minmin

This drama is heavily laced with palace politics, internal conspiracies, and so on. What I loved most was the drama's visual appeal. The romance is subtle, but the couple is like an old married couple...fated and settled from the get-go. There are no dramatic love triangles. The acting was also good. I felt as if Zhou Yiran looked a bit younger compared to the other cast. Even while wearing his general attire (which he is, considering most other main cast are in their 30s).

The story felt a bit dragged out towards the end, but I think it added to the plot. It had a happy ending and I loved that about it.

This was my first drama where I watched Chen Du Ling as the main female lead. Throughout the drama, she acted very well. Her eyes were always red and full of emotion, as if there was no happiness in her character until the end. She acted exceptionally well. Even Zhou Yiran and Daddi Tang did well. The actors who played Deng Yi, Xiao Xun, and the young Emperor also acted well.

If you're into palace politics and historical Chinese dramas, this would be a good watch.