I'm in love with Chinese culture and Chinese history, and in short everything relating to China. I watched this drama after studying Chinese history, and I can say that Qing Dynasty, the last one, is absolutely my favorite one. I love it since its origins until its end, the very little seed of Modern China. Kang Xi and Yongzheng are my favorites and I admire them a lot. So how could not watch this drama? I won't deny it, i CRIED A RIVER tons of times because of all the historical reference in one of the reigns where culture shines greatly. They had shadown to and this drama depicts everything perfectly. I don't recommend this drama to someone not really interested. Politics, history, limited historical fiction, no romance, and a little comic relief.
The cast is full of great actors, BUT.
Luo Jin potraying Kang Xi made me love even more the Emperor, admire him with his charming behaviour and perfect acting. And yes, a lot of the events presented are absolutely REAL. Two of the ministers are portrayed in a little different way from th original counterpart, but it's very limited.
The plot is engaging since the beginning, and in my opinion Luo Jin was not simply acting, but he was able to depict a real man, he made Kang Xi alive again, from serious behaviour, rage, smile and so on.
But in this drama, you really get to love everyone, because they are not mono-dimensional, but they are ""grey"" characters, with positive and negative vibes. The drama mixes great emotional scenes to some comic relief in a very few portion. And the Empress Dowager is like a guide throughout Kang Xi's life and for the audience.
I CAN'T COUNT HOW MANY TIMES I CRIED AND SHIVERED
The bittersweet final part is something I really loved.
I recommend this drama to fall in love with China culture.