Not the best looking pair of actors but chemistry between the OTP makes their storyline so endearing . The pacing reminds me of Korean drama where the story develops quickly from episode 1 . Love that there are no unnecessary side characters whose stories are of little interest to the viewers but served to drag out the drama unnecessarily. I watched all 24 episodes without having to press ff which is rare with most Chinese dramas. I also like the swoon worthy ways the male lead shows his love - his gaze is often on the female lead, the way he puts food on her bowl and the childish and needy side that is only shown to her while the rest of the world see his cold and calculative persona. Kudos to the director for inviting the viewer to draw their own conclusions . For instance, the female lead remarked that the change of clothes he gave her when she fell into the river fitted her so well but I infer he made it for her as it fitted her to the tee and it’s in green, a colour he is often dressed in. A lot of people think it’s a sad ending or at least an open ending but I disagree. The clues are there - she came back to the capital after 3 years and gifted his pendant to the owner of the restaurant knowing very well he is his supporter and likely to show it to him. I like to think this is her way of telling him she is back and to come and find her. Also when she heard someone said ‘Your Majesty’ her face brightened and she turned round looking for him . Surely with his resources he would be able to find her quickly. She is a general daughter who understands politics, duty and looking at the big picture- I like to think she just need to spend some time alone to grief for the destruction of her family and her army before she can let herself be happy again.