I don't know why it ended the way it did but it did. I like how the writers were not afraid to write that death scene into the drama. To me this drama is on par with Moon Embracing the Sun and 10 Miles of Peach Blossoms. I cried like a baby . I just love this drama. I now have something I can rewatch instead of Moon Embracing the Sun or Peach Blossom. The loyalty shown to the Emperors and Kings, the family connections were amazing. For the life of me I do not understand now one man can pretend to have a stroke all those years and sit in court all day long.