I couldn't watch it because of the ml either, i really really didin't like him AT ALL as an adult. Dropped after…
His character is straightforward but at the same time not 1D. He's Capable, Charismatic but petty and flawed but that's exactly what's interesting about him. Imo, the best arc starts around 31-40, you will love his development there the most. And you'll like him more than Yuanruo towards later. There's a comment down below that touches more about Ting Ye but it has spoilers so
It's a nuanced drama and so you can tell it will drive away MDL people whos brainrot is to just watch solely for romance. Good thing it has both depth and romance.
why does this drama looks strangely familiar 🤔 it's like I've watched it somewhere but I don't quite remember…
Story of Minglan maybe. entire sequence in episode 25 reminded me of Yan Ruo when he found out minglan was going to be married to ML. (not as crazy as Ye Xian ofc but they both turned haters)
Now this is peak, but as usual it gets overshadowed around here in MDL. Definitely top 5 politic cdrama, maybe 3. Sits right in with the classics like NIF
I'm starting episode 17, but I'm sorry, you can hear the soundtrack way too much, it's really starting to get…
Even normal convos/scenes the ost would play and it becomes repetitive somehow. I feel like it's kind of nitpicking but I've personally not have an issue like this in any cdrama.
K-Drama 
Thought i was the only one who noticed it