This is a nice drama for individuals who enjoy a slice of history and palace antics about a real power couple that establish the Sui Dynasty. This drama is more about Dugu Jiaolu life and her prowess as she grows into a very influential queen together with her husband. History wise, the drama captures the characters quite well but it truly fails in the love story. Even though one can tell the steadfast love and profound respect the leading couple had for each other through their actions and trust for each other, Joe Chen (Dugu Jiaolu) and Chen Xiao Chen Xiao (Yang Jian) didn’t have the tenderness and loving chemistry that will convinced the audience that they were passionate in love. So watch the drama for a realistic portrayal of a time in China’s history of a very smart couple that had each other back and support all the way to become Empress Dugu and Emperor Wen as they created a prosperous country together. I don’t usually drop dramas but Joe Chen’s dryness and expressionlessness as a loving partner became tedious by episode 30.