scarfie

Without a doubt, this storyline is very strong. It doesn't need a lot bells and whistles because it offers a formula that works for most people:
1) Strong Conflict: revenge, marriage of convenience, war between states, jealousy
2) Strong leads: ML and FL have chemistry. Basically, Liu Yu Ning acted almost the same as he did in The Long Ballad with ZLS. He didn't need to improve because it's the formula for success for most MLs in romantic drama: cold, aloof, some comic lines, and romantic looks. Song Zu Er didn't need that many different expressions for her role either. She is a perfect actress for this type of roles: beautiful and coordinating with the scenery and old feminine outfits. Although they weren't require to stretch their acting abilities, whatever acting skills require for their roles, they were convincing.
3) Female empowerment: a strong FL who is not only beautiful, accomplished, intelligent, logical, loyal, etc... I mean who doesn't love such a woman?
4) Kissing - this drama should rate very high-
5) plot line - there was not too many things that were unexpected. Bad people always get what they deserve.

People who might not like this story:
Unrealistic plot, female empowerment to the point of making the ML appear weak as she resolved a lot of problems for him, family fighting (the cousin is a little annoying)
There is no really standout things for most people to hate.

I gave it a 10. My criteria is low: It's entertaining better than all the drama currently showing. I am not looking for heavy themes. I want the good to win, some humor, and romance. This drama delivers everything so it's a 10. It's not an oscar performance but I am not looking for one!