This is the most well-made Qing Dynasty drama ever and also perhaps... the most well-made historical Chinese drama.

Everything is just perfect. From the acting to the writing of the characters to the music and the cinematography to the chemistry between the actors. Almost every actor in this show is an A-lister or B-list star. Amazing acting

I know some people feel Wallace was overpowered by Zhou Xun but I didn't feel it. I felt the chemistry was just right. This is not a story about underdogs always beating evil villains. For a good part of the story, the villains win.

But it's really about love and the relationship between Ruyi and Hongli and how that relationship evolved over time from their youth to their deaths.

It's also about power and how the desire for power corrupts. And the insecurities of the women in the harem. I felt this show really illustrated the different motivations of women and men in the harem and the palace. Whom do they serve? Why do they serve these people? Out of fear? Out of love? Out of blind trust and loyalty?

It's just a beautifully made show.