I loved watching this drama...it started my adventure into Chinese dramas.  I used to only watch kdramas...not anymore. I watch both.  The acting was great.  There was some love/hate for some of the actors but that makes the drama seem real. Everybody has that one person or persons that just make you want to see them disappear.  The fight scenes were awesome.  I love the story and the music was also fantastic.  After the series ended...I wished there were more episodes.  I went back to re-watch it.  Perhaps there can be a follow up with the new emperor and his brothers.  
  I just love historical dramas and this one is in my top 10.