ChineseDramaFan

I have the impression that they have already made the whole drama but split it into two seasons to satisfy the 40 episodes requirement, no?

I find the background building up very interesting. All the actions taken by the various other kingdoms and the important characters that are later used by the Emperor in his unification are really enthralling. No doubt this is a hard and heavy watch, and requires full attention (no chores while watching).

Binge it. It's very good! XD

Yeah, contrary to those viewers I described earlier, I don't feel the romance is toxic at all, perhaps I see what these other viewers (who don't like this drama) don't see. I also love Ma Zaixing's devotion to Bo Wang because she knows he's also devoted to her; I don't see his behavior towards her as abusive like those husbands/boyfriends who hurt their partners. Unfortunately many viewers disagree with this view and feel strongly against it.

From some of the comments I read, many viewers feel the romance is toxic and they don't like it. Some also feel it's degrading the women by portraying the FL such a love sick girl sticking up with the man who has repeatedly hurt her.

Yeah, his mom looks so much younger than him. Can't feel she is his mom, but his concubine instead :(

Yep! They're the OTP :)

Your predictions all come true, you Nostradamus! XD

Hahaha! You're not alone. I can't remember the last drama I watched. XD

LOL! Goldfish memory or not, you'd really have to watch carefully without distraction, else you'd miss a lot of the nuances which are not in words. I watched so intently (until my goldfish eyes almost pop out XD) and I appreciate the Bo Wang character and empathize with him, when other viewers may not. So yeah, on top of the goldfish memory (which I also have), you'd need to get some goldfish eyes XD.

After slapping my own face (because I was also disappointed with the rating), I'd have to say again I don't care about the rating; it's how much pleasure I've derived from this drama which counts more :)

Only Ji Chong can give her the power to fight against Bo Wang as she wants to take her revenge. She dies trying to help Bo Wang complete his mission. (Bet you're confused like crazy by my answers XD. Press on watching!)

Hahaha! Same - came for Xiao Zhan and stayed for Darren. The Wolf character is just too fascinating and Darren fits well.

This is really an under appreciated drama, .... only other viewers realize what they're missing.

Yes, that's exactly how I have felt about what Shi Guang is going through. Worst still, he can't talk about it. Countless times his friends ask him, "What's wrong?" and he can't answer them, though he has wanted to. Imagine the pain inside him and he can't share with anyone around him. No one would understand. Those he does talk to say he has a very rich imagination. Showing us the period he's suffering, for me, it's really heart wrenching and I cried with him. Never a moment I felt it was too long. The length is so appropriate to develop the cathartic moment for Shi Guang later. This is so well done.

Some amazing research you did there. So it's pretty safe to assume it's possible that Chu Ying comes into our world 1,500 years later :) Smart move by the writer. Bravo!

I actually love Shi Guang's break down period. It's also a period of discovery and realization for him. I feel many people miss that element here, thinking the director has spent too much time on this aspect. I just wish they've delved further into Shi Guang's relationship with Yu Liang after Chu Ying, how the duo have communicated with each other silently, especially during their double competitions. Their body language part is too short without the depth like how it's been done for others.

Slapping myself on the face, talking about not caring for the rating, but still ...... :(

What you say here is so true. There's a drama, Hikaru no GO, which is rated very low here on MDL, probably because not many people appreciate weiqi, but very high on douban. I love that drama and give it a 10/10 because of the story and the acting, and no big names. So all these ratings also depend on what type of viewers one drama attracts. Idols tend to attract younger viewers and many have high ratings though the show itself is merely so-so :)

Wow! This is so good. Thanks!