first off, I came to this show with completely no expectations or whatso ever so what I am about to write is really an objective POV from a seasoned drama viewer. The reason I started this show was only based on the teaser I saw. Previously, I had not watched any of Wallace's / Seven's works, though I am aware that they are known for their acting skills. There's nothing to say much about Wallace since his acting/ singing has been remarkable since years ago when I became aware of him, but had never watched any of his shows. For Seven, I tried watching Under the Power but it didn't tick the desire in me to go beyond Ep 1. I was aware of Go Ahead too, but I didn't really had time to watch when it aired and didn't had the desire to start since the hype was already down (I am more of the kind that chases ongoing series).

Moving on, many had placed comparison with Story of Minglan which I actually managed to watched at least 50% of the series. It was great but, it was just a tad too lengthy for me. Though I had not watched the series, I could see the differences, but as they are 2 different stories, it might not be as fair to compare both.

Story & Characters
What I liked:
- Shiyi's character: For a concubine daughter, she is calm but gutsy. Opinionated but reasonable. She isn't selfish, though she has dreams of her own in a setting that doesn't support strong female characters. She doesnt curry favors, but proves herself through her actions and sincerity.
-Lingyi's uprightness and loyalty: I saw several comments at the start of the series whom find his character disturbing because he alr had a few wives and some kids. As an Asian myself and my understanding towards Chinese culture, this setting was fine to me especially in the dynasty this series was set in. It was pretty obvious most of his marriages are out of responsibility/ political agendas. Considering how Xu household faced downfall, and his sense of belonging and determination to reinstate Xu's glory, it makes sense for him to use political ties to grow his forces? While he did not have feelings for his wives, at least he made them his responsibility to ensure they are well-taken care of, which I think was already remarkable on its own if you compare him with the Wang guy... moreoever, once Lingyi fell for Shiyi you could really see his goofy and childish sides & all he is willing to do to earn her trust and smiles :) which was really what all matters to be honest
-I think while the show portrays the frustrations of women in the era, it also equally portrayed the burdens of a man as well ? Children in the past, men / women alike are bounded by legtimacy (di & shu), that kinda determines the life they gonna live for the rest of their lives. Woman have to mostly scheme to secure their spots & children's future, at the expanse of sacrificing their own dreams (maybe they aren't even allowed to have one). Men shoulders the responsibility in growing and protecting the family, often or not they have to give in to requests they are unwilling to (aka marriages)
- I really like the props and outfits?? They are so pretty?
-The side characters are quite cute in tryna pull Shiyi & Lingyi together? And Linbo + Dongqing's loveline, though i felt more scenes could be added for them lol
- Unpopular opinion but Concubine Qin lol. Her story was the one i emphasized the most? The other concubines were really just selfish and harbour ill intentions for own reasons but Qin's story was kinda sad? She was deprived the right to bear her children & didn't receive love. All she wanted was a simple love & a child of her own. Sigh

What I dislike
- honesty speaking, the story was not a strong one. Plot was predictable and excessive use of the 'divorce trope'? Draggy right til the end :( kinda wasted chemistry of the main leads?
- they could have given more lovely moments between the main leads? It felt like the second half of the series was rushed? Like just when we are about to see some light to the slowburn romance, there has to be some sort of misunderstanding (aka my husband killed my mum trope) that cause some sort of conflict and separation. This almost appear in most of the historical cdramas I watch, so was hoping for some creativity lol
- Madame Xu. Sigh, using her authority and biasness that puts her own son and Shiyi in difficult positions. It seems like every concubine she chose for Lingyi has problems and Shiyi whom was the only 'unchosen' one proves to be the right fit. I guess i shall not elaborate why else I disliked her character, you can read the comments
- SML. Don't get me wrong, his character was likable and he did the right thing til the end, at the expanse of sacrificing his household to do the right things. But I felt that Daddi Tang was kinda under utilized in this show? His character didn't even have much appearance or valuadd to the story other than him being part of Ou's & creating conflict for Xu household & Shiyi?
- Hupo. I believed she was smart and loyal but sigh, she proves to be gullible and helpless when it comes to her sister
-The villians, period. Though i thot Concubine Qiao was kinda cute because she obvious failed as a villian haha

All in all, this drama proves to be enjoyable though there were frustrating parts. It was nice seeing two people who each have their own set of problems and trust issues towards people open up to each other and devoting in their real feelings to each other. From being bounded by marriage to being bounded by each other and becoming inseparable. I was glad both had found sollace and each other in their respective journeys. They truly deserved each other. It was a great drama for the first quarter of the year though there are many areas that can be improved on. However, the great cinematography effects, amazing acting & OSTs had made me looked past. I will probably rewatch the happy parts of this drama because Shiyi & Lingyi was once in a lifetime :)