Slowburn romance
First off, this show has 2 parts to it which totals up to 56 episodes.. which you can already tell there will be a lot more things to tell in this show. BUT, in this first part of the show I felt that everything was progressing very slowly which makes it hard for me to be very invested (esp the romance). First part of show revolve mainly on FL's story and for us to understand her character (why she acted like that, her perspective of love and family, etc.) which was very done in my opinion. It's not sloppy and even in her first engagement with Lou Yao - i can tell that she wants to escape her family and a husband that does not restrict what she does. All these don't need words to explain but was already well shown in the first part of it.However, as mentioned above, the romance between FL and ML is very slow and they have very little scenes together (almost all the scenes the ML appeared is to save FL).. not to mention their lines with each other adds up to less than 10. Even up till the last ep of P1, i still don't think she likes ML/appreciates what he does for her. Nonetheless, both FL and ML have great chemistry together. Also, there are almost no emphasis on ML's character and story too which I felt like could be shown more. Like we spent more almost half of the show seeing FL and her story but doesn't know anything about ML.. this part doesn't make sense to me, also if they were going to show his revenge or whatsoever in the later part shouldn't such development begins from here?
So far the show is still good, cinematic is very pretty and it makes u want to continue watching but maybe because the progress is so slow, the wait is less satisfying when u watch. I do hope to see more of both ML and FL's character growth in the second part. And I also hope they will not rush the ending where the last few episodes end messily.
FINAL VERDICT for P1, not a show to waste ur late nights for but if u are gonna binge watch then best to watch when both parts are out!
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The Niao Niao character makes this a great and entertaining watch because she is one of the toughest and smartest drama heroines out there. Although the love story is beautiful, it is watching her stand up for herself and come into her own that makes this drama special. There is a lot of intrigue and fighting and revenge but there is also a lot of humor sprinkled throughout, which makes the 56 episodes race by. Ling Bu Yi makes for a worthy suitor who is just as principled (and stubborn) as she is, but just as emotionally damaged too. Watching the two of them clash and fall in love and clash some more is addictive. There are also some great side characters. One of my favorites was Empress Yue, who deserves an entire drama devoted to her. I also really really liked Niao Niao's interactions with the scholar. I think this is one of the best, most epic romances around.
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PERFECT COMBINATION DRAMA
I can't count how many times I have re-watched this drama since 2022 until now, I failed to move on because for me this is a masterpiece drama!💕Cheng Shaoshang (played by Zhao Lusi), she is a beautiful, brave, and clever girl. However, despite all her strengths, Shaoshang always felt unlucky and never lived a happy life. She was abandoned by her parents for war since baby and lived with her evil grandmother and aunt so she never felt love.
General Ling Bu Yi (Leo Wu), he is a handsome, powerful, clever, and charismatic man. He lost his family since childhood and was adopted by the emperor and empress. He has many achievements and titles at a very young age.
Two people with all their flaws, who have a sad story and had family problems meet and fall in love with each other. In the middle of their love journey, they encounter many difficulties and challenges, have to experience painful separation, until finally living happily together! (★ ω ★)
Not only Leo Wu and Zhao Lusi, but all characters acting are a chef kiss! I think this drama always be a legend in C-Drama and remembered by many people until many years to come!!
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Romcom and slowburn done right
I honestly don't know where to begin with because I feel like once I do I will not be able to stop haha. I started this plainly out of curiosity because I wanted to watch something that is heavy but not too gritty. I thought I would drop it after 5 episodes but BOY was I surprised! 😅 And impressed in equal measures.I will not prolong this since other reviewers pretty much said everything there is to be said. It's probably one of the best historical drama and cdrama I have seen easily. It strikes an wonderful balance between romance, family dynamics, revenge, growing up, political intrigue with the help of superb cinematography, script, music, acting. It has its slow moments in a way it doesn't feel draggy or boring.Despite not being a thriller, action, or mystery it manages to keep in your toes and that's probably one of the best aspect of this drama.
Highly recommend to anyone who is still deliberating on watching this and is intimidated by the episode list because honestly you will be sweet odd you won't even realize when did you manage to watch first 25 episodes in 1 week like me!
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I really liked how their wasn’t so many misunderstandings in this drama. It seemed like every time there was an issue it was resolved pretty quickly which was so nice for a change. My favourite parts were the story with LBY and his family secrets. I enjoyed that way more than the woman fighting constantly. The ML’s have great chemistry and their scenes are adorable. Another plus, was the relationship between the Empress and Consort Yue. I loved how there was no scheming and backstabbing between them, and how their dynamic with the emperor was. [SPOILER]
Also, loved the third prince and was so happy to know him and LBY were actually working together the whole time. I didn’t see that coming, so glad how they played that!
CONS:
The story does drag in some parts; mainly the beginning and ending. Only thing with the leads is they don’t really get together till part 2, so the first 20 something episodes can get annoying with how much focus is put on her first engagement. I didn’t like her first fiancée and found him weak and unnecessary for the plot honestly. I was counting down the episodes just waiting for him to and FML to break up.
OVERALL:
Really enjoyed this drama. Although it was 56 episodes long and it was dragging at some points, the episodes do go by pretty quickly since their only 40 mins long. If you don’t like slow paced romance, then this isn’t for you. I normally hate the slow pace, but honestly this one was bearable so I would definitely recommend giving this drama a try!
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Pleasant surprise
This drama was split into 2 seasons and while I couldn't quite understand it at the start why they would do that, it makes more sense now after I've completed it all.As other reviewers has pointed out, the first half mainly concentrates on the love/hate relationship between FL and her mother. The vibe of this season is more playful and less serious, but it doesn't overdo it on the comedic element. Which is a relief, as it would make the execution of the 2nd part more difficult to balance. As the series progresses, the series start to shine as the characters introduced since the beginning becomes well established.
I truly enjoyed how the king was portrayed. The fact that he is portrayed as a less serious king, who values relationships between himself and his subjects works well. While I do not exactly believe this would be that great for an actual ruler, it might be the reason why I liked it so much.
In this first half of the series, you slowly notice how the FL starts to grow from being a immature, petty young lady to a more serious character. Even when she starts to behave more proper on the outside, her immature side is still there. I generally enjoyed the pacing of her growth as it didn't feel too draggy, nor did they spend too much time showing it.
While it wasn't too heavily focused on (from my point of view), the growth of ML was also executed well. You might argue that his portrayal of the unmoving, staunch general was a bit too stiff, I think it worked well. When together with the FL they balanced each other.
I'll finish the rest of the review in part 2.
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Never drop a series/movie just by reading some reviews.
Sometimes reviews are misleading and not accurate. I read some reviews saying that it was not good and all, so I dropped out after the 1st episode. But I started watching again because of Leo Wu & Zhao Lu Si and believe me, I didn't regret it. I enjoyed watching it.It is a good story with mystery, drama, romance & also comedy.
I agree the series is slow in 1st few episodes but it gets better after episode 6. It took a while for leads to meet.
Ling Bu Yi is a cold-hearted character with a grayish character he has a reason to be. Cheng Shao Shang is a free-spirited personality, trouble maker, brave & most importantly, extremely smart. Loved the fighting scene of Ling Bu Yi. His 2 assistants, Liang Qiu Qi & Liang Qiu Fei are hilarious especially Liang Qiu Fei, he is a tubelight late to understanding everything. His expression when he sees his master falling in love with Cheng Shao Shang. The scene between Luo Yao & Cheng Shao Shang 's father about their marriage was funny ?? Also, the scenes between Qi Qi & Cheng Song whenever anyone talked about Qi Qi husband and Cheng Song wishes to be noticed but get ignored ?? Their proposal scene was sweet.
Love Emperor Wen, he is not like other Emperors in other series. His love Ling Bu Yi is admirable. He cares for Ling Bu Yi more than his children. And surprisingly, princes aren't jealous nor angry about it. It was funny to see him kicking Ling Bu Yi & him getting up again & again. He isa great shipper of Ling Bu Yi & Cheng Shao Shang.
The Empress & Consort relationship is beautiful. They're like a sister to each other, always supportive. Not like other series where one of them always becomes a villain. I loved Empress love for Cheng Shao Shang . He is the mother Cheng Shao Shang never had. She has all her love & wisdom for Cheng Shao Shang . Love the scene where Cheng Shao Shang falls asleep in the Empress's lap. Their relationship is pure. Teach her how to love and care for others. It's sad to see the death. Consort is the total opposite of the Empress. She is sassy, doesn't hold back, straightforward. Keep the Emperor on his toes.
Beautiful scenes between Ling Bu Yi & Cheng Shao Shang. Cheng Shao Shang hugging Ling Bu Yi after getting bullied. Learning self-defense scenes is my favorite. Cheng Shao Shang carried for Ling Bu Yi after getting injured. The way she ran & confessed her love to him while him being punished. The way Cheng Shao Shang was offended when Cui You said it's chicken wings.
Ling Bu Yi loves to eat while torturing someone. The way they were all enjoying a tea party & punishing the bully's father. Also having a feast after torturing General Peng. The way he was concerned about Liang Qiu Qi & Liang Qiu Fei , checking them if they got hurt.
Cheng Shao Shang's mother was so cold towards her at first. She should have been understanding, caring & loving after seeing her 15 years later. She would have educated Cheng Shao Shang in many other ways but used violence, which made their relationship bad. I hated the way she always compared between Yang Yang & Cheng Shao Shang . Always favoring & loving Yang Yang & forgetting about Cheng Shao Shang. I know Yang Yang parents aren't there for her, but Cheng Shao Shang never got any motherly love. Instead of showing motherly love equally, she totally ignored Cheng Shao Shang which was heart breaking. Like Yang Yang, she wasn't jealous or angry. They threw her mother out of the house. Usually the cousin always turns villain. Love Cheng Shao Shang third uncle & aunt. Their love her a lot & wished that she was their daughter.
The male lead scenes were every little in part 1 but in part 2 he has more scenes.
If you are thinking of watching this series on YouTube, then don't. There was no song in it & many scenes were muted, which was irritating. It's better to watch it on available apps.
I totally loved this series.
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One of the best drama ever!!!
Each episode I watched so far made me long for the next one. Both the female and male lead are amazing. The supporting roles actors and actresses are fantastic. It has a great storyline. I recommend that you watch this drama. The subtitles are not available right away, however it doesn't stop me from watching this drama. I love seeing their expressions; must watch drama. Looking forward to see the upcoming episodes.Zhao Lusi is a great actress. She is young, however very talented. She immersed herself in her work, she portrays the character well. I noticed how amazibg she is in her last drama, Who rules the world.
First time watching the male lead, and right away i knew he fits to be the general. His acting is great, his voice, demeanor and overall character just match what you would expect a warrior would be.
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Very slow pace
I wanted to try this drama out because of how highly rated it is, but the plot does not interest me at all. The drama is very slow pace. I have not seen much interaction at all between the leads and I'm already at episode 15... The family problems is very overwhelming and seems more like a political/family type of drama than romance. Watched up to so far and I do not see an intense climax as it is mostly just showing family problems which feels really back and forth. I do not feel any suspense or anything to grab onto that makes me curious of what will happen in the next episode. The acting is pretty good, but storyline is really dragged and gets boring.Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
The acting is on point!
Well first of I love the show because of the storyline and the plots. The Main Characters are great actors and give the audience amazing emotions and feelings. I also love the drama quality, vibe and background music it all just fits perfect. But the acting truly impressed me they bring the emotions on point so that the audience can feel it with in. I really recommend this especially because I'm a great fan of historical drama and this one is so far one of my favourite it's really great. If this drama ends I'll definitely will watch a season two if they make one!Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
It's awesome strong more over i like drama beautiful couple they both made for each other
Amazing drama i like it more overi like this drama couple
" Zhao Lusi" and " Leo Wu "
they both made for each others...
This story filled with interesting
Hidden ,Identity ,Historical,
Investigation, Mystery, Novel,
political, Revenge, Romance,
Slice of Life...
Too classy love it.........
Everyday waiting for this drama
Its beautiful story and even waiting to see they both together interacting each other more ......
.
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Zhao Lusi carries this show
Cdramas always have this problem whereby the ending is such a mess. That aside, Leo Wu and Zhao Lusi (and many other side characters) were very good in this one. I started watching this to fill the huge hole Alchemy of Souls Part 1 left in me (Mu Deok 😭😭😭) and Zhao Lusi's hilarious and lively Shaosheng and Leo Wu's taciturn and competent General Ling Zisheng (he has the most expressive eyes) left me a bit obsessed and I binged it in 3 days.Part 1 focuses on the troubled mother and daughter relationship between Shaosheng and her badass and tough mother. Part 2 focuses on court intrigue as Shaosheng settles into life in the palace.
As much as Shaosheng and Zisheng's storyline is romantic, sweet, heartbreaking, (frustrating), and poignant, equally as moving and precious to me is Shaosheng's relationships with the mother figures in her life, and the complex and quiet background triad of the Emperor, Consort Yue and Empress Xuan. Empress Xuan's love for Shaosheng and Shaosheng's joy in this newfound nurturing mother-mentor figure is so touching. Shaosheng blossoms in this relationship, learning to understand her complicated relationship with her own prickly and harsh mother a lot more. The complex triad of the Emperor, Empress Xuan and Consort Yue is as fascinating and subtle as any main romance. There is jealousy and resentment, but mainly there is camaraderie, companionship, and love. (Also I love Consort Yue).
I enjoy complex character dramas and I liked that most characters are finely drawn, with complexity and nuance. Shaosheng is her own worst enemy in relationships and constantly acts out; Ling Zisheng is not much better and compartmentalizes the different parts of his personality. Both live under the long-reaching arm of childhood trauma. Somehow two damaged people come together to form a healthy (codependent?) love lol.
Poor scriptwriting is still obvious (and becomes more obvious the closer we get to the finale lol) and characters started acting stupid and the plot starts to flipflop between ridiculous exaggeration or melodrama lol.
Anyway, this was not bad and I'm quite sold on Leo Wu's performance (was kinda meh about his character in The Long Ballad). Zhao Lusi continues to bring that special liveliness to her roles.
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