moodygirl

Quite a likeable quicky story that satisfied my desire for mixing enough historical content with the modern aspect of the story. The female lead was able to show strength and vulnerability. The male lead is new to me. He was able to move on from an entitled rich guy to hook up with someone whose personal story needed empathy. The villain managed to be a full-on creep. Only a few of the supporting cast made an impact (like grandma and grandpa), most of the others ranged from superfluous to annoying.

Watched a couple of episodes but am still ambivalent about the drama. Have always liked this female lead. Here she seems too energetic and affectatious. If the mayor has a higher purpose in life, he's keeping it on the down low. Not sure I want to bother to find out.

Love Namkoong Min from his role in My Dearest. While I usually only watch historical dramas will give this one a go.

I'm on ep 83 so almost done. It's going from bad to worse for the Empress. How such a glorious character can be brought done by evil people is beyond me. The Emperor is delusional and toxic.

Ok, I posted that I found the first episode a hoot. It starts out with a look at the family dynamics where our female lead clearly makes a fool out of everyone especially hour 'mother'. She retrieves her riches and sets out on her mission to marry. As she passes her initially intended, he might be showing just a little regret upon watching her stroll by. Being 'left at the altar' doesnt faze her at all. She goes to meet the new man in her life and quickly takes him in hand in a firm, but gracious and kindly way. He is bemused but quickly puts her off on the wedding night, leaving me curious to see what might develop between them. What more can you ask of a Cdrama?

Disagree

Just started it and it looks like it's going to be a hoot.

He needs to do something about his ears.

The drama has concluded. Even though it was repetitious over the 42 episodes, I stuck with it for the fine performances of the many actors in often torturous situations. As for the main men in her life. one became pure evil and caused much trauma, the other started off as a cute little munchkin in her life and grew up to be a loyal, capable man who deserved her devotion.

You summed it up perfectly. Zhen is a formidable heroine and her story is worth spending time on. The 'romance' is just a supportive relationship and was beautifully handled during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Just finished 22 episode. Much as I like this drama it does drag and is repetitious at times. The Li family finally got their sh*t together and FL smiled all the way through dinner with ML. The Tian family is living large undeservedly. The clownish sage will deliver their tribute ink to the capital. What can possibly happen in the next 20 episodes that we haven't already seen?

I loved this drama about a mature relationship. She carries a torch for him and he would jump through blazes for her. Many good supporting characters some morally compromised and others are upright. Will look for other dramas with Ci Sha and Ren Min.

Spear not, Lord Ye was an upright warrior in this barbarian battle. Dead as a doornob, yet those three letters in his chest didn't get a drop of blood on them.

Oh joy, Zhen has finally come to terms with the realization that the 8th branch has a rot that will continue to undermine her endeavours. Good riddance. Why the long wait for this drama to continue?

Only 11 episodes in but am already convinced this drama will hold up until the end. The female lead is carrying the heavy load of ink making and the fraught history of her family. The male lead seems a gadabout but of course deeper meanings enrich his character. The ink-making process is laborious and repetitive but there is enough comedy relief in Li Zhen's sooty-faced antics. Looking forward to seeing the price the evildoers will have to pay eventually.

It looks like all the remaining episodes are available now but I haven't had time to watch. Last thing I saw they were going through a rough patch due to his insane jealousy. Let's hope for better days ahead.

I totally agree. This has been a sore spot with me. Once in a while we get '5 years later' and there are a couple of kids running around. That doesn't do it for me. I like the way these two people are in love, in passion as well as challenging each other intellectually and are on the same page politically.

Haven't seen this much happy canoodling of a couple in a historical drama ever. Who can resist them and especially when he let's his hair down.

Ten episodes to go and it looks like there are plenty of envious people ready to make trouble for our favorite couple. I'm sure they'll combine their wits to put those nasties in their place.

Episode 1 What a downer. The Eighth Branch of the Li family has basically been chopped off. What this means for out spunky little heroine we wait to find out.