentence. De@th would be quick & done, but this new life is a much longer punishment for them to experience.
Kudos to all the cast members & all those working behind the scenes to bring us this engaging tale. The pacing was good, the wardrobe was beautiful, & the scenery was eye-catching. The plot for sure plotted & the schemers for sure schemed. And the chemistry was 100% chemistrying!
{{ This is the second collaboration of the main leads & their familiarity/comfort with one another is apparent, imho. Check out their first drama, “Melody of Golden Age” for more of them on screen together! }}
A young lady of a highly respected family is betrayed by those closest to her & accused of adultery, leading her family elders to sacrifice her to uphold the family name. And who happens upon her as she’s struggling to survive the poison they forced down her throat? Non other than the salt trader/conman whose identity she’d earlier revealed, putting a target on his back for criminals & officials alike. She quickly learns he’s a good man with a heart of gold when, instead of holding a grudge & leaving her to die, he does what he can to help her survive. And thus begins the duo’s journey on their personal & joint road to splendor.
I’ve seen many comments about how this is more of a road to power or a road to tragedy or even a road to disappointment. And while I can understand those comments seeings as how this duo faces all of that & more along the way, I actually think the title is quite apt according to the dictionary’s definition of “splendor” : “great beauty, brilliance, or magnificent richness that inspires awe and admiration”.
I think we would be very similar to most of the cast in thinking of power, status, wealth, grandeur, etc. when we hear “splendor”. Which is why this drama did such a good job of turning that all on it’s head & showing that it can actually be the very things we often take for granted & overlook that are the most worthwhile.
It’s the steady presence of a lover who remains by your side.
It’s the deep loyalty of friends who stick with you through triumphs & tragedies.
It’s the fierce protection of the one who will be both shield & blade for you.
It’s the unconditional love of the one who accepts you, flaws & all.
It’s the unwavering faith of those who always believe in you.
It’s the endless adoration of a parent for their child.
It’s the unbreakable bond of two hearts committed to one another.
It’s the overwhelming devotion of the one who’s willing to die so you can live.
It’s the quiet whisper of the wind as it brushes past.
It’s the childlike giggles of innocence & youth.
It’s the heartwarming sight of the elderly holding hands.
It’s the soft touch of a lover’s embrace.
It’s the wonderful warmth of the sun on your skin.
It’s the unceasing beauty of both the sunrise & sunset.
It’s the countless moments of a peaceful & mundane life.
I love how their journey ended because of how hard they fought to get there, not knowing that’s where they wanted to be. The FL wanted to restore her reputation to once again have the life of privilege she was used to, so she was focused on acquiring status & power. The ML wanted to give her that life back, so he followed her advice in hopes of helping her achieve her goals. For years they had this singular focus of returning to the capital with merits to their name so they could stand against their many foes. And this was exactly what they did, despite so many hardships & setbacks. Even a five year separation was required as the ML went off to war to earn the rank & status they needed. Through every trial, they remained steady on their course. Then they made it back to the capital & it wasn’t quite what they imagined…
I loved them both, perhaps the ML a little more, but only because the FL’s naivety & sense of entitlement lead to bad choices at first. That very innocence of hers was needed, though, to show the tremendous amount of character growth. I admired her for realizing that the things the ML was being forced to do & everything he was enduring in the capital was because of the choices she first pushed him into. NOT in a blaming her way, as the ML could’ve said no at any time. I simply mean that it shows depth for her to take responsibility for her part in it all & realize that she’s not innocent in all of this. And I think it’s her deep love for him that brought her to the realization - she regretted her naivety from before because she hates seeing him in such turmoil now. I loved her for that. She’s a very strong character, wise & cunning, but never malicious. She simply wants to achieve what she thinks she desires without harming others. But on her journey to claim her place in the life she’s pursuing, she realizes it’s not actually the kind of life she wants at all.
The ML was such a gem of a man. I honestly adore him for everything he went through out of love for his woman. Do I wish he’d gotten them off that particular road sooner to save them some heartache? Of course, but their maturity & growth came from experiencing everything they did, both the good & the bad. And it honestly made the love & depth of their bond that much more precious because it would’ve been so easy for either one of them to abandon the other in the countless bad situations they found themselves in. But ohhhh, the love he had for her… *swoon*. You can see from the very start of their joint journey that he’s captivated by her, otherwise he wouldn’t have agreed to everything. He changed the trajectory of his life for her without any guarantee that she’d one day return his affection. Where, for her, it was a mutually beneficial arrangement, for him it was the beginning of falling in love. It’s why he wouldn’t just marry her when she proposed - he was waiting for her to love him back, which was precious because holy wowza did he go through a lot for/with her!
This is in no way a light & easy drama to watch, imho. I admit that it did lose me a bit in the third quarter with all the heavy politics surrounding the salt trade (be warned there’s a ton of focus on that). But I didn’t drop it because of the Leads - their love story is so compelling & addictive that I simply had to watch & make sure they got their happy ending.
There are countless villainous characters throughout who define the word “evil” & there are also baddies who aren’t all bad, but merely trying to survive (but making bad choices.) There’s a toxically obsessive & psychotically delulu SML who needs serious therapy after the life he’s lived. There’s an array of people with their own agendas who keep getting in each other’s way. There are loyal servants who remain trustworthy & friends who become like family. There are twists & turns with all the endless scheming & counterattacks.
And there’s a love that blossoms & blooms despite the harsh conditions it’s born in. This is very much a love story that’s happening against the backdrop of betrayals, tragedies, & unending scheming. This duo didn’t need lots of kiss scenes to sell their love story - it’s in the deep gazes they share, it’s in their innocent body contact, it’s in the protective measures & comforting gestures, it’s in their longing during each separation & their joy at every reunion. They nurtured a love that was envied by so many, one they fought hard to protect. And, in the end, they got their well-deserved, peaceful, & happy ending.
Speaking of the ending, I’m actually good with it all. I may have preferred some characters got a harsher ending, but if I take into account all the consequences they’d already been living through due to their own decisions, I can find peace with the ending the writer(s) gave them. Some viewers would prefer a few of them were put to de@th because of their evilness, but I actually think them having to live the life they’re now forced into is a harsher sentence. De@th would be quick & done, but this new life is a much longer punishment for them to experience.
Kudos to all the cast members & all those working behind the scenes to bring us this engaging tale. The pacing was good, the wardrobe was beautiful, & the scenery was eye-catching. The plot for sure plotted & the schemers for sure schemed. And the chemistry was 100% chemistrying!
{{ This is the second collaboration of the main leads & their familiarity/comfort with one another is apparent, imho. Check out their first drama, “Melody of Golden Age” for more of them on screen together! }}
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