This review may contain spoilers
Soft, romantical, enemies-turned-devoted-lovers type vibe
Wow, the romance in this series was... romancing.
Not sure how much the script aligns with the original novel but the dialogue was exceptionally swoonworthy and both leads had very romantic, very intimate declarations of loyalty, trust, and love. Both actors did an amazing job carrying out those lines - you can see the yearning and search for love through their eyes so well - which just added to the whole romantic environment. Pair it up with some Central Plains politics ("we're doing this for the people!"), hilarious crew of side characters (love the Wei generals fr), and laugh-out-loud romcom moments to balance out the enemies-to-lover tension, and we have a historical romance that hits all the right spots.
PROS:
❀ Main couple is top-tier | The FL is quick-witted with her words and a strategist, through and through. Her dialogue is very pointed when she's fighting back and very reassuring when she's empathizing with someone (usually the ML). She has more work to do as the premise sets her family up as the betrayer party (while the ML's family is the betrayed party). But she DEFINITELY puts in the work, even as she's wary of the Wei family in the beginning and they treat her poorly. Honestly I would say she took a step back/empathized a little toooo well at times which, although resolves any potential conflicts very quickly, sometimes felt like a cop-out. Don't get me wrong, I do like a softer character but how much do you need this poor girl to grovel before the ML finally trusts her lol. (And he def has trust issues so maybe it's fitting that she had to relent a good bit for him to fall in love and devote himself 110% to her).
I loved the ML's growth from unfeeling general who only exists to fight (and kill the FL's family) to devoted husband who would do anything to protect his wife. Their little arguments are so cutie because the FL always outtalks him even though he's like a monster in the battlefield lol. Both actors did a great job and the chemistry was fireeee.
Oh and the main leads together: capable, protective, and righteous. The beginning episodes featured them trying to outsmart each other but they're so powerful when they fight/scheme together. One common denominator is that they both fight for the commonfolk which has very feel-good energy. Also love the water analogies when discussing relationships and characterizations - very fitting for the canal project at the forefront of the political side.
❀ OST is top-notch!! | Both the actual songs and background music were great. In fact I loveeeed the chant-y background music of the villains which made their scheming more atmospheric. And I've def become a fan of Liu Yuning after finding out he sings for a bunchh of dramas I really like lol.
❀ Misunderstanding level: 0/10 | Honestly no moments that I can think of. When the couple argues it's pretty logical and based on facts or mistakes that actually happened. And of course the grovel/apology happens quickly so you don't have to go through a ton of angst.
❀ I loved the side characters!! | I thought they did an AMAZING job portraying a respectful 2ML with an extensive backstory - honestly wish he got more screentime. The Wei generals and advisor were of course great comedic relief (+ FL's maid Xiaotao). The villains were fine - idk why it felt like they were always losing LOL the stakes never felt that high tbh. Also ofc all the male main characters had to be excellent in martial arts.
CONS:
✕ Ending felt kind of messy | Don't get me wrong I liked the ending and thought they concluded all the relevant plot points, I just get a little confused when people start dying left and right LOL. Also this is super common in Cdramaland but it also became a sausagefest where all the men were out there fighting and betraying and whatnot while the womenfolk just stayed inside and worried. Maybe I was just hoping for one last scheme from the FL but I get it... the girl had other things to do. Also the downfall of the main villains felt a bit anticlimactic as well. It kinda gave the vibe of "wrap it up folks we gotta get to the happy (for the main characters) ending and tie up all the plot points right neow!!".
✕ There was just something missing... | Maybe because of all the social media hype causing me to come in with super high expectations, but it's missing something that pushes it to the next level for me. It had a tender romance, sweet characters, and a solid political storyline, but just something... for now I'll say it's because the FL had to back down so often with the ML (which again given their family backgrounds I get), and how I never felt like the main villains were going to succeed. Maybe also because there isn't anything new or stand-out in this drama (especially given the strict gender roles the characters adhere to), which doesn't excite me. (Although the execution of everything was spectacular and made it a solid, enjoyable watch.)
OVERALL:
Still though, I did love this drama. Gorgeous cinematography and costume, talented leads who delivered their roles well, and mesmerizing music really sets everything up for success. I would break the vibes down to:
30% angst
30% comedy
60% pure romance and devotion between main leads
and politics + side character shenanigans sprinkled within. So if you're looking for a romance-heavy plot with empathetic and thoughtful main characters, this one's for you.
Not sure how much the script aligns with the original novel but the dialogue was exceptionally swoonworthy and both leads had very romantic, very intimate declarations of loyalty, trust, and love. Both actors did an amazing job carrying out those lines - you can see the yearning and search for love through their eyes so well - which just added to the whole romantic environment. Pair it up with some Central Plains politics ("we're doing this for the people!"), hilarious crew of side characters (love the Wei generals fr), and laugh-out-loud romcom moments to balance out the enemies-to-lover tension, and we have a historical romance that hits all the right spots.
PROS:
❀ Main couple is top-tier | The FL is quick-witted with her words and a strategist, through and through. Her dialogue is very pointed when she's fighting back and very reassuring when she's empathizing with someone (usually the ML). She has more work to do as the premise sets her family up as the betrayer party (while the ML's family is the betrayed party). But she DEFINITELY puts in the work, even as she's wary of the Wei family in the beginning and they treat her poorly. Honestly I would say she took a step back/empathized a little toooo well at times which, although resolves any potential conflicts very quickly, sometimes felt like a cop-out. Don't get me wrong, I do like a softer character but how much do you need this poor girl to grovel before the ML finally trusts her lol. (And he def has trust issues so maybe it's fitting that she had to relent a good bit for him to fall in love and devote himself 110% to her).
I loved the ML's growth from unfeeling general who only exists to fight (and kill the FL's family) to devoted husband who would do anything to protect his wife. Their little arguments are so cutie because the FL always outtalks him even though he's like a monster in the battlefield lol. Both actors did a great job and the chemistry was fireeee.
Oh and the main leads together: capable, protective, and righteous. The beginning episodes featured them trying to outsmart each other but they're so powerful when they fight/scheme together. One common denominator is that they both fight for the commonfolk which has very feel-good energy. Also love the water analogies when discussing relationships and characterizations - very fitting for the canal project at the forefront of the political side.
❀ OST is top-notch!! | Both the actual songs and background music were great. In fact I loveeeed the chant-y background music of the villains which made their scheming more atmospheric. And I've def become a fan of Liu Yuning after finding out he sings for a bunchh of dramas I really like lol.
❀ Misunderstanding level: 0/10 | Honestly no moments that I can think of. When the couple argues it's pretty logical and based on facts or mistakes that actually happened. And of course the grovel/apology happens quickly so you don't have to go through a ton of angst.
❀ I loved the side characters!! | I thought they did an AMAZING job portraying a respectful 2ML with an extensive backstory - honestly wish he got more screentime. The Wei generals and advisor were of course great comedic relief (+ FL's maid Xiaotao). The villains were fine - idk why it felt like they were always losing LOL the stakes never felt that high tbh. Also ofc all the male main characters had to be excellent in martial arts.
CONS:
✕ Ending felt kind of messy | Don't get me wrong I liked the ending and thought they concluded all the relevant plot points, I just get a little confused when people start dying left and right LOL. Also this is super common in Cdramaland but it also became a sausagefest where all the men were out there fighting and betraying and whatnot while the womenfolk just stayed inside and worried. Maybe I was just hoping for one last scheme from the FL but I get it... the girl had other things to do. Also the downfall of the main villains felt a bit anticlimactic as well. It kinda gave the vibe of "wrap it up folks we gotta get to the happy (for the main characters) ending and tie up all the plot points right neow!!".
✕ There was just something missing... | Maybe because of all the social media hype causing me to come in with super high expectations, but it's missing something that pushes it to the next level for me. It had a tender romance, sweet characters, and a solid political storyline, but just something... for now I'll say it's because the FL had to back down so often with the ML (which again given their family backgrounds I get), and how I never felt like the main villains were going to succeed. Maybe also because there isn't anything new or stand-out in this drama (especially given the strict gender roles the characters adhere to), which doesn't excite me. (Although the execution of everything was spectacular and made it a solid, enjoyable watch.)
OVERALL:
Still though, I did love this drama. Gorgeous cinematography and costume, talented leads who delivered their roles well, and mesmerizing music really sets everything up for success. I would break the vibes down to:
30% angst
30% comedy
60% pure romance and devotion between main leads
and politics + side character shenanigans sprinkled within. So if you're looking for a romance-heavy plot with empathetic and thoughtful main characters, this one's for you.
Was this review helpful to you?
