One earlier reviewer put it best. This is not a love drama, it is a revenge drama. Think of Eternal Love but starting off on the grasslands and then moving on to the palace. It had the potential to be Eternal Love but it doesn't even come close. Even though I'm not a fan of xianxia, something about the pacing of this show and the growth of its characters just don't reach the level of Eternal Love. The pacing too is not as good as it doesn't explore many different locations and sub-stories.

In terms of political intrigues, there was nothing mysterious about trying to identify the real big bad or clever about the schemes. It was just evil plotting and childish too. Neither the level of court politics nor concubine politics comes anywhere close dramas such as Yanxi Palace, Empresses in the Palace, or Scarlett Heart.

In addition, the characters are not as loveable. I didn't start off liking the leads in Eternal Love but I grew to as I felt they developed and matured. I can't really say the same for this show. Except for the Princess who grew as a person, the rest of the characters didn't.

Overall, watch it if you have withdrawal symptoms from military and political dramas otherwise give it a miss and watch the Long Ballad instead. It also starts off in the grasslands and moves to court (well, sort of) but has far more destinations and sub-stories that keep the pace quick and engaging.