This C-drama was a bit of a mixed bag for me. On one hand, I loved the superb acting from the Emperor to the lowly Enuchs. The fantastic storyline, epic scenes and beautiful costumes were also top notch and unrivaled by most historical C-dramas. However, the dark transformation of Zhen Huan did not sit well with me albeit she had to survive in a male dominated world. In my opinion, the paradox of Zhen Huan was found in her desire to satiate her unquenchable thirst for poltical power. The more power she obtained the more power hungry she became while simultaneously she turned into the very people that she hated. I do admire Zhen Huan's strength and resiliency though. I would recommend this drama to anyone who is looking for a strong female lead who not only adapted to a man's world, but she conquered it while paying a heavy price in the process.