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I would say that if you dislike the first 4 ep, this drama is simply not for you. Most of us who are loving it, got hooked by ep 2.

He's the "crown prince" of the Rui Principality - that is his full title in the novel. His father is Prince Rui, brother to the emperor (and son of the previous emperor). So he's royalty.

The chapters actually aren't super long. It's not as intimdating as it sounds.

Started reading the novel out of impatience and it gives me a lot of respect towards the screenwriter. The book version of case 1 was also excellent like the drama and it was adapted really well... making it more concise and reducing complexity without dumbing things down too far. It's hard to adapt a good book that's very long. But this production so far is getting the job done.

But this has nothing to do with female or male at all! It's honestly strange that this complaint is even gendered. 🤔 This is an incredibly common genre of mystery series - 'protagonist has special subject matter expertise that no one else has, that happen to be perfect for crime solving". This type of mystery show is made in several different countries, from China to UK to Sweden to Korea to USA. If you hate this style of mystery, don't watch it. But don't act like the "unexpected expert" who outshines all the law enforcement is some strange new feminist phenomenon LMAO

They really subverted the trope! As the viewer you expect he's going to be repeatedly undercutting the FL due to classism and sexism... but actually no, he respects her competency and just minds his own interests.

I find myself liking the Hu father, despite myself. He's a cowardly official but at least he's self-aware lol.

I must admit, that ep 4 scene of ML's second in command kneeling and tugging coaxingly at ML's wrist... and then FL walks by like 🤨🏳️‍🌈🤔🌈 had me laughing outloud. Bro what you doing??? I enjoyed that supporting actor as the fox yao in Moonlight Mystique and he's quite cute here.

and the suck-up magistrate wasn't ridiculously dumb or evil. as you say, he's no different than many middle managers in modern day

In these first episodes at least, the drama screenwriter seems to be trying to "thread the needle" and not fully rely on flat tropes - the FL has subject matter expertise and some protagonist halo luck; yet she is not omniscient and the ML is doing a bit of the oriole stalking the mantis from behind (putting together the clues she's accidentally leaving much quicker and thorough than FL expects). Noble officials are more politics orientated than academic... but they're not all evil schemers either!

Both the female cousin and ML are well rounded characters. I'm so happy she's NOT a "mean girl" love rival!

Yeah, she's having to take it step by step. and she doesn't perceive everything (she's not omniscient and can't predict all the ML's actions & suppositions)

ok then it's my comprehension issues. thank you!! :)

I think you're right. Nothing I've watched implies to me that he's the designated heir to the throne. 🤔

I'm only on ep 2 but the ML seems to be just as clever as the FL, in their own domains. Forensic knowledge was rare in this era so if FL has expertise in this area she WOULD know more than all the other characters on this topic - that's just logical. Doesn't mean she is the smartest person in the nation. It means she has subject matter expertise.

Ep 1 and 2 are so dense with information. This is a drama that seems to respect its audience. Good acting, good pacing so far. The characters we are intended to like are all likeable. So far I enjoy how the ML can be both hard and soft, depending on the situation- not 1 dimensional at all.

In the novel 2nd half imo we have an "internal vs external" issue where we see in his POV that he's obviously in love. But outwardly, towards her, he won't express these feelings. This grew progressively more frustrating for me as a reader. I feel like the drama screenwriter tried to address this by making him open up much earlier - except they keep her reticence. Which makes less sense, because this reticence in the novel was due to his behavior. Which has been altered. 🤔 Let's see if you have the same take as me. Maybe you'll think the opposite:) Good luck, hope you enjoy!

The novel is different. Whether it's better is personal taste. IMO both versions have an unequal dynamic which will frustrate the reader/viewer. In 2nd half of the novel, the ML withholds affection for a very long time. She's emotionally wounded and pining with no ACTIVE indication he has feelings and won't discard her. In the drama this dynamic is somewhat reversed, his affections are more clear and she is more withholding. I think the drama fixed some elements but also the novel has more consistent characterization. (Though tbh I stopped caring how true to character the ML's behavior was after it went on WAY too long that he wouldn't confess feelings and stop playing cold and emotionally unavailable. Like ok that's very "him" but IT'S ANNOYING.) Curious to see if you feel the same way.

you might start with "In Blossom" - happy ending and male lead role. Good reviews.

Your critique is valid and I think what you're trying to express is clear. To a reasonable person, you making a brief comparison to another drama is not a big deal. It's being blown out of proportion.